The Mail-Journal - June 19, 2024

Jury finds Kelley not guilty of reckless homicide

After a brief deliberation on June 13, 2023, a Kosciusko County jury acquitted Kevin M. Kelley, 66, Indianapolis, of reckless homicide in connection with a 2020 boating incident at Lake Wawasee. The trial concluded with an order of acquittal to be filed.

During the trial, the state’s case centered on testimony from witnesses including Michael Wilson, the chief deputy coroner at the time, who confirmed Nathaniel C. Mroz’s death was ruled accidental due to multiple traumatic injuries from a boat propeller strike. A toxicology report indicated cannabinoids and THC in Mroz’s system, with no ethanol present. The defense argued Kelley’s driving was safe, presenting witnesses like Francis “Frankie” Spellman, who testified there was no significant difference in how Kelley operated the boat compared to himself. Kelley’s wife, Christine Kelley, and others testified similarly, stating they did not perceive Kelley’s actions as unsafe. In closing arguments, Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Dan Hampton emphasized recklessness versus intentionality, arguing Kelley acted with

disregard for safety but did not intend harm. Defense Attorney David Deal countered, asserting the lack of evidence and questioning the basis for the charges. Throughout the trial, witnesses provided varied perspectives on Kelley’s conduct and the circumstances leading to Mroz’s tragic death, but ultimately, the jury found Kelley not guilty of reckless homicide. To read a full account of the trial go to inkfreenews. com/2024/06/13/jury-finds-kelley-not-guilty-of-reckless-homicide/

will take place this week as part of the Mermaid Festival. He noted drivers should use extra caution and expect delays during the parade times.

for three more years. As part of the contract extension, monthly residential rates will rise incrementally each year. Currently, the rate is $11.47 per household, which will increase to $11.81. In 2025, the rate will rise to $12.17 and again in 2026 to $12.53. In other business, Utilities Superintendent Mike Noe advised the council the pump at Lift Station 3 needs to be reconfigured. The pump is obsolete in that the parts to repair the pump are no longer manufactured. He estimated the replacement cost would be in the $30,000-$35,000 range. He noted the town currently employs four such pumps, which will eventually need to be replaced. Noe said he would do more extensive research to arrive at a more precise cost. It was noted during the park department report that the deck behind Pizza King has been dismantled and that work will continue to replace it. In his police report, Town Marshal Greg Church reminded residents of the two parades which By DAVID

During the open floor portion of the meeting, North Webster Community Center Executive Director Emily Shipley asked Town Council President Dan Thystrup for an update on the North Webster walking and biking trail, which eventually will connect the south side of the town north to Wawasee Middle School.

Thystrup advised Shipley the project is in a holding pattern, saying that it “is in INDOT’s hands” an it is “in the paperwork phase.” He added there were two companies which placed bids on the project while a third company withdrew from the bidding process, citing a lack of availability. Once a contractor has been chosen, the project will be able to move forward in a tangible way.

The next meeting of the North Webster Town Council will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, inside the NWCC. The public is welcome to attend.

Deb Wright, Kosciusko County recorder, told the county commissioners Tuesday about home fraud prevention being offered to property owners.

“Our software company, CSI, has partnered with a company called Equity Protect, and it’s a pro-active approach to property fraud,” she said. “What they do, real briefly, is that they file a UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) lien. The theory is, if somebody is trying to take your property to finance it, get money out of it, that’s a red flag when they do title work. So then the process stops and that prevents somebody from stealing your property.”

There are three different levels

County commissioners meet new KEDCO CEO, OKs YMCA corporate membership

Peggy Friday, the new CEO for Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, introduced herself to the Kosciusko County Commissioners at their meeting Tuesday, June 18, with the help of KEDCO Leadership Partner

Suzie Light.

In introducing Friday, Light said while the commissioners might see her occasionally, “You will see more of Peggy than you will of me.”

“It’s a pleasure to be here and to be in Kosciusko County,” Friday said. “I come from the city of Rochelle, Ill., about 90 miles

New Syracuse police officer sworn in during council meeting

Jay Rigdon, Syracuse town attorney, swore in RJ Plummer as a new Syracuse Police officer during the Syracuse Town Council’s regular meeting Tuesday night, June 18.

Plummer is former Milford police officer with four years experience in law enforcement.

The council received one bid for trash collection from Borden Waste Away Service, its current trash collector.

Rigdon recommended taking the bid under advisement so cop-

to the fraud prevention. The first is a free level, with a free risk assessment, and then there are a couple paid levels.

“If you have a paid level, and something does get through, they will actually provide assistance in getting that reversed,” Wright said.

There’s no cost to the county, she said, it’s just a more pro-active way to approach property fraud.

The paid levels are paid by the property owners.

Commissioner Bob Conley asked if the service was available to anybody and everybody. Wright said it was available to anyone in Kosciusko County.

ies can be made for council members and him to review.

Councilman Larry Siegel asked if the existing contract could be extended to the end of the year should the council decide to reject the bid and reopen the bidding process. Eric Ivory, account representative for Borden, said that decision would have be made by an internal team at Borden.

Greg Miller from Miller Insurance Group came to provide information regarding Syracuse police officers using take home cars for personal use.

The council had concerns about Continued on page 2

“It’s pretty new in the state. I think we’re like the second county to do this officially, so it’s pretty new. But anybody in Kosciusko County would be able to access it,” she stated.

The recorder’s office gets many questions about property fraud, she said.

“We’re hearing more and more about property fraud all the time,” Conley said.

“All the time,” Wright agreed.

To get started, and for a free risk assessment with no obligation, property owners can go online at equityprotect.com/county-recorder/ kosciuskoin

straight west of the city of Chicago. I used to work for U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald, and then I transitioned to the city of Rochelle where I worked in economic development.”

She said she had some chamber experience during that time, but mainly worked in industrial development.

“I look forward to meeting and working with each of you and it’s just a pleasure to be in Kosciusko County,” Friday stated. After a quarterly update on the activities of the Purdue Extension by Director Andrew Ferrell, Purdue Extension Educator Shannon Shepherd talked about

Wawasee HS summer school students enjoy unexpected day off

Over the weekend, students attending summer school at Wawasee High School learned they received an unexpected break as the school was closed Monday, June 17, due to a malfunction in the fire alarm system by a possible lightning strike. Emily Worrell, director of communications and marketing, said in an email the an issue with the fire monitoring panel which affects the fire suppression system did occur. While lightning was believed to be the cause, Worrell said school officials wouldn’t know for sure Continued on page 2

Turkey Creek Sewer District monitors water levels in preparation for 4th of July

Turkey Creek Regional Sewer

District Superintendent Tim Woodward informed the board that progress is beginning on test boring to potentially replace a deteriorated well constructed in 1963. As of the meeting Monday, June 17, Ortland Drilling & Water Services has now marked the spot where they intend to do a drill the test boring hole. They have also installed a transistor so that the district can monitor water levels.

With this month’s heat wave and the approach of the 4th of July holiday, Woodward is keeping an eye on the water levels in the district’s wells. According to Woodward, water levels were at 42 feet above the screen at the bottom of the well that morning. Around 2 p.m., levels were at 39 feet due to the dry weather. The plant is currently running double the usual amount of water.

“We’re up to 65,000 gallons a day, we were pumping 30,000 but it’s dry out,” Woodward explained. “But it’s still pretty good, we’re still way above the screen.” Woodward is confident in the district’s ability to handle the demands placed on their system at this time of year.

“We had a record Memorial Day,” he said. “We ran at 1.1 all day with no issues.”

This means the plant ran 1.1 million gallons of water that day. This is over its design capacity of 0.37 million, or 370,000 gallons per day, but below its peak capacity of 2.3 million gallons per day.

The biggest day of the year for the Turkey Creek Sewer District is

the 4th of July. During the holiday, water flow vastly increases around Lake Wawasee.

“Last 4th of July we ran at double design capacity,” Woodward reported.

The district received a notice from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management stating groundwater systems serving less than 3,300 customers must sample for PFAS twice a year starting in 2027. A test has already been conducted on the Turkey Creek systems, which came back negative for PFAS, a class of harmful chemicals. Some of this testing will count towards the initial monitoring requirements.

Woodward reported the district may be seeking a new contract for maintenance of its generators in the future. Currently, the district’s 22 generators are serviced by W.W. Williams for $580 per generator per year. Recently, Woodward said he has had problems with the company invoicing him for services they didn’t perform. He is looking at quotes from other companies, although “Williams is very good,” he said.

Woodward said it may be a matter of renegotiating their current contract then outright canceling it. Further discussion is needed between W.W. Williams and the district.

The board’s attorney, Andy Boxberger, will be looking into helping the district get legal recourse for the number of locates done lately. With fiber optic cable installation going on in the area, Turkey Creek employees have been called out to locate a high number of water lines.

“We did 200 locates in two

weeks,” Woodward said. He stated companies sometimes don’t complete installation within two weeks, requiring employees to perform the locate again, and that landscapers often move the location flags. The sheer number of locates has driven up overtime hours for Turkey Creek employees.

“We can’t have a rate increase because overtime is up,” said Woodward.

With Boxberger’s help, the district may be able to pursue legal options to deal with companies that continue to call their employees out for the same locates.

“After a certain number of times doing the same locate, there may be some recourse,” said Boxberger. Further information on this matter is pending.

In the engineering report, Jeff Hersha of Jones & Henry Engineers stated he has submitted the final request for disbursement of leftover funds in accrued interest from the district’s East Shore/ North Shore project. The funds, of which there are just under $8,000, can be used to reimburse costs from other projects. He is expecting a response by the end of the week.

Hersha also reported that Shipman Consulting, the firm conducting the income rate study for the district, has submitted their report to the State Revolving Fund. This includes an expanded section on disadvantage communities.

According to Hersha, the district should know by Monday, July 1, how they scored and what their potential grant funding is for their planned improvement projects.

The next Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District Board meeting will be Monday, July 15.

County commissioners

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her work, including with county programs.

“We had a total of eight programs that we delivered to the county employee health and wellness initiative, and we had 77 to 92 employees participate in each one of these programs. Out of that, we did the Get WalkIN program. We had 98 employees actually get the emails, but 67 participants actually tracked their steps and how much water they drank on a weekly basis, “ she said.

Eight county employees walked over 1 million steps in that program. At the commissioners meeting, they received certificates from Shepherd and $25 gift cards from the county’s Health & Wellness Committee. Those million steppers were Ronda Wiesehan, Michelle Hollar, Brooke Greer, Shane Bucher, Cheryl McGettrick, Jessica Scheil, Michelle Hyden and Eric Sorensen.

County Administrator Marsha McSherry said the Health & Wellness Committee benefits county employees and the county has seen savings to its health insurance renewal due to its health and wellness program and what it initiates during that programming. After talking about some of that programming’s successes, she said the committee’s request was that the YMCA offered the county a corporate membership and the committee supported it.

“These things are paid from anything that we do for health and wellness. It’s paid out of our health insurance fund. These are not tax dollars that support our health insurance fund,” McSherry said. “The corporate membership, we’ve put together a package that we’re proposing. The county would pay $20, a flat contribution, for any employee that would like to participate. There are different levels for participation, as far as age or if it’s a family, we would just pay the $20.”

The estimate, if the county had 30 employees who wanted to participate for the remainder of 2024, the county would pay $3,600. For a full year, it would be $7,200, she said.

The Health & Wellness Committee supports it.

“So, the formal request is support from the commissioners, pending the review and acceptance and approval of the contract with the Y. (County attorney) Ed (Ormsby) would have to review it, but we would like to see this move forward as another part of our health and wellness program,” McSherry said.

Commissioner Brad Jackson said the county’s contribution of $20 per employee was just a portion of the cost and the employee would also have to contribute monetarily.

McSherry said that was true.

Commissioner Cary Groninger asked about merit officers being free.

McSherry said if the county initiates the program, the merit officers from the sheriff’s office would be free, but they would be responsible for paying for their family members.

Payments would be through payroll deduction, and county employees could use any of the three YMCA locations in the county.

The commissioners approved for the county to be a corporate member.

Earlier this year, the county approved $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to the YMCA for security at its new Downtown Warsaw YMCA, next to the Gateway Grove residential development. In other business, the commissioners:

• Approved for the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office to apply for a 2024 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Use sitebased program federal grant for up to $1 million for the Kosciusko County Community Recovery Program.

Lt. Mike Mulligan said the grant cycle would run from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2027, so it’s a threeyear reimbursement grant with no cost to the county. The Kosciusko County Council approved the grant application June 13.

• Approved a memorandum of understanding between the city of Warsaw and Kosciusko County Highway Department for the city’s street department to store about 900 tons of the county’s road salt in the city’s new salt barn at 794 W. Center St. until the winter, as requested by Highway Superintendent Steve Moriarty. Moriarty said his department no longer has the full capacity of its salt barn because it’s full.

The Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety approved the MOU at its meeting June 7.

