The Mail-Journal - August 23, 2023

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Camp Mack cuts ribbon on Ulrich Lodge Aug. 20

Camp Alexander Mack, a faith-based camp and conference center located south of Milford on Waubee Lake, celebrated the opening of the newly renovated Ulrich Lodge with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house held Sunday, Aug. 20.

The Ulrich House was originally constructed in 1948 as a house for summer staff and winter retreats, making it the first winterized building at Camp Mack. In 1970, an addition was added to provide housing for a camp manager. In 2017, an estate gift allowed the camp to install new windows

Pam Schumm named 2023 WPOA Chief recipient

Pam Schum was greeting and checking in guests for the annual Wawasee Property Owners Association meeting aboard the SS Lillypad Saturday night, Aug. 19. Nearing boarding time, her daughters, Katrina Berg and Kristen Stetz and sons-inlaw, Chris Berg and Matt Stetz showed up.

“What are you doing here?” Schumm asked, to which she was told they found baby sitters and had been invited by their dad, Kip. You could tell by the look on Pam Schumm’s face, she was suspecting something as she glanced over to her husband.

Schumm, who had stepped down assisting with office duties for the WPOA, was asked to check-in guests due to the absence of Katie Wingard, administrative officer.

Something was up. Schumm was later presented the 2023 WPOA Chief Award.

and vinyl siding.

In July 2010, a fire broke out and destroyed the camp’s Becker Lodge. The fire took out the offices, food and dining services and adult retreat space. The office and dining operations were rebuilt the following summer with a new Welcome Center; however,

Continued on page 2

“Katie really is in Denver? This wasn’t just a ploy to get me here on the boat?” asked Shumm after accepting the award. She was assured Wingard was at her sister’s wedding in Colorado, but it was a trick to get her there with the check-in duty.

“Thank you very much,” said Schumm adding it has been an honor and a privilege to “work in this community and I just hope I can give back to the community as much as I’ve gained.”

Continued on page 1

Freeze put on Dam and Dike Conservancy’s tax levy

Uncertainties caused members of the Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy District to approve the same tax rate as 2023 for the 2024 budget — at least initially. The board will have until November to make any changes.

The decision came after Ross Hagen, BakerTilly Municipal Advisors, presented a budget that

would bring in $40,000 for the cumulative improvement fund and $132,659 in the general fund for an estimated tax rate of $0.0098.

The 2023 budget has a rate of $0.0214.

The uncertainties include the final bill on the dike repair project, estimated costs on mainte-

nance for the water control device, and life expectancy of the water control device. Numerous suggestions were made for the proposed budget dealt with the cumulative improvement fund, which has to be submitted by Aug. 31. Such sugContinued on page 2

Syracuse BZA denies oversized garage exception

Miller pleaded.

Pam Schumm

Continued from page 1

Putting on her hat as education chair for Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, she added “I hope we can keep the lakes clean for the next generation because I have a lot of grandkids (five) coming up that I want to enjoy this lake. I want them to be able to enjoy the lake and have a really good time and the future generations as well.”

Kay Young, WPOA board president, presented the award by giving some history of Schumm. She noted Shumm was not born and raised here, but has “spent most of the last half-century here in Syracuse contributing to the community and the organizations here.”

Schumm graduated from Michigan State University and spent her education career at Wawasee High School, teaching biology, genetics and forensics for 41 years. She also served as boys swim coach, girls volleyball coach, cheerleading coach and announced track and swimming meets during her tenure.

WPOA for the last number of years. Young stated the Chief Award has been given out since 2006 to honor someone in the community who has given of their time and talents not only to the community but to help preserve Wawasee, who over the years has shown how much they love and support the lake.

Past chiefs were noted and include Doug and Carolyn Anderson of Wawasee Boat, the Sudlows, the Rookstools, Dave Lichtenauer, Sen. Bob Meeks, Al Campbell, Dan Berkey, Dave Grandstaff, Spike Ford, Mike Kiley, Bob Dickinson, Dick Ruddell, Dick Green, Jim Tranter, Tom and Holly Tuttle, Bill Pipp, Kip Schumm and Janet HartleyColglazer. Organizations have also been named Chiefs such as essential workers including lake patrol, local police and fire departments and WACF.

The Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals regular meeting on Thursday, Aug. 17, had a light agenda. Jason Metz dropped his continuance from last month’s regular board meeting.

John Oglesbee petitioned the board for an exception to build a 1,500 square foot oversized garage in a residential district where ordinance allows only 576 square feet. The property is located at 133 N. Front St., Syracuse.

“It doesn’t have to be that big. But we want to build it for storage purposes. Right now, we are paying $700 to $800 a year to store our boats in storage,” Oglesbee explained, “or we could build on to the house. How much can we build onto the house?”

“So if it is attached to the structure, if it is a residential addition, then there is no size limitation. As long as you’re meeting minimum setbacks,” explained Matthew Sandy, plan commission director and board member.

“We got the setbacks. We would take off the front porch and start building out,” Oglesbee offered. “I asked what I want but I will do what I need to do.”

The house is in a flood zone, so if Oglesbee opts to attach the

garage to the house, he would responsible for being compliant to flood zone requirements and flood development permitting.

Oglesbee mentioned his previous meeting with Sandy, where he asked to put two 24-foot garages on the property. However, in Syracuse it is not allowed to have two buildings on the property.

Multiple people came out to contest the petition for an exception and multiple emails were sent to the board contesting the petition.

Jason and Stacey Miller, 122 N. Front St., Syracuse, came before the board to speak against the petition.

“We have spent the last three years working on our house, updating it and raising the property value of the house and the neighborhood. I feel, personally, putting a garage this size is not going to help the process a lot of us have done through the neighborhood,”

Jason Miller explained.

“I agree. They mentioned having to spend money on storage, but we all do the same. And maybe more so. They have various toys, trucks, things sitting cluttered currently on the property that is also devaluing our area. I don’t think they have good intentions of bringing property value to our neighborhood,” Stacey

Marilyn and Nicole Freiburger, 115 N. Front St., Syracuse, also spoke to the board against the petition, also citing the cluttered lawn as a problem.

“There’s a truck. There’s a trailer. It’s a front yard in a beautiful neighborhood. There’s no one else with random stuff in the yard. Every other yard is very kept up with,” Nicole Freiburger explained. “Like our neighbors, the Millers, said if you live on the lake, you either have stuff for your belongings or you go and rent a space. It’s just common sense: don’t buy the toys if you don’t have the space and if you don’t have the space, rent a place.”

Ultimately, the board based the decision on the information presented before them, the original measurements, and did deny the exception. However, the denial of the exception does not prohibit Oglesbee from building an attached garage to his house.

Eugene Fife came before the board asking for an exception in order to construct a third story onto their home at 1106 S. Lake Drive, Syracuse.

“My wife and I have eight grandchildren that keep growing and getting bigger. It’s getting pretty tight in the house. We

would like the addition so they can go upstairs and not bother us or us bother them,” Fife explained.

Matthew Sandy explained to the board there is a provision in the ordinance that does allow setback reduction. These setback reductions are applied to older areas. The property is eligible for a setback reduction.

Scott Abbs drew the board’s attention to the shed in the backyard, citing the shed’s closeness to the property line. Fife explained to the board that the unattached shed is necessary because it holds the grandchildren’s pool noodles and other lake toys.

Since the shed predates the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeal’s existence, it is considered “legally nonconforming.” However, if it is ever updated or improved in any way it would need to be addressed and would need to be moved to an ordinance compliant location.

The board approved the exception, with the condition if the shed is ever improved it must be ordinance compliant.

The next regular Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals meeting will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Syracuse Town Hall, 310 N. Huntington St., Syracuse.

Freeze put on

“Once retired they did not slow down but continued to be involved with the community,” said Young. “Schumm volunteered at the WACF helping with education programs (recruiting all her past teaching friends too) and serving as the education chair.”

Schumm and her husband has been married for 44 years, raising two daughters and now a grandparent to five grandchildren who love to come to WACF programs. She also stepped in to help with office duties for the

Young also shared with guests, many of whom were on the Lilly Pad or at a WPOA meeting for the first time, information about the association. She noted work is underway to rebuild the “pump and dump” station at the fish hatchery boat launch, with hope to have it up and running in the near future. She also noted some of the projects which include fireworks, lake patrol, dry hydrants and severe weather warning system, along with helping with some programs through WACF. While the evening normally includes some business matters, no business was conducted this year.

Camp Mack

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1 the adult retreat space was not rebuilt.

In response to the need to provide a comfortable space for adult retreats and other capital needs, the camp embarked on a $1.1 million dollar capital campaign in March 2018. The goal was met in 2022. Beginning last Labor Day, a mainly volunteer effort resulted in a building that is more comfortable, accessible and useful.

The building is brighter and more functional with new lighting, ADA compliant rest rooms, doorways, and hallways, air conditioning, an elevator, a new roof and more comfortable sleeping rooms and beds.

Camp officials are rededicating the former Ulrich House to the new Ulrich Lodge.

Camp Mack welcomed its first campers on July 4, 1925, and will celebrate 100 years of service throughout 2025.

gestions included raising the cumulative improvement fund to $200,000.

Hagen did note the proposed budget would be the cap the district could raise and can be lowered at final approval in November.

At present it is estimated the district will have a $132,659 balance only in the general fund at the end of 2023. That cash balance has to carry the districts expenses until July 2024 when the first tax draw of the year is received.

David Johnston, board member, noted concern of lowering the rate at this point with a need to rebuild the cumulative improvement fund. Other board members agreed.

With the proposed 2024 tax rate, the cumulative improvement fund would only raise $1.6 million over 40 years. This concerned the board as the life of the current water control device is unknown and the cost of any repair to the device itself is unknown should a catastrophe occur, such as one of the gates fail, or repairs needed on the ware.

It was pointed out that no re-

County Parks & Recreation Board discusses status of RFPs

Request for proposals were the main topic of discussion by the Kosciusko County Parks and Recreation Board Thursday, Aug. 17. The RFPs are for the Chinworth Trail extension, which is still a work in progress, and the blueways and greenways trails master plan, which the board previously approved.

“We’ve done a lot of work in the past in a short order of time and we’ve made a lot of progress,” Board Vice President Troy Turley said.

Board member Mike Cusick said three projects were presented to the Kosciusko County Commissioners and Council on Aug. 1. Of the three projects presented — the Chinworth Trail extension, trails master plan and James Lake boat launchtwo were approved, which were

the trail extension and master plan. While the boat launch was not approved, Cusick said there was a lot of interest in it from the commissioners and council.

Parks Board President Rob Bishop — who phoned in for the meeting — has been drafting the RFP for the Chinworth Trail extension, Cusick said, with work yet to be completed on it. He also said he and Board member Aggie Sweeney met with Kosciusko County Highway Department Superintendent Steve Moriarty, who has a lot of experience creating RFPs that the Parks Board may want to utilize. Cusick said Moriarty volunteered to help with any of their RFPs. Bishop told the Board members he was still working on the RFP and would get the rest of the Board a draft of it in the next week or so.

The board decided to have a special meeting at 9 a.m. Aug. 28 to approve the Chinworth

Trail extension RFP so it could be presented to the county commissioners at their 9 a.m. Aug. 29 meeting.

Sweeney suggested that once the Chinworth Trail extension project gets further along, maybe the Parks Board could ask the K21 Health Foundation for funding to make the extension longer than what money is already allocated for it. She also suggested looking into if tax increment financing money from the Old 30 TIF district could be set aside for the trail project.

Bishop suggested the design phase should get further out before more funding is pursued.

On the trails master plan RFP, Turley said that RFP is out right now for feedback and it should be completed in a reasonable amount of time. There is no formal deadline for it, but it’s in the process, he said.

