$1.50
Covering Milford, Syracuse & North Webster, Indiana
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
One Nation Under God
Democrats Hear Their Candidates Page 6
themail-journal.com
TEAR DROP AND EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARDS — Shannon Silcox, left, and Bob Fanning, right, retiring board members, were presented with the Tear Drop Award. Fanning was also presented the Tom Yoder Exceptional Service Award. Photo by Deb Patterson.
Text and Photos By DEB PATTERSON Editor-In-Chief Five people were honored with awards by the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, which included the Tear Drop Award (for retiring board members), the prestigious Cattail Award and the rare Exceptional Service Award. The awards were presented Saturday, July 27, during WACF’s annual Lake Celebration. Bob Fanning was recipient of the Tom Yoder Exceptional Service Award, which has not been presented since its inauguration in 2020 when it was presented to Yoder. Fanning also received the Tear Drop award along with Shannon Silcox, both retiring
from the WACF Board of Directors. Mark and Lisa Maggart along with Deb Patterson were presented the 2024 WACF Cattail Award for their efforts in volunteering and/or support of WACF. Terry Clapacs, board chairman, presented each of the awards Regarding the Exceptional Service Award, Clapacs referred to it as the “Mount Rushmore of WACF,” with Yoder being the founding father and George Washington of the award. Fanning, Clapacs stated, takes the place of Thomas Jefferson. The plaque will hang in the Ruddell Pavilion on WACF’s Levinson-LaBrosse Educational property on SR 13. Continued on page 2
‘The Reporter’ is back By EMILY WORRELL Director of Communications and Marketing Wawasee Community School Corporation We are excited to announce the much-anticipated return of “The Reporter!” After a hiatus of several years, this cherished district-wide publication will be arriving in mailboxes throughout our community this week. “The Reporter” has long been a staple for our stakeholders, predating our website. In the past, it was known for its beginning-of-the-year content, including class supply lists, staffing details and various district announcements. The last issue, spanning 12 pages, was a valuable resource for our community. This year, we have revamped “The Reporter” to an eight-page edition, packed with more engaging and insightful content. Our refreshed version maintains the tradition of providing essential in-
formation such as the annual district calendar, the WHS athletic calendar and comprehensive staff lists. Additionally, we have added special inside perspectives from our school principals, staff, and community members. We are particularly excited to have the opportunity to showcase our publication in color allowing us to provide a special cutout included in this edition, designed to showcase your #WeAreWarriors spirit. A sneak peek of this year’s highlights: • Annual District Calendar: Stay informed about important dates and events throughout the school year. • WHS Athletic Calendar: Keep track of our Warriors’ athletic events and support our teams. • Staff Lists: Get to know the dedicated educators and staff members committed to our students’ success. • Inside Perspectives: Read exclusive articles from our principals and staff, providing a deeper insight into the direction of our school district. • Community Contributions: Discover stories and messages from community members who make Wawasee Schools a special place. We know how much our community values “The Reporter,” and we are confident that the refreshed version will exceed expectations. Keep an eye on your mailbox, and enjoy the first issue of the new and improved “Reporter!” Let’s celebrate our journey together and embrace our future as Warriors. Thank you for your continued support of Wawasee Schools. We are proud to serve this incredible community and look forward to a fantastic school year ahead!
5IF .BJM +PVSOBM
SHARING INFORMATION — Dr. Jerry Sweeten with EcoSystems Connections Institute, gives highlights of the five-year Wawasee Inlets Nutrient Study at the WACF annual Lakes Celebration, Saturday, July 27.