• Approved both of the rezoning recommendations from the Area Plan Commission as presented by Area Plan Director Matt Sandy. The first rezoning was to go from commercial to residential for Weise in the unincorporated area of Atwood. The Area Plan Commission’s recommendation was unanimous to rezone. There were no remonstrators.

The second rezoning was to go from residential to agriculture for McCreary. Sandy said the property is south and east of Waubee Lake. The property is 9.4 acres. He said the previous owner had it rezoned not too long ago from agriculture to residential, and the new owner wants to rezone it back to agriculture. The Area Plan unanimously recommended it being rezoned. Esther Hoover and Kim McCreary spoke in favor of the rezoning and there were no remonstrators.

• Approved the cargo container ordinance amendment as presented by Sandy and Assistant Planner Andy Heltzel.

At their May 21 meeting, the commissioners tabled the ordinance amendment and sent it back to the Area Plan Commission for further consideration. Heltzel said, “Essentially, we just addressed some of the concerns that (attorney) Mr. (Steve) Snyder

Language Matters, Warsaw Adult Ed. helping language learners in the community

One can’t fully integrate into a society if they don’t understand the words in the world around them.

Tuesday, June 18, the Kosciusko County Commissioners heard from Lucas Fonseca, co-founder and CEO of Language Matters, and Leo Patiño, Warsaw Adult Education director, about different ways they are helping English language learners become more a part of the local community.

“I’m really excited to be here to tell you a little bit about an initiative that has been helping a lot of people in our community, and we’re having good results,” Fonseca said.

About three years ago, he said, Language Matters conducted a study for the city of Warsaw on the Hispanic community in town. The idea was to better understand how the city could make certain services more accessible.

“We did that by getting information from both the Hispanic community and also the city departments. In doing that, we found a lot of alignment between both parties, and we were able to get information that allowed us to implement solutions that both sides determined they thought would help the community,” Fonseca explained.

He provided the commissioners with a packet of information, including an abstract of the final report that was sent to the city “showing that alignment between community members and city departments, and we used that information to implement solutions to support the community.”

Fonseca highlighted three services.

The first was cultural training in which Language Matters was able to train city employees and give them a little bit of an understanding about how the Hispanic culture works and contrasts with the culture here in the U.S.

and his clients brought before us at the last commissioners meeting. Some minor changes as far as verbiage goes. They were definitely a good addition.”

Commissioner Bob Conley, who sits on the Area Plan Commission, said the commission addressed the major questions the commissioners had, as far as aesthetics “and that type of thing.”

Commissioner Cary Groninger asked if the ordinance amendment still does not allow cargo containers in residential zones. Heltzel said that was correct.

After the commissioners approved it, Sandy noted that while the ordinance goes into effective immediately, there will be a sixmonth grace period because there are many violations out in the county and they wanted to give people a chance to get the containers legal.

• Approved the 2025 holiday, commissioners and council meetings and department head monthly meetings calendar.

The holidays are Jan. 1, New Year’s Day; April 18, Good Friday; May 26, Memorial Day; July 4, Independence Day; Sept. 1, Labor Day; Nov. 11, Veterans Day; Nov. 27-28, Thanksgiving break; Dec. 24-25, Christmas eve and Christmas day; and Jan. 1, 2026, New Year’s Day.

The second service Language Matters offered was the translation of city documents.

“We took the time to go to every single city department and identify all of the customer-facing documents so that we can translate those and make sure that we can use them with the community,” he said. “We also wanted to make that more sustainable, so we offered that service, and now we’re able to translate at any point. Should any city employee need any translation for any reason, they can just email us and we can work with them to translate different things.”

They have translated different things like the C.A.R.E.S. website to city invoices.

The third service, and the one he said he’s most excited about, is their call/informational center. It was implemented to function to work as an interpretation line for community members and the city of Warsaw.

“But, one thing that we started realizing when we implemented that solution is that a lot of services in our community connect at some point. So something that might be city becomes county quickly, or it could be state. People don’t know what’s what. This doesn’t just go for Spanish speakers, it happens for a lot of people in our community. So we’ve expanded the call center to work and

New Syracuse police

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whether passengers in the police cars would be covered by the town’s insurance carrier.

Miller said the current insurance carrier, EMC, actively discourages take home cars being used for personal business or for passengers to be in the vehicles.

Selective Insurance allows passengers in municipal vehicles for an additional cost.

Selective Insurance stated it understood municipal vehicles would be used occasionally for personal business, but discouraged the long trips.

Councilmen Siegel, Bill Musser and Councilwoman Cindy Kaiser, said they approved the additional $10,000 cost to provide the benefit to police officers.

Council President Nathan Scherer questioned whether allowing take home vehicles to be used for personal business is really more beneficial than more pay as a recruitment tool for the department.

Police Chief Jim Layne explained the use of municipal vehicles benefits both the town and the officer.

“Moneywise, money is always good, but this is something we don’t offer that other departments do,” Layne said.

The council decided to continue researching the matter.

The council approved a number of tax abatements for local businesses finding them substantially compliant.

to help us navigate people through the community and connect them with the resources that we have available in town,” Fonseca said.

Another reason he said he was before the commissioners Tuesday was because he wanted to “make sure that we can collaborate, that we can make known the services and initiatives that are underway. And that’s why I’ve been collaborating with local organizations, making sure that we can all be on the same page when it comes to this effort so that we can make these initiatives more efficient.”

The city has been Language Matters’ main partner, Fonseca said, with Mayor Jeff Grose mentioning it was difficult to serve the community when only city services were involved because all of the services connect.

“So my vision, and the reason I’m here today, is to make you aware of this initiative to see how we can hopefully collaborate so that we can help even more people,” he said.

Last month, he noted that the call center had over 100 interactions, with call topics varying from county and city issues to the BMV and local health system.

“We’re starting to see that as the service grows, everybody at every organization should be aware of it so that we can better collaborate and make this not just a city but a county initiative,” Fonseca said.

For more information on Language Matters, visit the website at languagemattersprograms.com.

Later in the meeting, Patiño approached the commissioners about the “other side of the coin” of what Fonseca had talked to them about.

“Well, that’s great that you’re translating this information into their language, but the other side of the coin is, how can we help them acclimate to the culture and start learning English?” Patiño said. “One aspect of adult education is English language learners. That’s available to anybody who is willing to learn English.”

He said they’re starting to see an increase in the Haitian community, who don’t all speak Spanish — some do — but speak French Creole.

“So, there’s that sort of language barrier there now that exists, but, to my point, one of my objectives is to grow the English language learner program extensively, to the point where we’re actually creating amazing gains,” he said.

Workforce Development pays for the salaries of WAE. Patiño said one of the things that WAE is doing is making sure that they’re having “amazing, accurate curriculum that can show level gains, from level one to level six.” Level six technically is a person who is fluent. He said there are current efforts in the community, that are at no cost to the community, that are trying to teach people English — conversational, written and reading.

WAE services Kosciusko and Fulton counties and belongs to Region 2, which includes St. Joe, Elkhart and Marshall.

Patiño says he wants the community to be aware of adult education.

“I’m here to help. I’m here to be a resource and an asset to our community, in whichever way I can. I’m passionate about education and opportunity. ... We’re continuing efforts in making sure that all of our com-

munity in Kosciusko County, Warsaw and the surrounding communities have equitable access to all the resources so that we can thrive,” he stated.

Commissioner Brad Jackson said there’s way more opportunity for a person once they learn the language. “If you always need an interpreter, that really limits your opportunity, and I think sometimes when we make it easier to not learn the language, that it’s a detriment. Our country is a melting pot and my ancestors are German and they had to learn to speak English. We have to have one language, I think, as a nation. We’re all Americans. That’s the cool thing, we all came from some place different, but we’re all Americans,” he said.

Patiño talked about how ABC Industries in Winona Lake takes two hours of their work schedule to bring WAE in to teach their employees English at no cost to the employees. He said he’d love to be able to do that at other places.

“If there’s a need, we want to fill that need with our resources. Again, we’re funded by our tax dollars and the Department of Workforce Development, so we want to be in the room if there’s a need,” Patiño stated.

Commissioner Bob Conley said, “Teddy Roosevelt said we do our immigrants a great disservice by allowing them to come to this country and not becoming Americans in every way, learning our languages, our traditions and our way of life. If you come here and want to be an American, then you’re welcome. Like Brad said, it’s a melting pot. But if you want to come here to bring your language and your traditions from where you came from, you probably should have stayed there.”

Patiño said there’s two parts to that.

“I think that’s the amazing thing is that culturally, we are amazing, we bring a lot of benefits where we come from. Whether it be language, whether it be culture, whether it be food, there’s many important qualities that are important to be able to share. All of us have traditions and we show those traditions, whether it be over Thanksgiving or whether it be during Christmas time or any special occasion. I think not allowing for those traditions and that beautiful part of it to be shared, I think, is a travesty, but there should always be open space to be able to able to share that,” Patiño stated.

Wawasee HS

Continued from page 1 until the vendor working on the system finished the repairs. The school had been experiencing problems with the HVAC system since last Friday, June 14, which Worrell said was caused by lightning. Weigand Construction, the company working on the current construction projects, alerted school officials to the problem with the fire monitoring system on Friday afternoon. School officials immediately notified the state fire marshal and the system’s vendor. The school was shut down to all personnel until the vendor could get into the building Monday morning to begin repairs. Both the HVAC and fire suppression issues were resolved by late afternoon Monday, June 17, and summer school and indoor athletic activities resumed their normal schedule on Tuesday, June 18.

In his report, Town Manger David Wilkinson told the council bids for the Pearl Street project should be coming in soon. The deadline to submit a bid is July 2.

The council continued discussing a proposal from Servline Utility Protection Program which offers insurance from overages due to water leaks for a monthly fee of approximately $1.

After several minutes of discussion the council decided to continue researching the idea as they had several questions about how the program worked.

Kaiser asked Wilkinson to explain his idea for board walks. Wilkinson would like to put elevated board walks over the ditches between the access road and SR 13 in Wawasee Village.

The idea is the boardwalk would provide a safe pedestrian/bicycle path for people. The boardwalk would run from Chicago Street to Bowser Road.

Wilkinson estimates the project would cost between $2-$3 million. Grants are available and he’s working with the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails on how to implement the project.

The council approved spending $17,135.88 for 12 new bullet-resistant vests, carriers and flex badges for the police department.

Officers have also been out on patrol on an electric bike

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported the 10th annual Mudtastic will be held this Satur-

day, June 22. Surfacing material for the playground at Henry Ward Park will be put down this week. The playground should be ready for use next week.

Fire Chief Mickey Scott asked the council to approve a contract with Thompson Concrete for $26,400.

The company will be laying concrete around the fire department’s annex building. The council approved the request and work is expected to start next week.

Turkey Creek Township Fire Territory is also working on establishing a fire-training facility behind Station II on McClintic Road, Syracuse.

Scott explained the facility will give the fire department an oppor-

tunity to train while “staying home.” Milford, Cromwell and the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory are also interested in using the facility when it’s ready. In public comments, Mark Goodnight, a member of the lake patrol, thanked Jonsson for putting new buoys out to mark the swim area at Lakeside Park. He noted some boaters still need to be educated on keeping their personal watercraft or boats out of the swim area. Wilkinson thanked Jonsson and Mark Aurich, public works superintendent, and their teams for their help with maintaining the new flower pots in Wawasee Village.

Obituaries

Joseph Jessop Beer

Former Milford Resident

Joseph “Joe” Jessop Beer, age 49, left this world unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at his residence in Fort Wayne

Formerly a resident of Kosciusko County, Joe was born and raised in Milford and was a 1994 graduate of Wawasee High School. He had a deep passion for the outdoors which was easily fostered by the beauty of his home area with it’s many lakes and vast outdoor areas. Joe was at his happiest when he was camping, fishing, horseback riding or just sitting around a campfire with people he loved. He also had a gift for cooking and would cook around his campfires, on a grill, in the kitchen or in his family’s concession stands as he helped his grandma make her famous butterscotch corn in his younger years.

Joe obtained his CDL license at a very young age, immediately out of high school on his first attempt, which was something he took great pride in, and that he used as his livelihood throughout the remainder of his life. He and his father became exceedingly close as they worked side-by-side at the Kosciusko County Highway Department for many years. Once he stopped driving, he used those same skills to teach courses to others attempting to obtain their CDL licenses which was a job he much enjoyed.

Joe is survived by his daughters, Alexis Dziatcak and Madison Beer, both of Michigan; his mother, Deborah Beer of Syracuse; two brothers, Jared (Rebecca) Beer of Syracuse and Cameron (Michelle) Beer of Indianapolis; a sister, Candace (Jeffrey) Adams of Wooster, Ohio; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, James Beer; his brother, James Beer II; as well as his grandparents, Donald and Ruth Beer and Lois McMillen.

A funeral service took place at 2 p.m. Monday, June 17, at Milford First Brethren Church, 110 W. Catherine St., Milford, with a private internment to take place at a later date. Pastor Lee Compson will preside.

