The Mail-Journal - August 2, 2023

Wawasee School Board hears two conceptual proposals

The special school board meeting held Tuesday, Aug. 1, was the first step in a legal process. The purpose of the meeting was to hear two proposed projects of Wawasee Community Schools and to open the floor to any public comment.

Everything presented by the architects is just an idea, an option. The projects have not entered the design phase. As laid out by Indiana Code, a school corporation must hold two public hearings in order to adopt a resolution to preliminarily determine to issue bonds or enter a lease for a project that has a total project cost in excess of a noncontrolled project.

In the spring, a community engagement committee was assembled to help look at facilities and to present its findings to the board for consideration. The committee

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Staci York announces resignation

Staci York, executive director of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, recently announced her resignation. Her last day as executive director will be Friday, Aug. 4. She served as chamber director for a year while also doing some social media marketing on the side. She said she was looking to pursue a more marketing focused career moving forward.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here. It’s been a great learning experience,” York said. “The people in the community are great.” She and her husband plan to stay in the area for the foreseeable future.

A search for a new executive director for the chamber is currently underway.

Jim Silcox receives WACF’s Cattail Award

he was looking for a “healthy activity, giving back to the community and carrying on a great tradition.

Pavilion and cabin dedicated at WACF Lakes Celebration

Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s annual Lakes Celebration Saturday morning, July 29, was just that. A celebration.

This year’s event was held at WACF’s Between-The-Lakes Preserve.

The celebration was the dedication of the Joan M. Buletty Pavilion and the Quinn Cottage.

Heather Harwood, executive director, provided the background on the acquisition of the preserve and the eventual creation of the Buletty Pavilion. She noted the mission statement from Sam Lemon who was chairman of the property.

letty was a good friend to the conservancy and enjoyed the trails at the Levinson-LaBrosse Lakes and Wetlands Education Center. She flew a WACF flag at the end of her pier, and knew a lot of folks around the lake. She chose to fund the pavilion from a menu of WACF wish list items, and “I believe she saw an opportunity, as an educator, for potential on the

Between-the-Lakes, site, and it’s access to the lakes and wetlands from a central spot.”

“She supported the mission and knew the area well from spending time growing up on the lake. The Buletty Pavilion is located on the property to take advantage of the panoramic views of the wetlands and the natural amphitheater

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Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s annual Lakes Celebration includes the presentation of the prestigious Cattail Award. This year, the award was presented to Jim Silcox.

John Bearss, WACF board chairman, announced the Cattail Award, stating Silcox is a member of the canoe team.

Bearss highlighted Silcox’s commitment to the community through his involvements, past and present, serving on the Wawasee Property Owners Association and the Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy.

“Like many of us, he was introduced 20 years ago by taking his boys on the 10-lake canoe trip. In 2019, when he was newly retired,

The canoe team on the top of his list.” Bearss also stated for those who know Dan Berkey and Al Campbell, “they are great at setting the hook and reeling you in.” This is what happened to Bearss and Silcox after meeting the two men for the first time.

Silcox, according to Bearss, has earned the leadership position on the canoe team. He has expanded the attributes of what canoe trip participants are seeing and experiencing. “It’s been a pleasure,” said Bearss, noting Silcox has affected

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That statement is “preservation and restoration and enjoyment of the habitat and the shoreline, and demonstration based land and water management. “We have come a long way from the acquisition in 2016 from the Searfoss family. Shortly there after Jim and Sally Hubbard gave a donation for the care of the property.

Harwood noted in 2018 a grant was received to restore native plantings on the property and the efforts of George Hardy and Scott Fetters. She then went into the interest and involvement of Joan Buletty who chose the pavilion project from the foundation’s wish list. “She saw the potential of the property,” said Harwood.

A long-time friend of Joan Slocum Buletty, Harwood stated Bu-

A history of the Hayden & Quinn log cabin

the cabin.

The new front porch will be used as a visitor gathering area and entrance to the cabin. The back porch will allow for a storage area for kayak accessories. The cabin was set on a new crawl space and a new roof was added.

It is thought that these two structural addition improvements will give the cottage decades of utility to the park and continued enjoyment to its visitors.

Pavilion and

Continued from page 1 hill for presentation to kids. Joan appreciated this site and saw the potential for an educational venue and opportunities for kayak and canoe activities. The pavilion design was based on the old yacht club and reflecting the original Ruddell Pavilion at WACF designed by Sam Leman with input from Bob Fanning.

Bill McCully, development chairman, introduced Brad and Cindy Quinn and Jeff and Clair Quinn, stating the cabin was a “perfect capstone of this property

was the opportunity to bring the log cabin over, particular thanks to the Quinn family, multi-generational family … had the vision to understand what a perfect capstone to this property that cabin could be.”

Brad Quinn noted it was his wife, Cindy, who instigated contacting the WACF to find a home on the property for the log cabin. “We couldn’t have done it any better, working together in getting the cabin here.”

During his brief speech, Brad Quinn noted the finding of an ar-

Jim Silcox

Continued from page 1 many people.”

Upon accepting the award, Silcox stated he is fully immersed now in transferring the knowledge from those before him and has learned of people he otherwise wouldn’t know.

“I know WACF does a lot of great things … but from my perspective, it’s hard to find a better way to educate the people than this nice canoe float for four hours. … meet a lot of new people, hear a lot of great stories and I learn a lot of great things … this has been really rewarding for me.

He shared learning how to say “spadderdock” and how to strap canoes and unstrap canoes. He also joked that Doug Yoder yelled at him for the way he done that more than his father ever did. He also spoke of his experiences with the originators of the canoe trips — Dan Berkey and Al Campbell.

The annual meeting also includes project updates including hearing from Dr. Jerry Sweeten, with EcoSystems Connections Institute. Sweeten presented a brief overview of the Wawasee Inlet Nutrient Study, now in its fifth year.

“We know a lot about the wheels and cogs of this lake that will be used perpetually for the future and it truly is a legacy program for sure,” stated Sweeten.

While he didn’t provide numbers, he explained W.I.N.K., or what is not known, question raised that the study is answering, “you are far better off protecting what you have than trying to restore it.”

Those questions, which were fundamental were: How much phospherous, nitrogen and sediment are entering into Lake Wawasee and how much is leaving through the Turkey Creek outlet; how much nutrients and sediment entering the lake are accumulating - what happens once it gets there; the amount of nutrients needing to be reduced; which streams are the largest source of nutrients and sediment in the lake and what is the best strategy to protect the lake.

“The reports we provide should never sit on a shelf,” stated Sweeten. “These should be working documents for generations.”

Sweeten was followed by Beth Morris, a member of ecology committee, who alluded to several graphs available to review and the data now available. She noted the study has uncovered a chronic pollution problem in the lake that if left unchecked it will be a different situation down the road.

row head on the property. “In a thousand years when they look back on our era and look back on the Pottawatomies then they think back of us and have good thoughts about the stewards we have been for the lake here.”

An opportunity to view the cabin was made available following the meeting. The Hayden/Quinn Log Cabin was donated and moved onto the Between-the-Lakes property by the Quinn families. They took special care in the relocation and restoration of the log cabin.

The Hayden & Quinn vintage log cabin is now in the care of WACF at Between-the-Lakes Preserve on Kale Island. The tamarack log structure faces a beautiful setting of wetlands. The cabin and the wetlands together are a symbol of WACF’s preservation mission.

The Quinn families, Jeff and Clare and Brad and Cindy, were the generous donors of the cabin, the relocation of the cabin and the restoration of the cabin. WACF plans to utilize the cabin as an historical center and have occasional small meetings and gatherings there.

The Hayden & Quinn log cabin was located at 6097 E. Island Ave. (Pier 723). The cabin is built from native Tamarack which was thought to have been harvested from the land where the cabin was located on Island Avenue on the shores of Wawasee.

For the last 100 years the cabin has been used as a summer retreat for its owners and has become one of the oldest remaining cottages. WACF’s interest is for historical value and using it as a visitor center at Between-theLakes. WACF envisions the park to be a site where visitors to the area can kayak in the adjacent waterways, hike through the grounds and experience the history of the cabin.

The cabin is 1,181-squarefoot structure that was moved by removing the front porch and back section of the cottage to facilitate the relocation. The log sections from those areas were retained and placed back in their original locations and become the side walls of the two porches of

The Quinn family has lots of memories that this cabin on the lake provided.

When Was The Cabin Built And Who Have Been The Owners?

During early discussions of the Quinn family’s offer to donate the cabin there were anecdotal stories about its age. They knew that the cabin definitely dated back into the 19th century and that it was one of the early dwellings in all of Lake Wawasee.

Yoder investigated the property records and put together historical information on the cabin included below.

Fortunately, the county has preserved the vintage transfer books and plat books showing records back to 1845 (ref. 1). These are hand written records used for years. Personnel from the auditors office showed how to trace from the present backwards to find property ownership information.

The following delineates the ownership chain of the log cabin on lot No. 24:

Harold and Wanda Quinn acquired from Glen & Emma Hayden – Sept. 21, 1972

Haydens acquired from Charles & Josephine Kutz – Oct. 14, 1937

Kutzs’ acquired from Jacob Zollinger – July 16, 1915

Zollinger acquired from Harry and Etta Daugler – Oct. 28,1904

Harry and Etta Dangler acquired from George W. Miles –March 3, 1899

In all instances above, a Value of Improvement shows for lot No. 24 meaning there was an improvement on the land.

George W. Miles acquired 25

acres known as Kale Island on April 7, 1896, from Alice Sauer. There is no Value of Improvement recorded for this transfer. (TB, Turkey Creek 1895 to 1900)

The plat book shows that Kale Island was platted on April 7, 1896, the same date it records George Miles having acquired the island property. It was platted into 58 lots along the shoreline up to the Pickwick Park lots at the northeast end.

In those days the lake water level was higher than it is today.

A channel of water that separated Pickwick Park from Kale Island flowed such that you could run a boat over it. Soon thereafter this “was filled and made dry ground” (PB 1 and Miles, 1910)

Also in 1896, Preston F. Miles, nephew of George, acquired four lots from George at the far north end of the new Kale Island plat. Lot No. 4 shows a Value of Improvement. Preston apparently built a cabin immediately after acquiring those lots. (TB, Turkey Creek 1895 to 1900)

On the record for lot No. 24 a blue pencil mark was lightly struck through the information and an entry is made showing lot No. 24 being transferred to Harry and Etta Dangler in March 1899. Out of 58 lots platted along the shoreline, lot No. 24 is the only one showing Value of Improvement, namely a structure valued at $100. This likely is the Quinn log cabin.

The transfer book records show that Miles transferred several lots to other people at that same time. George Miles owned the log cabin lot No. 24 for three years according to the records. There is indication of previous owners but no record of there being any official improvements or structures on Kale Island.

George Miles may have taken possession of the land sometime before that April 1896 date, possibly via a land contract. He could have initiated the platting process long before the date of record. Miles could have started the log cabin building project earlier as well.

Commissioners agree to accept health funding from state

its stakeholders.”

prevention, childhood lead screenings, student health, tobacco prevention,” added Groninger.

Additional funds for health initiatives should be coming in to Kosciusko County in the next two years.

At its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 1, Kosciusko County Commissioners agreed to a resolution allowing the county to accept special health funding from the state.

That’s due to the Indiana General Assembly passing Senate Bill 4 and the state’s biennial budget this year. The commissioners’ move follows the Kosciusko County Health Board also agreeing to accept the funding at a July 17 meeting.

Kosciusko County Attorney Ed Ormsby read from the resolution before its passage.

He said “the acceptance of the funding does not transfer any county authority in operating the local health department to the state department in return for funding.”

“The county must match some additional dollars with this funding, as far as about a 20% match,” he continued. “But that is roughly within budget of what we’re currently matching with our general fund tax dollars into the health department, so it’s not like it’s going to take additional local tax dollars to be able to receive this funding.”

The amount the county will receive is dependent on how many other counties in Indiana also agree to taking the state funding.

As of now, the county’s estimated to get $2.7 million to $3.7 million, said Groninger.

The county will form a committee to advise the county health board on how to spend the money, said Groninger, with that to be done at a special county health board meeting at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 15, in the Kosciusko County Courthouse’s Old Courtroom.

Sorensen said the group would also look for IT-related grants and “go over best use practices and make recommendations if necessary.”

Proposed committee members consist of Sorensen and Bob Momeyer from the county’s systems administration, Kosciusko County Councilwoman Kim Cates, Kosciusko County Administrator Marsha McSherry, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Chris McKeand, Groninger, Kosciusko County Clerk Ann Torpy and Chief Deputy Clerk Melissa Boggs, and Kosciusko County Emergency Management Agency Director Kip Shuter.

