The Mail-Journal - July 3, 2024

Milford Community Park Project —

A way to honor Harry J. Michael

By EMILY WORRELL Director of Communications and Marketing, Wawasee Community School Corporation

The Milford community is set to experience an exciting new development thanks to the dedicated efforts of Wawasee Community School Corporation and a committee of Milford community stakeholders. This collaborative project, which has been in the works for several months, aims to create a vibrant community space that meets the diverse needs and desires of the Milford residents. From the outset, the project has been a community-driven initiative. The stakeholder committee has worked to gather ideas, listen to feedback, and ensure that the proposed space reflects the values and needs of the community. Their commitment and vision has been instrumental in shaping the project, making it a true reflection of what Milford residents want and need in a communal space. The collaboration with Ele-

vatus Architecture has been a cornerstone of this project. Their expertise and innovative design approach has helped translate the community’s ideas into practical, beautiful, and functional design concepts. Through numerous meetings and feedback sessions, Elevatus Architecture captured the essence of what the Milford community envisions for their new space. In addition to working with the community committee, Wawasee Schools has been collaborating closely with Amy Roe, Kosciusko Community Coordinator. Her involvement has been pivotal in reaching out to groups passionately seeking a way to honor Harry J. Michael, a Milford resident and Kosciusko County’s only Medal of Honor winner. This collaboration ensures the space will not only serve the community’s needs but also pay tribute to a local hero. As part of this project, Wawasee Schools would like to include elements that recognize Harry J. Michael, ensuring his legacy is honored, remembered,

and celebrated by all. This tribute will serve as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of Milford’s own Medal of Honor recipient, fostering a sense of pride and respect for a man who represents what it truly means to be a Wawasee Warrior.

The proposed community space will be located on the six acres northwest of the new Milford Elementary School building, which currently holds the Milford School football field. It promises to be a hub for connection, recreation, and community activities.

Elevatus has developed three renderings that showcase a variety of features; each designed to be built in phases as funding is secured from community groups. Whether it’s a playground for children, sports facilities, or a beautiful walking path, the new park aims to provide something for everyone.

As we reach this exciting milestone, Wawasee Community School Corporation is thrilled to be a part of the conversation in

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While in litigation with DNR, Webster Lake Conservation Association seeking to form conservancy district

By DAVID SLONE Times-Union

The future of the Webster dam will likely be determined by ongoing litigation between the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Webster Lake Conservation Association, as well as the association’s efforts to form a conservancy district.

Mike Wyrick, president of the Webster Lake Conservation Association, approached the Kosciusko County Commissioners on Tuesday, July 2, to request funding, leaving it up to the commissioners to determine how much, to help with the creation of the conservancy district.

“It turns out that Webster Lake needs to create a conservancy district for the future maintenance of the dam on Lake Webster,” he said.

Giving a brief history of the dam, Wyrick said in the 1950s the dam was in bad shape. The mill, which was the reason for the dam in the first place, had burned down and the property was put up for sale. The property included the gates to the dam that holds up Webster Lake and takes care of the 54-square-mile watershed above it.

“The DNR — at what was the Department of Conservation at that time — did not step up to take care of the vacated dam. So 27 people around Lake

Webster formed the Webster Lake Conservation Association for the purpose of buying that property, including the gates and the dam, for the purpose of maintaining that dam,” he explained.

Noting that “things were easier back then,” Wyrick said through the sale of the land they bought, they raised money. Volunteers and business people contributed, and the lake population and the town of North Webster restored the dam in the 1950s. That restoration lasted until 2011, at which time the DNR stepped in under contract and took care of some repairs on it.

The contract was an agreement with the Department of Conservation in 1993, Wyrick said, and that same contract was written “word for word” when the department became the DNR in 1996.

“That agreement basically said the DNR is responsible for reconstruction, repair of the dam (outlet control structure). And the only thing that WLCA was responsible for was the maintaining of the water level from the lake,” Wyrick said. “And that was our sole responsibility.”

In 2011, the DNR undertook reconstruction of the dam. The DNR had done an engineering inspection in 2009, grading the dam as being in poor condition. In 2017, after the DNR made repairs, they did another inspection of the dam, rated it as being in poor condition and changed its classification from significant hazard to high hazard. Wyrick said the DNR then came to the WLCA and told the WLCA that they had to fix it.

The WLCA disagreed with the DNR because the agreement was still in place. Ending

in deadlock, the two parties took it to court to get a summary judgement on whether or not the contract was valid. The Circuit Court held the contract was valid, but the DNR appealed.

The Appellate Court held the contract was valid.

“We sent a demand letter to them, asking them to fix the dam and the things they didn’t do in 2011 that they should have done, and they refused. So now we’re in court, asking the court to force them to fix the dam. That’s where we are in litigation; however, we know that’s not going to be a longtime fix because during the litigation, the DNR did terminate the agreement on May 6, 2022. When the agreement was cancelled, then that forced the responsibility of the maintenance of the dam onto WLCA and also unto four unsuspecting property owners that happened to

have purchased those lots back in the 1960s and built homes in that area,” Wyrick said. Two of those four homes are on the landing because there were no zoning regulations back in the 1960s when they were built.

Wyrick said the DNR has suggested it’s WLCA’s job to remove the homes, but the WLCA has questioned whether or not they need to be removed, plus the WLCA doesn’t have the money because the homeowners aren’t voluntarily going to give up their homes without compensation.

“So the answer seems to be the creation of a conservancy district that can handle all of this and come up with enough tax-supported money to do it,” he said.

To start a conservancy, Wyrick said it’s going to take $62,000 in Continued on page 2

A way to honor

Continued from page 1

re-developing the site to continue the legacy of the school being a focal point for the residents of Milford.

“We believe that community feedback is crucial to the success of this project,” added Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer, “and we

invite all residents to share their thoughts and suggestions.” This is an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the final design and ensure that the new community space truly serves its purpose as a place for all to come together. Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to participate in

While in litigation

engineering costs; $15,000 in attorney fees; and $41,000 for more in-depth analysis and an engineering report on the dam.

“And then after all of that gets done, and after a conservancy is set up, we have close to ($500,000) worth of studies and investigations that have to be done,” he stated. “That’s more money than we can handle until/unless a conservancy is set up, and we can also use some help” with the costs of setting up the conservancy.

The WLCA has been doing some fundraising, asking for voluntary tax-deductible contributions. Wyrick said they’ve asked those contributions be made payable to The Watershed Foundation instead of to the WLCA.

“The reason for that is because during litigation, the DNR has been threatening us with notices of opportunity to correct and notices of violation, and if they choose to force those things, they can fine and fee us out of business, but that’s OK we gladly go out of business anyway,” Wyrick said. “But, anyway, we don’t want them to be able to get to any of the money we’re collecting for this dam frustration project.”

Commissioner Brad Jackson asked what he thought it would actually take to fix the dam. Wyrick said he had no idea because “we have not got to the point to find out what it’s going to take to make that acceptable to the state of Indiana.” Jackson said it all seemed like a “huge waste of money,” and Wyrick suggested taking that up with the state legislators. Jackson said they were just trying to fix a problem, but money and time have been wasted because the DNR continues to appeal the case instead of just fixing the dam.

“The engineers feel the main reason the DNR walked away from the project is because of this nearly half million dollars in studies,” Wyrick said.

The studies are federal and state requirements.

“Government!” Jackson responded.

Wyrick pointed out Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams did a study in 2018 on the economic impact of the lakes in the county.

The liberal estimate on Webster Lake was that it brought in over $32 million into the county, but Wyrick said the WLCA feels that estimate now is on the conservative side.

“We do have a large economic impact on the county because of the number of people who summer there,” he said, estimating that about one-third of Webster Lake is occupied by year-round residents, while two-thirds are “lakers. But bless their hearts, they bring that kind of money to town.”

Jackson asked Wyrick if he had a specific amount of money the WLCA was requesting, and Wyrick responded they could use anything the county wanted to provide for the dam. Jackson said it was ridiculous the DNR was forcing them to raise that amount of money.

County Surveyor Mike Kissinger told the commissioners the dam is 6 to 8 feet high and there’s approximately six to eight homes and businesses downstream from it.

“And there’s a reason that the state made this ... a high hazard area. State wants no part in this. They realize this is a life situation, and I know during a historical rain event, the local emergency folks up there had to sandbag to try to save the dike, because if the dike goes, then it’s catastrophic. And if the dam goes, it’s catastrophic,” Kissinger said.

He said while Wyrick was at the meeting for the WLCA, it’s about more than that. “This is the people directly downstream within just a couple hundred feet, and I mean it would be catastrophic,” Kissinger said. Wyrick said the dam is not designed to be a flood control structure.

The commissioners decided to table the request for now so they can look into it further. For more information, visit

Patriotic speaker program features Ben Franklin

By MARK KNECHT President Chautauqua-Wawasee

Wawasee High School hosted Chautauqua-Wawasee’s annual patriotic speaker program Sunday afternoon, June 23, which featured Ben Franklin, who was portrayed by Barry Stevens. The presentation, titled “Ask Ben,” was educational, humorous and appreciated by the audience of more than 130 people. Stevens shared the many facets of Franklin’s life. Ben loved to read books, and found creative ways to borrow them, and in some cases buy and return. This was the beginning of the library concept. His parents aspired for him to be a minister but when they heard of his idea of rewriting the Bible, they knew he’d have to take a different career. Because of his eyesight, he needed glasses to read and different ones for seeing long distances. Having to change back and forth constantly, spawned the idea of bifocals.

Asked by one of the attendees, “How/why were you so involved in so many important aspects of America’s early history,” Barry/ Ben answered, “Providence … it had to be providence.” On anoth-

prominent. Photo provided by Chautauqua-Wawasee.

er topic, asked about his experiments with lighting, he said, “At the time, many thought I invented electricity which of course I didn’t.”

Another eye-opening comment was his point that it took written correspondence about eight weeks to travel across the Atlantic; this fact alone impacted the value of espionage from America back to Britain. Another person asked, “What is your most significant accomplishment?” He simply replied, “The United States.” Prior to the revolution, all the states functioned independently. At the conclusion of the program, many people remained to discuss additional questions with Stevens. The feedback from attendees was unanimously “excellent speaker … great information.”

Green Alert, carryout cocktails and more now in effect

on agricultural land.

the community survey on the Wawasee Schools website and social media. Renderings will be available to view at the next school board meeting, on July 8, and at the Milford Town Hall from July 9-5. Together, we are building a brighter, more connected future for Milford.

watershedfoundation.org/blog/ twf-fund-established-for-critical-webster-lake-dam-project/

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

With the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly passed 172 new laws. According to a release from Senator Ryan Mishler, over 90% received bipartisan support on Senate final passage and over 50% received unanimous support on Senate final passage. Many of these new laws went into effect Monday, July 1.

Under one new law, Indiana bars and restaurants are now able to have happy hours and offer carryout cocktails. House Enrolled Act 1086 allows these business to prepare, sell and deliver alcoholic beverages for carryout to a customer on the licensed premises in certain qualified containers. These containers must also be sealed.

Indiana first responders can now be recognized for exceptional service with the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor. According to House Enrolled Act 1142, the Department of Homeland Security can award

this medal to any first responder who “distinguishes themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of the Indiana first responder’s life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an act of public service.”

A new Green Alert Program for Hoosier veterans has been established under House Enrolled Act 1021. Like Amber and Silver alerts, the Green Alert Program is designed to help locate and assist at-risk missing veterans. An “at-risk veteran” is defined as a veteran whose disappearance is the result of a physical or mental health condition related to their service.

House Enrolled Act 1183 aims to protect Indiana farm land from foreign threats. This law stipulates that prohibited persons may not buy or lease land if it is located in Indiana and located within a 10 mile radius of a military installation, though there are certain exceptions. Prohibited persons are also barred from buying or leasing agricultural land, as well as mineral rights or water rights

Other new laws include Senate Enrolled Act 181, which strengthens Indiana’s ban on “sanctuary cities,” municipalities that limit cooperation with the national government in enforcing immigration law. For example, they may not report an individual’s immigration status unless a serious crime has been committed. Under this law, the attorney general can compel a city government or a university to comply with federal immigration officials, if probable cause is determined.

Similarly, “sister cities,” or two communities in different countries who enter a formal agreement to partner up, are also affected by a new law. House Enrolled Act 1120 prohibits local governments in Indiana from entering into sister city agreements with cities located in a country the U.S. government considers a foreign adversary.

A full list of laws passed in the 2024 legislative session can be found at ga.in.gov/legislative/2024/bills.

Shepherd, Himes crowned as 2024 Kosciusko County 4-H King, Queen

By LIZ ADKINS Staff Writer

Riley Shepherd and Morgan Himes were crowned as the Kosciusko County 4-H King and Queen for 2024 during the annual 4-H Public Fashion Revue and Awards Night on Thursday, June 27.

Shepherd, who received 294 points in the competition, is the son of Joel and Karla Shepherd, and is a 2024 graduate of Tippecanoe Valley High School. This is his 10th year in 4-H and he is a part of the Leesburg Mighty Farmers 4-H Club. His 4-H projects include beef, swine, foods, dairy foods, and fire education. His future plans are to attend Huntington University and study agribusiness, as well as play basketball.

