The Mail-Journal - July 31, 2024

Exceptional Service, Cattail, Tear Drop awards presented by WACF

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!

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.

“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-

gets, DNR reports, ECO Systems monitoring, control automation, insurance and inspections.

There will be an opportunity for public comment along with questions and answers.

Historic WINS

is a 27% decrease from 2022. He noted 40% of that came through Turkey Creek.

Gauge stations, located at inlets and outlets around the lake, were switched to Piper and Galloway ditch in the upper watershed. Data discovered the two inlets were responsible for 50% of the phosphorus getting into Turkey Creek. “So you can see the data can help us understand where we need to be thinking about targeting to mitigate the effects of the phosphorous.”

Sweeten said over the last five years they measured 38,238 pounds of phosphorous entering Lake Wawasee and 33,000 pounds going out. “There’s a net accumulation of about 5,000 pounds accumulating in the lake per year. Every pound of phosphorous can grow 500 pounds of algae. … This is a challenge for everybody to think about when it comes to phosphorous.”

Touching on the amount of phosphorous trapped in the lake, Sweeten stated sediment samples were taken. The highest amounts of phosphorus are in the deepest basins with the wetlands at Turkey Creek the major sink of phosphorous. Out of the 10 lakes, the lake with the highest amount was Gordy Lake.

He noted over the past five years, there have been 1,216 tons of sediment measured coming into the lake. “That is 61 tandem dump truck loads,” he stated.

“Perhaps I would say, one of the most important steps at this point is you need to embrace human endeavors across the lake basin. … need to build those community bridges to everybody in the basin and work together to be able to try to find solutions to reducing the amount of sediment and nutrients that’s entering into the lake,” said Sweeten

He concluded by stating “We call phosphorous a stubborn molecule. Because you can’t destroy it. It just changes forms. And it just cycles through the biology where it’s bioavailable and then it’s tied up in

an organic form.”

Beth Morris, ecology committee, tells of future projects.

Morris noted over the past 30 years WACF has done in excess of 25 restoration projects, many of which have focused on slowing down the flow of water, which slows down the sediment. WACF, which is participating in the National water Quality Initiative through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has begun working with farmers. The initiative provides $1.2 million, at no cost to participants, over a three-year period.

“This is the first year that we were able to have farmers sign up for it. … there was so much interest the Natural Resources Conservation Services went out and found another quarter million dollars to be able to support another project.”

While the initiative is the beginning to building bridges, Morris stated WACF is going to continue with remediation projects.

Those projects include possibilities in Martin Creek, Dillon Creek and Turkey Creek. “We are very excited, based on those engineering studies … shovel ready projects that we can put our other grant money to use.”

Heather Harwood, WACF executive director, spoke about awards received due to the WINS study, an engineering feasibility study with the Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership and some construction projects. She noted it was through partnerships with the DNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DNR Lake and River Enhancement, Kosciusko Community Foundation, Wawasee Property Owners Association and Syracuse Lake Association, working together to do projects and keep efforts going to control erosion and sediment infiltration.

The Channel Marker donated the morning’s breakfast, and a painting by plein air artist Dave Broerman was won by John Kellogg. The lake celebration was held at Between-The-Lakes.

Exceptional Service

Continued from page 1

The award notes Fanning joined the board in 1997, serving until 2001. It was during that time he was chairman from 19992000. He continued as a board member from 2004-2013 and 2015-2024. He was chairman of the land management committee from 2004-2014 and 2020-2024 and chairman of the seawall committee from 2000-2013.

“Bob was successful in obtaining a DNR Lake and River Enhancement grant for 1,700 linear feet of glacial stone seawall along the north shore of Wawasee to improve fish and wildlife habitat and absorb wave action. He led the board through many years of important land stewardship projects and land transactions, most recently including the Wetland Reserve Easement, restoration at Between-theLakes and the Quinn Log Cabin, and the WACF Hinrichs Waterfront Park,” read Clapacs from the plaque.

“Bob and Tom Yoder together made a lasting major impact on the health of our watershed and WACF, as well as a brighter future with their work in land acquisition and land management. Bob’s consistent wisdom and historical knowledge of Lake Wawasee and the Wawasee watershed, along with his passion for living on the lake earned him the Exceptional Service Award.”

Clapacs concluded saying “We will miss you. We’re sure you’re going to stay involved one way or another.”

Cattail Awards

The Cattail Award is presented each year to an individual or individuals to recognize those

who make a special effort to be part of the WAC family.

The Maggarts “have not only given us Emily, (who is the WACF development director), but have given us their time and their efforts,” stated Clapacs.

Clapacs introduced Patterson as being “a star reporter, a good friend of WACF and has been with us for a long, long time. She covers our events and we can’t thank you for the way that you portray our organization to the public. You are a rare breed in that you are an accurate journalist.”

Ron Baumgartner, publisher of The Papers Inc. added to Clapacs comments by stating Patterson had started at The Papers with Fairfield High School bringing in the the school newspaper, in which she was editor, to be printed.

“Once she graduated she restarted with the company full time as a reporter, eventually five years ago with our loss of Jeri Seely who was with us all her adult life, Deb took her place and has really elevated us through our various publications, we’re very appreciative of that. She told me a day or so ago … she started covering this organization in 2000, that’s 24 years ago, and she’s paid a lot of attention, she pulls the agenda for the summer … and she makes sure this organization is well covered and she virtually does it herself unless she runs into a conflict then she sees one of our other reporters are here.

I’m very proud of her. This is a well deserved award.”

Tear Drop Award

The third award presented

that morning is now called the Tear Drop Award, recognizing retiring board members. Silcox and Fanning are the two leaving the board this year. Silcox was chair of the WACF marketing committee. She has over 25 years of experience in the marketing and communications field, from an advertising agency to a principal catalyst in marketing design for nearly a decade and marketing director at Goshen Health. She and Jim, who helps with the canoe trips Friday morning, have owned a cottage on Syracuse Lake since 1994. “Shannon did a wonderful job as our marketing chair. The logo you see, is her creation. It is a special honor to give you our Tear Drop Award.” Similar information contained in the Exceptional Service Award was read about Fanning.

Clapacs announced that Chris Roberts would be returning to the board, as marketing chairman. He has been involved in radio journalism for a long time, including WOWO, before purchasing several radio stations in VanWert, Ohio. Additionally it was noted a Norway spruce tree and plaque had been added to the property in memory of Hamilton Harwood, husband of executive director Heather Harwood. Bill McCully, board member, stated the tree was an opportunity to “remember him. A happy warrior, a supporter of this organization in so many ways ... a great guy, it was wonderful for us to be able to memorialize his impact on our organization by dedicating that tree.”

Obituaries

Katherine M. Kantz

Calvary United Methodist Church Member

Katherine M. “Kate” Kantz, 71, Milford, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at home with her family.

She was born on June 18, 1953, the daughter of Nelson and Vivian (Huff) Pittman in Chicago. On Feb. 14, 1987, she married Larry D. Kantz in Elkhart.

Kate is survived by her husband of 37 years, Larry Kantz of Milford; a daughter, Erin (Kevin) Martz of Indianapolis; two stepchildren, Jacque Taylor and Megan Robinson, both of Florida; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Diana; a stepsister, Beverly; and stepmother, June.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother; a brother, Donald; and a granddaughter, Hannah.

Kate graduated from Bremen High School in 1971 and was a devoted mother and wife. She loved being outdoors and enjoyed camping and hiking trips. Kate was also a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse, where she was very involved for many years.

A celebration of Kate’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2200 Cabot Drive, Suite 460, Lisle, IL 60532. Mishler Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Milford, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at mishlerfhcc.com.

NEW DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION Dan Gongwer has been hired as the new director of transportation for Wawasee Community School Corporation.

Dan Gongwer

Continued from page 1

Decatur, bringing valuable experience from his time with the Department of Defense-USMC as the director of legal and training compliance as well as holding a Public Sector Fellowship with the Department of Transportation where he coordinated a multi-agency joint safety audit in Seattle, Wash. He reviewed and assessed current safety practices, regulatory compliance measures, and policy proposals, demonstrating his adeptness at managing complex safety protocols and administrative compliance. With a strong educational

foundation, Gonwer holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness with a concentration in commodity marketing from Purdue University. His dedication to service and excellence makes him a valuable addition to the Wawasee team. “We are thrilled to welcome Dan Gongwer to our Wawasee family,” said Dr. Steve Troyer, Superintendent of Wawasee Community School Corporation. “His experience and passion for transportation safety will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to provide safe and reliable transportation for our students.”

Waubee added to Lilly Center’s research

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams samples the 12 all-sport lakes around Kosciusko County, on a weekly basis. This summer, they added Waubee Lake to their weekly research schedule and yearly studies. According to the results of last year’s Decade Lake Study, Waubee consistently had microcystin toxin levels above the pet safety threshold. Residents around Waubee can now sign up for weekly email notifications about toxin levels. This information can help residents make informed choices on using the lake with their families and pets. To sign up for the toxin notification email list, go to lakes.grace. edu/microcystin.

TCFT board approves 2025 budget

By KEITH KNEPP Staff Writer

During a special meeting of the Turkey Creek Fire Territory Advisory Board, an amended operational budget, presented by Fire Chief Mickey Scott, was unanimously passed.

The final budget had been changed from an earlier version presented to the board with revisions to salaries and health care benefits. Those changes were necessitated because of the shifting and clarification of roles within the department, as well as the hiring of new employees.

The approved operational

budget totaled $2,741,055. This is an increase of $205,984 from the budget, which was approved for 2024.

The anticipated 2025 income for TCFT totals $2,665,595, in an estimate provided by Turkey Creek Township Trustee Joe Cazier. If the entire approved budget for 2025 was to be utilized, it would create a budget deficit of $75,460.

During the special meeting, the advisory board went through the proposed budget line-by-line, but was unable to come to any reasonable decisions for trimming any of the line items.

Ultimately, Advisory Board President Matt Dunithan pointed out that in his review of the last 10 years of budgets and expenditures, the fire territory under Scott’s direction always finished the year spending between 89%-92% of the approved budget. He noted Scott’s track record of financial stewardship of the department has been excellent.