Groninger noted the committee was a suggestion after Purdue University and Indiana University did a cybersecurity assessment for the county.

In other business, commissioners:

“We are taking action to change the trajectory,” she stated. The 25 projects undertaken to help with the solution were mentioned. Because of the W.I.N.S. data, WACF qualified for designation as a National Water Quality Initiative, through the Indiana Natural Resource Conservation Services, a division of the Department of Agriculture.

Morris explained $1.245 million has been made available through the county Natural Resources Conservation office and Soil and Water Conservation District, to work with farmers and others on programs to “shut off the tap” in

nutrient and sediment entering the lake. She stated this is a threeyear program with an opportunity to renew its qualification.

Additionally, the morning including the announcement of the incoming board president, Terry Clapacs, recognition and presentation to Chris Roberts as outgoing board member, and welcome to new board member, Brian Warren.

Officers for the coming year will be Clapacs as chairman; Tom Cottrell, vice chair; Donn Baird, treasurer; and Heather, executive director and secretary. The breakfast served was donated by The Channel Marker.

Kosciusko County Commissioner Cary Groninger, who’s been involved with the process for securing the funding thus far, said “the state made a historic investment in health funding to help mitigate long-term health costs and increase the health and wellness of the residents of Indiana.”

“The county can opt out at any time if they feel as though the program is not providing benefit to our residents here,” he said.

Groninger also explained the funding, mentioning “about 40% of the money must be spent on historical, kind of core health services, like restaurant inspection, septic systems, building inspections, those types of things that historically the health department has already done.”

“But 60% of the money then can be spent on new core health services such as chronic disease

Tech Committee Commissioners also agreed to create a county cybersecurity and technology committee.

Eric Sorensen, who works for the county’s systems administration, brought the request before commissioners.

He said with county information technology staffing changes and switches in software used, “now would be a good time to increase communication and keep key stakeholders in the loop.”

Sorensen read a list of guidelines for the committee.

It would inform others of “current and future technology projects,” he said. “This committee will meet quarterly or as needed to discuss technology matters. It will include members from multiple departments and the ultimate goal is to help the IT department better serve the county and

• Approved renaming a section of Main Street on the east side in Atwood back to Old Road 30 West at the request of the Warsaw Post Office and a property owner there. That’s to avoid address confusion as there’s no longer a post office in Atwood.

• Approved a $13,184.74 quote for an emergency repair to a walkin cooler in the jail’s kitchen.

Commissioners’ next meeting is 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, in the Old Courtroom.

Obituaries

Susanna Kurtz

Former Real Estate Agent

Susanna Kurtz, 95, Goshen, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Greencroft Healthcare. She was born July 10, 1927, in Hazelton Township, Iowa, to David and Mattie (Yoder) Schrock. On June 7, 1946, Sue married Delbert Eugene Kurtz (deceased).

They lived in the Goshen area for the first 30 years of their marriage. Sue worked at Goshen General Hospital during that time. In the 1970s, they moved to Oklahoma and then to Mansfield, Texas, where Sue enjoyed a successful 25-year career in real estate. They returned to Syracuse from 2002 to 2008 then to the Greencroft community in Goshen. Sue was a member of Calvary Methodist Church, Syracuse.

Survivors include three children, Kennlyn (Charles) Robinson, Woodbury, Minn., Bruce (Cathy) Kurtz, Syracuse, and Debra (Claude, deceased) Bailey, Azle, Texas; five grandchildren; one stepgranddaughter; 10 great-grandchildren; two stepgreat-grandsons; and two half brothers, David Schrock, Indianapolis, and Bob Schrock, South Bend.

Along with her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Greencroft Meeting House, with a reflection time at 3 p.m. led by Chaplain Greg Grotbeck.

Contributions to your favorite charity or to Goshen Home Care and Hospice are preferred in lieu of flowers. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Joyce Wolf

A Native Of Milford

Joyce Wolf went to be with the Lord Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at her home in Atwood. She was 94 years old.

Joyce was born Aug. 30, 1928, in Milford, to Herman and Ruth (Wise) Miller. She spent most of her adult life in Kosciusko County, graduating from Milford School and later from Fort Wayne Beauty College. On Feb. 11, 1950, she married James M. Wolf; they shared more than 65 years together before his passing in 2016.

Joyce was a longtime member of Otterbein Methodist Church in Atwood, where she loved and served her church family and her Lord Jesus. She was also involved in numerous clubs such as the United Methodist Women, Atwood Home Study and Red Hat. She was an avid basketball fan, cheering on her favorite Indiana and Georgia teams.

In the spring and summer, she could always be found in her flower and vegetable gardens. She shared her bounty with friends and family and often entered them in the 4-H Fair; this year she was recognized for her pickles. Her favorite activity was growing beautiful roses and sharing them with others.

Remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Joyce is survived by three children, Joe Wolf of Atwood, Ann (Steve) Collins of Tyrone, Ga., and Pam Slabaugh of Warsaw; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Anna Mary Harlan; and a special nephew, Jerry (Cheryl) Miller, both of whom she loved as her own. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and a large extended family.

In addition to her husband, James Wolf, she was preceded in passing by several siblings and son-in-law, Mark Slabaugh.

Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan St., Warsaw, is entrusted with the care of Joyce and the family. Visitors gathered at the funeral home from 3-7 p.m. Friday, July 28. A life celebration funeral took place at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29, at Otterbein Methodist, 306 E. Main St. in Atwood, with doors open for one hour prior. Burial followed at Stony Point. Pastor David Banning officiated.

The family has asked that gifts of memory for Joyce be designed to Otterbein Methodist Church, P.O. Box 98, Atwood, IN 46502.

Written condolences may be left for the family at www.titusfuneralhome.com.

Linda K. Roberts

Regional Human Resources Manager

Linda K. Roberts, longtime resident of North Webster, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Grace Village Retirement Community in Winona Lake at the age of 79.

She was born Jan. 24, 1944, in Warsaw, to her loving parents Robert and Juanita Miller (Geiger).

Linda was a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many with her elegance, creativity and put-together charm. Her glamorous personality shone through in every aspect of her life. Whether it was in her pastel paintings or her impeccable fashion sense, Linda had a flair for bringing beauty into the world.

Linda grew up in North Webster, but she loved traveling and the excitement of living in different cities. She held many influential positions within the human resources field across the Midwest and Florida, including co-owning a temporary help agency in the Detroit area. She completed here career as a regional human resources manager for Lowes.

Not only was Linda accomplished in her career, but she also had a multitude of hobbies and interests that added vibrancy to her life. She found joy in cheering on Jimmy Johnson during NASCAR races and was an avid fan. She had a soft spot for animals, especially cats, and spent many cherished moments with her own. Birdwatching provided her comfort when spending time outside at her home on Webster Lake. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Those who survive with memories to cherish include her granddaughter, Sarah (Aaron) Baier; great-grandsons, Isaac and Adam Baier; sisters, Barb Freel and Cheryl Hoppel; and brother, Roger Miller. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

She is preceded in passing by her parents and son, Brian Bensing.

Titus Funeral Home of North Webster is entrusted with the care of Linda and her family. Friends may join her family for visitation from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, at the funeral home, 8056 E. 500N, North Webster. The memorial service will begin at 7 p.m. with Pastor Dennis Judy officiating.

Memorial gifts are appreciated to Isaiah 11 Ministry, 6256 W. 100N, Warsaw, IN 46580 or New Hope Pet Rescue, 72555 CR 29, Syracuse, IN 46567. To leave a condolence or send flowers, please visit www.titusfuneralhome.com.

Wawasee School

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wrapped up in March, before spring break, and presented the potential options at the April regular board meeting.

The committee presented four “Tier One” projects: Milford Elementary School, performing arts center for the high school, fieldhouse and natatorium. The board had discussed the options and agreed Milford Elementary and PAC made the most sense for the school system. “It would have a trickle down effect.

“It wouldn’t just be a performing arts center space for the high school, we would also look at re-purposing the existing space that performing arts is currently in,” said Dr. Steve Troyer, superintendent. “That would include the auditorium, band room, choir room and theatre rooms associated with those programs. We would look at re-purposing those rooms into potentially some CTE space to be used down the road. … We also need space for our alternative learning program.”

The board is looking at either a significant renovation or a new building altogether for Milford Elementary School.

The board heard from Emily Hower, on behalf of Elevatus Architecture, the firm working on the Milford Elementary School project. She presented the schematic process so far. Hower presented an existing site plan and a supporting document that showcased the phasing of additions through the years.

Hower showed where the firm is on a schematic conceptual process of laying out the site. The site is a little over 70,000 square feet. “Additionally, some of your infrastructure is pretty advanced in their age. I heard there is a drainage from the building that is actually made from hand-laid brick. That will all need replaced and that is very costly. So when you’re talking about that type of aged and location of services and infrastructure that’s going to

add a lot. You might see a savings of 5-10%. But you would still have an old building with marginal savings.”

Steve Baut questioned how Elevatus can include the community in the communication about the project. Hower suggested the use of Elevatus’ marketing team, whether that is a website with project process or drone footage.

“We are really, really early in the process. So when we talk about conceptual design, it is just boxes we are placing to see what this could look like. We have not started engaging stakeholders,” Troyer reiterated to the board.

The board heard from Brian Wolf of Garmann Miller. Wolf presented his ideas as to where the proposed PAC could be located. Each option presented took into consideration the circulation of students, the front entrance, parking and the back of house (for use of deliveries).

The first idea he presented was placing the performing arts center on the south side to have connection with the agriculture building. The main entrance in this option is “less than ideal” and the back of house is “tough” because of limited

access. With this option, adding additional parking would be advised.

“This option does not really rise to the top,” Wolf told the board.

The second idea Wolf presented is a flip of his first idea, to the west. The entrance would be toward the north parking area, which would allow plenty of parking access for visitors. Back of house is easily accessible for deliveries.

The third idea presented was placing the performing arts center north (in front of the football field). This idea allows for an “ideal entrance” and plenty of parking. The connection to the high school’s building makes it easily accessible for students and staff. However, accessibility to the back of house is limited.

This location also will eliminate around 100 parking spaces. This option, with the way the PAC is positioned, does allow for the creation of an outdoor courtyard area.

Andy Cripe challenged Wolf’s ideas, saying, “If we’re going to spend a ‘bajillion’ dollars, I do not want it hidden in a corner. I want it seen from the road. I want peo-

ple to do a double take.”

Dr. Brandon Penrod explained the financial impact of the projects. Penrod explained the par amount of bonds is $77.150 million, with estimated costs of issuance and capitalized interest of $2.15 million, leaving $75 million as the estimated proceeds for hard or soft project costs.

Penrod presented the school’s current tax rate components. In 2022 and 2023, Wawasee school corporation’s total tax rate was $0.5399.

“The financing may be broken down in various borrowings, potentially over multiple years for financial efficacy and to align with the proposed construction schedule. The borrowings may include general obligation bonds, lease bonds and/or bond anticipation notes,” Penrod explained.

A handful of community members attended the special board meeting, but no one made any public comments. The board’s next regular meeting will be held 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, in the Warrior Room of Wawasee High School, 1 Warrior Path Building 1, Syracuse.

Dam and Dike Conservancy to meet Aug. 22

The Turkey Creek Dam and Dine Conservancy District board will hold its quarterly meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22. The meeting will be at the district offices located at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation,

County to use over $1.1M in ARPA funds for recreational projects

Kosciusko County leaders have agreed to spend more than $1.1 million of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funds on county recreational projects and broadband internet in Sidney.

That choice was made at a special joint meeting of the county’s ARPA committee, commissioners and council on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

Leaders had to decide at the meeting how to spend $1.2 million of the county’s overall ARPA funds from the federal government they had set aside last year via the county’s participation in the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program.

The state created H,E,L.P. to assist local governments with spending their ARPA money on proj-

ects to better their communities in four specific areas: Advancing E-Connectivity; Enhancing Quality of Place; Promoting Community Wellness; and Strengthening Local Economies. Kosciusko County was selected to participate, and county representatives invited any of the county’s cities and towns to take part as well, with Mentone, Milford and Pierceton agreeing. Through HELP, the county has a community coordinator, Amy Roe, who is helping guide those in the area through the process. She and the Michiana Council of Governments’ Zach Dripps, who also is helping with the process, were present at Tuesday’s meeting.

