The Mail-Journal - September 20, 2023

Syracuse Council holds several public hearings

Michelle Owens came to the Syracuse Town Council’s regular meeting Tuesday night, Sept. 19, prepared to ask questions regarding the proposed sewer and water rate increases.

The council held public hearings on both ordinances. Owens first question was why it looked like the council based the sewer increase on the maximum rate.

Robert Reynolds from London Witte Group, who proposed the rate increases in a five year plan, explained he provided the council with three scenarios. The first was cash funded while the second and third had financing involved. While the second and third options would have a lower impact on rate payers, they would actually be more expensive for the town.

Owens asked why the rate increase was not tiered. Reynolds explained tiering the rate increase would cause cash flow issues in the first year and no big projects could be done until year five of the rate plan. He said the biggest issue was cash flow which needs to be addressed now.

Owens asked if the infrastructure was fixed in five years could rate payers expect a rate decrease.

The council said there was no way to know what would happen in the future.

Owens asked about the $1.2 million the wastewater treatment plant already had on hand. Reynolds explained the funds were divided into a general fund to cover costs such as salaries; debt service or bonds; and bond service reserve, where the town had, by town ordinance, funds available for future bond payments. There is $468,000 for projects in the waste water budget for projects. Reynolds explained that wasn’t enough money to cover Continued on page 2

Shipley named executive director of North Webster Community Center

Emily Shipley, president of the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce, will become the North Webster Community Center’s new executive director in early October, according to a release from the NWCC board.

“This is great news, coming as it did only days after we learned that the position was to be vacated,” said NWCC President Dennis Wagoner. “We can hardly express our good fortune in having a confirmed succession plan on the table at the center, a nonprofit

Syracuse Council has lengthy discussion on annexation

to annexation into the town limits. If annexation isn’t complete at the start of a project a municipality may not be able to annex later.

A long discussion was held on a “new business” item regarding extending utility service outside the town limits during the Syracuse Town Council’s regular meeting

Tuesday night, Sept. 19.

Councilman Larry Siegel brought the matter up stating he had sent emails to the rest of the council with his thoughts. Attorney Steve Unger, an attorney with Bose McKiney & Evans in Indianapolis, came in through a Zoom call. Unger has experience in annexation issues.

David Wilkinson, town manager, explained he reached out to Unger regarding extending utilities without annexation. Unger recommends not extending utilities unless the developer or property owner agrees

Unger used Fox Run as an example. The town extended water and sewer to the development, but residents are not interested in being annexed into the town limits, and the council cannot force the matter under state law.

Unger said it was easier to get developers to agree to annexation before construction starts, however, even with agreements, fights still erupt because residents don’t want annexation after moving in.

Unger reviewed other tools such as tax increment finance districts and the types of annexation allowed in the state. At the heart of the discussion was the possible annexation of a proposed RV park. Earlier this year the town voted to extend water and sewer to the park even though annexation was thought to not be possible.

Conversation continued for over a half hour with council members getting fidgety as the regular council monthly meeting had already run over two hours. Councilman Paul Stoelting pointed out several times the discussion should have been an agenda item, not something to be discussed under “new business” which is at the bottom of the meeting agenda.

Several times council members agreed to have Wilkinson and Unger explore whether annexing the proposed RV park would even

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facility that has seen its fortunes rise appreciably over the past two years under the energetic leadership of Executive Director Emily Worrell.”

Worrell, for her part, announced last week that she’s moving into a new position as director of communications and marketing for the Wawasee Community School Corp., where she previously had held a teaching position.

Shipley, a lifelong area resident known for her passionate role in the community, says she would like to see more organiza-

North Webster Town Council considers options for crumbling deck

The biggest topic of interest during Tuesday evening’s monthly meeting of the North Webster Town Council was what to do with the deteriorating deck behind Pizza King. The deck, which extends 50 feet into Webster Lake and is 40 feet wide, is town property that is used by many people to dock their boats, fish in the lake or enjoy a meal. However, it has fallen into such disrepair that decisions must be made sooner, rather than later, on what to do with the wooden structure.

The issue was initially brought up during the parks report delivered by Leann Hobbs. She recommended the town restrict access to the deck because of potential liability issues. It was estimated that the current structure has been there since the 1980s.

During the ensuing discussion, it was noted that the length of any replacement needed to remain its current 50-feet since the water level is so shallow, any shorter structure would not be accessible by boats. Any permanent structure, however, would likely require approval by

tions working together with the goal of keeping North Webster a great place to live and work. “I am honored and excited to become a part of this organization,” said Shipley. “I love this community, not only the businesses and organizations I’ve represented through the chamber, but the people who are a part of it. In this role, I will strive to represent each community member by connecting them to the center through programs and events, but also creating a place to feel valued as an individual.”

“Due to her familiarity with the community at large and the positive role she’s played as the chamber president,” added Lori Mark, vice president of the NWCC board. “Emily Shipley is a great fit to carry on the positive momentum we are creating at the center.”

Shipley, who grew up around the lakes of northern Kosciusko County, obtained her bachelor’s degree in communications in 1999 from Grace College, Winona Lake, currently also serves as

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Homecoming time at Wawasee

Wawasee will celebrate its 2023 fall homecoming Friday, Sept. 22, when the varsity football team hosts Northridge. Festivities will start at 4:30 p.m. with the homecoming parade. The parade travels west starting at Polar Kraft Boats located at 300 E. Chicago St. and will end at the Wawasee High School parking lot. The deadline to sign up for the parade is 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20. Late entries will be accepted. The Wawasee Gridiron Homecoming Tailgate is from 4:30-7 p.m. at the WHS parking lot. Food available for sale from Chubbies include combo meals featuring a

burger or brat with chips, steak tips with potatoes and drinks. Wawasee (1-4) will take on Class 4A No. 9 Northridge (4-1) at 7 p.m. The homecoming ceremony will take place at halftime.

The senior homecoming court includes Donovan Blair with Allison Clark, Ty Brooks with Alyssa McClintic, Nathan Harper with Kylie Perkins and Senate Shaw with Kenley Stewart.

Underclassmen representatives include freshmen Brock Coday and Evalyn Blanco, sophomores Davis Everingham and Danika Miller and juniors Trayvon Senders and Sylvia Dixon.

Syracuse Council holds

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one emergency.

“A 42% increase is a significant increase for some residents here,” Owens told the council. “It could be a real hardship on some people.”

She told the council she wished the matter had been looked at 10 years ago. Councilman Larry Siegel said the matter was looked at 10 years ago and rates were raised. He pointed out even with the increase, the town’s rates are still less than other communities. As an example, he noted Turkey Creek Sewer District, which is charging $78 a month for service, is brand new without any big projects planned.

Another issue is the cost for projects has gone up. The project on Lakeside Drive was originally budgeted to cost around $385,000. Three years later that project is now $1.2 million. During the public hearing on the water rate Owens asked why the

Shipley

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general manager of Dixie Haven Resort and Fisherman Cove Resort in North Webster. She’s worked with the chamber for five years as Dixie Days 5K chairperson, as vice president since 20222021 and president since January of 2022. She also serves as vice president of the Lakeland Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees, as treasurer of the Sullivan Park Property Owners Association, vice president of the North Webster Elementary PTO and as a volunteer at the North Webster Church of God’s Kids Cove program. She’s also a traveling judge for the Miss Indiana and Miss Indiana Outstanding Teen competitions.

metered rate went up 23% and for unmetered went down 41%. After some discussion between Reynolds and the town it was determined there are no unmetered entities in the town. Town Attorney Jay Rigdon explained an unmetered entity may be a town library.

Reynolds suggested when the town passed the water ordinance it amended it by pulling out the unmetered rates.

Owens asked why the water study recommended a 21% increase, but the increase was actually 23%. Reynolds said it was probably due to rounding up.

“It’s kind of refreshing when people show they really care,” Siegel said. He asked Owens if she would be willing to volunteer on a board or

committee if there was an opening. Reynolds said it was nice to know someone actually read his report.

“It’s pretty clear that when you hear low taxes, low taxes there is an impact,” said Councilman Nathan Scherer. “We have an extremely good water superintendent in Mark. He’s on it,” said Councilman Bill Musser.

The third public hearing for the night was on the 2024 budget. There were no questions from the audience or the council. While the Borden Waste Away pricing adjustment was canceled, there was discussion among the council regarding the town being charged $4,500 a month for a fuel surcharge and other fees outside the contract.

Rigdon pointed out there is no legal obligation on the town’s part to pay for charges outside the contract.

After more discussion it was suggested the matter be placed on the agenda for next month’s meeting along with quotes from other vendors. Borden’s contract ends in July 2024.

In department reports David Wilkinson, town manager reported the findings of the soil samples and ground penetrating radar on Dolan Street came back for the library project. There is a possibility of old storage tanks buried on the property. Michiana Council of Governments is looking to see if there is a grant available to assist in covering the cost of removing them.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, requested the council approve Kristen Abbs to fill Jaime Beer’s term until it ends in 2024. The motion was approved.

Work continues on the new pavilion and rest rooms in Henry Ward Park. Football is being played at Schrock Field.

The park board received bids for a new roof for the community center. All of them were over the $115,000 budgeted for the project.

Mark Aurich, public works superintendent, reported three projects are underway. He is working on re-engineering the Oakwood project so it will have a significantly reduced impact on the inn and residents.

The Lakeside Water Main proj-

ect has residents willing to sign on and the project is progressing rapidly.

The first solar lights went up in the technology park Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Aurich also rejected bids submitted for projects on West Pickwick and Medusa streets.

Fire Chief Mickey Scott requested the council approve the fire department spending $8,500 on equipment. The same equipment would have cost $60,000 if it came with the new truck. The council approved the request.

The council approved the fire department spending $15,000 on painting and flooring for its new office space in Dr. Rod Kaufman’s former office.

KEDCO makes presentation to Syracuse Redevelopment Commission

Terry Sweeney, project manager for Kosciusko Economic Development Corp., came to the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission’s regular meeting Tuesday night, Sept. 19, to discuss the findings of a recent housing study.

He noted there are strategic initiatives at the state level that could benefit Syracuse. Nate Scherer, president of the redevelopment commission, said some of those initiatives may require interlocal agreements. He explained the town straddles two regions for potential funding.

“We’re pretty much for growth. We’re kind of stuck,” said Commission member Jim Layne, noting the town is essentially landlocked.

Both Scherer and Sweeney pointed out in order for the town to grow, it has to find a way to expand its borders. There was a question how

South Shore Village, Scherer’s project, will get water and sewer. He said it was possible sewer would be obtained from Turkey Creek Sewer District, but it doesn’t offer water.

Scherer noted the water utilities for the town of Syracuse is not at capacity yet. He also said from a development point of view, he understood why local farmers didn’t want to lose their farmland.

Scherer explained he and his business partner purchased the South Shore property with the hope of keeping the nine-hole golf course, however, at the time the cost of rehabilitating the property was more expensive than originally thought and housing is desperately needed.

The plan then turned to developing the property to provide necessary housing as well as high tech jobs that could provide a nice quality of life.

There was a question of whether tax increment finance money could be used for projects outside the TIF

district. The answer is TIF benefits must be used within the boundaries of the TIF district. One commissioner asked what Sweeney meant by a 1 1/2 month and six month housing supply.

Sweeney explained he meant by how many houses were on the market. The optimal for a county like Kosciusko is about 70 homes for a month and a half and around 200 at the six month mark.

Scherer said when looking at the big picture what most people care about are good jobs and good housing. The South Shore Village project is looking to have 100 residential lots and 240 multi-family lots. “If we do everything right, we can have a higher quality of life,” Scherer said. “People will stay in the area longer.”

In order to do that the community has to have quality of life amenities and good schools to bring people to the community.

Scherer believes the town needs

to grow in order to give local kids opportunities so they can stay in the community. Scherer expressed concern that his own children will eventually have to leave the area.

He also noted the lack of midlevel housing and the fact Milford Middle School was closed due to declining class size.

“The only way to stay sufficient is to grow,” said Sweeney.

Scherer passed around a few articles he picked up regarding what is needed for a town to grow and thrive. “We need to look at what the town will look like in 20 years.,” he said.

The discussion turned to extending utilities to those outside the town boundaries who are also not interested in being annexed into town. Scherer said he’s talked to representatives from other communities who have and have not extended utilities due to annexation. He stressed there is an economic impact by providing

utilities, both in fees collected and through use of local businesses. Typically a community can charge 15% over the rate to outside entities.

David Rosenberg asked how the tech park north of town was annexed. It was explained there is a state law that allows annexation of property that is not abutting town property, but it is restricted to industrial parks.

The discussion concluded with the commission recommending the town council undertake a study on the possibilities of town expansion.

The commission also reviewed the idea of putting charging stations for electric vehicles on the last and smallest lot remaining in the technology park. According to a review by the Michiana Area Council of Governments, the lot would not be conducive to such a use and does not qualify for a grant to assist in putting a charging station at the technology park.

County council approves four new dispatchers for 2024

In 2015, dispatchers handled 77,104 events that went through the central dispatch center. That increased to 91,780 in 2022 and the numbers continue to climb.

To help handle the burgeoning call load, and to allow the existing dispatchers to take breaks, days off and vacation days, the Kosciusko County Council on Thursday, Sept. 14, unanimously approved four new dispatchers for 2024.

Councilwoman Sue Ann Mitchell, who also sits on the county wage committee, told the other council members during their public bud-

get hearing the committee had approved for the four new dispatchers but because of a “series of unfortunate events,” they did not get entered into the 2024 budget. The overall cost for the four dispatchers is expected to be $369,580, which includes everything, she said.

Sheriff Jim Smith said, “Earlier this year, the sheriff’s office approached the wage committee and I was very frank with the wage committee that I was asking for four dispatchers, not in hopes to get two. I was asking for four because we needed four. For many years — I can’t speak to why — but the workload has increased for our dispatchers but personnel has not. …

Dispatchers have just been status quo for many years.”

He reminded the council that not too long ago they asked for an additional appropriation for dispatch overtime and they’re just burning through it.

“In addition to that, we’re burning out dispatchers because of working extra shifts and so on and so forth,” Smith stated.