Himes received 295 points and is the daughter of Matt and Rachelle Himes. She is a 2024 graduate of Warsaw Community High School. This is her ninth year in 4-H and she is a part of the Leesburg Mighty Farmers 4-H Club and Junior Leaders. Her 4-H projects include swine, beef, Junior Leaders, Poss-ABILITIES, photography, homemade ice cream, arts and crafts general, communications, and cake decorating. Her future plans include attending Purdue University to study nursing and psychology.

The 2024 4-H Prince, with a total of 278 points, is Carter Grady. He is the son of Matt and Wendy Grady, and is going to be a junior at Wawasee High School. This is his eighth year in 4-H and he is a part of the Leesburg Mighty Farmers 4-H Club and Junior Leaders. His 4-H projects

include aerospace, beef, DCFS, electric, goats, Junior Leaders, Legos, shooting sports, swine and tractor. His future plans include attending college to major in an ag course of study. Jasmine Fuller was crowned as the 2024 4-H Princess with a total of 284 points. Fuller is the daughter of Chad and Tara Fuller, and is going to be a junior at Tippecanoe Valley High School. This is her eighth year in 4-H and she is a part of the Mentone United 4-H Club. Her 4-H projects include goats, DCFS and consumer clothing. Her future plans include getting her Masters in Accounting and to get her CPA.

4-H’ers Recognized Recognition was also given to 4-H’ers who are last-year mem-

bers and 10-year members The top ten ten-year 4’H’ers were also announced.

Ten-year members are Chase Bays, Dean Boggs, Devin Boggs, Jennifer Brace, Hadley Burbrink, Hannah Burkholder, Austin Craig, Emma Engelhaupt, Kendall Gibson, Libby Haab, Samantha Hartman, Annalisa Hertzler, Kylie Keirn, Abbi Kohler, Charlie Krull, Caleb Lechlitner, Cooper LeCount, Sarah-Ann Marshall, Abbylene McCoy, Macy Petersen, Austin Polk, Lucy Redman, Porter Rich, Ariel Ross, Zackary Schultz, Riley Shepherd, Harrison Stofer, and Andon Zehring. The top 10, 10-year 4-H members, in no particular order, are Macy Petersen, Zackary Schultz, Jennifer Brace, Cooper LeCount,

Last-year members are Leah Henderson, Morgan Himes, Caden Holloway, Railly Miller, Luke Ransbottom, Allie Ridenour, Joe Sponseller, Dom Ward, and Cale Wise.

Friends Of 4-H And Scholarships Prior to the announcement of 4-H royalty, the 2024 Friend of 4-H individual and business awards were presented. Cheryl Van Laeken and Janelle Deatsman won individual awards, and Deatsman Grain Farm was recognized as the 2024 Friend of 4-H Business award recipient.

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Barbara Sue Naab School Teacher

Barbara Sue Naab, 93, Syracuse, passed away at 9:34 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Greencroft Healthcare in Goshen.

She was born on Monday, July 7, 1930, in Hartford City. Barbara spent her early years in the Roll area of Washington Township, Blackford County, before relocating to Syracuse Lake. She was a 1948 graduate of Roll High School. Barbara attended Ball State Teacher’s College and graduated in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in education.

BARBARA SUE NAAB

She married John A. Naab, a former principal of Syracuse Elementary and Jr. High Schools, on June 30, 1957, at the Asbury United Methodist Church. Barbara then went back to college, earning her master’s degree in elementary education in 1962. Mrs. Naab taught at Montpelier and Nappanee schools.

She was a lifetime member of the Ball State Alumni Association, Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority and the Ladies of the Round Table Federated Club. Barbara was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church of Montpelier and Saint Andrews United Methodist Church of Syracuse, where she served as a church trustee and member of the Samaritan Circle. Barbara was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, sewing and working puzzles. She often invited friends for coffee and especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Barbara is survived by her son, John W. (Jennifer) Naab, Erie, Colo.; daughter, Susan R. (James) Donahoe, Goshen; grandson, Justin W. (Vanessa) Naab, Lafayette, Colo.; granddaughter, Julia L. Naab, Westminster, Colo.; granddaughter, Angeline S. Donahoe, Goshen; grandson, A. Schuyler Donahoe, Goshen; great-granddaughter, Nora Naab, Lafayette, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Adam Naab; and her brothers, William A. Cline and Theodore L. “Ted” Cline.

Family and friends may gather to share and remember from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, July 6, at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home, 109 W. Windsor St., Montpelier. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in the Hartford City Cemetery in Hartford City.

Preferred memorials: St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 1413 N. Long Drive, Syracuse, IN 46567 and/or Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, P.O. Box 548, Syracuse, IN 46567.

Arrangements are being handled by Walker & Glancy Funeral Home in Montpelier.

Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com.

Roland Richard Swanson United States Army Veteran

Roland Richard Swanson passed away to be with his Lord on Friday, June 28, 2024.

Roland was born Jan. 17, 1934, in South Bend to the late Richard and Anna Swanson. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Ollene Dagmar Olsen Swanson.

ROLAND RICHARD SWANSON

He is survived in death by his sister, Dorothy Swanson Melander; his brother, Edward (Kathleen) Swanson; his children, Eric (Kelly) Swanson and Kristen Swanson Smith; his companion of 18 years, Susan Sharp; grandchildren, Sarah (Scott) Swanson Gallagher, Hannah (Daniel) Swanson Westergaard, Colin Swanson, Peter Smith, Annika Smith and Harrison Smith; great-grandchildren, Jack and Charlotte Gallagher and Rory and Anne Westergaard; and Susan’s children, Michael and Erik Sharp.

Roland graduated from Riley High School in 1952; Indiana University with a degree in economics in 1956; and from Northwestern University for trust studies. Roland proudly served his country as captain in the United States Army in Korea from 1957 to 1958.

His career in banking and trust services spanned over 50 years in the northwest Indiana community at American National Bank, Valley American Bank and 1st Source Bank. Roland also shared his knowledge in economics in finance as a teacher at Indiana University South Bend.

Roland’s great love was music and he was gifted with a beautiful tenor voice, which he shared with many church choirs and as a founding member of the Michiana Arts Vesper Chorale. An avid golfer, Roland was a member of Morris Park Country Club for over 50 years, creating lasting friendships on the course and in the grill afterwards as they settled their scores.

Roland gave charitably of his time, serving on the boards of such community outreach programs at Hope Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Kiwanis Club and the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Funeral services will be held at noon Monday, July 8, at Palmer Funeral Home-Welsheimer North Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend. Friends may visit with family from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Following the service, burial will take place at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be left to South Bend Symphony Orchestra, 127 N. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46621 or First United Methodist Church, 333 N. Main St., South Bend, IN 46601. Online condolences may be left for the family at palmerfuneralhomes.com.

North Webster Chamber continues to support the local community

Serving the town of North Webster and surrounding Tippecanoe Township, the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce is working to foster an environment in which residents can live, work and play.

As part of their mission to promote local businesses and growth opportunities, the chamber will continue to sponsor the town’s annual Dixie Day Festival celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 27. The festivities include a craft fair and food vendors. Automobile enthusiasts will enjoy the car, truck, motorcycle and tractor shows.

The Dixie Sternwheeler will also be offering cruises Memorial Day through Labor Day. Additional cruises will be added at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. for Dixie Day with tickets costing $7 and cruises lasting approximately 75 minutes.

The chamber held its annual banquet on March 11 and Mike Kissinger was named the chamber’s “Person of the Year.” Kissinger has been involved in youth sports and started a community center garage sale. He volunteers at every community center event, including Dixie Day.

“He’s a genuine class act,” Emily Shipley, chamber president, said on Kissinger. “Selfless and humble.” Kissinger was previously awarded the chamber person of the year in 2011 and was a recipient of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation’s Heart of Gold Award in 2015.

Some of the numerous highlights Shipley noted about the chamber include a community

Births

Maverick Thomas Hatfield

Ashlynn Hatfield, Cromwell, is the parent of a son, Maverick Thomas, born at 1:27 a.m. June 29, 2024, at Goshen Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 15.4 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

guide that helped raise the total number of chamber members to 124. You can find copies of the community guide at the visitor’s center located inside the community center and at various local businesses. There is also a storefront decorating contest to add festivity to the town for the holidays.

Ribbon cuttings for new members, new locations and new owners continue to be held throughout the year. Members are also celebrated, with the chamber board choosing a Member of the Month each month.

The North Webster tree lighting ceremony returned in 2022 and will have its third straight year this winter on Saturday, Nov. 23. The event takes place at Pilcher’s lawn at 4 p.m. with a countdown to the tree lighting beginning at 6:15 p.m.

Hudson Anthony Yoder

Mark and Lindsey (Martin) Yoder, Syracuse, are the parents of a son, Hudson Anthony, born at 4:22 a.m. June 30, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 8 pounds, 6.6 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Kosciusko County 4-H Council Scholarships rewarding active 4-H members for outstanding achievement, service, leadership, and citizenship in the 4-H program were also presented. Libby Haab, Morgan Himes, Caleb Lechlitner, Cooper LeCount, and Riley Shepherd received scholarships.

Other groups also give special scholarships that are awarded during fair week. Haab and Himes received the Anglin-Bishop Award and Scholarship. This award was created in memory

of Mike Bishop and Jeremiah Anglin, two junior leaders who passed away during their 4-H careers. It is meant to recognize a junior leader who exemplifies what it means to be a junior leader, 4-H member, and for outstanding achievement, service, leadership, and citizenship in the junior leader program.

The Dennis Polk Family and Creighton Brothers also sponsor scholarships for Kosciusko County 4-H youth. Cooper LeCount received the Indiana 4-H Foundation Endowment Scholarship sponsored by the Dennis

County redevelopment commission will increase from 5 to 7 members

By DAVID SLONE Times-Union

Effective Jan. 1, the number of members on the Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission will grow by two.

County Councilwoman Joni Truex, president of the redevelopment commission, requested the county commissioners increase the number of members from five to seven. She said the commission voted unanimously to bring the request to the commissioners.

“The reason for the increase is the terms are currently one year, and there is turnover on the Redevelopment Commission and will continue to be for 2025. So the request was made that we increase the number of members so we’re satisfying two issues: one would be a quorum issue, and making sure we have a quorum; and two would be that there would be, hopefully, a little bit more knowledge by adding that many more members who understand redevelopment commissions. It’s a little complicated,”

Truex said.

Commissioner Brad Jackson asked if they were still going to have one-year terms. Truex said they would really like to see twoyear staggard terms, but they didn’t vote on that at the redevelopment commission. She, however, said her recommendation would be for twoor three-year staggard terms.

County attorney Ed Ormsby said, in discussing it with Redevelopment Commission member Doug Hanes, it was Ormsby’s understanding that Hanes’ thinking was that one-year terms would stay for now. Truex said she talked to him Monday and, while they can do oneyear terms for now, they’ll probably come back and ask for longer terms later.

Ormsby said since the commissioners don’t have a recommendation from the redevelopment commission at this point on the staggering and length of terms, he recommended the commissioners amend the ordinance to increase the number of members from five to seven, effective Jan. 1, 2025, but keep the terms at one year for now. If the commissioners want to make other changes, including staggering and length of terms, they have the remainder of the year to do so.

Commissioner Cary Groninger asked how the redevelopment commission appointments would be made. Truex said four will come from the commissioners, and three from the county council.

The commissioners unanimously approved a motion to increase the number of members of the Redevelopment Commission from five to seven. Truex said she will be back to ask for an increase in the term lengths and staggering of the terms.

In other business, the commissioners approved:

Polk family. Hannah Burkholder and Morgan Himes received the Indiana 4-H Foundation Endowment Scholarship sponsored by Creighton Brothers. Caleb Lechlitner received the Indiana 4-H Foundation Endowment Scholarship sponsored by the Purdue University College of Agriculture. Most Influential Volunteers Awards are also presented by 4-H youth to adult volunteers they feel have had the most positive influence on them throughout their 4-H career.

Listed below are the 4-H’ers

• For Kosciusko County Highway Department Superintendent Steve Moriarty to apply for a Community Crossings Matching Grant from the state for $1.5 million. The state increased its maximum match from $1 million to $1.5 million, so the county can do $3 million in road projects and only pay half of that. The commissioners also approved a financial commitment letter to go along with the grant application. The letter is for Armstrong Road, from SR 13 to over the bridge in Oswego; Packerton Road from South County Line to the town of Packerton; and then Chapman Lake Drive, C19, and then Warner Drive to Eli Lilly Road.

• For Moriarty to apply for a grant for at-grade crossings paint markings for $29,500. He said the county has received the grant, which is 100% reimburseable, the last four years.

• For Kosciusko Area Bus Service to purchase two new Ford E450 medium-size transit buses, to replace two older buses in the KABS fleet, as requested by Marcie Arndt, Cardinal Services vice president of programs. Each bus costs $121,954. The federal match for each bus will be $93,985, with the locally applied match being $27,969 per bus. In total, the federal match for both buses will be $187,970, with the total local match $55,938, which will come from the KABS general fund.