Also at the meeting were Kosciusko County Parks and Recreation Board members and representatives with Kosciusko REMC and Kosciusko Connect, who brought project suggestions before

the county leaders. As Kosciusko County Commissioner and ARPA Committee Member Cary Groninger noted at the start of the meeting, leaders could only chose from projects they had already narrowed down through the HELP process, having outlined them in what is called a strategic investment plan.

Those presented Tuesday consisted of: creating a greenways and blueways trail plan for the county; extending the Chinworth Bridge greenway westward; putting in a boat launch at James Lake; and allowing KREMC and Kosciusko Connect to install fiber for broadband internet in Sidney.

The county agreed to spend $80,000 on the trail plan, with Winona Lake also planning to contribute $30,000 for it. It also opted to spend $750,000 for the Chinworth Bridge greenway project and

$302,798.45 for the fiber to Sidney.

Part of the amount for KREMC and Kosciusko Connect, or $42,000, includes laying fiber for constructing a fourth supplemental public safety communications tower at Sidney, with leaders noting current issues with the other towers reaching there due to the landscape.

Leaders discussed not doing the boat launch as they need to have the greenways and blueways plan done before they can plan for it.

The monies allocated Tuesday total $1,132,798.45. As Groninger also mentioned Tuesday, leaders had to spend at least $1 million of the set aside funds to ensure a match of the same amount from the state via HELP. The county has agreed to give those matching funds to Mentone, Milford and Pierceton to assist with their HELP projects.

LaCasa receives grants and loans for affordable housing

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the board of directors for the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority announced nine projects have received awards from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. This funding is used for the construction and/or rehabilitation of affordable rental housing for low and moderateincome residents.

LaCasa is among the recipients for projects at: 317 Arbor Court, developed by Lacasa of Goshen, Inc., will receive $909,000 in HOME awards and will rehabilitate seven affordable rental units in Goshen.

Hattle Apartments, devel-

oped by Lacasa of Goshen, Inc., will receive $1.5 million in HOME awards and will rehabilitate 12 affordable rental units in Goshen.

Additionally, $1.5 million in HOME Innovations funds were awarded to Lacasa of Goshen, Inc., to create eight permanent supportive housing units for persons with co-occuring substance use disorder and mental illness. Award applicants were required to attend an intensive HOME Project Development Training that focused on rental housing development, navigating federal requirements, design and implementation of permanent housing with support services, as well as supple-

mental trainings on planning, rental assistance resources and subsidy layering requirements.

“Affordable housing is vital to a community’s vibrancy,” said Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, “through HOME funding, these projects will create and restore hundreds of units, greatly benefitting the Hoosiers who live, work and play in those communities.”

“IHCDA is committed to creating and preserving affordable housing across the state,” said IHCDA Executive Director Jake Sipe, “affordable housing is a vital asset to Indiana’s infrastructure. We will continue to work with our partners to

close the housing gap and ensure housing remains affordable for all Hoosiers.”

HOME funding can also be used for capacity building activities for Community Housing Development Organizations. CHDOs are IHCDA-certified not-for-profit housing organizations that meet certain HOME regulations and are eligible to receive HOME funds to use as an operating supplement when carrying out a HOME-funded development.

For more information on the HOME program visit in.gov/ ihcda/developers/home-investment-partnerships-programhome

Accidents/Incidents

Kosciusko County

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

Accidents

6:55 p.m.

Wednesday, July 26, North Old SR 15 and West CR 600N, Leesburg. Driver: Broc Fraley, 18, East CR 700N, Leesburg. Fraley’s vehicle was rearended by an unknown vehicle that fled the scene following the crash. Damage up to $2,500.

5:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, East CR 1200N and North Syracuse Webster Road, Syracuse.

Drivers: Daniel Zeringue, 39, West Crystal Flash Road, North Webster; and Kenneth Stanford, 55, North CR 500W, Warsaw.

Zeringue’s vehicle crossed over into Stanford’s lane striking Stanford’s driver door causing Zeringue’s vehicle to leave the roadway and Stanford’s vehicle to spin around. Damage up to $25,000.

Helen Jenkins’ vehicle. Damage up to $10,000.

1:29 p.m. Thursday, July 27, North Higbee Street, Milford.

Drivers: Griffin Morgan, 23, West Main Street, Warsaw; and Grant Ruch, 32, North West Street, Milford. Ruch’s vehicle struck the rear end of the trailer Morgan was pulling, causing damage to the trailer and Morgan’s vehicle.

Damage up to $5,000.

7:05 a.m. Thursday, July 27, East CR 1300N, east of North CR 300E, Milford. Driver: Daniel R. Lewis, 60, West Prairie Drive, Leesburg. Lewis’ vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $10,000. North Webster

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

Incidents

11:31 a.m. Monday, July 31, 200 block West Effie Mae Street, North Webster. Danielle G. Moseley and Bruce A. Chilton reported theft. Value: $200.

Schroll arrested for allegedly hitting

woman

cuse. Erika A. Martinez reported criminal mischief to her vehicle by another individual. Walter Lee Bush was issued a trespass warning for being on Martinez’ property.

2:31 p.m. Thursday, July 27, South Huntington Street, Syracuse. Mark Neal reported a van struck his vehicle twice and fled the scene.

Arrest

8:25 p.m. Sunday, July 30, 500 block East Pickwick Drive, Syracuse. Walter Lee Bush, 21, 308 E. Madison St., Goshen, was arrested on criminal mischief after witnesses saw Bush smash car windows. Bush was transported to the Kosciusko County Jail.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accident: Accident

Billy Taylor Schroll was arrested for allegedly battering a woman.

Schroll, 30, 8268 E. Wade Lane, North Webster, is charged with domestic battery committed in the presence of a child and domestic battery with a prior conviction, both level 6 felonies; and domestic battery, a class A misdemeanor.

On Saturday, July 8, a Koscius-

ko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to an altercation in North Webster. Schroll told the deputy he was battered.

According to court documents, an individual received voice-recorded messages

from a child at the scene. In the messages, a woman can be heard telling Schroll, “You just smacked me.” The child said Schroll hit the woman several times but was scared to call the police. The deputy noticed a red mark on the woman’s left cheek. Two children witnessed the incident. Schroll was previously convicted of battery in Kosciusko County in May 2016.

Schroll has already been arrested and has an initial hearing at 1 p.m. Monday, July 31.

Combs arrested after domestic incident

A Warsaw man was arrested for allegedly punching a man multiple times.

6:27 a.m.

Tuesday, July 25, North SR 13, south of East CR 300N, Pierceton. Driver: Jennifer E. Lightcap, 48, EMS B7 Lane, Leesburg. Lightcap’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

Incidents

8:40 a.m. Saturday, July 29, 100 block of EMS B61B Lane, Warsaw. A bicycle was found.

5:17 p.m. Saturday, July 29, 100 block EMS W17 Lane, North Webster. Officers investigated a report of invasion of privacy.

5:43 p.m. Friday, July 28, 6000 block North CR 950E, North Webster. Michael J. Lackey, Monty J. Lackey, and Cody L. Lackey reported theft. ATVs, a motorcycle, and a trailer were stolen. Value: $36,000.

7:11 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, 12000 block North Raggedy Ann Road, Cromwell. Officers investigated a report of intimidation.

8:25 a.m. Tuesday, July 25, 200 block West Prairie Street, Leesburg. Erik J. Forks reported the theft of multiple items, including motorcycles, a trailer, and a dirt bike. Value: $24,350.

Milford

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

6:15 p.m. Monday, July 31, West Section Street and South Maple Street, Milford. Drivers: Kathleen Kasson, 32, East Camelot Lane, Cromwell; Elida Aramburo Soto, 45, West Section Street, Milford; and Juana Torress, 50, West Section Street, Milford. Kasson’s vehicle struck the side mirror of Aramburo Soto’s vehicle. The mirror struck and dented Torress’ vehicle. Damage up to $1,000.

10:27 a.m. Saturday, July 29, South Higbee Street and West Emeline Street, Milford. Drivers: Keyla Helen Jenkins, 26, Lehigh Drive, Elkhart; and Jacqueline Castro-Olvera, 22, North East Street, Milford. Castro-Olvera’s vehicle struck the rear end of

12:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, 300 block West Crystal Flash Road, North Webster. Richard Rollins reported fraud.

Syracuse

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

Accidents

4:42 a.m. Monday, July 31, North Huntington Street north of East Boston Street, Syracuse. Drivers: Gatlyn Eagle, 23, North Kings Drive, Syracuse; and Timothy Landesman, 39, West Himes Street, North Webster. Eagle’s vehicle struck the rear end of Landesman’s vehicle.

Damage up to $10,000.

6:30 p.m. Friday, July 28, North Indiana Avenue and CR

1400N, Syracuse. Driver: Amy Gaff, 45, Union Street, Ligonier. An unknown vehicle rear ended Gaff’s vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

2:31 p.m. Thursday, July 27. South Huntington Street, south of West Railroad Avenue, Syracuse.

Driver: Mark Neal, 55, North 800 East, Syracuse. Neal’s vehicle was struck twice and the unknown driver fled the scene.

Damage up to $2,500.

11:29 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, South Huntington Street, west of East Pittsburgh Street, Syracuse. Driver: Jaden Carpenter, 20, North Front Street, Syracuse.

Carpenter’s vehicle struck a gas pump. Damage up to $2,500.

4:53 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, East CR 1300N and North CR 300E, Syracuse. Drivers: Ryan Rash, 40, Willow Bend Court, Avon; and Zachary Marshall, 38, D18A1 Lane, Syracuse. After stopping at the stop sign, Rash’s vehicle proceeded into the intersection where he collided with Marshall’s vehicle. Damage up to $10,000.

Incidents

8:25 p.m. Sunday, July 30, 500 block East Pickwick Drive, Syra-

12:31 p.m. Friday, July 28, SR 15 and West CR 350N, Warsaw. Drivers: Anita Hogan, 58, South Street, North Webster; and Bailey Stiver, 25, North CR 150E, Warsaw. Hogan’s vehicle hit Stiver’s vehicle while going through an intersection after the light had turned red. Damage up to $25,000.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County

Jail:

July 30 — Robert Eugene Belt Jr., 34, 309 S. Henry St., Milford, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated – endangerment, refusal to submit to a chemical test and operating without ever obtaining a license. Bond: $700 cash.

July 30 — Jeffrey Norris Simpson, 51, 6838 E. 650N, North Webster, booked for intimidation – draws/uses weapon. Bond: $10,250 surety and cash.

July 28 — Nathan Scott Nibert, 36, 17 EMS B62 Lane, Warsaw, booked for invasion of privacy. Bond: $1,500 cash.

July 27 — Robyn Andrew Stroud, 32, 310 N. West St., Milford, booked for failure to appear – felony, a bench warrant and a foreign warrant. Bond: A combination of $500 cash and no bond.

July 26 — Sean Bryan Berwanger, 54, 309 N. TK Way, North Webster, booked for domestic battery – simple assault, confinement and strangulation. Bond: $6,000 surety and cash.

Elkhart County

The following person was booked in the Elkhart County Correctional Complex

July 25 — Gary Lee Looney, 50, 307 E. Williams St., Milford, booked for burglary, two counts of possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Simpson arrested for allegedly using knife to threaten woman

A North Webster man was recently arrested for allegedly using a knife to threaten a woman.

Jeffrey Norris Simpson, 51, 6838 E. CR 650N, North Webster, is charged with intimidation with a deadly weapon, a level 5 felony.

On July 15, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a domestic complaint in Leesburg. A woman said she had an active protective order against Simpson, but that the order had not been served to him yet. According to court documents,

the woman said she had a verbal argument with Simpson. During the incident, Simpson allegedly pulled out a knife from a shelf. Even though nothing physical occurred, the woman said Simpson constantly tried to intimidate her by holding items in his hands that he could use as weapons against her.

Simpson left the scene prior to

Donald Leon Combs, 50, 440 Wexford Place, Warsaw, is charged with domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and domestic battery with a prior conviction, both level 6 felonies; domestic battery and two counts of resisting law enforcement, all class A misdemeanors; and criminal mischief, a class B misdemeanor.

On July 7, Syracuse and Milford police officers responded

to a fight in progress in Syracuse. Upon arrival, the Syracuse officer saw Combs flee the scene on foot. The officer pursued Combs, who resisted arrest.

According to court documents, a man said he asked Combs to leave a residence since he was extremely intoxicated. Combs allegedly punched the man in

the right eye multiple times. Officers noticed the man’s right eye was swollen and had cuts on his eyelid and right elbow. When the man went into a residence, Combs grabbed a piece of wood and threw it at a sliding glass door, shattering the glass. A witness said Combs drank several alcoholic beverages and punched the man in the face multiple times. Combs was previously convicted of battery in Kosciusko County in April 2010. Combs has already been arrested and released on his own recognizance.

