The Mail-Journal - October 4, 2023

Wawasee student body shows support for bullied teen

In less than 24 hours, students at Wawasee High School created a banner of support for one of their own whose home was vandalized by bullies recently.

Art teacher Christi Ziebarth didn’t realize the extent of the damage until she took a different route home and drove by the student’s house early last week. Determined to do something, she put a plan in motion.

First she told her husband she needed his tractor tarp, which was once a billboard poster. “Teachers know how to find resources,” she said. She put the tarp in her car and stopped by the student’s home the next day just as her dad, Clayton Rohr, was pulling in from a trip to Kentucky. After hearing what she wanted to do, he said yes. Her next task was to request permission from WHS Principal Geoff Walmer to go forward with the project. He said yes.

Her students pushed the furniture out of the way in her classroom and with paint and a lot of heart went to work Wednesday, Sept. 27, on a banner of support that would cover the graffiti. Thursday morning, Sept. 28, the banner went up in the commons area of the high school for other students to sign with messages of support.

Ziebarth’s class gently pulled the banner down, carried it outside

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Justice building security ordinance amended

Editor’s Note: You may have noticed in last week’s The Mail-Journal the headline and article did not match regarding the “Justice building security ordinance” headline. Below is the correct article.

The security ordinance that limited or prohibited deadly weapons, cell phones, recordings and food in the Justice Building was amended

by the Kosciusko County Commissioners Tuesday, Sept. 26, but still left concerns for a Warsaw man who questioned the constitutionality of it Tuesday and on Sept. 12.

The commissioners approved the original ordinance on Aug. 15.

County attorney Ed Ormsby read applicable portions of the ordinance Tuesday and spoke about what had changed in it.

Reading the ordinance, he said, “1.) No person, other than law enforcement officers, elected officials,

officers of the court and authorized security personnel for the Justice Building shall possess within the Justice Building any deadly weapon as defined by Indiana code.

“2.) Except as otherwise authorized by one of the judges and except for law enforcement officers, elected officials, officers of the court, authorized security personnel for the Justice Building and employees or contractors of the county or the state of Indiana that are conducting official business: No person

shall possess or use a mobile phone on the second floor of the Justice Building.”

He continued, “3.) No person shall bring food or drink into the Justice Building, except for persons that work at the Justice Building.”

A violation of section 1 of the ordinance may result in a fine of up to but not more than $2,500 for the first violation and up to but not more than $7,500 for a second or subsequent violation per Indiana code.

WACF Falltastic, a great family event to enjoy the trails

Wawasee

This year join Dr. Nate Bosch, director at Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams, and learn how to “read” the woods, from 1-2:30

p.m. Saturday. Indiana’s natural woodlands are a defining feature of the state. Learning to identify trees is like learning to read. Those wishing to explore this adventure should meet in the pavilion.

The trails provide an opportunity to get away from the noise and hustle and bustle of everyday life. While walking the trails at your own pace, listen to the

tranquility of the area and the sounds of nature while taking in the signs of fall. Who knows what woodland creatures you may encounter along the trails or what spectacular sites nature will provide.

Every year since 2015, WACF has hosted the trail walk on three trails, with 2 miles of the trails decorated for fall/Hallow-

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A violation of section 2 or 3 of the ordinance may result in a fine of up to, but not more than $100 for a first violation and up to, but not more than, $250 for a second or subsequent violation per Indiana code.

The ordinance does not restrict the lawful authority of the judges to adopt more restrictive orders or rules within and about the court-

rooms of the Justice Building. The previous ordinance was repealed and replaced by the new version of the ordinance.

“That is the amended ordinance itself. The changes that were made to the ordinance that was passed on Aug. 15 are two changes,” Ormsby said. “The commissioners have taken out the portion of the previContinued on page 2

The winter garden

Wawasee student body

Continued from page 1

where it was coated with a quick dry lacquer so it will hold up to the elements. “Painting is only for beauty,” Ziebarth yelled, encouraging her students to repeat the mantra.

Led by Walmer, the students carried the banner to the Rohr home where, with help from Clayton, it was hung over the graffiti. The banner covers all of the vandalism.

“I think this speaks volumes,” Rohr told the students. “I wish kids were like this when he (Walmer) and I were in school. You guys did a great job.” Rohr and Walmer were classmates in Warsaw.