Betty Jean Myers

Milford Christian Church Children’s Leader

Betty Jean Myers, Keizer, Ore., formerly of Syracuse, passed from this world into heaven, Sunday, June 2, 2024. As she took her final breath, we were assured that she was embraced by her savior. She was a woman of faith and Jesus was always by her side.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Ray E. Bray and Erna M. Bray; a brother, Richard Bray; and a granddaughter, Britiney Marie Alt Johanson.

Betty was born in Milford on May 10, 1933, where she lived until she graduated from Milford High School. After graduating she attended Indiana University. She was married to Charles (Chuck) Myers on Nov. 28, 1953, in Milford. After living on Lake Wawasee for a brief time, she moved with Chuck to Fort Knox while he served in the Army for two years. Upon returning to Syracuse, they joined his father, Cletus Myers, in the C.S. Myers Ford business in Milford.

Betty enjoyed the lake life on both Wawasee and Syracuse lakes, hosting many gatherings at their home with the Fourth of July being an annual family reunion for many years. She enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and spending the winter months in California. Betty lived in Syracuse for 90 years of her life before relocating to Keizer, Ore., in 2023 to be near her daughter, Christi Miller, and her family.

She was a member of Wawasee Bible Church and a longtime member of Milford Christian Church, where she served as a children’s leader for many years. (Many may remember the large book she used to teach the words to “How Great Thou Art.”) She was gifted in counseling and mentored many girls and women in their Christian walk, she was a prayer warrior, involved with Lifetouch Ministries, Mama’s House (a maternity home in California) and she led many Bible studies. She loved to study and memorize God’s word.

Betty is survived by her husband of 70 years, Charles Myers of Keizer, Ore.; two daughters, Christi Myers Miller (Greg) of Keizer, Ore., and Sherry Myers Alt (Greg) of Hoschton, Ga.; three grandchildren, Courtney Alt Nieman (Paul) of Jefferson, Ga., Matthew Miller (Kristin) of Salem, Ore., and Hannah Miller Whitney (Cameron) of Keizer, Ore.; five great-grandchildren, Selah Nieman, Winslow Miller, Everly Nieman, John Whitney and Roselyn Miller; a sister, Mary Ellen Troup of Goshen; and two brothers, Larry Bray and Jerry Bray, both of Milford.

Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse is entrusted with Betty’s care. A visitation and funeral, with a praise and worship celebration, will be held Friday, June 28, at Wawasee Community Bible Church in Milford. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a service at noon. To view the service virtually, please follow the link: wawaseebible. com/. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Betty’s memory, can be sent to: Lifetouch Ministries, 2510 E. Center St., Warsaw, IN 46580 or Mama’s House Ministries, P.O. Box 1816, Palm Desert, CA 92261. The family would like to thank everyone that have been a part of Betty’s life and especially for all the prayers and encouragement during this past year.

To leave a condolence, visit TitusFuneralHome.com.

Linda Sue Ridgeway

Retired From Wabash Magnetics

Linda Sue Ridgeway, 83, formerly of rural Wabash, died at 4:40 a.m. Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Ashton Creek Health and Rehab in Fort Wayne.

She was born on March 28, 1941, in Lincolnville, to Paul Miller and Eva (Knipp) Hutchins. Linda was a 1959 graduate of Noble High School. She married Myron Gene Ridgeway at the Wabash Church of the Brethren on June 26, 1960; he died Jan. 23, 2021. She worked at Wabash Magnetics, retiring after 35 years, and also worked part-time at Roanoke Fabric and Friends. Linda was a 4-H leader for 25 years, a member of the Wabash Women’s Bowling League several years and the Etna Acres Women’s Golf League. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, sewing, quilting and working puzzles.

She is survived by two children, Paula (Keith) Whiting of Andrews and Les (Dana) Ridgeway of Milford; and four grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Gary Ridgeway; brother, Richard Miller; and sister, Delores Morphew. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Burial was in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Friends called from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are Andrews-Dallas Twp. Public Library, 30 E. Madison St., Andrews, IN 46702 or to the charity of the

nor’s choice. The memorial guest book for Linda may be

at grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Steve Schmahl

Celebration Of Life

Steve Schmahl, 55, formerly of Syracuse, died Feb. 28, 2024. He was born Oct. 13, 1968.

A celebration of life will be held from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Henke Hall of Champions, 701 E. 17th St., Bloomington.

Valerie Kirkpatrick

Valerie “Val” Kirkpatrick, 58, North Webster, died Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of North Webster.

See your doctor about headaches

More than 55 million Americans suffer from chronic, recurring headaches — more than the total sufferers of diabetes, asthma and coronary heart disease combined — yet few take specific action to gain relief. The National Headache Foundation recommends making a special and separate appointment to discuss your experiences so that your physician can determine your headache diagnosis.

Physicians today understand more about the causes and consequences of headache and are well versed in explaining new medications and offering alternative treatment options. In most cases, your primary care physician is the best person to help you understand your condition and inform you about what can be done to alleviate your headache pain.

How do you know when to con-

sult a doctor specifically about your headache?

The following are a few sure signs.

If your headache:

• Is sudden and severe

• Affects one side of your head

• Is associated with pain in the eye or ear

• Is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, hallucinations or sensitivity to light and sound

• Recurs in a definite pattern, regular time of day, or circumstances and duration of pain are consistently similar

• Causes confusion or loss of consciousness and is persistent when, previously, you’ve been headache-free.

One or more of these symptoms should be sufficient to cause you to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician strictly to discuss your headache problem.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

Tippecanoe Township Board receives cemetery update, approves preliminary funding for fire building

During a brief meeting on Tuesday, June 18, the Tippecanoe Township Board of Trustees received a report on cemetery maintenance from Township Trustee Chris Francis.

Francis particularly noted proposed repairs at Webster Cemetery, which is located on SR 13 on the north end of the town.

“The stones on the north side of Webster Cemetery are shifting pretty bad,” Francis said. “Webster Cemetery, the ground moves more than the rest of them and the grass grows quicker.”

Francis said he has met with Arnett’s Monument Cleaning and Care Services of Warsaw.

“He came and gave me some pointers,” said Francis. “His rate is $65 an hour. ... (He works on) any stones that are damaged or shifted, some of the taller ones that have the pinnacles on the top of them are actually starting to lean to the point that I’m afraid they are going to fall over. He has an apparatus he brings over the top of the stone. He hooks on to it, he moves it, he digs up and levels stones and concrete, which need to be put down, all of which is included within the $65 per hour. That is his hourly rate plus materials. Francis noted although the

township owns the land and families buy the plots, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has control over what happens in the cemetery.

“There are specification that have to be satisfied for the DNR to be okay with it, because they are archaeological sites,” said Francis. “There are only certain ways you can clean them; there are only certain ways you can actually replace a stone. He’s in compliance with all that. He uses environmentally-friendly cleaners. If there are some etchings that need to be done or if there are some letters that need to be cleaned out, he can do that. The only thing that he doesn’t necessarily do is a com-

plete reconstruction.”

In other business, the board approved an appropriation, which will allow the process of building a pole barn behind the existing fire station on Main Street, which will house the department’s equipment. The Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory is considering building a new station south of town or renovating the current station; however, the new building is necessary in either case. The appropriation was for a minimum

Syracuse Library welcomes young readers to an adventure

This year’s children’s summer reading program will run from Monday, June 3, through Friday, July 19 at the Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library.

The theme for the children’s summer reading program is “Adventure Awaits at your Library.”

All ages can sign up for a chance to win prizes. Everyone can start signing up Saturday, June 1, at the Syracuse Public Library or via the new Beanstack app.

The Beanstack app, sponsored by the Friends of the Syracuse Public Library, will be used to track summer reading this year for all age groups. Beanstack is an app that can be downloaded to your mobile device for free from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Once downloaded, set up an account and join the Syracuse Public Library (IN) community, or ask an SPL librarian to help you get signed up.

Parents, you can track all of your children’s summer reading on one account by adding multiple readers (yourself included if you are doing the adult summer reading program).

Don’t forget to enter your raffle tickets or have a librarian do it for you. The last day to enter logs is July 19.

Paper recording for the books read is still available, but the Beanstack app is preferred. According to the library’s

website, library card or no library card, children and teens can participate in the Syracuse Public Library’s summer reading activities. This program is tailored to stop the summer slide by keeping children engaged in learning and reading.

Free Fairfield summer library cards are back at the Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library till Thursday, Aug. 1. These cards are made possible by the Fairfield Schools Literacy Fund, created by an anonymous donor who wanted to stop the summer slide for students living in the Fairfield Schools district. Cards all expire on Saturday, Aug. 31. Qualifying children must live in Benton, Clinton or Jackson townships with eligible ages all the way up to 12th graders.

The children’s program will include “Storytime Across the Globe” with a new continent featured every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Thursdays at 2 p.m. is “Tween Time Around the World.” The events on June 6 and July 18 will require registration.

Globe-trotting Fridays take place at 2 p.m. and also feature a different continent each week.

Jet Set Family Nights will happen twice starting with “Taste of the World” on Tuesday, June 11, and “Space, Out of this World” on Tuesday, July 9. Both events start at 5 p.m. with the Taste of the World event requiring registration.

The end of summer party is 1:30-3 p.m. Friday, July 19. Foamzilla returns at 2 p.m. for a giant foam party. For teens, the end of summer party is a beach party at Lakeside Park from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18.

Accidents/Incidents

Kosciusko County

Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incidents: Incidents

5:08 p.m. Friday, June 14, 1400 block of East CR 700N, Leesburg. Michael J. Noel had a mower and trailer stolen. Value of $7,000.

9:45 a.m. Friday, June 14, 1300 block East CR 1150N, Milford. Brian Wuthrich reported damage to three fence posts and a wire fence following a hit and run accident. Value: $900.

2:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, 200 block of South Huntington Street, Syracuse. Representatives for Penske Leasing and Rental Company reported finding a vehicle reported stolen out of Michigan.

8:42 p.m. Monday, June 10, 6100 block of East Pickwick Park Drive, Syracuse. Natalie Welwood was bitten by an animal.

Milford

Officers with the Milford Police Department investigated the following incident: Incident

6:40 p.m. Friday, June 14, 7900 block North SR 15 and West CR 800N, Leesburg. Officers investigated a report of reckless driving.

North Webster

Officers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following incidents: Incidents

6:11 p.m. Sunday, June 16, 100 block South Main Street, North Webster. Jason C. Randall reported a hit-and-run vehicle accident resulting in property damage.

7:19 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, 200 block of North Main Street/ West North Street, North Webster. A firearm was found. Value of $500.

Syracuse

Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the

following accidents and incident: Accidents

3:34 p.m. Thursday, June 13, West Polywood Way and North Oak Street, Syracuse. Drivers: Lilly Smith, 19, Barrens Drive, Goshen; Dawn Hively, 58, South Buffalo Street, Warsaw; Potosme Adex-Javier, 28, M 60 Lot 31, Three Rivers, Mich.; and Abad Campos, 40, College Street, Ligonier. Smith’s vehicle struck the rear end of Hively’s vehicle, pushing Hively’s vehicle into Adex-Javier’s vehicle and Adex-Javier’s vehicle into Campos’ vehicle. Damage up to $2,500. 1:35 p.m. Saturday, June 8, North Huntington Street at East Main Street, Syracuse. Drivers: Louis Lefevre, 58, Swallow Court, New Salisbury; and Brian Grouthaus, 49, Missaukee Trail, Fort Wayne. Lefevre’s vehicle struck the rear of Grouthaus’ vehicle. Damage under $1,001. Incident 7:14 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, 600 block of South Forest Lane, Syracuse. Criminal mischief was reported.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents: Accidents

5:02 p.m. Friday, June 14, East Center Street and Sherman Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Anna R. Brown, 24, North CR 675E, North Webster; and Sarah R. Thurman, 42, Westgate Avenue Apt. 204, Plymouth. Brown’s vehicle rear-ended Thurman’s. Damage up to $5,000.

3:41 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, Bronson Street and East Center Street, Warsaw. Drivers: John D. Ayres, 55, East CR 600N, North Webster; and Latosha L. Douglas, 49, North Sherman Street, Warsaw. Ayres failed to yield to Douglas’ vehicle while attempting to turn east onto East Center

Street. Two passengers in Douglas’ vehicle, Larita L. Mason, 66, Warsaw; and Tearra E. Douglas, 16, Warsaw, both complained of knee pain but refused treatment at the scene. Damage up to $10,000.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

June 16 — Timothy Alan Elliott, 40, 6835 E. 800N, North Webster, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and possession of marijuana. Bond: $700 cash.

June 16 — Samantha Jo Coates, 27, 5139 N. 925E, North Webster, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bond: $700 cash.

June 14 — Jason C. Stoner, 51, 10321 N. 100E, Milford, booked for domestic battery. Bond: $1,000 cash.