Ruiz arrested for fleeing from officers during traffic stop

A Warsaw man was arrested for fleeing from law enforcement during a traffic stop.

Martin Ruiz, 27, 102 Ra Mar Drive, Warsaw, is charged with escape, a level 5 felony; resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor; operating a vehicle with a specified amount of alcohol, a class C misdemeanor; and false informing, a class B misdemeanor.

On July 3, a Milford Police officer pulled a speeding vehicle over and identified its driver as Ruiz.

The officer noticed Ruiz was showing signs of intoxication and asked him to step out of his vehicle.

According to court documents, Ruiz provided the officer with false identifying information. When asked if he had any identification on him, Ruiz said he did not.

At one point, as the officer

Court News

Superior Court III

The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko

well, $160 Disregarding stop sign — Kevin T. Westover, Leesburg, $160.50

Marriage Licenses

The following couple have ap-

went to collect a portable breath test machine, Ruiz fled the scene on foot while in handcuffs. He ran into a yard and fell to the ground. North Webster Police and Kosciusko County Sheriff’s officers responded to the scene to assist.

Ruiz’s portable breath test showed a 0.148 BrAC.

During the investigation, officers found a Mexico identification card in Ruiz’s wallet, which showed a different birth date from the one Ruiz provided to the Milford officer.

Ruiz was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail July 4.

law enforcement’s arrival.

A witness said she saw Simpson draw a knife from a shelf and hold it.

Simpson was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail July 30, with a $10,250 surety and cash bond.

Syracuse, $160.50

Illegal taking of a wild animal — Crystal Hoover, Crom-

206 S. Main St. P.O. Box 188 Milford, IN 46542-0188 Phone (574) 658-4111 1-800-733-4111 FAX 800-886-3796

plied for a marriage license in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Ann Torpy: Holsclaw-Smiley Skyler L. Holsclaw, 26, Leesburg, and Paige M. Smiley, 25, Milford

102 E. Main St. Syracuse, IN 46567-1119 Phone (574)

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Letter to the editor

Saddened by sale of Bart’s

Dear Editor:

It was with sadness that I saw the sign for the sale of Bart’s. This business and family have given so much to the com-

We welcome readers’ letters.

munity. Gladys Culver started so many students on the road to a good education. Bart’s gave many young people great work experience and money to pur-

sue a higher education. The business used their profits to enrich the community. The closing will be a big loss.

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.

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Kosciusko County Prosecutor urges safety, school bus awareness

As summer break draws to an end, it’s nearing that time of year when children will be heading back to school.

Returning to school can be exciting for kids, and their parents, and it also means school buses return to the roads.

Kosciusko County Prosecutor

Brad Voelz is urging drivers to take precautions and be aware of their surroundings. Ignoring school bus stop arms can have tragic or fatal consequences, as this community knows all too well.

In Indiana, it’s against the law for motorists to pass a buss that’s stopped and has its red lights flashing with the stop

arm extended.

Unfortunately, school bus stop arm violations are all too common in Indiana. Voelz wishes to remind us all to slow down around school buses and in school zones, and to always make a full stop when the school bus stop arm is extended and the red lights are flashing.

A national survey in 2022 found that almost a third of buses recorded stop arm violations. During the one-day survey, 6,665 bus drivers from 195 school districts in Indiana counted and reported stop arm violations throughout the day. In total, drivers recorded an unbelievable 2,041 violations, according to the National School

State Sen. Ryan Mishler to participate in key study committees

State Sen. Ryan Mishler (RMishawaka) will serve as chair of the Medicaid Oversight Committee and as a member of several other key study committees in preparation for the 2024 legislative session.

Mishler’s other assignments include:

• Budget Committee

• Funding Indiana’s Roads for a Stronger, Safer Tomorrow Task Force, co-chair

fiscal picture, my biggest concern is our ballooning Medicaid spending,” Mishler said. “That’s why the Medicaid Oversight Committee is so important. We need to be thoughtful in what and who we are covering with this program so we can ensure we can continue to pay for it and at the same time balance the other budgetary needs of the state.”

the Pre-1996 Teachers’ Retirement Fund. This task force, part of the Senate Republican agenda and created through Senate Enrolled Act 3, will provide us with the information we need to make informed decisions about how we might streamline our tax system and make it work better for all Hoosiers.”

Bus Illegal Passing Driver Survey.

Disregarding a school bus stop arm is a Class A infraction, which could result in a fine of up to $10,000 and a license suspension up to one year. Recklessly passing a stop arm is a criminal offense, which could result in jail time. The punishment is much more severe, up to years in prison, if injuries or death occur as a result of the reckless passing.

“There is absolutely no excuse for ignoring school bus stop arms,” said Voelz. “For kids and our community to be safe, we must all take this seriously. Please pay attention, be patient, and slow down.”

Krauter pleads guilty in fatal drug overdose case

A Milford man has pled guilty to dealing drugs to a woman who overdosed and died.

Jay L. Krauter, 55, Milford, pled guilty to dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a level 1 felony, Monday, July 31.

If Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed accepts the plea, Krauter will receive a 25year sentence, with 20 years in prison and five years suspended on probation.

Plea acceptance and sentencing will take place at 9:45 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24.

On Oct. 28, 2021, the Milford Police chief responded to a death at a residence. Upon arrival, the chief spoke to the family of Laini

Roberts, 28, Milford. The family said they found Roberts deceased in a bedroom. According to court documents, the chief spoke with a man who received photos of a message string between Roberts and Krauter. The man also said he went to Krauter’s home and noticed drug items in a room. Upon being told Roberts died, Krauter said he did not mean for that to happen.

An autopsy ruled Roberts’ cause of death as intoxication by acetylfentanyl, fentanyl and xylazine. A drug screen indicated

these substances were present in Roberts’ body.

A Milford detective interviewed Krauter about Roberts’ death in December 2021. Krauter said on Oct. 27, 2021, Roberts asked him to come over and bring heroin. He agreed to bring some drugs over for the two of them to use.

Krauter admitted Roberts used heroin he delivered to her and that he took money from Roberts for the drugs. He also admitted to delivering heroin to Roberts the night she died.

On June 3, 2022, a Milford officer conducted a field test of a small bag containing a white substance collected from Roberts’ home. The bag was of the same size and style as bags collected during a search of Krauter’s home. The substance tested positive for fentanyl.

Kosciusko, Noble county legislators receive study committee assignments

State Reps. Craig Snow (RWarsaw) and David Abbott, (RRome City) recently received interim study committee appointments and will take a deep dive into issues facing Hoosiers as they prepare for the next legislative session in January.

Lawmakers serve on interim committees throughout the summer and fall to examine policy topics, gather public input and recommend potential legislation.

Snow will serve as a member of the Interim Study Committee on Fiscal Policy.

“Our state has responsibly crafted a balanced budget that maintains strong reserves as well as funds essential services,” Snow said. “We need to ensure we keep Indiana’s financial future in great shape moving forward.”

Abbott will serve as a member of the Interim Study Committee on Employment and Labor. He will also serve on the Drainage Task Force.

“Increasing our workforce and talent pipeline is critical to our state’s future,” Abbott said. “On the employment and labor committee, I will look forward to reviewing our current workforce

programs and learning more about how we can encourage more out-of-state professionals to locate here.”

Members of the public are welcomed to attend and testify at committee hearings, which typically occur at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Hearings are also livestreamed and archived online at iga.in.gov, where committee calendars and meeting agendas are posted.

• State and Local Tax Review Task Force Mishler said three key areas for further review emerged during the 2023 budget session — Medicaid spending, tax cuts and road funding. As chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Mishler is participating in discussions on all three of those areas by way of his study committee assignments.

During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers expressed concerns regarding the over $2 billion increase in Medicaid spending when crafting the new state budget. This is why House Enrolled Act 1001 established the Medicaid Oversight Committee to holistically review and make recommendations concerning all requests for the Indiana Medicaid program’s new and existing services.

“As I look at Indiana’s current

As a member of the State and Local Tax Review Task Force, Mishler will participate in discussions about planning for the future of Indiana’s tax and revenue structure.

Each year, Indiana appropriates about $1 billion to the Pre-1996 Teachers’ Retirement Fund. In recent years, lawmakers have been making additional payments in order to accelerate the date when the fund will become self-sustaining. Once this pension plan no longer has an unfunded liability, Indiana will have freed up at least $2 billion in the state’s biennial budget, which presents the state with the opportunity to make tax cuts or other transformational changes to benefit Hoosiers.

“We need to start planning now for our state’s financial future as we approach the day when we will no longer need to make these huge payments to

Finally, lawmakers identified the need to continue planning for the state’s future infrastructure needs, resulting in the reestablishment of the FIRSST Task Force.

“As technology continues to evolve, state governments need to be thoughtful in how we are funding our roads,” Mishler said. “The FIRSST Task Force is going to play an important role in reviewing our road-funding mechanisms and making sure we have the long-term funding structures in place to sustain our infrastructure now and into the future.”

Legislators will meet over the summer and fall months to discuss topics approved by the bipartisan Legislative Council, which is comprised of 16 voting members — eight from the Senate and eight from the House of Representatives. To view study committee agendas and stream hearings online, visit iga.in.gov.

Wasp survey project wants wasps, hornets and yellowjackets

In July 2023, members of the Manchester University Center for Environmental Resilience and Social Engagement launched the “Community Wasp Survey Project” to document the various eusocial wasp species found in North Manchester and to study the impact that invasive species of wasps are having on beneficial native wasps in the local ecosystem.

The MU Wasp Survey Project is spearheaded by the “Wasp Survey Team,” made up of several Environmental Studies students and their faculty advisor. The WST is being trained and mentored by a local business, Green Wasp Removal, and is supported by local residents, businesses, and public facilities, throughout the community, all of whom are encouraged to join the project as official “Community Participants.”

Community participants agree to allow the WST to inspect the exteriors of their properties to document local eusocial wasp species, including paper wasps, yellowjackets and hornets. Community participants stay in touch with the WST throughout the summer/fall wasp season, and allow the WST to monitor the development of any wasp nests observed during exterior property inspections. After the seasonal monitoring phase is completed, the WST eventually collects or removes the wasps when nests reach peak population.

The WST also offers community participants free wasp removal services upon request. Removal services involve strictly “green” methods — environmentally responsible protocols — which entirely avoid toxic pesticides in favor of ecologically healthy natural control techniques. Part of the mission of the MU Community Wasp Survey Project, is to help educate the local community about the beneficial nature of wasps, and how to effectively remove/control unwanted wasps without the use of toxic pesticides.

At the end of the 2023 wasp season, when all the wasps and nests are collected or removed for the MU study, the wasp specimens will ultimately be shipped to Washington State to a venom collection company that provides wasps to biomedical labs, in the USA and abroad, for use in Venom Immunotherapy.

VIT is a life-saving medical treatment for people with severe or lethal venom allergies.

VIT has a 98% success rate in reducing, or completely eliminating, venom allergies, thereby preventing medical emergencies before they can occur.

Wasps are indeed vitally im-

portant beneficial insects in the environment. Along with other essential species in the hymenoptera order of insects (including bees and ants), wasps are helpful pollinators, and exceptional biological control agents that help keep pest insect populations from exploding out of control throughout the summer/fall months.

Wasps hunt many species of pest insects and feed them to their young for protein, and this activity results in a more balanced and healthy ecosystem overall. It is important to recognize wasps as the beneficial insects they are. The community is encouraged to avoid poisoning, killing or eliminating wasps if there is any way they can be spared.

If you have a wasp nest that needs to be removed immediately, contact the MU Wasp Survey Team to handle the removal in an eco-friendly manner.

To become a community participant in the MU Wasp Survey Project, or to report wasp activity anywhere in the community to the Wasp Survey Team, or for general comments or inquiries, contact the MU Community Wasp Survey Project Hotline at (260) 782-5182.

Wawasee Kiwanis triathlon a success

Springman of Arcadia. Her total time was 1:19:47.4. Second place honors went to Lea Ryndak of Flossmoor, Ill., with a time of 1:51:47.6.

The day started with cloudy skies and overcast conditions; however, by the time this year’s triathlon was finished, athletes were rewarded with sun, medals and bragging rights.

Wawasee Kiwanis held its annual triathlon Saturday, July 29. The event began early in the morning at Lakeside Park in Syracuse.