The next regular meeting of the board is at 1 p.m. Sept. 21.

pairs to the water control device have been made, only the area above the device.

Jim Silcox, board member, did recognize the board’s goal is to lower the tax levy each year, however until some “bumps” are discovered he was in favor of such a “freeze” on the levy. “I’m a tangible person … what the project looks like if it fails or it needs a diversion and how long it will take.”

Chris Jeeter, Lawson Fisher engineers, was asked to find the initial assessment on the water control device life expectancy, estimated costs for repairs and the quickness of any reaction time. He was also asked to prepare a contingency plan should a catastrophe occur. These reports are expected to

be presented at the next district meeting Tuesday, Oct. 24.

Todd Mikel, Carolyn Anderson and Bill Pipp were all in agreement these unknowns need to be addressed before the budget is officially adopted.

During other discussion, Silcox presented a $60,600 annual cost over a three-year period proposal from EcoSystems Connection Institute. This cost would cover equipment and gathering of data on water flow in and out of Lake Wawasee. This information would be used to help direct control of the lake level.

Data is already being collected through EcoSystems work with Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation. The proposal would add additional equipment

to provide accurate measurements of outflow at Wawasee, Mudd Lake and Syracuse Lake.

Inflow rates would be measured at southeast end of the lake at Turkey Creek, Dillon Creek and Martin Creek, with outflow gages being installed at the railroad bridge, water level gage at the water control device and an outflow gate at Turkey Creek below the water control device. A five-page project description was given to the board, which included an understanding of the assignment and project deliverables.

The board approved the proposal with payments in two installments to be made in 2024.

The board will meet again at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the WACF office.

Kosciusko Judges — Questionable courtroom behavior motivated new security ordinance

Kosciusko County judges say poor behavior in their courtrooms motivated them to request Kosciusko County Commissioners to institute a new security ordinance for the Kosciusko County Justice Building.

Approved by the commissioners last week, the ordinance generally bans food and drink and “deadly weapons” as defined by Indiana law in the building. It also restricts cellphone use.

Here are the rules as dictated in the ordinance:

“No person, other than law enforcement officers, elected officials, officers of the court, and authorized security personnel for the Justice Building, shall possess within the Justice Building any ‘deadly weapon’ as defined by IC 35-31.5-2-86. IC 35-31.5-2-86, as amended from time to time, is hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Ordinance by reference.

Except as otherwise authorized by one of the Judges and except for law enforcement officers, elected officials, officers of the court, authorized security personnel for the Justice Build-

ing, and employees or contractors of the County or the State of Indiana that are conducting official business: no person shall use a device to record audio or video or to take pictures in the Justice Building, except at a public meeting governed by Indiana’s Open Door Law, IC 5-14-1.5, as amended from time to time; and, no person shall possess or use a mobile phone on the second floor of the Justice Building.

A violation of either (the above parts) of this Ordinance may result in a fine up to, but not more than, $2,500.00 for a first violation and up to, but not more than, $7,500.00 for a second or subsequent violation per IC 36-1-3-8(a)(10)(B).”

Also through the ordinance: “No person shall bring food or drink into the Justice Building, except for persons that work at the Justice Building.

A violation of (that section) of this Ordinance may result in a fine up to $100.00 for a first violation and up to $250.00 for a second or subsequent violation per IC 36-1-3-8(a)(10)(B).”

Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Mike Reed, Superior Court 1 Judge Karin McGrath and Superior Court 4 Judge

Chris Kehler spoke in an interview regarding the ordinance on Tuesday, Aug. 22.

“People do not behave, and people do not follow the rules,” summarized Reed. “The problem gets bigger every year … It’s a reflection of society. People don’t think the rules apply to them.”

“It’s like throwing the baby out with the bathwater, right? Everybody’s going to suffer because we don’t have time and the resources to deal with all of the problems that arise from people having cellphones in here,” he said.

“There’s no legitimate reason for 95% of the people to have cellphones in the courts,” Reed continued. “People are on Facebook; they do games. They take pictures of the jurors. They broadcast the proceedings.”

He mentioned in 2022, Kosciusko County Bailiff Mike Speigle “literally confiscated and wiped five phones because people were broadcasting court proceedings.”

“Every day or weekly, people get removed from the courtroom who disrupt the proceedings, A, because their phones go off or whatever, or B, they’re Continued on page 4

Obituaries

Former Lake Wawasee Resident

Jane Elizabeth Tarr Wilson, 91, living most recently in Virginia Beach, Va., died peacefully at her residence on Aug. 8, 2023.

Jane was born March 13, 1932, in Detroit, Mich., to Wilson Edwin“Jack” Tarr and Gladys Margeurite Davidson. She spent most of her childhood living in South Bend. She married Jerry J. Wilson of Connersville on June 27, 1953, in South Bend.

She graduated from South Bend John Adams High School, where she was active in the Glee Club and played softball. Her lifelong love of gardening began with her working in a Victory Garden during WWII. She went on to earn a bachelor of science in education, specializing in speech pathology, in 1953 from Indiana University.

She was involved in the YWCA, Red Cross, House Intramurals and was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. She worked in the Studebaker library, where her father worked, during the summers which made her very happy. Jane lived with children with disabilities for a semester as part of her studies. She always knew she wanted to teach and support children. She was assistant waterfront director at Camp Eberhart during this time as well.

After a brief stay in Merced, Calif., due to Jerry’s U.S. Air Force duty, she settled in Connersville, where she remained for over 50 years. Jane was a Hoosier in all definitions of the word. Despite leaving Indiana to live in Lake St. Louis, Mo., and then Virginia Beach, Va., Indiana was her place in all ways.

While in Connersville, she became a speech pathologist for the Fayette County School Corporation, which she dearly loved. Her contribution to the community and children went beyond the classroom walls. From the time her children were old enough to swim, she was involved the swimming community in one form or another. For at least 20 years, she coached swimming, drove kids to swim meets, kept track of times and encouraged young people to be the best they could, whether they were first or last.

She had a vegetable garden and lush beautiful landscape yard at every house she lived in. Having her hands in the soil was a spiritual endeavor. She was most proud of being sober for 30 years — her decision to go to rehab was hers and hers alone.

Another anchor in her life in Connersville was the Presbyterian Church, where she would sing her heart out up the choir loft. Music was and remained an important spiritual companion throughout her life. She was a deacon and involved in many aspects of the church. She was part of advocating for the church, becoming an open and affirming church where all are welcome to worship. She was active in the 18-hole Ladies Golf Association with one of the highlights being a co-chair of the 66th annual Indiana Women’s Golf Association championship hosted at the local golf course.

In 2001, her community involvement was honored with Connersville Distinguished Citizen Award. Jane was also passionate about saving and preserving the environment. While she supported many organizations, the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation was her love. Lake Wawasee, located in northern Indiana, was a respite for she and Jerry after they bought a house on the lake. She welcomed children and grandchildren and delighted in having everything just so.

Her heart was full watching the kids play on Natti Crow beach. Her love of the lake and desire to protect the lake led her to become a board member. She was deeply honored to be on the board of WACF. In 2006, she was honored with the Cattail Award for Outstanding Environmental Service and in 2014 was named as a member of the Eli Lilly Lifetime Founders Society. She lived in Virginia Beach, Va., since 2014.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry J Wilson; her parents; and her brother, Jack Tarr.

Survivors include her four children, James D. of San Rafael, Calif., John D. (Kathleen) of Virginia Beach, Va., Thomas D. (Carolyn) of St. Louis, Mo., and Jennifer J. (Lisa) of Oakland, Calif.; a sister, Joan Tarr Bennett (Richard) of Indianapolis; nieces and nephews; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Memorial celebrations will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at First Presbyterian Church, 700 N. Central Ave, Connersville, with light food and fellowship after in the church community hall; and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Amphitheatre, 11586 N. SR 13, Syracuse. Light food, drink and conversation to follow in the WACF Pavilion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation or the First Presbyterian Church of Connersville.

Marian M. Signorelli

Longtime Church Of God Member

Marian M. Signorelli of North Webster passed away peacefully after 92 years on Earth at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born on Aug. 7, 1931, in Michigan City, to Elsie (Long) Sample and Joseph Sample.

On Feb. 5, 1966, Marian married William (Willie) Signorelli. They were blessed with 36 years of marriage together before he passed away on Jan. 5, 2003.

Marian loved all things Christmas and enjoyed many trips to Frankenmuth, Mich., to enjoy the holiday atmosphere. She hosted weekly Sunday dinners for friends and family to enjoy her great cooking and loved to entertain by singing along with her beloved karaoke machine. She also enjoyed frequent trips to Shipshewana with her grandchildren and would often lunch at Tiffany’s in Topeka when on her travels. Marian loved the Lord and was a longtime member and volunteer at the Church of God in North Webster.

She leaves behind her four children, Kim Keene of North Webster, K.J. Keene of Milford, Bill (Kim) Signorelli of Leesburg and Barbara (Roy) Holt of Labelle, Fla.; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Signorelli; son, Randy Keene; daughter, Lynna Keene; sisters, Geneva, Eleanor, June, Helen and Barbara; and brother, Tim.

Titus Funeral Home of North Webster is entrusted with Marian’s care. Marian’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, Aug. 24, with visitation at Titus Funeral Home, 8056 E. 500N, North Webster, beginning at 10 a.m. and service at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow immediately at Mock Cemetery in North Webster.

To leave a written condolence, please visit www.titusfuneralhome. com.

Patricia Josephine Friddle

Community Volunteer

Patricia “Pat” Josephine Friddle, 91, Leesburg, went to heaven on Aug. 16, 2023.

She was born in Indianapolis on July 23, 1932, to Tracy Flanagan and Rhoda (Denton) Flanagan.

Pat graduated from Lawrence Central High School in 1950. She was married to Robert “Bob” Friddle on June 15, 1951. Together they shared more than 67 years and had three children.

Pat was a member of North Webster United Methodist Church, as well as volunteered at multiple organizations to include United Methodist Women’s Group and Tippecanoe Township Extension Homemakers. Together, she and Bob delivered Meals on Wheels and dedicated time to the North Webster Food Pantry for several years.

She is survived by her brother, Charles (Cindy) Flanagan of Indianapolis; children, Bruce (Patti) Friddle of Cumberland, Connie (Bob) Whikehart of Avon and Duane (Tomi) Friddle of Leesburg; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Bob, she was preceded in passing by a brother, Glen Flanagan, and sister, Lucille Byerly Funeral arrangements are trusted to Titus Funeral Home of North Webster. A visitation and life celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at North Webster United Methodist Church, 7822 E. Epworth Forest Road, North Webster. The service will follow at 1 p.m. Pastor Bob Dailey will officiate. Burial will be in Mock Cemetery, North Webster Memorial gifts may be given to North Webster Food Pantry with envelopes available at the service.

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

Discover your inner scientist with The Watershed Foundation

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and learn more about the water quality in the local environment. The Watershed Foundation will have “Snapshot Water Monitoring Day” from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at sites across Whitley, Noble and Kosciusko counties.

This unique event invites individuals from all walks of life to step into the shoes of citizen scientists and contribute to the health of local water bodies.

According to Caitlin Yoder, watershed coordinator for The Watershed Foundation, “Snapshot Water Monitoring Day” offers a remarkable opportunity for community members to become active participants in preserving cherished water resources.

“By dedicating just a few hours of your time, you can help monitor vital parameters, like temperature, dissolved oxygen, transparency, as well as gather water samples for in-depth analysis,” Yoder said. “The data collected during this event becomes a catalyst for driving initiatives aimed at ensuring clean water for generations to come.”

This year’s event will encompass a diverse range of monitoring sites. From serene wetlands to meandering streams and even the smallest ditches beneath county roads, there’s an option for everyone.