June 14 — Aaron Vincent Combs, 31, 7784 N. 200W, Leesburg, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bond: $700 cash.

June 13 — Brandi Nicole Couch, 29, 4478 N. Sullivan Road, Leesburg, booked for failure to appear. No bond listed.

June 13 — Mary Catherine Baker, 58, 9892 E. King Arthur Trail, Cromwell, booked for battery – misdemeanor. Bond: $600 cash.

June 11 — Natasha Rae Merrill, 41, 9661 E. 1350N, Syracuse, booked for warrant service. Bond: $500 cash.

June 11 — Michael Anthony Ott, 50, 608 S. Poplar Drive, Syracuse, booked for failure to appear – felony. No bond.

June 10 — Cynthia Marie Heileman, 30, 9691 E. Pixie Parkway, Cromwell, booked for criminal mischief. Bond: $500 cash.

County council hears why sheriff’s department needs more employees

Wage committee recommendations for the 2025 budget were first presented to the Kosciusko County Council at its informational meeting on Thursday, June 6.

At its regular meeting Thursday night, June 13, Sheriff Jim Smith explained why the sheriff’s department needs four new jailers, one new deputy and a new traffic/administrative sergeant, along with the work release cook moving from part time to full time.

County Human Resource Director Cathy Reed presented all of the wage committee recommendations to the council. The council will make a decision on the positions during its budget meetings.

The recommendations included the new position of a financial deputy/grant administrator for the auditor’s office. For systems administration, it’s recommended two job descriptions be updated with title changes, and a new position of technology assistant be added. In the probation department, a re-entry court coordinator/case manager is recommended, for as long as there is grant funding for the position.

A part-time Emergency Management Agency coordinator was recommended for the county EMA.

After Reed concluded reading the recommendations for the sheriff’s department, Councilman Dave Wolkins asked if council members not on the wage committee were going to hear some of the reasons for the new position requests. Council President Mike Long said they’d hear those during the budget sessions, but Smith, being at the meeting for other agenda items, provided his reasoning then.

On the need for a full-time cook at work release, he said they started the year with 50

inmates in the program and now have around 80.

“So, obviously, the need is there, and it’s a part-time cook that’s trying to make all the meals work with the trustees out there,” Smith said.

While that works, he said when he requested work release increase its capacity to reduce the population at the jail, that’s more people to feed. Work Release Director Jerrad Jones told Smith he could get through 2024 with the part-time cook, but needed a full-time cook past that.

On the jail staff, Smith said, “The first thing that comes to my mind is the mental health. Out here our deputies are dealing with more and more mental health calls. That doesn’t change just because they’re in jail. Mental health issues are on the rise. When you have those, you deal with them in a way that it takes more than one deputy oftentimes. We have to make sure our staff is safe. We also need to make sure that the inmates are safe as well.”

He said they run on four 12hour shifts, just like on the road. The request for four new jailers will put one more on each shift.

Councilwoman Joni Truex said she knows the jail has been short-staffed for a long time. She asked if adding four more would be an answer to that completely. Smith said it would certainly help, and Truex asked how many he was still short.

“We’re fully staffed with what we have on the roster right now. I can tell you that we’re fully staffed in the jail. But when you start looking at our jail inspection report and what they recommend, the ratio with inmates and guards, I don’t know, for as long as I’ve ever been here, if we’ve ever actually hit those numbers. We’ve been in the red in that regard,” Smith stated.

He said their numbers, as far as inmates, are low right now as the jail has about a current

Fire station brainstorming continues

Different ideas for a new fire station in North Webster continued to be discussed during Tuesday evening’s monthly meeting of the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory.

The direction they seem to be heading is to find land outside of the town’s limits to build a new fire station, rather than refurbishing the existing one downtown.

“Sometimes you can save a little bit more money when you start at ground zero, versus trying to add and cobble on to the old, existing building,” said Fire Chief Jeremy Likens. “Until we figure out exactly what we want to do and what direction we’re

going to go, it’s hard to get any numbers.”

Township Trustee Chris Francis informed the board that he recently met with R. Yoder Construction of Nappanee regarding the existing fire station.

“The one concern that they had was with the soil washout below the station,” he said. “What is actually down there? What’s in the ground? Because that was a gas station at one point, the possibility of some remnants from that gas station might be down in that soil.”

Francis went on to say that regardless of what decision was made about building a new fire station, the existing station would be kept for storage space. He added that a priority for the department is to tear down the

Syracuse Public Library —

old theater adjacent to the fire station.

The department plans to move forward with building a pole barn behind the existing station to house its vehicles. This would also allow the department to save money to help pay for a new fire station, hopefully without having to raise taxes. If a new station is ultimately built, the pole barn would remain in use as a secondary site for the department.

“If we’re thinking about putting up another station,” asked board member Dave Waliczek, “are you still thinking you want to put up that half-million dollar building behind the fire station?”

“Right now, we don’t have a choice, because I don’t have any place to put anything,” replied

Likens. “We’re going to have three ambulances here by next spring. I don’t have the room to put the third ambulance in, and I’ve got to get the rest of the stuff out of the (former) township building. I just don’t have enough room in our current station for any of that — the boat, the two tankers — have to be in heated space; we just don’t have the room. That’s why we have stuff scattered all over the place.”

“Jeremy and I met with the owners of the property down at SR 13 and CR 500N. They are more than willing to work with us and ‘wheel-and-deal’ because they are on hold for the project they wanted to do down there. ... Just wanted to get the board’s blessing on proceeding with how they would like to proceed with

Teens can register to learn self-defense

Learning self-defense is important no matter one’s age. Teens in sixth through 12th grades will receive guidance during a special self-defense program at the Syracuse Public Library from 11 a.m. until noon on Saturday, June 29. In the downstairs meeting room, registered teens will learn basic self-defense techniques from a professional with Juki-Ryu Toide and Martial Arts Center in Warsaw. Spaces is limited, so register at tinyurl.com/SPLTeenSelfDefense.

Author Book Signing

Author A. P. Sheffield will come to the Syracuse Public Library from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, for a drop-in book signing. Sheffield will

bring her new young adult book, “Rescue Me,” and set up in the upstairs sitting area. This three-part novel follows the life of Joshua Mansoul as he comes of age as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer and pursues his mission of “So others may live.”

Everyone is invited to visit Sheffield and learn more about her novel. Syracuse Public Library also has a copy of “Rescue Me” that patrons can check out. Children’s Programs

Younger children can attend story time at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, in the downstairs meeting room. Rebekah Sceniak will read picture books and share

facts about Europe. Children will also make a European red fox craft.

Tween Time will focus on Spain at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 27. Children ages 8-12 will make fans and learn about the language of fans. Younger and older children can attend, too.

During Globe-Trotting Fridays at 2 p.m. on June 28, children will continue to learn about Europe

while making wolf marionette puppets.

Adult Book Club

The adult book club will meet at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 27, in the downstairs meeting room to discuss “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. A Zoom discussion will occur at 6 p.m. also on June 27. Email adult services librarian Emilia Layne at elayne@syracuse.lib.in.us for a Zoom invitation.

and Jonathan Bell, Nappanee. No minor children. Superior Court III The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Failure of occupant to use safety belt — Jayden N. Rolston, Syracuse, $25; Vanessa A. Mayhew, Syracuse, $25; Nicholas S. Iden, Syracuse, $25; David L. Upchurch, North Webster, $25 Failure to register, driving while suspended — Zachery B. Heim, Milford, $214.50

population of 230, compared to where it’s been at around 280. He talked about the inmates having tablets, which have been a good thing to keep the inmates occupied instead of doing things like fighting in the jail, but maintaining the tablets requires additional responsibility for the guards.

In the past week, the KCSO has handled two fatal accidents. The traffic sergeant position, Smith explained, will focus on completing fatal accident reports, addressing traffic concerns and “everything traffic.” Wolkins said he felt a little better about the additional positions after hearing Smith’s reasoning.

In other business, the council:

• Approved the salary analysis by Reedy Financial Group for $15,000 by a vote of 4-3 after almost an hour-long discussion on it. Voting for it were Long, Kathy Groninger, Kimberly Cates and Sue Ann Mitchell. Voting against it were Truex, Tony Ciriello and Wolkins. The county commissioners approved the salary analysis at their June 4 meeting.

• Heard the 2025 budget requests from eight nonprofit organizations. The requests total $352,802.71, and include $20,000 from Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center; $47,521.71 from Kosciusko County 4-H Council; Cardinal Services, $111,373; $50,000, Stillwater Hospice; $30,000 Kosciusko County Historical Society; $50,000, The Beaman Home; $40,000, Kosciusko Community Senior Services; and $3,794 from St. Joseph River Basin.

• Approved for the Kosciusko County Emergency Management Agency to apply for a $132,432 2024 State Homeland Security Grant for fiber internet.

• Approved County Assessor Gail Chapman’s additional appropriation request for $9,000 for computer equipment and another one for $14,000 for computer maintenance and software.

that. There’s a lot of land down there. ... We can start playing with some numbers on that.”

In other business:

• Francis provided an update for the 2025 operating budget proposal for TTFT.The budget meeting will not be until August, but Francis has begun to construct the budget and analyze any potential effects on the tax rate. The budget will be proposed in September and adopted in October.

• Likens informed the board, during May, the department made 76 EMS runs, 27 fire runs and three runs into Noble County. Year-to-date, TTFT has responded to 452 calls.

• Likens said the tornado siren at North Webster Elementary School has been disconnected by NIPSCO. It will soon be moved from that location.

• Approved Smith’s three additional appropriations totaling $15,000 for the Department of Natural Resources 2024-25 federal grant for lake patrol presence on Lake Wawasee, Tippecanoe and Syracuse.

• Approved Jail Matron Michelle Hyden’s request for an ordinance to create a donation fund for the Kosciusko County Community Recovery Program.

• Approved KCSO Chief Deputy Chris McKeand’s request to apply for a 2024 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Use Site-Based Program grant for $1 million over three years for the CRP through the Department of Justice. If awarded, it would begin Oct. 1, 2024, and run through September 2027. It is not a matching grant.

• Approved all the tax abatements through the county to be continued for Louis Dreyfus Co. Agricultural Industries LLC, iDNA Series LLC and IGDB Biogass LLC.

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34 E Scows on the starting line, including 20 from the home lake and 14 visitors from as far away as Colorado and Florida. The weather was fantastic and great breezes made for six hotly contested races over the two days. Syracuse resident Frank Levinson was the chairperson for the event, in his first year.

He planned a cookout on Friday night to greet the visitors, which included some ribs among other food. The entire Levinson family also assisted with many other tasks over the weekend. The regattas started in the morning with a competitors meeting on Saturday, June 8, to share details as well as introduce the guest event race officer, AJ Schweda, from Lake Pewaukee, Wis. From there, the boats went in the water and the racing began. Four races were held on Saturday with winds generally in the 8-15 mph range and another two on Sunday, June 9, with winds in the 10-20 mph range. Spectator boats came out from all over the lake to enjoy the spectacle, and were treated to a lot of lead changes, exciting mark roundings and a few spills and thrills with the occasional capsize. None of the local teams made it into the winners category, topped

by David Irmscher in eighth place. Right behind him were the boats of Chad Herdrich and Bob Herdrich steering in ninth and 10th places.

The winner of the event was multi-year participant Mike Dow from Traverse City, Mich. Other Michigan residents rounded out the top three, with Rob Terry from Muskegon in second, and Tom Munroe from Whitehall in third.

This event has become very popular through the years, thanks in a large part to the efforts of the local club, combined with the beautiful natural resource in Lake Wawasee, and the charm of Syracuse. The WYC is grateful to the community for being so welcoming the guests.

by Michael Rosen. After reading the story, the children actually went on a bear hunt. They all found a bear (puppet) in a cave (tent) and ran back to the library. Children made a bear mask for craft. Each family took home a new copy of the book to add to their home library. The books are provided with donations from local businesses and groups who donate to the library in support of the summer reading program. Make sure to register your family for story time by calling (574) 6584312 and asking for the children’s department. Photo provided by Milford Public Library.

Milford Public Library — Professor Steve’s excellent adventure

Professor Steve will be back for a science adventure at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 19. If the weather is beautiful, they will have the program behind the library in the parking lot. If it’s a rainy day, come to the library’s meeting room. Let Professor Steve take you on an excellent adventure as he talks about his favorite subject (himself). Professor Steve has dreams. You have dreams. Let’s learn how science allows us to make those dreams come true. You want to be a circus performer? Let’s learn the science of juggling. You want to be a magician? Let’s learn awesome magic that works because of science. You want to be a superhero? Let’s learn how science can make us powerful as Superman. Lots of science, lots of interaction and lots of fun for all ages. Don’t miss this chance to learn and witness the amazingness that is Professor Steve as he takes you on his Excellent Adventure.