“I know you know this is special,” Walmer said. “I know you poured your hearts into this. ...Ten years ago from now, you’ll realize (just) how special this is,” Walmer told the students.

“I think it’s amazing to see all the love,” Clayton said. He explained he hasn’t been able to remove the graffiti because he had to a police report. The vandals used spray paint designed to fuse to plastic, so the vinyl siding has to be replaced.

Abby Helman, a friend of Clayton’s daughter, Ariana, who has been bullied, brought her home to see the banner. She spent several minutes looking it over and reading the various messages her fellow students left on it.

“This banner is amazing. I will appreciate it forever,” she said. She said she also appreciated all of the support she’s received from the community since the news broke about the vandalism.

“Choose kindness. There’s no reason to be rude. In five months, five years this isn’t going to matter. We’ll be out of high school,” she said

about the bullying.

Noting she hadn’t had any interactions with the students suspected of the vandalism, Ariana said she felt, “the bullying is to get power. It’s ridiculous. It’s selfish. I never did anything to them.”

Ariana also wanted to make sure the community knew how much she appreciated the gifts, cards and care packages people sent to her.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “This will definitely be in the history of the house and this school.”

Clayton explained their home dates back to 1850 and was the second home built in Turkey Creek Township. He’s done extensive research on the families who have lived in the home since it was built.

Clayton echoed his daughter, stating a bully’s power is secrecy, and he expects his daughter’s bullies to be outed very soon.

My winter gardens are indoors as well as out of doors. The difference the indoor garden makes is which seeds and plants will grow best by a sunny window or under artificial lights called “grow lights’ and labeled as such.

As the sun changes positions you will have sunlight in windows that have been shaded during summer. The solar passive heat present during this time is loved by the dandelion who survives under all circumstance and doesn’t need to come in the house for protection.

The indoor plants that have been on vacation come in first. They are cleaned, given some liquid fertilizer and a debugger of your choice. Try to use a day when outside temp matches indoor temp to keep leaves from dropping or turning yellow. Plants with light weight leaves, like spider plant, chlorophytum comosum, are first, strong leaves like snake plant sansevieria next and Christmas cactus, schlumbergera last, she can stay out till 40 degrees it helps to set her blossoms.

In January I start my seeds, to be used as house plants or outdoor plants like hosta, under lights.

The outdoor vegetables seeds I plant outside, in relocated hanging baskets when petunias and such are removed. I reuse the potting soil, refresh if necessary, place them on the ground in plac-

Part two —

WACF Falltastic

Continued from page 1

een. Each year more decorations are added. Along with the decorations, interesting facts about water quality and how animals prepare for winter can be found along the walks.

This is a family-oriented event and kids are welcome to come in costumes. Even the family dog is welcome to come and walk the trails with owners, as long as the furry pet is on a leash. Refreshments will be offered at

the Ruddell Pavilion for both humans and dogs. Guests are asked to register at the pavilion (because numbers count), and enjoy the beauty of the fall season and the refreshments.

Justice building security

Continued from page 1

ous ordinance that said no person shall use a device to record audio or video or take pictures in the Justice Building. And then, the other change is the penalty for possession and use of a mobile phone on the second floor of the Justice Building has been changed from a fine of up to $2,500 to a fine of up to $100 and then $250 for subsequent violations.”

Commissioner Bob Conley made a motion to approve the new ordinance.

Commissioner Cary Groninger asked to confirm the revised ordinance prohibited cell phones on the second floor of the Justice Building but a person can have them on the first floor. Ormsby said that was correct. Groninger then seconded Conley’s motion.

“I would add that we did a walk through of the Justice Building to try to come up with an area upstairs that made sense to be able to have phones. The layout of the judges’ chambers are all right there. It’s really impossible to have an area up there,” Commissioner Brad Jackson said.

He said they also talked about getting lockers for people to put their cell phones in so they don’t have to go back out to their vehicles to put their phones away or retrieve them.

Conley said the delineation of the first floor was pretty obvious.

“You go up the stairs or up the elevator, that’s the line that we drew to get better balance so people can use their phones if they need to, access information on their phones as needed but still give security and

some assemblance to the judges and the courtrooms.”

The commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the revised ordinance.

Matt Banta, who questioned the constitutionality of the original ordinance on Sept. 15, was back before the commissioners Tuesday to question the constitutionality of the revised version.

“I’m very glad to see that the photography part was taken away, but I have questions about the second floor. On the second floor, is there any part of the second floor that is open to the public? ... So, to me, this sounds like a deprivation of property if you tell me I can’t take my phone up to the public lobby to support someone who’s going into court,” Banta said.

He understands he can’t use his phone in court, but it was his understanding the whole ordinance was put together to protect the judges from people misbehaving in court.

“I have a problem with my rights being taken away because of someone else’s behavior. ... But if you deny the public access to their own property in a place that they’re allowed to be, in public, that’s a Fourth Amendment violation and you’re looking for a lawsuit,” Banta stated.

“I’m not a guy who’s going to just sit down. This is not right,” Banta stated.

Conley said the commissioners were allowing him to use his phone on the first floor inside the Justice Building.

“If I have to go to court, am I supposed to sit on the first floor until

court is called, or am I supposed to wait on the second floor?” Banta asked.

“That’s totally up to you. You do what you want to do,” Conley said.

After a disagreement between Banta and Conley over whether or not Conley said “he didn’t care,” Jackson thanked Banta for his comments and the commissioners said no more.

In other business, the commissioners approved:

• Kosciusko County Highway Department Superintendent Steve Moriarty’s request to advertise for the 2024 annual highway supply bids on Oct. 4 and 11. The bids will be opened at the commissioners meeting Nov. 6 at 9:15 a.m.

• Kosciusko County Emergency Management Agency Director Kip Shuter’s request to apply for the Emergency Management Performance grant for $55,000. The grant covers 50% of the full-time EMA employees for fiscal year 2023. Shuter also informed the commissioners at 2:20 p.m. Oct. 4 there will be a nationwide emergency alert test so all cell phones will receive that emergency warning.

• Two rezoning requests as presented by Area Plan Director Matt Sandy. The first was for Brett Harter, rezoning 6.22 acres from agricultural to an agricultural II district on the south side of CR 500N, just west of Sullivan Road near the North Webster-Oswego area.

The final request was to rezone 23 acres from agricultural to commercial for Kenneth Showalter. on the west side of SR 15, just north of CR 400N in Plain Township.

es out of traffic patterns, let the snow pile on. The once hanging baskets now out side become winter gardens. It will provide a good harvest of small leaves or sprouts all winter. Then the plants will take off in the spring to be arranged somewhere else.

By Oct. 10 you may expect frost. Seeds or seedlings planted in September will be spared.

Planting seeds, in all the old familiar places where annuals once stood are green snap peas, under a trellis, others good for sprouts are arugula, spinach, kale, collards and salsify (a carrot dressed in a brown coat), and collards. As seedlings they may be used as garnish amendments for your winter dinner cuisine.

To prepare plants for harsh weather cover with leaf mulch

for protection and to feed hungry critters. The leaves add tasty flavor to soups and casseroles of winter.

However through all my years of “ digging in the dirt” the dandelion, blooming first in spring, known as “queenbee” food, has crossed my path with many colloquial conversations. Taraxacum pseudoroseum is a species of flowering plant related to the common dandelion, however, unlike the common dandelion, of which is native to Europe, Taraxacum pseudoroseum is not invasive and is cultivated throughout the world. With its unique shape of leaf, it is not hard to identify, by the wine makers, salad lovers, the medics and cookie bakers may have the name of pink dandelion.

The history of funeral service in Syracuse

Editor’s Note: This is part two of a series on the history of funeral service in Syracuse.

Michael Harris obtained his information for these articles from The Syracuse Journal, and Ron and Joan Sharp’s various volumes of “A History of Syracuse.”

J.W. Rothenberger, the son of the Rev. Daniel Rothenberger, grew up on the family farm outside of Syracuse. He moved to town about 1894 and acquired a local dry goods business from a Mr. Kindig. From then on, he became heavily engaged in a variety of businesses, most of which centering around his furniture store and apparent love of music.

Over the years he ventured into barbering, bringing an experienced barber to town ... since his first wife was a Bushong, there may have been an association between his barbering interests and those of the Bushong’s who remained a long-time barbering family in Syracuse.