“I need to get them relief. They are doing a remarkable job, but they’re tired and they are worn out. By doing this, this is going to bring them that support and assistance that they need. Calls for service are not slowing down, they’re actually just getting worse. And

County council approves dam and dike budget

A public hearing was held by the Kosciusko County Council on the 2024 Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy District budget Thursday, Sept. 14. David Johnston, treasurer for the conservancy, reported the total general fund for 2024 is $163,200. The budget for 2023 was $112,900.

“The increase is due to a new expense we are incurring, which is to help with” monitoring of Lake Wawasee’s water level to keep it at the designated level, he said.

The total cumulative improvement budget for 2024 is $150,000, down from the 2023 budget of $475,000, which was to take care of the dike. With the dike project completed, the budget was decreased for next year, he stated.

“The property tax leverage proposed on the Gateway budget for 2024 are $163,200 for the general fund and $150,000 for the cumulative conservancy improvement fund,” Johnston said.

In 2023, the property tax levy was $313,029 “so the levy is effectively the same,” he said. The district’s tax rate for 2023 is $0.0214, and Johnston said it will eventually be the same for 2024 if there’s no change in the net assessed value. If the average value raises in 2024, he said, then the tax rate would probably decrease.

The council unanimously approved the conservancy’s budget.

Solid Waste Savings

While presenting the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District’s 2024 budget to the county council, Director Tom Ganser explained how the closing of all the recycling drop-

off stations last year saved the county money.

He presented his proposed 2024 budget as $451,057. Looking at the 2024 budget compared to 2023’s he said there’s a significant reduction in it.

“Long story short, as you know we closed the residential recycling drop-off for materials like tin, aluminum, paper, and we had nine different drop-off sites throughout the county,” Ganser said. At the time, there were a couple of considerations from the district’s board.

“The program is broke. We were doing over 2,000 tons a year and capturing about half of that for recycling,” he said. Those drop-off sites across the county were used for everything “from recycling to whatever. So we had a lot of trash.”

As an example, he said 10 years ago corrugated cardboard could have been $200-$220 a ton. They’re barely getting $50 a ton now. “Long story short, looking at that contract, it would have been have been half a million dollars — so my entire budget and then some, just for that program. And only to capture half of that, the board felt like it’s time to finally shut down the process that was not successful, not doing what it needed to do,” Ganser said.

Looking back at the budget, Ganser said the reduction in it is because of the elimination of the recycling services.

Ganser said the wages in the budget will reflect whatever the council’s recommendations are.

Councilwoman Kimberly Cates asked, “When you got rid of the recycling, you saved the county $473,250 in next year’s budget, is that correct? Because the council

people get a lot of questions and concerns about that. … That’s a lot of money, $473,250 is a lot of money.”

Ganser said it would have been more because “when we were budgeting this time last year, we did not have definitive dollars yet on what those contracts were. And as it was, we had two vendors out of seven actually come in and bid on that contract. So, $500,000 was an accurate number to capture 1,000 tons of recyclables. That’s expensive recycling.”

Looking at the district’s revenue stream for next year, he said it’s about where their budget is. He maintained they will still have a tax rate next year of 0.0001%, which is the lowest they can be.

The Recycling Depot still provides Kosciusko County residents with electronics recycling, household hazardous waste (gas, oil, antifreeze, pesticides, insecticides and “anything you can think of, that you need to get rid of, as long as it’s in its original packaging”) disposal. “We’ll take it and find a recycling spot for it,” he said.

Latex paint comes in and is given out to about 50 county residents a day.

Councilman Dave Wolkins said, “When they did away with the recycling, my breakfast club that I have every morning was quite adamant about why do we even have a solid waste board, and they have a tremendous brochure which tells you everything that they recycle. And I had no idea on the paint situation — how much comes in and how much goes out — they do a good job doing what they do.”

The council approved for the full-time district employees to receive $2,000 raises in 2024 and the district’s 2024 budget.

we need them because every 9-1-1 call, every emergency we respond to starts right there in that 9-1-1 center. I full-heartedly believe that this is needed.”

Council President Mike Long asked if the four new hires would possibly eliminate most, if not all, of the overtime. Smith said it would put a really big dent in it, and would provide the shift minimum for dispatchers, but wouldn’t totally get rid of overtime.

Councilwoman Kathleen Groninger asked for any statistics they might have on the dispatch.

Chief Deputy Chris McKeand said the total number of events that the dispatch handled in 2015 was 77,104; and that increased to 91,780 in 2022.

“And that’s with the setup we have currently. It’s a three dispatch setup,” McKeand said. When a dispatch employee takes a week of vacation off, every one of the shifts have to be covered and that’s the reason for the overtime. “And if we don’t have those three people down there right now — we can’t keep up right now and that’s with the three people. If we add a person to each shift, it should magnify what we can do on a regular day greatly, but it will not put us in the pinch that we’re in almost weekly now.”

Councilwoman Joni Truex made a motion to approve the additional four dispatchers as recommended by the wage committee. Groninger seconded the motion and it passed 6-0.

The next issue the council had to clarify as part of its budget hearing was to increase the merit board members’ pay to $100 per meeting per member, Mitchell explained, to get it in line with the other county boards. There are five board members. The council approved the amount.

Mitchell then brought up that there had been some inquiries as to what public service entailed as the council approved at a previous meeting to give county employees

a flat $2,000 raise for 2024 and law enforcement, dispatchers, work release and jailers a flat $5,000 raise as they deal more directly with the public.

She said there were some employees that, in some fashion, were serving in jobs that could qualify for the $5,000 raise. Those include a prosecutor investigator, court security and bailiff, home detention officers, Drug Court case managers, court security, JCAP coordinator, civil process servicer and the jail matron.

“Those would be the additional people that would be receiving $5,000, if you approve,” Mitchell said. “This is not something the wage committee addressed, but I think it’s something that needs to at least be thought about and looked at.”

Truex made the motion to approve the $5,000 raise for the list of job descriptions that Mitchell provided. Councilwoman Kimberly Cates seconded the motion.

Councilman Dave Wolkins asked if they knew what the additional cost would be. Since those employees were already getting the $2,000 flat increase for 2024, the additional cost would be $3,000 per person and Mitchell said there would be about 10 people, making the additional cost about $30,000.

Mitchell then gave a rundown of the proposed 2024 budget figures, before any reductions are made.

“For 2024, the general fund, the budget estimate is $27,391,724. We have to raise about $14 million of that through taxes. The assessed value estimate is $7,137,260,140 … and that comes back to a rate of $0.19615 (per $100 of assessed valuation). And bear in mind, these are all high estimates on the budget … and it’s also low estimate on revenue,” she said.

The health department 2024 budget estimate is $1,194,077, with the levy estimate of about $1 million and a rate of $0.01401. The cumulative bridge estimate is $1,095,000 with a levy estimate of

$1.5 million and a rate of $0.02102.

The reassessment fund budget estimate is $398,749, with a levy estimate of $600,000 and a rate of $0.00841. The cumulative capital development fund budget estimate is $2,443,500 with a levy estimated at $3 million and a rate advertised at $0.04203. Because the CCD rate is limited to $0.0333, Mitchell said they know that will be cut.

Just as a comparison, Mitchell said 2023’s rate was $0.2185 and she would not be surprised if the county landed very close to that. The 2022 rate was $0.2409.

The council approved accepting the budget presentation. In non-budget-related action, the council approved:

• Emergency Management Director Kip Shuter to apply for a $20,000 hazardous materials emergency preparedness grant.

• Community Corrections to apply for a $10,000 Drug Court grant.

• Two transfers totaling $10,500 to the drainage board claims secretary and a salary ordinance amendment to move the secretary position from part time to full time at $19.29 per hour, as requested by Surveyor Mike Kissinger. The current secretary is retiring and Kissinger wants to hire a parttime person this year to be trained to take over the full-time position in 2024.

An additional appropriation for $5,000 for deputy coroners and for $45,000 for x-ray and lab expenses, as requested by Coroner Tyler Huffer.

• Four transfers for the health department, totaling $14,000, to finish out the year in those accounts.

• The American Rescue Plan Act committee’s recommendation for $400,000 to be used toward the Sidney communication tower. The commissioners and ARPA committee previously approved the funds.

• Two transfers totaling $12,500 for the Circuit and Superior Court I for court-ordered services and meetings and travel expenses.

Abonmarche to create strategic plan for CR 1300N corridor

After much deliberation, the Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission chose Abonmarche to engage in the strategic planning for the CR 1300N corridor at its Thursday, Sept. 14, meeting.

Redevelopment Commissioner Doug Hanes initiated the motion to move forward with Abonmarche, as opposed to competitor USI Consultants Inc., due to the thoroughness and quality of their

presentation as well as the specificity of their strategy: choosing to focus on the 200 acre property as a key area of the total 1,000 acres. The motion passed 5-0.

Crystal Welch, Abonmarche’s senior urban planner, was present at the meeting and thanked the commission for this opportunity.

County Redevelopment Commission President Joni Truex elected to have commissioners Doug Hanes and Jan Orban be the two representatives from the redevelopment commission on

the CR 1300N corridor committee.

Truex also inquired about possibly involving Baker Tilly to handle either an expansion of the tax increment finance district or create an entirely new TIF. At the recommendation of Redevelopment Attorney Adam Turner, the commission decided it is still too early to tell which direction they will go concerning TIFs.

The next county redevelopment commission meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9.

Obituaries

Joan C. Lesch

St. Vincent Hospice Volunteer

Joan C. (Meyers) Lesch, 94, passed away peacefully at her Lake Wawasee cottage surrounded by her family on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.

She was born in Indianapolis in September 1929 to Robert and Margaret (Moran) Meyers.

Joan attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic School and graduated from St. Agnes High School and St. Vincent School of Nursing.

Joan met William “Bill” Lesch, the love of her life, at the Riviera Club where he served as a lifeguard. They were married in November of 1950 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and began their family the following year.

Her husband’s work sent them and their growing family to Livingston, N.J., and Cincinnati, Ohio, before moving back to Indianapolis and joining St. Pius X Catholic Church in 1964.

Joan’s accomplishments and contributions were many. She was passionate as an advocate on behalf of the developmentally disabled after having their son, Joseph, who had down syndrome. Her caring nature led her to become a volunteer at St. Vincent Hospice in her later years.

Joan loved spending time with her family at their cottage on Lake Wawasee. She was a compassionate, devoted, spiritually-driven, gracious, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend.

She was an unwavering believer in her Catholic faith and frequently prayed for any cause needing her attention. She loved her large family and developed extreme organizational skills to manage daily life. Her crumb cakes were legendary, as were her Thanksgiving dinners and dish drainer stacking skills.

She will always be best remembered for the loving kindness and welcoming heart she showed everyone she met.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Robert Meyers; sister, Marge Minnis; and two sons, Michael and Joseph.

She is survived by her children, William J. (Connie), Timothy (Ellen), John (Betsy), Anne, James (Teresa), Kathryn (Stacey), Tom (Debbie) and Tammy Moran. She was beloved and will be greatly missed by her sisters, Mary Lou Gorgol, Anne Lyons and Barbara Haines (David); 15 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will take place from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7200 Sarto Drive, Indianapolis. The mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 a.m. followed by the burial at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Joan’s name to Noble of Indiana, St. Pius X Catholic Church or The Arc of Indiana.

Service entrusted to Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary and memorial tributes may be offered at www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com.

William L. Meyers, M.D.

Retired Doctor

William L. Meyers, M.D., 95, died peacefully at home the night of Sept. 11, 2023, in Syracuse.

William “Bill” was born on Nov. 21, 1927, in Chicago Ill., to Lillian (Pence) and William A. Meyers. When Billy was 11, his mother died and the family moved to a farm near Peabody. Bill graduated from Columbia City High School in 1946 and then enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the 19th infantry in Beppu, Japan.

With the help of the GI Bill, he attended Indiana University, graduating in 1952. He went on to work as a reporter, first for the Columbia City Post and then for the Fort Wayne Sentinel. In 1953, he began work building boats for Ab Crosby and later went on to start his own boat-building business, Meyers Marine.

In 1957, he married Mary Cousins, from Osseo, Mich., who preceded him in death in 2007 after 49 years of marriage. As newlyweds, Bill and Mary settled in Syracuse, where he started Transcender boat company. One day he saw a photograph of a surgeon and wondered, “What could a guy do better with his hands than that?”

Bill sold his business and went back to school to become a doctor. Finishing med school in 1965, he interned at Akron General in Ohio and then moved back to Syracuse, where he ran a general medical practice for 24 years until his retirement in 1990.

Bill enjoyed an active life. As a student at IU, he rode in the little 500 bicycle race. From 1986-90, Bill raced in American Power Boat Association’s mini grand prix class races. Later, in 1991, he got his Kentucky thoroughbred trainer’s license and took up horse racing with his homebred foal, HayBabyAttaboy, and also served as seasonal track doctor at Ellis Park near Evansville from 1992 until truly retiring in 1996.

Bill will be dearly missed by his brother, Michael Meyers; sisters, Barbara McNagny, Jennifer Frank and Lisa Nierman; his daughters, Anna (John) Monaghan, Emily Meyers, Natalie Meyers (Craig Cooksey) and Aeriel Meyers (Tucker Kable); his grandchildren, Jonah Mullet, Leia Munn, Liam and Grahm Monaghan; as well as his great-grandchildren, Scout Bales, Johvanni Munn and Lukkah Perry.

Bill was preceded in death by his infant son, Damien Meyers; and grandson, Martin Munn.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, with Pastor Brad Cox officiating. Visitation was two hours prior to the service from noon until 2 p.m. Burial followed at McClintic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org/donate.

Condolences may be sent to www.eastlundfuneralhome.com.

Lewis Shenefield Dairy Farmer

Lewis “Louie” Shenefield, 88, Syracuse, passed away Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Miller’s Merry Manor of Warsaw.

He was born March 27, 1935, to Lyndon and Florence (Bowman) Shenefield. He was a 1953 Pierceton High School graduate. On April 11, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Yevonne Brown.

He worked in agriculture all his life, with the majority of his time spent as a dairy farmer. He will be remembered as a hard worker and always a prankster. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his son, Mike Shenefield of Syracuse; daughter, Leslie (Dennis) Darr of Syracuse; five granddaughters, Katie (Jon) Lechlitner, Kelly (Scott) Kaiser, Sarah (Bill) Reynolds, Nicole (Jason) Wiese and Holly Shenefield; one great-grandson, Carson Kaiser; and one sister, Rachel Aaron.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse. Calling will be two hours prior to the service, from noon until 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Pierceton.