The triathlon consisted of a 1/4 mile swim, 13.49 mile bike ride, and a 3.1-mile run along the rolling hills of the north shore of Syracuse Lake.

The 15th annual USAT-sanctioned triathlon had a variety of age groups divisions, ranging from 15-19 years old to 85-plus.

Organizers say participation was up from last year with 25 more athletes. There were 101 people who participated, including 76 who were timed.

The myTEAM TRIUMPH team had four captains and angels, and six teams with three people apiece. myTEAM TRIUMPH’s purpose is to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals with disabilities; they took part in all three events.

The Results

The overall winner was Matthew Hauck, Nappanee, with a total time of 1:09:46.5. His swim time was 10:39.9, bike time 35:00.0 and run time 22:47.8. Hauck placed first in all three events.

The overall female winner was Jennifer Mains, Wolcottville, with a total time of 1:18:51.0. Her swim time was 11:23.4, bike time 42:52.9 and run time 22:43.2. She placed 12th overall.

The men’s master winner was Mark Strasser, Fort Wayne. His total time in all three events was 1:11:48.0.

A local woman was the female master winner. Staci Weisser, Milford, had a total time of 1:23:27.4.

The winner of the females age 15 to 19 category was Juliana

In the men’s age 20 to 24 division, first place bragging rights went to Angus Moore, Columbus, Ohio. His total time was 1:16:57.2. Second place honors went to Zack Villarreal, Valparaiso, with a combined total of 1:19:32.1.

In the women’s 20 to 24 age group, the first place winner was Kara Moore, McFarland, Wis. Her total was 1:31:45.2. Second place honors went to Madi Zetzl of Indianapolis with a total time of 1:37:46.3.

Caleb Stayton, Fort Wayne, earned first place in the men’s age 25 to 29 category with a time of 1:39:45.2. Cody Reer, Warsaw, received second place.

Maddie McClellan, Columbia City, won the women’s age 25 to 29 category with a time of 1:34:23.4.

Randy Slerk, Winona Lake, earned first place honors in the men’s age 30 to 34 division; his time was 1:11:08.2. Luke Thompson, Syracuse, placed second with a total time of 1:17:40.1.

Christine Zetal, Indianapolis, won the women’s age 30 to 34 category; her time was 1:43:10.8.

Daniel Brandt, West Lafayette, earned first place for the men’s 35 to 39 age category with a time of 1:14:49.8. Rolando Barba, Syracuse, got fourth place with a time of 2:00:11.7.

January Stramaglia, Glencoe Ill., earned first place in the women’s age 35 to 39 category; her time was 1:37:50.2.

Todd Rupp, Craigville, got first place in the men’s 40 to 44 age category; his time was 1:16:38.0. Steven Fryman, Syracuse, got sixth place.

In the women’s age 40 to 44 category, Katie Zarich, Indianapolis, earned first place; her time was 1:37:01.5.

Gregory Greenawalt, Bourbon, came in first in the men’s 45 to 49 age category; his time was

1:23:08.5. Alexander Houze, Leesburg, got fourth place.

Robby Kissling, Warsaw, got first place in the men’s 50 to 54 age range with a time of 1:13:23.7. Stephanie Wilson, Chicago, got first place for her age division, 50 to 54. Her time was 1:29:35.4.

Paul Baker, Howe, earned first in the men’s 55 to 59 age range with a time of 1:23:55.0. Patty Rapp, Indianapolis, earned first in the women’s age range of 55 to 59; her time was 1:33:57.7.

The men’s age 60 to 64 winner was Steve Savage, Warsaw, with a time of 1:19:25.8. The women’s age 60 to 64 division first place winner was Resia Rinker, Syracuse, with a total of 1:25:56.5.

First place in the men’s age 65 to 69 division was Eddie Drudge, Claypool, with a combined total time of 1:16:52.7. Justin Frericks, Syracuse, finished second; his time was 1:18:51.2.

The women’s 65 to 69 age first place winner was Paula Turk, Elkhart. Her time was 1:36:35.6.

The men’s 70 to 74 age winner was Robert Stephens, Bradenton, Fla. His combined time was 1:34:08.1.

In the men’s age 75 to 79 division, first place was Ken Yoder, Goshen, with total time of 1:46:11.3.

All profits from the event go to Wawasee Kiwanis charities, including Riley Children’s Hospital,

Teen Parents Succeeding, Syracuse Community Center, Harold Schrock Youth Complex, scholar-

ships, Syracuse Food Pantry and others. For other results, visit run-

nersedgeracetiming.com/data/uploadedfiles/wawaseeclyath2023. htm.

Lady Warrior golfers open season

The Wawasee lady golfers had their first outing on Tuesday, placing ninth out of 13 schools in the Huntington Invitational. As a team, the girls combined for a 446, only one shot behind Wabash High School and five behind Forth Wayne Northrop.

Delaney Delegrange led the Warriors, carding an 18-hole 91. She was followed by Taelyn Tom, Emma Young, Ava Couture and Kaydence Shepherd. The team competed today in a three-way match with Columbia City and Tippecanoe Valley. They will participate in the NorthWood Invitational in Nappanee on Thursday.

Community Corner

Scott Brown has a different way to start the day

While most of us are rolling out of bed or enjoying that first cup of coffee at 6:30 a.m., Scott Brown of Syracuse is starting his day on water skis.

Many around the lake have seen him and his friends as they ski at sunrise from mid-April to October. “I’m fortunate to have a supportive wife who likes to drive the boat and get up early,” he said. “And lots of supportive friends.”

The latest into the fall he’s skied was Oct. 31. He said both the air and water temp were around 57 degrees. The only minor disappointment was Brown and his buddies couldn’t claim they skied on Nov. 1.

Today, Brown and his wife, Rebecca, have a condo in Wawasee Condos and his sister still has the family home. Brown said the move to the condos has allowed him to reconnect with ski buddies.

“I just enjoy it so much. Just the fun of it,” Brown said about water skiing. “It’s a passion and there’s no cure.”

Brown’s passion for skiing has caught the attention of others. Joe Spees has been skiing with Brown for about four years after seeing him ski and telling his grandpa he’d like to be able to ski like that.

PROFILE

Depending on the day, Brown and three or four friends will get together to ski early in the morning. Brown typically goes first since he usually wants a second or third run. That early in the morning, the water is like glass. If it’s too windy or rainy the group doesn’t go.

Brown, who is originally from Indianapolis, spent his summers on Lake Wawasee. “My parents loved coming up here,” he said. They purchased a place in 1967 and Brown, who started waterskiing when he was 6-7 became active in the Wawasee Ski Club. He would ski, trick ski, slalom ski as well as ski competitively.

Spees’s grandfather is a friend of Brown’s and put the two of them together. “It’s nice to have a young adult skiing with us,” he said. Another ski buddy is Heather Harwood, executive director of Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation.

Brown has no plans on stopping. “That day is not on my calendar,” he said.

When he isn’t on the water, Brown serves on the alumni board for Trine University and on Trine’s Civil Engineering Advisory Board.

Brown worked as a civil engineer and is graduated from Trine when it was Tri-State University.

He has two stepsons and two granddaughters who love to come up to the lake and ski during the summer. His youngest granddaughter is thrilled she can legally drive the boat now.

Film Festival Saturday At Pickwick Theatre

Chautauqua’s third annual Family Fun Film Festival featuring phone videos is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Pickwick Theater in Syracuse.

The event is free to attend.

“We had a record number of phone video submitted this year,” explained Mark Knecht, project organizer. “This was envisioned to be like the America’s Funniest Home Videos TV show, but has evolved to include both funny videos and those that just put a smile on your face.”

The festival organizes a collection of personal phone videos of individuals, friends or family having fun on the water, biking, boating and clowning around with family. The collection provides an entertaining collection of Syracuse community people.

Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum’s Centennial presentation

The Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum’s Centennial presentation at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, in the Syracuse Community Center will feature the Wawasee State Fish Hatchery area. Beginning in the early 1900s, an area at the foot of the Lake Papakeechie dam provided a perfect place for a fish hatch-

ery location. Over the years it grew to the extent pictured.

Much of this growth was accomplished by a Civilian Conservation Corps camp established in 1934. Maurice Lung started working at the hatchery in the 1930s, later becoming superintendent of all the state fish hatcheries in Indiana. His

daughter, Diana Lung Castell, will share his story as well as her own experiences growing up in the area. Galloway’s (then Waterson’s) Grocery and Brazel’s bait shop were nestled in the middle of all these ponds. The presentation is sure to add a great deal to your knowledge of the lakes’ area.

In addition to showing this year’s submissions, the recording of 2021 and 2022 will also be shown. At the conclusion prizes will be awarded for Fun with Friends, Fun on Water, Fun with Animals and Fun with Kids.

Two former Wawasee High School students, Matthew Wuthrich and Ryan Snider, are producing the film for the third year. Snider will work with Matthew remotely since Wuthrich has an internship with Disney in Orlando, Fla.

The 2023 videos will be posted on YouTube following the event, and may be viewed by searching for “Chautauqua Wawasee.” Questions may be directed to Debbie

Yankosky at (574) 377-7543.

Sponsored by: Oakwood Foundation Chautauqua-Wawasee, a 501c3 non-profit organization which strives to help make Syracuse and the region a great place to visit, live, work and raise a family by pro-

viding life enriching experiences in support of the Arts, Education, Faith and Recreation. Learn more about Chautauqua Wawasee’s by visiting its website chqw.org or it’s Facebook page facebook.com/ChautauquaWawasee.

Bridge Results

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana mobile food distribution for August will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Aug. 14, at Leesburg Grace Brethren Church, 101 W. School St. This is a USDA distribution and will serve 200 households. Assorted food items offered free of charge. All items are pre-boxed and pre-bagged. First come, first served, while supplies last for those in need of food assistance. One box/ bag per household. Distributions are drive through. Please remain in your vehicle and open your

trunk to receive items. An area will be available for self-loading if your trunk does not open. Thank you to Kroger, United Way of LaPorte County, United Way of Marshall County and United Way of St. Joseph County for sponsoring these distributions. One hundred percent ($190,457) [FY2022-2023] of total program costs for The Emergency Food Assistance Program are financed with federal funds. TEFAP is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

North Webster Bridge Group

The North Webster Bridge Group met Tuesday and Thursday, July 25 and 27, at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in the North Webster Community Center. Tuesday winners were Joyce Metz, first, and Ronnie Pierog, second. Winners Thursday were Bill Thompson, first, and Jean Cowan, second.

Volunteer drivers for Syracuse, Milford and North Webster Mobile Meals have been scheduled as follows:

Syracuse Drivers Aug. 7-11

MONDAY — M. Smith

TUESDAY — P. & L. Stump

WEDNESDAY — D. & K. Matz

THURSDAY — C. Hill

FRIDAY — K. Young Milford Drivers Aug. 7-11

MONDAY — M. Webb

TUESDAY — A. & C. Haab

Local mobile food distribution Mobile Meals drivers

WEDNESDAY — D. & G. Cooper

THURSDAY — L. Kammerer

FRIDAY — K. Stanley North Webster Drivers Aug. 7-11

MONDAY — G. Smith

TUESDAY — J. & K. Caskey

WEDNESDAY — Cardinal

THURSDAY — R. Chambers

FRIDAY — J. Parcell

Gloomy sky doesn’t dampen Dixie Day fun last Saturday

Friday night’s thunderstorms and Saturday morning’s gloomy sky did not dampen any Dixie Day fun. The day kicked off with the Sailors and Mermaids 5K run.

The male overall winner was Brian Shepherd, 57, with a time of 18:24.29 and the women’s overall winner was Yvette Rojas, 26, with a time of 18:42.67. Second place overall male was Filemon Perez, 45, with a time of 18:34.37 and second place overall female Jody Brown, 48, with her dogs Dilly and Flash with a time of 23:39.03. To check official race times, visit arrowliveresults. com/SailorsandMermaidsDixieDayDash5K.

Once the runners crossed the finish line, the real fun began.

Food vendors lined up down West Washington Street, selling some fair food classics like doughnuts, kettle corn, cheeseburgers, barbecue, lemon shake-ups, ice cream and milkshakes. A couple of Mexican food trucks were parked toward the end of the street.

Artisan vendors were spread out down West Washington Street and across Pilcher’s front lawn selling incredible, local handmade art. Dixie Day-goers could find everything from homemade baked goods, cutting boards, wood work, crocheted goodies and more. The car and truck show took place on the Mermaid Festival grounds. Rows of vintage and shiny cars and trucks lined down on the grounds. Other Dixie Day events included a dunk tank and a scavenger hunt that brought participants all around Dixie Day and, of course, a ride on the Dixie.