He sold bicycles, fine cigars, wallpaper, groceries, pianos and sheet music and was an early real estate broker. Ron Sharp states J.W. began his funeral business in 1898. And while that is definitely the year he came to town, all of the ads — of which there were many — he took out in the local paper, seem to indicate he was involved in the sale of pianos and the other goods and services mentioned, rather than the funeral business, prior to 1908, when he definitely began to provide funeral service, while concurrently maintaining his store.

Rothenberger would go on to serve the community for over 30 years. During this time period, the undertaker was seen as one of the principal developers of a community. He was constantly updating his equipment and buying the latest cars to better serve his public.

It was also shortly after the turn of the century undertakers began providing ambulance service and both he and C.E. Wilcox did so. This was however an interesting period in the funeral business in Syracuse. Prior to that time, it appears there was only one official undertaker in the community.

During Rothenberger’s time

there were a few competitors but none of them seemed to last.

C.W. Wilcox was the son-in-law of George Darr who appeared on the scene in about 1908, although perhaps as early as 1906, the year Darr died, and assumed his business. However, he seems to disappear from the scene after 1910. Wilcox advertised as an undertaker and licensed embalmer and their ambulance was equipped with “rubber tires.” He also noted that he had a “lady attendant,” who we can assume was his wife, Elnora (Darr), who grew up in and around the funeral business as the daughter of George Darr. Not much else is known.

Other competitors during this period included a furniture manufacturer from Goshen named George Herr, between 1912 and 1913, and an Elmer M. Calvert, who only appears in 1931.

Ron Sharp also mentions a E.W. Weisser listed as an embalmer and ambulance provider.

While this is not meant to be a funeral history of North Webster, it is interesting to note J.W. had a brother, Ira, who was a prominent funeral director in North Webster. Like many smaller funeral homes, Ira covered for brother J.W. when he was out of town or busy with another call. Even in that early day, the funeral homes had also begun providing ambulance service to the area.

Both J.W. and Ira were quite progressive in purchasing the latest equipment. J.W. even had a new coach made to his specifications with many new innovations.

“J.W. Rothenberger, … had delivered to him ... a six-cylinder Studebaker ambulance … the new car has a wheel base of 162 inches, which makes it ride like a palace car. ... More than two years ago (1914), Mr. Rothenberger was the first undertaker in northern

Indiana to put an auto hearse into commission. The first car, built over Mr. Rothenberger’s own specifications ... was constructed at the Syracuse Boat Factory,” according to The Syracuse and Lake Wawasee Journal, July 20, 1916.

Prior to commissioning custom-built cars, Rothenberger purchased a rebuilt Buick automobile and hired Sam Searfoss of Lakeside Motor Works to convert it into an ambulance.

J.W.’s love of music led him to acquire a factory which produced Victrola’s branded as the Harmon-O-Graph and he retained ownership of that business after selling the funeral home in 1919.

He was a veteran of World War I, a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Knights Templar. He was perhaps one of the earliest Indiana snowbirds, wintering in Florida, where he became quite a fisherman. He was also a member of the Grace Lutheran Church, The Indiana Funeral Directors Association, The Indiana Realtors Association and a licensed Insurance agent.

In 1921, J.W. Rothenberger sold his undertaking business to Robert Pletcher of Flora. “Mr. Rothenberger has retained his manufacturing business and will probably devote his entire attention to making Harmon-o-graphs,” according to the Syracuse-Wawasee Journal, Jan. 13, 1921.

In 1952, my dad, Charles M. Harris, purchased the funeral home in Syracuse formerly owned by J.W. Rothenberger and in 1961, the North Webster business formerly owned by Ira Rothenberger from Frank Troxell.

It is interesting to note both Rothenbergers stayed in their respective communities until their deaths, J.W. in 1963 and Ira in 1965, and my dad buried them both.