Hedgehog Hannah Hedgehog Hannah’s father visited the Milford Public Library Wednesday, June 5, and brought several of his animal friends to meet the children. Paul Venckus, a former teacher and father of Hannah, introduced Ivan, a 17-year-old Russian tortoise. People were able to see the animals close-up and touch them if they wanted to.

After Ivan, Mr. Venckus talked about Chili, a 14-year-old chinchilla, Grumpy; a European legless lizard; a ferret named Taffy, Charlotte, a curly-

an Af-

long and weighed 125 pounds. This was the first time the library had a visit from Hedgehog Hannah, but it probably won’t be the last. Everyone had a good time and learned some interesting facts about the fascinating animals who live with us on planet Earth.

Free Lunch

The Wawasee School Corporation and the Department of Agriculture will once again provide free lunches for children ages preschool through 18 years old. This year you may come and pick up a lunch and take it home to eat. If you would like to stay at the library and picnic, they do have a couple of tables available donated by Polywood. Feel free to bring a blanket to sit on and share lunch with your friends. The school bus will be in the library’s parking lot from 11-11:30 a.m. This is a wonderful program so support it by getting free lunches for your children. Breakfasts are also available to take home for the next morning.

Guest Storyteller Pat Reuter is the guest storyteller at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 21. She will be encouraging everyone to read “Redwall: The Graphic Novel” by Brian Jacques. Peaceful life in around ancient Redwall Abbey is destroyed by the arrival of the evil rat Cluny and his villainous hordes. Matthias, a young mouse, is determined to find the legendary sword of Martin the warrior which, he is convinced, will help Redwall’s inhabitants destroy their enemy. Attendees will design their own shield to take in to battle for the craft. Bring something to sit on and stay for the free lunch.

Horses, archery and sailing fill days at Camp Logan

My tour of Camp Ella J. Logan, four miles from Syracuse, began with a drive through woods, past cabins surrounded by lilies and ended with a goody bag of Girl Scout cookies (Thin Mints, Lemonades and Carmel deLites) given to me by my host, Claire Forrest, chief marketing officer.

Within the 200 acres and the 3,750 feet of lakeshore on Dewart Lake, Girl Scouts have the opportunity for a classic summer camp experience.

Camping at Logan begins with the Daisy program and special arts and crafts for grades K-1, and ends with the Ambassador program designed for grades 11-12. At each level, girls learn different skills to become competent in outdoor and indoor activities. Favorite activities for Brownies include archery while the Juniors kayak. The Cadettes enjoy mountain biking and the Seniors are eligible for the counselor-in-training program. Day camps, weekend, mini camps and overnight camps are offered to each group with emphasis on STEM, life, outdoor and arts and culture skills. Specialty camps include Mad Science, Sisters in STEM, A Royal Quest, SurviveHER, Brave and Cowgirl Camp.

Campers are placed in groups of five to 30 with two to five staff per group. Campers stay in cabins or platform tents.

“Juniors in grades 4-5 who pass a high-level swim test do the Girl Scout island swim. The swim is a quarter mile from our beach to the island we own in Dewart Lake. After the early swim, the girls head to the Lodge for warm cinnamon rolls made from scratch,” said Forrest.

The Lodge facing the swim and sailing beach is the heart of the camp. Girls gather there for meals served family style and at various times walk outside to the large deck to the firepit where the closing fires and flag ceremonies are held.

Favorite meals include a salad and taco bar, spaghetti, chicken nuggets and the famous Camp Cones, s’mores in a cone. Second servings are usually available.

“Our

Wawasee Team of the Year: Girls swimming

Editor’s note: Sports writer Nathan Pace will be selecting a Team of the Year, Female Athlete of the Year and Male Athlete of Year from Wawasee to recap the 2023-24 school year.

It is safe to say no team made a bigger splash at Wawasee this past school year than the Wawasee girls swimming team.The Lady Warriors placed in the top 10 at the state meet back on Feb. 10 and have placed in the top 12 in the state each of the last three years.

Coach Jason Scott has found a way to keep his program competitive against bigger schools and also maintain a healthy number on the roster.

“I think when you build a culture and the girls participating are having fun, they convince their friends to come out and try it. If the kids on your team are not enjoying it, nobody else is coming out,” Scott said.

The Warriors were led by two second place finishes at the state meet by Julie Mishler. The future Louisville Cardinal nearly claimed the first state title for Wawasee in any sport since 2015.

“Our dedication and determination was very high this year,” Mishler said. “We were a great team that supported one another. We hold each other to a high level. We strive off each other’s successes.”

Addie Beasley and Reese Beasley are sisters who had strong seasons for Wawasee. Both stress the importance of healthy friendships with one another on the team as they can practice up to four to five hours a day during the season.

“I am very thankful I have people here able to help us. If I was in this by myself I would not be able to put in this much work,” Addie said. “It sounds really hard but the team makes up for it completely. I feel like I have a family here. I’ve never had this connection with any other team.”

Addie completed her junior season and swam in four events at state. Re-

solation heat at the state meet back on

ese Beasley was able to swim in two relays at the state level as a freshman. She credits her teammates for welcoming her into the team.

“There was a lot of encouragement from the upperclassmen and the experienced swimmers to help create that environment for them,”

Reese said.

Another freshman who enjoyed the culture on the team is McKenna Close.

“Just watching my improvement over the season. Just my times dropping every meet. Conference was a big one. My time dropped a lot,” Close said.

The Wawasee program does have challenges some bigger programs in the state do not have to face.

With the natatorium at the middle school, Scott says his team has to do weight training elsewhere.

“It would be nicer if we were at the high school because we would have the opportunity to weight train,” Scott said. “Did a clinic at Fishers High School and literally at the end of their pool are the doors to their weight room.”

A point of emphasis Scott has with his team is to be honest with one another and not let issues between swimmers lead to divisions in the program.

“You should always be able to express how you feel. When you bottle those things up it creates animosity,” Scott said. “That can tear a team a part real quick.”

Mishler competes in two Olympic trial races

Wawasee incoming senior Julie Mishler gave it a go at two events at the USA Olympic trials in Indianapolis this week.

Competing in the trials held at newly constructed pool at Lucas Oil Stadium, Mishler did not advance out of the preliminary races. Mishler finished outside of the top 16 in both events, which was the mark needed to move to the finals.

On Monday, June 17, Mishler was 33rd overall in the 100 meter backstroke. Her time of 1:01.96

did make her ninth among the junior swimmers (athletes still in high school), in the race. Tuesday, June 18, Mishler was 49th overall in the 100 meter freestyle. Her time of 56.27 did edge out Penn graduate Lilly Christianson who was 50th. Christianson beat out Mishler for first in the 50 yard race at the state meet back on Feb. 10. Mishler was eighth among junior swimmers in the race. Mishler will compete in one more event at the Olympic trials on Saturday, June 22, in the 50 meter freestyle.

Maxwelton Ladies League results

Area athletes earn scholarship money through Tournament of Champions

Text and Photos By

A total of 23 athletes descended upon North Webster Elementary School Saturday, June 15, for the Tournament of Champions. The participants competed for a share of $10,000 in scholarships courtesy of the Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation.

Jace Stewart served as director for the Tournament of Champions for a third year and has been assisting with the event the past 15 years.

“I just like the rich tradition with our community here in North Webster and the Homer J. Shoop Foundation. It’s a legacy that he left that really gives back,” Stewart said.

A total of 15 men and eight women were aiming to be in the top four of their own gender to earn a share of the scholarship money. A one mile run began the day with nine more events following. The Tournament of Champions concluded with an obstacle course and three-point shooting contest in the school gym.

“It’s really cool seeing these young athletes be able to be competitive,” Stewart said. “Knowing it’s a great cause whether they are earning scholarship money to go to school. It’s one of the county’s best kept secrets. We try really hard to get capacity of 15 men and 15 women. I don’t know if its wedding season, graduation season, it’s just hard to get that, especially on the women’s side.”

Lauren Munson had just graduated from East Noble and captured the top spot in the girls competition. Munson won three events in the mile race, shuttle run and obstacle course to help capture the $2,000 scholarship for first place.

“I’m pretty excited. I didn’t know what to expect,” Munson said. “This is my first year. My brother did it last year so he gave me a couple pointers. Like wear sweatpants and sweatshirt for the obstacle course so you can slide under obstacles. I was just going to try for it. Do my best. Go after every one.”

Munson will use her scholarship at Ball State University where she plans to study nursing.

Benjamin Vincent took the top prize in the boys competition to take a $2,000 scholarship as well.

Vincent is a NorthWood High School alumnus and recently

it a go at the Tournament of Champions winning points at the soccer course.

completed his undergraduate degree from Cedarville University.

“Definitely take the opportunity to come out here. I appreciate the friendly competition. All the guys are cheering each other on.

Jace and his team do

Lots of fun at annual property owners breakfast

Text and Photos

The annual Family Breakfast, Saturday, June 15, was a time for property owners around Wawasee and Syracuse lakes to get reacquainted with neighbors and enjoy time with the family. The annual event was again held at Oakwood Resort. The morning was also an opportunity for property owners to learn about programs offered in the community, have balloon characters made and get an up close and personal look at the fire equipment that is used to protect their property.

Attendees of the breakfast lined up, as usual, to take a “ride” above the treetops in the bucket of the Turkey Creek Fire Territory ladder truck. Many also took the opportunity to look at the equipment and ask questions. The children enjoyed not only walking through the ambulance, but getting a safety packet and a plastic fireman’s hat.

Booths were set up by the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and Chautauqua Wawasee where information on upcoming events and programs were available. The Wawasee Flotilla Committee provided a few options of the 2024 Wawasee Flotilla attire for purchase or information to order from the Flotilla Store.

The Syracuse-Wawasee Trails displayed a map of its existing trails and the future expansion, answering many questions from residents. Guests also had the opportunity to get an up close look and bid on 12 different charcuterie boards being sold by the

the

Young, WPOA president; Ashley Dil-

North Webster Community Public Library

— NWCPL expands Teen Space with Nintendo Switch and gaming computers

The North Webster Community Public Library has announced the expansion of the Teen Space, now featuring a Nintendo Switch and four gaming computers. Teens and tweens are invited to enjoy these new additions any time the library is open. The Nintendo Switch offers a dynamic gaming experience, allowing teens to challenge friends in a Mario Kart tournament or unwind

Teen Events Teen Toon Time will be happening at 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 24. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to the library for a time to chill, laugh and unwind. From classic Saturday morning cartoons to recent anime releases, there is something for everyone.

expanded Teen Space. The library is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Weekly Library Events

The following activities are set to take place at North Webster Community Public Library. Attendees do not need to have a library card to participate in any of these events. All programs are free unless otherwise noted. Adult Events Writers Corner will be meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 25. Writers of all genres are invited to share tips and tricks, network with fellow writers and participate in a monthly prompt. June’s writing prompt is: “Summer is here! Write about a day at the lake.”

Teens are invited to make a paint chip name garland during Teen Open Craft at noon Tuesday, June 25. Transform paint chips into a colorful decoration for your room or bring your own supplies and craft something unique. Supplies for the paint chip garlands will be provided. Come craft the afternoon away starting at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 27. Teens are invited to make a mini felt cryptid creature. Choose from a Mothman or Loch Ness Monster pattern. All materials and sewing guidance provided. No registration required. Children’s Events

Come play with blocks during the Purdue Extension’s Block Party at 1 p.m. Monday, June 24.

Parents and children are invited to come play in this fun and engaging event for the whole family. Family Story Time will take place at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 25. Library staff member Sherrie Momeyer will be sharing stories and fun in this program geared towards ages 2-7.

Get up close and personal with animals during Mark’s Ark Live Animal Shows on Wednesday, June 26. Show times are 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Don’t miss out on the exciting oppor-

tunity to meet a wide variety of animals from snakes, turtles and other reptiles to birds and furry friends. Please pick up free tickets at the children’s desk for guaranteed seating to your preferred show time. Discover the ins and outs of rescuing and caring for guinea pigs during Know Your Neighbor at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 27. Stacie Prins, local guinea pig rescuer, will be sharing tips and tricks and children will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the many guinea pigs she will bring along for you to meet. Get ready to move and groove

at Kids Zumba class at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 28. With kid-friendly routines and music that everyone loves, this high-energy dance party is the perfect way for kids to work out the wiggles and get their hearts pumping. No experience necessary.

Saturday Craft Adventures will be happening from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 29. This week they will be making craft stick campfires and pebble art.

For more information about any library events, call (574) 834-7122, visit the library’s website nwcpl. org or click into the library’s Facebook page.

Famed inventor with Wawasee roots

The Wawasee Premier of “Blind Logic,” a new documentary about Wawasee’s own Ralph Teetor, will be shown at the historic Pickwick Theater in uptown Syracuse at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Freewill donations will benefit the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

Teetor first signed the Sargent Hotel registration book on July 27, 1915. Seeking a more convenient place to keep their speedboat, it wasn’t long before his parents bought a cottage in South Park, beginning over a century of the family summering on Lake Wawasee. His great-grandchildren still enjoy the property today.