Local artist hard at work on mural celebrating Syracuse

As Madacyne Leatherman worked, folks honked their horn in appreciation and support as they drove by. Since July 21, Leatherman has been up on a hydraulic lift busy painting a mural on the east side of the AIA Countertops building, located on SR 13 in Wawasee Village.

The mural is a project of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce that has been in the works for quite a while. Staci York, past executive director of the chamber, explained the mural is being funded through a variety of sources, including a grant from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, a chamber project and private donations.

The grant from the KCCF was awarded when Renee Salyer was the executive director.

Leatherman and the chamber have been working on the design since February. The theme will be celebrating Syracuse and its history.

The mural features a lake

scene with cranes and water lilies. Across the top, Leatherman plans to paint vintage post cards highlighting Syracuse. Leatherman said she started painting on July 21. “I’m glad it cooled down,” she said during a break Monday afternoon, July 31. Since she started she’s had to deal with high heat and humidity along with thunderstorms. Her goal is to have the mural completed by Wednesday, Aug. 9, when the final grant report is due to the community foundation.

Leatherman has done exterior murals for Coffee Depot and interior murals for Ligonier businesses, which is where she’s from, and she’s interested in doing more. She also owns an all-women tattoo shop in North Webster. Leatherman is using normal exterior paint. She explained she purchased the three primary colors: red, blue and yellow and has been hand mixing her colors. She explained she had to mix the light blue color five times to cover the space on the wall. With the warm temps, she said the paint cures quickly.

Kosciusko Foundation grant supports key training at Cardinal Services

Cardinal Services recently received a grant from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation in the amount of $20,000.

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Authorized Dealer

The grant was for a three-day Balanced Scorecard Professional Certification training led by a member of the Balanced Scorecard Institute. The purpose of the training is to build organizational capacity by aligning strategies, identifying/communicating priorities and measuring results. The training, which was held earlier in July, focused on the nine-step process of the Balanced Scorecard system:

• Organizational development

• Strategic planning

• Management

• Objectives and strategy mapping

• Performance measured

• Target setting

• Prioritization

• Automation

• Cascading

As employees master these elements, Cardinal believes the organization will increase cost and operating efficiencies, and improve performance throughout the company by shifting focus from activity to results.

Thirty employees participated in the training, including members of the quality assurance team, executive management, supervisors and employees from both Cardinal Services and Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana. With the training complete, employees will next take the online exam to be certified by the Balanced Scorecard Institute.

According to Cardinal Services Executive Director Vickie Lootens, a key outcome of the system is that it will give Cardinal a way to connect the dots between strategic planning and management.

Tippecanoe and Chapman

RSD to hold public hearing

The board of trustees of the Tippecanoe and Chapman Regional Sewer District will hold a public hearing 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive comment on any charges being implemented by the district

associated with the adopting of its use ordinance and implementation of a capacity charge for future customers. All users of the works and owners of property to be served, or to be served, and other interested shall have an opportunity to be heard concerning the proposed rates and charges.

Junior sailors make friends and memories

The porch at the Wawasee Yacht Club has been, for the past five weeks, the happy spot for young sailors enrolled in the club’s annual junior sailing program. Lead instructor Andrew Wallach and his team of Beale Hughes, Dougie Rassi, Wes Rapp, Mia Wellington, Graydon Holt and Zach Collins, have all worked to accomplish the program’s mission of teaching young people sailing and seamanship in a safe, fun and structured environment that promotes sportsmanship, selfdiscipline, self-reliance and a respect for nature and fellow sailors. Started in 1991 by a small group of club members as an informal sailing activity for their children, the program has grown to be a popular summertime tradition. Jeff Schmahl, now in his 20th year as program director, is proud of the number of kids who have been able to experience sailing on Lake Wawasee. “This summer, over 170 kids will participate in eight sessions over the course of five weeks.” Registration opens in mid-January and most classes are filled by March 1. The program, open to all children ages 8-15, runs from June 26 through July 28. Each session lasts for one week. Classes last three hours and are held in the morning or afternoon. Two levels

of instruction are offered: basic and advanced. The cost is $150 per session for members and $165 for nonmembers. The basic class is recommended for sailors ages 8-13. Sailors are grouped daily by experience, size and ability and are challenged accordingly. New or less-experienced sailors learn the basic elements of sailing including boat handling, wind awareness and safety. The kids sail in Optimist prams, O’Pen skiffs, Sunfish and 420s.

New or smaller sailors may initially sail with a partner. Most transition to solo sailing as basic skills are mastered and physical ability is demonstrated. “We really enjoy seeing the kids gain confidence during the week, especially as they complete longer ‘destination sails’

such as to and from the Harborside sandbar,” said Schmahl. “Wind direction determines where sailors can and cannot go. As they become more aware of wind direction, students are constantly paying attention to their sail trim and steering,” said Hughes.

The advanced level is recommended for experienced sailors, typically ages 13-15. This group practices advanced boat handling techniques, racing skills and teamwork aboard multi-crew boats. They sail the basic boats plus the Lightnings and E-scows.

These sailors must be more physically and emotionally mature and they must have completed multiple basic classes. They are encouraged to crew aboard Lightnings or E-Scows and/or to race

Sunfish during the Wawasee Yacht Club fleet racing. “We teach the students proper technique to get to the upwind buoy by zigzagging. We start the race with a horn and usually race three to five legs,” said Hughes.

The program recognizes two junior sailors at the annual club awards banquet. The B. W. Duck Memorial Award is presented to the junior sailor who is the “best sailor” of the season, and the Alfred Tag Snook Award is presented to the junior sailor who best demonstrates “overall excellence” in the class.

Wallach, the lead instructor, has been a physical education and art teacher at St. Vincent de Paul in Elkhart for the past nine years. He learned how to sail in middle school on a family vacation to Dis-

ney World. “My mom bought me a $50 sailboat and I taught myself to sail at Chain-o-Lakes,” said Wallach. He lives close to Syracuse Lake and can easily put one of his five boats in for a fun day of sailing with his children. “I love the free-

dom of sailing.”

Every Friday after the boats are put away, the junior sailors enjoy an ice cream sandwich before posing for a group picture. Afterwards they and their parents can view a video recap of the week.

CLASSIFIEDS

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

FAX 800-886-3796

WARSAW 574-269-2932

FAX 888-371-2934

$925

Suzette Hunsberger won overall grand champion in dog show

10 YEARS AGO, JULY 31, 2013

SYRACUSE 574-457-3666

Katie Jones was recently named Indiana director of the Office of Women’s Health. The daughter of Milford residents Clark and Judy Jones, Katie attended Milford School through the eighth-grade and is a Wawasee High School graduate of the class of 2000.

After a recent storm dumped a large limb on top of Josh Brown’s classic, jacked-up Mustang, he and Shanda decided it was time for the whole tree to come down.

Larry Weaver of Wawasee Tree Service and his crew toppled it July 18. Although it had some green leaves, Weaver said it was pretty much dead and had quite a bit of cement in it. It used to be a common practice, he explained, to fill tree holes with cement to seal them. But cement doesn’t bond with wood and tends to hold moisture, increasing the rate at which a tree will rot.

20 YEARS AGO,

JULY 30, 2003

ANNOUNCEMENTS ....................A005-A100

BUSINESS SERVICE...................C010-C430

EMPLOYMENT.............................E010-E080

FARM ...........................................G010-G070

FINANCIAL ..................................H010-H030 INSTRUCTION .............................K010-K020

Brent Lamb of Milford went to

the Kosciusko County 4-H and Community Fair hoping to do his best. He won reserve grand champion steer as well as other titles. As master showman for the beef club, he represented the club in the showmanship contest and won that honor as well. Lamb said this was his best year ever in 4-H. Milford seniors who reside or are in rehab at Lakeland Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center will be traveling in style in the new van the center recently received. The van, which came from Supreme in Goshen, will hold two wheelchairs and has 10 seats. It was purchased for the center by Trilogy Health Services LLC, the company that owns Lakeland.

30 YEARS AGO, JULY 28, 1993

Zoa Metcalf, who resides at Lakeland Loving Care Center, Milford, turned 108 years young yesterday (Tuesday). Zoa was born on July 27, 1885, in Oswego, and grew up in this area. She was a secretary for Montgomery Wards in Momence, Ill., and had

...........................P010-P290

worked nine years for an attorney. She quit that position when she married her husband. They were married 37 years when he passed away.

Eldon Beer of North Main Street, Milford, was honored at a “surprise” birthday dinner Friday evening, July 23, in his home.

The special event was planned by his wife, Kathryn Ann. The guest of honor was greeted at the door with a specially-made sign designed by his daughter, Tamara. Everyone had an enjoyable time as they helped Eldon celebrate his 70th birthday. 40 YEARS AGO,

AUG. 3, 1983

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Haab became the first to donate a hog to the Emergency Medical Services for the coming hog roast. As noted in an article elsewhere in this issue the Lions Club will also donate one or two hogs to the dinner, depending on the committee’s action at the livestock auction at the fair on Friday night.

Suzette Hunsberger, daughter of Rodger and Mary Hunsberger

of near Milford, has more trophies to add to her ever-growing collection. Suzette won the overall grand champion award in Sunday’s dog show at the county fair with her golden retriever Zeke. She also won the second year division grand champion trophy and was senior handling reserve champion.

50 YEARS AGO, AUG. 1, 1973 Diane and Darrell Doss, twins of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Doss of r 1 Milford who were born on June 9, were honored at a baby shower in the home of their parents last Wednesday night. Hostesses for the shower were Melba Garza and Mary DeWilder, both of New Paris.

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Speicher of r 2 Milford are currently in Germany visiting with their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Speicher. Tom is stationed in Badtolz with the armed services. The senior Speichers left O’Hare airport in Chicago on Saturday, July 21, and were met at the Frankfort airport by their son.

Area veterans flew to D.C. to view memorials

10 YEARS AGO, JULY 31, 2013

Three area World War II veterans joined approximately 75 other veterans from northeast Indiana to visit the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Women’s War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and other memorials in Washington, D.C., recently. The trip was sponsored by Honor Flight Northeast Indiana. Veterans from the area making the trip were WWII veteran Trueman Bell, North Webster; veteran Pat Johnson, Syracuse; and WWII veteran Al Koontz, Fort Wayne. Johnson, Syracuse resident and member of Nappanee American Legion Post 154, was escorted by guardian Nellie Keltner. Johnson joined the U.S. Navy in 1945 at the age of 17 right after he graduated from high school in Frankfort. He said the war ended before he completed his basic training, and he was released from active duty in 1946.

Knights of Columbus Council 6323 of Syracuse made donations to several organizations in the area recently. Accepting the donations are Shirely Haggenjous of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, $1,000; Ann Schlabach of the Milford Food Pantry, $500; Nyla White of the Wawasee All- Star girls softball, $780; Nick Goralczyk of the Knights of Columbus; and Tony Oler of the Winona Lake Fire Department, $1,350. 20 YEARS AGO, JULY 30, 2003

Bales Butcher Shop in Wawasee Village is happily celebrating 25 years in business. Darrell Bales,

Syracuse, opened the butcher shop on Main Street uptown in 1978 and moved to Wawasee Village after 13 years. Darrell is a businessman who appreciates his employees and customers. He is pictured with Mary Lou Smith, Cherokee Road, who “came with the store,” he said. “Mary Lou was my first employee and she introduced me to everyone in town 25 years ago.” Darrell has gone on to keep those customers through the years with his friendliness, help from great employees and top-quality meats and deli items.

Curves is the fastest growing fitness franchise in the world.

On average, a new location opens every 18 hours. Curves locations are now found in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom, having sold about 6,000 locations. Curves will open in Syracuse Monday, Aug. 4, in the rear portion of the former Video Connection building, 12107-B, SR 13, Wawasee Village.

Local owners Mike and Jill Baker say, “When you diet alone, 40 percent of the weight you lose is muscle. Muscles are the engines of our bodies that require fuel. If you drastically lower your body’s energy needs each time you diet, you will always gain your weight back. The key to permanent results is lean muscle.”

30 YEARS AGO, JULY 28, 1993

The Syracuse/Turkey Creek will be hosting a Native American Indian Festival and Pow Wow. The Tribes of Potawatomi, Miami, Cherokee, Chippewa and other American Indians will be con-

verging on Syracuse. The feature of the event will be the Doe-WahJack singers and dancers, with lead singer Henry “Tic” Bush.