• The renewal of an agreement with Meraki for wireless access points for three years at $11,166.30, as requested by Bob Momeyer, County Systems Administration.

• The purchase of a new intercom recording system in the Kosciusko County Jail that records when inmates to speak to officers. The recording system for the communication is failing, and the system in place is no longer supported, Momeyer said. The new system is $20,400.

The sheriff’s office will pay for half of that expense out of the commissary fund, with the remaining portion of the commissioners’ land improvements fund.

• An ordinance establishing a donation fund for the Kosciusko County Re-Entry Court, as requested by the court’s interim coordinator, Kelly Krugman, probation department.

• A $10,000 change order for the county courthouse fire alarm system project, as presented by County Administrator Marsha McSherry. Koorsen Fire & Security is having installation complications with the existing old building and requested 100 additional hours of man hours. McSherry said Koorsen agreed to split the cost because they originally looking at an additional 200 additional hours.

The next commissioners meeting is at 9 a.m. July 16.

who presented the awards, followed by their recipients: Hannah Burkholder – Charity Trump Austin Craig – Dina Cruz Morgan Himes – Matt Himes, Rachelle Himes, Sonja Hesser, Devin Hay Libby Haab – Wyatt Haab Caleb Lechlitner – Dr. Bruce Lamb, Beth Lamb

Zackary Schultz – Bob Ferguson Lucy Redman – Tammy Boggs Porter Rich – Jason Rich Riley Shepherd – Karla Shepherd

Accidents/Incidents

Kosciusko County

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

Accidents

5:35 p.m. Saturday, June 29, North CR 150W, Warsaw. Drivers: Anish Daita, 31, Church Hill Downs, Warsaw; and Joseph Criswell, 44, East CR 1150N, Milford. Daita was traveling north on CR 150W at a high rate of speed. He lost control and went left of center, colliding head-on with Criswell’s vehicle. Criswell’s vehicle went into a yard, and Daita’s vehicle went partially into the roadway. Daita had non-incapacitating injuries and was taken to the hospital. Two passengers in his vehicle had minor face bleeding and a chest abrasion and refused treatment. Criswell was pronounced dead at the scene. A front passenger in his vehicle had facial injuries and was treated on scene. A passenger in the middle row had face and chin injuries and was flown to Lutheran Fort Wayne. Another passenger in the middle row had neck injuries and was taken by ambulance to Lutheran Fort Wayne. Another passenger in the middle row had facial injuries and was flown to Lutheran Fort Wayne. A passenger in the third row had facial injuries and was taken to Lutheran Fort Wayne, and another passenger in the third row had abrasions and was taken to Lutheran Fort Wayne. Damage is estimated at more than $100,000.

12:14 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, North CR 100E, south of Raintree Road, Warsaw. Driver: Benjamin Shroyer, 36, East Forest Glen Avenue, Leesburg. Shroyer’s vehicle collided with a deer. Damage up to $2,500.

10:55 a.m. Monday, June 24, North SR 13, Syracuse. Drivers: Andrew R. Minnick, 22, North Lake Street, Syracuse; and Charles W. Siwy, 74, East Koher Road South, Syracuse. Minnick’s and Siwy’s vehicles collided. Siwy had back and neck injuries was taken to Goshen Hospital. Damage up to $2,500.

Incidents

12:53 a.m. Friday, June 28, 9000 block of East Circle Drive South, Syracuse. A loose/aggressive dog was reported.

10:58 a.m. Friday, June 28, 8600 block East Backwater Road, North Webster. Tiffany K. Makinson and Drew E. Wottring reported the theft of a license plate.

1:41 a.m. Monday, June 24, 10600 block North Brown Street, Syracuse. Officers investigated a report of domestic battery.

North Webster

Officers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following incident: Incident

12:38 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 500 block West Huntington Street, North Webster. Christy E. Daniels and Misty K. Hale reported a hit-and-run vehicle accident resulting in property damage.

Syracuse

Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following accidents and incidents and made the following arrest: Accidents

2:53 p.m. Friday, June 28, North Huntington Street and West Bailey Street, Syracuse. Driver: Javier Cabrera, 23, Independence Drive, Goshen. Cabrera’s vehicle struck a utility pole and two mailboxes after driving while using his cellphone. Cabrera complained of lower arm pain, was checked out on scene but refused further treatment from

medics. Damage up to $50,000.

11:05 p.m. Friday, June 28, South Huntington Street at East Bowser Road, Syracuse. Drivers: Raven Vallejo, 30, Grand Teton Place, Ligonier; and Tami Vandal, 63, Shore Lane, Syracuse. After failing to yield the right of way, Vallejo’s vehicle was struck midturn by Vandal’s vehicle. Damage up to $50,000.

5:35 p.m. Thursday, June 27, South Huntington Street, north of East Pickwick Drive, Syracuse. Drivers: Tiara Gray, 23, North Main Street, Syracuse; and Alan Housour, 37, East Waterford Street, Wakarusa. After failing to yield the right of way, Gray’s vehicle struck Housour’s motorcycle. Damage up to $5,000. Incidents

10:18 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 100 block West Bowser Road, Syracuse. Officers responded to a call in reference to a possible impaired driver in the drivethrough.

3:52 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 300 block East Medusa Street, Syracuse. Jane Wellman reported damage to her rental vehicle’s driver side mirror and window.

Value: $20,000. Arrest

10:18 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 100 block West Bowser Road, Syracuse. Shaun Michael Church, 47, 1033 North Mullen Street, Syracuse, was transported and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail for operating a vehicle while intoxicated with prior conviction.

Warsaw

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

2:37 p.m. Friday, June 28, 945 N. Parker St., Warsaw. Drivers: Gary W. Newcomer, 73, East CR 1150N, Milford; and Patty A. Lenon, 59, Ivywood Drive, Warsaw. Newcomer was backing his vehicle from a parking space when he hit Lenon’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

2:28 p.m. Thursday, June 27, 1120 Lake City Highway, Warsaw. Driver: Tommy J. Hemminger, 23, South Martin Street, Ligonier. Hemminger was at Belle Tire, pulling a customer’s vehicle into the Belle Tire building when his foot slipped off the brake pedal and pushed the gas pedal. This caused the vehicle to drive over the vehicle lift, hitting two Belle Tire employees. The employees that were hit were Christopher E. Knight, 31, Warsaw; and Clint J. Turczi, 36, North Webster. Knight complained of hip pain and was seen by medics at the scene. Turczi was struck by the vehicle, pinning both of his legs against a sink affixed to the wall. He sustained injuries to both of his legs and was taken to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Damage up to $5,000.

12:30 p.m. Friday, June 28, 1170 Lake City Highway, Warsaw. Drivers: Emma N. Tobolski, 16, 15th Road, Bourbon; and Tiffany N. Slocum, 42, East Fox Run Drive, Syracuse. Tobolski was backing her vehicle from a parking space when she hit Slocum’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000. 12:16 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, South McKinley Street and East Jefferson Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Christopher A. Polk, 47, North Bay Drive, Warsaw; and Austin L. Allen, 27, Sumac Lane, North Webster. Polk was traveling west on Jefferson Street and pulled into the path of Allen’s vehicle. Damage up to $25,000.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were

MELANIE NICOLE TOLSON

booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

July 1 — Alexander R. Renner, 18, 5366 E. Creekside Trail, Syracuse, booked for theft, criminal trespass and leaving the scene of a crash – property damage. Bond: $600 cash.

July 1 — Tyler Anthony Padgett, 20, 5366 E. Creekside Trail, Syracuse, booked for theft and criminal trespass. Bond: $600 cash.

June 29 — Timothy Schmucker, 18, 12354 N. Kern Road, Syracuse, booked for theft and criminal trespass. Bond: $600 cash.

June 28 — Ajay Turner Irwin, 21, 4139 E. 1300N, Syracuse, booked for failure to appear. No bond listed.

June 28 — Tabitha Marie Darland, 23, 9940 N. Happiness Drive, Syracuse, booked for possession of marijuana/hash oil/ hashish/salvia and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $500 cash.

June 27 — Rebecca M. Kaster, 44, 407 N. Main St., Syracuse, booked for possession of meth and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

June 27 — Kaitlynn Faith Scarberry, 22, 9200 E. Morrison Island Road, Syracuse, booked for failure to appear. No bond.

June 26 — Shaun Michael Church, 47, 1033 N. Mullen St., Syracuse, booked for operating while intoxicated with a prior. Bond: $750 cash.

June 25 — Eric R. Leedy, 45, 205 Turkey Creek Drive, Milford, booked for possession of marijuana. Bond: $600 cash.

Elkhart County

The following people were booked in the Elkhart County Correctional Facility:

June 30 — Alezandria Hall, 24, 11029 W. 100W, Cromwell, booked for a false identity statement and an out-of-county hold on charges of theft and forgery. No bond listed.

June 26 — Jerrell Coleman, 13 EMS D9 Lane, Syracuse, booked on court order for auto theft. No bond listed.

June 25 — Raymond Nicholas Church, 30, 13419 North Eastshore Drive, Syracuse, booked for possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. No bond listed.

June 24 — Stephanie Yvette Murillo, 40, 232 N. Jefferson St., Cromwell, booked on warrant for violation of community supervision program and theft. No bond listed.

Noble County

The following person was booked in the Noble County Jail:

June 25 — April M. Espinoza, 31, 9721 E. Pixie Parkway, Cromwell, booked on warrant. No bond.

Whitley County

The following person was booked in the Whitley County Jail:

June 24 — Ajay Turner Irwin, 21, Syracuse, booked for driving while suspended with a prior and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $1,000.

Criswell dies in accident near Warsaw

Joseph L. Criswell, 44, CR 1150N, Milford, was killed and his five children, along with a friend of his children, were injured following a two-vehicle crash at 5:35 p.m. Saturday, June 29. The crash was on CR 150W south of West CR 400N, Warsaw.

Criswell was pronounced dead at the scene from internal injuries.

Hannah Fulk, 14, Milford, suffered injuries to her face and chin and was flown to Lutheran Fort Wayne. Fulk was seated in the middle row, driver’s side.

Yandale Criswell, 6, Milford, suffered injuries to her neck and was taken by Tifppecanoe Township Fire Territory paramedics to Lutheran Hospital Fort Wayne. She was in the center middle seat.

Amriana Criswell, 7, Milford, a passsenger in the middle row passenger side, suffered injuries to the face and was flown to Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.

Katalaya Criswell, 9, Milford, seated on the driver’s side third row, sufffered injuries to the face and was transported by Tifppecanoe Township Fire Territory paramedics to Lutheran Fort Wayne.

Liam Criswell, 5, Milford, seated in a chld seat in the third row passenger side, suffered abra-

sions and was taken to Lutheran Hospital Fort Wayne by Lutheran EMS.

Jesus A. Criswell, 16, Milford, suffered minor injuries to his face and was treated at the scene by medics. He was seated on the front passenger side. According to police, one of the juveniles has since been taken to Riley’s Childrens Hospital, Indianapolis.

All occupants of Criswell’s vehicle were wearing seat belts. Joseph Criswell was the only occupant police reported as being trapped in the vehicle. The six juveniles were not ejected or trapped according to the report.

The driver of the other vehicle, Anish Daita, 31, Church Hill Downs, Warsaw, reported no injuries at the time of the accident, but was transported to Lutheran Kosciusko for a drug and alcohol blood draw. While at the hospital, Daita complained of abdominal pain and was taken to Lutheran Hospital Fort Wayne.

Two passengers in Daita’s vehicle, Vinay K. Taduru, 31, River Run Trail, Fort Wayne, a back seat passenger, suffered minor bleeding to the face; and Naresh R. Malipatel, 30, North Orchard Drive, Warsaw, a front seat pas-

senger, suffered an abrasion to the chest. Both refused medical attention at the scene.

According to the Kosciusko County accident report, Daita was traveling north on CR 150W at a high rate of speed. He lost control of his 2024 Tesla Model Y, an electric vehicle, traveled left of center and hit Criswell’s 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe head on. Criswell was traveling south on North CR 150W from West CR 400N. After impact, Criswells vehicle left the roadway on the west side and came to rest in a yard.

Daita’s vehicle came to a rest on the west side of CR 150W, partially in the roadway, north of Criswell’s vehicle. The police report states Daita had been drinking. Damage was estimated at over $100,000.

KCSO was assisted at the scene by the Warsaw Police Department, Plain Township Fire Department, Lutheran ground and air ambulance, Kosciusko County Coroner’s Office, Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory EMS and Crouse Wrecker Service. The accident is still being investigated by the Kosciusko County Fatal Team.

Bergman arrested for allegedly pointing firearm, possessing cocaine

Bradley Mitchell Bergman was arrested for allegedly pointing a firearm at a person and possessing cocaine.

BRADLEY M. BERGMAN

Bergman, 27, 9481 E. Backwater Road, North Webster, is charged with possession of cocaine with enhancing circumstances, a level 5 felony; pointing a firearm, a class A misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

On May 20, a man said he was driving on U.S. 30, near Springhill Road in Warsaw, when an individual in a GMC

Sierra pointed a gun at him.

