$1.50
Covering Milford, Syracuse & North Webster, Indiana
LTPOA Citizen Of The Year
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
See Page 6
One Nation Under God www.the-papers.com
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Rates introduced for Tippecanoe-Chapman Sewer District %\ '(% 3$77(5621 (GLWRU ,Q &KLHI A sewer rate ordinance was introduced to the members of the Tippecanoe & Chapman Regional Sewer District Monday, Sept. 16, at a special meeting. The board also was presented the final rate study for the project. The interim rate, charged during construction, is proposed at $66.50 per equivalent single-family dwelling unit.
The rate proposed after construction is $95.60 per equivalent single-family dwelling unit. Only one question was raised during the brief meeting, that from Steve Snyder, representing the Patons. Snyder stated he had presented a proposal of modifications to the definitions of equivalent dwelling units to include seasonal residences. He questioned if this proposal was considered and disregarded or disregarded all together.
Andrew Boxberger, attorney, responded those definitions were not incorporated in the introductory ordinance. “Otherwise it was rejected,” stated Snyder. Jeff Rowe, Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, presented information as to how the rates were calculated. This included a schedule of project costs and funding, amortization of proposed bonds, annual operation, maintenance and replacement costs and connections.
Rowe did note the funding shortage would be covered by traditional loans by the State Revolving Fund. It was noted the estimated yearly cost for the $24.9 million USDA loan over 40 years at a 1.75% interest would be $870,000. The yearly cost for the SRF loan of $12.2 million over 35 years at a 2.30% interest would be $515,000. The proposed rates were included in the sewer rate ordiContinued on page 2
Syracuse Town Council hears update from KEDCO %\ /$85(1 =(8*1(5 6WDII :ULWHU Alan Tio, CEO of Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, gave a brief update on KEDCO’s 2022 work plan during the Syracuse Town Council’s regular meeting Tuesday night, Aug. 16. Tio explained KEDCO is working on building capacity to sustain and scale up the county’s entrepreneurship, housing
and talent initiatives. A project manager and program coordinator have been added to the staff. In the last 90 days, KEDCO has assisted in launching the MedTech Accelerator Studio, developed an IP matchmaking program and finalized plans for a business incubator space in downtown Warsaw. Tio told the council it is hoped more business incubator spaces will be developed in other parts of the county.
In the next 90 days, Tio said, he and his staff hope to increase the number of weekly meetings they have with area businesses as well as make referrals to regional and statewide partners such as the Conexus Manufacturing Readiness Grant and expand the pipeline of job creation and investment projects in Kosciusko County. Councilman Larry Siegel asked about housing and asked if KEDCO or the county had
looked at zoning for tiny house communities. Siegel pointed out there are new technologies in home building as well construction materials. Tio said KEDCO is looking at housing at every level and noted modular housing is also using new technologies. Siegel volunteered to serve on a committee to look at housing opportunities. The council approved annexation of Kern Road properties. Continued on page 2
Trail Committee sets sights on annual fundraiser %\ .(,7+ .1(33 6WDII :ULWHU During its regular monthly meeting on Monday evening, the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee discussed its plans for the second annual “Life is Better on the Trail” fundraiser. The event will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at Blue Barn Berry Farm, 9139 N. 300E, Syracuse. Executive Director Erlene Yentes informed the committee that
formal invitations were sent in the mail earlier this month. Tickets are still available to anyone who would like to learn more about the trail projects and proposed expansion. Individual tickets are $75 each, while tables of eight are available for $500. The event includes a cash bar, heavy appetizers, an update on the trail and silent auction. To RSVP or for further information, contact Yentes at (260) 668-1815 or ed@syracusewawaseetrail.com.
In other business: • The committee discussed its options to repair and replace boards in the Conklin Bay boardwalk area. Numerous boards are in various states of disrepair. The board opted to purchase the necessary materials but wait until spring to begin the repairs, so the new boards would not be subjected to winter weather. • Yentes informed the committee a replacement informational sign has been purchased and will
soon be installed at Conklin Bay. The committee discussed criteria for any future signs that might need to be purchased or replaced. • The next newsletter is being finalized and will be put in the mail by next Monday. • Vandalism updates at Conklin Bay were provided by Yentes. The option of purchasing and installing trail cameras in the area were discussed. Committee member Chad Jonsson, who also Continued on page 3
Problem found on Northshore Drive sewer project %\ '(% 3$77(5621 (GLWRU ,Q &KLHI While the sewer project on Northshore Drive is wrapping up for Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District, an unexpected problem has arrived. The problem was briefly mentioned during the district’s monthly meeting Monday, Aug. 15. Anthony Carrier of Jones and Henry Engineering reported milling of the roadway has begun on Northshore and Eastshore, but the road base on Northshore was not what they were expecting. Carrier reported they took off
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1 ½ inches according to specifications but found there was no asphalt base underneath. Carrier did not go into further details other than to state, “We are looking into a solution.” There was also no board discussion. There was discussion, however, on the potential of 125 to 150 homes being added to the system. It was noted an individual with a survey firm contacted the engineers inquiring where the hookup would be for the proposed
development at the former South Shore Golf Course. It was noted by James Boone, president, there has been discussion with the developers and an engineering study was recommended. During the conversation it was noted connection would be at the Vawter Park Pump Station, but the study would be needed. Jeff Herdrich, board member, questioned whether the plant could handle the additional load. Continued on page 2
Syracuse Chamber of Commerce introduces new executive director %\ &$/(,*+ %<5(5 6WDII :ULWHU The Syracuse Wawasee Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that as of Aug. 1, Staci York has taken over the executive director position in hopes that she can provide innovative solutions and encourage growth in local businesses. Thus far, York has most enjoyed being involved with the community and working directly with business owners. She plans to capitalize on this sense of community by facilitating workshops and educational opportunities that will allow local businesses to network and take advantage of available resources. York is primarily looking forward to applying her extensive knowledge of budgeting and social media management to benefit the chamber’s operations. When asked about what her prior experience may offer the chamber in terms of future advancements, York stated, “My goal through my previous role as a social media manager was always to build a strong community that would extend from the online world into the real world, which is among one of the many things I hope to do through my work at the chamber.” York is a 26-year-old Syracuse local; many may know her as the girl who swam across Lake Wawasee in 2012 when she was only 16 years old, which is still an impressive feat today. Her parents still own and live in York’s childhood home in the Wawasee school district, where she was home-schooled.
York continued her education and graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois with a degree in environmental science. York particularly enjoys going to the gym to lift weights as she values her physical health and wellness very much. She is also still very passionate about the environment, likes to spend as much time outdoors as possible and has many plants at home that she cares for. If you do not see her at the gym, you will definitely find her outside somewhere taking in her surroundings and enjoying the beauty of nature. York married her husband, Brandon York, in June 2021. Her husband shares her love for nature, so they often go on walks, bike rides, hikes and other outdoor adventures together. York is a very driven, compassionate and community-focused individual. She believes in big dreams, whether they are her own or someone else’s, and she is willing to work hard or provide support to ensure they become a reality. York has overcome adversity in her life by taking a step back and remembering to look at the grand scheme of things. York believes that her bigger-picture mindset has been a staple in her personal and professional success, and as someone who loves to see others succeed, she will always encourage others to do the same. York believes her most noticeable trait is her smile, so if you see her out and about with a big smile on her face, be sure to give her a warm welcome.
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