The fifth annual Wooden Boat Rally to be held on Syracuse and Wawasee lakes will feature some of the finest craftsmanship ever to be put onto water. William Angert is one of the boat owners expected to show off his craft. The Lake Wawasee resident owns a 22-foot 1964 Century Coronado, which he purchased in 1983. “I was looking for a Coronado for several years,” Angert said. Angert had built a boathouse for his 17-foot Century Resort. About the time the building was finished, the Coronado became available. He ended up having to cut a hole in the boathouse just so that the new craft would fit.

40 YEARS AGO, AUG. 3, 1983

Michael J. Kiley, former juvenile judge at Marion and summertime resident of Pickwick Park, Lake Wawasee, received notice on June 15 that Governor Robert D. Orr had re-appointed him to another three-year term on the Department of Natural Resources. This should be real good news in the area, for the care and nuturing of the lakes and streams in and around Syracuse and Kosciusko County for that matter, are a fundamental concern to health and economic welfare of the area. Kiley was appointed to the DNR in July 1978, to fill the remaining two years of the term of Fort Wayne attorney James Thornberry, who had resigned. Then he was re-

appointed to a three-year term by Governor Otis R. Bowen, which term expired June 30. Kiley is considered lakes and streams expert on the wideranging board.

The Board of Directors for the Outstanding Young Men of America Awards Program have announced that David Craig Koble, Syracuse, has been selected for inclusion in the 1983 edition of “Outstanding Men in America.”

50 YEARS AGO, AUG. 1, 1973

Pretty Lee Ann Willits of Syracuse is the reigning Kosciusko county fair queen. She will be on hand to oversee the activities of the 57th annual fair which is set to get underway next Monday night. Lee Ann is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Willits of Syracuse. She is a 1973 graduate of Wawasee high school. Miss Kosciusko County Fair 1973 will be the 19th girl so chosen. She will be chosen by voters who contribute one cent for each vote they wish to cast. The money is used for the county speech and hearing aid fund. Mr. and Mrs. Steve D. Finton of Syracuse and Mrs. Rosannah E. Shaw of Elkhart returned home Monday after spending the past week in Green Bay, Wis. While there they attended the change of command ceremony at which captain P.D. Finton, US Marine Corps Reserve was relieved by captain R.G. Ericson. Captain Finton leaves Green Bay August 12 for one year tour of duty in Okinawa.

10 YEARS AGO, JULY 31, 2013

“From our perspective Dixie Days was a smash hit,” exclaimed North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce President Sue Ward. The chamber sponsors Dixie Days annually to celebrate the sternwheeler boat that has cruised Webster Lake

for 84 years.

North Webster American Legion Post 253 member Bob Harding served as the guardian for World War II veteran Trueman Bell, Barbee Lakes. The two flew to Washington, D.C., recently to see veteran memorials. The flight was sponsored by Honor Flight Northeast Indiana.

The Heat Waves were the hottest team in North Webster Saturday afternoon. Piggybacking a championship Thursday night in the North Webster sand volleyball league tournament, the Heat Waves took down all opposition Saturday, culminated by a 20-22, 21-14, 15-11 Dixie Days championship win against the Willis

Park and Recreation Team.

20 YEARS AGO, JULY 30, 2003

Well-known businessman Jon Sroufe, South Blaine Street and former town marshal, and Tony Strombeck, Mary LaFerne Street, have filed for seats on North Webster Town Council. Lisa Strom-

Goshen Health’s Denham receives Innovation Award

The American Cancer Society presented Dr. Fiona Denham, breast surgical oncologist at Goshen Center for Cancer Care, with their Innovation Award. Denham was honored at the Coaches vs. Cancer Night of the Stars July 31 at Four Winds Casino Hotel in South Bend. The award recognizes an individual who demonstrates an innovative approach to treating or caring for cancer patients and their loved ones.

The nomination came from a patient who wrote: “Dr. Denham is a blessing to the Goshen Center for Cancer Care team. I came to her for a second opinion and she presented all the options to me and my family. Dr. Denham was incredibly honest, but she also wasn’t shy to tell me that the least-invasive options were very effective as well. Because she’s a breast surgeon, I went to my first appointment expecting to schedule a surgery. That was not the case and I am so grateful for that. She is known to support patient autonomy and individualized decision-making. She believes it is of paramount importance to establish a plan that fits each pa-

tient’s values and lets them feel empowered in their own care. Her innovative approach to medicine is appreciated by her patients, and I feel she is worthy of being celebrated by her peers and the community.”

“We appreciate this warm affirmation of Dr. Denham’s exceptional care of her patients,” said Randy Christophel, president and CEO of Goshen Health. “We see evidence of her innovation and compassionate care every day. It’s so rewarding when patients take the time to affirm their health care providers, and when we can share stories like this one with the community.”

Denham joined Goshen Center for Cancer Care in 2017. She received her medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. She is a board certified breast surgeon specializing in breast oncology as well as benign diseases of the breast, management of high-risk breast patients and genetic testing and evaluation. She also leads the breast cancer multidisciplinary care team and the NAPBC program.

Each year, Coaches vs. Cancer and the American Cancer Society host an annual event, as part of their Celebration of Hope events, to honor four local citizens who, in their daily lives, give of themselves through time and effort to fight the battle against

Kosciusko County designated as a broadband ready community

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the Indiana Broadband Office and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs recently announced Kosciusko County as the newest Broadband Ready Community.

“Congratulations to Kosciusko County on this momentous occasion,” said Crouch. “Today, Kosciusko County leadership is being recognized for taking a pivotal step toward broadband readiness, and I am honored to witness this commitment to your community.”

The Broadband Ready Communities Program was created as a tool to encourage broadband development throughout Indiana. The Broadband Ready Community certification sends a signal to the telecommunication industry that a community has taken steps

Ski Bees

Continued from page 10 beck-Francis, Mary LeFerne Street, also a lifetime member, is officially in the running for the office of clerk-treasurer.

The area’s newest attraction is the Old Oak Miniature Golf Course in North Webster. ScrubA-Dub Laundry owners, Dennis and Chris Bruno, decided to add the golf course next to their business, offering people something to do while waiting for their laundry to cycle.

30 YEARS AGO, JULY 28, 1993

Charm and Chatter Club members met July 12 for a dinner party at an area restaurant. Program books were reviewed and plans made for the coming year. Members attending the party were: Ruby Badskey, Dot Baumle, Lois Blaugh, Vergie Jernigan, Lunetta Metcalf, Virginia Osburn, Mary Schang, Isabelle Shidler, Dorothy Snoke and Susie Ward.

A carry-in picnic supper was served July 15 when members of Efficient Homemakers Club met at North Webster Park Pavilion. Debbie Trojan was hostess for the evening. Mary Bridges was assistant hostess and Lori Hickman was a guest. Judy Clayton, vice president, presided.

40 YEARS AGO,

AUG. 3, 1983

Despite the fact the North Webster Town Board sent nearly an hour explaining to the Dixie Drive residence the reasoning behind removing the hedge that borders the street and outbursts of tempers, the 1984 budget was accepted. The general fund budget was approved for $159,873, 10 percent over the 1983 budget.

The North Webster Town Board will host its monthly meeting Aug. 3, at town hall. Eva Payne, clerktreasurer, said there will be a discussion on the proposed park project and asks anyone interested or having suggestions to attend this meeting.

Arthur Howard, United Methodist Church missionary, spoke to the Lakeland Kiwanis Club, North Webster, Aug. 1, explaining his responsibilities in India. A basketball coach at Taylor University in the 1940s, he graduated from Taylor and played on the varsity basketball team.

Antique Chris-Craft Club enjoys meeting for second year

to reduce barriers to broadband infrastructure investment.

The certification was approved by the IBO and OCRA following Kosciusko County’s adoption of Broadband Ready Community ordinances.

“Our goal in becoming a broadband ready community is to attract broadband providers to our communities, welcome more investment to increase access and affordability of high-speed Internet and maintain the connectivity that is necessary in our day-to-day lives for everything from social interactions, education, to business,” said Kosciusko County Commissioner Brad Jackson.

Earnie Holtrey, deputy director at the Indiana Broadband Office, congratulates the new Broadband

50 YEARS AGO, AUG. 1, 1973

The North Webster Ski Bees traveled to Indianapolis to compete in the Indiana State Ski Tournament held last week. The proud group came home with a first, which makes the eighth consecutive year for the group to win the championship honors. Two of the members, Jamie Peckinpaugh, Muncie, who resides at North Webster in the summer, and Janet Wade of North

Ready Community for their dedicated efforts in expanding accessibility to broadband.

“IBO is thrilled to collaborate with Kosciusko County and welcome them to the growing list of Broadband Ready Communities across the state,” said Holtrey. “Kosciusko County exemplifies prioritizing connection and quality of life throughout their community,” said Holtrey.

To date, 86 communities across the state are BBRC.

“Congratulations Kosciusko County leadership and residents on being recognized as a BBRC,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “It is a great honor to be able to recognize this achievement for IBO, OCRA and most importantly, the community.”

Webster are going on to the regional ski tournament at Omaha, Neb., and the National Ski Tournament at Petersburg, Va.

Mrs. Joan Richards of Elkhart spent last weekend with her mother, Mrs. Eva Lock, and her sister, Ruth Rose and family at North Webster.

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Brower and sons are vacationing at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Brower at Webster, Wis.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Etna Green, Indiana, by and through its Town Council, hereinafter referred to as the Owner, will receive sealed bid proposals for construction of the following: Town of Etna Green 2023-1 Community Crossings Paving Projects Sealed bid proposals will be received by the Town of Etna Green, Attn: ClerkTreasurer’s Office, 106 South Walnut Street/PO Box 183, Etna Green, IN 46524 until 4:00 pm, Thursday, Aug. 3rd, 2023. They may be delivered in person to the Town Hall, between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Any proposals received after the above-designated time will be returned unopened. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud at the Etna Green Town Council Meeting on Thursday, August 4th, 2023 at 7:00 pm in the Etna Green Town Hall. Bids will then be taken under advisement for review by the Owner.

The contract will consist of the following: 2023-1 CCMG Paving and associated work items, such as ADA ramp improvements, of various streets throughout the Town of Etna Green.

All bid proposals must be enclosed in an opaque, sealed envelope bearing the Project title, the name and address of the Bidder, and the date and time of the proposal bid opening. All bid proposals must be submitted on State Board of Accounts Form No. 96 together with the proper forms included in the Contract Documents, the entire set of which shall be filed intact as a bid. Bidders are responsible for the timely delivery and completeness of their bids. Contract Documents will be available by contacting Patricia Cook at etnaclerk@ gmail.com or in-person at the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, 106 South Walnut Street, Etna Green, IN 46524 between the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Bidders are responsible for registering as plan holders with the Town, for the receipt of any addendums or other contract document updates. Bidders shall ensure that they have obtained complete sets of Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of Contract Documents. Each Bidder is responsible for inspecting the Project site(s) and for reading and being thoroughly familiar with the Contract Documents and Specifications. The failure or omission of any Bidder to do any of the foregoing shall in no way relieve any Bidder from any obligation with respect to its Bid.

Any questions shall be directed to Andy Cook by email only at etnaclerk@gmail. com. The deadline for questions is Thursday, Aug. 3rd, 2023 at 10:00 am.

Each bid shall be accompanied by a certified check or acceptable bidder’s bond made payable to the Owner, in a sum of not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, which check or bond will be held by the Owner as evidence that the bidder will, if awarded the contract, enter into the same with the Owner upon notification from him to do so within ten (10) days of said notification.

The successful Contractor will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and Payment Bond in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, each, within ten (10) days after award of the contract and a two (2) year Maintenance Bond in the amount of thirty percent (30%) of the contract price prior to completion and final payment of the contract. Proposals may be held by the Owner for a period not to exceed sixty (60) calendar days from the public opening. No Bidder may withdraw his proposal within sixty (60) days after the actual date of the opening thereof.

The Owner reserves the right to ask for clarification for any bid submitted. In comparing bids, consideration will not be confined to price only. The successful bid will be the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, however the Owner reserves the right to reject any bid, or all bids, or to accept any bid or bids, to waive any and all technicalities or irregularities therein, to delete any bid item or items and to award a contract on the bid proposal that in their judgment is most advantageous to the Town of Etna Green, Indiana.

Dated this 19th day of July, 2023

ATTEST: Patricia Cook, Clerk-Treasurer hspaxlp Jy.26-Au.2

Key Largo blackened chicken salad, typhoon tuna and French onion soup were on the menu for the many members of the Syracuse/Wawasee Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club when they met for lunch recently at the Channel Marker. Members meet there for lunch every other Wednesday. Currently, there are 41 members in the club.