A Warsaw Police officer spoke with the man about the incident.

According to court documents, the man said he was traveling in the right lane of U.S. 30 to pass the GMC Sierra in the left lane. A police officer was conducting a traffic stop on the road’s shoulder at the time.

The GMC’s driver, later identified as Bergman, yelled at the man because he did not move over for the traffic stop. When the man yelled back at him, Bergman then allegedly pointed a handgun at the man and told him to pull over. The man said he retrieved his firearm and placed it on his vehicle’s dashboard.

A Kosciusko County Sheriff’s

Office deputy located the GMC at a Warsaw restaurant. Warsaw officers then spoke with Bergman, who said he did not point a firearm at anyone. He told officers he yelled at the man to respect the cops and get behind him. Bergman said the man pointed a firearm at him. Officers searched Bergman’s vehicle and found a handgun in the vehicle’s front passenger seat. Bergman told officers he was not armed with a gun during the road rage incident, but went home and armed himself after it happened. A K9 unit also alerted to drugs in Bergman’s vehicle, and officers found cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Bergman has already been arrested and released on bond.

sponded to a domestic complaint at a Syracuse residence. A man said Tolson smacked his face and neck. The deputy noticed abrasions on the man’s neck and chin. According to court documents, the man also said Tolson spit in his face and smacked his cellphone out of his hand. A child was present during the altercation. The man showed the deputy a video of

the man smacked himself in the face. Tolson was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail June 22.

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South Shore Social holds ribbon cutting

By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer

South Shore Social, 10601 N SR 13, Syracuse held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday afternoon, July 2, to celebrate its opening. And now employees are gearing up to host a backyard barbecue, South Shore style, from 11 a.m. until the fireworks Saturday, July 6. There will be pulled pork done in a huge smoker, more food, drinks and outdoor lawn games like cornhole, can jam and bocce and live music from the Olsen Twins from 3-5 p.m.

Jeff Dyson, co-owner, said he wanted everyone to come to South Shore before heading to the fireworks on Lake Wawasee.

South Shore has had many reincarnations over the years,

from a higher-end restaurant to a beach themed place to the new South Shore Social. The new sports bar offers multi-sport simulators where customers can play golf and other games along with auto-scoring dart boards and an indoor shuffleboard, all geared towards bringing people together to hang out and socialize Not in the mood to socialize, just want a quiet space for a drink? Need a quiet place for a meeting? South Shore Social can accommodate that as well in the new martini and bourbon bar where higher end cocktails are served.

Along with drinks, there is also a new menu. Dyson described them as “elevated shareables” with most of the items made from scratch.

Dyson’s and co-owner Nathan

Scherer’s vision for the entire property hinges on the South Shore Social facility being the hub that brings everything together.

“There are things to do in this building,” Dyson said. “What we want to provide is a space where people can come, interact and have fun.”

The fully remodeled building is a drastic change from the previous space. “We literally touched every wall,” Dyson said. “and the community had given us a lot of positive feedback on everything from food and drink to the new games.”

In order to use the golf and multi-sport simulators or the auto-scoring darts, patrons will need to reserve a bay in advance online at southshoresocial.net. Shuffleboard is free. Dyson noted a credit card is required to use both the sim-

Goodwin falls asleep behind wheel, one dead

At nearly 5:30 a.m. Thursday, June 27, a a 2012 Dodge Caravan driven by James Goodwin’s, 74, Syracuse, was heading south on SR 5 when he fell asleep behind the wheel and crossed the center line into the northbound lane of traffic.

A 2002 Pontiac Montana occupied by Martin Macias Rodriguez, 61, and Abel Dominguez Salazar, 53, both of Ligonier, was traveling north on SR 5, approaching Goodwin’s vehicle. Rodriguez’s vehicle was struck in the front passenger’s side by Goodwin’s vehicle. Two passengers in Rodriguez’s vehicle were injured during the collision. Rafael Beccerra, 58, was seated in the back passenger side seat at the at the time of the collision. Beccerra was transported from the scene to Parkview La-

and trapping licenses for next year.

From Monday, July 1, through Friday, Aug. 2, Hoosiers are encouraged to submit up to two of their Indiana-based, nature and wildlife-themed artworks to DFWcontests@dnr.IN.gov. All 2-D art mediums (i.e., photography, painting, drawing, graphic design, etc.) are eligible, with the exception of art generated by artificial intelligence. The artist’s name and city will be credited on the cards. Four entries will be selected to be printed on licenses next year. The full list of contest guidelines is at events.IN.gov/event/DFWCardContest. The new durable license cards are expected to be available in early 2025. Once the program is launched, anyone who purchases an Indiana hunting, fishing, trapping or combo license will

Grange Hospital. Salazar was sitting in the front passenger seat at the time of the collision. He was entrapped and had to be rescued from the vehicle by Topeka Fire Department. Salazar succumbed to his injuries on scene and was pronounced deceased.

The crash remains under investigation by the Indiana State Police.

have the option of ordering their license in that form for a nominal fee to be added to the total license fee. The durable cards will resemble the style of a credit card and be able to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. License holders will be able to choose which of the four selected artworks they would like to have on the front of their license card. The current printable licenses will continue to be available at no extra cost.

Dear Editor:

Letters to the editor

Request to name new school in memory of Harry J. Michael

I am a lifetime resident of Milford. Born and raised west of town on the family farm, I attended K-12 in the Wawasee School System, as did our three children. I am a community pharmacist and was the founding pastor (now retired) of Wawasee Community Bible Church. My interest in the well-being of the Milford and greater Wawasee community is deep-rooted and active.

I was pleased to learn of the planned building of a new Milford Elementary School. This will be money well spent and an excellent investment in the community. It is my conviction that this new

building will provide an excellent opportunity to formally recognize a unique individual and a very rare accomplishment. From my youngest days I recall my father telling me that “one of our neighbors,” Harry J. Michael, was a recipient of “The Congressional Medal of Honor” for heroism in World War II. I remember feeling sad that his heroism in behalf of our country cost him his life. Over the years of my youth, whenever I saw his brother or sister, my first thought was about the fact that their brother was a hero who gave his life in the service of our country. His abbreviated life is clearly worth remembering. His story of

heroism is worth re-telling and preserving. On behalf of those I have spoken with in the Milford community, I request that our new elementary school be named in Harry J. Michael’s memory. I believe it is the right thing to do. It will preserve something extremely rare and perpetuate a memory of extraordinary heroism that will produce appropriate pride among the students and the people of the community in the years to come. Thank you for your consideration.

Tom A. Speicher Pharmacist, Pastor Milford Community

Wonderful opportunity to name school after Milford Medal of Honor winner

Dear Editor:

As a 1971 graduate of Wawasee High School and a graduate of Milford Elementary School, I am thrilled to see the Wawasee School Corp. is going to build a brandnew elementary school in Milford. I have seen the renderings of the new complex and without a doubt it will be state of the art. With the new state-of-the-art building, I think we have an opportunity to make our new school a national landmark. As many people know, we have a Congressional Medal of Honor winner who came from Milford. Harry J. Michael is in fact the only Medal of Honor winner in the history of Kosciusko County. Imagine Harry J. Michael Elementary School — every day our young people would see a bust of Harry, a display of his medals and his story in print and pictures. Teachers will be able to tell Har-

ry’s story and our students will learn about sacrifice for others, teamwork, love of country, bravery, hard work and so much more. Harry was a three-sport athlete at Milford High School. He went on to Purdue University and became part of the ROTC program before going to war for his country. As a matter of fact, an entire floor in a building on the Purdue campus is named after Harry J. Michael, Medal of Honor winner.

The bottom line is the United States of America bestowed its highest honor on a young man from Milford who gave his life for his country. Another great thing is we have a board policy that states, “From time to time, the School Board may wish to commemorate a school or Corporation facility (gymnasium, swimming pool, athletic field, etc.) by means of a plaque, naming the facility af-

ter a person, or some other honor. Such commemoration should be reserved only for those individuals who have made a significant contribution to the enhancement of education generally or the Corporation in particular or to the well-being of the Corporation, community, State or nation.” (Article 7250 Wawasee School Board Policy)

Congratulations to our school board and Dr. Troyer and his staff on the building of this beautiful new school. You now have an opportunity to make our new elementary a national landmark that will impact many generations to come and to make good on the promise we make to our American heroes: “We will never forget.”

Dave Baumgartner

Luke Griner learns from first Olympic trials

By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer

Wawasee alumnus Luke Griner made a go of it at the U.S. Olympic trials for track and field last week. Griner made the trip to Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. to compete in the 800 meter race. The odds of qualifying were small for Griner, a recent graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, but he was in the thick of it with the best in the country.

“All of the guys I was racing, very, very high-caliber guys,” Griner said. “Some of them had been professionals for multiple years. They were all pretty much taller than me. It was intimidating knowing these were the guys I had watched at this stage and many, many times in videos and getting to race them. I felt a little bit of impostor syndrome.”

Griner was the 29th seed out of the 36 competing in the preliminaries on Thursday, June 27.

While the scale of the event was massive, Griner said he was able to keep composed. “The race started and I’m sure the crowd was loud but you kind of tune it out when you are really focused and in it. I was trying to position myself well,” Griner said. A couple actions in his heat through him off as Griner was aiming to save his energy for the final part of the race. He ended up making his charge sooner than he wanted and he faded towards the finish line as a result.

“The 800 is pretty much a one move race,” Griner said. “You have enough energy to make one big push. I was hoping to make mine the last 100 meters. I wish I had conserved that energy at that point in the race. I got last in my heat which I was a little upset about. I ran 1:47.74, that was my third best time outdoors. I was just upset with the positioning. I really wanted to advance past the prelim. I was about a half second off.”

Griner says his running career is not over as he hopes to compete in national meets next year and try out for the 2028 Olympics. He will be working with tanks in the military but plans to keep training in his free time.

“Coming away from the meet I’m going to continue to train and get better,” Griner said.

Griner graduated from Wawasee in 2019 and won the Patriot League title in the 800 this spring while at Army. He is confident his Olympic dreams are not finished.

“The way things have been progressing for me through college, if given the opportunity to continue to train I think it is a realistic possibility,” Griner said.

“I’ve got a few short years where I can run fast and I will try to make the most of it while I can.

I believe it is the thing that I’m best at. I believe God has given me talent to run fast. I don’t want to waste this skill that I have.”

Maxwelton Ladies League results

The Maxwelton Ladies Leagues was back in action on Wednesday, June 26, for a game of “Blind Nine.” Robin Barney won first place and Kathy Baumbaugh was second. Chris Trame won the Low Putts award and she split the Chip-In title with Clare Baumgardt.

Sailing program begins at Wawasee Yacht Club

By MARY HURSH Guest Writer

At the end of the first day of the five-week junior sailing program at the Wawasee Yacht Club, young sailors made their way into the clubhouse toward the long tables arranged in a horseshoe shape to discuss the day’s sailing on Lake Wawasee.

The 20+ students, clad in bathing suits, life jackets and a variety of hats and Crocs shoes (with charms) took their places in front of two pieces of line (rope) which they would later use to practice making a figure eight knot. Lead instructor Andrew Wallach and his five junior assistant instructors reviewed the day’s positives and the days “work-on-for-nexttime” aspects of sailing. Wallach

pointed to a pram set up on the porch to explain various concepts of sailing . He stressed that if a sailor felt he or she was struggling with any part of sailing to call out for an instructor. “That is what we are here for. We want each of you to be safe,” said Wallach.

Basic sailing is offered for all sailors ages 8-13. Sailors are grouped according to size, experience and ability. The focus is on basics of sailing such as boat handling and wind awareness. Optimist, O’Pen Bics and Sunfish boats are used. The advanced program is recommended for experienced sailors ages 13-15. The focus is on practicing advanced boat handling techniques, racing skills and teamwork aboard multi-crew boats. Sailors are encouraged

Famous Hoosiers Series —

to crew aboard Lightnings or E Scows and/or to race Sunfish during club racing weekends.

“The key takeaway for beginners is to keep their boats up, manage main sheet and tiller control and sail perpendicular to the wind. The takeaway for the advanced kids is to tack to the upwind mark and sail back to me,” said Wallach.

The junior instructors working at the club so far are Grant Garner, Rory Nelson, Graydon Holt, Jack Winter, Anna Winter, Audrey Wallach, Mia and Wynn Wellington.

Friendship plays a big part in the experience of sailing. “The kids love to see their friends from the year before. Our sailors come from all over the country,” said Wallach.

John Wooden, the greatest coach in history

It is remarkable how little many Hoosiers know about the history of the state and the amazing people it has spawned.

Some of the greatest athletes, composers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, innovators, leaders, musicians, philanthropists, politicians, preachers, public servants, scientists, teachers and writers in U.S. history were nurtured by this soil.

Chautauqua-Wawasee has embarked on an annual series to highlight Hoosiers who have impacted America.

Someone

John Wooden will lead off this series with a presentation by Dr. Richard Gunderman, author of the book “Hoosier Beacons.” The book provides a sketch of 30 notable people with Hoosier connections.