“Our priority is to make this

event accessible and enjoyable for individuals with varying levels of experience, age and physical abilities. While we require two adults at each site, young people are welcome, too, and there are tasks that will be appropriate for everyone,” Yoder said.

Volunteers should plan on spending two to two-and-a-half hours on “Snapshot Water Monitoring Day” to take all of the steps necessary to complete their assignments. “You do not need to be knowledgeable in the area of environmental science or any science really; you just need to be interested and motivated,” she added.

TWF will provide all participants with the necessary training, sampling materials and comprehensive information about their designated testing sites.

“We believe that everyone has a role to play in safeguarding our water resources, and ‘Snapshot Water Monitoring Day’ is an excellent way to become an active steward of our environment,” Yoder emphasized.

Joining the event is as simple as visiting the registration link at https://tinyurl.com/snapshot23 or reaching out to TWF directly through email at caitlin@watershedfoundation.org or call (574) 834-3242. Secure a spot and take a step toward making a difference.

Wawasee officials alert parents of Syracuse Elementary incident

Wawasee Community School Corporation officials sent out an alert to parents on Monday, Aug. 21. The alert, sent from Eric Speicher, principal of Syracuse Elementary School, reads as follows: “Parents/Guardians: I want to tell you about a situation that occurred at school on Friday afternoon. I am going to be intentionally vague to protect student confidentiality.

A student brought an item they thought was candy to school. The student innocently gave some of these items to friends. As you have

probably already guessed, the items were not candy. Through a thorough investigation ALL items have been accounted for. All parents who had students involved in this situation were contacted within an hour and told about the incident on Friday. I tell you about this situation not only to be transparent, but also because I believe that this is a tremendous opportunity for a ‘teachable moment.’

The number of items that look like candy but are not actually candy is ever increasing. Please

talk with your student, even very young students, about not taking candy from anyone unless they know FOR SURE that what they are getting is actually candy. A good general rule to follow is that if they don’t see AND recognize the package the candy came in, they SHOULD NOT eat the candy.

Finally, if you are an adult who has items that look like candy but are not actually candy, PLEASE secure these items in a place your students can not get to them. Kids are curious. Kids LOVE candy. Kids love to share candy. I am ask-

ing for your help in ensuring that we avoid another incident like we had on Friday.”

When asked for comment, Superintendent Steve Troyer responded, “As soon as we were aware of the situation, we contacted Officer Joe Leach, who immediately opened an investigation and we alerted the Department of Child Services. Within an hour and half to two hours, we accounted for students and missing pieces of the situation. We were in communication with parents. Our team handled it very well and efficiently.”

Accidents/Incidents

All charges made by law enforcement are allegations and individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Accidents

Kosciusko County

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

Accidents

worth $25,000. 7:11 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, 6600 block of Hochstetler Road, Syracuse. An animal complaint occurred.

7:20 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 17, North SR 13 and North CR

800E, North Webster. Driver: Roger Coldren, 78, Mill Street, North Webster. Coldren’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

5:33 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, North CR 175E and East CR 1150N, Milford. Driver: Jacob Espinosa, 29, North CR 150E, Milford. Espinosa’s vehicle left the roadway after his vehicle got caught on some loose gravel. Damage up to $5,000.

7:12 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, North SR 13 and East CR 1000N, Syracuse. Driver: Travis Martin, 63, Jackson Boulevard, Elkhart. Martin fell asleep while driving causing him to leave the roadway and hit a utility pole and a business sign. Damage up to $25,000. Martin was transported to Goshen Hospital for his injuries.

7:51 a.m. Monday, Aug. 14, North SR 13 and North Nash Drive, Syracuse. Drivers: Caden Francis, 16, Blaine Street, North Webster; and Nathaniel Coy, 41, North CR 700E, Leesburg. Francis’s vehicle crossed over the center line causing a collision with Coy’s vehicle. Damage up to $25,000. Incidents

4:21 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, 200 block EMS T25 Lane, Leesburg. Kyle Kiphart reported theft of watercraft

11:27 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, 200 block EMS T25 Lane, Leesburg. Joshua Wamsley reported theft of watercraft equipment or parts worth

$4,750.

10:42 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 11, 9600 block East Pixie Parkway, Cromwell. Officers investigated a report of residential entry.

10:33 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 11, 11900 block North Fuzzy Bear Road, Cromwell. Officers investigated a report of criminal trespass.

North Webster

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

3:02 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, South Harkless Drive, west of South Huntington Street, Syracuse. Drivers: Stephen Spencer, 62, Marianne Avenue, Indianapolis; and Derek Powell, 47, North CR 560E, Syracuse. Spencer’s vehicle rear ended Powell’s vehicle. Damage up to $1,000.

7:02 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, South Sycamore Street, north of South Huntington Street, Syracuse. Drivers: Richard Brungardt, 75, North SR 13, Syracuse; and Cameron Mosiman, 18, North Happiness Drive. Mosiman’s vehicle struck the right side of Brungardt’s vehicle while traveling through the parking lot. Mosiman complained of minor neck pain on the scene of the accident, but declined EMS services. Damage up to $25,000.

Civil Collection

Elkhart County

The following civil collection has been awarded in Elkhart County Superior Court III: Interra Credit Union v. Michael Pettit, New Paris, $16,828.37

Superior Court III

The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:

Disregarding stop sign — Terry L. Shumpert, Leesburg, $160.50

Failure of occupant to use safety belt — Jeremy J. Napier, Leesburg, $25 Littering — Jeanne M. Jones, Milford, $235

Marriage Licenses

Kosciusko County

The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Ann Torpy: Warner-Garcia

Joshua P. Warner, 39, Leesburg, and Jacquelyn Melana-Mae Garcia, 32, Leesburg

4:36 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 18, 700 block of South Dixie Drive, North Webster. Daniel R. Neff had a weed eater stolen. Value of $318.

4:48 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 17, 6700 block of North SR 13, North Webster. A fence was damaged outside Dollar General to gain access to a dumpster.

3:06 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, North Huntington Street, south of South County Line Road, Syracuse. Drivers: Nora Bontrager, 19, East Nelson Drive, Milford; and Lindsae Harrold, 74, EMS W17 Lane, North Webster. Harrold’s vehicle struck the rear end of Bontrager’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

Questionable courtroom

9:22 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 16, 700 block South Main Street, North Webster. A representative from Family Express Gas Station reported vandalism.

Syracuse

Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following accidents and incident:

Court News

McCulloch-Miller

Brandin J. McCulloch, 27, Syracuse, and Courtney M. Miller, 27, Syracuse

Stewart-Thornton

Brittany N. Stewart, 31, Milford, and Phillip Thornton, 29, Milford

Garcia-Chavez

Kristen M. Garcia, 33, Milford, and Omar Chavez, 39, Warsaw

Sandoval-Schmerber

Gustavo Contreras Sandoval, 45, Leesburg, and Brooke A. Schmerber, 31, Leesburg Krise-Ooley

Madison E. Krise, 23, Syracuse, and Dakota M. Ooley, 24, Syracuse

Marriage Dissolutions

Elkhart County

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Elkhart Superior Court: White — April Nichole White, no address given, and Allen Stewart White, III, Milford; without children.

Berndt — Hailee B. Berndt, Milford, and Philip J. Berndt, Jr., Delavan, Wis.; without children.

Two arrested on drug charges after traffic stop

Two people were recently arrested after a traffic stop resulted in the discovery of drugs.

Shane Dale Cox, 45, 1102 N. Lake View Ave., Syracuse, is charged with dealing cocaine, a level 4 felony; possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine and possession of a syringe, all level 6 felonies; operating while intoxicated, a class C misdemeanor; dealing cocaine with enhancing circumstances, a level 3 felony; and possession of cocaine with enhancing circumstances and possession of methamphetamine with enhancing circumstances, both level 5 felonies.

Raven Ski Jackson, 20, 6663 W. CR 500S, Mentone, is charged with possession of cocaine and possession of methamphetamine, both level 6 felonies.

Around 2:30 a.m. Aug. 11, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled a vehicle over

in Warsaw after noticing it had daytime running lights and no tail lights. Cox was driving the vehicle and Jackson was a passenger.

According to court documents, a K9 unit alerted to illegal drugs in the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle, officers found 4.7 grams of cocaine, meth residue and a syringe.

Jackson said the items in the vehicle belonged to Cox, who she alleged was dealing cocaine.

Jackson showed officers a conversation she had with Cox via social media where drug dealing was discussed.

Cox said the syringe belonged to him, but denied knowing about the other illegal items.

At the time of this incident, Jackson was on pretrial release for vehicle theft and meth possession.

Cox has two prior convictions for dealing meth. Both Cox and Jackson were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Aug. 11.

1:39 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, 400 block West Jackson Hole Drive, Syracuse. Nathaniel Scherer reported fraud on his bank account.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Aug. 21 — Edward Earl Smith Jr., 47, 13509 N. Warner Road, Syracuse, booked for possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Aug. 19 — Jordan William Graham, 25, 22 EMS W23C Lane, North Webster, booked for theft. Bond: $600 cash.

Aug. 20 — Timothy Paul Landesman, 39, 503 W. Himes St., North Webster, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Bond: $700 cash.

Aug. 17 — Christopher Ray Schisler, 20, 11139 N. Humpty Dumpty Drive, Cromwell, booked for domestic battery. Bond: $6,000 surety and cash.

Aug. 16 — Cory Eugene Iden, 5295 E. Bayview Drive, Syracuse, booked for resisting law enforcement and driving while suspended with prior. Bond: $750 cash.

Aug. 15 — Courtney Beth Hanes, 36, 3757 N. 900W Lot 194, Cromwell, booked for failure to appear. Bond: $5,000 surety.

Aug. 15 — Robert Allen Stouder, 43, 202 E. Benton St., Syracuse, booked for theft — value of property at least $750, failure to appear, and on a probation violation. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Aug. 14 — Ethel Faye Baldridge, 19, 309 S. Higbee St., Milford, booked for residential entry. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Noble County

The following person was booked in the Noble County Jail:

Aug. 14 — Anthony Dooley, 39, 2728 N. CR 1000W, Cromwell, booked for a warrant arrest. Bond: $5,000.

Continued from page 2 Fulton County asks people to keep their phones off and put away when they are in Circuit Court, with a sign outside Superior Court stating phones aren’t allowed.

taking pictures. They’re recording,” said Reed. “They’re doing all kinds of stuff, so we have to have our people kick them out of court and disrupt the proceedings while that goes on.”

“There was a situation just within the last couple of weeks. A lawyer was talking to people … before court proceedings started. We found out afterwards (someone supporting the other side) was recording his conversation,” said Kehler.

“The worst one (was) … a guy who had a warrant out for his arrest, couldn’t come to his custody hearing. So he had one of his friends go ahead and record it all, so he would know what was going on,” said Reed.

Kehler noted some other counties in Indiana have already put more restrictive cellphone rules in place.

“As a lawyer, I was turned away repeatedly (in other counties).” he said.

InkFreeNews checked with the six counties surrounding Kosciusko regarding possession of cellphones by the general public in the buildings where court occurs.

Marshall, Noble and Wabash counties ban them. Whitley County does as well, with an exception for lawyers. Other exceptions in Whitley County consist of allowing people to bring their cellphones with them when they are voting in the courthouse and jurors and prospective jurors bringing their cellphones with them when they enter the courthouse, but leaving the devices with courthouse staff when court proceedings are going on.

Elkhart County, which currently has two locations where court occurs, allows phones “except where restricted by individual courts as determined by the presiding Judicial Officer.” Signs outside those certain courtrooms let people know of the rules.

The Kosciusko County judges said they’ve been working with the commissioners for quite some time to create the ordinance.

“We have a good relationship with the commissioners and we appreciate everything they’ve done, for sure,” said Kehler.