The documentary follows the extraordinary journey of Teetor from childhood blindness through his life of fierce determination and distinctive mental vision to become an inventive,

insightful leader and philanthropist. Teetor’s life spanned the entire development of the American automobile industry. He became president of Perfect Circle Piston Ring Corporation in Hagerstown, and his modern cruise control invention makes driving much more relaxing.

Teetor’s cousin Dan had a home in Vawter Park (pier 467) from 1936 until the mid-1960s. Ralph’s uncle, C. N. Teetor, built in Vawter Park (pier 469) in 1929. Two other Perfect Circle executives lived or rented on the lake. In addition to featuring the Teetor family enjoying Lake Wawasee, the credits include three of Dan Teetor’s grandsons who often visited the lake: Composer Jim Andron (former music director for The New Christy Minstrels), photo editor Daniel Teetor and writer, director and producer Jack Teetor.

PROFILE Community Corner

Joel Badskey welcomes new coaching position

Embracing the challenge is something new girls soccer coach Joel Badskey is ready for at Wawasee. Badskey has taken over the program this spring and is aiming to restore passion for Wawasee soccer.

“We’ve got a culture that we need to shift to a large degree. Frankly, they haven’t had a culture of winning. It’s not as fun to play when you’re not winning. It’s also not as fun to play when you’re not scoring,” Badskey said. “I want to find a way to turn this team into a team that can score, that can compete and that enjoys the game of soccer. If you look at their past, Wawasee is a team that has won conference titles. They have won some big games, they just haven’t done it recently.”

Since he was named the head coach of the team in late April, Badskey says the community has been very supportive.

“The community has been great. I’ve gotten to know a lot of parents. The staff here at Wawasee has been phenomenal, very welcoming.”

Badskey comes over from Elkhart Christian Academy where he coached at his alma mater for the past six seasons. Building the girls soccer program there had growing pains he will look to avoid at Wawasee.

“When I started, it was a program in kind of rough shape,” Badskey said. “We actually played first three games with only 7-9 girls out on the field. We had to tough it out with a very small team. We grew that into a decent program. A winning program.”

The Eagles beat the Lady Warriors each of the past three seasons including a 5-0 win in 2023.

“What I saw with Wawasee was they were

gritty, they were tough but some of the mental parts of the game, some of the execution parts of the game were not there. I felt like this was a place I could come and make a difference,” Badskey said.

At Elkhart Christian Academy, Badskey coached his daughters, but his youngest graduated this past season. Badskey felt the time was right for a new challenge at Wawasee.

“It was a new opportunity for me. Ready to take a new step,” Badskey said.

His desire to become a coach goes back to his youth when Badskey was learning the game. He saw the need for quality coaches after his playing days.

“I played soccer in high school. While I loved the game, my experience with coaches wasn’t always the best,” Badskey said. “It kind of left a bitter taste in my mouth. As my experiences changed and I had my own kids and I kind of renewed my love for soccer and remembered what a great game it was. I realized the need for good coaches. Coaches that not only teach you the game but also teach you the right way to not only develop as a player but also as a person.”

Badskey holds a sales and marketing job and has been married to his wife Jessica for 24 years. They have four children in Peyton, Audra, Reagan and Issac.

Through parenting his kids Badksey feels he has been prepared to mentor a young soccer team.

“A lot of the technical aspect of the game that I learned playing I still incorporate today. But the mentoring aspect has changed. Shaping who the girls will become. Playing the game the right way,” Badskey said. “One of the things we talk about is playing with strength and dignity. You got to play hard, you got to play with grit but the dignity part is you got to play within the rules.”

Mobile Meals drivers

Milford High School alumni come together for 65-year reunion

A special lunch banquet was held Friday, June 14 at Milford’s Apostolic Church for those who couldn’t make it to the 99th annual alumni banquet on Saturday, June 8. Ten alumni of Milford High School’s class of 1959 gathered

This has been quite a week here at the senior center. We started out on Monday. Alan Frank, our board president, took the opportunity to present a special certificate of appreciation and a $50 gift certificate from Maria’s House of Pancakes to Frank Garro and Sharon Huffman, two longtime and dedicated members of our center. If not for this special couple, we wouldn’t have our very successful casino trip every month.

We are going to be giving a monthly certificate and gift card each month to thank the special seniors, who have helped make our senior center so special. You might think that is over and above, but wait until you hear what our new Director Christi King did last Wednesday. Another senior who volunteers to empty our trash every day for us was doing his thing. When he got home, he noticed his wallet was missing. He called the center to see if he left it there. Merita, our hot lunch director, immediately knew what had happened, she told him he had it in his hand when he took the trash out. Well that’s all it took; our new director jumped into action. She and Roxanne Ousley headed outside with a step ladder and two brooms. Christie was somehow able to see the wallet and then, with two brooms, picked it up, all the time telling Roxanne to “get it, get it, it’s going to fall.” Well success was theirs. By the time, Jack got there, they had retrieved it. That has made some really fun stories to tell all week. I am here to tell you, we have such a fun and generous group of people here. I hope you will find a way to stop in to check us out. We

“We get together, it seems like old times,” said Gene Lange.

“It’s wonderful to see everybody, always reminiscing. It’s great to be alive and moving after 65 years,” Jonelle Bergstedt remarked.

to share a meal, look at old photos of their school days and enjoy each other’s company. Some had traveled a great distance to be there; Judi Ulery came the farthest, all the way from Montana. The class of 1959 was small by today’s standards, with only 27 graduating seniors. In the 65 years since graduation, some have passed away. For those remaining, however, there is still a sense of camaraderie to be felt during these reunions.

SPEC honors two members

There will be 15 girls competing for the title of the 2024 Mermaid Festival Queen of Lakes. The pageant will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22, in the North Webster Community Center’s gymnasium.

Contestants

Gwendolyn Frank, North Webster, daughter of Chris and Rhonda Frank, is Miss Center Lake. She is sponsored by Clayton’s Garden Center.

Kendell Jaress, Syracuse, daughter of Aaron and Amber Jaress, is Miss Syracuse Lake. She is sponsored by Jaress Family Dentistry.

Brianna Lackey, Churubusco, daughter of Wendy Moore and Matt Lackey, is Miss Ridinger Lake. She is sponsored by Jellystone Campground Resort.

Rachel Studebaker, Syracuse, daughter of Robert and Laura Studebaker. She is sponsored by Studebaker Family National Association.

Lillian Kelsey, Warsaw, daughter of Chris and Paula Kelsey, is Miss Barbee Lake. She is sponsored by Chris Francis, Tippecanoe Township Trustee.

Madison Nunez, North Webster, daughter of Tana

Churchill, is Miss Chapman Lake. She is sponsored by Ace Hardware.

Jaclynn Worell, Syracuse, daughter of Jason and Emily Worrell, is Miss Papakeechie Lake. She is sponsored by Mike Kissinger Surveying. Daihya Chupp, Warsaw, daughter of Jeremy and Keri Fox, is Miss Winona Lake. She is sponsored by Brian Peterson Real Estate. Ava Couture, Leesburg, daughter of Jamie Couture, is Miss Dewart Lake. She is sponsored by Jaress Family Dentistry.

Jordyn Leininger, Pierceton, daughter of Thad and Rochelle Leininger, is Miss Beaver Dam Lake. She is sponsored by Slack Shots Photography & Design.

Abigayle Conner, North Webster, daughter of Thomas and Cindy Conner is Miss Tippeanoe Lake. She is sponsored by Maverick Promotions Inc. Chloe Bollinger, South Whitley, daughter of Rick and Melissa Bollinger, is Miss Kuhn Lake. She is sponsored by Pierceton Masonic Lodge No. 377.

Kendall Hepler, Warsaw, daughter of Brandon and Kel-

li Hepler, is Miss Yellow Creek Lake. She is sponsored by Tecomet.

Anna Shock, North Webster, daughter of Mike and Kelly Shock, is Miss Shock Lake. She is sponsored by Metcalf, Payne & Bell.

Zaylee Guy, North Webster, daughter of Ben and Elise Guy, is Miss Webster Lake. She is sponsored by the Ski Bees.

The pageant is sponsored by the North Webster Lions Club and Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation.

Queen of Lakes contestants are required to take part in the Mermaid Festival Parade, interviews, theme wear and formal gown competition. For the parade the girls provide their own transportation and their float is judged for prize money. The interview portion of the event is held the morning before the parade and pageant. Each contestant will meet individually with the judges in a panel-style interview to give insight into their ability to communicate.

During the theme wear portion, based on this years theme, “The American Dream,” the candidates will have decorated containers to collect money for the People’s Choice Theme

Wear. The audience will have the opportunity to place cash in the bucket of their choice. The contestant with the most cash will be awarded the People’s Choice Theme Award. Contestants will receive one-half the cash collected over $5 back in the form of a check from the North Webster Lady Lions. The Lady Lions Club will retain the other half of the money to help with pageant expenses.

The girls also spend a day together getting to know each other. A Miss Congeniality is

given to the contestant who gets the most votes among the group for their ability to be friendly, willing to help others and considerate.

The evening gown competition brings an elegant touch to the pageant as each contestant wears their own unique gown.

The final challenge of the pageant is the final question to the four finalist. Each are individually asked the same question.

The $5,000 scholarship money, provided by Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation Inc., is

divided among the contestant selected as queen and the three runners-up. The foundation will also present additional scholarship money ranging between $250 and $750 to those placing first, second and third in the queen’s conveyance parade contest.

The North Webster Lady Lions will present a cash prize of $100 to the recipient of the community service award. Editor’s Note: The contestant photos were provided by Corie Strong Photography.

Turning Point Counseling Center in North Webster opens at new location

Township Chamber of Commerce

held a ribbon-cutting ceremony

Monday, June 17, at the new location of Turning Point Counseling Center in North Webster.

The newly-renovated facility is located at 501 W. Washington St.

The center was formed Aug. 28, 2013, by North Webster Church of God. The governing body of the church had identified a need for affordable professional counseling services within the community.

Turning Point’s mission is “to bring health, hope and healing to the people of northeast Indiana.”

Turning Point offers support and guidance in dealing with depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, suicidal thoughts and grief, as well as marital and parenting issues. The counseling team is highly trained, diverse, skilled and able to address each need presented with compassion and professionalism.

Turning Point offers a unique model of discounted counseling fees, insurance options and Employee Assistance Program options. No one who is ready to take the first step toward counseling is turned away, regardless of their ability to pay. With the help and generosity of grant funding and donations from people and local organizations, Turning Point can keep its sessions affordable.

Turning Point has five counselors, said Pastor Jeff Boyer.

In January, Turning Point Counseling Center celebrated 10 years of “bringing health, hope and healing to the people of northeast Indiana.”

Turning Point Counseling’s impact and reach goes well beyond

the small town of North Webster.

Presently, Turning Point has an active client list of 278 people and a waiting list of 81. Although located in North Webster, over 125 of our active clients reside in Goshen, Elkhart, Shipshewana, Leesburg, Warsaw, Winona Lake, Columbia City, Fort Wayne, Kendallville, Crown Point and New Castle. The need for mental health counseling is huge. With an ever-growing waiting list, the decision was made to expand its impact to bring more hope, health, and healing to more people.

In March, the leadership of North Webster Church of God authorized the purchase of the building, located at 501 W. Washington St., to become the new leased location for Turning Point Counseling, Inc. This property allows Turning Point Counseling Center to expand from a space of 1,200 square feet

to 6,000 square feet. Upon completion of the renovation, Turning Point Counseling has an expanded waiting room area, large and small group gathering spaces for Divorce Care and Grief Share groups, a dedicated play therapy room and the capacity to house a minimum of nine counselors. This renovated space enables

Turning Point the capacity to double its impact in the surrounding communities.

A capital campaign is currently underway. The campaign goal is to raise $1.2 million. These monies will be used for two purposes; first, to complete the necessary lease improvement renovations, which will allow Turning

Point to be a leading edge, mental health facility for people of all ages. Secondly, upon the completion of the renovation, all remaining funds will be used to begin and sustain an ongoing Turning Point Counseling Inc. endowment, which can be used to support the ongoing counseling needs of the communities of northeast Indiana.

a check. Donations are

ductible. Make checks payable to Turning Point Counseling Center and notate “donation” on the memo line. They can be mailed to: Turning Point Counseling Center, P.O. Box 751, North Webster, IN 46555. For an appointment, call (574) 834-1393 or visit myturningpt.com.

Owners

10 YEARS AGO, JUNE 18, 2014

North Webster Town Council announced at its Tuesday evening meeting that the tall grass ordinance will be enforced by the North Webster Police Department. Letters have been sent to several residents already and all but two have complied by mowing. The council urged residents to have pride in their property and to maintain it. Join the North Webster Community Public Library for some “Fizz, Boom and Fun” as professional magician C.R. Ryan and his son, Braden, mix science with magic Wednesday, June 25, in the North Webster Community Center banquet hall. The Business of the Month for June 2014 has been chosen by the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce. It is The Cake Lady. Peggy Roulo and her staff are busy in the kitchen space rented from the North Webster Community Center making all kinds of delicious food, not just baked goods and, of course, cake.