When you hear Gunderman’s presentation, you will be amazed at the nature and accomplishments of the man discussed and you will want to be a better person by simply hearing about Wooden’s long and successful life.

The John Wooden presentation will be July 13, beginning with light refreshments and a cash bar at 4:30 p.m. followed by the presentation from 5-6 p.m.. The program will be at the Oakwood Resort Inn in Syracuse, and is free to attend.

About The Presenter Gunderman is chancellor’s professor in the schools of medicine, liberal arts and philanthropy at Indiana University.

Dr. Richard

HOOSIERS

will present John Wooden, the man some say was the greatest coach in the history of American Sports, in Chautauqua-Wawasee’s first annual series highlighting famous Hoosiers. The free program will be from 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at Oakwood Resort, Syracuse. Photo provided by Chautauqua-Wawasee.

native of Indianapolis, he

Wawasee Male Athlete of the Year: Ty Brooks

By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer

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.

Wawasee baseball was in need of a spark in the 2024 season and Ty Brooks delivered. Brooks missed roughly half of the 2023 season due to injury and the Warriors recorded just three wins. Brooks delivered in 2024 as he was able to play the whole season.

“It was big and not just for me. Especially for the baseball team; we struggled with morale last year. Me having a strong year helped lead the younger guys and show them how important it is to be a leader,” Brooks said.

The Warriors would nearly quadruple their win total from last year as they prevailed in 11 games. Brooks pitched in nine games and allowed just 17 runs in the 46 innings pitched.

At the plate, Brooks led Wawasee with a team-high 34 hits and 22 runs. His offensive and defensive performances led him to the North/ South All-Star Series at Huntington University on Saturday, June 22. Brooks appeared in the second game for the North team and pitched three innings, allowing no runs. His team would fall 12-11. While Brooks wanted to win another sectional title like he did in 2022 with the Warriors, he says he enjoyed the brotherhood with his teammates.

“It was just a fun group of guys. I would say being able to spend time

with them outside of the sport was really fun,” Brooks said. Brooks now turns his attention to Indiana State University. He signed with the Sycamores last fall and will join his older brother, Grant Brooks, as Wawasee pitchers in college baseball. Grant is currently in the transfer portal after spending his freshman and sophomore seasons at Butler University.

Brooks feels he is ready for the upgraded challenge in competition and to earn a place in the Indiana State rotation.

“You’re not given a spot. You still have to earn that. It’s up in the air. Going to have to keep working and show up ready to play in the fall,” Brooks said.

In addition to baseball, Brooks made an impact on the tennis team. He played doubles with Evan Byler to help the Warriors to finish third in the Northern Lakes Conference. He credits his coaches in Brent Doty, Joe Salazar and Vince Rhodes. Brooks says he is also thankful for the medical training staff, including Robin Berghoff, for his injury rehabilitation.

“It was a great four years for me. I learned a lot. Got a lot better. There was a lot to gain these past four years for me.”

He encourages Wawasee youth to make the added effort to be intentional about getting better in their sports.

“Keep working. There is always room to get better,” Brooks said.

“You can look across the country and their are always guys better, so keep working. Stay disciplined. Never think you are there. Never take a day off. It’s everything from sleep to nutrition.”

Local softball team advances to regionals

K-County Kraken 14u softball team will be traveling to a regional tournament in Evansville from Monday, July 8, to

Saturday, July 13. The North Webster-based team will take part in the United State Specialty Sports Association Great

Lakes Regionals. The Kraken 13u team is also

First Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber Color Run deemed a success

Text and Photos

By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer

Eighty-three runners and walkers turned out for the first ever Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce Color Run held Saturday morning, June 29.

Overcast skies and high humidity didn’t keep people away from signing up right before the event

The extra T-shirts purchased for walk-ins quickly ran out. The event was held at South Shore Village, which has private trails on its property.

The trails are approximately 3 feet wide and wind throughout the former South Shore Golf Course.

Several participants said the course was nice, but a tad slippery from the overnight rain. While the trails are not open to the public, they can be used for special events such as the color run with permission from South Shore Village. Proceeds from the run will go towards operating expenses for the chamber of commerce.

At one point, Ashley Dillon, executive director of the chamber, worried the venue would run out of parking. Jeff Dyson, co-owner of South Shore Village and president of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, said “that’s a good problem to have.”

For several participants this was their first ever color run. There was one group of friends who all ran in tutus, and one friendly dog who somehow managed to not get any color splashed on him. Others such as Evan Mathews and Thomas Lowe planned to come in among the top 10. Mathews was second in his age category while Thomas placed first. Volunteers along the course had squirt bottles where they sprayed color on the participants as they passed through. Participants themselves also received bags of colored powder which they threw members of their group. At the end of the race, the volunteers had as much color on them as

the racers.

Results for the Color Run 5K are:

Male Overall: Dale Yoder, 15.03

Female Overall: America Benitez, 20:00

Male Master: Brian Shepherd, 15:20

Female Master: Jacinda Metz, 23:36.

Female 12 & Under: Adeline Denton, 26:36; Taylin Siple, 31:28; and Whitney Metz, 36:19

Female 13-19: Brownwyn Poch, 21:16; Allison Giltner, 21:20; Melayna Howett, 21:44; Aowyn Fuller, 22:39; and Addison Mehlberg.

Male 13-19: Joel Knepp 16:03 and Evan Mathews, 17:36

Female 20-29:Yulia Yatsenko, 25:32; Brittany Belanger, 25:32; Allie McCrady, 28:23; and Claire Rogozinski, 28:24

Male 20-29: Andrew Payton, 28:24

Female 30-39: Lindsey Denton, 26:29; Nichole Vancuren, 27:48; and Kystalle Johnston, 39:34

Male 30-39: Jason Vancuren, 19:19 and Jason Metz, 36:22

Female 40-49: Kandi Ludwig, 25:57 and Brandy Addington, 27:50

Male 40-49: Thomas Lowe, 16:11

Female 50-59: Gail Shepherd, 34:32; and Amy Cox, 39:34

Male 60-69: Robert Burg, 24:48

Female 60-69: Peggy Cook, 31:40

Female 70 & Over: Metedith Shriner, 25:54

Male 70 & Over: TJ Curfman, 23:40 and Randall Shriner, 31:09

Top 10 participants for the 1 mile run were:

Male: Anthony MIller, 07:09; Jonathan Guyas, 09:25; Ace Troyer, 09:45; Beck Heil, 10:25.37; Emerson Raskin, 10:25.72; Clarkson Leffler, 14:42; Erick Leffler, 14:43; Matt Hohbein, 16:50; Scott Wallace, 20:19; and Niles Kauffman, 24:01

Female: Emma Guyas, 09:25; Lexi Lawwill, 09:44.07; Leia Lawwill, 09:44.72; Lesley Raskin, 10:28; Charlotte Guyas, 12.41.44; Lindsay Guyas, 12:51.79; Millie Leffler, 15:33; Lauren Warner, 15:35; Cora Hohbein, 16:30; and Jen Hohbein, 16:33

FEMALE — America Benitez, right, was the female overall in the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce Color Run held Saturday, June 29. Shown with Benitez is Alyssa Trout, from Oakwood Resort. Oakwood donated a one night’s stay to the male and female overall winners as well as the male and female master runners.

Community Corner

Stokes applies mind and heart to volunteer work

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

Paula Stokes is a lifelong Milford resident who graduated with the very last class of Milford High School students in 1968. She then moved on to Ivy Tech classes on a fascinating new device: the early desktop computer.

“I was very interested in writing computer language, so I took a lot of classes to that. I was almost on the ground line of getting computers first in an office setting. I worked for United Telephone Company, and my first computer was huge, it took up almost my whole desk. And then I got very interested in software. ... In the end I was a financial analyst working with a lot of capital budgets and I did a lot of software training for other employees,” Stokes recalled.

What she most enjoys about computers is the power that they afford to users.

“I think I have an analytical mind. I like Excel a lot, you know, writing formulas and getting the computer to do more of the work and me less of the work,” she explained.

people, shook their hands and asked them where they were from. That kind of surprised me,” she remarked.

When she returned home, Stokes decided she would continue her new pastime. She and her husband, Steven, started delivering for Mobile Meals in 2011 and are still driving the same route today.

She also belongs to the Milford Kiwanis and became involved with Riley Children’s Hospital after her grandson was a patient there. When local service organizations round up donated items for the Riley kids, Stokes is one of the people who deliver them to the hospital.

For the past three years, Stokes has volunteered at the Van Buren Township Food Pantry in Milford. She said she’ll sometimes serve 10 or 11 families a week there.

PROFILE

Through her 39-year career with United Telephone Company and raising four children, she stayed extremely busy. It wasn’t until 2011, when an EF5 tornado hit Joplin, Miss., that her history of volunteer work began.

Stokes’ oldest daughter was living in Joplin at the time. When she flew there to be with her daughter, she saw an opportunity to help the ravaged community.

“You just go and you do what’s needed to be done. ... When you see someone who has lost everything, it’s kind of hard to wrap your arms around that, because we are so blessed in this community,” Stokes said.

She would end up returning to volunteer in Joplin eight times. On one memorable trip, she joined over 10,000 other volunteers in an effort to build seven houses in seven days, all while an “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” camera crew filmed the whole endeavor.

Stokes is not a builder and helped out by distributing food and picking up trash, but she did get to meet the show’s host, Ty Pennington.

“He’s funny, actually, he’s very funny. Very upbeat but at the same time kind of down to earth. He went through the crowd, talked to

“This is a great asset to the community, I think. Because even though it’s Van Buren Township, we don’t turn anyone away. If they come in and they say they need food, we will give them a box of food and let them know what services are in their area. I enjoy working with the people here. And you see all ages. ... Bottom line is everybody has to eat,” she said.

Stokes is motivated by a long-held belief in helping others, one that was taught to her in early childhood. She explained, “my parents lived through the Depression. Especially my mother, so often she was hungry as a child. She would tell us about some of the things they would try to do, collect pop bottles just to get food on the table. ... And that was kind of ingrained in me, I think, that it was just the right thing to do to help someone who was less fortunate than you.”

Getting to know the families who use the food pantry and hearing their stories stokes the same fire within her, one that drives her to keep helping.

“Here, you get to know the people and their families, and maybe what struggles they have, whether it’s a job or medical or something else. They kind of open up to you and I like that part, just getting to know who they are and what they’re going through,” she said.

Outside her volunteer work, Stokes’ great passion is her flower garden. The only thing she can’t figure out yet, she said, is propagating succulents.

LAKELAND KIWANIS SCHOLARSHIP The third recipient for the Lakeland Kiwanis Scholarship was awarded to Nathan Harper. Harper is active in many sports with swimming being his favorite. He will be attending Ball State this fall, majoring in salesmanship and finance. He will continue his swimming. The Lakeland Kiwanis meets at 6:30 a.m. every Monday at the North Webster Community Center with an open invitation for everyone. Photo provided.

Syracuse Boy Scouts earn merit badges/awards

Four members of Syracuse Boy Scout Troop 728 attended Camp Chief Little Turtle Scout Camp June 24-28, bringing home a total of 10 merit badges. Attending were Trent Ritter, Evan Scott, Nate Gillam and Bently Truman. In addition to merit badges, Ritter and Scott also achieved their Tenderfoot and Second Class ranks. The troop was also awarded the Commissioners Award for maintaining their campsite at Boy

Scouts of America standards and winning first place in the Campsite Entrance competition. While at camp, the boys participated in a wide variety of activities including the scouts vs. leaders shoot-off, target practice, swimming, fishing, star gazing and identifying constellations, operating drones,

Mobile Meals drivers

Volunteer drivers for Syracuse, Milford and North Webster Mobile Meals have been scheduled as follows: Syracuse Drivers July 8-12 MONDAY — M. Smith TUESDAY — C. Manning WEDNESDAY — J. Rowland THURSDAY — M. Xanders FRIDAY — K. Young Milford Drivers July 8-12 MONDAY — J. Redman TUESDAY

Flag-waving patriotism at Oakwood

By MARK KNECHT President Chautauqua-Wawasee

The weather was nearly perfect Sunday evening for the annual Patriotic Pops concert by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra at Oakwood Resort. The turnout appeared to be a record with more than 1,000 people on the lawn and 20 boats offshore on Lake Wawasee. Chautauqua’s Phil Metcalf opened the evening and got the flag-waving started. All who attended were presented with a small American flag and glow

necklace which added to the festiveness of the program. The Syracuse American Legion Post 223 Honor Guard presented colors as Conductor Caleb Young kicked off the music with the playing of our National Anthem. Foot-tapping, flag-waving and sing-along music followed, starting with the John William’s “Olympic Fanfare” and other familiar favorites such as the “Suite

Dream of attending the Chicago Art Institute realized

By MARY HURSH Guest Writer

On Aug. 24, Wawasee High School 2024 graduate Tobias Pressler will head to his new, four-year home at the Chicago Art Institute. There, he will major in art history with a focus on conservation and restoration of paintings.