Memorial contributions may be made by providing grocery or gas cards to a local family that is in need. Information will be provided at the funeral home.

John Patrick Turner Jr. Investment Banker

John Patrick Turner Jr., 79, Surprise, Ariz., formerly of Syracuse, passed away unexpectedly at his home Monday, Sept. 4, 2023.

John was born in Evanston, Ill., on Feb. 2, 1944.

His family lived for a short time in the Panama Canal Zone following World War II, while his physician father served in the Public Health Service. The Turners then settled permanently in Goshen. John attended Model Elementary School and Goshen High School, graduating in 1961. He enrolled at Indiana University, where he pledged Delta Upsilon Fraternity and earned a BA degree in history in 1965. He pursued graduate studies at the University of Arizona, earning an MA in history in 1968. He continued additional graduate level work toward a Ph.D. in history at the U of A before deciding his future should be in the financial world.

John’s professional career was primarily in investment banking and included positions with Drexel Burham Lambert, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and GE Capital. He also was employed by MGIC in Milwaukee, Wis. He loved America’s financial mechanisms and took great pride in understanding the nuances of the U.S. Stock Market. He liberally disseminated advice to friends and benefited personally from his extensive fiscal background.

John Turner was a unique individual. Those who met him along the way in life seldom forgot his outgoing personality. His most enduring quality was his sense of humor that was energized by a quick, dry wit. His humor was rooted in good intentions, never meant to harm or embarrass. He had a good heart and strived to be helpful to those around him. John was above all else a loyal friend, especially treasuring those friendships made during high school and college days. Regardless of where he traveled in life, he stayed in constant touch with his old pals.

John was a voracious reader with a vast and brilliant knowledge of history and issues of the day. And he was always very willing to share his opinions on those issues. He was a lover of great food and persnickety about its preparation. He considered himself to be a master chef and particularly enjoyed holding command over every outdoor grill — his or yours.

John was blessed with an infectious, hearty laugh that could shake down the thunder. He loved to gather with friends and recount stories and adventures from the past. He loved life and encouraged his friends to love life, too. If John Turner was your friend, you would have had a friend for a lifetime.

John was predeceased by his mother and father, Constance (Guiffrida) Turner and John P. Turner Sr., M.D. He is survived by his sisters, Debbie (Doug) Ferry and Nura Turner. Also surviving are his niece, Catherine (Chris) Dawes; and her five children, Brandon, Nathaniel, Libby, Annabel and Levi.

John will be interred at Violett Cemetery, Goshen, next to his parents and among an ongoing gathering of his old friends who, as time passes, will reunite to once again laugh and tell funny stories.

Plans for a graveside service followed by a celebration of life are pending.

John requested that those who wish to remember him may contribute to the Indiana University Bloomington Campus Beautification Fund, c/o Indiana University Foundation, P.O. Box 500, Bloomington, IN 47402.

Karen O’Brien Fanning Lifelong Indianapolis Resident

We are extremely heartbroken to announce the passing of Karen O’Brien Fanning, age 70.

Karen was the daughter of the late William H. and Virginia Foltz O’Brien. She is survived by her loving children, Brian Fanning (son), Katherine Detzler (daughter) and Dustin Detzler (son-in-law), as well as her three beautiful grandchildren, Reagan, Rowan and Riley, who were the lights of her life.

She was a lifelong resident of the Indianapolis area, graduating from Shortridge High School class of 1971 and later from Butler University in 1975.

Anyone who was lucky enough to know Karen knows that she was truly one of a kind. Her love for life was apparent in all that she did. Karen was the most incredible mother, grammy and friend that anyone could have asked for, always going above and beyond the call of duty, making a lasting impression on her loved ones that they will remember forever. Karen was truly the kindest, most genuine person and always focused on the positives that life has to offer. She had the unique ability to make everyone feel extra special regardless of if you had known her for 68 years or 6 minutes. She will be missed beyond belief.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, with a celebration of Karen’s life to follow, lasting until 7 p.m., at The Lindley Farmstead at Chatham Hills, 20820 Lindley Farm Road, Westfield. All ages are encouraged to attend. For those attending, please wear colorful clothing to remember the vibrant spirit Karen brought to all our lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Karen’s name to The American Heart Association or Quest for Excellence, 1300 E. 86th St., P.O. Box 40055, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

To find Karen’s extended obituary and online guestbook, please visit www.flannerbuchanan.com.

Ugly toenails can make your face red

If you avoid sandals because of thick, yellow toenails, you aren’t alone.

According to a Mayo Clinic Health Letter, almost half of people over age 50 have a fungal nail infection that causes thick, crumbly, ragged nails. An injury, psoriasis, or poor-fitting shoes can cause similar symptoms.

If you have a toenail causing pain or embarrassment, talk with your

Syracuse Council has

Continued from page 1

be possible. Councilman Larry Siegel said they were discussing the matter, he asked Council President Cindy Kaiser if she had any questions for Unger. She said no, but she would like to hear what Councilman Nathan Scherer had to say, but that Siegel kept interrupting him.

In the end, the council directed Wilkinson to work with Unger on starting the annexation process for the new RV park.

Earlier in the meeting the council heard a proposal from Ben Plikerd, representing Indiana Telephone Network, requested permission to put equipment on the north water tower.

Currently Indiana Telephone Network’s equipment is on buildings at Sweet Licks which are slated for demolition in December. Plikerd noted if the council won’t rent space on the water tower, space in the parking lot of Wawasee Plaza was zoned 10 years ago to allow for a 175 foot cell tower.

The council said it would review his proposal, discuss the matter with Mark Aurich, public works superintendent and have a decision at the October council meeting. Town Attorney Jay Rigdon presented the proposed outdoor dining ordinance. After a few changes suggested by the council, the ordinance should be ready for approval at the October council meeting.

North Webster Town

Continued from page 1

the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which could be a lengthy process. Town attorney Birch pointed out that one way to skirt the DNR requirement would be to replace it with a removable pier, which would make it a temporary structure rather than permanent. The suggestion, however, was met with skepticism by council members who wondered if that would be sufficient for the many uses the current one employs.

“This isn’t a $10,000 project,” said council member Dave Waliczek, suggesting it might stretch into a six-figure project. “This is something that can’t be a flimsy. It’s got to be solid. What should really be done is telephone poles being driven down so it set in something really secure.”

“Every bit of that (current deck) is utilized,” added council member Lisa Strombeck.

“It’s good for the town that it’s there,” said council president Dan Thystrup. No decision was made on the next steps the town should take on the issue.

“It’s going to take some planning,” said Waliczek. “This isn’t a hurry-up and do. This isn’t something we want to do every five years. We want this to last for another 40 years again.

“I would welcome any suggestions just to get moving in the right direction,” said Hobbs.

In other business:

• Mike Noe noted that the paving work in the town should be done by the first of next week.

Noe said he is applying for the renewal of permits for the town’s wastewater.

• Trick-or-treating will take place from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31.

The town plans to close the restrooms and other facilities at the town park on Oct. 15.

• A bid for $8,500 to purchase a wood chipper owned by the town was accepted.

During the open floor portion of the meeting, a suggestion was made to keep the town’s public trash cans out until later in the year. This year, they were removed shortly after Labor Day. The council agreed that starting next year, the trash cans would remain until after the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

The council agreed to hold a special session at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, in the town annex building to hear from a Borden Waste-Away representative regarding the expiring sanitation contract. During a recent budget meeting, Town Clerk Leigh Anne Jessop noted that additional fees being charged by the company were far exceeding the contract and budgeted amount. The meeting will also introduce the 2024 budget proposal.

The next regular meeting of the council will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the North Webster Community Center.

Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory discusses rising ambulance costs

fund. Once Medic 79 is delivered to Crossroads, the refitting is estimated to take three months.

The hottest topic during Tuesday evening’s monthly meeting of the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory board was the rising costs and availability of purchasing and upgrading ambulances for the department. Currently, the territory has a contract with Braun Ambulances for a completely new unit. However, the delivery date for the new unit has been pushed back several times with the new projection in December 2024, at a cost of $375,000. It was noted that departments who would put an order in now for a new ambulance would receive a delivery date 3-4 years in the future.

Once the new ambulance is delivered to TTFT, the plan is to send the current Medic 79 unit to Crossroads Ambulance Sales and Service in Middlebury for a refit on to a new chassis, at a projected cost of $268,000. The territory was offered a modest discount if it prepaid for the new Ford F-550 chassis now, at a cost of $78,109. That amount would then be deducted from the overall cost. The board agreed to prepay that amount out of its existing equipment replacement

In other business, the board preliminarily agreed to a 2024 budget of $2,037,200, as proposed by Township Trustee Chris Francis, as well as $385,909 for the equipment replacement fund. Those budgets will be formally voted upon at the next meeting.

It was reported that the territory had 68 EMS and 21 fire runs during the month of August, as well as two runs in Noble County.

Francis also recommended updating the language in regards to disciplinary language for the territory’s employees. The language, which would give greater discretion to the fire chief in handling disciplinary issues, was preliminary approved. It will be officially voted upon in an executive session to be held at 5:15 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25.

In old business, Deputy Fire Chief Cody Manges informed the board that three members of the department recently underwent a weeklong swift water certification class. The newly certified members are now trained to respond to emergencies including flood waters and mutual aid calls in the Tippecanoe River.

doctor about treatment options.

Here are some tips for trimming toenails: soak your feet in warm water first to soften the nails; use an emery board to thin the top of the nail; clip with long-handled clippers, which resemble small pliers and offer better grip and control; cut straight across to reduce the chance of ingrown nails, and wear roomy shoes. Giving your feet plenty of room prevents friction and wear that can cause toenails to thicken.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Tippecanoe Township board preliminarily approves budget

league sponsorships.

The advisory board of Tippecanoe Township preliminarily approved 2024 budgets proposed by Township Trustee Chris Francis during Tuesday evening’s monthly meeting.

The budgets include $180,000 for the rainy day fund, $171,550 for the township’s general fund, $16,250 for township assistance and $3,000 for the recreation fund, which includes youth

The general fund has been reduced by nearly $8,000 from the previous year, thanks largely to the sale of the township building and the moving of its offices to the North Webster Community Center. In other business, Francis offered positive updates on cemetery maintenance and upgrades. He also said that he is finalizing the paperwork for a state audit of the township finances.

Accidents/Incidents

Kosciusko County

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

Accidents

son reported fraud. Syracuse

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

Accidents

Two arrested after officers find drugs in Warsaw hotel room

Leesburg, booked for probation violation. Bond: $5,259 surety and cash.

Two men were recently arrested after officers found drugs in a Warsaw hotel room.

8:25 a.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 13, West CR 1350N, east of North CR 200W, Milford. Drivers: Jonathan H. Mishler, 39, South CR 400E, Rochester; and Natalie A. Christian, 22, North Grove Road, Milford. Mishler’s and Christian’s vehicles collided. Damage up to $5,000.

6:43 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 9, East Armstrong Road, east of North CR 75E, Leesburg. Driver: Sawyer K. Wiedenhoeft, 29, Golfview Drive, Fort Wayne. Wiedenhoeft’s vehicle left the roadway and then overcorrected. He lost control of it and his vehicle flipped on its side. His vehicle spilled out its load of limestone. He complained of pain and was taken to the hospital. Damage up to $50,000. Incidents

7:28 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18, 12500 block North SyracuseWebster Road, Syracuse. Clayton Rohr reported criminal mischief of his home siding worth $1,000.

10:58 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, 11200 block of North Honeycomb Lane, Cromwell. Sabrinna Ander-

1:11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 1309 S. Huntington St., north of South Harkless Drive, Syracuse. Driver: Donna J. Lambert, 93, North Woodland Acres Drive, Syracuse. Lambert’s vehicle hit a cement block. Damage up to $2,500.

Incidents

8:17 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 9, 500 block of North Parkway Drive, Syracuse. Nayeli Salinas reported theft of a 2015 blue Nissan Murano.

Arrest

3:25 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, East CR 1300N, Syracuse. Adam Richard Kauffman, 33, 405 E. Centennial St., Nappanee, was arrested and booked into Kosciusko County Jail for operating while intoxicated after police conducted a traffic stop.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail: Sept. 18 — Harvey Truman Clutter, 68, 4491 N. Maple Way,

Sept. 16 — Carmila Ann Rocha, 46, 9661 E. Pixie Parkway, Cromwell, booked for possession of marijuana/hash oil/hashish/salvia and driving while suspended with prior. Bond: $600 cash.

Sept. 16 — Miguel Alejandro Leon, 32, 11152 N. Humpty Dumpty Drive, Cromwell, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bond: $700.

Sept. 9 — Juan Carlos Montes, 32, 3520 W. 1000N, Milford, booked on a warrant. Bond: $500 cash.

Sept. 8 — Nathaniel Bone Gilson, 24, Syracuse, booked for theft. Bond: $600 cash.

Elkhart County

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

Sept. 16 — Chelsi Clevenger, 31, 461 E. 1150N Lot A, Milford, booked for possession of methamphetamine, possession of hypodermic syringe and possession of a legend drug. No bond.

Noble County

The following person was booked in the Noble County Jail:

Sept. 9 — Edwin Rizo, 27, 503 E. Edgewater, Syracuse, booked for possession of marijuana. Released on his own recognizance.

James Paul Grothaus, 29, Branchville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony; possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor; and possession of methamphetamine with enhancing circumstances, a level 5 felony.

Ryan Joshua McKinney, 28, 9523 E. Pixie Parkway, Cromwell, is charged with possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

On Monday, Sept. 11, Warsaw

Police officers went to a local hotel to serve arrest warrants on Grothaus and McKinney. Upon entering the room where the two were staying, officers found a glass pipe and plastic bag containing meth under a pillow. According to court documents, officers obtained a search warrant and found additional drug paraphernalia and meth in the room

Mishler announces re-election bid

“… All I read this session was how I was retiring. My son graduated from high school and was going to Miami and I was going with him. … When I did my closing down at the statehouse on the budget, I said … contrary to popular belief I’m coming back … I’m going to tell you tonight, in the city that this all started in, that I am running again in 2024.”