20 YEARS AGO, JUNE 16, 2004

Bill and Peg Zimmerman, North Webster, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Bill Zimmerman and Peggy England were married June 20, 1954, in Indianapolis. The couple has two daughters, Lou Ann (Dr. Charles) Presti of Fort Wayne, and Jan Zimmerman of Indianapolis. They have two grandchildren, Anthony and Christina Presti, Fort Wayne.

30 YEARS AGO, JUNE 15, 1994

Mrs. Debra Bunt, North Webster, has been selected as an entrant in the 1994 Mrs. Indiana America Pageant to be held in Indianapolis. The state pageant will select Indiana’s delegate to the nationally televised Mrs. America Pageant at Fort Worth, Texas, in September. Bunt is married to Ron Bunt and they have three children. She is a graduate of Wawasee High School.

North Webster Town Council members agreed to a county dispatching lease with the county

commissioners Monday night, even though they don’t appear to be satisfied with the service.

Councilman Myron Clark asked that a letter be included with the signed lease, telling commissioners the town is “totally disappointed with the strength of the signal we’re getting.”

40 YEARS AGO, JUNE 20, 1984

Captured in the act of planning the various activities of the Mermaid Festival was an active group of North Webster area residents. Those group members are James Kline, co-chairman of the talent contest; Aaron Hineslay, chairman of both the treasure hunt from the sky and the coin hunt; Earl Roberts, judge committee chairman and co-chairman of the chicken barbecue; Jeannie DeWitt; Dutch Mullet, chairman of the horseshoe pitch; Phyllis Mullet; Dave Reider, chairman of the basketball committee, and Wilma Mitchell.

50 YEARS AGO, JUNE 19, 1974

Mr. and Mrs. David Clayton,

North Webster, are the parents of a 7-pound, 4-ounce daughter, Mary Ann, born on Friday, June 14 at Goshen Hospital. Little Mary Ann was welcomed home by Debbie, 18, Jim, 16, Ed, 14, and Raetta, 12. North Webster Past Chiefs of the Pythian Sisters met at the home of Mrs. Russell Moore. Mrs. Effie Vanator was a guest. Mrs. Harry Bause, president, was in charge of the business meeting. Mrs. Myrtle Greisinger, secretary, read the minutes of the May meeting.

The following North Webster Junior High students received perfect attendance awards for the 1973-74 school year: Grade eight: Sharon Brockhoff, Rick Bowling and LeAnn Harris. Grade seven: Mary Baumlee, Carmen Bryant, Cathy Conway, Linda Engleberth, Lisa Gant, Charles Kruger, Chris Kruger, Nanette McGlynn, Denise Vanator and Doug Walker. Grade six: Nancy Brockoff, Mike Coy, Brenda Iden, Tim Martin and Eric Shepherd.

Interra’s Jeremy Bender selected for leadership program

Jeremy Bender is one of 28 of Indiana’s top farmers and agribusiness men and women, who have been selected to participate in the 21st class of the Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program, administered by AgrIInstitute. During the two-year program, ALP class members will attend 10 seminars held throughout Indiana, study for a week in Washington, D.C., meeting with national leaders and spend 10-14 days studying internationally. Bender is the agribusiness lending manager vice president for Interra Credit Union, bringing over a decade of dedicated service to Interra. Bender’s deep-rooted commitment to agricultural lend-

ing has been instrumental in supporting the farming community, fostering growth and cultivating lasting relationships. He is a graduate of Purdue University and Indiana Wesleyan University. Bender is an active participant and member of several organizations some of which include: Wawasee Community Bible Church Trustee Board and Kosciusko County 4-H.

ALP Class 21 participants will begin their study July 11-13. This session will provide a program orientation for class members, including discussions of leadership, leadership qualities and applications, goal setting and understanding personality styles. Through study and exposure to

critical public issues, participants are challenged to meet the evolving political, economic, social and cultural needs of society.

Over the next two years, the class members will study a wide range of leadership subjects and gain a broad understanding of the diversity of the agricultural industry in Indiana. The two years of study will provide the class members with enhanced skills and expertise to serve in leadership roles at local, state and national levels on behalf of the agricultural industry.

Since it began in 1984, over 550 participants have graduated from the Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program and are actively strengthening and trans-

It happened in Milford … 20 years ago

Kent Sawyer retires from Milford EMS

10 YEARS AGO, JUNE 18, 2014

Arnold (Pete) and Becky Beer Doll were married 60 years March 27, 2014. They have lived in the Milford area most of their married life. Becky owned and operated Doll’s Decorating Center in Milford for 30 years. She retired in 2011. Pete retired from CTB in 2000. They recently toured Virginia and Washington D.C., to celebrate this occasion. Though the high school was closed after the 1967-68 school year, memories are still alive and well. Many of those memories of a small-town high school were shared during the annual Milford High School Alumni Association Banquet Saturday evening in the cafeteria of Milford Middle School. After a social hour and dinner catered by Penguin Point, Bill Troup, 1962 Milford graduate and chairman of the alumni association, conducted a short business meeting. Joe Judkins, 1963 graduate living in Michigan, was

the guest speaker.

20 YEARS AGO, JUNE 16, 2004

The Dippon farm, at CRs 1250N and 200W, west of Milford, has realized a substantial loss of crops with June’s continued rains. To date, Chad Dippon estimates some 70 acres of soybeans have been destroyed which could total as much as a $30,000 loss at year’s end.

Kathryn Jane Brown, Milford, took part in the 106th commencement exercises held May 15, at Huntington College. She received a bachelor of arts degree in biology. A graduate of Wawasee High School, she is the daughter of Douglas and Jodi Brown, rural Milford.

Kent Sawyer retired after 22 years of volunteer service as a driver for Milford EMS. His radio number was 523 and he was presented with an engraved watch at the May 4 EMS meeting, where cake and punch were served in his honor. He held the position of

president of Milford EMS many times.

30 YEARS AGO, JUNE 15, 1994

On May 8, recognition was paid to Rev. Verne H. Leininger, pastor of Bethel Church, Milford, for having served 30 years in the Church of the Brethren ministry. Leininger was ordained in the Poplar Ridge Church of northern Ohio on May 7, 1964. He has since served continuously in churches in Ohio, Maryland and Indiana. He has been the full-time pastor at Bethel in Milford since September 1987.

The new exterior of Bobi’s Shear Success on Main Street in downtown Milford is the work of Lake City Builders, CR 250N, Warsaw. This project is only one of several remodeling jobs the company has done in the Milford area. Lake City Builders i known as the “Home Improvement Headquarters,” but obviously it can handle commercial work, as well as residential.

40 YEARS AGO, JUNE 20, 1984

A small fire at the Vylactos Laboratores warehouse in Milford broke out Saturday, June 16. Max Duncan, fire chief, reported the fire looked like it was started by water leaking from the roof into the warehouse causing a spontaneous combustion effect.

Kris Golden, Milford, a 1981 Wawasee High School graduate, has been hired as lifeguard at the Waubee Lake park. Miss Golden is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Golden, r 5 Syracuse. 50 YEARS AGO, JUNE 19, 1974

Jon Dewart was elected president of the Milford Alumni Association at the annual banquet on June 8. Dewart is a 1964 graduate of Milford high school. He and his wife Ailene reside at Waubee Lake with their young son Shane. Pam Lantz, 17-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Lantz of Waubee Lake, will represent the Milford Lions Club as “Miss

Kosciusko County students graduate from Indiana Connections Academy

More than 700 students recently graduated from Indiana Connections Academy, a tuition-free, full-time public virtual school, as part of the class of 2024, including Aryanna Carpenter and Jamia Hunt of Warsaw and Judah Vore and Hayden Vostal of Syracuse. Indiana Connections Academy’s class of 2024 consists of graduates from many cities and towns across the state, including Fishers, Terre Haute, Fort Wayne, Greenwood and more, who received a high-quality, on-

line education. Among the graduating class, 50% plan to attend two- or four-year colleges or universities, including the University of Nebraska, Ball State University and DePaul University. Additionally, 36% plan to enter the workforce, 10% plan to receive vocational training, and 4% plan to serve in the military or take a gap year.

Indiana Connections Academy provides students with the continuous support of highly-skilled teachers and a curriculum focusing on both ac-

It happened in Syracuse ... 50 years ago

ademics and helping to build fundamental life skills. This combination fosters an environment for students to gain the confidence they need to thrive in today’s modern world. For more than a decade, Indiana Connections Academy has served thousands of students with a variety of needs. Students complete rigorous schoolwork in the comfort of their homes with virtual instruction and support from state-certified teachers. Students develop a strong degree of intrinsic mo-

tivation and critical thinking, while enrolled at Indiana Connections Academy.

Enrollment for Indiana Connections Academy’s 2024-25 school year is now underway for students in grades K-12. Interested families are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming online information sessions to find out if virtual school is the right fit for their students.

For more information about Indiana Connections Academy, visit IndianaConnectionsAcademy.com or call (833) 591-0251.

Barbara Cripe and Edwin Cable to receive 4-H tenure awards

10 YEARS AGO, JUNE 18, 2014

Syracuse Lions Club President Judy Jarrett, presented the club’s check for $500 to Syracuse Parks Department Superintendent Chad Jonsson for upkeep and maintenance at the Harold Schrock Syracuse Youth Athletic Complex. The club also sponsors a T-ball team and assists at the concession stand each summer.

Michigan Technological University honored the achievements of nearly 1,000 graduates May 3 at spring commencement, including those of Jayna Feinauer, Syracuse, who received a bachelor of science degree in chemistry. Michigan Technological University is a leading public research university developing new technologies and preparing students to create the future for a prosperous and sustainable world.

20 YEARS AGO, JUNE 16, 2004

The Knights of Columbus Francis Pitka Council 6323 of Syracuse made a contribution to the North Webster Elementary School special needs class in the amount of $500. The Knights raised the money at its annual Tootsie Roll Drive. Tom Haggenjos, Knights representative of the Syracuse Council, presented the check which Charlotte Jesse graciously accepted.

John Brown, manager of Lance’s New Market in Syracuse, presented a check for $2,789.50 to Rebecca Moss, director of the Wawasee High School Theater Department. The check represents funds raised when the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill visited Lance’s May 30. A check for the same amount will be given to Fred El-

liot, band director at WHS. Despite having to shut down two hours early due to heavy rains, the Big Taste Grill visit still brought in $5,579, split evenly between the theater and band departments.

30 YEARS AGO, JUNE 15, 1994

Ten baby ducklings stumbled out of a not-so-big flower pot with Mother Duck last week and waddled into the channel behind the home of Fred and Elinor Avery, Huntington Street, Syracuse. During the nesting time, Fred was worried about the hot, dry weather and put an umbrella to shade them, and Elinor admitted to gently spraying them to cool them once in awhile.

Zachary Waterson placed in the top 10% of his class at Manchester College and qualified for the dean’s list of honors for the spring term of 1994. Waterson is a pre-med major in his junior year at Manchester. He is a 1991 graduate of Wawasee High School. He is the son of Dick and Linda Waterson, Syracuse.

40 YEARS AGO, JUNE 20, 1984

Rex and Ann Yentes of Babson Park, Fla., spent the weekend in Syracuse attending the wedding of Ann’s brother, Mike Skevington, and visiting friends. Rex is now assistant professor of travel and tourism at Webber College at Babson Park. He worked at Gulliver Travel Agency in the Pickwick Block from 1973 to 1975. He then moved to St. Louis to work for Capital Airlines before buying Gulliver in 1980 and returning to Syracuse. Twenty Kosciusko County students have been named to the spring quarter dean’s list at Ball State University. To quali-

Manchester University celebrates the class of 2024

Manchester University salutes nearly 250 students who graduated from Manchester University in the 2023-24 academic year. Both the graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies were held Saturday, May 18. The list of 2024 conferred graduates includes students who finished requirements in December

2023, January 2024 and May 2024. Local graduates are:

• Kaitlin Graber, Syracuse, master of science in biology-chemistry and pharmacogenomics

• Kendall Littlefield, Syracuse, doctor of pharmacy

• Alex Llewellyn, Milford, bachelor of arts in history

fy for the dean’s list an undergraduate must earn a grade point average of 3.6 to 4.0 and carry 12 or more hours of academic work for college credit.

Following is a list of Syracuse students: Karen S. Tunis, Julie L. Brandon, Josette M. Glon, Patricia L. Greene, Rhoda A. Hapner and Shari A. Miller. 50 YEARS AGO, JUNE 19, 1974

Miss Barbara Cripe and Edwin Cable will be awarded the Farm Bureau 4-H tenure award which will be presented during

Father’s Day activities at the Indiana state fair. Miss Cripe is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Cripe of r 1 Elkhart. Cable is th son of Mr. and Mrs. William Cable of r 2 Syracuse. Both are 10 year 4-H members with outstanding records.