“I am excited to go,” said Pressler. “I decided to apply at the end of my junior year. I submitted an application as well as a portfolio online. I also took my physical portfolio composed of 15 pieces to the art institute. They wanted items that represented me as a person. They wanted to see me in my works.”

As a result of his application, his interview and his portfolio, Pressler was not only accepted, but he was given a scholarship.

“Eventually, I would like to continue at the Institute and get my master’s degree and apply for an apprenticeship in conservation and restoration. From there, I would like to eventually end up working at the Art Institute,” said Pressler.

One of the pieces in his portfolio is a painting of two Christmas ornaments and a gift in acrylic.

“I mixed the paints by hand. I mixed pigment with gel to get the color I wanted. It took awhile to get used to mixing and my hand hurt. I very rarely use color out of the tube,” said Pressler. When he was young, Pressler’s dad took him to the Art Institute, and from that time he has had a passion for attending school there. He often accompanies his dad for sketching trips, which they call “photosafaries.”

Over the years in the art de-

Natalie Fierek —

Tobias Pressler often paints his self portrait to judge his developing skills. Photo by Mary Hursh.

partment at Wawasee High School, Pressler took drawing, painting and art trade classes. He helped run the student gallery at school and worked with other students to produce works for Parkview Hospital in Warsaw after learning the techniques of mosaic wall hangings from his teacher Christine Ziebarth. “Mrs. Ziebarth gave me so many opportunities that someone else might not have given me. She gave me technique and life advice.”

Most of the work Pressler does is in acrylics. He paints a wide

variety of objects, people and animals. “I really like painting ‘en plein air’ at the Between-theLakes property by the Channel Marker.”

Learning the techniques of conservatorship and restoration involves many skills and much study. “At the Chicago Art Institute, I will learn how to match paint and painting styles, how to repair canvas, how to apply chemicals to clean the surface of paintings, how to mend the canvas and how to stretch the canvas. I will have to be very patient.”

Lakes are precious shared resources

By SARAH MARTY-SCHLIPF

The Watershed Foundation

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a profile series on individual involved in The Watershed Foundation

Natalie Fierek has spent most of her life on or near a lake in northern Indiana.

Raised in Kosciusko County, she and her three siblings grew up on Tippecanoe and Winona. Later, after a few years in the Indianapolis area, she moved with her own family to Tippecanoe because she wanted her two daughters to experience everything good about lake life.

“Just being near water is centering,” says Fierek. “It’s calming. It’s my happy place.” At the lake, there are few distractions, and life slows down. It’s where her family gathers to unplug and connect with each other. They pile into the pontoon and putt around, float on kayaks, swim, or sit by the water and watch boats. “We spend quality time,” she says. “We live like the lake.”

It’s not just the natural environment that makes lake life special, Fierek explains. It’s the social environment too. Most of her neighbors are seasonal residents or regular visitors. They spend nearly every weekend of the summer together, enjoying the water and getting to know each other in that fun, laidback setting. Because the lake brings people together — people who love the lake — it creates a sense of community. It’s home.

Finding Her “Wxhy” After she moved home to Kosciusko County, Fierek began looking for ways to get involved in her community. That’s how she met Lyn Crighton, The Watershed Foundation’s director, and connected with the mission of protecting local lakes. Now 14 years later, she’s one of TWF’s longest-serving board members.

Fierek has worn many hats over the years, serving as board president and vice president, leading committees, coordinating events, helping hire and develop staff, and guiding the organization through key moments of growth and change. She remembers developing TWF’s “Dream Team” of watershed conservationists, which made it possible to take on larger projects like shoreline restorations, work closely with farmers on conservation practice, and scale up impact. “That was a big moment,” Fierek recalls.

Another big moment? When the state of Indiana asked TWF to expand its watershed work to the Warsaw-Winona area. It was a significant challenge, but TWF

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON Guest Columnist and Master Gardener

Yellow iris

Iris pseudacorus, the yellow flag, yellow iris, or water flag, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is native to Europe.

IN THE

Garden

Its specific epithet pseudacorus means “false acorus,” referring to the similarity of its leaves to those of Acorus calamus (sweet flag), as they have a prominently veined mid-rib and sword-like shape. However, the two plants are not closely related.

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON, Guest Columnist and Master Gardener

IN

This Iris is not related to the short story in 1937, Yellow Iris set in a restaurant and the location obviously appealed to the BBC’s producers who commissioned an hour long adaptation for The National Programmed. The Yellow Iris was broadcast in the same year but met with mixed reviews as the action/dialogue was interspersed with the performances of the cabaret artistes who were supposedly on the bill at the restaurant.

THE Garden Garden IN THE

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON, Guest Columnist and Master Gardener

reached the garden. as a result she gathered them and created an iris flowerbed.

“Fleur de lys” literally means flower of the lily. This might lead you to think that the symbol represents a stylized lily.

As enjoyable as the acts were, they made it difficult to follow the plot. It marked Poirot’s debut on radio, played by Anthony Holler. Agatha Christie later used the central idea and setting of Yellow Iris in her 1945 full-length novel Sparkling Cyanide. It is also referenced as Yellow Iris in Poirot setting Home Alone.

LIVING LIKE THE LAKE Natalie Fierek has served on The Watershed Foundation’s board of directors since 2010. Photo provided by Sarah Marty-Schlipf.

had the right team, resources, and support–including its board–to face it. “We’re a scrappy little organization,” Fierek says. She’s proud of the way TWF continues to grow, evolve, and lead. In her work with TWF, Fierek has grown and changed too. A lawyer for over 20 years, she opened her private practice in 2011, focusing on worker’s compensation and disability law. She’s now an Administrative Law Judge for the Office of Administrative Law Proceedings. Fierek brings that knowledge and skill set to her volunteer roles. In return, serving on a nonprofit board has helped her develop different, equally valuable skills. Hiring and personnel management, budgets, strategic planning, fundraising–those aren’t typical experiences in Fierek’s day job, yet they’re an essential part of nonprofit work. Take fundraising, for example. Though much of her legal communication is grounded in facts and logic, fundraising requires emotional connection. “I’ve learned how to communicate better,” Fierek explains. “Those are transferable skills when I work with clients. It’s helped me grow professionally.”

She’s also learned more about the lakes she calls home — and how to protect them. “I’ve lived on lakes my whole life, but I knew so little,” says Fierek. “What’s a watershed? What are basic conservation principles? Why do weeds grow? Why does wave action matter? I knew you shouldn’t do this or that, but why?” Working with TWF helps her understand the “why.” Now she shares that valuable knowledge with her family, neighbors, and community.

Local lakes are precious shared resources, says Fierek, and they’re available to everyone. “You don’t have to live on a lake to enjoy the lakes,” she points out. “You can swim at the beach, fish on the shores, hike along a creek, or put in a kayak.” But lake health or decline also has enormous consequences for our communities — environmentally, socially, and economically. Thanks to her own experiences, Natalie understands it’s not that most people don’t care; it’s that they don’t know.

“Take time to inform yourself,” she encourages. “Learn about this resource and how what we do affects it. It’s so important.”

Be that as it may, the Yellow lris lives on in my life with many names, in many habitats and loves water. Lucky for me my gardening friend decided to create a new garden design and didn’t want to have Yellow Iris included. So I accepted the castoff as a reminder of the flowers in Mothers garden, in early 40s style was a collection from friends of the neighborhood, sharing plants and seeds. Also yellow Iris taking residence in the Bracht ditch when water current receding but often the over flow of high water

The only problem is it doesn’t look like a lily flower and that’s because it’s not. It’s really an iris: specifically a yellow iris that grows at the water’s edge.

IN THE Garden

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON, Guest Columnist and Master Gardener

So why call an iris a lily? The confusion seems to lie with the word lys or lis. There’s a river that runs from Pas de Calais in northern France to Ghent, Belgium. This river is called the Leie or Lys. And it has lots of yellow iris along its banks. Since the early Frankish kings were from that area, it seems likely the fleur de lys represents the flower that grows on the Lys River. The fleurs de lys on the old French flags are gold (like the yellow iris) and the background is blue (like the Lys River).

The first historical evidence we have of the fleur de lys on the shield or coat of arms of the French Kings dates to the 12th century and Louis VI. His blue shield was strewn with golden

fleurs de lys. This scattering of the symbols was used until the late 14th century when Charles V1 changed it to a group of three. It’s also in the 12th century that we begin to find writings explaining the fifth-century origin of the link between the fleur de lys symbol and the French kings. All this aside where did my introduction to Yellow Iris begin? Living on the Bracht Ditch, tributary to the Miami River for starters. The iris being of shallow root and periodic high water gave the impetus to travel with the current and lodge in Moms garden, as a result she gathered them and created an arrangement surrounded by glacial rock. Another legends tells us that Clovis and his army were in battle and were pushed back into the marsh lands. They were trapped and would surely have been killed had they not spotted a group of yellow water iris. Knowing that these flowers grew in shallow water, they saw just where they could cross the water to safety. According to this legend, this is the reason Clovis adopted the yellow flower as his symbol.

Five things you should know about Chautauqua-Wawasee

By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer

The Mail-Journal recently sat down with Mark Knecht, president of Chautauqua-Wawasee, to talk about the organization and future plans.

The Mail-Journal: What do you want readers to know about Chautauqua?

Knecht: Well, a lot of people don’t know who we are and what we do, so that would be a good place to start.

M-J: Ok, let’s start with that.

Knecht: Our primary goal is to help make Syracuse and the region a great place to visit, work, live and raise a family. We try to do this by offering unique programs consistent with the four Chautauqua pillars: Arts, Education, Faith and Recreation.

M-J: That’s a very broad scope. How do you decide on programming with the pillars?

Knecht: Yes, it is very broad. So, we try to pick specific voids no one else is providing. For example, we have a Patriotic Speaker series around July 4. We brought an Abe Lincoln re-enactor one year, Thomas Jefferson another year and this year was Ben Franklin.

M-J: Does Chautauqua-Wawasee do this all on its own?

Knecht: No. Our goal is always to partner with another organization or two or sometimes more. As an example, for our Old Fashioned Christmas program, we

team with the Town of Syracuse, Syracuse- Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, Rotary, Boy Scouts, Oakwood Resort and Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation. It’s a huge effort led by Kip Schumm. More than 1,000 people attended in 2023. It’s always best to work as a team.

M-J: That makes sense. Looking back on 2023, what are you particularly proud of?

Knecht: Oh, that’s a tough one. The Fine Arts Festival is very successful. But I’d say I hear more comments about “Taps Across the Water” program than any other program. This year, we teamed more closely with Matt Murdock who lives on Webster Lake. On Syracuse and Wawasee, we still have some areas where people have come out to listen, and couldn’t hear it … we’ve got to work on that again next year … the wind is a big factor affecting how far sound travels.

M-J: What programs are coming back for 2025?

Knecht: We’ll have the Ball State Singers come back. We are teaming with the Northern Indiana Plein Air Association on a couple new programs. The goal is to enhance the reputation of this area as an artist destination. This year the dog parade which we call Pawasee. It was tremendous fun with pet owners and dogs dressed up for the parade, and awards for Best Dress, Best Dog Trick and Best Tail Wag.

M-J: Oh Fun! What else?

Knecht: For the remainder of this year, we’ll have The Walk Down Memory Lane, a historic film festival, which will be held Saturday, July 20, the Native American program, held at both the Syracuse Community Center and WACF, will be back in September. It always attracts an audience with curiosity about local history. Another returning program will be Myammiaki Stories,which will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 7.

M-J: How does Chautauqua-Wawasee function since most of your programs are free to attend?

Knecht: 95% of the work is done by volunteers … Chautauqua’s and the partners we team with. We want as many people as possible to have access to our programs, so making them free to attend works best. Our funding comes from the Howard and Myra Brembeck Foundation, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Harkless Foundation, and from donations received during our annual fundraising campaign.

M-J: How do people learn about programs and events you offer?

Knecht: We publish an e-newsletter called “Five Things You Should Know” …five times a year. It’s a quick read. Our ChautauquaWawasee.org website is always up-to-date, and we regularly post on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

M-J: Thank you for sharing.

It happened in North Webster ... 50 years ago

10 YEARS AGO, JULY 2, 2014

McKenna D’Arcy, Goshen, Miss Dewart Lake and daughter of Kevin and Sharlyn D’Arcy, was crowned the 2014 Queen of Lakes Saturday evening in North Webster. The 2014 Concord High School graduate stated this gets her one step closer to meeting college expenses. Hayden Castro, son of Jenna Wireman, Etna Green, and Hope Scott, daughter of Andy and Lisa Scott, Leesburg, were crowned the 2014 Mermaid Festival Cutie King and Queen in North Webster. In a battle of the lakes, Webster Lake emerged as the grandest of them all at the Mermaid Festival Co-ed Beach Volleyball Tournament. The week-long tournament concluded Saturday after pool play took place during the week.

20 YEARS AGO, JUNE 30, 2004

This year’s Mermaid Festival parade had fewer award categories and winners. This way, parade entries were up for more presti-

gious awards. The categories included Best of Theme awards for those who creatively used this year’s festival theme, “Hollywood Nights,” Best Marching Band awards and the Best Queen of Lakes entry. Best Queen of Lakes first place winner went to Miss Webster Lake, Kim Hoover. Mermaid Festival Tournament of Champions was held at North Webster Elementary School. This year, Ryan Stichter was the winner on the men’s side and Jessica Leach was the winner on the women’s side.