Because of this history, the advisory board passed the budget despite the potential deficit, noting Scott has proven the ultimate 2025 spending will not bring the budget into arrears.

The advisory board also

unanimously approved the 2025 equipment budget proposal, as presented by Scott. The approved budget totaled $885,000, a bulk of which was $375,000 for a new ambulance and $370,000 for the balance owed on the territory’s training facility. One change was proposed by Dunithan and ultimately approved by the board. The proposal was to increase from $15,000 to $25,000, the line item to purchase two, water rescue kits because of uncertainty of the final costs. It was pointed out by Scott that if the money was not spent, it would not be lost and would be retained by the department.

Milford budget meetings see 4% increases for most departments

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

Milford’s Town Council met Monday and Tuesday, July 29 and 30, to hear proposed department budgets for 2025. Most budgets saw a 4%, with a couple of exceptions.

The police department’s proposed budget for 2025 is $382,682, a 6.08% increase over last year.

This increase is partly due to a 4% raise in wages for fulltime officers. With part-time officers leaving the department, this frees up some funds for the full-timers.

The police budget is $133,000 over its estimated revenue for 2025. However, the department is anticipating a promised $20,000 from Milford Elementary School, as well as funds from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. The JAG grant covers salary and benefits for four officers, an estimated $69,943. The department will be applying for this grant in October.

“We are 100% funded through the year until Jan. 1,” Marshal Derek Kreider added.

The fire department’s proposed budget is $106,975, an 11.1% increase over last year.

Fire Chief Virgil Sharp explained the increase as a result of tornado siren maintenance, a new budget category. Previously, the department only did repairs, not maintenance. The service can cost between $800 and $1,000 per siren. Additionally, Sharp cited rising costs on equipment and pump tests for the fire engines.

He also mentioned replacing the fire department’s HVAC system, which he said is old and inefficient. It has needed repairs a few times in the last year. The estimated $15,000 cost was scratched from the fire department’s budget and added to the town’s, as the fire department building is owned by the town. Council member Jim Smiley asked Sharp to look for more quotes on replacement services and present the new numbers at the August meeting.

For the wastewater department, Mark Brubaker budgeted a 4% increase for a total of $577,195, with the biggest increase in the repairs and maintenance category.

For other budget considerations, Brubaker will be presenting quotes for removal of tree roots from around a perforated sewer line at the next meeting.

Superintendent Steven Mar-

quart also budgeted a 4% increase for the street department for a total of $489,960. One of the biggest increases is in tree trimming, which went from $6,000 to $15,000, as there are several trees in town that need to be removed and branches that need removed. The other notable increase is in equipment, which Marquart raised to $45,000 to account for the possibility of new deicing equipment for the town.

The park department was also given a 4% increase to $560,770, with an increase in repairs and maintenance from $2,965 to $9,000 to replace failing picnic tables. Marquart also factored in replacement of removed trees and installing LED bulbs on light poles.

The water department saw another 4% for a total of $308,081. Wages saw a 4% raise, and uniform costs went from $620 to $700.

The clerk’s budget is currently estimated at $393,321, a 4.34% increase over last year. This number will change after the addition of HVAC replacement costs and another proposal: longevity bonuses for town employees.

The council agreed on some potential parameters, with bonuses starting at $200.

“That gives people some skin in the game, so we keep those one and two-year employees,” said Smiley.

The amount would increase each year and then cap at $5,000 for 25 years of service. The cumulative cost of this would $13,200 for the year, split among all departments for the 11 total town employees.

Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall mentioned the possibility of hiring a part-time employee to manage the Milford Community Building. She said she would like to see more activity there, but the clerk’s department doesn’t have time to organize it on its own. She estimated the cost for this position at less than $200 per week, about $10,000 a year.

Increased pay for town council members was also discussed. Council pay is allowed to increase by a maximum of 4% every four years. Council President Doug Ruch pointed out the number of meetings and hours spent in grant acquisition has gone up significantly. Gall decided to factor the 4% into the budget and let the council decide on an increase when the next salary ordinance is reviewed.

“Figure in the 4% and if we

have to cut it when all the numbers are together, we’ll cut it back to what it was,” said Ruch.

The town utility budget saw a jump due to increased pipe size at the fire department, raising the minimum utility bill from $55 to $1,800. Trash pickup is currently budgeted at $73,000 this year, with the new addition of the Eastfield housing development. The town intends to bid for another trash service after Sweetheimer, but has not started the process.

“You’ll see a big portion of my budget is fire department, trash, and then mosquito spray, essentially,” said Gall. “And there’s a little bit in there for equipment and things that just pop up.”

All of this brings the town’s proposed budget for 2025 to $1,325,450, a number subject to

Letters to the editor

Accidents/Incidents

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

10:37 p.m. Sunday, July 28, North CR 675E, south of East CR 650N, North Webster. Driver: Unknown. Police found a wrecked vehicle that appeared to hit a ditch. It was lying on the driver’s side. Damage up to $25,000.

2:06 p.m. Sunday, July 28, East CR 1300N, and North CR 750E, Syracuse. Driver: Noah A. Gray, 18, East Black Point Road, Syracuse. Gray decided at the last minute to turn north onto CR 750E and was not able to slow down in time. His vehicle left the roadway and hit support wires for a pole, traveling up the wires and resting on them in a beanfield. Damage up to $10,000.

11:37 p.m. Saturday, July 27, North Eastshore Drive, and East Pickwick Drive, Syracuse. Driver: Trevor A. Moseman, 33, North Kings Drive, Syracuse. Moseman said he shifted to get out of the way of a deer in the roadway. He said he accelerated too fast after that and lost control. His vehicle went into a wooden walkway. Moseman had a gash on his forehead, but was cleared by medics on scene. He was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail for operating while intoxicated. Damage up to $50,000.

12:35 p.m. Saturday, July 27, East Armstrong Road, east of North CR 75E, Leesburg. Driver: Steven D. Crowe, 59, North CR 75E, Leesburg. Crowe’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $10,000.

6:10 p.m. Sunday, July 21, East McKenna Road and North 475E, Warsaw. Driver: Junior Nunez, 18, Milford. Nunez took a turn at an unsafe speed and his vehicle hit a mailbox and rock. Damage up to $10,000.

4:48 p.m. Monday, July 22, North CR 650E, and East CR 150N, Pierceton. Drivers: Zackary T. Diecks, 20, Heritage Lane, Warsaw; and Samantha N. Goon, 33, East Oldfield Road, Leesburg. Diecks stopped at the North CR 650E and East CR 150N intersection, but did not see Goon’s vehicle traveling north on CR 650E. Damage up to $25,000.

9:56 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, North SR 13 and EMS B8 Lane,

Leesburg. Driver: Jeannie Keyes, 52, Fort Wayne. Hit deer. Damage up to $5,000.

Incidents

12:22 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, 400 block of East CR 1150N, Milford. Criminal mischief was done to a vehicle.

10:39 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 100 block of EMS T32C Lane, Leesburg. Criminal mischief was done to an underground pipe. Damage up to $500.

1:25 p.m. Monday, July 22, 7200 block North SR 13, North Webster. Gregory A. Sandman reported the theft of a bicycle. Value: $2,699.99.

North Webster

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

7:39 a.m. Sunday, July 28, 600 block of North Center Street West, North Webster. Criminal mischief was reported.

1:20 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 800 block of North Panorama Drive, North Webster. The NWPD assisted with recovering a stolen camper. Value of $15,000.

11:51 a.m. Monday, July 22, 600 block North Main Street, North Webster. Representatives for Circle K Gas Station reported the usage of counterfeit money.

Syracuse

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

10:00 p.m. Sunday, July 28, North CR 300E andt East CR 1050N, Syracuse. Driver: Rhian Galloway, 22, East Woodland Acres Drive, Syracuse. Galloway’s vehicle struck a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

4:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, South Huntington Street, Syracuse. Driver: Eleazar Vazquez, 20, North Huntington Street, Syracuse. Vazquez’s vehicle struck a light pole after its engine died. Damage up to $2,500. Incidents

9:48 a.m. Monday, July 22, 300 block East Chicago Street, Syracuse. A loose horse and buggy struck four vehicles in the parking lot. The vehicles were owned by Marisel Hernandez, Abbington Court, Goshen; Arturo Rodriguez, North Deer Run,Warsaw; Maria Zavala, Westplains Drive, Gosh-

Court News

Superior Court III

The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Speeding — Lauren N. Ramirez, Leesburg, $164.50; Wendi M. Bartley, North Webster, $164.50

Failure of occupant to use a safety belt— Tiffany J. Lawrence, Syracuse, $25; Steven A. Huber, Syracuse, $25

Disregarding lighted signal — Levi A. Skeens, Syracuse, $164.50

Marriage Licenses

The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Anne Torpy: Combs-Stone

Doniven Mitchell Combs, 22, Syracuse, and Lindsay Renee Stone, 18, Churubusco Howell-Park

Gage Daniel Howell, 22, Syracuse, and Ella Rene Park, 21, Syracuse Studabaker-Coy Braxton S. Studabaker, 22, Milford, and Jossie Noel Coy, 20, Milford

Cripps arrested for battery in Cromwell

Jade Eliz-

JADE ELIZABETH CRIPPS

abeth Cripps was recently arrested after allegedly battering a woman in Cromwell. Cripps, 21, Angola, is charged with domestic battery, a class A misdemeanor; domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, a level 6 felony; and domestic battery with a prior conviction, a level 5 felony. On May 27, a Kosciusko County

Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a fight at a Cromwell residence. A woman said Cripps began arguing about a blanket and her belongings being in a bathroom. According to court documents, the woman said the argument turned physical when Cripps kicked a door, hitting the woman in the face. The woman said one of her teeth was loose and her face hurt after the incident. Cripps was previously convicted of domestic battery in Kosciusko County in May 2022. The woman battered in the May 2024 incident was the victim in Cripps’ prior case.

Cripps was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail July 25.

en; and Luis Campos, West Miller Street, Ligonier. The owner of the horse and buggy, Hannah Stutzman, CR 27, Syracuse, stated she had tied up the horse before going into CVS, when she returned she found the horse had slipped out of the harness as it was still tied up. The horse sustained a cut on its right front leg.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

July 29 — Sara Nicole Dawn, 41, 5265 N. 675E, North Webster, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bond: $700 cash.