Reed added the commissioners wanted exceptions, like the one allowing phones on the first floor.

In response to a question regarding why the ordinance didn’t just restrict cellphones in the courtroom, Reed said that was over concerns that “once they’re in here, whoever has them, they end up in the courtroom.”

“And we’ve tried banning them from the courtroom. People don’t follow the rules,” he said.

Kehler also said court security was also better able to enforce the cellphone rules if the devices were kept to the first floor.

Judges did note the ordinance allows people to ask for exceptions for recording video or taking pictures on the first floor, such as if they wanted pictures

of them applying for their marriage license.

As for the food and drink prohibition, judges also said that had been a problem.

“It’s not a dining room, for gosh sake,” said Reed.

McGrath mentioned there had been issues with spills and also cited concerns people could be hiding things like battery acid in cups.

“I saw a lady bring in a 2-liter of Coke one day,” she said.

Judges plan to work with commissioners to iron out some fine details in the ordinance.

“We anticipate getting together to put a little more guidance to how (a cellphone) exception would work … and I think we’re going to put some more guidance together on what employees … can do, which is probably going to be more restrictive,” said Reed.

There are several signs outside the justice building and on the second floor informing people of the rules. Courthouse security is also telling people about them.

McGrath added “the whole focus of this ordinance is not to inconvenience the community, to upset people, to trample on any kind of personal right.”

“It’s to ensure that this building is as safe as it possibly can be, and that’s for us, our employees and for the public who come in here all the time,” said McGrath. “We do not want Kosciusko County to be the next (place) with a courthouse tragedy.”

“And you shouldn’t be placed in danger for fulfilling your public obligation,” said Reed, referring to people taking pictures of jurors and the like.

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

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

Published by The Papers Incorporated every Wednesday and entered as Periodical Class matter at the Post Office in Syracuse, Indiana 46567. Periodical Class postage paid at 102 E. Main Street, Syracuse, Indiana 46567 and at additional entry offices.

SUBSCRIPTION: Newstand rate $1.50 per copy, $50.50 per year in Kosciusko County, $64.50 per year in Indiana and $74.75 per year out of state.

Publisher, Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

Business Manager, Annette Weaver ........aweaver@the-papers.com

Editor-In-Chief, Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com

Director Of Marketing, Steve Meadows ....smeadows@the-papers.com

Advertising Manager, Bill Hays ..............bhays@the-papers.com

POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The Mail-Journal, P.O. Box 188, Milford, Indiana 46542-0188.

The Papers Incorporated reserves the right to refuse for publication any advertising that is considered offensive, misleading or detrimental to the public, the newspaper or another advertiser and to edit advertising at its discretion.

DEADLINES: Legal copy, 5 p.m. Monday, classified copy and display copy, 11 a.m. Tuesday.

PRODUCTION: The Mail-Journal is digitally composed on Macintosh Computers using Digital Technology’s Newspaper Publishing Suite Software and Photoshop software. Ads may be submitted as PDF’s & E-mailed to adcomp@the-papers.com. If you have any questions give us a call and we’ll walk you through it.

Syracuse Public Library —

Home school class resumes

Home schooled children can attend Syracuse Public Library’s first home school class of the school year at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, in the downstairs meeting room. This first meeting will be for all ages, and children will learn about the science of solar cooking. As part of the program, children will create their very own solar oven.

In September, the home school class will alternate weekly between lower elementary school levels and upper elementary school levels. Younger elementary students will meet on Wednesdays, Sept. 6 and 20, while older elementary students will meet on Wednesdays, Sept. 13 and 27. This change aims to better serve different levels of learning. While some programs will be geared toward older students, younger ones can still attend but may require assistance from their grown-ups.

North Webster Community Public Library — One Thousand Books Before Kindergarten initiative

Studies show that it is vitally important for parents and caregivers to read to children even before they start school. Early literacy activities such as listening to stories, singing songs, rhyming games, library visits and more all promote cognitive and educational development for children of all ages.

Cathy Ervin of NWCPL states, “Beyond the scientific studies, reading to your children develops a special bond — shared memories that you just can’t get anywhere else. We live in such a busy world, I believe that slowing down and creating a space for quiet family time and reading is crucial to a child’s wellbeing. The 1,000 Book Club at the library is a great way to help create those reading and quiet time habits.”

NWCPL invites children ages birth through kindergarten to join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Club. By joining this club, parents and caregivers are encouraged to read 1,000 books to their child before they start school. At each 100 book milestone, the child will receive a small prize and at various levels will also receive recognition on the library’s wall of fame. All children are welcome, no library card required. Please visit the library for more information or to sign up.

Trick-or-Trade Costume Swap Planned

Do you have gently used children’s costumes that are ready for a new adventure? The library will be hosting a costume swap during September and October.

Bring costumes to the library on either Friday, Sept. 8, or Saturday, Sept. 23, to receive a “shopping” ticket. Then visit the library again on either Oct. 13 or 21 to “shop” for new costumes. Start checking your closet now to be ready for the upcoming swap. The following activities are

set to take place at the library.

Attendees do not need to have a library card to participate in any of these events.

Adult Events

Adult Writers’ Corner, 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28. This month’s topic is to write about a family member, living or deceased. Names may be changed if preferred. Feel free to write a fictional story about family relations as well. Also, please bring topic ideas for the next year’s worth of Writers’ Corner meetings.

A Community Scanning Day will be held starting at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30. Do you have old documents or memorabilia that you would like preserved digitally? If so, make an appointment during Community Scanning Day. There will be expert volunteers available all day to help with scanning documents. Registration is required because space is limited. Due to time constraints, there is a limit of 10 items scanned per person. Call the library at (574) 8347122 to reserve your time slot.

Shannon Shepherd from the Purdue Extension will be visiting the North Webster Library at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, to teach a program entitled Resolve to Move More. This class will help attendees learn ways to increase physical activity by identifying barriers and learning easy or low impact methods of physical activity. Please register in advance for this workshop.

Teen Events

Unwind and make new friends at Teen Cafe, the ultimate Monday hangout spot at the library. Join in after school at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, for thrilling video games like MarioKart, Roblox and Minecraft, epic board game showdowns and a delectable array of snacks, drinks and coffee. Teens start your week out right in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Syracuse Cub Scouts to hold round-up

Syracuse Cub Scout Pack 3828 will hold its annual Cub Scout Round-Up at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28 at the Scout Lodge and Woods located at 10433 E. CR 500, a few miles south of Syracuse.

Boys and girls in grades kindergarten through fifth grade who are interested in joining Cub Scouts, or want to learn more about it, are invited, along with their parents to come to the Scout Woods where they will meet the leaders and Cub Scouts members and learn more about

Scouting. Families are invited to gather around a campfire in the woods and enjoy free hotdogs and s’mores.

Syracuse Cub Scout Pack 3828 meets at 6 p.m. every Monday throughout the school year. During the fall and spring, the pack meets at the Scout Lodge and Woods and meets at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 1413 N. Long Drive, Syracuse, throughout the winter months. For more information, contact Cub Master Trevor Ritter at (574) 377-6177.

For more information about any library events, call the library at (574) 834-7122, visit the library’s website at nwcpl. org or click into the library’s Facebook page.

For a tentative schedule of subjects, visit the SPL children’s page, syracuse.lib.in.us/children.html.

Meanwhile, preschool-aged children can attend story time at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30. During each session, children enjoy stories, songs, play and crafts. Children librarian Megan Daumen also works in sign language and Spanish. In The Garden Tours Urban Native Plant Garden In the Garden will embark on another field trip at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, along Winona

Lake. Members will tour a native plant oasis — three years in the making — off Country Club Drive. It will be the perfect opportunity to see native plants used in an urban environment to aid pollinators. Attendees might even find ways they can integrate native plants into their landscapes.

Attendees are asked to park in the grass next to the raised beds on 729 Ireland Drive, Warsaw. Anime Club

Anime Club meets from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Anyone

who loves anime, manga or Japanese culture is welcome to join.

In August, young adult services assistant librarian Amber Cox will share information about some of Japan’s most popular festivals. Members will then vote on which anime to watch on Crunchyroll. As a note, some anime may feature more mature themes. For information, contact Cox at ajcox@syracuse.lib.in.us.

Labor Day Closing

The Syracuse Public Library will close on Monday, Sept. 4, in observance of Labor Day.

Myaamiaki: Stories of Miami people

More than just lake names and artifacts, Native Americans are vibrant contemporary people whose history has shaped many of our lives here in Indiana. In addition to the three-day series on northeastern Indiana history to be presented over Labor Day weekend, Chautauqua arranged for two members of the Miami tribe of Oklahoma to share information and perspective of the native Miami peoples past, present and future from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 9, at the WACF Ruddell Pavilion. The program is free to attend.

Diane Hunter will talk about the history of Miami people since time immemorial, telling the stories of their emergence as unique and different people, their first encounters with Europeans and later with Americans, land loss and forced removals and about the revitalization of the Miami tribe today.

Hunter is the Myaamia heritage preservation specialist for the Miami tribe of Oklahoma and a citizen of the tribe. She is a descendant of the Miami family of Seekaahkweeta and Palaanswa (Francois Godfroy). Her work involves preserving and protecting historic sites and resources, pro-

viding education about the presence and history of the Miami tribe and serving nearly 1,000 tribal citizens in Indiana and surrounding areas. Hunter has worked for the Miami tribe since 2015 when the tribe purchased property in Fort Wayne and opened a Cultural Resources Extension Office.

The second presenter is Dani Tippmann, a tradition bearer and

a citizen of the Miami tribe of Oklahoma. Her talk will discuss the use of plants as food, medicine, technology and cultural historical conduits and share how plants teach us, feed us, heal us and bring us a better understanding of Myaamia culture. Tippmann will have plants to touch, smell and maybe taste for attendees to sample.

The program, sponsored by

Chautauqua-Wawasee, will be performed at the Ruddell Pavilion on the campus of Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, located just south of Syracuse at 11586 SR 13. Families are welcome to attend this free program. For more information, contact Mark Knecht, president, at mknecht@chqw.org or (703) 4897124.

Errors hinder Warriors in football opener

In a game where Wawasee had more yards and more first downs than its opponent, the host Warriors were not able to translate the positives into a victory against the Vikings of Tippecanoe Valley on Friday, Aug. 18.

Wawasee fell 23-12, and coach Jon Reutebuch knows the Warriors had chances to upset the Vikings.

“We had opportunities all over the field, we just made too many mistakes,” Reutebuch said.

“We’ll rectify that. We’ll fix that. We’ll come back to work next week and get after it and try and fix those mistakes. We just left a lot of plays out on the field. One block here, or if a guy runs the right route or we make the correct read it’s a different ball game.”

Four interceptions and a missed chance to score before half kept the Warriors off the board until the fourth quarter. The Vikings only scored 16 points with their offense but had a defensive touchdown to start the fourth quarter when an interception was returned 67 yards to the end zone.

Wawasee Sports Videos

See live action videos of Friday night’s Wawasee-Tippy Valley football game on The Mail-Journal Facebook page.

the Warriors from second-andinches to third-and-nine. After an incomplete pass, The Warriors missed a field goal on fourth down. The sequence meant the Vikings enjoyed a 13-0 advantage at the half.

away.” Reutebuch said.

Wawasee stayed in the game thanks to its defense, as the Vikings had to settle for four field goal attempts, of which they made three. The Vikings were two for 11 on third down in the game.

“I think our defense played really, really well. Our safeties came downhill pretty well. Our corners had good coverage. Our defensive ends came in and made some plays,” Reutebuch said.

quarter, including connecting with junior Bradyn Pike for the first touchdown of the season. Later in the quarter, senior Hunter Tinkey made a defender miss after a short pass and took the ball 64 yards for a touchdown. Shoemaker would finish with 209 yards passing on 13 completions and 19 attempts.