It was a star-studded night at the North Webster Community Center Friday as 25 boys and 45 girls competed for the title of Mermaid Festival Cutie King and Queen. After several tie-breakers, judges selected Alexandra Ficus, 5, to be the Cutie Queen and Colin Stevens, 4, to be the Cutie King. They each received a $5,000 scholarship.

30 YEARS AGO, JUNE 29, 1994

Neal Carlson, executive director of Kosciusko County Foun-

dation, was guest speaker at the Lakeland Kiwanis Club meeting Monday in North Webster Church of God. He explained the purpose and organization of the foundation.

New officers were installed by retiring Backwater Friends Club

President Marlene Charlton during a candlelight ceremony. She presented each incoming officer with a red rose. The new officers are: Esther Rider, president; Laura Coverstone, vice president; Lois Lundy, secretary; and Sara Rhodes, treasurer. Members of

the Ladies Bridge Club of Tippecanoe Lake Country Club and three guests met June 15. Hostesses for the day were Bette Anglin and Frances Carr.

Phone Or Fax In Your Ad Before 11 A.M. Tuesday MILFORD 574-658-4111

40 YEARS AGO, JULY 4, 1984

Julie Waterson, 20, was named the 1984 Queen of Lakes. She is a 1982 graduate of Fairfield Cosmetology School and Wawasee High School. She was entered as Miss North Webster.

Phillip Payne, a well-known North Webster heating and plumbing contractor and District

It happened in Milford ... 50 years ago

1 member of the Lakeland School Corporation board of trustees since July 1, 1973, has made it known he will not seek re-election.

Eight area residents attended the North Webster Town board meeting to discuss the proposed development of Continental Industrial Park, at the edge of Turkey Creek Township, just north of North Webster.

50 YEARS AGO, JULY 3, 1974

Terri Branson was named the 1974 Queen of Lakes at the

North

the upcoming corn and

Coy elected national president of Mothers of World War II

10 YEARS AGO, JULY 2, 2014

The 2014 4-H fair queen and royal court were crowned Tuesday evening at the Kosciusko County Purdue Extension building in Warsaw during awards night. Milford resident Hannah Tucker won the title. She is a junior in high school, and is a home-schooled student. Her parents are Steve and Valerie Tucker. The early morning storm Tuesday produced an EF-O tornado 3.5 miles west of Milford, dissipating 2.2 miles northwest of town. The storm continued northwest with microbursts hitting Syracuse. The tornado was confirmed by the National

Weather Service late Tuesday evening.

20 YEARS AGO, JUNE 30, 2004

Brent Lamb of Milford was among the 366 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships recipients to be honored Saturday evening, June 26, during the “Celebrate Education” program held at the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott. A graduate of Wawasee High School, Lamb will be attending Purdue University in the fall. His parents are Bruce and Beth Lamb, rural Milford. Doug Whetten was shown putting up the sign at Doug’s Market on Milford’s Main Street Friday. “Your hometown grocery store” was open for business late last

and Marketing Director

We are looking for an accomplished Sales and Marketing Director with a solid background in the publishing industry and extensive sales experience. The ideal candidate will be marketing-savvy, well-versed in both print and digital marketing strategies, and possess a comprehensive understanding of advertising, print media, email campaigns, website analytics, digital marketing, SEO, and current digital marketing trends. This role manages over 40 marketing professionals, including a local sales team and a remote team that covers three states.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute effective sales and marketing strategies to drive revenue growth for both print and digital platforms.

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• Analyze market trends and competitor activities to identify new opportunities and improve existing strategies.

• Oversee digital marketing efforts, including the development of digital platforms, email campaigning, SEO marketing, and website analytics to optimize online presence.

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• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders.

• Monitor and report on team sales and profit performance.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in the publishing industry, with a strong track record in sales and marketing.

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• In-depth knowledge of print and digital marketing, including email campaigns, website analytics, and SEO.

• Strong understanding of current advertising and digital marketing trends, and best practices.

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• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

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Why Join Us:

• Be part of a family-owned company with a rich history and a strong presence in the publishing industry.

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Send email and send resume to: rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

week and carries fresh meats, vegetables, bread and milk, as well as other staples.

30 YEARS AGO, JUNE 29, 1994

Allen and Ellen Slabaugh, 1953 E. 1100N, Milford, will be honored for their 25th wedding anniversary with a barn party to begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at the country home of their daughter and son-in-law. Slabaugh and the former Ellen Plummer were married July 5, 1969, in First United Methodist Church, Warsaw. Junior Girl Scout Troop 326, Milford, took a trip to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and Zoo June 4-5. They spent the night in a tent at the zoo. While there, they got to go behind the scenes for some exploratory learning about large insects and similar things. The trip was an Indiana Lakeland Girl Scout Council event for Junior Girl Scouts. Troop leaders are Gloria Ruch and Rebecca Gray.

40 YEARS AGO, JULY 4, 1984

N. John Perry, Milford drug store owner, was presented with a handsome commemorative plaque last week for his service as a longtime member of the Kosciusko Community Hospital board of directors. The plaque was presented by Ralph W. Thornburg.

Linda Perry, “Miss Milford,” daughter of John and Marilyn Perry, rode in the parade route at North Webster on Saturday. Linda represented the Milford Lions in the “Queen of Lakes” contest. Mr. and Mrs. Howard (Irene) Gingerich, r 2 box 2, Milford, are the parents of a son born Sunday, July 1, in the Elkhart Hospital. 50 YEARS AGO, JULY 3, 1974 Friends and classmates of Joseph Jessop, the Milford young man who was the fatal victim of a bizarre accident on Friday, June 21, showed up Saturday to paint the Jessop home on South Main street in Milford, as a gesture of friendship to their fallen friend. Mrs. Roscoe Coy of Milford was elected 1974-75 national president of the Mothers of World War II organization at their 31st annual convention held at Rockford, Ill., last week. She will serve for one year. Mrs. Coy served as state president for the group in 1969 and 1970. The Oscar Schmucker family, he is resident director for Camp Mack, moved into their new home in the Beer-Kilmer addition at Waubee Lake on Saturday. The staff from the camp helped the Schmuckers move in the morning and on Saturday night brought homemade ice cream to observe Mrs. Schmucker’s birthday.

Chamber recognizes Tippy Creek Winery as Member of the Month

Tippy Creek Winery is the June Member of the Month for the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce. Tippy Creek Winery has been a unique point of interest in the community since 2016. Regular events such as cruise-ins, comedy nights, painting classes and hot air balloon glows are paired nice-

ly with craft-made wines. Daniel and Lori Richcreek describe Kosciusko’s first farm winery as “an outdoor-oriented company and enjoy aligning wine with active, outdoor lifestyles.” Tippy Creek Winery has six stainless steel tanks that can hold over 10,000 gallons of wine a year. There are 20 different wines

It happened in Syracuse ... 30 years ago

available with names that give a nod to local lakes and experiences. The vast selection is available in multiple locations throughout Kosciusko County.

NWTTCC recognizes Tippy Creek as Member of the Month for their commitment to bring the community together through events and their generosity in

giving back to the community. Richcreek commented, “Tippy Creek Winery loves being a part of our community and giving back whenever we can.” Information can be found on their website tippycreekwinery. com, on their facebook page or by visiting them at 5920 N. 200E, Leesburg.

Syracuse’s Rose Lady grows tomato

10 YEARS AGO, JULY 2, 2014

Grace College has released the name of a local student who was named to the dean’s list for spring 2014. Holly Kolberg of Syracuse, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Kolberg, displayed academic excellence in spring 2014 and in doing so earned the honor of being placed on the dean’s list. Kolberg graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 grade point average during spring 2014 ceremonies with a bachelor of arts degree double major in counseling and sociology. Syracuse teen Keyanna Cle-

venger was named as the third runner-up in the Miss Teen Kosciusko County Pageant, which occurred Saturday, June 21, at the Shrine Building located on the Kosciusko County Community Fairgrounds.

20 YEARS AGO, JUNE 30, 2004 Frog Tavern’s Lillypad owner, Mike Kaduk, Syracuse, has announced that the 65-foot S.S. Lillypad will be taking its 1,000th cruise from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 11. On the voyage, appetizers and nonstop entertainment will be provided by the Classics, a group that plays music from the 1950s, 1960s

Report your observations of wild turkey hens and their young

You can help the Indiana Department of Natural Resources learn more about the state’s wild turkey populations by reporting observations of hens with and without poults (chicks) through Aug. 31.

Anybody who observes wild turkey hens with poults or hens without poults is encouraged to report their observations online at DNR’s turkey brood reporting web page, on.IN.gov/turkeybrood. Observations take only a few minutes to report, and no log-in is required.

The survey will be open from July 1 through Aug. 31, with a goal of receiving 3,000 observations across the state during that time.

DNR uses the reported observations to monitor wild turkey reproduction and calculate the state’s poult-to-hen ratio, or pro-

duction Index. The information gathered from the survey will be made available to the public in the annual Wild Turkey Brood Report.

“Statewide turkey populations appear to be stable in Indiana, and monitoring hens and poults gives DNR a better understanding of population trends across the state,” said DNR furbearer and turkey research biologist Andy Byers. “Observations reported by the public are an important part of helping DNR manage wild turkeys.” For more information on how to identify turkey broods, as well as look at past survey reports, visit on.IN.gov/turkeybrood.

Sycamore Street, Syracuse, IN 46567 is submitting a Notice of Intent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of our intent to comply

the requirements of Construction

Permit (CSGP) to

from construc-

Milford

School located at 611 West Emeline Street, Milford, IN 46542. Runoff from the project site will discharge to the Turkey Creek. Questions or comments should be directed to Ed Bender of Michael Kinder & Sons, Inc. at (260) 744-4359. hspaxlp

and 1970s. June is the month for roses. Most rose bushes bloom profusely during June. This beautiful flower has a strong admirer in June Laudeman of Syracuse, who loves seeing them and enjoys smelling the fragrances of the beautiful roses. She has numerous favorites, two of which are Barbara Bush Rose and Spice Twice. She and her husband, Robert, raised roses for a number of years from 1985 to 1995.

30 YEARS AGO, JUNE 29, 1994

Robert and Rosalyn Jones, North Ogden Point Road, Syracuse, recently returned from their first trip to Japan. Daughter Wendy Nakanishi has lived there for 10 years, teaching English literature and beginning conversational English at a university there.

June Laudeman, the town of Syracuse’s Rose Lady who has

given away 103 roses as of this writing, reports from her garden that she just picked her first ripe tomato. It is the earliest ever for tomatoes. The garden has really done well this year, in spite of a dry spell.

50 YEARS AGO, JULY 3, 1974

Mr. and Mrs. David Coleman, r 2 Syracuse, hosted a family dinner Sunday honoring her son, E-4 Sgt. Randall Evans and family from South Dakota. After visiting family in Syracuse, Sgt. Evans and his family will be moving to Criswell Air Force base near Fort Worth, Texas.

Miss Celeste Hite of Syracuse was feted at a kitchen bridal shower last Friday at the home of her future sister-in-law Mrs. James Hiatt of Elkhart. Miss Hite received many nice gifts and duplicate prizes were given to bride-to-be and winners of the games which were played.