After lunch, the group often talks about topics of interest relating to the wooden boat scene on

the lakes before going down onto the pier to learn about the unique features of each boat. Bob Fanning, local lake resident, is the acting international Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club ambassador for Lake Wawasee and, as such, promotes membership at the lunches.

“We have 41 members who collectively own 51 Chris-Craft boats. Over the last two years, we have had 15 different kinds of ChrisCraft boats from 17 feet to 26 feet in length represented at club luncheons.”

This past Wednesday, the group welcomed guests from the Indi-

ana Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society and enjoyed learning about their boats.

“I believe people like the beauty and classic lines of antique ChrisCraft boats. In 1939, Chris-Craft was the largest boat manufacturer in the world and the brand name

‘Chris-Craft’ became synonymous with wooden recreational boats. Seeing such boats around our lakes reminds people of a less hectic and populated time when taking a boat ride was an adventure,” said Fanning.

The last luncheon of the year is scheduled for Sept. 20.

FAMILY 310 N. Lake St. Thurs.-Fri: 9AM-4PM Sat.: 9AM-12 Household goods, misc. items, little bit of everything POWELL FAMILY 907 N. Lake St. Thurs.-Sat.: 8AM-4PM HUGE MOVING SALE, everything must go, something for everyone!

ELSWICK FAMILY 215 E. Maple Grove Sat.: 8AM-2PM Childrens toys, toddler boys clothes, furniture

POWERS FAMILY 200 E. Main St. Fri.-Sat.: 10AM-? Household items, misc., clothes, lemonade

HAPNER FAMILY 4662 E. Woodland Acres Dr.

Thurs.-Sat.: 9AM-5PM Baby swing, exercise bike, adult & kids clothes, toys, furniture

KIPP FAMILY 5571 E. 1400 N.

Thurs.-Fri.: 8AM-5PM

Sat.: 8AM-3PM

Washer/Dryer, clothing, ice shanty, PS4, TV, Printer, Weedeater

DENNEY FAMILY 113 N. Lake St.

Thurs.-Fri.: 8AM-? Household tools, misc., electronics

MELOCHE FAMILY 1359 E. Northshore

Thurs.-Fri.:

Around The Lakes

Bashor Home celebrates 100 years of ministry

This past week, some of our Bashor kids participated in a “LOG weekend.” LOG is a ministry that stands for “Love of God” and is a student led, retreat style event. One of the reasons I love taking our kids to LOG is because they get to interact with other kids their age who are pursuing a life with God. When we first arrived to LOG on Friday evening, many of our kids were skeptical about LOG and the activities that were planned.

However, as we left on Saturday night, many of our kids had formed genuine friendships with some of the LOG students.

derstand our Bashor kids’ skepticism. “Will these normal kids accept who I am?” “What are they going to think about what I’ve done or where I’m at?”

We live in a world where now, more than ever, we constantly desire acceptance from others. All of us have no doubt faced similar instances where we question if someone will accept us. I have personally been guilty of acting like someone that I’m not in order to gain acceptance from others. Who are we if we lose ourselves in order to gain acceptance from others?

Come to the church, located at 321 E. Beer Road, to enjoy food, fun and fellowship. Music and worship will be led by Irma Garza. —o—

Jesus Christ accepts you as you are, He loves you for who you are, and he died for who you are. Bring praises to God this week and continue to accept others just as Christ Jesus has accepted you.

THE MILFORD Lions Club held its annual scholarship dinner during their a recent meeting. The club annually awards $2,000 in scholarships to Milford students who graduate from Wawasee High School. The four-year renewable scholarship is funded through the Lions annual calendar sales.

THE NORTH Webster American Legion’s golf outing will be at Sycamore Golf Course in North Manchester on Saturday, Aug. 5. Sponsor a hole for $50 or sign up to play as a team.

Grateful for Ray Balogh at The Papers

Ray lay in the nursing home bed with a plate of Cheetos and a water cup and straw. After greeting him Ray triumphantly declared, “the militant dieticians have released me from all dietary restrictions!” Later some friends were bringing him dark chocolate to go with the Cheetos. His diet didn’t matter anymore, because Ray was dying.

A few days earlier the doctor told Ray he was dying. Ray was stunned. Ray said at first death looked like a huge mountain and he wasn’t sure how he would get over it. But now his impending death seemed like a “skip over a little stream” instead of a mountain to climb. Regarding death, Ray said, “I don’t worry about this.”

I asked Ray if he remembered when he gave his life to Jesus. Ray instantly responded, “July 17, 1975, it was a Thursday night!” Ray said, “he would keep it short” and then talked for over an hour about how he came to Jesus, between nurse interruptions and a brief tangent on his love for butter pecan ice cream.

As a teenager Ray went to church, “was a good person” and did his “duty.” But there was always something missing between him and God. Ray went on, “My senior year in college I

songs and worship the glory of God. Romans 15:7 tells us, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Looking back on this weekend, I could unhad a friend named Mike Slatter, spelled S-L-A-T-T-E-R!” Mike was always inviting Ray to Christian events and Ray was always coming up with excuses not to go.

Finally Mike said, “if you come to this one event I’ll never ask you again!” Ray agreed to go. The event was being held on Rudisill Avenue in Fort Wayne, July 17, 1975. All afternoon Ray debated over whether to go or not. When Ray walked into the church, he looked around at all the exits, in case he needed to make a run for it.

The message of Jesus to change and heal lives that night moved Ray’s heart. He knew God was speaking to him. The speaker invited people to raise their hands if they were committing their lives

to Jesus. Ray raised his hand chest high. The speaker gave another invitation and Ray raised his hand just over his shoulder. Those who raised their hands were encouraged to come to the front of the church. Ray shut his eyes and bargained with God. “There were four people on the chairs between me and the aisle and I told God if all four of those people were gone when I opened my eyes then I would go too. Then I felt a little nudge on the lower side of my back. I turned around and looked … there was no one near enough to have given me a nudge … all four seats beside me were empty. I got out into the aisle and next thing I knew I was running down the aisle to the front.”

Ray prayed to God asking to be forgiven of his sins and inviting Jesus Christ to come into his heart and be his Lord. Ray then experienced a peace and satisfaction in his soul he had never known. At last, he had found Jesus and he rested deeply. When Ray opened his eyes, the room was empty, and all the chairs were put away and stacked for the next meeting. Ray walked out a new man. Because of his faith in Jesus, Ray could say of death, “I don’t worry about this.”

Ray Balogh will be dearly missed by the Syracuse-Wawasee ministers association. Ray faithfully made sure our group adhered to Robert’s Rules.

Syracuse Calvary UMC hosts community dinner

During these two days of LOG, I saw kids from different backgrounds come together to sing Calvary United Methodist Church, 801 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, hosts a free community dinner every second Friday of the month from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The next dinner will be Friday, Aug. 11. Takeout or dine-in op-

tions are available. Through hosting community dinners, the church is able to provide dinner to 100-140 people every month.

If you are interested in volunteering to help prepare and

serve a community dinner, reach out to a Hannah Circle member.

Any questions can be directed to the church at (574) 4573778, during office hours, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Wednesday.

This year’s recipient is Josalyn Kolberg, daughter of Eric and Heidi Kolberg, who will be attending IUPUI studying elementary education.

Scholarships were renewed for Justin Beer, son of Marc and Jodi Beer; Grant Brooks, son of Clay and Mindi Brooks; and Guadelupe Camargo, daughter of Camilo Camargo and Maria Cruz Melendes.

The Lions also awarded two scholarships in memory of Lion Bud and Lion Jeri Seely. These scholarships are in the amount of $1,000 each and are renewable for four years. This scholarship is funded by an endowment left to the Milford Lions Club by the Seelys.

The 2023 recipients are Jay Duncan, son of Dan and Kathy Duncan, and Cade Beer, son of Brent and Pam Beer. Duncan will be attending Purdue University while Beer will be heading to Grace College.

The 2022 recipients receiving their renewed scholarships were Arrington Krull, daughter of Shawn and Lissa Krull, and Emily Haines, daughter of Brian and Vicki Haines.

Pictured above, from left, are Krull, Duncan, Haines, Camargo, Kolberg, Cade Beer, Justin Beer and Lion Dr. Bruce Lamb

JUST A reminder that the deadline to register the kids in Lakeland Youth Center’s fall soccer or NFL Flag Football is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20. The soccer program is open to boys and girls age 3 through fifth grade, while the football program is open to boys and girls in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Practices for both sports begin Aug. 28 with the first games on Saturday, Sept. 2, and the last games on Saturday. Oct. 7. For more information call LYC at (574) 457-3055. —o—

PICTURED RIGHT is Marcia Lyons showing off her book haul from the 2023 Dixie Day Friends of the Library Book Sale, which was held Saturday, July 29.

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DO YOU have a piece of jewelry that needs some repair or that you’d like to refurbish? Then be sure to attend the Syracuse Public Library’s Jewelry Fix-It Clinic set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, in the downstairs meeting room. Shelly and Sarah will teach how to do basic jewelry repair.

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ONLINE REGISTRATION at Wawasee Community Schools is now open. Information and registration can be found at wawaseeschools.org/Page/128. For those who do not have internet access or need assistance, in-person registration will be available in all school buildings from 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3.

ATTENTION TEENS. Are you eager to have an impact on the North Webster library and gain valuable leadership experience to boost your resume? Apply to join the library’s teen advisory board. TAB members will play a crucial role in planning programs, creating displays, and shaping the future of the teen department. Don’t miss out. Applications are due Aug. 23. Apply in person or online by going to https://forms.gle/mL1WJQSQpSo6zVxv6 —o—

REGISTRATION IS now underway for the 2023 Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber Golf Classic. The early bird discount goes away Aug. 14. The deadline to register is Sept. 4.

The golf outing will be held Thursday, Sept. 14, at Maxwelton Golf Club in Syracuse. Lunch and registration will start at noon with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. For more information check out the chamber’s website at swchamber.com.

MILFORD CHAPEL will hold its annual community cookout at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6.

MILFORD FOOD BANK now has a produce stand outside its building at 111 S. James St. They do ask for a freewill donation into the money box on the door located beside the stand, as the food bank does have to purchase the vegetables. Follow their Facebook page for updates regarding when veggies will be set out. —o—

ESCAPING SCHOOL never felt so good. The back to school escape room at North Webster Community Public Library is not your ordinary experience. Bring the whole family along and see if you can outsmart the clock and escape before the bell rings.

The escape room will be open at 5:45 p.m. Aug. 7, 3:45 p.m. Aug. 9, and 5:45 p.m. Aug. 10. The experience is an hour long. Call (574) 834-7122 to reserve your time slot.

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ANYONE SCROLLING through Mywawasee.com, the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page, in the last few days may have seen a nice review of Down Under Bar & Grill by Terry McFadden, news anchor from WNDU in South Bend.

McFadden had the Down Under Burger which he declared was “simply phenomenal” while his wife had the thin crust pizza that “would satisfy any St. Louisan or aficionado of thin crust pizza.” —o—

THE FRIENDS of the Milford Library will be holding its annual rummage sale Sept. 8-9 at the Apostolic Church parking lot, 201 N. Higbee St., Milford. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

They will be taking donations for this sale from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. Wednesday Sept. 6, and Thursday Sept. 7. If you have items to donate, bring to the Fellowship hall at the church those days. This is a great time to clean out the closets and get your fall cleaning done. They are looking for items in good condition, but cannot accept large appliances, TVs, mattresses, car seats or baby beds. —o—

LITTLE LAMBS Preschool Daycare in Syracuse is looking for some assistance from the community. If anyone has seen people getting into their shed, please let them or the Syracuse Police Department know. The lock on the shed was taken off and garage sale items were stolen. —o—

SUSAN CHAMBERLIN will be retiring from her positions of music and children’s ministry at North Webster United Methodist Church on Sunday, Aug. 13. The church family wants to celebrate her ministry and faithful service with a reception and card shower at the church.

TWO LOCAL youth did very well at the Elkhart County Fair last week. Both showed holstein calves in the open class show held Saturday, July 29.

Lauren Hibschman, daughter of Roger and Camille Hibschman of Syracuse, won the Holstein Junior Champion award and also the Senior Showmanship award. Aiden Tusing, son of Jake and Kelly Tusing of Leesburg, was the reserve Junior Champion at the Holstein Show.

Both of these 4-H’ers will be showing at the Indiana State Fair next week. They have both had winnings at several other shows this summer.