July 28 — Cameron Ryan Bowell, 25, 6057 N. 300E, Leesburg, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

July 28 — Trevor Allen Moseman, 33, 12408 N. Kings Drive, Syracuse, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bond: $700 cash.

July 28 — Kandi Lee Shreve, 52, 9774 E. Bald Eagle Drive, Cromwell, booked for failure to appear – misdemeanor and failure to appear – felony. Bond: A combination of $5,250 surety and cash and no bond.

July 26 — Preston Michael Gibson, 36, 303 E. John St., Syracuse, booked for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in property damage. No bond listed.

July 25 — William Calvin Harr IV, 53, 207 E. Huntington St., North Webster, booked for failure to appear. Bond: $500 cash. Elkhart County

The following person was booked in the Elkhart County Correctional Facility:

July 27 — Jorge Romo de la Rosa, 39, 1500 Dove Lane, Milford, booked for operating while intoxicated and OWI — endangerment. No bond listed. Noble County

The following people were booked in the Noble County Jail:

July 26 — Jennifer K. Manley, 37, 3757 N. 900W Lot 120, Cromwell, booked for strangulation and domestic battery with prior unrelated convictions. No bond.

July 23 — Luis E. Gutierrez Najera, 22, 102 E. Second St., Cromwell, booked on an out-ofcounty hold. No bond.

Help to steer your kids clear of harmful vaping

Dear Editor:

As we prepare for the new school year, it is important to educate our students about the rise of vaping.

Vaping among students has been increasing at an alarming rate, posing immediate health risks and potential long-term consequences. From nicotine addiction to harm to brain development, the dangers are real and significant. As parents and

guardians, it is important to educate ourselves and our children about these risks.

Starting a conversation about vaping can be challenging, especially with the busy back-toschool season; however, it is crucial to take this step to prevent our children from falling into this harmful habit. If you are unsure how to begin this conversation or need guidance on addressing vaping with your child, reach out to us at youth@livewellkosciusko. org. Our team is here to support you with resources and information to navigate this important discussion. As a community, let’s work together to protect the health and future of our youth as they return to school.

Natalie Moore Youth Coordinator Live Well Kosciusko

Am I still a Warrior?

Editor’s note: A letter from a Wawasee High School graduate was sent to the school corporation to be included in “The Reporter.” Due to space limitations the letter could not be included. The letter is below. Dear Wawasee, Am I still a Warrior? This was a hard question for me to think about because to answer it I had to sort through the good memories of hallway roaming, student sections and classroom banter that are hard to accept as done. But the more I reflected on it the more I realized, I have it wrong, it’s not all done. My time at Wawasee was

more than special so the thought of moving forward is both exciting and scary. Exciting because me and my big dreams are so ready to see what this world has in store. Yet it’s scary knowing the unknown is quickly approaching, proclaiming that I am not ready.

However, I’ve found that within that fear is a light telling me all is not lost. Telling me that though I may be facing a new giant, my time at Wawasee has already grown me into who I need to be for what’s ahead and into a Warrior who knows that regardless of what happens, he will always have a

home within this unwavering community. I think I speak for the entire class of 2024 when I say that while we may be leaving for something bigger, it will never feel like we have fully left. There will always be a part of Wawasee that stays with us, pushing us to impact our communities, build others up and give our best because we are Warriors and will always be Warriors.

Thank you Wawasee for giving our class the space to learn, grow and become who we are. From a Warrior, Nathan Harper

Medal winner gave us his best effort; it’s time to give him ours

Dear Editor:

Let’s give Harry our best effort. I believe that the intentions of everyone involved in deciding how to honor Harry J. Michael are well-meaning. We all want the best for our Medal of Honor winner. I want to submit the following line of reasoning for wanting to name the new Milford Elementary School after Harry J. Michael. As a teacher and coach for almost 40 years, I have a pretty good grasp on how to educate and work with young people. I will use the word pedagogy, which is a $15 word that is defined as the “method(s) and practice of teaching.” One of these methods is the use of repetition. We all remember learning our multiplication tables by using flash cards, or reviewing for a history test by similar methods. The result of this method is that it works. Another method is by telling stories, which leave a lasting impact on

Mishler: Indiana Senate Republicans offering paid spring internships

The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus is offering paid spring-semester internships in its communications, information technology, legal, legislative, page and policy offices during the 2025 session of the Indiana General Assembly, said State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka).

Qualified candidates may be of any major and must be at least a college sophomore. Recent college graduates, as well as graduate and law school students, are also encouraged to apply.

Interns earn a $900 biweekly stipend and benefit from scholarship and academic credit opportunities, professional development, community involvement and networking.

Senate internships are fulltime positions at the statehouse

in downtown Indianapolis. They typically begin with a mandatory orientation in late December or early January and conclude at the end of the legislative session in April 2025.

“The Senate internship program is an excellent way for students and recent graduates to learn about the legislative process and gain professional experience,” Mishler said. “The internship provides valuable opportunities for all young professionals looking to enter the workforce. I highly encourage those interested to apply.”

For more information and to apply, visit IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Intern. More information can also be found on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @INternSenGOP.

the listeners and most likely result in that story being passed on from generation to generation.

So with these two methods in mind, let’s explore the opportunities presented by naming the new Milford Elementary School after Harry. First of all, every day when our kids come into the school they will see a showcase with possibly a bust and/or picture(s) of Harry along with his medals, including the Medal of Honor. They will see letters recognizing Harry as a Medal of Honor winner, including one signed by President Harry S. Truman. They will also see the letters Harry won as a three-sport athlete at Milford High School. Each day at Michael Elementary, our kids will be exposed to a real American hero who in his short life displayed all the qualities of love of country, hard work, dedication, teamwork and much more, all of which we want our kids to value in their lives.

We welcome readers’ letters.

Creative teachers will be able to develop lesson plans that include Harry’s story and allow students to make posters, write essays, do re-enactments and research many other American heroes. The possibilities are only limited by the imaginations of teachers and students. In my decades of teaching and coaching, I felt it my duty to demand the very best from our kids. The naming of the park is a good idea, and I applaud it. However, is it the best we can do? I think we can do better; I think we can have an impact on many future generations by putting Harry J. Michael’s name on the new Milford Elementary School. I think that would be our best effort. Harry gave us his best effort. Now we have an opportunity to thank him for the greatest sacrifice anyone can give.

Let’s give Harry our best effort. Dave Baumgartner 1971 Graduate of Wawasee High School

Our requirements are as follows: Letters must be written to the editor, not the public. They must be signed with full name in ink. Signature will be printed on all letters. Letters must include an address and phone number, which will be used for verification, but will not be published. Emailed letters will be accepted but the above information must be included.

We ask that letters be limited to 400 words. Letters longer than 400 words may be edited for brevity.

Writers may be limited to one published letter per month. Readers with lengthy comments should contact an editor about possible guest columns. Send letters to: The Mail-Journal, P. O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 or dpatterson@the-papers.com.

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Books receives 16 years for child molesting

By LIZ ADKINS Staff Writer

Thomas Allen Books II will serve 16 years in prison for molesting a child.

mental health.

“We are struggling to rebuild our lives,” said the mother. “My children beg me to stay with them at night because they are fearful after what happened. What happened was not an accident … this brought us hurt, heartache and distress.”

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Sobek echoed the mother’s sentiments and asked the court to sentence in accordance with Books’ plea agreement.

THOMAS ALLEN BOOKS II

Books, 34, Syracuse, was charged with child molesting, a Level 3 felony, as a lesser included offense of a Level 1 felony. Three additional criminal charges were all dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Books was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court One on Thursday, July 25.

For child molesting, Kosciusko Superior Court One Judge Karin McGrath sentenced Books to 16 years in the Indiana Department of Correction. A 16-year sentence is the maximum amount of time a defendant in the State of Indiana can receive for a Level 3 felony. McGrath said the sentence was appropriate due to the nature of the offense and the harm to the child.

Books has 240 days of jail time credit. A no-contact order between Books and the victim remains in effect. He is also required to register as a sex offender.

At sentencing, the child’s mother testified about her family’s life being “forever changed” as a result of Books’ actions. She said the child is “changed and scarred for life,” saying it will take years to rebuild their self-esteem and

Defense Attorney Austin Rovenstine said Books is ready to “face the consequences of his terrible decision to spread suffering and change someone’s life for the worst.” He said Books was very remorseful for his actions and requested Books eventually be placed on probation in order to receive treatment through mental health services.

McGrath noted Books’ criminal history and the child’s age as aggravators in the case, saying Books reaped an immense benefit from the plea agreement since he pled guilty to a Level 3 felony versus a Level 1.

On Nov. 29, 2023, law enforcement responded to a sexual assault in Syracuse. A person said they saw Books inappropriately interacting with a child. According to court documents, during an interview at the Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center, the child detailed what Books did to them. They also submitted to an examination at the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center. Books admitted to inappropriately touching the child.

top on the northeast side of the east large bin. Photos by Deb Patterson.

Smith to serve 10 years in prison after luring child into bathroom

By LIZ ADKINS Staff Writer

Daniel Kay Smith, 54, Warsaw, was charged with criminal confinement, a level 5 felony; and a habitual offender enhancement. A child molesting charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement. Smith was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court One

Trowbridge receives six-year local sentence for drug possession

By LIZ ADKINS Staff Writer

Gage Louis

Trowbridge will serve a six-year sentence locally for drug possession.

GAGE LOUIS TROWBRIDGE

Trowbridge, 30, 902 N. Huntington St., Syracuse, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, a level 4 felony. Seven additional criminal charges were all dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Trowbridge was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court Monday, July 29.

For meth possession, Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed sentenced Trowbridge to six years in the Indiana Department of Correction. Reed said the first three years of Trowbridge’s sentence can be served through the Kosciusko County Work Release program. The last three years of Trowbridge’s sentence was suspended on formal probation.

Trowbridge has 385 days of jail time credit, plus good time credit as calculated. The sentence will be served back-to-back to two additional criminal cases.