North Webster Community Public Library — Solar eclipse party set for Oct. 14

Join the North Webster Community Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 14, for a special party to view the solar eclipse. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the library will be passing out free solar glasses while supplies last, as well as showing the live feed from the zone of annularity on the big screen TV inside. There will also be many fun activities for all ages, including making bracelets from color-changing solar beads, simple science experiments using the sun and many paper activity packets for children. This will be an entertaining and educational day for all ages. The following activities are set to take place at North Webster Community Public 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. Monday, Oct. 9. Call the library if you are interested in the January session of this event. Make a holding case for your solar eclipse glasses at the solar eclipse glasses holder class held at both 1 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9. All attendees will receive a free pair of solar eclipse glasses. Please register. Cookbook Club, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10. This month’s feature will be pumpkin recipes. Bring a dish and/or a recipe to share. Please register.

The adult craft class will be making fall wreathes at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10. Class is free and all materials are provided but registration is required. Come learn about the power of the sun at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11. In this class, they will be making a solar-powered oven as well as doing other science experiments. Join Greg Steffe from the Kosciusko County Historical Society at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, as he shares his experiences ghost hunting in Kosciusko County. This will be an entertaining and educational event you do not want to miss. Join Get Fit While You Sit chair exercise classes at 10:30 a.m. or 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. These exercise classes are identical and are free and open to the public.

Let’s Move Dance Class, 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. Join for a fun time of dancing to dance videos, learning new dance steps and getting a great workout.

Fiber Arts

Friday, 10 a.m.

Friday, Oct. 13. Bring your yarn projects and join this fun group of like-minded individuals.

During the Friday Night Fright Feature, the library will be showing “Friday the Thirteenth” at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13. This movie is rated R. Teen Events Teen Café, 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9. Students in grades 6-12

are invited to come hang out with friends to play games and eat snacks.

Teen Wellness Circle, 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10. Join fellow teens to engage in insightful discussions about physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Youth Events

Baby and Toddler Time, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10. Join Miss Cathy for songs and stories geared toward children birth through 36 months. Registration is requested, but visitors are always welcome.

Preschool Story Time, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11. 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.

Trick or Trade Costume Swap, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13. Bring in your “shopping” ticket and shop for a new-to-you children’s costume.

LEGO Time, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. LEGO builders ages 5-12 are invited to come create a LEGO masterpiece. LEGOs provided.

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

Mitchell Elected First Vice President At AIC Conference

Kosciusko County Councilman Sue Ann Mitchell, North Webster, was elected first vice president, for the Association of Indiana Counties at its annual conference. Over 650 county officials attended the event held Sept. 25-28 in Orange County.

Also attending, representing Kosciusko County included County Treasurer Michelle Puckett; county council members Kimberly Cates and Kathy Groninger; Human Resource Director Cathy Reed; and Assistant Director Cari Williams.

The 65th annual conference offered county officials a wide variety of professional development courses as well as opportunities to network with their peers. State officials provided updates on pertinent issues facing county governments.

Continuing Education Awards through the AIC Institute for Excellence were earned by Puckett;

NWTT Chamber acknowledges September Member of the Month

The North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber would like to acknowledge the North Webster American Legion Auxiliary Unit 253 as the September Member of the Month. The ALA Unit 253 is

Births

June Polsean

Aaron and Alicia Polsean, Syracuse, are the parents of a daughter, June, born at 4:10 p.m. Sept. 29, 2023, at Goshen Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds and was 18 1/2 inches long.

Aeric James Griffith

Raven Fancher and Austin Griffith, Syracuse, are the parents of a son, Aeric James, born at 2:44 a.m. Sept. 30, 2023, at Goshen Hospital.

made up of the male and female spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, brothers and direct descendants of members of the American Legion, some of whom are veterans themselves.

The chamber acknowledges everything they do for our community such as scholarships for students, supporting the Lions Club and Boys Scouts, volunteering at the community center’s events,

donating to the food bank, helping local veterans and encouraging eight veterans at the VA Hospital, along with many other programs and events.

The ALA’s largest fundraiser is their paper poppy flower sale the Saturday before Memorial Day.

To learn more about the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 253, find them on Facebook or call (574) 834-4297.

Groninger, Cates and Helser.

The AIC’s annual conference is the largest gathering of county officials in the state. Representatives from public agencies, private entities and local elected officials addressed issues such as public access laws, budgeting best practices, technology, human resources challenges, road funding, public and mental health, regional tourism and natural resource matters.

AIC’s members also discussed the 2024 legislative platform covering key issues facing counties such as local taxation, criminal justice, public safety, the environment and economic development.