Historic WINS study points to phosphorous decrease in Wawasee Text and Photos By DEB PATTERSON Editor-In-Chief Data collected over five years through the Wawasee Inlets Nutrient Study has created a historic document which is defensible and can be repeatable for the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation. The data has resulted in discovering a decrease in phosphorous entering into the lake, and locating problem areas. Dr. Jerry Sweeten, EcoSystems Connections Institute, presented an overview and some results at the annual WACF Lake Celebration Saturday, July 27. Additionally, Beth Morris, ecology committee chair, highlighted future strategic plans due to the study. Sweeten and his colleges began in 2019 gathering data on phosphorous, nitrogen and sediment coming into Lake Wawasee. It also has helped lay policy and planning for WACF and spawned conversations throughout the state about lake quality. He noted the latest report is 500 pages long. It, along with previ-
ous years data, is available at the WACF Levinson-LaBrosse Educational Center. “When you boil it all down, it all comes down to the capacity of us to understand the natural physical laws in place … and our ability to understand that within the context of what we are seeing what is happening … apply that information to protect the lake or to restore it,” stated Sweeney. He noted there is nothing like the WINS study, that he is aware of, that gives insight to the “wheels and cogs” of what makes the lake system tick.
Sweeten focused on phosphorus, the greatest danger to the lake – how much is coming in, being stored, being flushed out and accumulating. The study also discovered how much has been driven by precipitation. Since the study began, “we can clearly see it,” Sweeten stated. “We do see some interesting patterns, especially when it comes to wet years and dry years.” The study began in 2019, the wettest year with about 40 inches of rain. The driest year was 2020 with about 30 inches of rain. “What that does, it shifts the amount of water
that is replaced in the lake,” said Sweeten. “So in 2019 about almost 50% of the water in Lake Wawasee was replaced. In 2020 only 28% was replaced.” He stated data showed in 2023 the amount of phosphorus coming into the lake was 4,246 pounds. “That’s the lowest in five years,” he said. Data has shown two years of phosphorus decrease coming from Dillon and Turkey Creek. “In the last two years, we’ve had a deficit of phosphorus. … We can’t explain why that is, but we would say we’re moving in the right direction.” This Continued on page 2
Dan Gongwer new director of transportation at Wawasee Community School Corporation The Wawasee Community School Corporation announces the hire of Dan Gongwer as the new director of transporta-
tion. With a robust background in transportation management, compliance, and safety, Gongwer brings a strong commitment to
student safety and operational excellence. Gongwer comes to us from Continued on page 3
Dam and Dike meeting set for Aug. 23 The Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy District will have its quarterly meeting at 2
p.m. Friday, Aug. 23. The meeting will be held at the conservancy district of-
WCS to hold bid opening for the new Milford Elementary School building Wawasee Community School Corporation and Michael Kinder & Sons, Inc. will host a bid opening at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Wawasee Community School Corporation Administration Offices, 801 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse. Previously, the bid opening had been advertised to be held on Thursday, July 25. The Milford Elementary School project is one of the two projects the school corporation is currently undertaking.
Inside
Exceptional Service, Cattail, Tear Drop awards presented by WACF
“The new Milford Elementary School project is making great progress, with construction set to begin soon,” Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer reported. “This collaborative effort will provide our students with an excellent and safe learning environment to help us foster academic and personal growth aligned to Wawasee values. We are continually grateful to our community for their time and efforts in investing in our Warriors.”
fices located at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, 11566 N. SR 13, Syracuse. The third-quarter meeting is open to the public. During the meeting discussion will pertain to bud-
Instant memories. Just add water. Your ride. Your reason.
SEA-DOO SWITCH® 21 CRUISE LIMITED
Officer For A Day
No detail is overlooked on the Sea-Doo Switch® Cruise Limited. With unmatched comfort, convenience and premium technology, it’s the perfect way to create more memorable moments than ever before.
See Page 9 See Public Notice On Page 11
gets, DNR reports, ECO Systems monitoring, control automation, insurance and inspections. There will be an opportunity for public comment along with questions and answers.
VISIT OUR TWO SHOWROOMS � TOLL FREE 866-856-2628 / LOCAL 574-457-4200
MAINCHANNEL.COM