Linda Bitner, daughter of Pat and Jake of Syracuse, has been selected as a Purdue Pep Girl on a basis of school spirit, personality and appearance. Pep girls perform at all football and basketball games as well as various other activities.

Local students on Manchester dean’s list

The following local students were recently named to the dean’s list at Manchester University:

Leesburg — Christina Morrow Milford — Gracelyn Hills Syracuse — Kaitlin Graber, Bailey Fox, Leo Wrage

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The Town of Syracuse, Indiana will receive sealed bids for furnishing all labor and materials for the construction of the Pearl Street Parking Lot Reconstruction until 11:00 am local time on July 2, 2024 at Clerk-Treasurer’s Office at 310 N. Huntington Street, Syracuse, IN 46567. All bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 11:00 am local time on July 2, 2024 in the Council Chambers, 310 N. Huntington Street, Syracuse, IN 46567. Any bids received after the designated time will be returned unopened. The project consists of reconstructing the parking lot on Pearl Street between Dolan Drive and Huntington Street. Included is the removal of the existing HMA parking lot, new HMA parking lot, new concrete curb, new concrete sidewalk, ADA compliant curb ramps, drainage improvements, pavement markings, landscaping items, lighting / electrical items and a signage. The Project Documents will be available in electronic format to examine and download at QUEST CDN.COM. The QuestCDN eBidDoc number for this project is 9158357. Contact QuestCDN at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in membership registration and downloading the digital project file and information. Only QuestCDN Plan Holders are eligible bidders.

A Pre-bid meeting will be held June 25, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in the Council Chambers, 310 N. Huntington Street, Syracuse, IN 46567. Bid proposals shall be complete and properly executed on the bid form, and must be accompanied by an executed Indiana State Board of Accounts Form 96, confirmation that copies of Addenda were received (if issued), and satisfactory bid security. A certified or cashiers check payable to the Town of Syracuse, or a bid bond in the amount equal to five (5) percent of the bid amount must accompany each bid. All checks of unsuccessful bidders shall be returned upon selection of successful bidder. The successful Bidder

bid documents section to these specifications. The Owner may make such investigations as deemed necessary to determine the ability of the Bidder to perform the work and the Bidder shall furnish to the Owner all such information and data for this purpose as the Owner may request. The Owner reserves the right to reject any bid if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of, such Bidder fails to satisfy the Owner that such Bidder is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Agreement and to complete the work contemplated therein. Each Bidder is responsible for inspecting the Project site(s) and for reading and being thoroughly familiar with the Contract

tive Action Requirements.

Bidders shall be aware of the requirements set by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, which mandate that all iron and steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in a federal project must be produced in the United States. Pursuant to HUD’s Notice, “Public Interest Phased Implementation Waiver for FY 2022 and 2023 of Build America, Buy America Provisions as Applied to Recipients of HUD Federal Financial Assistance” (88 FR 17001), any funds obligated by HUD on or after the applicable listed effective dates, are subject to BABA requirements, unless excepted by a waiver. The Bidders attention is also called to the “Minority/Women Owned Business Participation” and “Indiana Veteran Owned Small Business Program” requirements contained in the Project Specifications. The State of Indiana has set a goal of 10% participation for minority and women owned businesses and 3% participation of veteran owned businesses for construction or purchase related contracts for the work. The Contractor must meet guidelines and practices established by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and appropriate federal regulations including: 1) Executive Order 11246, 2) Section 3 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1968, as amended, 3) Certification of Non-Segregated Facilities, 4) OMB Circular A-102, 5) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 6) Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 7) Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 8) Executive Order 12138, 9) Conflict of Interest Clause, 10) Retention and Custodial Requirements for Records Clause, 11) Contractors and Subcontractors Certifications, and others that may be appropriate or necessary. Contract procurement is subject to the federal regulations contained in the OMB Circular A-102, Sections B and O and the State of Indiana requirements contained in IC-36-1-9 and IC-36-1-12. Any contract(s) awarded under this Advertisement for Bids are expected to be funded in part by a grant from the

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QBeginning Saturday morning from 10:30 a.m. to noon, July 13, at the Syracuse Community Center, the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum’s summer Centennial programs will feature the lakeshore from where Turkey Creek enters Wawasee on the southeast end of the lake, to Buttermilk Point and on to Cottingham Beach. The first program on this expanse includes the fascinating Rollert family who owned 26 acres along this lakeshore, and the pioneer Jarrett family of buttermilk fame who sold to Charles Johnson in 1914, developing an amusement park, and then Johnson’s Hotel with its five buildings. Also included will be Elmwood Heights. The Centennial program from 10:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 10 at the Syracuse Community Center will begin on the other side of Johnson’s Hotel with Klingaman’s grocery and rooms — her father came to

Church

ILFORD LIONS Club held its 2024-25 officer installation ceremony on Monday, June 17. This is an honored annual event, according to outgoing president Lisa Ensz.

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a.m. Saturday, June 22, at Oakwood Resort with the parade stepping off at noon. The event is free, but participants are encouraged to make a $15 donation to New Hope Rescue.

R S T U V W X Y

Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum announces summer Centennial programs

Shown is Klingaman’s. Photo provided by the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum. this area from Nappanee in search of buried treasure in the game preserve area. Being unsuccessful, he built a store and young Ike Klingaman married her. Ike called square dances at Johnson’s Hotel. In the 1950s, the Heil family bought the property and built Heil’s Haven. Descendant Ross Heil will share early home movies of the property. The program will feature some Centennial Homes on Cottingham Beach, including one built around a very early log cabin. Many well-known condominium complexes now occupy much of this area since first being built in late 1960s. Plan to enjoy the programs from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday mornings, July 13 and Aug. 10, at the Syracuse Community Center.

Bully for Dad

PASTOR

My poor daughter — when she was a little girl, she was recognized at our public library, with someone remarking “Oh, you must be Tim Bushong’s girl!” What little girl wants to be told that she looks like her dad?! It was funny at the time and, of course, it was even more blatant for my son, with folks asking him if I was his dad when he worked at Augsburger’s. Someone even said to me, “He even walks like you!” The old saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” applies much more broadly than just appearance, though. We live in a culture that is increasingly being driven by “father hunger.” Absent or practically absent dads bring about sharp increases in violence, crime, gang-related murder, sexual assaults, robbery etc., and not only in the inner cities. Without going into detail, it is safe to say that this is the common data marker that is the same, acrossthe-board, for almost every social malady we are experiencing. Fatherless children run a 100 times higher risk of fatal abuse. Eighty-five percent of youth in prison have an absent father and, using the “apple/tree” analogy, fatherless children also tend to produce more fatherless children. When fathers and their children are alienated from each other, the surrounding culture comes under a curse — it’s chaos instead of pleasant order; insanity instead of clear rationality. It’s strife instead of peace. Sure, that’s a problem out there, in the world, right? What about us, the Church? Have we fared that much better than our surrounding culture? In a word, yes. Imperfectly, and we’re still too worldly, but in the main, yes

the gospel transforms lives and enables God’s people to obey the Lord.

The Scriptures are full and brimming with wisdom and practical application regarding fathers and mothers, children and the family. Fathers, you are responsible for teaching these truths to your family, and in the context of Father’s Day, to your children.

Prov. 1:7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” The family is God’s most basic fundamental social group, and the Christian family is a foundational building block in advancing God’s kingdom. Fathers, we are responsible to raise godly sons who are capable and strong yet not bullies and tyrants, who are self-assured yet not proud, who are tender yet not spineless milksops, who are wise and not arrogant.

We’re responsible to raise daughters who have self-respect without haughtiness, who are not easily manipulated or flattered, who are comfortable being themselves yet not vain, who know they are loved yet not smug. In short, we are responsible to raise Christian children.

Monthly community dinner to be held Wednesday, June 26

Pictured in the front row, from left, are Judy Marquart, Tail Twister; Barb Zimmerman, two-year director; Ensz, president; and Second Vice District Governor Jackie Kurley. Back row: Michael Schafer, two-year director; Dr. Gerv Schafer, one-year director; Tom Sorensen, one-year director; Dr. Bruce Lamb, first vice president and song leader; Steve Weisser, treasurer; and Jasmine Baum, secretary.

BELLIS and Allan Sutherlin, were seen fishing in the channel behind the American Legion in North Webster last week. While they are Barbee Lake residents, they said they like to fish at this spot because they can catch bluegill, bass and other fish. Sutherlin said he catches anywhere from 15-20 fish each time.

THE SYRACUSE Sons of the Legion rib eye steak dinner will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday June 20. The public, ages 18 and over, is invited. The legion is located at 1008 S. Huntington St., Syracuse.

THE FIRST graduating class of Wawasee High School will celebrate its 55th reunion Saturday, July 13, at the North Webster Community Center. Invitations and reservation forms have been mailed to members of the class of 1969 with a return date of June 24.

Organizers are still looking for the following classmates: Originally from Milford, Diane Curtis, Gail Ritchie and Suzanne Minnick Shock; from North Webster, Denny Carlton Jr., Sue Robinson, Bill Shear and Sandy Beezley Thomas; and from Syracuse, Gary Donham, Steve Edwards, Nancy Coy Feaster, Linda Nyikos Graff, Becky Felts Lee, Bob Scheidler and Steve Tatman.

Contact Janna Adair Stollery via text at (574) 339-5579 if you have information on any of these people. They would like to reunite as many of the classmates as possible.

LIFEGUARDS ARE now on duty most days on the beach at Milford Town Park on Waubee Lake. Additionally, the concessions stand is open on most days, as well. With this week’s scorching heat, the beach has been packed with people trying to stay cool.

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Parents, remember the lifeguards are there to assist in the case of an emergency. It is still your responsibility to watch your children and to know their limits in the water. Lifeguards also are on duty to enforce the rules of the park and the beach. Remind your children that for their safety they must obey the rules and to listen to the lifeguards instructions at all times.

Pictured above are two of this season’s lifeguards, Marshall Sell, left, and Bryce Knepp, who were on duty during the past weekend.

INDIANA GOV. Eric J. Holcomb announced several appointments to various state boards and commissions on Friday, June 14. The governor made one new appointment to the Soil Conservation Board, Jewel Wise of North Webster, who will serve until March 31, 2026. Wise is a nursery stock and small fruit manager at Clayton’s Garden Center.

CHAUTAUQUA-WAWASEE is going to the dogs this weekend (sorry, we couldn’t resist) as it hosts its first Pawasee Dog Parade. We hear many lovable pooches are planning on participating. Registration begins at 11:30

Dogs can dress up or simply show off their gleaming coat while boasting a fabulous leash. Some dogs may want to beat the heat and ride in a decorated wagon, cart or stroller. Awards will be presented to best dressed, best dog trick and best tail wag.

Z

THE PAPERS Inc., held its annual American Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, June 13, inside the Milford Community Building. According to organizer Kathy Bartman, there were 18 donors, which included 13 online appointments and five walk-ins and we collected 19 units of blood.

Special thanks to Lauren Zeugner, who agreed to give a power red donation, in which they they drew a double amount of red blood cells before returning the plasma and platelets back into her system. This accounted for the extra unit.

The four winners of $25 gasoline gift cards were Tina Kaplan, Ginger Newcomer, Kevin Taylor and Brandy Ward. Congratulations to them and thank you to everyone who donated.

THE SYRACUSE Public Library will host a book signing with Syracuse native Amy Pritchard Sheffield from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 25. Her book “Rescue Checklist” is a three-part novel about a Coast Guard rescue swimmer.

Pritchard Sheffield graduated from Wawasee High School in 1996 and spent many hours shelving books in the library. She is excited to come home and share her own book.

THE INDIANA Department of Transportation has announced that the US 33/US 6 intersection northeast of Syracuse is now an all-way stop. INDOT traffic engineering made the decision to make this change “to reduce the chances of right-angle collisions and reduce the overall speeds of right-angle collisions should they occur. The change was scheduled to take place today, Wednesday, June 19, with a rain date on the following day.

INDOT encourages drivers to use caution in the area while the work is being done to implement the changes. Drivers should also use caution after the changes are made as motorists work to adjust to the new traffic pattern.

SOMETIMES, IN the rush to hit deadline mistakes happen. Pam Schumm, education officer for the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, noted the wrong date for WACF’s Lilly Pad Cruise was printed in Summer Tab. The correct date is Saturday, Aug. 3. For ticket price information or to register send an email to info@wacf.com. —o—

THERE WAS an error in the Ski Bee’s program schedule as printed on its Facebook page and repeated in the Webster Waves summer newsletter. Here is the correction: In addition to the show this Saturday, June 15, there will be a Ski Bee Show during the Mermaid Festival Saturday, June 22. There will not be a show Saturday, June 29, as previously posted. Show dates for the remainder of the 2024 season are July 6, July 27 and Aug. 10. All shows start