That was the official announcement of Indiana State Sen. Ryan Mishler Tuesday evening, Sept. 18, at a reception in his honor.

Mishler is seeking his fifth term in office. He was first elected to the state senate in 2004.

Mishler noted three things he wants to accomplish before he retires from the State Senate.

One is the pension fund — pay off the liability. He noted there is pension deficit. “When I started we were about $17 billion in the hole. Now we have it down to about $5.5 billion.” He said it cost the state about $1 billion a year out of the general budget for those liabilities. “So the thing I would like to do in my time is to pay off that liability.”

The second thing he wants to do was a 100% homestead reduction on property taxes. He noted the discussions regarding income tax and how he has been working on reduction of that, however, he has started “going down a different path. All I hear is problems with the assessments of property and people getting homes and after a certain time, they are on a fixed income and they can’t afford it any more … I started working on a new plan to have a 100% homestead reduction, so every family gets one deduction.

… If we do away with our second largest tax, … but we have a broad range to choose from and if we do away with some of those,

if we get into a pinch with the economy we have no where to go. On the property tax side you still have property taxes, you take away one segment, you still have a balanced property tax revenue stream.”

The third accomplishment deals with education. He reflected to the beginning where public schools were funded. Then the state wanted choice. “So we created charter schools and we started funding charter schools so we had a little bit of a choice, and then we went out and did vouchers and so now we have another choice, so we funded three different types of schools … so I sat down with our new treasurer … we have a platform where the money will fund the student and not the schools.” Mishler committed himself to work with the state treasurer on that path. “We just really haven’t done anything with it. But all I hear from families is … fund my child, not a school. So we really need

Grothaus was previously convicted of dealing meth in Kosciusko County in October 2018. As of September 2023, he was on formal probation in that case.

McKinney has two prior convictions for possessing meth, with pending probation violations in both of those cases.

Grothaus and McKinney were both booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Monday, Sept. 11.

Three Syracuse men arrested on drug charges after officers respond to death investigation

Three Syracuse men are facing drug charges after officers responded to a report of an unresponsive woman, who was later pronounced deceased.

Robert C. McKibben, 54, 311 W. Valleyview Drive, Syracuse, is charged with maintaining a common nuisance, a level 6 felony; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

Shane Ashley Holloway, 52, 311 W. Valleyview Drive, Syracuse, is charged with possession of methamphetamine and maintaining a common nuisance, both level 6 felonies.

Charles Richard Losee, 53, 311 W. Valleyview Drive, Syracuse, is charged with maintaining a common nuisance, a level 6 felony.

On Aug. 25, medical personnel responded to a residence in Syracuse regarding a report of an unresponsive woman, who was later pronounced dead.

According to court documents, while responding to the residence, officers found drug paraphernalia in a bathroom. McKibben, Holloway, and Losee were all at the home upon officers’ arrival. McKibben and Losee both refused consent for the residence to be searched and did not wish to speak with law enforcement. Holloway did not want the residence searched but agreed to speak with law enforcement.

Holloway said the woman was in the bathroom when he came home. He said this was odd because Losee typically drove the woman to work around that time. Losee then called Holloway and asked where the woman was. When Losee asked to speak with the woman, Holloway went to the bathroom door and attempted to talk with the woman, but didn’t receive a reply.

Losee then came to the residence, and both Losee and Holloway broke into the bathroom. The two men found the woman unresponsive. Losee began CPR while Holloway called 911.

In his interview, Holloway said several times it took medical personnel 30 minutes to get to the scene. However, a 911 call log showed it only took EMS seven minutes to get there. Holloway would also occasionally evade the officer’s questions by telling impertinent stories about how good a person he was.

Holloway also said no one spoke openly about drugs in the home and he had never seen anyone in the residence use drugs. Upon obtaining a search warrant for the home, officers found drug paraphernalia with marijuana residue and a hotel key card that tested positive for meth.

A Syracuse Police officer said in March and April, the Syracuse Police Department responded to McKibben’s residence regarding a drug overdose. In both of those in-

cidents, Losee was the person who overdosed.

At the time of this incident, Losee had an active criminal case for possessing meth and paraphernalia. He also has prior convictions for dealing and possessing meth. McKibben has a prior conviction for maintaining a common nuisance in 2007.

All three men have already been arrested and have initial hearings at 8:15 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, in Kosciusko Circuit Court.

Two injured after vehicle accident in Syracuse

Two people were taken to Goshen Hospital after a two-vehicle accident in Syracuse.

At 8:38 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, a two-vehicle accident occurred at the intersection of CR 38 and East County Line Road in Syracuse. The accident involved James Ulery, 73, Warsaw, and Keasha

Carr, 33, Kendallville. Ulery was driving a dump truck and Carr was driving a box truck.

Ulery failed to yield the right of way to Carr’s vehicle, causing a collision. Ulery was taken to Goshen Hospital by ambulance for chest pain. Carr was also taken to Goshen Hospital for chest pain and injuries to both of her legs.

Court News

Superior Court III

The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Speeding — Alyssa N. Colmenero, Syracuse, $164.50; Leah R. Freeman, Milford, $164.50; Justine C. George, Leesburg, $164.50; Allison K. Harney, Syracuse, $192.50; Rachael E. Sweatland, Syracuse, $164.50

Marriage Dissolutions

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Kosciusko Superior Courts I and IV: Garcia — Jorge Arturo Garcia, Syracuse, and Janeth Garcia, Ligonier. They were married Sept. 9, 2006, and separated Jan. 1, 2022. One minor child. Stout — Ami Stout, Milford, and Andrew Stout, Milford. They were married Sept. 11, 2012, and separated March 1, 2022. No minor children.

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Ricky Shepherd arrested for allegedly attempting to set house on fire

A Leesburg man was recently arrested for allegedly trying to set a house on fire and making threats to law enforcement.

Ricky Alan Shepherd, 59, 4 EMS B6C Lane No. 21, Leesburg, is charged with attempted arson, a level 4 felony; intimidation, a level 6 felony; resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor; and disorderly conduct, a class B misdemeanor.

On Sept. 6, officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office and North Webster Police Department responded to a report of a man attempting to set a residence in Leesburg on fire. Upon arrival at the scene, officers saw Shepherd walk-

ing down a nearby road. According to court documents, Shepherd resisted being handcuffed while threatening to fight and kill the police.

A woman said Shepherd repeatedly walked through her yard and made obscene gestures. She also said Shepherd yelled racial slurs at a man who resided there. The woman was later informed by an individual that Shepherd tried to burn down her house. The individual ini-

tially thought Shepherd made the story up, but Shepherd said to check around the woman’s house for the area he tried to burn. Shepherd showed the person evidence of a burnt plate and matches he left near the home. The plate was about six to eight inches away from the residence and 12 inches away from gas lines and other electrical equipment.

While being taken to a local hospital for medical clearance, Shepherd was rude to hospital staff and attempted to leave the hospital by pushing his body against a police officer’s body.

Shepherd has already been arrested and released on bond. He has an initial hearing at 11 a.m. Oct. 12, in Kosciusko Superior Court One.

Letter to the editor

A time for celebration

Dear Editor:

As the news begins to break that I am stepping away from North Webster Community Center, I wanted an opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the entire North Webster community and beyond. You have all rallied and gathered behind the vision and forward motion of NWCC while I was executive director.

I have loved taking my true love and passion for North Webster, our center and our people and partnering with you to make big things happen. We have filled the building with partners, brought new life into our little town and had lots of

We welcome readers’ letters.

fun together during many different outreach events through the last couple of years.

What that really means, we have brought opportunity and accessibility to town and made North Webster a place to be. As a Webster girl, three generations to be exact, I want nothing more than to see good things happen, and look forward to continuing my work to better our community in any position I hold. The forward motion of the community center is so important for the area as it truly has become the, “heart of our community.” The board of directors shares this vision and passion

and are on the search for a new director with these same values and directions. Our goal is to work together to make the transition as smooth as possible, all the while preparing the best annual auction NWCC has hosted. I hope many of you will be there on Oct. 7 to express your support and love for something we all agree is such a huge asset to our community, not to mention celebrate all the accomplishments of the year.

Wishing all of you the very best,

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

We ask that letters be limited to 400 words. Letters longer than 400 words may be edited for brevity. Writers may be limited to one published letter per month. Readers with lengthy comments should contact an editor about possible guest columns.

Send letters to: The Mail-Journal, P. O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 or dpatterson@the-papers.com.

Mishler announces

Continued from page 4

about what are we going to do. Are we going to fund the school or fund the child? … that will be a tougher one to do. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done on that one, freedom of education … Those are the three things I’d like to see before I decide to retire.”

Mishler went on to state it has been his honor to work for those in his district and the relationships he has built that are lifelong relationships, built from the position he holds. “To me that’s the most important thing. When I decide to say this is it, that’s what I’m proud of, the relationships made with all these people.”

Mishler was introduced by Brad Chambers, former Indiana commerce secretary and gubernatorial candidate. Chambers noted Mishler is “an important voice of reason … knows what he is doing.” “I couldn’t have done what we done in two years without his leadership … we need 100 more Ryan Mishler’s … to run this state into the future, for our kids, our grandkids, to bring them back, have them make their lives, create their lives here…”

Prior to Chamber’s introduction of Mishler, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita briefly spoke about Mishler. “Ryan Mishler is genuine and honest. He can give you information that is good, bad or ugly. But you can count on it,” said Rokita. “That feature, accurate information, honest information. That’s worth more than gold and it should be cherished and it should be respected. … and we have that in Ryan Mishler.”

Both men are no strangers to Mishler. Rokita and Mishler grew up together and played basketball in high school. Chambers and Mishler grew

Two teens suffer possible injuries in morning crash

Two teens suffered possible injuries in a two-vehicle crash Friday, Sept. 15. The crash occurred at 7:58 a.m. on East CR 1300N, west of North Kern Road. Darius Lewis, 17, North Main St., Milford, suffered a possible knee/lower leg/foot injury.

Andrew Waugh, 15, East LaPoint Drive, Milford, suffered possible abdomen/pelvis injury.

Syracuse Police report Kane Dukes, 16, North Camelot Trail, Milford, was eastbound in a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee on CR 1300N when a flagman with a stop sign was stopping traffic. He stated due to the sun, he was unable to see the flagman until he was close enough that he had

to stop quickly.

Dukes stated as he was stopping, a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Lewis, struck the back of his vehicle.

Waugh was a passenger in the Dukes vehicle. Brayden Pike and Austin Harney, both passengers in Dukes vehicle were not injured. Damage was estimated up to $5,000.

possessing meth

A Milford man will serve six years in prison for two criminal cases involving drugs.

In the first case, Michael Allen Schuh Jr., 40, 205 S. West St., Milford, was charged with dealing methamphetamine, a level 4 felony. He was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony, in a second case. Four additional criminal charges were all dismissed as part of a plea agreement. Schuh was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court Monday, Sept. 18. For dealing meth, Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed sentenced Schuh to six years in

the Indiana Department of Correction. Schuh also received a three-year DOC sentence for meth possession. Both cases will be served at the same time. Schuh has 254 days of jail time credit, plus good time credit as calculated. He was recommended for participation in Recovery While Incarcerated as part of his prison sentence.

At sentencing, Defense Attorney Scott Reust said Schuh’s rel-

atives were present in the courtroom and noted Schuh has been sober for almost one year.

“The events I’m here for today don’t define the person I am,” said Schuh. “I look forward to continuing my sobriety and getting past this hump in my life. Addiction was a strong monster in my life. That’s not who I am or will be.”

Sometime in January 2022, the NET43 Drug Task Force made a controlled purchase of 3.7 grams of meth from Schuh. The purchase was captured on digital surveillance. Officers served an arrest warrant on Schuh for this case June 8, 2022. According to court documents, while serving this warrant, officers found 1.03 grams of meth in Schuh’s bedroom.

up together on Lake Wawasee. Mishler also shared a few “factoids” about both men.

Mishler also recognized current and past colleagues who were present, his mother Brenda Mishler and uncle as well as those who hosted the night’s event — Congressman Rudy Yakym, Dave Wilkins, Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer, Warsaw Mayor-elect Jeff Grose, Erie Wiggins, Pat and Shari Boyle and Brad and Lynnette Jackson.

Schuh receives six years in prison for dealing,

Flag football honors seniors, tackles Tippy

It was a special night for the unified flag football team as its three seniors were honored prior to the game. Seniors Cade Garden, Dom Ward and Charlie Krull took part in the ceremony. Wawasee would go on to beat Tippecanoe Valley 43-30, Monday, Sept. 18.

“Just really proud of those three guys,” coach Andrew Wilson said. “They’ve worked really hard over the years. Good to see them get a win on senior night. They’ve definitely earned it.”

Krull scored a touchdown in the game but individual achievements are not something he focuses on in a game.

“I think I got a touchdown. The score doesn’t matter. What matters is that people get better,” Krull said. Krull is also on the cheer team and unified track and field. He likes the atmosphere for unified flag football better.

“It’s not as hyper competitive as regular tackle football,” Krull said. “It’s just nice to see all the opportunities the kids get. It’s just something to do and not be sitting down at home.”

On the first play from scrimmage, Wilson put Ward in at quarterback and called for the team’s

favorite play.

“At the beginning of the game we tried our secret play, the “Dom Bomb,” where Dom Ward throws a Hail Mary. We got it to work a couple of times in practice but unfortunately it didn’t work tonight during the game,” Wilson said. “It was a good play.”

Wawasee led 19-0 at the half and never trailed in the contest.

Tippecanoe Valley scored all 30 of its points in the second half. Wilson

liked that more players were able to take part in the scoring as numbers on the roster have grown since the start of the season.

“Just spreading the ball around tonight and having everybody get involved. We hit the plays a little bit harder this past week so that everyone is on the same page. We are able to mix more people in which obviously helped us tonight,” Wilson said.

Wawasee is now 4-2 this season

and has won two straight since a 2-2 start. Wawasee has just two games left in the short unified flag football season when it hosts Warsaw at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25, and travels to NorthWood at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27. The Warsaw game is the last home game of

the season and will be the team’s autograph night. Fans can get a free poster of the team and have players sign it immediately following the contest. Wilson says he hopes the community will show support for the players in autograph signing.