Wawasee (0-1) will next play its first road game of the season 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at West Noble (1-0). The Warriors have lost their last two games to the Chargers with a 35-24 defeat a season ago. West Noble has won

five of the last six years in the series.

“We’ve got another tough opponent,” Reutebuch said. “We’re going to have gear up and play well to beat them. We don’t have any easy non-conference games.”

Warrior boys to keep a close pack

Before halftime, Wawasee had the on ball the three-yard line of the Vikings for second down and short. A tackle for loss followed by a delay of game penalty pushed

“We had penalties and we were dropped for a loss. We just can’t do that. You got to keep focus and push all the way through. We score there and now we’re talking about a tight game right

Senior linebacker Brandon Kelly had six tackles and a teamhigh two tackles for loss to lead the defense.

Senior quarterback Mason Shoemaker threw a couple of touchdown passes in the fourth

Race results for Wawasee Yacht Club

Mother Nature continues to cause problems for the Wawasee Yacht Club as races the last few weeks have had to be canceled due to dying wind conditions on the lake. Here are the latest results from the last few weekends.

Sunfish: races held Aug. 12

Race 1

C. Call — first place

H. Levinson — second place

C. Nelson — third place

Palmer — fourth place

D. Rassi — fifth place

Race 2

C. Call — first place

D. Rassi — second place

H. Levinson —third place

C. Levinson — fourth place

Palmer — fifth place

Race 3

D. Rassi — first place

C. Call — second place

H. Levinson — third place

C. Levinson — fourth place

I-20 Scow

Races held Aug. 12

Race 1 Allen — first place

Westman — second place

Laird— third place

Kendall — fourth place

Eckrich — fifth place

Fishburn — sixth place

Race 2 Allen — first place

Westman — second place

Eckrich — third place

Laird — fourth place

Kendall — fifth place

Fishburn — sixth place

Race 3

Allen — first place

Westman — second place

Laird — third place

Eckrich — fourth place

Kendall — fifth place

Fishburn — sixth place

Races held Aug. 19

Race 1 Allen — first place

Laird — second place

Westman — third place

Beesley — fourth place

Kendall — fifth place

Fishburn — sixth place

Race 2

Allen — first place

Laird — second place

Kendall — third place

Fishburn — fourth place

Westman — fifth place

E-Scow

Races held Aug. 13

Race 1 J. Call — first place

Cox — second place

C. Call — third place

B. Herdrich — fourth place

C. Herdrich — fifth place

Moore — sixth place

J. Herdrich — seventh place

Rian — eighth place

Palmer — ninth place

Levinson — 10th place

Beesley — 11th place

M.Herdrich — 12th place

Allen — 13th place

Simpson — 14th place

Blackwell — 15th place

Race 2 Cox — first place

B. Herdrich — second place

Irmscher — third place

Allen — fourth place

Rian — fifth place

C. Herdrich — sixth place

J. Call — seventh place

Moore — eighth place

J. Herdrich — ninth place

Simpson — 10th place

Beesley — 11th place

C. Call — 12th place

Blackwell — 13th place

Levinson — 14th place

Lighting

Race held Aug. 13

Race 1

Rassi — first place

Wisler — second place

Zacher — third place

Selby — fourth place

Maxwelton Ladies League golf results

Karla Walker took home first place honors in the Maxwelton Ladies League Wednesday, Aug. 16. Becky Arnold was second with Chris Trame as the low putts winner. Chip-Ins include Linda O’Connor, Trame, Arnold and Walker. Elaine Bigler is the 2023 Handicap Match Play Tournament winner.

With a roster full of depth, coach Jose Lopez has a cross country team capable of sneaking up on squads this season.

“It’s a good mixture of upperclassmen and young guys,” Lopez said. “We feel like we have the leaders in the upperclassmen that could instill the good habits and values to the young runners. Very talented young runners coming in. I feel that is the correct balance for a successful team.”

The Warriors were third in the Elkhart Christian Hokum Karem Saturday, Aug. 19. While none of their varsity duos were in the top five, all three finished inside the top 15. The grouping of their top six runners together tells Lopez his team can run together as a pack and try and get results using this tactic.

“This year is going to be more of a wedge pack there,” Lopez said. “I think this is the best we’ve ever done at this meet. Very happy we are at the point that we are in right now.”

The top returning runners include junior Hunter Allen, who has led the team in each of its first two meets of the season and advanced out of sectionals last season. Issac Winters is another returning junior on the roster. A trio of freshmen in John David

Stoffell, Ivan Waikel and Mason Worrell are making an immediate impact. All three ran in the varsity race Saturday for the Warriors.

Lopez is in his fourth season and will have to replace graduated seniors Cade Beer, Josiah Boyer and Dominic Speybroeck.

Despite the loss of those three seniors, Lopez says his team still has the goal of getting out of sectionals. Wawasee finished higher on Saturday than a couple of sectional foes in Concord and NorthWood, who also are in the Northern Lakes Conference.

“Main goal right now is to make

it regionals. Mainly NLCs are our toughest competition,” Lopez said. In addition to competing this season, Lopez wants to keep building up younger runners so kids are ready to compete when they reach high school.

“That’s what we’ve been working on the last three years. Trying to build up from the elementary level, up from the middle school level and up to high school,” Lopez said.

The boys will join the girls at the NLC round robin meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, at Ox Bow Park in Elkhart.

Roundup

Girls Golf

Aug. 16 — Defeated West Noble and Churubusco with a team score of 236. Delaney Delagrange was low medalist with a 49.

Aug. 17 — Won via forfeit against Westview with a team score of 225. Delagrange led the team with a 53. Taelyn Tom and Emma Young tied for second with a 56.

Aug. 21 — Lost to Plymouth 181-233. Tom and Francie McDonald led Wawasee with a 56 each. Next match is 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 23, with NLC foes Mishawaka and NorthWood at Eberhart Golf Course.

Boys Tennis

Aug. 16 — Defeated Lakeland 5-0. Joey Harper takes No. 1 singles 6-0, 6-0.

Aug. 17 — Wawasee picked up a conference win 3-2 over Plymouth at home.

Aug. 21 — Wawasee earned a 5-0 win over Tippecanoe Valley and 3-0 win for junior varsity. Harper, Kane Dukes and Brayden Miller all had wins in singles. Doubles points came from Ty Brooks/Evan Byler and Dane Cripe/Caden Pratt.

Aug. 22 — The varsity tennis team dispatched Central Noble 4-1 to move to 4-0 on the year. Next match is 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at West Noble.

Junior Varsity Football

Aug. 19 — Won season opener on the road against Tippecanoe Valley 20-16. Warriors who recorded touchdowns included sophomore Luke Keim, sophomore Benjamin Brace and junior Jay MillerHarris. Miller-Harris caught the go-ahead touchdown pass as he took the ball 95 yards for the score. Next game is 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, vs. West Noble at Warrior Field. Freshman Football Aug. 17— Fell at Mishawaka 52-28 as the

Cavemen outscored the Warriors 36-14 in the second half. J’Ceon Evans had 180 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Next game is Thursday, Aug. 24, against Columbia City at home.

Boys Soccer

Aug. 17 — Wawasee earned its first win of the season with a 4-1 home victory over South Bend Riley. Goals scorers include sophomore Quentin Taylor, senior Xavier Washington, senior Josh Trujillo and senior Grant Likens. Taylor finished with two assists and one for Likens.

Aug. 22 — The Warriors fell on the road to Bethany Christian 8-0 to fall to 1-2 this season. Next game is 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 at Culver Academies.

Girls Soccer

Aug. 16 — Wawasee cruised through West Noble 6-1 for its first win of the season. Junior Morgan Reel and junior Molly Beer each had two goals. Beer also had three assists. Senior Mikilah Wiggs had one goal.

Aug. 19 — Westview defeated the Lady Warriors 9-0.

Girls Volleyball

Aug. 22 — The Lady Warriors improved to 2-2 this season with a 25-16, 23-25, 26-24, 20-25, 15-12 victory at Central Noble. Sophomore Danika Miller (11), senior Abbigail Burelison (11) and junior Mackenzie Hackleman (10) all reached double-digit kills in the five set match. Senior Aly McClintic led the defense with 29 digs. Next game is 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, vs. Bethany Christian.

Junior Varsity Volleyball

Aug. 19 — Hosting its own invite, Wawasee went 1-3 on the day to finish sixth out of the eight teams. The lone win was 25-18, 25-9 outcome against South Bend Washington.

Hodgson and Hernandez earn early season title

If Saturday was any indication, Wawasee sophomore Mia Hodgson and junior Jasmine Hernandez are in for an eventful cross country season. The duo took first place honors at the Elkhart Christian Hokum Karem meet Saturday, Aug. 19.

“It’s exciting. Watching the body composure of them, they looked in control the whole time,” coach Doug Slabaugh said. “Really encouraged by the way that they looked.”

A hokum karem is different from a typical cross-country race as a duo runs as a team with each runner alternating legs of the race. Hernandez enjoyed getting a break and coming back in once Hodgson ran her lap.

“I think having that break in between really gives you some mental clarity,” she said. “It’s good to stay moving during that break but I also took the time to reflect on how I did and how I could do better the next time.”

Hernandez and Hodgson finished with a time of 36:58, almost a minute faster than the second place duo from Concord. The two Wawasee runners were the only girls on the team to take part in the varsity race.

Hernandez took her sophomore year off from the sport but her teammates and coaches are glad she found the time to run her junior season.

“She’s a big help having her back out. She’s running really strong right now,” Slabaugh said.

Hodgson made it to semistate

her freshman year and tied the school record for fastest time in the traditional five-kilometer race.

“I didn’t have the best track season so coming into this trying to be more mentally positive,” Hodgson said after the meet. Hodgson says she hopes to shave about 30 seconds off her best time from last year. That would place her under 19 minutes if she succeeds.

The two Wawasee stars outran a field that included runners from Northern Lakes Conference foes in Goshen, NorthWood and Concord.

Wawasee had three sets of teams in the reserve race with Abby Speicher and America Benitez leading the Lady Warriors in the race at a mark of 44:26. Slabaugh has a young team with zero seniors on the roster.

“A lot of inexperience on the girls side that haven’t ran cross country before. Trying to learn the sport and gain some good knowledge from it,” Slabaugh said. The next meet for the team is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29. It will be the Northern Lakes Conference meet at Oxbow Park.

New coach enjoys return to volleyball

Stephanie Denlinger earned her first win as head coach of the Wawasee volleyball team Monday night, Aug. 21, in a sweep of Lakeland.

“They are so much fun to watch. Their energy, their enthusiasm is contagious,” Denlinger said of the team.

Denlinger had a previous stint as the junior varsity coach and was named the head varsity coach in May. She was able to watch her current varsity players when they were in junior high.

“This is really exciting to be able to see them now on varsity rather than the middle school feeder program,” Denlinger said. “Just how much they’ve grown and getting to attack the varsity level together.”

Injured Lady Warriors fall 3-0

Playing without two of his top attackers, coach Luis Camargo knew his team was in for a battle with Manchester Tuesday, Aug. 22. The visitors eventually broke down the Lady Warrior defense and went on to a 3-0 victory.

“I thought we played a really good first half,” Camargo said. “I was happy with the way we were passing the ball. We were creating some chances and we were stopping them. Second half, they got a wide play we couldn’t cover and that’s what took care of the game.”

The first half was scoreless with Wawasee getting four shots on frame and Manchester with six. The second half was all Squires with two goals in the first 12 minutes of the half. Manchester would add a third with 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Manchester would more than double the shots on target Wawasee that was able to achieve. The Squires also held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Wawasee was without two of its top goal scorers in juniors Morgan Reel and Molly Beer. Both had two goals in the win over West Noble last week but suffered injuries in

the loss to Westview.