TIPPECANOE TOWNSHIP, KOSCIUSKO COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE

The Tippecanoe Township Board will convene after 6:45 pm on July 16, 2024, at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St., regarding an additional appropriation for the following fund: TOWNSHIP GENERAL FUND 0101 Amount Requested Major Budget Classification: 4. Capital Outlays

4B. Buildings

Total for Township General Fund:

Submitted on this 25th day of June 2024. Christopher M. Francis Tippecanoe Township Trustee hspaxlp

STATE OF INDIANA COUNTY OF KOSCIUSKO )SS: 43C01-2406-PL-000061

D. PHILLIP FORD, S. JILL STARR, NANCY J. ROBBINSON, ROBERT C. FORD, PATRICK MAIER AND JENNIFER MAIER, Plaintiffs v. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES AND LEGATEES OF MARY JANE BIGLER, Defendants

NOTICE OF COMPLAINT FOR ADVERSE POSSESSION

TO: The unknown heirs, devisees and legatees of Mary Jane Bigler and any other persons claiming an interest in the real estate described herein: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Plaintiffs in this matter have filed their Complaint for adverse possession of the following two parcels: All that land lying east of the following tract, between the north and south lines thereof extended to the west line of Lot 2 in the Plat of Section 1 Mineral Springs: A tract of land in the Southeast Quarter of Section 7, Township 33 North, Range 7 East, in Kosciusko County, Indiana, more accurately described as follows: Commencing at the east quarter post of said Section 7; thence west along the east and west open line of said Section 442.00 feet to a point thence south along an old fence line 1354.90 feet to a point; thence south 74 degrees 38 minutes west 31.00 feet to an iron pipe marking the place of beginning; thence south along the west line of a road 42.20 feet to an iron pipe; thence south 75 degrees 20 minutes west 85.70 feet to the water’s edge of Tippecanoe Lake; thence northwesterly along said water’s edge 38.60 feet to a point; thence north 74 degrees 38 minutes east 98.00 feet to the place of beginning and containing 0.09 acres, more or less. All that land lying east of the following tract, between the north and south lines thereof extended to the west line of Lot 2 in the Plat of

Kosciusko County, Indiana You are hereby notified that on the 16th day of July, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the North Webster Community Center, North Webster, Indiana, the Town Council of the Town of North Webster, Indiana will conduct a hearing in regard to a petition filed

33 NORTH, RANGE 7 EAST, 2nd P.M., TIPPECANOE TOWNSHIP, KOSCIUSKO COUNTY, INDIANA, FURTHER DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT NUMBERED 33 IN WARNER’S 2nd ADDITION TO THE LAKE FRONT ADDITION; THENCE SOUTH 30 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT NUMBERED 34 IN SAID 2nd ADDITION; THENCE WEST 113 FEET ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID LOT NUMBERED 34 TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER THEREOF; THENCE NORTH 30 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT NUMBERED 33; THENCE EAST 113 FEET ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT NUMBERED 33 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. June 18, 2024 Leigh Anne Jessop Clerk/Treasurer, Town of North Webster, Kosciusko County, Indiana hspaxlp

STATE OF INDIANA COUNTY OF KOSCIUSKO ) SS: IN THE KOSCIUSKO CIRCUIT COURT CAUSE NO.: 43C01-1908-PL-000072 PROPERTY OWNERS INSURANCE COMPANY Plaintiff, v. BRANDON L. TAYLOR AND ANGELA M. THORN, Defendant NOTICE TO DEFENDANT Plaintiff, by

P. Irk,

affidavit of competent person showing that Angela M. Thorn cannot be found and has concealed its whereabouts or is not residing in the State of Indiana.

Said defendants must answer the complaint in writing, in person, or by attorney within 30 days commencing with the publication of the last notice or a judgment

STATE OF INDIANA COUNTY OF KOSCIUSKO CAUSE NO. 43C01-2406-MI-69 IN RE THE NAME CHANGE OF: Javier Estrada Medina Petitioner VERIFIED PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME Petitioner, Javier Estrada Medina, pro se, respectfully petitions the court to change name. In

name.

9. That I have published notice of my request for change of name in a local publication as required by law, and will bring proof of publication to the hearing.

10. That I am not a sex or violent offender who is required to register under Indiana Code 11-8-8.

11. That I wish to change my name to: Javier Estrada.

12. That I request that the name on my birth certificate not be changed. WHEREFORE, I respectfully request that this Court grant my Petition for Name Change, and for all other just and proper relief. I affirm under penalties for perjury that the foregoing representations are true. Shannon L. Dick Notary, Kosciusko County hspaxlp Ju.26-Jy.10

FOR BIDS TOWN OF SYRACUSE SYRACUSE, INDIANA 2024 SYRACUSE RESURFACING

General Notice Town of Syracuse (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project: 2024 Syracuse Resurfacing Project #H24089

Bids for the construction of the Project will be received at the Syracuse Town Hall located at 310 N. Huntington Street, Syracuse, IN 46567, until Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. local time. At that time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read.

The

Pennington named customer service representative at Brock

Marie Pennington has been named customer service representative for Brock Grain Systems, according to Steve Homme, business support group manager for the CTB Inc. business unit.

In her new role, Pennington will work closely with Brock’s logistics team where she will manage the planning and coordination of shipments to dealers in the Midwest and Southeastern regions of the United States.

Prior to joining CTB, she spent nine years gaining business management experience in the recreational vehicle in-

MARIE PENNINGTON

dustry. Most recently, she held the position of digital marketing specialist for a major recreational vehicle manufacturer in Elkhart.

Pennington earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management with a minor in accounting from DeVry University, Chicago, Ill. She also obtained a Master of Science degree in entertainment business and was awarded valedictorian at Full Sail University, Winter Park, Fla.

Around The Lakes

John Koch named environmental, health and safety manager at CTB Inc.

John Koch has been named environmental, health and safety manager for CTB Inc., according to Michael J. Kissane, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for CTB Inc.

In his new role, Koch will implement policies and programs to manage CTB’s compliance with employee safety laws and regulations and environmental laws and regulations, and to promote a safe and healthy workplace.

Before joining CTB, Koch gained 15 years of leadership and managerial experience, most recently as the senior environmental, health and safety manager for a major recreational vehicle manufacturer in Elkhart, where he managed the environmental, health and safety of programs across 10 locations,

ufacturing sector, Koch served in the Army National Guard as a combat engineer/specialist, and he was deployed to Iraq for three years.

ASMINE THE camel made an appearance at the Milford Public Library last Wednesday, June 26. She was brought there to the delight of the children (and adults) in attendance by River Jordan Camel Dairy of rural Milford.

By PASTOR STEVE WILSON Christian Church of Milford

Although we don’t use them much anymore, I enjoy looking through our old hymnals to find traditional songs that still hold value for what they say to good and godly people today. I like many of the new songs, but there are still some old songs that stir my heart mightily. Regarding patriotic songs, there are quite a few I like to keep fresh because the words can easily be neglected in favor of orchestral arrangements designed to accompany fireworks or marching bands.

We’re

L M N O P R S T U W X Y Z

Koch is a graduate of Indiana State University, Terre Haute, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in insurance and risk management. He also holds a Master of Science degree in occupational health and safety management, a Master of Science degree in organizational leadership, a Master of Science degree in human resources and a Master of Business Administration degree, all from Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, Ala.

A native of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Koch currently resides in Winona Lake.

A native of Syracuse, she currently resides there. ensured OSHA compliance and implemented safety initiatives. Prior to his career in the man-

God Bless America!

Too bad, really, because the words are still just as important as the tunes, maybe more. How many Americans have ever pondered the words of The Battle Hymn of the Republic and the Truth that is marching on? Hint: He has a name that starts with “J.”

Or, thinking about that same song, asked why wasn’t the civil war song named “The Battle Hymn of the Democracy”? They were fighting to save our democracy, weren’t they? How many are even aware that The Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem, has four verses and the fourth (which in our hymnal is included as the second) has the audacity to “praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation” and then it doubles down by mentioning our national motto, “In God is our trust.”

These are revolutionary ideas that really blur the separating line between church and state as it is often explained by modern politicians, but there they are, right in the words of our favorite patriotic songs.

One of the boldest of these cherished songs was written during World War I by a Jewish immigrant named Irving Berlin and is titled “God Bless America.” It is technically a prayer set to music, appealing to heaven for blessings on this beautiful land and diverse people.

Its request for guidance “through the night with the light from above” has settled patriotic hearts facing dark times of turmoil for more than a century. Its orientation toward heaven and God has quelled national fear and threatening chaos for multiple generations as it was edited slightly for World War II and sung by several country artists following 9/11.

I remind you of this patriotic song today not simply because of the celebration of Independence Day but because, for many and for different reasons, there exists again a national fear of impending doom, night and chaos.

The truth, as He marches, promises a path toward peace that sets people free, uniting them all in abundant life rather than by squashing anyone just because they disagree with an approved narrative. Rather than responding to tyranny or fear, I want to encourage you to bravely sing Irving Berlin’s appeal to heaven for God to bless America, our home sweet home.

Enjoy your family, fireworks, boats and cookouts, but as the music plays turn your heart toward heaven with prayers spoken in faith. This act of seeking God’s blessing for our nation has always been my favorite expression of American patriotism, and because of it the star-spangled banner still waves o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The kids had a chance to get up close to pet Jasmine, who is almost 3 years old. She will eventually grow to be around 7 feet tall according to River Jordan owner Luke Blakeslee. Pictured above is Isla Stichter, 6, Milford, who is the daughter of Ross and Jamie Stichter.

MARK YOUR calendar for the North Webster United Women’s Mission Fund chicken barbecue on Saturday, July 13. The Nelson’s Port-A-Pit event will be from 10:30 a.m. until sold out. The barbecue chicken and Pit-tatoes will be available at Neighborhood Fresh, North Webster. The cost is $10 per half of chicken and $5 for Pit-tatoes.

THE SYRACUSE Sons of the Legion are having breakfast from 8-11 a.m. Sunday, July 7. The public 18 and over is invited. People with children under 18 can be seated in the patio area outside. The Legion is located at 1008 S. Huntington St., Syracuse.

AN IMPORTANT note for Milford residents that despite the Fourth of July holiday, trash will still be picked up on schedule on Thursday, July 4. Be sure to have your cans out by 7 a.m. that day.

THIS WEEK, there will be no free lunch for children at the North Webster Community Center. Lunch will resume Monday, July 8.

STOP BY the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum to see this display of historic T-shirts and hats, plus Wawaseal, loaned to the museum by Tom Tuttle and Bob McNary. These items will be displayed until approximately the middle of July. The museum is located inside the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive.

MILFORD FOOD Bank has announced it has been awarded a generous grant of $5,000 from KREMC Operation Round Up Fund, which recently was held at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. The staff, board members and volunteers are grateful to KREMC for this gift and the continued ability to show compassion and support for those in need, noted Angie Deak, development manager for the food bank.

THE AMERICAN Legion in North Webster is hosting a cruise-in from 3-9 p.m. Saturday, July 27. Anyone who has a classic car or bike can bring it for a chance to win awards and drawings. There will be drink specials and food. The HWY 30 Band will perform from 4-7 p.m. by the Tiki Bar.

SUMMER CRAFTS are being offered at Lakeland Youth Center for kids ages 5-10. Creative Craft Classes are offered from 9:3011 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is a fee. For more information or to register visit lakelandyouthin.myrec.com.

Upcoming crafts include making tin can drums for Wonderful World of Music, July 9; creating yarn wrapped tambourine/maracas on July 11; crafting bug catching jars July 16; and constructing insect wind chimes July 18. The last two classes, July 23 and 25 will be focused on going back to school. The kids will make a duct tap pencil pouch and stencil totes.

“NIGHT OF Faith” will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at Camp Mack. This special dinner and auction is a fundraiser for Milford Food Bank’s new building campaign. The new facility will be vital to the food bank’s growth and ability to serve local food partners and make a difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.

The evening will include dinner provided by Camp Mack, a silent auction with unique items, exclusive packages and memorable experiences. The keynote speaker will be Vince Turner. Guests will be helping Milford Food Bank build a future and lean into faith, one plate at a time. Night of Faith will be an unforgettable evening of faith, community and compassion. For more information and to reserve a table for your business or large group, visit milfordfoodbank.org/nightoffaith or email info@milfordfoodbank.org. —o—

CAMP CROSLEY in North Webster has a new program coordinator, Grace Wiles. She has been attending Camp Crosley for 12 summers, both as a camper and as summer staff member. Welcome Grace!

NEW HOPE Pet Rescue has announced adoption hours will be a little different moving forward this summer. It is recommended those interested in adopting check New Hope’s Facebook page to confirm its open hours. Appointments on other days is also available.

New Hope recommends if you are seriously considering adopting you fill out an adoption form online prior to visiting the rescue. Filling out the application ahead of time will speed up the adoption process meaning your new furry friend will be able to come home sooner. Right now New Hope has three puppies, a créme golden retriever and lots of adult cats and adorable kittens looking for their forever homes.

THE 2024 Lake Tippecanoe Flotilla will be honoring “All Things Indiana,” which is this year’s theme. The Indy 500, the Brickyard, the Colts, the Pacers and Indiana’s state colleges are all potential float ideas.

Registration will be 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 6, at the Patona Bay Snack Shop. Participants should plan to meet lakeside by the snack shop before taking off at 1 p.m. Cash awards are handed out to all registered participants. For more information, visit ltpo.org/flotilla.

SYRACUSE PUBLIC Library recently announced it has chosen its architecture firm, Arkos Design of Mishawaka, to design the new library, which will be located at the corner of Dolan and Main streets. The community will be invited to participate in the design process through a series of meetings. The library hopes to have an initial design by late fall. Check out the library’s website for project updates.

THE WAUBEE Lake Association will be holding a “meet your neighbor” carry-in at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the pavilion at the park at Waubee Lake. Once again, Chef Corey Thompson will be cooking a delicious meat or two. Families are asked to bring a dish to share, their own table service and beverage. This is a great way to meet your lake neighbors and enjoy an evening together

Additionally, the annual Waubee Lake Association member meeting will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at Camp Mack. Dinner will be served at 5:30, followed by a program and business meeting. Anyone planning to attend are asked to RSVP by Sunday, Aug. 4, to Brenda Smith at (574) 535-4000. The meal is free for members and $6 for nonmembers and guests, payable at the door.

underway for the Tour des Lakes which will be held Saturday, July 20. Choose from a 30K, 55K or 100K route which will take riders around many of Kosciusko County’s lakes. The event begins from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

AND FINALLY, good luck to our community’s 4-H’ers as they finish up their projects for the 107th Kosciusko Community Fair which starts Sunday, July 7. Be sure to visit the fair and check out their 4-H exhibits.