Sectional pairings were also released Monday, Sept. 18. Wawasee is in the Central Noble sectional and will play the tournament host. Sectionals take place Sept. 30, as Wawasee will have to win three games in one day to advance to regionals on Oct. 7.

Adversity strikes Warriors on the road

Get to know Wawasee senior Hunter Kunish. Kunish plays football for the Warriors in the trenches as a lineman.

Favorite workout song?

“Immortal” by 21 Savage.

Favorite food to eat after a game or practice?

Pizza.

What movie would you pick to see, Barbie or Oppenhiemer? Oppenheimer. PlayStation of XBox? PlayStation.

Favorite vacation destination? Florida.

Favorite athletic moment? Winning the War-

Hawk trophy.

Favorite quote from coach Jon Reutebuch? Eat, sleep, hydrate.

After high school, will you stay in Indiana or move out of state? We’ll see how it goes.

Best place to visit on the weekend? Football field.

How do you handle the physical lineman in the Northern Lakes Conference? We just practice hard and that carries over to the game.

Any tips for younger players? Just try hard in practice.

WAWASEE HIGH SCHOOL Athlete of the Month

Titus Funeral Home

Would Like To Recognize Joey Harper

As Our Athlete Of The Month

Joey Harper is a junior at Wawasee High School and has played tennis with the high school team for the past 3 years, in the #1 singles position. This year Joey has an overall record of 16-3 and is seeded second in the NLC. In total Joey has been in the sport of tennis for 8 years playing competitively for the past 5. Off the tennis court, Joey’s hobbies include playing piano, guitar and competitive pickleball. One of Joey’s favorite memories with the team is beating Warsaw during his freshman year.

574-457-4002

Losing its starting quarterback to injury on the first possession of the game set the tone for a rough night of Northern Lakes Conference football play for the Wawasee Warriors Friday, Sept. 22, at Concord. The visiting Warriors tried to adjust but lost 52-0 to the host Minutemen.

“There is not a whole lot of good I could say,” Coach Jon Reutebuch said. “We did not come out ready to play and it continuously got worse. Concord is a good football team and if you don’t play hard and you don’t execute you then that’s the result.”

Wawasee senior quarterback Mason Shoemaker injured his shoulder just two plays into the game. On the next drive, senior Derek Bontrager was briefly inserted at quarterback. Concord forced Wawasee to punt, leading to another change at the position. Sophomore Luke Keim would led the offense for the remainder of the game. Keim is the starting quarterback of the junior varsity team.

Prior to halftime, Keim would find senior receiver Hunter Tinkey down the Concord sideline as he was tackled inside the five. It turned out to be Wawasee’s best chance to score on the night but Concord captured an interception in the end zone on third and goal.

“We are throwing him right into the fire from the get-go, being a sophomore,” Reutebuch said. “He played like a sophomore but he was out there plugging away. It’s what you got to do. You got to have your next guy up and have him execute. He’ll get better the next time with more and more reps and more and more experience. We’ll have to rally behind him.”

Concord (3-2) moved up to No. 10 in the Indiana Football Coaches Association poll with the win. The Minutemen secured a safety on the first Warrior drive after a bad snap was recovered by Wawasee in the

end zone. Concord led 22-0 at halftime and forced a running clock after taking a 36-0 lead with 9:49 left in the third quarter. Friday was the first game of the season Wawasee was held scoreless.

Concord

junior Jaron Thomas had a game-high 204 yards rushing with three touchdowns.

Keim is expected to start next week, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, for the homecoming game with Northridge. Reutebuch hopes to know about Shoemaker’s injury this week after a doctor visit.

“He’s got a significant shoulder

injury. We will wait and see what is the result of all that,” Reutebuch said.

Shoemaker had thrown for seven touchdowns and six interceptions the first four games of the season.

Northridge (4-1) is No. 9 in Class 4A as Wawasee (1-4) will be playing ranked teams to close out the regular season.

“We’re going to have to go out and execute,” Reutebuch said.

“Take what the defense gives us and make the throws that we need to make and get the ball into the hands of our playmakers.”

Sports Lady Warriors trying to stay afloat through injuries

The month of September has had a difficult stretch of games for the Wawasee varsity girls volleyball team. After starting the season 6-4, the Lady Warriors find themselves now 8-10 and still looking to make a mark in the Northern Lakes Conference.

The Warriors are searching for the elusive first win in NLC play.

The Warriors lost to Concord 2515, 25-9, 25-9 on Thursday, Sept. 14, to fall to 0-3 in NLC action.

The team was at a disadvantage against Concord as two of its taller players were battling injuries for the contest. Coach Stephanie Denlinger said Wawasee was without sophomore Danika Miller, and senior Jaci Worrell played through an ankle injury, limiting her effectiveness. Concord made the most of the situation, able to control the net and hit through the Wawasee blockers.

Concord led 9-0 in set two before Wawasee was able to get on the board. The Warriors held a 7-6 lead in the third set but surrendered 19 of the next 21 points to fall 25-9.

Saturday, Sept. 16, was the

Wawasee Invitational where Wawasee went 2-2 in its four games for fourth place out of the eight teams.

Wawasee lost to Culver Academy 25-19, 25-15. The Eagles would go on to win the invitational. The Lady Warriors responded with wins over Elkhart Christian (25-19, 25-16) and Bethany

Indiana budget agency releases

August

tax collections report

The monthly revenue report for August 2023 Indiana tax collections was released Monday, Sept. 11, by the State Budget Agency.

Information on the latest forecast is available at in.gov/ sba/2837.htm.

Fiscal Year 2024 began on July 1, 2023, and ends June 30, 2024.

Results

• General Fund revenues for August totaled $1,474.1 million, which is $42.8 million (3.0%) above estimate based on the April 19, revenue forecast but $75.4 million (4.9%) below revenue in August 2022.

Notably, better-than-expected collections from individual income tax and interest outweighed lower-than-expected collections from sales tax and corporate adjusted gross income tax.

Differences relative to monthly estimates and prior year actuals will be influenced by various factors including payment timing, federal policy actions, and changes to law.

ly estimate and $14.6 million (1.8%) above the prior year actuals. The August performance of 1.8% year-over-year growth mostly reflects July economic activity.

For perspective, August withholdings tax collections are better interpreted relative to the current year monthly estimate because August 2022 was positively impacted by the five Fridays effect and August 2023 was not. Historically, the number of Fridays affects the timing of payments from month to month, and the revenue impact has typically been between 10 to 20% greater whenever a month has the fifth Friday compared to the more common four Fridays in a month.

timate and $0.7 million (6.2%) below revenue in August 2022.

Commentary From State Budget Agency

Year-to-date General Fund revenues totaled $3,075.0 million, which is $50.8 million (1.7%) above the April 2023 revenue forecast and $42.7 million (1.4%) above revenues through the same period in the prior fiscal year.

Year-to-date sales tax collections totaled $1,738.6 million, which is $57.2 million (3.2%) below the April 2023 revenue forecast and $7.5 million (0.4%) below collections through the same period in the prior fiscal year.

Girls Golf

Sept. 13 — Wawasee lost to Whitko by one stroke, 212-211. Senior Delaney Delagrange shot a team-best 48. Francie McDonald shot a 53, Taelyn Tom 55, Emma Young 56, Ava Couture 58 and Kaydence Shepherd with a 63.

Sept. 16 — The Lady Warriors competed in sectionals and were seventh out of 11 teams. Wawasee’s team score of 455 beat out Bremen, Triton, Tippecanoe Valley and Manchester. However, the Warriors were 100 strokes from third and advancing as a team. McDonald led the team with a 106 for 25th overall. She was 10 strokes from advancing as an individual. Young shot a 109 and Delagrange shot a 117.

“We did not have our best day today but the girls gave it everything they had,” coach Steve Coverstone said. Next meet: season complete.

Girls Soccer

Sept. 14 — The Lady Warriors lost 5-0 to Elkhart Christian Academy. Wawasee trailed 2-0 at the half and conceded three more goals in the second half.

Sept. 19. — Wawasee fell on the road to Northridge 8-0. The Lady Warriors were without four starters due to injury. Northridge took advantage with six goals in the first half. Wawasee is drops to 1-10-1. Next game is 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, when Wawasee hosts Plymouth.

Boys Soccer

Sept. 13. — Wawasee fell on the road 5-0 to Columbia City. Junior Weston McClintic had seven saves protecting the Warrior net.

“The scoreline doesn’t feel justified on our end as we did work hard and the boys fought all game long,” coach Jordan Sharp said. “We did create three to four goal scoring chances as well, so if were able to capitalize

Christian (25-12, 25-22). It was the second time this season Wawasee topped the Bruins. In the third place game, Wawasee lost to Columbia City, 2518, 25-22. Wawasee will get another chance at winning an NLC match at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at Warsaw.

Roundup

on one or two of those it would have been a different game.”

Sept. 19 — Wawasee lost to Goshen 5-1 to fall to 3-6-1 this year. Junior Aiden Baugh scored the lone goal for the Warriors with an assist from senior Josh Trujillo. Goshen added three goals in the second half to pull away. Next game is at Concord 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21.

Cross-Country

Sept. 16 — The Wawasee girls ran against 30 teams at the New Prairie Invite and finished 12th overall. The Lady Warriors were led by sophomore Mia Hodgson who was sixth overall. Junior Jasmine Hernandez was 31st.

The Wawasee boys were fifth in their division with five runners in the top 40. Junior Hunter Allen was 19th at a time of 17:36.

Freshman Mason Worrell was 24th with a time of 17:45 followed by freshman Ivan Waikel (27th) 17:49, freshman JD Stoffel (30th) 17:57 and junior Issac Winters (33rd)

18:02. Senior Landen Kessler had a personal record time of 18:22 for 44th.

Boys Tennis

Sept. 13 — Wawasee defeated Manchester 4-1 on the road.

Sept. 14 — Wawasee swept Mishawaka

5-0. Juniors Joey Harper and Kane Dukes both won their singles matches 6-0, 6-0.

Sept. 18 — Wawasee earned another NLC win as it beat NorthWood 3-2. Harper and Dukes both won their matches in straight sets. Senior Ty Brooks and junior Evan Byler rallied at No. 1 doubles to win 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.

The Warriors finish the regular season 15-4 and 5-2 in NLC play. The NLC tournament begins 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Mishawaka. Junior Varsity Football

Sept. 16 — Host Wawasee lost to Concord 34-12 to fall to 3-2 this season. Next game is 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Northridge.

• Sales tax collections totaled $861.5 million for August, which is $29.5 million (3.3%) below the monthly estimate but $0.02 million (0.0%) above revenue in August 2022.

Comparisons relative to monthly estimates and prior year actuals will be impacted by HEA 1001-2023 which removed the allocation of gasoline use tax collections to the General Fund, beginning in FY 2024.

Monthly collections attributable to sales tax were $23.0 million below the monthly estimate but $16.0 million (1.9%) above prior year actuals. The August performance of 1.9% year-over-year growth, which mostly reflects July economic activity, compares to 5.2% yearover-year growth for FY 2023.

Year-over-year differences and fluctuations from monthto-month are expected as outlined by the evolving economic, seasonal, and policy dynamics presented in the April 2023 revenue forecast. Sales tax collections excluding gasoline use tax are projected to grow by 4.1% year-over-year for FY 2024 compared to 5.2% in FY 2023, 9.9% in FY 2022, and 13.9% in FY 2021.

Beginning in FY 2024, gasoline use tax is no longer allocated to the General Fund. As a result, gasoline use tax monthly collections came in $6.5 million below the monthly estimate and $16.0 million (100.0%) below prior year actuals.

HEA 1001-2023, which passed after the April 19, 2023 revenue forecast, changed the allocation of gasoline use tax.

• Individual income tax collections totaled $503.9 million for August, which is $51.3 million (11.3%) above the monthly estimate but $108.1 million (17.7%) below revenue in August 2022. Year-over-year comparisons are impacted by the reduction in the state individual income tax rate (effective January 1, 2023) and more. Monthly collections related to tax withholdings came in $70.7 million above the month-

Milford Public Library — Vote online in Teens’ Top Ten through Oct. 15

The Teens’ Top Ten is a “teen choice” list where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year. Nominators are members of teen book groups in 15 school and public libraries around the country. Nominations are posted on the Thursday of National Library Week and teens across the country vote on their favorite titles each year. Readers ages 12-18 will vote online between Aug. 15-Oct. 15 on the Teens’ Top Ten site, ala.org/ yalsa/teenstopten. All 25 books are available at the Milford Public Library and are currently on display in front of the teen department.

Sign Up For A Library Card

September is Library Card Sign-

Up Month. If you are a resident of Van Buren or East Jefferson townships or a student, teacher or support staff in Wawasee Community School Corporation, they can issue you a library card. Just bring your photo ID that shows your current address and come to the adult circulation desk. Through Evergreen Indiana, they have access to so many titles. Stop by the library and get your card today.

Mini Masterpiece Contest Bring your completed mini masterpiece back to the library for dis-

play by 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. Be sure your painting has your name, age and phone number on the back of the canvas. All mini masterpieces will be on display for the public to vote until 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25, through Saturday, Sept. 30. Each person gets five votes. Ask for the voting tokens at the adult desk. The display will be above the DVD collection in the adult/teen area of the library. You can vote five times for the same painting or one time for five different paintings. You only need to vote once that week. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded the first week of October.

Other monthly individual income tax collections, net of refunds, came in $19.4 million below the monthly estimate and $122.7 million (63.5%) below prior year actuals. In a lower activity month like August, the timing of payments and refunds, including late payments, is a major driver of differences relative to monthly estimates and prior year actuals.

With important quarterly payment due dates, September, January, April, and June are the most important revenue months for individual income tax.

• Corporate tax collections totaled $0.5 million for August, which is $8.4 million (94.0%) below the monthly estimate and $9.3 million (94.5%) below revenue in August 2022.

Differences relative to monthly estimates are likely as various factors may impact monthly revenue activity including payment and refund timing, late payments, and more.

With important quarterly payment due dates, September, December, April, and June are the most important revenue months for corporate taxes.

• Riverboat wagering tax collections totaled $5.4 million for August, which is $3.7 million (220.4%) above the monthly estimate and $3.3 million (148.5%) above revenue in August 2022.