“Offensively, that does affect us. We are hoping they get better soon and we have them back,” Camargo said. “Right now, we are kind of working with what we have.”

Senior Ciara Rodgriguez has also been out with an injury this season.

The defeat drops Wawasee to 1-3 with two road games still to come this week. The Warriors travel to Bethany Christian 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 and Concord 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26.

It was a challenging start for Denlinger and her team last week with defeats to Tippecanoe Valley (Aug. 15) in five sets and Fairfield (Aug. 17) in four. In the loss to the Vikings, senior Jaci Worrell suffered an ankle injury and will miss two weeks. Fairfield was the home opener but the Lady Warriors were in danger of getting swept by the Falcons. Fairfield captured the first two sets 25-17, 25-19 and led in set three 18-14. The Warriors went on a 10-3 spurt to grab a 24-21 advantage. Wawasee would win the set 25-23. Fairfield would take set four 25-21 to take the game 3-1.

“They’re doing great volleyball,” Denlinger said after the defeat to Fairfield. “Tonight was phenomenal. I could not be more proud of how they presented themselves and how they played tonight. Yes, losses are disappointing but they should absolutely be proud of how they played.”

In the 25-19, 25-19, 25-15 sweep

against Lakeland, Wawasee was led by sophomore Danika Miller and her team-high five kills. Senior Aly McClintic led the defense with a game-high 10 digs and fellow senior Mackenzie Hackleman added eight.

Juniors Hannah Truex and Abby Dusek scored four and three aces respectively. Dusek also had a game-high 11 assists.

The Warriors have six seniors in Worrell, McClintic, Kierstyn Miller, Jolie Likens, Stephanie Anacleto and Abbigail Burelison.

Wawasee has won 20 games or more each of the last three seasons but has finished near the bottom of the Northern Lakes Conference standings each of those seasons.

The Warriors went 0-7 in league action last year.

“I know that they want to perform a little bit better in conference than what we’ve had in the past. I know that is a goal of theirs,” Denlinger said. The varsity volleyball team will host Bethany Christian at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24.

Community Corner

Mary Lou Korenstra spills successful marriage secrets

They love being surrounded by all their family.

Kosciusko County farms among Hoosier Homestead Award winners

Recognized for their families’ long-standing commitment to agriculture, 103 Indiana family farms were presented the Hoosier Homestead Award at the Indiana State Fair Aug. 17 from Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb.

Two Kosciusko County farms were among those receiving awards. The two Kosciusko County farms that received awards were the Kolberg farm, dating from 1899, which received a Centennial Award, and the Jacob Bucher farm, dating from 1923, which received a Centennial Award.

“The Hoosier Homestead ceremony is always a highlight of the Indiana State Fair for me,” said Crouch, Indiana’s secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Celebrating these long-standing farming families and their ancestors for their work and commitment to our state and Indiana agriculture is a true honor.”

my, cementing it as an invaluable profession for our state,” said State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka).

“I am pleased to represent a community dedicated to continuing their family heritage for decades, and I congratulate the Jacob Bucher Farm and the Kolberg Farm for receiving these awards.”

To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years, and consist of 20 acres or more, or produce more than $1,000 in agricultural products per year.

Based on the age of the farm, families are eligible for three different distinctions of the Hoosier

Homestead Award. They can receive the Centennial Award for 100 years, Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years, or Bicentennial Award for 200 years of ownership.

“Keeping a farm operational for 100 years or more is no simple task,” Lamb said. “Each passing generation has certainly had to adapt and evolve their farming practices and techniques to ensure their farms continued success.” Since the program’s inception in 1976, more than 6,100 families have received the award. Often, a Hoosier Homestead farm is easily recognized because most recipients proudly display their awarded sign on their property.

“He says that I asked him to sit next to me, but I am not sure I remember it that way,” Mary Lou Korenstra explained her first date with her husband of nearly 73 years, Francis. The duo met on a hayride, sparks flew and they have been sitting next to each other ever since. They will celebrate their 73rd anniversary next May.

“He was one of the top basketball players and so handsome, so maybe I did have my eyes on him,” she admitted, “he was so shy, very soft spoken, so I guess it was up to me.”

They are high school sweethearts, “going together” since their junior year of high school, 1948. They would say their vows just a few years later in 1951. They would bring their family into the world: Roger, Bruce, Phillip and Melinda. The Korenstras have 32, soon to be 33, great-grandkids and a “I would have to count them” number of grandkids.

Their love and marriage has not always been easy. Mary Lou recounted some financial troubles that had befallen them and they needed to work through. Financial troubles is one of the top reasons why marriages end in divorce, according to multiple statistics.

“Marriage can be hard, it can be work but stick together and work it out,” she encouraged, “we’re not devoutly religious but a little bit of prayer never hurt anyone.”

Current divorce rates are discouraging, with statistics saying 40-50% of marriages end in divorce.

PROFILE

“When you have been together so long, you learn some things. Together we are stronger, stick together. Do not let the little things cause big problems. All the usual things that get said are true. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t hold a grudge.” Korenstra said, giving advice to young couples and newlyweds.

The pair has always lived in the Milford, Syracuse and North Webster areas.

“Agriculture is and will continue to be part of Indiana’s history and economic success,” said State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City). “These Hoosier families have shown true dedication to their craft and their traditions.”

“There are many long days and nights, and a ton of sweat equity that goes into running a successful farming operation,” said Rep. Craig Snow, (R-Warsaw)a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. “These families worked hard to pass down agricultural knowledge, and our state is stronger because of it.”

“Agriculture makes significant contributions to Indiana’s econo-

Mobile Meals drivers

“Our family just keeps getting bigger and bigger! We keep adding new photos to our photo frames all the time. They keep growing and changing, so the pictures keep going outof-date,” she said. But they’re not complaining.

They’re not the junior love birds they used to be, Mary Lou is now 90 and Francis is 91, but when they look at each other they still see two nervous high schoolers sitting next to each other for the first time.

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

Syracuse Drivers

Aug. 28 to Sept. 1

MONDAY — M. Smith

TUESDAY — C. Manning

WEDNESDAY — J. Rowland

THURSDAY — J. Clark

FRIDAY — P. Smith Milford Drivers

Aug. 28 to Sept. 1

MONDAY — M. Webb

TUESDAY — S. Weisser

WEDNESDAY — TBA

THURSDAY — L. Kammerer

FRIDAY — R. & P. Haab North Webster Drivers

Aug. 28 to Sept. 1

MONDAY — J. & K. Caskey

TUESDAY — Cardinal

WEDNESDAY — Cardinal

THURSDAY — E. Cook

FRIDAY — J. Parcell

‘Leaf’ the Work to Us! Sell Your Items in The Classifieds!

To Place A Classified Ad Call (574) 658-4111, Milford

CLASSIFIEDS

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

FAX 800-886-3796

WARSAW 574-269-2932

FAX 888-371-2934

It happened in North Webster 30 years ago Society Bank on SR 13 closes June 12

10 YEARS AGO, AUG. 21, 2013

Utilities Manager Mike Noe brought two bids for sewer-related projects to the North Webster Town Council at its regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the North Webster Community Center.

SYRACUSE 574-457-3666

Please take the time to make sure your classified ad is correct. The Papers Incorporated will not be responsible for errors in ads after the first publication. Ad position other than classification is not guaranteed.

$925 ONLY

*15 Word Maximum

ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PRE-PAID

ONE COLUMN BOXED ADS

$7.60 per column inch for one to three insertions. $6.30 per column inch for four or more insertions of the same copy.

INDEX

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

BUSINESS SERVICE...................C010-C430 EMPLOYMENT.............................E010-E080

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

FINANCIAL ..................................H010-H030

INSTRUCTION .............................K010-K020

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BUYER BEWARE The Papers Incorporated cannot screen all advertisements to eliminate possibilities of fraud or misleading information. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Persons responding to ads are advised to contact the Better Business Bureau in your area or the Indiana Secretary of State’s Fraud Hotline before sending any money. 1-800-223-8791

Auction Sales A010

President Jean Cowan gaveled the Lakeland Kiwanis Club meeting to order at 6:30 a.m. and 22 members stood to sing “My Country Tis of Thee” and the pledge to the flag. Following the Kiwanis Creed, Pastor Dennis Judy read the prayer list for the week, and Sherm Bryant offered prayer.

The growing season is winding down as gardens ripen with the bounty of the summer. If you’ve been following the North Webster Community Public Library’s resident “Herb Lady” (aka Janette Stackhouse), it will soon be time to harvest those herbs you’ve been growing all season.

20 YEARS AGO, AUG. 20, 2003

Members of the Lakeland Kiwanis Club donated more than 700 hours to the North Webster Com-

munity Center by helping to move items and prepare the facility for the remodeling project.

The board of directors of the North Webster Community Center is pleased to announce that the Dekko Foundation has matched an amount equal to the locally-raised funds.

Members of the North Webster Musky Club donated their time and boats Saturday, Aug. 9, to take approximately 21 inner-city kids on their first fishing adventure.

Rick Olson, youth director for the North Webster Musky Club, arranged Saturday’s outing.

30 YEARS AGO, AUG. 18, 1993

For the first time in 79 years, there is not a bank on the corner of SR 13 and Washington Street in North Webster. Society Bank closed June 12. The bank underwent a variety of owners, was backed off the highway in 1972, and had five name changes. But it was always on the corner for North Webster residents.

Rev. Todd Wilson, associate pastor of Calvary Baptist Church,

It happened in Milford … 30 years ago

LEISURE, RECREATIONAL ........M010-M110

MERCHANDISE ...........................P010-P290 PETS ............................................Q010-Q030

REAL ESTATE SALES ................S010-S110

REAL ESTATE RENTALS ............U010-U120 TRANSPORTATION .....................W010-W100

Garage Sales A070 GARAGE SALE

picnic table and chairs, lawn & garden tools, gazing balls on stands, charcoal grill, cookware set, Tupperware, pressure cooker, canning jars, lots more at Joe Riegsecker 29752 CR 56, Nappanee

BUSINESS

Oswego, was the guest speaker at the Aug. 16 meeting of Lakeland Kiwanis Club, North Webster. His topic was “Family Values.”

On July 4, Michael Heinhold, Valparaiso, was visiting the home of John and Boots Beam, Echo Bay, North Webster. Heinhold’s decision to do a little fishing on Webster Lake was a rather exciting adventure as he caught a muskie, which was 43 1/4 inches long, weighed 21 pounds and took 25 minutes to land.

40 YEARS AGO, AUG. 24, 1983

There were no objections at the North Webster Town Board budget hearing and federal revenue sharing Monday. All town board members were present. Also present at the meeting were Lowell and Kathy Gilmore. Lowell is president of the lake association.

Tippecanoe Township Extension Homemakers Club met Aug. 17, at Camelot Hall. Hostesses for the day were Virginia Perry, Marilyn Hamilton and Margaret Welker.

The ninth annual family re-

union of the descendants of Sherman and Ruth Kiser was held Aug. 14, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Kiser, Old Road 30. There were 48 children from North Webster Church of God, who attended church camp at Yellow Creek Lake this summer. They are: senior high, Liesel Boggs, Beth Carey, Shelly Harris, Michele Hickman, Kim Heche, Kay Stackhouse, Brent and Darin Atwood. 50 YEARS AGO, AUG. 22, 1973

Mrs. Mary Wallace and Mrs. Thelma McCorkle of the Leesburg American Legion unit conducted installation of officers for the Herbert Kuhn Unit in North Webster at its regular meeting Aug. 7. Mrs. Ward Weaver was hostess for the regular of the Charm ‘n’ Chatter Home Extension Club recently when Mrs. Howard Locke presented the lesson on the metric system.