Trowbridge said he received verbal confirmation from work release staff about his acceptance into the program.

He told the court he’s been incarcerated for over a year, which gave him time to reflect on his actions.

“Addiction and drug problems

flipped my entire life upside down,” said Trowbridge. “I want to be better for myself and my loved ones.”

Trowbridge said failures with various relationships caused him to continue using drugs.

“I’ve been sober for 386 days, and I want to continue that,” said Trowbridge. “Alternative placement would provide me with the tools for my success.”

Trowbridge’s co-defendant, Aliyaha R. Whitaker, received a similar sentence in March.

On July 10, 2023, an Indiana State Police trooper was near Warsaw when he noticed a vehicle unable to stay in its lane of travel. The trooper pulled the vehicle over and identified Trowbridge as the driver.

According to court documents, upon searching the vehicle, the trooper found 24 grams of meth.

Sprinklers do their job

an hour of the initial call. Mickey Scott, fire chief, reported the fire was caused by maintenance work on one of the machines. He stated the building contained raw plastic material and plastic on a conveyor belt caught fire. “The sprinkler system did its job,” stated Scott.

Tuesday, July 30. For criminal confinement, Kosciusko Superior Court One Judge Karin McGrath sentenced Smith to six years in the Indiana Department of Correction. Through the habitual offender enhancement, an additional six years were added to Smith’s sentence. Four years of the enhancement will be executed and two years were suspended on probation.

In total, Smith received a 12year DOC sentence, with 10 years executed and two years suspended on probation.

Smith has 337 days of jail time credit. A no-contact order between Smith and the child involved in this incident remains in effect. As part

of his rules of probation, Smith cannot be around anyone under the age of 18.

At sentencing, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Sobek said the plea agreement was negotiated at arm’s length. It was also discussed with the child’s family, and Sobek said they were not opposed to it.

McGrath found Smith’s prior criminal history and the child’s age as aggravators.

“The community and this child are indebted to the citizen who intervened when they saw something awry,” said McGrath.

On Aug. 26, 2023, a Syracuse Police officer went to the Veteran’s Memorial Park regarding a report of a man luring a child

Crash causes extensive damage to boardwalk

Triathlon gets a bump in turnout

Text and Photos By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer

Ideal conditions led to a strong turnout of 125 participants for the annual Wawasee Kiwanis Sprint Triathlon Saturday, July 27. Cole Warner serves as race director for the triathlon and enjoyed seeing the increase from last year.

“This year’s turnout was pretty awesome,” Warner said. “Last year we had 99 and this year we had 125. We had quite a bit of an increase. I think a lot of it was the vision from the Warsaw triathlon, being able to create a three-part series between us, Warsaw and Goshen. Being able to funnel people to each other and create that. It adds a little bit more competitiveness to the people who do all those races anyways. Makes it a little more important for them.”

This year’s race is the first year taking part in the new Sprint Triathlon Series where times are saved from participants who complete all three area triathlons.

One of the participants who is new to the Wawasee event is Summer South. South competes in triathlons for Trine University and is from nearby Plymouth.

“This one is a little bit local for me. It’s about and hour away from Plymouth. I wanted to do some triathlons that were a little bit closer to home,” South said. “I have some friends in Syracuse so I wanted to try this one out and I liked it a lot.”

South finished first among women in her age group and needed less than one hour, 20 minutes to complete the 200-meter swim, 13 mile-bike ride and 5-kilometer run. South ran cross country, track and also swam in high school, making triathlons a natural fit. During the running phase, South plays the song “Too Legit to Quit” in her head to keep going.

“If you are doing your first triathlon just have fun. Train hard and you’ll see results,” South said.

FINALLY DONE — Trine University student Summer South

es

South, has

in triathlons but was new

“It was great, super fun. Really great support from the community. Just a really great venue. Swimming the lake and running along the coast was really nice,” Zarrilli said.

Zarrilli was named the winner of the male master award.

Carter Stephens from Hobart was the first to complete the triathlon at time of 1:07:00.1. The first woman to cross the finish line was Heather Schuh from Michigan at time of 1:12:24.3. The Wawasee Kiwanis Sprint

Triathlon is smaller than a standard triathlon but Warner feels it helps with participation. The swimming portion began at 8 a.m. with most of the athletes finishing up by 10 a.m. Warner was also impressed with the age of the participants.

“Our oldest competitor was 80. The fact he can still do a triathlon at 80 and still be pretty fast with it is amazing,” Warner said.

Warner says the triathlon does help raise funds for the scholarships the Kiwanis Club presents to Wawasee students annually, assistance it provides to Riley Children’s Hospital and with other club events.

The kids call me ‘Coach’ or just ‘Hetrick’

By MARY HURSH Guest Writer

Scott Hetrick, Wawasee Middle School golf coach, is a busy guy this summer. He started coaching young golfers in grades 3-8 through the Lakeland Youth Center sponsored golf camp this past Tuesday and will continue through this Friday, Aug. 2. This is the seventh summer for the camp. Over the course of this camp, golfers are introduced to and coached on the game of golf. They learn golf etiquette and game rules. “Golf camp is fun,” said Hetrick. Yesterday, the group met at Maxwelton and were introduced to the rules of play and how to use an iron. Today, the group met at Wawasee Golf Club and practiced chipping and putting. Tomorrow, the golfers meet again at Maxwelton and work with drivers and irons. The last day of camp, Friday, is set aside for a parent/child scramble at Wawasee Golf Club. “The scramble speeds up the game and gets the parents involved,” Hetrick said. Hetrick was raised in a suburb of Chicago, went to Buffalo Grove High School and the University of Missouri where he earned a sports marketing management degree. He started playing golf in college and currently plays in a men’s league at Black Squirrel.

“I guess I started enjoying golf when my dad bought me a pair of clubs for my high school gradua-

ROUND AFTER ROUND Scott Hetrick, coach of the youth golf camp through Lakeland Youth Center, usually plays a round of golf a week in the summer. Photo provided by Scott Hetrick. tion,” he said. Over the years, Hetrick has worked extensively in event marketing and fundraising. He returned to the area to help his mother and father through their illnesses.

‘Extraordinary’ female Democrat candidates speak to local party

Text and Photos By DEB PATTERSON Editor-In-Chief

Kosciusko County Democrats were fired up Sunday afternoon, July 28, during its seventh annual Lillypad Cruise. The loyal party members gathered to hear four female candidates, who have been called “extraordinary:” Jennifer McCormick for governor; Dr. Valerie McCray, U.S. Senate; Lori Camp, U.S. Rep. District 2; and Kylie Adolph, U.S. Rep. District 3. McCormick, who spoke to the local party during last year’s cruise, excited the group with her opening remarks:

“People ask me why I am doing this. Because it is time we have a governor who will use common sense, stability and bipartisanship to get things done. We’ve talked to a lot of Hoosiers across this great state and regardless of political affiliation, they do not have any interest in Mike Braun or Micah Beckwith being any where near the governor’s office. The only way we can do that is for all of us on this boat to go tell our family and our friends that it is time we have a governor who will restore women’s reproductive rights and freedom.

“It’s time we have a governor who will fight for affordable health care for all. It is time we have a governor who will take public dollars to public schools. It is time we have a governor who will tell us that child care universal-pre-K matters. … It is time we have a governor who will say the annual wage is not good for any one. It’s time we uplift our unions. Unions are strong. We are stronger. It’s time we are going to fight back against feat, frustration … time we go for optimism and opportunity.”

McCormick talked about education. She stated the state is “at a critical pivotal point. We have 3,300 teaching openings today and we will never fill those ...we will not fill them because of the situation Indiana has created ...said no worries, we’ll just make sure you can teach in Indiana without a high school diploma. They also came out as long as you have an eighth-grade education and show 4,,000 hours worth of work, we’re good.” She added the state just came out and said no more arts, band, or fine arts, no more world history, econ, no math beyond algebra. “Think about the message … it is sending to kids … we are going to be uneducated and unhealthy and as a state we’re in trouble.”

McCormick promised her constituents she is going to get in there and work hard. “Because it is our time! Our recent poll looks good ... we’ve got candidates up and down the ballot. Our poll shows us we have a path to victory.”

She encouraged people to get involved, writing letters and postcards, donations, volunteering and promoting the candidates.

policy , that fights for what we need to have in place.”

She stated the need to get women’s rights restored, mentioning a recent bill to get Roe vs. Wade codified but was abandoned and the need to get it in the Constitution “so we’ll never have to deal with this question again. She noted the need to raise the $7.25 federal minimum wage which is still paid in Indiana. “It’s a shame that Indiana is at $7.25 … we have to move that. People have to be able to breath between paychecks … have to be able to pay the basic bills and still have money to breathe ...”

Camp took advantage of the sudden rain storm by stating “I’m not upset about this rain at all, because I tend to take Congress by storm.” She talked about the need to take back the house, restore women’s rights, stop the gerrymandering. She focused on her platform about “doing good for all the people. … Kiley and I are going to take names and we’re going

to kick butt!” Kiley summed up the speeches noting how all the women were running to restore reproductive rights, support public education, support of unions. “I’m excited to ensure that every member of our community has access to affordable care — health care, child care, elder care … up and down the ballot we’re running for women, we’re running or our economy, we’re running or our rights and we’re running for our unions.

Vicki Morton, county chair, outlined the need for party members to get involved and listed the various ways people could assist. She also announced upcoming events for the party, which included parades, participation in Third Friday events, informal meetings and the county meeting. Morton also recognized the top supporters for the days event. Brian Smith, county vice-chair and District 2 chair, introduced each of the speakers and recognized two town officials present.

“I can be a substitute teacher here and still take care of my dad. It works for me,” he said. Hetrick has been a long-term substitute at Wawasee Middle School and Wawasee High School for the past eight years.

McCray, whose speech was interrupted by a downpour of rain, talked about former President Donald Trump’s recent statement calling Christians to vote this last time and that it will be the last time they will ever have to vote. “If that doesn’t scare everybody, it should … case of treason if ever heard in my life,” she stated. She referred to McCormick getting in the governor’s office, Kamala Harris being the next president. “She is going to need a Senate that supports women’s rights, wages … supports medical care … a Senate that is going to make sure our rights are protected.”