• Racino wagering tax collections totaled $9.8 million for August, which is $1.1 million (10.2%) below the monthly es-

Year-to-date collections attributable to sales tax excluding gasoline use tax are $44.6 million (2.5%) below the April 2023 revenue forecast but $22.5 million (1.3%) above collections through the same period in the prior fiscal year.

Year-to-date individual income tax collections totaled $1,069.8 million, which is $66.3 million (6.6%) above the April 2023 revenue forecast but $11.8 million (1.1%) below collections through the same period in the prior fiscal year.

Year-to-date corporate tax collections totaled $21.7 million, which is $12.2 million (35.9%) below the April 2023 revenue forecast and $21.7 million (50.0%) below collections through the same period in the prior fiscal year. Year-over-year comparisons are impacted by the repeal of the utility receipts tax and utility services use tax as well as other factors such as timing of payments and refunds, additional changes in law, and more.

Comparisons to estimates and prior-year actuals will be better interpreted over the April and June months since those months are the two highest revenue activity months. As previously noted, monthly collections and comparisons relative to monthly estimates are better interpreted looking at the full fiscal year perspective. In addition to the factors mentioned throughout this commentary, various aspects to consider include federal policy actions, temporary and seasonal economic dynamics, interest rates, and more.

Avoid the pain of kidney stones

Kidney stones are one of life’s more painful disorders and have been around for at least 7,000 years, as discovered in an Egyptian mummy. Modern lifestyles can exacerbate kidney stones, which contain a variety of substances — most commonly, calcium and uric acid.

There are ways to prevent kidney stones from forming.

In general, drinking up to 12 full glasses of water daily will help to dilute or flush away substances that form stones. Avoiding excessive protein intake can also reduce the risk.

It is estimated up to 20 per-

Fall Story Time Begins

Story time is an excellent time to introduce your preschool child to the love of reading. Visiting the library is a good habit to develop.

Children ages 3-6 are invited to come and listen to great stories, make fun crafts and enjoy delicious, nutritious snacks. They will meet new friends and experience the fun of listening to stories that are varied in their characters, cultures and adventures. Story time is held at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Register in the children’s department today. Spread the word among friends and family.

cent of Americans at some point will have a kidney stone, which can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball. Stones occur more frequently in men, but the number of women afflicted has been increasing. Kidney stones strike most people between the ages of 20 and 40. Signs of a possible kidney stone include extreme pain in the back or side that will not go away, blood in the urine, fever and chills, vomiting, urine that smells bad or looks cloudy, and a burning feeling during urination.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your primary care physician as soon as possible.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Community Corner

Maggart returns to Syracuse for the sake of the lakes

and finding volunteers for the foundation. She researches donors for the foundation goals. “I help my development committee find donors that would be the right match for the asset we’re doing.”

Emily Maggart has, as she said herself, “always been a local.” She grew up in Syracuse and, after high school graduation, went on to earn a degree in communications at Purdue University.

“During college, I joined this student-led group called the Student Activities Board,” said Maggart. “We planned events for our fellow students during Spirit Week and athletic games. I like planning events and then wanted to figure out how to a get a degree to continue this.”

After college, Maggart left the area for a while to work in the nonprofit world in Fort Wayne and South Bend. Eventually, she felt motivated to return to her hometown and has been the development officer for the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation since April.

“I was in a position where I was looking for a new role and wanted more of a higher impact,” Maggart recalled. “I think the most high impact I could think of is my community that I grew up in. I grew up swimming on this lake, I’ve been on it my whole entire life. This was a no-brainer, to come back and support an organization whose mission is to take care of Lake Wawasee.”

As development officer, Maggart has a variety of responsibilities. “Fund raising is my main job here, and I also dabble in our events,” she said. She also oversees things like donor stewardship

Maggart said her communications degree is useful for talking to donors in her day to day work.

When it comes to what motivates her, Maggart said that the WACF’s goals matter to her.

“What’s important to WACF,” she explained, “is maintaining the quality of Lake Wawasee and the Wawasee watershed. Without this lake, this town wouldn’t prosper. The summer residents come in and they spend money here and they just keep this town alive. I remember growing up, everyone always wanted to leave because there was nothing to do in the wintertime, but having this lake here, there’s activities year round.”

In addition to that, Maggart wants to make the people around her feel included, regardless of their circumstances.

“I have always felt the need to ensure everyone in the community feels a sense of belonging,” she explained. “I focus on donors of all economic levels to have an opportunity to give monetarily. Any generous gift allows us to keep up the organization’s work.”

Outside of the office, Maggart enjoys spending time in nature, including out on the lake, and with her friends and family.

“I love to be out in the sun,” she said with a smile.

Northwest Bank raises $500 for North Webster Community Center

Led by office manager Gwen Fuchs, the North Webster branch of Northwest Bank recently held a fundraiser for the North Webster Community Center. The Northwest office rolled out a weeklong “Jeans Day” fundraiser. Staff wore jeans and contributed donations, while also inviting customers to add to a dedicated donation jar. The initiative raised

$500. The money was presented to Emily Worrell, director of the Community Center, along with goodie bags filled with Northwest merchandise for the center’s staff.

The NWCC is a nonprofit organization serving as a community hub. It houses local businesses, supports nonprofits, offers educational and outreach programs and is a key venue for events both

large and small.

“The Community Center is an integral part of North Webster, offering services, space and programs that enrich our lives,” said Fuchs. “It’s rewarding to know that our team and customers are giving back in a meaningful way, while also exploring further opportunities for collaboration between Northwest and the center.”

Syracuse Public Library — Fans of ‘Wings of Fire’ invited to party

Sign up now for Syracuse Public Library’s “Wings of Fire” Party from 12-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, in the downstairs meeting room. Fans of the series who are 7-11 years of age will make several dragonthemed crafts, including a dragon painting, a dragon egg and a glass dragon eye. There will also be a tasty, themed treat.

Attendees will guess the number of dragon eggs in a jar to win a “Wings of Fire” box set containing books one through five. The child who guesses closest without going over will win the set.

Space is limited, so register today by visiting the library’s digital calendar at https://rb.gy/quc5p. If a household has multiple children attending, register each child separately. Interested parties can also call the library at (574) 457-3022, and a librarian will register your child.

Escape Room

Embrace the challenge and escape SPL’s new “Five Nights at Freddy’s” themed escape room this October. Attendees will need to solve a series of puzzles in the Rosalyn Jones Room to unlock the master box to escape. The library has four slots available for registration at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2; 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11; 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19; and 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24. Click the date you are interested in on the library’s online calendar, http://rb.gy/6udmk,

and register digitally.

If none of the time slots work, reach out to Michelle Parker to set up an alternative time for the escape room. Call her at (574) 457-3022, ext. 2008, or by email at mparker@ syracuse.lib.in.us.

Children’s Programming

Children can show off their dance moves while completing fun games during Move & Groove Club. This group meets at 4 p.m. every Monday in the downstairs meeting room.

Preschoolers can enjoy fun stories while learning about the alphabet during story time at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays in the children’s department. Also at 10:30 a.m., school-aged children can attend the Homeschool Class in the downstairs meeting room. On Wednesday, Sept. 27, Homeschool Class will focus on sign language and be geared toward older elementary students, or grades fourth through sixth. Younger chil-

dren can still attend but may require the assistance of their adults. Young Adult Clubs Multiple young adult clubs will meet during the week of Sept. 25, starting with the young adult book club from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. The group will discuss “Stalking Jack the Ripper” by Kerri Maniscalco. A historical thriller, the book follows its lead as she becomes enmeshed in the investigation of a serial murderer.

Later in the week, the anime club will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. During the meeting, group members will pick an anime to watch on Crunchyroll. Young writers should join the YA writing club from 4-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Members will dive into character creation with a writing game.

Mobile Meals drivers

Volunteer drivers for Syracuse, Milford and North Webster Mobile Meals have been scheduled as fol-

lows:

Syracuse Drivers

Sept. 25-29

MONDAY — P. Smith

TUESDAY — C. Manning

WEDNESDAY — J. Rowland

THURSDAY — J. Clark

FRIDAY — S. Stump

Milford Drivers

Sept. 25-29

MONDAY — L. Kammerer

TUESDAY — A. & C. Haab

WEDNESDAY — TBA

THURSDAY — J. Kammerer

FRIDAY — R. & P. Haab

North Webster Drivers Sept. 25-29

MONDAY — J. & K. Caskey

TUESDAY — Bart’s Watersports

WEDNESDAY — D. Senger

THURSDAY — A. Renner FRIDAY — Cardinal

Bridge Results

North Webster “Bridge Group

The North Webster Bridge Group met Tuesday, Sept. 12, at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in the North Webster Community Center. Winners were Dick Adams, first, and Mary Prescott, second.

WHS students to open Chartreuse Talent Student Gallery in December

Students involved in a variety of art classes at Wawasee High School are working hard to create a gallery of student art that will not only showcase their work, but be available for sale as well.

Christi Ziebarth, art teacher and professional artist, is teaching her students her signature technique. She’s teaching them a new spin on historic mosaic, using upcycling scraps of vinyl and metal for the mosaics. Diane Miller’s ceramics class is busy making vases and other small vessels that will also be available in the gallery offering unique Christmas gifts.

“Each piece has to pass the test of being marketable,” Ziebarth said. We’re creating a business…Every decision made is kid driven.”

All the artwork will be competitively priced and students will receive profits from the sale of their own work. Artistic prints will also be available online at spinmosaic.com.

The Career/Technical Education building is providing a room where the public can access and see the art. “We’re transforming it. We have furniture on order from Polywood,” Ziebarth said noting the importance of community support for the project.

In addition to their own art, the students are also creating a piece of public art for the new Parkview Hospital currently under construction in Fort Wayne. The students were invited to participate in the project after Ziebarth had someone reach out to her about doing a piece of public art for the hospital. She suggested involving her students in a community collaboration.

“I’ve noticed there is a spark when students realize their talent contributes to their community.”

CTE is providing a showroom/ gallery large enough for the public and community leaders to see what the kids can create for a public space. Ziebarth said the collaboration between the CTE students and art students is extremely important.

Students in the welding class are making a sign for the showroom using a laser cutter, while students in the woodworking class are creating shelves to display the artwork that will be for sale. Student Max Rager, whose family owns a powder coating business, will be powder coating the metal sign himself.

Students in the marketing class are working on a marketing plan. Lynk Klinefelter, a student photographer, has been busy documenting the students journey towards the opening of the gallery.

The building trades class has painted the walls of the gallery and will be putting the furniture together.

“They are excited to the moon and back,” Ziebarth said. “I have been teaching since 1995 and I’ve never seen them so excited.”

Noting it takes an entire school community to make the gallery successful, Ziebarth is grateful for the support from school administrators.

Ziebarth expects the students to outgrow the gallery space within a very short time frame.

CTB awards student scholarships

Thirty-two educational scholarships for the 2022-23 school year have been awarded by CTB Inc. to children of the company’s employees, according to Michael Mettham, director of benefits, compensation and HRIS for the company. Each year, CTB provides scholarships to assist the children of company employees in obtaining post-high-school education through an accredited college, university, vocational or techni-

cal school. Scholarships for the 2022-23 school year are valued at $1,000 each. Dependents of employees with at least one year of continuous employment at CTB are eligible to apply for the scholarships, subject to program guidelines. CTB believes in encouraging employees’ children who are seeking education beyond high school and offers this scholarship as part of its robust and generous benefits package for CTB employees.

This year’s award recipients are children of CTB employees from Indiana plants in Milford and Vincennes as well as from plants located in Des Moines, Iowa, and Anderson, Mo. Students from this year’s award group are heading to 24 different schools across the country.

More information about CTB’s culture, employee focused programs and career opportunities can be found at www.ctbinc.com/ careers.

It happened in North Webster ... 10 years ago

NWCC hosts first Kids Business Fair

10 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 18, 2013

North Webster Boy Scouts had an eventful summer break. After assisting in June with the Lincolnway District’s Cub Day Camp south of Warsaw, and the annual Lions Club Mermaid Festival, 21 North Webster Boy Scouts headed to Chief Camp Little Turtle south of Angola where they earned the

prestigious Blue Heron Award for the second year in a row.

Twenty-four faithful members of the North Webster Lakeland Kiwanis Club met to sing “God Bless America,” give pledge to the flag and recite the pledge to help children and the community. Dennis Judy updated prayer concerns before offering prayer. Jon Roberts gave a quick report on the re-

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NWCC Director of Operations Erin Smith had some more news to share about the community center. “We will be hosting our first-ever Kids Business Fair Feb. 8. This event is for students from around the county who are in grades K-8 to come and sell things that they have made or a service they are offering.”

20 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 17, 2003 Daphne Yoh, North Webster, is in the process of raising puppy No. 2 for the Leader Dogs for the Blind School in Rochester, Mich. Following a brief meeting Monday to adopt the 2004 budget as advertised, North Webster councilman Jeff Morgan fielded a question about his residency. Town resident Jim Weaver asked, “Mr. Morgan, I notice your

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

house is now empty. Where are you living? Morgan promptly responded, “I have a residence upstairs in my office. It has a couch, blankets and chairs.”

North Webster Church of the Brethren is inviting everyone to join the congregation for a Homecoming Celebration Sunday, Sept. 28, at the church is located at 7281 E. CR 600N, North Webster. Bob Curry will be the morning worship speaker. Curry is a member of the Gideons, the Church of God, and is an area resident.

30 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 15, 1993 Laura and Jim Hill, North Webster, will be among the award-winning artists who’s work will be included in the 10th annual exhibit, presented by Indiana Wildlife Artists at Potawatomi Zoo, South Bend.

It happened in Milford … 20 years ago

The Lakeland Kiwanis Club met Sept. 13 at North Webster Church of God. Bill Beuoy announced that workers are needed to work on the Adopt-A-Highway program Sept. 20.

40 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 21, 1983

The North Webster Board of Trustees has passed an ordinance designed to fight the flow of cargo trucks traveling through residential districts because of the bridge construction on SR 13 on the town’s south end.

North Webster Pythian Sisters met Sept. 12 at the Pythian Hall.

A letter was read from the district deputy stating that the date for inspection has been changed.