Members of The Lady Lions Club met recently with Mrs. Arden Walgamuth. Mrs. Harold Humbles was named chairman of the bake sale.

Kerry Boggs received 30-Year Employee Service Award

10 YEARS AGO, AUG. 21, 2013

Last Wednesday, the United Way’s Day of Caring cleaned up eight houses around Milford and many more countywide. Volunteers

Greg Ousley, Alex Sansford, Deb Carr, Sarah Hinkel, Dina Cruz, Lorraine Bradley and Dan Clevenger worked on Mim and Lew Speicher’s house during the morning.

The Kammerer family recently returned from a weekend of fun at Clearwater Beach, Fla. Between Aug. 1 and Aug. 4, they held a family reunion. There were barbecues, they went canoeing and kayaking at the Weeki Springs State Park and watched a live mermaid show, spent time on the Sponge Dock, home of the world’s finest sponges.

Jared Templin, son of Terry and Karin Templin of Milford, received $4,500 for his champion 4-H dairy steer at the Indiana State Fair.

20 YEARS AGO, AUG. 20, 2003

Boy Scout Troop 747 of Milford participated in the Lincoln Highway sign program on Old Road 30 to commemorate 75 years of Scouting concern for the old roadway.

On Sept. 1, 1928, Scouts along Old Road 30 dropped road markers from New York to San Francisco marking this historic road. Few of the markers are still available, but one is in Funk Park, Warsaw. Several dozen Scouts and adult leaders from seven packs, troops and venturing crews gathered Aug. 16 to place signs along the Kosciusko County portion of the highway.

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Chupp, 3787

W. 900 N., Milford, are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house at their home. The celebration will be hosted by their daughter and grandchildren from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. Chupp and the former Margie Nichols were married Aug. 28, 1943, in Bradford, Ark.

30 YEARS AGO, AUG. 18, 1993

Kerry Boggs, Milford, recently received a 30-Year Employee Service Award from Brock Manufacturing. Presenting the award was Roger Townsend, vice president of Engineering for CTB. CTB is the parent company for Brock.

One of Milford’s rural mail car-

riers, Dale Rink, recently returned from a trip out West with friend Barb Barth and her son, Ryan. They attended a reunion in Denver, Colo., of Dale’s infantry unit that served in Vietnam.

Allen and Dorothy McDonald, who reside on 1350N, just west of Milford, reportedly found an unusual object in their lawn Thursday morning, Aug. 12. The lava-type fragment, measuring 3 inches long and 2 inches wide, was thought to be a meteorite from the annual Perseid meter shower occurring Wednesday night.

40 YEARS AGO, AUG. 24, 1983

Cable television in Milford came one step closer to reality Thursday evening, when the Kosciusko County Council approved a resolution allowing Noble Cable TV to install a cable television system in the town.

Milford town attorney Bob Kirsch appeared before the council and pointed out that the Milford town board recently granted a franchise to Noble Cable TV.

After a lengthy delay caused by bureaucratic red tape, Dr. William

Percy has finally opened up his family practice on South Main Street in Milford. The Canada native was pictured with his wife, Debra, and five-month-old daughter, Kathryn. The Percy family will be residing near Leesburg.

50 YEARS AGO, AUG. 22, 1973

Cynthia Rapp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Rapp of r 2 Milford, was pianist at the worship service held in the coliseum at the Indiana State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 19. She also participated in the 4-H Share-the-fun festival at the state fair, playing her own piano arrangements of “The Love Theme From Romeo and Juliet” and “Exodus.” Milford girl scout troop 225 held a back-to-school fling last Friday and Saturday. Included in the fling was a hay ride and sleeping under the stars. The girls took a walk on August 2 from the Wayne Bucher, Jr., home to Syracuse Lake and back. They visited the planatarium, Field’s museum and the Science and Industry museum on August 6. It was a very educational trip for the troop.

It happened in Syracuse 40 years ago

Syracuse Democrat

field election ticket

10 YEARS AGO, AUG. 21, 2013

This year the Wawasee Kiwanis Club donated $50 to each teacher at Syracuse Elementary School to help with school supplies that they buy themselves. They spent $1,600 to show appreciation to 32 teachers.

When former Syracuse resident, Ronald Stoll, submitted his recent book, “Wellness: The Good, the Bad and the Opportunity,” to the Mayo Clinic for review, he did not expect them to call it the most comprehensive wellness model they have seen. But, they did. This is actually Stoll’s second book. His first was titled, “The Career Transition System.”

20 YEARS AGO, AUG. 20, 2003

Matt and Virginia Neises, Pickwick Drive, Syracuse, enjoyed their annual visit from their granddaughter, Megan Brown, from southern Indiana. Some fishing was done, as always, with Grandpa Neises and swimming with Grandma and friends. Bill McNagny, Harriett Inskeep and Al Campbell were recognized for their “exceptional commitment”

to the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Sunday during the foundation’s annual meeting. All three individuals were recipients of the Cattail Award. McNagny, a resident of North Ogden Point Road, Syracuse, served at one time as State trustee of the nature conservancy, a director of the Wawasee Property Owners Association and was the second presiding WACF chairman from 1992-95. Inskeep, East Waco Drive, Syracuse, was the third presiding chairwoman of the foundation, from 1995-97. Campbell, East Vawter Park Road, Syracuse, served as vice chairman of the foundation from 1998-2000. Tom Yoder, outgoing president, stated all three are “real soldiers of WACF, each for their positive role.”

30 YEARS AGO, AUG. 18, 1993 Swim coach Roger Karns, wife Vicky and three children, of Syracuse, just returned from a trip to Kentucky. Their children are Laura, 11 years old, Tyler, 8, and Lydia, 3. The family toured at Mammoth Cave National Park, going 310

Continued on page 13

Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee encourages safety on walking trails

The Syracuse-Wawasee Trails see a variety of traffic. Along with ordinary walking traffic, there are dog walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and stroller users to be considerate of while using the trails. Altogether, the trail network extends for about 19 miles. Some are boardwalk trails that run through nature areas, such as the Conklin Bay Wetlands trail, while others are sidewalks leading through Syracuse and along busy roads like SR 13. These sidewalk trails are three-and-a-half feet wide, while the ideal trail is eight to 10 feet wide. Some areas have no designated walking path. The end of the Conklin Bay trail, for example, stops abruptly at Grandview Drive. Unless a trail user turns back the way they came, there is no set path for them to walk on.

In these areas, cars are a safety concern for pedestrians, but that’s not all.

Executive Director Amanda Plank said her main concern with safety is trail etiquette and awareness of other trail users. “I think just being aware of others is the point with that. You can focus on cars all day long, but ultimately it’s people on the trails being considerate of others.” Keeping an eye out for other trail users and making sure you’re visible to them is important in this regard.

Additionally, some pathways around the trails are not actually managed by the Trail Committee, but by local property owners. “Some of those that look a little different, that have no signage, are not actually Syracuse-Wawasee trails. … Especially if they’re dirt pathways, they’re not actually ours,” Plank said. “One of our goals, especially around safety, but just general communication with trail users, is more signage.”

The following is a list of walking safety tips, courtesy of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office.

• Face oncoming traffic.

• Cross the street in pedestrian crossing lanes.

• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic.

• Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.

• When possible, pedestrians should walk single file.

• Pay attention to emergencies and problems on the roadway.

• Be aware of runners and cyclists.

• Make sure you’re visible to any vehicle ahead.

• Put your phone away.

• Keep pets on a short leash.

• Wear bright colored clothing and reflective materials.

• Never assume that a driver has seen when you are about to cross a road. If possible, avoid crossing the road where drivers may not be able to see you.

Plank also said that she encourages trail users to stay hydrated

Centennial presentation follow up

because much of the trail area is under direct sunlight.

These safety reminders are especially important now, as Plank predicts an increase in trail traffic during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. There is no exact data about how much traffic the trails normally get, though Plank said she plans to remedy this. “I anticipate doing a census, if you will, in the next couple years to really gauge and understand when our trails are used and how frequently by guests,” she said.

The Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee provides a map of their trails and the surrounding roads. To access the map, see trail construction updates or find other information about the trails, visit syracusewawaseetrails.com.

LARE grants to benefit 17 lake and stream projects

Indiana Department of Natural Resources director Dan Bortner announced that organizations in 11 Indiana counties will receive $1,143,000 in grants to fund 17 lake and river or stream projects through the DNR Lake and River Enhancement program.

Among them are a $40,000 grant for a lake diagnostic study in Lake Wawasee and a $32,000 grant for a watershed diagnostic study in Dewart Lake.

“Keeping Indiana’s waterways clean and protecting our valued natural resources is a mission central to our work at DNR,” Bortner said. “We’re thankful for Hoosier boaters who have helped us fund more than $22 million of important conservation of Indiana’s lakes and

streams over the last two decades through the LARE program. The impact is felt now and will continue to make a difference for generations to come.”

The grants are funded through the LARE fee paid annually by boat owners when they register their crafts with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This user funded program benefits boaters all over the state. The grants allow for the completion of projects that would be difficult for local organizations to fund on their own. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and local sponsors share at least 20% of the cost. This round of grant-funded projects will benefit seven lakes and 11 rivers and streams. Many of the projects aim to improve water qual-

Syracuse Democrat

Continued from page 12

feet underground in the caverns. They stopped at Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace in Hodgenville, Ky., and saw the cabin where he was born. They took a steamboat ride on the Belle of Louisville, went to a water park and spent some time at Nashville in southern Indiana. “All this in four days,” said Vicky.

Dianna Evans, who has been children’s librarian at the Syracuse Public Library since September 1989 will soon be leaving to get her master’s degree in library science at Indiana University.

40 YEARS AGO, AUG. 24, 1983 Rusty or not, the Democratic party in Syracuse met Monday night to slate candidates for the clerktreasurer and three town board positions. And the message was clear to the 20 citizens in attendance, Syracuse Democrats are for real in ‘83. Joe Hughes and James McClintic were nominated to run for town board, and Mark Tatman was selected as the candidate for clerktreasurer, unanimously during the caucus meeting.

Arlene Dellinger, Syracuse—

she’s a teller at Lake City Bank— and her identical twin sister, Ilene Hardisty of Fort Wayne, are looking forward to when they leave for Charleston, South Carolina, to attend the annual International

Twins Convention, a four-day affair.

The twins attend the convention each year to hob-knob with twins from all over the U.S. and Canada.

In 1981 the convention was held in Colorado Springs, Colo., with movie actress Lily Tomlin attending. Lily, a Fort Wayne native, was mixing it up with the twins to establish a “feel” for the mentality and mannerisms of a set of twins preparatory to making a movie. According to Arlene, the move is “in the can” and should be shown soon. Next year Arlene and Ilene will be cohostesses of the convention when it will be held in Fort Wayne.

50 YEARS AGO, AUG. 22, 1973

In about two weeks local Syracuse optometrist Wendel Shank will leave for Peru, S.A., where he will do voluntary work with a missionary group high in the Andes. He did similar work in the Dominican Republic about a year ago.

ity by reducing sediment and nutrient inputs. Improved water quality helps fish and wildlife populations and improves recreational opportunities.

This year, LARE partnered with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the city of Fort Wayne, Vigo County, and The Nature Conservancy to fund three dam removal projects. These projects will result in more than 1,030 miles of open streams and rivers, allowing for free passage of fish, aquatic organisms, and recreational users such as paddlers.

The projects, listed by water body, county, project type, and grant award, can be found at lare.dnr. IN.gov.

To view all DNR news releases, go to dnr.IN.gov.

When we said several years ago that retiring Clarence Ruch thought he was the oldest businessman in Syracuse, we were soon called on that one. Now comes Martin Levernier, who is still active in his Levernier Laboratories which he founded in 1945. Martin will be 87 in October. His firm manufacturers a foot-operative snap and alcohol dispenser for hospital use, Martin invented the machine in 1926 and holds a U.S. patent on it.