“I have been a seventh grade basketball coach, an assistant junior varsity and varsity coach. I have helped run the Junior Warrior program for grades K-5 and I have helped with the Club One program for grades 3-8. I am kind of like a developmental coach,” said Hetrick.

Last year, Hetrick coached 46 boys and girls in grades 6-8 in golf. The last two years, Hetrick coached with Chad Johnson.

“The middle school kids are always fun to be around. I hope they learn to enjoy the game and use the tools to get better at any sport,” Hetrick said.

Contests and treats also figure in the fun of golfing.

“The kids are always trying to get me to buy them something on the golf course. They love Gatorade. We put all the scores of my middle school team in the computer. I sometimes tell them that if they can shoot a particular score, I will get them something from the clubhouse like a hat. I have lost 25 of those bets so far!” he said.

Continuing her speech in the lower deck of the Lillypad, McCray talked how Banks was “putting his nose into things that make no difference at all for the state of Indiana. So we need someone who is going to represent us and make sure we have national

Maxwelton Ladies League results

The Maxwelton Ladies League played a game called “Mutt and Jeff” on Wednesday, July 24. In the game, only scores from par three and par five holes are counted. Elaine Bigler-Schmeltz finished first and Connie Stillson was second. Esther Keller and Robin Barney shared the award for low-putts.

Livestock Auction brings in nearly $480,000 for 4-H’ers

The support of individuals and businesses throughout the area raised $479,968.81 in the annual Kosciusko County 4-H Livestock Auction, held July 12. The premium auction, meaning buyers were not purchasing the livestock shown by the 4-H’er but rewarding the 4-H’er for their efforts, saw $327,409 raised in the auction itself. The auction did not close until July 16, providing buyers an additional opportunity to place bids online. This option raised an additional $152,559.81. Included in the online bid option was $9,625 supported by a Buyer’s Support Group.

The Buyer’s Support Group provides the option to area families and business owners who are unable to attend the

live auction or have additional funds to donate to 4-H’ers who did not receive an average sales price. Those individuals were given funds to help with

~Scenes from Dixie Day~

Car and Truck Show. It is owned by Jeff and Beck Souder of

DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR —

The Syracuse Eagles Auxiliary No. 3760 presented $1,000 scholarships to three college students. Recipient Adley Keim, Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC, is pictured with auxiliary member Jan Keim, right. Photo provided by Shawna Van Lue.

LEADING

Justice Building renovation project on track for a 2025 completion

By DAVID SLONE Times-Union

After presenting a change order for the Justice Building renovations project Tuesday to the county commissioners, County Administrator Marsha McSherry provided an update on the project’s progress.

The $7,858.28 change order had to do with business furnishings for the furniture portion of the project in the Justice Building. The change order gives the county an upgrade in the graded fabric from a grade 3 to a grade 5, which will provide greater durability, she said. The commissioners approved the change order.

In her update on the renovations project, McSherry said they’re just now completing phase 3 and will begin phase 4 this Thursday and Friday. Phase 4 will encompass Superior Court III and all of the offices in the south end of the Justice Building on the second floor.

“Percentage-wise, I would say we’re probably at 48% because we still have the second floor to do and some work being done in the basement of the Justice Building,” she said. “The project is scheduled to be completed in April of next year.”

There are a total of 10 phases for the project.

As for the project being on schedule, McSherry said there are two restrooms that will not be completed on schedule. They will be completed by the end of next week, so that will put them back on schedule, but all the offices and court rooms will be completed.

“Marsha’s done an amazing job,” Commissioner Brad Jackson said, adding that keeping people moving on the project has been like “herding cats” at times.

“What Marsha does makes me dizzy,” Commissioner Bob Conley said. “It’s crazy. I don’t know how she does it.”

Stillwater Hospice CEO Leslie Friedel gave the commissioners a quarter two report. As a requirement of the county providing $50,000 in funding to Stillwater for 2024, the nonprofit organization must provide quarterly reports to the county.

“Just to recap from last quarter, we did do an annualized salary increase for those working in Kosciusko County for a market-rate increase as we are working toward getting everybody up to market-rate pay at $68,000 for the year,” she said. “But, we’ve seen some increase in utilization of our services this year, especially going into quarter two.”

Stillwater has been seeing more Kosciusko County residents through its palliative care program, she said. They have had 56 individuals on hospice services for a total of 2,861 days “where we’re supporting those at end of life.”

Through Stillwater’s Specialized Home Health Program, they’ve had 12 Kosciusko County residents on service with them for quarter two for 807 days on service.

They’re providing outreach to the community through its grief support. Friedel said Stillwater has provided individual grief counseling to three individuals, which may not sound like a lot but word of the service is getting out. The three individuals have had a total of eight sessions so far, and their losses were due to cancer, a car ac-

cident and an accidental fentanyl poisoning.

“Just as a reminder, every grief session we provide costs about $150, and the annual cost to provide services to our grief center is about $550,000, and all of those services are at no cost to individuals in the community. So we keep hoping to expand that greater to the community here,” Friedel concluded. In other business, the commissioners:

• Approved a three-year contract between Gasoline Equipment and the Kosciusko County Highway Department, as requested by KCHD Superintendent Steve Moriarty, for underground testing and monitoring of the KCHD’s underground fuel tanks. Cost is $550 per month.

• Approved the advertisement for bids for the CR 1300N paving project, which the highway department is receiving American Rescue Plan Act funds to do, on Aug. 14 and Aug. 21. Moriarty said the bid opening will be Sept. 10 at the commissioners meeting, with the bid award on Sept. 24.

• Heard a clarification from Moriarty. He said at the July 16 commissioners meeting he misspoke about from where he was purchasing a 2025 GMC Sierra pickup truck for $61,850. The truck is being purchased from McCormick Motor in Nappanee, not Shepherd’s Chevrolet, North Manchester.

• Announced the next commissioners meeting is at 9 a.m. Aug. 13.

Community Corner

King takes the reins at Senior Primelife Enrichment Center

By KEITH KNEPP Staff Writer

When she took the job as director of Primelife Enrichment Center in North Webster, Christie King knew filling the enormous shoes left by her predecessor wouldn’t be an easy task. While she’s still learning the ropes four months into the position, she is gaining more and more confidence it is the place she’s supposed to be.

King, 62, was born in Goshen and graduated from NorthWood High School in 1980. Her original aspirations were to join the dental field, but she soon realized it wasn’t the best fit. She also spent stints in fashion merchandising and accounting, but, by her own admission, she just couldn’t find her niche.

Eventually, she found her way to beauty college, which she said was like “second nature.” She worked at beauty salons in North Webster and Fort Wayne before returning to the area after having her first child.

like there was a way to communicate, have good friends again. It just felt right again. It’s been a long time since I felt that way. You know life; we all go through change and you just have to keep chugging along so you can find out what to do. But this feels good.”

King is at SPEC from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each weekday. She began her probationary period March 18 and officially began as director June 18.

PROFILE

She also worked alongside her mother and stepfather at the American Legion in North Webster, including as bartender, waitress, cleaner and cook. She eventually moved on from there, working other jobs in Ligonier and Syracuse.

“My mom told me about the senior center,” she recalled. “We came in and talked to (former director) Nancy (Gray), and it was like coming back home. When I left the post, I didn’t realized I wouldn’t see many of those people again. When I came in here, it was really nice. It felt

“I’ve just been forging ahead, and if I don’t quite know, I’ll stop and have Nancy double check it for me, to make sure it’s right. The way she did things was working, and I didn’t want to change anything. My grandpa always said, ‘if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.’ It’s been awfully nice that she can stay with me and mentor me, because there are so many things that come in to play here. It’s not like you have a couple pages in a handbook and that’s how they want it done.”

King has enjoyed getting to know the seniors who come to SPEC. She believes it to be a family who all look out for one another and make sure that everyone’s needs are being met.

“They all chip in with the food and the cleaning,” she said. “It’s really nice. If they’re not going to be here, I just ask that they let me know, and I put them on my calendar and keep an eye on it.”

Gray is going to be out of town for much of August, so King is going to be on her own for a few weeks. Undoubtedly, she’s ready for the task. She did say, however, that she told her mentor to “keep her phone on.”

SPEC gives Appreciation Award

By NANCY GRAY Volunteer Senior

I am so happy to announce that the July recipients of the Appreciation Award are Richard and Jean Cowan. They received an award and a gift certificate from Maria’s Restaurant, North Webster.

Lillypad Cruise hosted by WACF

Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation will be hosting a Lillypad Cruise, Saturday, Aug. 3. The cruise will be leaving The Frog, 1116 S. Harkless Dr., Syracuse, at 10 a.m. Enjoy the scenery of Lake Wawasee and informative talks from The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum. There is a $20 donation per person and lunch is included. The donation can by paid in advance by check or on the day of the cruise. Boarding begins at 9:45 a.m. at The Frog with a prompt departure at 10 a.m. Register on the WACF’s website, wacf.com/event/lake-talkeats-lillypad-cruise/. More programs will be offered in the fall.

To learn more about education, resources, ecology or how to get involved with the WACF visit its website, wacf.com. Programs offered by WACF are not just for those living on a lake, as all actions eventually affect water quality.

Thanks for all you do to keep our senior center busy and “the place to be.” Here are the dates you may want to put on your August calendar. Toni’s Foot Connection will be here Wednesday, Aug. 14, so call in for your appointment as soon as you can.

are Paul

and

You are welcome to attend either club at any time. Photo provided.

Lunch and boat talk for Chris-Craft owners

By MARY HURSH and BOB FANNING Guest Writers

Every other Wednesday from June through September, members of the Syracuse/Wawasee chapter of the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club meet for lunch at the Channel Marker and talk about wooden boats.

Bridge Results

Last week, club members enjoyed lunch with the owners of eight antique and classic boats headed to Lake James for the annual Antique and Classic Boat Society Show. That show draws these boats from all over the country and offers a stop at Lake Wawasee as a part of the boat show experience.

For the past several years, members of the Syracuse/Wawasee chapter of the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club have met the traveling boats at the Channel Marker for lunch and to view and discuss the boats. After lunch, boat owners stand by their boats and give a short summary of the history of their boats.