50 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 19, 1973

Mrs. Charlotte Richards has received word that her son, Charles, graduated Sept. 18 with

a grade of 92.8 from the medical records and reports school at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. Charles’ rating is staff sergeant. He and his wife will be leaving Fort Houston very soon as he has been reassigned to Fort Sill, Okla.

Jerry Helvey of North Webster has been named chairman of the National Legislative Council of the American Collectors Association Inc.

A program is being planned between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Tri-County Fish and Wildlife headquarters, located 2 1/2 miles north of North Webster on SR 13 then 1 mile east then 1/2 mile south to the area headquarters. Conservation Officer Charles Park will have a display on trapping and answer questions on trapping.

Diamond Auto Sales moved into new location

10 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 18, 2013

Lizard’s Bar and Grill was shut down again Monday. No new management this time — Katie Cockrill is still at the bar, but it’s been refreshed. Cockrill closed the restaurant Monday to spend the day adding new flooring and siding to the bartending area. The new bar is doing pretty well from the looks of it. Filled with lunch goers and dinner guests most nights of the week, Cockrill has been able to book bands every Saturday night through November and even some Fridays.

Unknown individuals started a trash fire behind the residence at the southwest corner of First and Higbee streets, Milford, Thursday, which melted the siding on the back of the residence. Firefighters from Milford Fire Department were called at approximately 2:20 p.m. for a smoke investigation. Firefighters found the trash fire, which contained bedsprings and mattress, and extinguished the fire. The home is

owned by Worth Packer and Jerry L. Lambert, and occupied by unknown renters.

20 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 17, 2003

Barb Zimmerman and Elmer Sorensen, members of the Milford Lions Club, were busy late Monday afternoon picking up trash along SR 15 North. About five volunteers were busy picking up trash all the way to US 6.

Milford residents Dale and Peg Custer of Superior Excavating, along with sons, Derek and Adam, were introduced Thursday night at the Homes on Parade VIP night in Warsaw. The Custers are the developers of Shadow Lakes, this year’s 18th annual Homes on Parade site.

Recently moved into its new location is Diamond Auto Sales on the corner of Higbee and Emeline streets, the former site of the Marathon station. New signs have been added to the canopy. Jason and Lee Ann Brune, owners of the auto sales and repair business, are no strangers to the

Milford area, their business was previously located near Jerry’s Carpet just south of Milford.

30 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 15, 1993

Trischa Speicher, a senior at Wawasee High School, has been named one of more than 15,000 semifinalists in the 1994 National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented secondary school senior have an opportunity to continue in the competition for more than 6,500 Merit Scholarships, worth over $25 million, to be awarded next spring. Trischa is the 16-yearold daughter of Tom and Tammy Speicher, Milford.

Triplets were born Sunday afternoon, Sept. 12, to a former Milford resident and her husband.

Lewis and Sonia (Melendez) Vasquez welcome their first children — two girls and a boy — who were born approximately seven weeks early in Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo, Mich.

40 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 21, 1983

Dr. John Dick is Milford’s newest addition to the medical community. He has joined the practice of Dr. Floyd Rheinheimer, located on Main Street in Milford. Tuesday, Sept. 20, marked the new doctor’s first day of scheduling patients in the office.

Marine Cpl. Terry H. Snyder, whose wife, Julie, is the daugh-

ter of Carroll and Thelma Walton of Milford, has been awarded a Meritorious Mast while serving with Third Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. A Meritorious Mast is official recognition from a Marine’s commanding officer for superior individual performance.

Milford Shoe and Clothing has been sold by Eldred and Florence Mabie to Richard and Annie Bender. The Benders will handle the same type of merchandise and will resume responsibilities for the store on October 1.

50 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 19, 1973

As we hear it Jeff Dippon is making plans to move to Florida where he will work and attend school in Gainesville.

Eldon Wilson, minister of the Milford Christian church, has moved his family into their new purchased home east of Milford.

Mr. and Mrs. Donn Kesler of Milford celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in their home at a surprise dinner party recently. The party was planned by their family — Miss Linda Kesler of Washington, D.C., Mr. and Mrs. Rex (Nancy) Brock of Indianapolis and Miss Diane Kesler at home; and Miss Ruth Angle, sister of Mrs. Kesler. Donn Kesler and the former Mary Angle were married August 29, 1948, in Peru.

It happened in Syracuse ... 10 years ago

Wawasee welcomes foreign exchange students

10 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 18, 2013

Sherry Lantz shared, “A group of 15 or so Red Cross volunteers recently toured the National Weather Service station south of Syracuse. Our extremely knowledgeable guide, Michael Lewis, imparted a lot of background and history surrounding weather reporting, past and present, both worldwide and at their northern Indiana location. Our tour lasted about two hours including an amazing look into what goes on inside their weather lab. At the time we went through, four people were monitoring 18 small screens and four large screens which were displaying past, current and future weather data worldwide, regionally and locally.

Foreign exchange students attending Wawasee High School during the 2013-14 academic year, with their home country and name of host family, include Joao Lacerda, Brazil, Tim

and Sheila McGee of Syracuse; Riccardo Arossa, Italy, Laraine Tucco of Cromwell; Rasmus Rich, Denmark, Brian and Constance Richcreek of Syracuse; Joao Teixeira, Brazil, Todd and Tisha Holsten, Leesburg; Jan Jensen, Denmark, Steve and Karyl Hapner of Milford; Youngsung Jo, South Korea, Gary and Pam Pletcher of Syracuse; and Marte Tveraa, Norway, Alan and Kelly Abrams of Leesburg. 20 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 17, 2003 Jake and Pat Bitner, Syracuse/Webster Road, Syracuse, had the pleasure of accompanying their granddaughter, Kellie Koerner of Lafayette, to Holland this summer while Kellie competed in an international soccer tournament. Before boarding for their overseas flight, the Bitner and Koerner family (Kellie’s parents are Steve and Linda) toured Ground Zero in New York. Steve and Irene Kalisik, Me-

Continued on page 11

Nicholas

Murphy named product design engineer for Chore-Time

Nicholas Murphy has been named product design engineer for Chore-Time, according to Todd Martin, engineering manager for the CTB Inc. business unit. In his new role, Murphy will design, develop and create innovative poultry components and equipment to meet customer expectations and

business goals. Prior to joining CTB, Murphy worked as an engineering intern in the engineered component process industry where he conducted tests of the atomization process, collected data to analyze efficiency and spot errors and completed work independently and with other engineers.

A graduate of Purdue University, West Lafayette, Murphy received his bachelor of science degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering in the spring of this year. A native of Leesburg, he still resides there.

Wawasee welcomes

Continued from page 10

dusa Street, Syracuse, joined their son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Julie, who flew in from Melbourne, Fla., to attend the Notre-Dame/University of Michigan game Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich. Steve and Julie’s daughter, Kelli, graduated from Notre Dame in May and now attends the University of Michigan. She received her degree in higher education administration and is studying for her master’s degree. The Michigan Wolverines won big — 38 to 0. Irene told Kelli that, in her situation, no matter which team won, she was a winner!

30 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 15, 1993

Roger and Cindy Niles of Syracuse haven’t really had the time yet to enjoy their new home on CR 950N. The Niles couple and their children, Tara, 13; and Adam, 11, moved from their home near the Hess and Leland Additions on CR 800E to their new conventionally built home several weeks ago. The home, which has thick log siding, does have lights and plumbing, but a lot of interior work still needs to be done. Roger stated it is currently like camping, given the wood floors in the home.

While the Wawasee Kiwanis did not raise as much money for Riley’s Children Hospital and the local needy family fund as it had hoped in this year’s Kiss

A Pig Contest, there as a lot of fun had by all. It is rumored that Kim Lobsinger had told several of his campaign workers, all in fun of course, that if he won they would be teaching somewhere else, with one individual being sent to Alaska to coach penguins. Kip Schumm, Syracuse, who was next to last going into the final days of the contest, had a big surge at the last moment, thanks to help from his co-workers, to finish in the middle of the pack. Schumm was joking with several of the contests after they observed

the pig shivering in its pen, that either the pig was cold or nervous. Bill Hennessy was the winner and had the honor of kissing the pig.

40 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 21, 1983

The Turkey Creek Senior Citizens met Sunday, Sept. 17 in The Syracuse Scout Cabin for a carry-in dinner and meeting.

Lloyd Rummel said the table grace. Following the meal, president Mary Evans opened the meeting with the pledge to the flag. She then asked for the secretary’s report and treasurer’s report. A table was decorated for all who celebrated birthdays in July, August and September. Mabel Valentine baked the decorated birthday cake. There was 29 members and two guests present. Table games followed the dinner.

The Syracuse Business and Professional Women’s Club met on September 13 at the Fredetta Money residence. Hostesses for the evening were Fredetta Money, Blanch Mason and Anna Craw. There were 18 members and one guest, Keitha Carbineau present. A carry-in dinner was enjoyed by all. Following the business meeting, games were played, Door pizes was won by Georgia Buster. 50 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 19, 1973

Miss Kim Handgen, 17, granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James G. Purvis of r 4 Syracuse, was named Goshen’s Junior Miss in ceremonies held Saturday night in he Goshen high school auditorium. Winning over a field of 15 Goshen high school senior girls, the new Junior Miss will represent Goshen in Indiana Junior Miss contest next January in Frankfort.

Edwin Cable, drum major first class at Fairfield high school and son of Mr. and Mrs. William Cable, r 2 Syracuse, received the band award for musical contribution presented at Fairfield’s first football game.

Northern Lakes Insurance is Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber September Member Of The Month

Northern Lakes Insurance is the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber Member of the Month for September.

Northern Lakes continues a four-decade commitment to provide protection and planning services for the community, in-

cluding: employee benefit plans; business, home, auto, farm insurance; non-profit protection; liability umbrella coverages; estate planning; long term care; disability; life insurance; dental, vision and hearing coverage; and much more.

Contact Northern Lakes Insurance at (574) 457-5931 or northernlakesinsurance.com for all insurance needs. They are located at 201A E. Palm Drive, Syracuse. Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber strives to enhance our community by engaging and advancing

member businesses, aspiring to be a community where businesses flourish, residents thrive, and visitors are inspired. For more information on the chamber, contact Ashley Dillon, executive director at (574) 4575637 or info@swchamber.com.

Hoosier girls are increasingly facing mental health challenges — and many of their struggles are going unnoticed or unaddressed.

That’s according to a new report published this month by the Indiana Youth Institute and the Girl Coalition of Indiana.

The 2023 State of the Indiana Girl Report — the first of its kind — dives into mental health data and surveys completed by schoolaged kids across the state.

The report found that Hoosier girls are “experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis.” Their symptoms can be easy to hide and often go unnoticed, according to the study, and even when they seek help, there is a shortage of mental health professionals — especially in schools.

Data indicates that nearly half of Hoosier girls in grades 7-12 experienced depression in 2022, and close to one in four girls seriously considered suicide. The report also found that girls in Indiana are twice as likely as boys to become victims of traditional bullying, and three times as likely to become vic-

tims of cyberbullying.

“There is a stark discrepancy between the mental and physical health of Indiana’s girls and their male counterparts,” said Girl Coalition of Indiana Executive Director, Mackenzie Pickerrell, in a statement. “This report shines a light on what many of us knew already, our girls are not OK, and we must act now to remove the barriers that exist throughout Indiana which prevent our girls from thriving.”

More than 6,000 Indiana girls in high school not just considered suicide, but began to engage and think about the details of how they would carry it out, according to the report.

At least 16,835 Hoosier girls in grades 7-12 indicated they experienced depression from 2021-2022. Nearly a quarter of female respondents indicated that they had seriously considered attempting suicide sometime in the past year.

More than 8,000 middle school and high school girls further reported they had “seriously considered” taking their life during the same school year. About 17.5% of high school girls surveyed said they made a plan to attempt suicide.

North Webster Community Public Library — Library cards offer access to many online resources

What can you do with a North Webster library card? Many people believe that libraries are only about physical books and that couldn’t be further from the truth. NWCPL offers a plethora of online and digital resources besides the fantastic physical collection.

A North Webster library card offers access to thousands of free e-books and audiobooks through the library’s e-book platforms

Libby and Hoopla. Simply download the free apps, login with your library card number and PIN number and read (or listen) to your heart’s content. Hoopla even offers access to TV shows, music and movies.

Besides e-books and other entertainment materials, the library also offers access to multiple online databases that provide a wide array of knowledge and information. Check out NWCPL’s specially curated local history and genealogy resources, access Ancestory.com or Heritage Quest from the library’s website. Need information on a different topic?

Check out the library’s A-Z databases or utilize Inspire databases from the library’s website. These resources provide information on a huge variety of topics including health, law, education, foreign languages and more.

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

NWCPL is hosting A Matter of Balance at 10:30 a.m. Mon-

day, Sept. 25. Purdue Extension educator Shannon Shepherd will be teaching this class that aims to help older adults learn techniques to manage falls. September’s class is already full, however, if you are interested in this class, the library will be offering another session starting in January. Contact the library to express interest in the January session.

Get Fit While You Sit chair exercise classes are back this week.

Join in at 10:30 a.m. or 4 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 28. These exercise classes are identical and are free and open to the public.

Let’s Move Dance Class, 5 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 28. Join in for a

fun time of dancing to dance videos, learning new dance steps and getting a great workout. Class is free and suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels.

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, Sept. 25, for video games like MarioKart, Roblox and Minecraft, board games and a delectable array of snacks, drinks and coffee.

The Teen Advisory Board will be meeting at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27. Teens will be helping to plan events, create displays

Girls, especially teenage girls, are more likely to develop mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, researchers said. They’re also at a higher risk of experiencing symptoms at earlier ages.

That’s because girls and boys process emotional stimuli differently, and because girls typically undergo puberty and emotional maturity earlier than their male counterparts.

The study emphasizes that when factors like bullying and trauma are present in a girl’s life, however, the risk and manifestation of mental health disorders increases. Many adolescents have also yet to fully develop healthy coping methods and regulation while in high school.

School-aged kids are more likely to get proper care — and better long-term success — when they have involved parents, trusted mentors, and access to trained mental health professionals.

On average, 87.3% of Hoosier girls reported having an adult in their lives that they felt comfortable seeking help from, compared to 81% of boys.