The museum’s recent Wawasee State Fish Hatchery Centennial presentation gave a comprehensive timeline of the development of the hatchery starting with only the area at the foot of the Lake Papakeechie dam through tremendous enlargement by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid-1930s. A Herdrich family aerial photo and evidence of the CCC camp on the Hursey property pinpointed its location; something highly debated for years. The artesian well used by those enrollees continues to flow

today. With the help of museum board member, Mike Mock, Ann Garceau was blessed with an incredible amount of research material. Amy Hurd, Kosciusko County Surveyor’s Office, supplied property records for many of the businesses nestled in the middle of all the hatchery ponds.

Talking with previous owners of the grocery and bait shop was most enjoyable. Their first-person accounts added so much human interest to the area. Those in attendance brought forth even more information; probably

enough to provide the foundation for next summer’s programs. As always, Diana Lung Castell, whose father was a hatchery superintendent, enthralled the audience with stories of her “childhood playground.” The 2023 Centennial presentations will be edited this winter and available in digital format at the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum by next summer. Join the museum and ChautauquaWawasee for their Labor Day “Digging Through History” programs.

Update on statewide library transit system changes

The libraries of Milford, North Webster and Syracuse would like to update their patrons concerning the changes that have been happening with the statewide library transit system since June.

As the state library transitions to a new courier system, there have been many hiccups along the way, including delayed services and longer-than-usual wait times for hold requests to arrive.

Unfortunately, this is not a localized problem — libraries across the state are dealing with similar issues.

In an effort to promote open communication, Wawasee area libraries have been in contact with the state library and have been assured that positive changes are coming. Jacob Speer, with the state library, informed local libraries that the backlog of undelivered materials will be resolved shortly and that he is pushing the new courier to improve timeliness and accuracy for all transit deliveries, as well as instating a package tracking system that will hopefully resolve current issues. However, Speer also stated that

Milford Public Library —

if issues are not resolved quickly, the state library will be considering all options to improve service. Milford, North Webster and Syracuse libraries would like to thank the community for its continued patience during this time of transition and to apologize for any inconvenience these issues may have caused.

For more information, contact your local library: Milford Public Library, (574) 658-4312; North Webster Community Public Library, (574) 834-7122; or Syracuse Public Library, (574) 457-3022.

Appreciation to those who worked on poster

When you think of the public library and what it has to offer the community, what comes to mind? Obviously, it’s a place to find books to read, but that’s only a part of what today’s libraries have to offer, and the Milford Public Library is no exception.

At the library you can learn to knit, or improve your knitting skills, by joining the Knitting Club, which meets twice a month throughout the year. Perhaps you want to be creative and bake your own special cake for someone you know, then check out one of the many cake pans that come in a variety of shapes and designs to please almost anyone.

Big chains aren’t the only ones to offer free wi-fi. You can find it right here at the library and use it in a comfortable and quiet setting without compromising your privacy. They offer a puzzle exchange program all year long with lots of puzzles to choose from. Bring one in, take one home and share the fun experience with your family and friends. The Milford Public Li-

brary offers adult, teen, children’s and family programming throughout the year, most of which is free to attend.

So, while they offer a great selec-

tion of books,

and music to patrons, the library offers so much more and continues to grow and expand their services to meet the needs of all who enter their doors.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ken A and Tina P Blackford, Luann Wray and Gene D. Fenix and Clifford and Tamara D. Smith, as Petitioners, have filed a verified Petition to Vacate a Public Way with the Kosciusko County Commissioners seeking the vacation of a public way, which Petition has been set for hearing before the Kosciusko County Commissioners on the 26th day of September, 2023, at 9:15 a.m. The hearing will be held in the old Courtroom, which is located on the third floor of the Kosciusko County Courthouse, 100 West Center Street, Warsaw, Indiana 46580. The public way for which vacation is sought is situated in Kosciusko County, State of Indiana, and is more particularly described as follows, to-wit:

The old Wray Drive that extends from Clifton Street to the property owned by Clifford and Tamara D. Smith.The property has been maintained as lawn for at least the last 50-60 years. The property is 40 ft. wide by approximately 210 ft. long. ANY PERSON desiring to be heard may file an objection or comments with the Auditor of Kosciusko County, Indiana or with the Kosciusko County Plan Commission, and any person may appear at said hearing and be heard in support of or objection to the Petition filed herein. The hearing may be continued by the Kosciusko County Commissioners without further public notice.

A copy of the Petition is on file in the Office of the Auditor of Kosciusko County, Indiana.

Dated: 8/18/23 Kosciusko County Commissioners Rhonda Helser Auditor Kosciusko County hspaxlp

Around The Lakes

LAKELAND KIWANIS Club of North Webster recently added supplies to a teacher supply closet they maintain at the North Webster Elementary School. Teachers are able to take needed items from the closet to use in their classroom. Pictured above in front of the closet are Janet Anthony of Lakeland Kiwanis, left, and NWES kindergarten teacher Emily Buttermore.

—o—

Milford Chapel to host Cuban pig roast fundraiser

The Milford Chapel is hosting a Cuban pig roast from 4-7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 26, to help cover the medical expenses of Yanet Sanchez and Grabiel Gonzalez’s, and their son, Marvin, and upcoming immigration fees. In Cuba, pig roasts are traditional celebratory feasts. On the menu for the pig roast is Cuban rice and beans; salad; yuka, a Spanish potato dish; and ice cream.

All funds raised will go to funding the family’s dental needs, and any leftover funds will go toward funding the family’s upcoming immigration fees. While the family is in their one-year wait period, they have no insurance and are in need of dental work.

The family came from Cuba in hopes of finding a better life and they think they have found it here in Milford. Grabiel had lost job opportunities in Cuba due to his religion and it is hard to thrive financially in Cuba. The family is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to leave Cuba.

The family has been here for around seven months and is

When’s

Today.

excited to see what the future holds once they are able to become official American residents.

“We are so dependent right now but we want to be independent,” explained Sanchez through a translator.

As of now, the family is unable to legally work or drive. So their ability to get where they need or want to be is dependent on their sponsors, Phil and Jane Gingerich.

Yanet is currently in a sixmonth online course to learn English. Marvin is thriving in school. Yanet reported he was welcomed with open arms, has made many friends and loves school.

Yanet, Grabiel and Marvin did have to make the difficult decision to leave family behind in Cuba. The family hopes to reunite with them on a visit sometime in the future.

But for now, the family is thankful for the home and family they have found in Milford.

Milford First Brethren to host spaghetti dinner

Milford First Brethren

serving a spaghetti meal. Milford First Brethren Church is located at 110 W. Catherine St., Milford. No RSVP is necessary.

RESIDENTS ALONG East Hatchery Road have contacted Around the Lakes to find out when the county highway will finish repaving the stretch of road from where it left off last year. According to county highway engineer Steve Moriarty, paving will begin in September from where it stopped last year and will continue to the bridge, just past the Pride Station.

—o—

THE LAST chance of this season to ride The Dixie is Labor Day weekend. To get tickets call (574) 834-1080. Regular cruises operate each evening and during the days on Sundays. Each cruise lasts about 75 minutes.

—o—

THE NEXT meeting of “In The Garden,” The Syracuse Public Library’s garden club, will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at 729 Ireland Drive, Winona Lake. Those attending are asked to park in the grass next to the raised bed.

There, group members will see an urban native garden to draw some ideas for their own homes. For more information contact Sarah Wright at swright@ syracuse.lib.in.us.

A PSA from the Turkey Creek Fire Territory: Several parents have called the fire department seeking contact information on youth who have passed its Safe Sitter Course. Due to privacy reasons, the fire department cannot give out phone numbers of those kids who have passed the course.

IT’S BEEN a while since we mentioned “Milford Rocks!” in this column, but the group is still busy painting and hiding rocks throughout town. Vicki Holderread Haines posted in the group’s Facebook page this photo, showing some of the decorated rocks that are ready to be found.

—o—

HEY KIDS, Griffith’s Wawasee Marina needs your help. The marina is holding a drawing competition, to see who has the most unique Lake WawaSEE-Monster. Draw and submit your friendly or scary monster to griffithswawaseemarina@gmail. com before Oct. 15.

The winning entry will get their monster on the marina’s 2023 annual limited edition Tshirt. The winner will be contacted after Oct. 15 to help with color and design. Kiddos, get your monster drawings submitted today!

—o—

A CELEBRATION of life for Wayne Jernigan, who passed away March 18, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at the North Webster American Legion. He attended North Webster High School. He served the community through his years of service as a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 253. He served as a past adjutant, past commander, and past finance officer.

—o—

THE DOWNTOWN area of Milford will be blocked off for road painting starting at 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 27. The area will remain blocked until the paint is dry. —o—

RUMOR AROUND Syracuse is a downtown business will be changing hands in the near future. Watch The Mail-Journal for further development.

—o—

THE NORTH Webster American Legion is hosting a weekly drawing at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25. Chris Cage Karaoke will be from 7-10 p.m. It is open to the public. There will also be a prime rib dinner special for only $22. The kitchen will be open from 5-7 p.m.

—o—

HAVE YOU or someone you know have a disconnect notice or an eviction notice? Compass in Syracuse would like to help. Call them at (574) 529-1663 to see if they can help. The organization serves anyone who lives within the Wawasee school district.

the center of the picture.

—o—

TODAY, WEDNESDAY, Aug. 23, is the deadline to sign up for the second annual Family Camp Out at Lakeside Park. The event will be held this weekend, Aug. 25-26. Checkin/tent set up begins at 5 p.m. There will be yard games, a movie, hotdogs, s’mores, donuts, coffee and milk.

Families must supply their own tent, pre-registration is required since space is limited. Cost is $5 per person. Tent take down is by 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 26. For more information or to register call (574) 457-3440.

—o—

TIPPECANOE TOWNSHIP Fire Territory is “seriously seeking additional volunteer firefighters,” according to Township Trustee Chris Francis. Anyone who is interested or would like further information is encouraged to contact Chief Jeremy Likens at (574) 8347676, or by email at nwfirebase@yahoo.com. —o—

THE SYRACUSE Public Library is offering “Homeschool 101” before the Homeschool Class officially begins. The session is from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, in the downstairs meeting room. There will be tables set up with home schooling resources.

It will feature Kathy Balke, IAHE Region 2 representative; Anita Buck, who specializes in math and reading education; and Rebekah Sceniak, the library’s home school teacher.

Children of all ages will attend the first Homeschool Class at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, in the downstairs meeting room. —o—

MILFORD CHAPEL will host a Cuban hog roast to benefit the Gonzalez family from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. The church is located at 321 E. Beer Road. Come and enjoy authentic Cuban food to help support the family’s uninsured medical needs.

—o—

THERE IS still time to sign up to be a sponsor for Lakeland Youth Center’s 11th annual “Kids First” auction which will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at Blue Barn Berry Farm.

Anyone interested in being a sponsor can give Lakeland Youth Center a call at (574) 457-3055. Those who would like to attend the auction should visit one.bidpal.net/LYCAuction —o—

CONGRATULATIONS TO the newest Lions Karate black belts. Shown in the photo below, from left, are Gordie Allen, Anna Allen, Aaliyah Allen, Christian Bartman, Steve Hanford (owner of Lions Karate), Pat Park, Eric Park, Santi Gonzales, Denyel Bond, Matt Doll, Joe Robinson and Tom Kreps.

Lions Karate will have a chicken barbecue fundraiser starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Neighborhood Fresh in North Webster. The cost is $7 pre-sale or $8 the day of the sale. Pre-sale tickets are on sale by visiting Lions Karate, 126 S. Main St., North Webster, or email Steve@LionsKarate.com or visit lionskarate.com.

“Our