“There are about 50 Chris-Craft boats on our local roster,” said Bob Fanning, the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club ambassador.

The ACBS classifies wooden boats into five age groups based on the date when they were built. The “historic” boats were built up to and including 1918; the “antique” boats were built between 1919 and 1942; the “classic” boats were built between 1943 and 1975; the “late classic” boats were built after 1975 and up to 25 years before the current year; “contemporary” boats are

any wooden boat built within the last 25 years.

“Antique and classic wooden boats are popular at Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake because of the history of wooden boats here and the popularity of the Sunday morning Thunder Run. The original purpose for the Thunder Run on Lake Wawasee was to encourage the owners of such boats to use their boats,”

Strombeck becomes an officer for a day

Grandfather, grandson build nine-foot scrap metal scorpion sculpture

By MADISON HART Staff Writer

A local grandfather and grandson created a huge sculpture of a scorpion out of scrap metal.

Dale Custer, a 1969 Wawasee High School graduate and owner of Superior Landscaping, Warsaw; and his 14-year-old grandson, Casen Custer, started building with scrap metal together two years ago, and have created smaller sculptures such as an owl, a flower and a dragonfly. In December 2023, they started working on a project that would be their biggest yet — a scorpion that measures 9-feet 2-inches tall by 10-feet 2-inches long. A year prior, the pair made a prototype of a scorpion, but the final design would be 12 times larger. The nine-foot tall scorpion took seven months to build. The process included sourcing the scrap from old excavating materials, cutting, welding and more. Casen wanted to learn to weld, and he did most of the welding. They used the chain from a 100,000-pound excavator to make the body of the scorpion. Sprockets were repurposed for the pincers. The eyes were made out of grinding wheels. For the scorpion’s legs, the Custers used the re-rod from the bridge that crossed Tippecanoe River behind the Warsaw Racquet Club. Superior Landscaping

the

and

the weekend of July 19-20. There were 17 class members and 11 spouses in attendance at a dinner held at Pe-

terson’s Fish at the Shore Saturday, July 19. After dinner, 18 class members and spouses went to the home of Gary and Shirley Kline for a continued time of reminiscing. This area was well represented at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair last week. It was recent Wawasee High School graduate Megan Grindle’s final year with her horse Shami in the 4-H Saddle Club. Another big shout out should go to Vicki Hoover, also of Syracuse, who won champion in horticulture in the open class for plants and flowers.

20 YEARS AGO

JULY 28, 2004

Reminiscent of the old lemonade stand, the Brito children of Syracuse recently had a pop stand on McClintic Drive in Syracuse. Joel and Teresa Brito felt it was time their daughters and niece began to learn entrepreneurship through the use of a pop stand. The girls made their own signs,

Teresa pointed out that this was to teach the children advertising. To help improve math skills, they also did all of the counting of change to their customers.

Steve and Ilene Kalisik of Syracuse have reason to be especially proud of their family. Their granddaughter, Kelli Kalisik, is to graduate from the University of Michigan in August with a master’s in higher education. She has also accepted a position at the University of Notre Dame as a tutor coordinator for academic services for student athletes. Kelli graduated from Notre Dame in 2003 with a BBA in management.

30 YEARS AGO

JULY 27, 1994

Tom Farris and son Justin, Ideal Beach residents on Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, recently attended the “Celebration of the Automobile — 100th Anniversary of the Auto in Indiana.” The twoday symposium was held at the Auburn-Cord-Duessenberg Muse-

um in Auburn.

Crista Dippon and her mother, Kathy Deck of Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, recently returned from a three-week vacation in Europe. The vacation included a 10-day visit with Crista’s brother, Specialist Charles Dippon, and his wife, Candice, who are stationed in Vilseck, Germany. Crista is a 1994 graduate of Wawasee High School.

40 YEARS AGO

AUG. 1, 1984

David Broekers, Eagle Scout, Troop 728, Syracuse, spent a day in The Mail-Journal office Wednesday, July 25, learning exactly how a newspaper is put together. Derria Hill, employee at The Mail-Journal, showed David the finer points of preparing a newspaper page for print.

David, who will be a sophomore at Wawasee High School, has 80 merit badges out of 119 possible.

50 YEARS AGO

drivingboxtrucks.Loadingandunloading. Localareas.Healthbenefits.Applyat306 SchoolSt.,Leesburg,8amto2pm.

10 YEARS AGO JULY 30, 2014

Though storm clouds threatened North Webster Saturday, the Dixie Day celebration went off without a hitch. Winners of the car, truck and bike show were announced, and Best GM went to Kevin Boyer for his 1973 Chevy Corvette.

Kosciusko County Extension Educator Kelly Heckaman will be at the North Webster Community Public Library Tuesday, to present “Preparing Your Garden for Spring.” Olivia Frantz Coons will teach how to safely home can cooked and raw meat in her advanced canning class.

Saturday’s Dixie Days 5K opened the excitement on the streets of North Webster. Taking honors as the overall winner was Marty Klipp, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa, resident, who conquered the road course at 17 minutes, 17 seconds, running a 5:35 pace. North Webster’s own Luke Griner was right on his heels.

20 YEARS AGO

JULY 28, 2004

Members of the Goodwill Club met July 14 in North Webster United Methodist Church with President Carlyn Cox as hostess. Betty Busch gave the meditation. Mary Mock gave the treasurer’s report. Margaret Darr read minutes of the June meeting. Edith Watkins, citizenship chairman, was welcomed back following knee surgery.

North Webster Past Chiefs met July 14 in the home of Jeanette Bockman with Wilma Mitchell as assistant hostess. Jamie Heck was a guest. Joan Moore was recognized with a special gift. Euchre was played. Phyllis Engle placed high and Mitchell placed low. The hostess served chicken and ham salad sandwiches, chips, dip, fresh fruit and cheesecake.

30 YEARS AGO

JULY 27, 1994

Martha Brimfield and Mary Gradle were hostesses for the Tippecanoe Lake Country Club’s Ladies Bridge event July 13. Guests were Lisabeth Mulheim,

10 YEARS AGO

JULY 30, 2014

Bryce Wuthrich, son of Brian and Amanda Wuthrich, Milford, sold his reserve grand champion dairy feeder calf at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Auction Friday. The steer, weighing 494 pounds, brought a sale price of $11.15 per pound for a total of $5,508.10.

Michael and Star Smith, Milford, are the parents of a son, Grayson Michael, born at 4:59 p.m. July 22, 2014, at IU Health Goshen Hospital. He weighed 3 pounds, 11.5 ounces and was 17 inches long.

Kerry Price recently retired from CTB Inc. after 35 years of service. During his career at CTB, Price worked in CTB’s Corporate Supply Chain Group in various roles including purchasing agent, buyer and most recently senior buyer. He resides in Milford.

20 YEARS AGO

JULY 28, 2004

Crews were spotted Monday tearing shingles off the roof of Milford Family Physicians on Main Street. Helen Ann Stryck-

er, wife of Dr. Doug, reports there wasn’t storm damage to the roof or anything like that, it was just time to install a new roof. Kevin Rhoads Construction is doing the roofing and will also repair the front walk.

Results are in from Sunday’s 23rd annual Parade 5,000 Road Run, conducted in conjunction with the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. Rachel Stichter of Milford captured an overall title along with former NorthWood High runner Aaron Hoover. They each defeated six-time champion husband and wife runners Peter and Tammy Casaletto of Goshen. Rachel held off Tammy Casaletto by five seconds to take the women’s crown in 18 minutes, 31 seconds. Aaron beat Peter Casaletto with a time of 15 minutes 36 seconds.

30 YEARS AGO

JULY 27, 1994

Raymond Pinkerton, the only charter monarch member of the Milford Lions Club, was honored Saturday at the club’s 50th anniversary banquet. Pinkerton was also named a Melvin

Dr. James Thwaits, D.C., Syracuse, has completed a scoliosis screening course offered by the Logan College of Chiropractic’s Graduate School according to the Indiana State Chiropractic Association. Doctors successfully completing the course will receive a certificate from the college

Vivian Fulford, Rita Hart and Grace Schmeiser. Winners for the day were Dottie Murphy, Marie Johnson, Ruth Philips, Irene Bucher, Amber Christensen, Shirley Bricker, Vivian Fulford and Nancy McNoldy.

North Webster Church of God J.O.Y. group met July 14 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Orlie Black, Tippecanoe. A carry-in dinner was served at noon with chicken as the main dish. Sandi Lung was chairman for the day. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Price and Mr. and Mrs. Black assisted her. Lung gave the meditation.

40 YEARS AGO

AUG. 1, 1984

North Webster Pythian Sisters met July 23 at the Lakeside Pythian Temple. Annabelle Reasoner reported on the July fundraising event. Thelma McCorkle, most excellent chief, and Corrine Staples, musician, have been asked to serve as guests officers for the occasion.

Mr. and Mrs. Bart Culver were hosts for a picnic dinner and the sixth annual Culver Pond Olym-

JULY 31, 1974 Sam Ludwig of r 3, Syracuse, participated in the July state finals of the Indiana Insurance youth golf classic sponsored by the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana this past weekend. Other participating were Meri Smith, Ron Vestal, Bob Knutson, Paul Rush, Jay Miller and Jim Tranter. Racing enthusiast Stover Hire of Syracuse, driver of Hire Voltage, received two consecutive firsts at the 21st annual Columbus regatta held Saturday in Columbus Ohio. His 280 cubic inch inboard racing hydro is sponsored by Hire Electric, Inc., Syracuse.

Jones Fellow. Mr. and Mrs. Richard “Dick” Roose, 379 E. Kilmer Drive, Milford, will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with an upcoming trip to Florida and a five-day cruise. Roose and the former Melinda Watson were married Aug. 9, 1969, in North Webster United Methodist Church. Paul and Sue Lechlitner of Milford were hosts to 44 family members on Sunday for a birthday party honoring Paul’s mother, Mrs. Elmer (Ethel) Lechlitner of Bourbon, who will turn 92 on Friday, July 29. A carry-in dinner, trips down memory lane through displayed pictures from the past, games, cake and ice cream were featured throughout the day.