Even so, the report noted that students in Indiana continue to lack access to mental health professionals and counselors in schools — a critical resource and first stop for many kids seeking help.

Indiana’s student-to-counselor ratio is currently the highest in the country, with schools employing just 1,494 counselors statewide for more than 1 million students. Compared to the national average, that’s 286 more students per counselor.

Even last year’s ratio of 475 students per counselor put Indiana far above the American School Counselor Association’s recommendation of 250-to-1.

Separately, student-to-school psychologist ratios in Indiana are 4.5 times higher than recommend-

ed, and caseloads for social workers are 11 times higher, according to the 2023 report.

Hoosier girls also report higher rates of bullying.

In 2021, 19.7% of high school girls in Indiana reported being bullied on school property, while 22.1% of girls reported having been cyberbullied — nearly double the rate of traditional bullying and triple the rate of cyberbullying among boys, according to the report.

The rate of physical and sexual dating violence has additionally increased among Hoosier girls from 2015 to 2021, while the prevalence of physical and sexual dating violence among boys has decreased.

In 2021, high school girls reported experiencing sexual violence at five times the rate of high school boys.

The study also found that girls were admitted for inpatient care at a hospital more than three times the rate of boys in 2021.

Among all youth in Indiana ages 0-24, girls made up 65% of emergency room visits and 76% of all inpatient hospital stays. Over 33,000 girls were admitted for inpatient care in 2021, more than tripling the rate of boys’ inpatient care.

While the report indicates there are not wide gaps in health insurance coverage between boys and girls, 6.5% of Indiana girls were not covered by health insurance in 2021 — equal to roughly 50,000 girls in Indiana who did not have access to health insurance. Of those who were covered, 33.8% received coverage via public health insurance Youth and mental health advocates said the research can be used as a “roadmap” or foundation for providing the necessary resources to encourage safe environments for girls, especially when it comes to navigating sensitive topics, such as mental health, sexual dating violence, gender bias and bullying.

ORDINANCE 09-01-2023

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 93-5 REGULATING THE CONDUCT OF “GARAGE SALES” WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF SILVER LAKE, INDIANA

WHEREAS, the Town Council Members of the Town of Silver Lake, Kosciusko County, Indiana finds it necessary to amend Ordinance 93-5 and,

THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, the following sections of Ordinance 93-5 be amended as follows:

and help shape the young adult group at the library.

Youth Events

Preschool Story Time will be held at both 10:30 and 11:30

a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27. Join Mrs. Pam to sing songs, read books, share fingerplays and learn through fun literacy activities and crafts. This program is geared toward children ages 3-6, but all family members are invited. Registration is requested, but visitors are always welcome.

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

Section 1. Amendments a) Section 4. Time Limits Sub-Section b) shall read. Each sale may be active and display items for sale for a period not to exceed thirty-two (32) consecutive hours. At the end of any sale period all sale items and display paraphernalia must be removed from public view in all directions of the property including front, back and side yards.

b) Section 7. Violations shall read. Any person, persons, firms, or corporations who violates the provisions of this Ordinance shall be subject to a fine of not less than twenty-five

Hoosier girls are facing an ‘unprecedented’ mental health crisis, according to new report

SPEC has new calendars for sale

We have exciting news from the senior center this week. We will have 2024 calendars again this year. Our calendar from last year was so popular our local artist, Fred Clark, volunteered to do 12 more historical paintings for a new calendar for this year.

It will feature Culver Feed Mill, The Flowing Well, North Webster School, Pure Oil Gas station, The Lumberyard, Farmers State Bank, the old post office, Bodkins Variety Store, the Grill and Skillet, K’s Food Market, Teghtmeyer’s Hardware, and Backwater Store.

It is a little history of North Webster with each month. We will be getting our first 100 by Oct. 7.

I will have a proof at the center to check out and preorder.

Our euchre tournament is Sept. 21; you can check next week’s The Mail-Journal for our winners.

We presented Mark Herring a certificate of appreciation for all he contributes to our center. He is responsible for all the wonderful snack breaks at the tournament, plus he is always there for us if we need him. Thank you, Mark.

Church

more information. Stop in and check us next time you are in North Webster.

White washed tombs—

Where do we find ourselves today?

So what do we do? Can we be redeemed; can the church be revived? Well, scripturally speaking, yes! In a recent series on Revelation, we examined these. It appears, at least to me to make a lot of sense. The first R is to remember. Remember where the church began.

Now I’m not talking Methodist Church I am referring to the church in general. Where did the church begin? What things did the early church do that we can, in faith, use? Well, I’m glad you asked. They devoted themselves to prayer. I have said in the past if you want to draw a crowd to church feed them food. If you want to drive people away, call for a prayer meeting.

It’s time for the church to pray.

But, you’re saying, we pray, every Sunday, we say the Lord’s prayer.

Do you think the only prayer the disciples were praying was the Lord’s Prayer? If you do, it’s time to reexamine this. They, I believe, were crying out to God to show them their next steps. God, what do you want us to do? Time to devote ourselves to prayer, fullblown, on our face, sackcloth and

Around The Lakes

WAWASEE FFA will be hosting a Feed the Farms event. Members are partnering with three local grain elevators to distribute sack lunches on Nov. 4. The lunches will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CereServ, Clunette and Deatsman, all in Leesburg. Stop by and pick up lunches for your entire crew. You do not have to be a customer to receive meals.

The FFA also wants to thank everyone who stopped and saw them at Milford Food Truck Friday. They want to give a special thank you to those donated to this event. If you or your business wants to donate to FFA, reach out to Lucas Wilkinson, Lukewilkinson283@gmail.com; Breanna Bartman , bbartman@wawasee.k12.in.us; or Mariah Roberts, mroberts@wawasee.k12.in.us.

Pictured above during the Food Truck Friday event are, from left: Taelyn Tom, Libby Haab and Josie Melton. —o—

LEADERS AT Milford Methodist Meeting House are excited to see what L.I.T.E. Recovery Hub is doing for the community, and are proud to host them in their facilities in the former Milford United Methodist Church.

family-friendly event is hosted alongside the final date of the Artisans & Farmers Market and will feature several fall-themed activities, including hay rides, pumpkin decorating, bounce house obstacle course, games, animals, food vendors and more.

20TH CENTURY Restaurant, located north of Milford at the intersection of US 6 and SR 15, is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. On Jan. 1, 2024, the Brooks family will have owned and operated the restaurant for 50 years.

They have been trying to compile a list of past employees and don’t want to leave anyone out. If you or a friend ever worked there please message the restaurant on Facebook or by email at 20thcenturyrest.615@gmail.com. You can also give them a call at (574) 831-4913 with the information.

More details on their 50th celebration will be forthcoming, but the Brooks family wanted to give their appreciation to all their past and present customers and employees. —o—

ashes type prayer. Not this superficial, rote prayer that has no intention to connect with God. We are called to humility, and frankly, I don’t see a whole lot of this in the church today. So, remember where we began, humble prayer. But what else did they do?

They spent time in the Scripture. They reflected upon everything Jesus taught them. Many a church has failed because they abandoned the Bible. You can’t expect God to speak to us if we don’t believe He gave us the Bible to speak to us. We can’t be expecting God to speak to us if we don’t believe He gave us the Bible to speak to us. We can’t be expecting God to speak through some program rolled out by the conference, or the latest book written by some modern-day philosopher.

Sadly, this is one area I believe we have gotten wrong. I have sat under pastors who believed the latest philosophy is greater than the Bible. Current events are more important than God’s word. I have heard sermon series in books like, “Where’s My Cheese.” I have heard of sermon series called the Be Happy Attitudes. It’s time to stop and get back to preaching from our Bibles. Studying our Bibles, daily waiting for God to speak from our Bibles. The early church believed it was important, maybe it’s time we remember and do likewise. The second “R” may be even more difficult for the modern church to accept, “Repent.” I say this one will be difficult because I don’t see a lot of humility

Syracuse Church of God announces Kids Klub

Syracuse Church of God invites all community children to its Wednesday night Kids Klub starting Sept. 27.

All children ages 5 through fifth grade are welcome to come.

The evening starts at 6 p.m. with a free meal for the children and their families followed by activities from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Activities include singing, stories, games, crafts and adventures wandering through the Bible.

Kids Klub will be held every Wednesday evening during the school year. Kids Klub will not be held during school breaks or if school is cancelled due to inclement weather.

Syracuse Church of God is located at 104 E. Washington St., one block north of the Syracuse Public Library.

For more information, call (574) 457-2796, visit syracusechurchofgod.com or find us on Facebook.

in the church today. One feature of repentance is humility. You cannot repent without it. If you attempt to repent because you think it will allow you some sort of gift from God, you are wrong. Remember the prayer of the early church? They spent much time humbling themselves before God. The Jews might have something on us here. How did a Jew show humility before God? Sackcloth and ashes. What exactly is a sackcloth anyway?

Sackcloth. A rough cloth made from animal hair, usually that of a goat or camel. In both Greek and ancient Near Eastern literature, it refers to a type of material used in various household duties such as the construction of clothing and sacks; the word can also refer to the clothing or sack itself. In the ancient Near East, the use of a garment made of sackcloth came to symbolize sorrow or submission. The Hebrew and Greek words undoubtedly share a common etymology. It wasn’t something you put on to go to church on Sundays, It was rough stuff and able to hold things in. Not unlike a gunny sack, I would have used it working for a farmer in northern Colorado. We called them potato sacks, and I wouldn’t have wanted to wear one. If, as a Jew, you were wearing a sackcloth everyone knew you were either mourning or repenting. Could it be we need sackcloth to wear?

Now I’m not saying run out and get a gunny sack and cut arm holes and that will bring about repentance. I’m saying this was a sign of humility. It’s time the church humble itself, throw ashes upon our heads, put on our gunny sacks and pray. Ask God to forgive us for leaving our first love and remember were we began.

Repentance: a change of attitude and action from sin toward obedience to God. The concept of repentance differs slightly in the Hebrew and Greek minds, but an emphasis on right behavior is consistent throughout.

Remember where we began, humble ourselves with sackcloth and ashes, and repent for abandoning God in favor of the world. Because if we don’t, Jesus will.

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Find out more by joining them for the grand opening of the L.I.T.E. Recovery Café from 1-3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. MMMH is located at 210 W. Catherine St. For more information, visit literecoveryhub. org.

THE WAWASEE Gridiron tailgate cookout will take place from 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, prior to the homecoming football game in the parking lot adjacent to the football field. Chubbies Pub and Grub will be serving up burgers and brats with chips for $5, or steak tips for $10. Everyone is welcome.

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NORTH WEBSTER United Methodist Church’s fall AWANA program started this week, but it’s not too late for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade to join in the fun. Kids in the program always have a great time in the program, which includes Bible lessons, music, games, crafts and a snack.

Every time your child attends and completes each rotation they earn AWANA cash, which can be used in the AWANA store to buy cool prizes on the final day. The program takes place from 6-7:45 p.m. Monday evenings through Oct. 30, with the exception of Oct. 16 for fall break.

If you have any questions, contact Lindsey Hensley through Facebook. The church is located at 7822 E. Epworth Forest Road, North Webster.

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MILFORD FIRE Chief Virgil Sharp has announced the department will hold its annual chicken barbecue fundraiser from 11 a.m.2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1. The fundraiser helps purchase needed equipment for the volunteer firemen, so be sure to clear your lunch calendar that day to support the department. Get there early to make sure they have enough for your family!

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AT PRESS time, Chautauqua-Wawasee ‘s annual Historical Tour of Lake Wawasee aboard the SS Lillypad had a few tickets left. The cruise leaves from The Frog at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28. The cruise includes food and a cash bar. Tickets are $25 available at CHQW.org or by calling (574) 377-7543.

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NORTH WEBSTER American Legion will host a picnic and entertainment Saturday, Sept. 30. Sign up starts at noon. Beez and the Rocker will perform.

The Legion had a birthday celebration with cake Monday, Sept. 18, for the Air Force, as well its Air Force veterans, at the American Legion Post. The Air Force was established Sept. 18, 1947.

For upcoming events at the Legion, visit facebook.com/American LegionPost253.

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JOIN THE Syracuse Parks & Recreation Department for the 15th annual Fall Harvest Festival, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Lakeside Park in Syracuse. This

CONGRATULATIONS TO firefighter/ paramedic Constance McKee-Richcreek and firefighter/EMT John VanderReyden on being sworn last week as full-time staff of Turkey Creek Fire Territory following their completion of their respective probationary years. —o—

DON’T FORGET this is fall cleanup week in Milford. Take your refuse to the utilities building at 600 N. Main St. Sept. 21-23. The hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 8-11:30 a.m. Saturday. —o—

CHRIS FRANCIS of North Webster received his ceremonial oath of office from Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer at the Friday, Sept. 15, Warsaw Board of Works meeting. Francis has successfully completed the state-mandated, one-year probationary period for a new hire. He was officially hired by WPD Sept. 4, 2022.

Previously working 16 years as a full-time deputy for the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Francis held the rank of sergeant and was assigned as public information officer. Prior to that, he served two years as a jail officer.

Francis received a degree in criminal justice from Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne. He is also a volunteer firefighter for Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory and is the Tippecanoe Township Trustee. Francis received Firefighter of the Year in 2013, the fire chief’s appreciation award in 2017 and was selected as the 2021 North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year.

“Officer Francis was a welcome addition to our department, as he has brought extensive law enforcement experience and knowledge to our patrol division,” said Police Chief Scott Whitaker. Francis’s desire to serve our community is apparent, by both past success and his commitment to our department. We look forward to seeing his success in phase two of his law enforcement career.” —o—

LAST WEEK, 31 Wawasee and Fairfield high school media students under the tutelage of Jeremy Van Lue had the opportunity to visit the University of Notre Dame Media Department and tour their facilities.

Blake Hayne, an assistant baseball and football coach at Wawasee works full time at Notre Dame in the IT department. Last spring Haynie mentioned to Van Lue that there might be an opportunity to visit the school this year.

Arrangements were made and the students were able to see what Notre Dame offers in broadcast media, including the services they provide the university not only for athletics, but audio and video technology for professors and their classes. Afterward, the students had a chance to go to Eddy Street Commons for lunch to top off their experience!

Pierceton and Warsaw

Michael and Tracy Wilson