40 YEARS AGO AUG. 1, 1984

Members of the Jacob Bucher family honored him Monday as he celebrated his 95th birthday. Cake and homemade ice cream were served at the Bucher home on Waubee Lake.

pics held July 21 at their home. Mary Hall was hostess for the July 25 meeting of Rural Neighbors Club. Doris Slaymaker, president, was in charge of the business session. Eunice Knotts is chairman of the party planning committee. Marge Tennet was welcomed as a new member.

50 YEARS AGO

JULY 31, 1974

Mrs. Eloise Kreis, most excellent chief, was in charge of the July 22 general business meeting of North Webster Pythian Sisters. It was announced Ethel Engle and Imogene Menzie will be in charge of the Sept. 4 card party. Lillian Thomas, Marion, was a guest. Following the business meeting, games were enjoyed. Ermal Vanator and Delores Vanator served refreshments. Mrs. Hazel Holderman as a guest at the July 24 meeting of Tippecanoe Township Hobby Club. The ladies met at the home of Mrs. Mildred Brady of Warsaw. Mrs. Dorthea Kurch distributed tickets for the Aug. 15 theater party.

50 YEARS AGO

JULY 31, 1974 Fire completely destroyed a large barn and adjoining building on the Camp Mack farm, located on the Waubee Lake road (1150N) at mid-afternoon Sunday. Milford volunteer firemen responded to a call at 3:10 p.m., but when they arrived the buildings were an inferno of flames and smoke.

The Milford Area Jaycees held their regularly scheduled meeting on July 25 at the fire station. Two new directors were appointed. Jim Beer was appointed as director of agriculture and conservation and health and safety and Max Evans was appointed as director of chapter management and leadership training.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Baumgartner and Mrs. Harry Haab, all of the Milford area, spent last weekend in Indianapolis visiting Clark R. and Lani Crafton and sons, Reed, Ryan and Shawn. A surprise dinner was held at an Indianapolis restaurant for Clark in honor of his 41st birthday.

Companies announce intent to merge

Interra Credit Union and Bluffton Motor Works/Franklin Electric Employees Credit Union have announced its intent to merge, subject to regulatory and member approvals. As part of these efforts, BMW/FEECU will operate under the Interra Credit Union brand.

This merger brings several advantages including:

1. Expanded services and resources. By offering Interra’s expanded products and technology, plus its solid financial status, it will be able to provide a broader range of products and services to BMW/FEECU’s members. The integration of Interra’s outstanding resources, operations and technology will serve simply to enhance operational capabilities as well.

2. Increased member base. This acquisition allows the addition of BMW/FEECU to Interra’s membership base of 90,000 members. While Wells County is already

part of Interra’s 24 counties within its field of membership, this expansion brings greater services to another diverse community.

“Since 1952, we have been able to offer a credit union membership to our staff. We’re excited for the financial strength and full services Interra brings to our members,” said Timothy Wyatt, BMW/FEECU president.

“Partnering with Bluffton Motor Works/Franklin Electric Employees’ Credit Union allows Interra’s corporate foundation of excellence and integrity to resonate in our promise to be invested in our communities,” shared Timothy Yoder, Interra Credit Union chairman of the board.

“Interra is thrilled to be part of such a vibrant community in Bluffton. Providing BMW/FEECU members with our enhanced financial service capabilities is simply a win-win for both organizations,” shared Amy Sink, Interra CEO.

from left, and Office Manager Stephanie Spangle, 10th from left. Kent Coble,

C/S Portables offers mom-approved

Text and Photos

By

DAVID SLONE Times-Union

If you used one of the portable toilets at the Kosciusko County Fair, Columbia City’s Old Settlers Day, Brandt’s Harley Davidson’s July 4th celebration, Hog Waller or a number of car shows this year, you may have already experienced one of the products C/S Portables offers.

C/S Portables had a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, July 25, for its portable restroom business in Warsaw with the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce.

Co-owned by Marketing Manag-

er Jess Conley and Office Manager

Stephanie Spangle, both of whom also are moms, C/S Portables is a “locally owned one-stop shop for exceptional customer service and professionalism from delivery to pick up,” according to information they provided.

Shown is a look into one of the restrooms in the restroom trailer, which is rentable through C/S Portables.

“We strive to provide first-class service and make your rental experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. When looking to rent portable restrooms, sinks and more, CS Portables has you covered as quality service and good hygiene are a must have!” the information states. Kent Coble is the operations

School bus safety for drivers

Remember the following information about school bus safety in Indiana:

It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended, except on highways divided by a barrier. If the highway is divided by a barrier, motorists are only required to stop if they are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.

To ensure school bus transportation is safe for everyone, follow these best practices: When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or biking to school.

When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, be alert for young people who may not be thinking about getting to school safely.

Slow down and watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks.

Be mindful of children playing and gathering near bus stops.

Stay alert, as children arriving late for the bus may suddenly dart into the street without checking for traffic.

Learn and adhere to the school bus laws in your state, as well as the “flashing signal light system” that school bus drivers use to notify motorists of upcoming actions.

Yellow flashing lights on a school bus indicate it is preparing to stop. Motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the

bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their vehicles and wait until the red lights stop flashing and the extended stop arm is withdrawn before they can start driving again.

For parents, teach your child the following safety practices to make school bus transportation safer:

Safety Starts At The Bus Stop

Ensure your child arrives at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

Show your child where to wait

for the bus: at least three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb.

Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place to run or play.

Get On And Off Safely

Instruct your child to wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver indicates it’s okay before approaching the bus door.

Advise your child to use the handrails while getting on and off the bus to prevent falling. Use Caution Around The Bus

Teach your child to never walk behind a school bus.

If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, instruct him/her to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least five giant steps (10 feet) in front of the bus before crossing.

Emphasize making eye contact with the bus driver before crossing.

Instruct your child to inform the bus driver immediately if they drop something near the bus instead of trying to pick it up themselves.

Let’s all do our part to ensure that this school year is safe for everyone!

Webster Lake Conservation Association receives 2 project donation match offers

Webster Lake Conservation Association has received two donation match offers and a prize drawing benefiting the Webster Lake Dam Conservancy project. Local businesses have offered to match tax deductible donations to the conservancy project dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $10,750 through Aug. 5. Additionally, an anonymous couple, owning property on Webster Lake, will match tax-deductible donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 through Sept. 30.

WLCA has a $200,000 goal to help fund immediate repairs to the Webster Lake Dam, pay associated current legal and engineering expenses necessary to make those repairs and establish a tax-funded conservancy district to be responsible for future repairs and longterm maintenance of the dam. The request for charitable funding is being directed to all

lake area residents and businesses regardless of WLCA membership. The value of property and business will be negatively affected in the event of a catastrophic failure of the dam or a mandated drawdown of the lake level to avert a failure. There are approximately 80 homes and businesses in the inundation area below the dam that could experience loss of life and/or property in the event of a total dam failure.

As of July 22, $113,234 of the stated goal has been received toward the project. The campaign began Feb. 28. Approximately 34 local businesses have supported the project so far.

WLCA is suggesting the size of a donation be in relationship to the potential loss in value to property or business. Those who have not contributed or who may have under contributed are encouraged to consider an additional donation during the matching funds offer.

TWF has established a restricted fund for the receipt of tax-deductible donations to the project. TWF is a not-for-profit entity with a 501(c)(3) tax status. TWF will confirm donations in writing and will hold donations and apply them to expenses for the project.

Donations may be made online to TWF at tinyurl.com/ WebsterLakeDam, through a link on the WLCA website at lakewebster.net/twf-donate. php or through a link on the WLCA Facebook page, facebook. com/groups/342088493575948.

Donations may also be made by personal check or the administrator of an individual retirement account, which offers tax savings if required to take a required minimum distribution from an IRA account.

Checks should be made payable to The Watershed Foundation, and contain a written notation in the memo line or accompanied with a writ-

ten note the check is for the Webster Dam Project. Checks should be mailed to: The Watershed Foundation, c/o Lake City Bank, P.O. Box 1671, Warsaw, IN 46581-1671. More information regarding the project can be found on the WLCA website or Facebook page.

Charter Cruise

The Board of Directors for The Dixie Sternwheeler Inc., has donated a private charter cruise on the historic Dixie Sternwheeler toward the effort. The cruise will be given to one lucky individual, 18 years of age or older, who will be randomly selected from among individuals making a single or multiple donations toward the project totaling $200 or more.

The prize is subject to Dixie Sternwheeler charter cruise times and availability. The winner will be announced when the $200,000 campaign goal is reached.

manager for C/S Portables. Spangle said they started brainstorming about the business last fall, but they didn’t take their first order until April.

Along with offering portable restrooms and handicapped-accessible portable restrooms, they also rent a restroom trailer.

“It’s for special events like weddings or birthday parties,” Spangle said. “It’s really nice because it’s got air conditioning. The inside has automatic sinks, automatic flushing urinals, porcelain toilets. So it’s a huge step up from your portable toilet to that.”

The restroom trailer also has handrails to help anyone access it when needed.

As for the portable toilets, she said their inventory is growing weekly.

“If someone called in and had a huge event — as long as we had a few weeks heads up — we could definitely accommodate any number of units,” Spangle said. She said they try to stay competitive as possible when it comes to rental prices.

“It might be a little more than some of your big-name companies, but as a local company, we can offer exceptional customer service. We can get there right away. You can call and talk to me directly, versus going through a five-step process to try to get to somebody. So, I guess it depends if you want the cheapest or if you’re wanting the best service and customer service – the best value,” Spangle stated.

C/S Portables started by serving Kosciusko County and the surrounding counties, but they’ve grown to serve Elkhart, Wabash, Huntington, Fort Wayne, Plymouth and Culver. Spangle said they’ve

got a wide range of area they serve now. “Pretty much northern Indiana,” she said. People have complimented C/S Portables’ facilities as the “cleanest, nicest pots that they’ve been in,” she said. “That’s what we like to strive for, being known as the cleanest, nicest pots around.” Conley said that’s where the “mom-owned, mom-approved” slogan comes from for their business.

“Having kids, I’ve been to several places where you open the porta-pot and they’re like absolutely not going in there,” Spangle said.

“Any of ours, I would let my kids go in,” Conley said.

“That was one of our big things: We want our pots to be clean enough so if you take one of your kids in there, they’re not going to have a problem using it and not fighting you on it,” Spangle stated.

Portables can be rented by the days, weeks, months, years or even a lifetime.

“If you have it for more than a week, we do a weekly pump out service,” Spangle said. “So we’ll come out every week, scrub down, shammy dry so you don’t have water spots. And then we’ll repump it, put new chemicals in it and we have a really nice fragrance spray to make it smell really nice and fresh. That’s included in the monthly price.”

All of the units come standard with a hand sanitizer dispenser, construction graded floors to prevent dirt accumulation and white roofs for maximum illumination, the information provided states. To contact C/S Portables, email sales@csportables.com; visit the website, csportables.com; call (574) 377-4644 or visit their Facebook page.

Garden IN THE

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON, Guest Columnist and Master Gardener

IN THE Garden

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON, Guest Columnist and Master Gardener

August, fantastic flowers to share

The fruits of your labor will begin to show in August whether they are flowers or vegetables.

With early flowers August is the best time to dig and divide perennial flowers such as hosta, Oriental poppy, daylily, ornamental grasses and bearded iris. Use a spade to lift the plant from the ground, being careful to not damage the root ball. When the clump is out of the ground, use a large garden knife or spade to cut it into smaller pieces. Then, replant the smaller pieces or divisions as soon as possible. When gathering vegetables wash thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to process. Give your flower border a late-summer injection of color by adding a generous helping of chrysanthemums. Available in an almost unlimited selection of colors, shapes, and flower forms, chrysanthemums go well with any garden decor. Plus, because they are sold in bud or bloom, they’ll add instant impact to pots, planters, or flower borders. Their nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of colorful pollinators including migrating Monarch butterflies. Mix single- and double-flowering varieties with asters, pansies, and other fall bloomers. Although herbs can be harvested throughout the summer, the oils responsible for the most intense flavor and aroma are at their peak in late summer, just before the plants flower. Clip foliage in the early morning after the dew dries, but be-

Garden

IN THE

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON, Guest Columnist and Master Gardener

fore the day heats up. One of the easiest ways to store herbs is to rinse them under cold water, chop them coarsely, and place them in water-filled ice cube trays. Then, simply place the trays in the freezer and pop out frozen herbs as you need them. By late summer, some annual flowers may look a bit worn out. Give your pots and planters a makeover by tucking in fresh, ready-to-bloom cool-season annual flowers that will keep the color show going through the fall.

Just gently pull out dead or dying annuals, mix in a bit of fresh soil, and drop in the replacement. It’s

that easy!

Be creative when you select replacement annuals. It’s your chance to experiment with something you’ve never grown before to see how it performs for you. The reward of sharing new starts with friends is a special gift that keeps on giving.

Use a soil-less potting mix when you plant. Avoid using soil from your garden because the soil structure isn’t ideal for container culture and it could contain insect pests, diseases, or weed seeds.

Contains special tips from Costa Farms.

His lips are moving

By PASTOR TIM BUSHONG Syracuse Baptist Church

How can you tell when a politician is lying? His lips are moving. It’s funny ‘cause it’s true. But sometimes even pols stumble into the truth, and sometimes God

We’re in this together. At Edward Jones, we’re in it for the long haul. We’ll be with you every step of the way as you celebrate life’s biggest milestones. Let us help you work toward them. We’re ready when you are. Contact us today.

speaks even through their own willful self-interest.

In John 11, Jesus’ raising of Lazuras from the dead has created quite a stir. The high priest Caiaphas responds to the alarmed leadership, and does so scornfully: “You know nothing,” as if to say, “you who are but common priests; I’m the one in office here!”

Isn’t it typical that for those in authority to impose their corrupt edicts by virtue of their office. He assumes that he knows everything that needs to be known at this point, and that these poor supernaturalist Pharisees are so far out of their depth as to be mocked. And here’s the really terrifying thing: What he says is in fact true. John 11:49: “You know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.” Keep in mind: Caiaphas is a political junkie; he’s Caesar’s man in Jerusalem. He’s a true pragmatist: you do whatever works, even to the point of plotting the death

of someone who you know is righteous and pure and innocent of any charge! For him killing Jesus is expedient— it’s profitable and for the common good.

The truth is that God’s power was at work to overturn the evil counsel of these false leaders.

This is demonstrated in what John goes on to say in verse 51: “Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation.” In the greatest irony, Caiaphas had spoken the truth, although with a meaning he neither intended nor understood.

Don’t think that this is unheard of: God had used wicked men and women to say what he wanted to say in the past. Think of Saul, whom the Spirit fell upon and he prophesied, or the witch at Endor, or Balaam. But in God’s all-wise providence, Caiaphas stumbles upon the greatest story ever told: the gospel itself, that Jesus was going to die for the nation, verse 52, and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.”

Again, Caiaphas meant something completely different: He thinks “If we give Jesus up, then the Romans won’t be upset with us—one man vs. all of our power and prestige and position? It’s a no-brainer!” But that’s insane, because they know that Jesus isn’t just a mere man.

What is really meant is this: By Christ’s sacrificial and atoning death, the wages of sin that we earned are paid in full, and so not only the Old Covenant people of God, the Jews, could be saved, but all of us Gentiles who believe as well; as he said in verse 50, “one man die for the people.”

Around The Lakes

AST SUNDAY, a car crashed into the boardwalk at Mud Lake, causing ex tensive damage to the property along the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail. “We are working closely with the county police department to gather information in order to clear out the dangerous debris and begin reconstruction of the boardwalk. We need a full picture of the incident,” said Executive Director Amanda Plank. “In the meantime, please take cau tion while using the other sections along this par ticular trailway. We’re incredibly saddened that one of our most beloved trailways has been damaged so

The accident occurred in the area histor ically known as the Chinese Gardens. Syra cuse-Wawasee Trails is asking for assistance to help pay for the necessary repairs to the boardwalk. If you’d like to donate, go to syracusewawaseetrails.com where you can contribute directly to the cause.

ON THURSDAY, Aug. 15, Nancy Gray of SPEC will accept a certificate from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources which distinguishes the Warner School House on the National Historic Registry.

The schoolhouse was the first school in Tippecanoe Township established in 1838. It’s located behind the library and NWCC. More information can be found by visiting nwcommunitycenter.org/warnerschoolhouse.

OVER THE weekend, Milford firefighters repainted the exterior of the fire station, going from a peach color to blue. Brian Haines said he believes it has been 40 years since the station was painted. Eric Haines is seen doing some final touch-ups late Saturday morning.

THE NORTH Webster Community Center is hosting a mental health education series starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1. The first topic is “The Myths of Hospice.” NWCC is partnering with Stillwater Hospice to bring education on various topics relating to mental health. No registration needed. Classes are at 6 p.m. every Thursday until Aug. 29.

ATTENTION TEACHERS! Meet Milford is asking you to post your Amazon Wishlist links on its Facebook page “so that our awesome community can help stock your classroom this year!”

To be included, go to facebook.com/meetmilford and scroll down to the appropriate post that features a dark green background. From there, make a comment on the post with your school, grade and a link to your list.

SCHOOL MAY be starting soon, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Lakeland Youth Center’s annual Mother-Son Adventure will be Saturday, Sept. 21, at Quaker Haven Camp. From 3-5 p.m. there will be fun bonding adventures such as the Gigantic jump pad, rock climbing wall, trails, rowboats and other outdoor activities. Finish up the day with a taco bar from 5-6 p.m. and a campfire from 6-7 p.m.

The cost is $40 for mom, sons are free. Register at lakelandyouthin.myrec.com.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS are needed to help drive veterans to medical appointments. To offer your time, call Jim Fisher, service officer at the North Webster American Legion, at (574) 514-9031.

HARVEST COFFEE in Milford is organizing a “Back to School Prayer Night.” People of all ages are invited to meet at the front doors of Wawasee High School at 6:30 p.m. Sunday,

Aug. 11. From there, groups will split out and cover our community’s school buildings.

“Let’s start our school year off right,” said Karena Wilkinson, owner of Harvest Coffee. “As a community, let’s cover our schools, staff, and students with prayer. Life is hard and love is heavy, and prayer is our weapon!”

THE NORTH Webster Ski Bees’ final show is Saturday, Aug. 10. Practice is at 9 a.m. with the show is at 6 p.m. The club picnic and ski around the lake starts at noon Sunday, Aug.

WHILE THERE was lots to do in the community this summer, many found some time to lose themselves in a good book. The Syracuse Public Library reported it had 382 registered participants in its summer reading program this year. That number was made up of 92 adults, 60 teens and 230 children, all of who read a combined 435,086 minutes far surpassing the library’s goal of 200,000. That’s a very impressive 7,551.43 hours of reading!

Speaking of the library, it’s not too late to place a bid for the Friends of the Library’s charcuterie board silent auction. There are 11 different boards designed by local artists to bid on. Bidding concludes at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, so be sure to stop by, check them out and place a bid.

The first Teen Cafe of the 2024-25 school year will e from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, in the Rosalyn Jones room in the library. Stop by, create some designs with peeler beads while discussing plans for teen cafe this year.

SEVERAL PEOPLE in North Webster have reported seeing a mountain lion in the last few weeks. It was spotted walking in an open area just north of Titus Funeral Home into a cornfield. Social media has been buzzing with reports of these sightings with a few people even snapping photos of the alleged animal. So, is it a hoax or is it real?

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the mountain lion, once lived in much of the eastern United States; however, they were extirpated from Indiana by the late 1800s. So you be the judge, but it’s highly unlikely.

MILFORD LIONS Club is holding a gun raffle fundraiser. Tickets can be purchased from any Lion, but know that only 550 tickets will be sold. You can call Jim Smiley at (574) 518-0877, Dr. Gerv Schafer at (574) 529-4124 or text Steve Weisser at (574) 529-3868.

Tickets are $20 each or three for $50. From the money raised, 75% will go to next year’s Milford Lions Festival and 25% will go to the Milford Lions Project Fund.

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