Breakout sessions were held with each affiliate group. The Indiana County Councils Association had 100 council members in attendance. Discussions were held on budget challenges, 2024 ICCA legislative goals, opioid funding, establishing district leaders, IT technology briefing and review of

local income tax changes.

In addition to Mitchell, other officers elected during the annual conference were Nancy Marsh, Hendricks County auditor, being elected president of the AIC board of directors. Mitchell was elected first vice president and Barb Hackman, Bartholomew County treasurer, was elected second vice president. Mike LePay, Lake County commissioner, was elected secretary and Paul Sinders, Clay County commissioner, was elected treasurer. Their terms will start Nov. 1.

The AIC Inc. is a nonprofit organization established in 1957 for the betterment of county government. The various functions of the AIC include lobbying the Indiana General Assembly on behalf of counties, serving as liaison among counties, state and federal agencies as well as providing technical assistance and training to county officials and employees.

Chautauqua-Wawasee receives funding from Indiana Historical Society

The Indiana Historical Society awarded a Heritage Support Grant to Chautauqua in support of two programs: Syracuse/Wawasee Walk Down Memory Lane and Myaamiaki Stories of the Miami People. Heritage Support Grants are provided by the Indiana Historical Society and made possible by Lilly Endowment.

“These two programs are presented at no cost to attend, so the support this grant funding provides makes these programs possible” Mark Knecht, Chautauqua’s president, stated. “Our most frequent request is for programs related to local history and our cultural heritage, so we also are partnering with the Syracuse/ Wawasee Historical Museum on these and other programs.”

The Syracuse/Wawasee Walk Down Memory Lane project is a collaboration of Chautauqua and

the Syracuse Historical Museum seeks to locate and preserve the video history of the Syracuse region. “Back in the day, we called them ‘home movies’” Knecht stated, “but, today we simply call them videos.”

The Heritage Support Grant funding provides support for phase one of this multi-year project which began this year. “This year’s program presentation resulted in additional some video materials becoming available and we’re hoping for more,” cited Ann Garceau, the Syracuse Museum’s project organizer.

The project is seeking “home movies” from the period prior to 1970. Anyone who has video materials that might contribute to capturing local history of the Syracuse region should contact Jamie Clemons, (574) 457-3599, at the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical

Museum for more details.

Diane Hunter, who serves as the Myaamia heritage preservation specialist, led a program talking about the history of Miami people since time immemorial, telling the stories of their emergence as a unique and different people, their first encounters with Europeans and later with Americans, land loss and forced removals and about the revitalization of the Miami Tribe today.

The recent program also featured Dani Tippman, a citizen of the Miami Tribe, who discussed the use of plants as food, medicine, technology and cultural historical conduits, and shared how plants teach us, feed us, heal us and bring us a better understanding of Myaamia culture. The program was held on Sept. 9 in Syracuse at WACF’s Ruddell Pavilion.

HATTON-SADLER FUNERAL CHAPELS

“Our families serving your family with professionalism, compassion and care.”

Pierceton and Warsaw

Michael and Tracy Wilson

Accidents/Incidents

Kosciusko County

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

Accidents

8:18 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, East Koher Road South, east of East Nordman Drive, Syracuse.

Driver: Julie A. Walters, 81, East Koher Road South, Syracuse. Walters’ vehicle hit a rock, some bushes and a pile of lumber. Damage up to $10,000.

11:44 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, East Armstrong Road and North CR 300E, Leesburg. Drivers: Douglas D. Smith, 68, West Himes Street, North Webster; and Rodney L. Piersall, 62, EMS T15 Lane, Leesburg. Smith’s vehicle pulled into the path of Piersall’s, causing a collision. Damage up to $25,000.

8:10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, West Prairie Street, east of North Main Street, Leesburg. Drivers: Johnathan A. Kuta, 46, West Main Street, Syracuse; and Joseph A. Cleland, 49, EMS B24 Lane, Pierceton. Kuta backed up to give a semi room and his vehicle hit Cleland’s. Damage up to $2,500.

7:35 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 28,

North Sullivan Road, south of East R 500N, Leesburg. Drivers: Russell M. Sproat, 19, EMS B42 Lane, Leesburg. Sproat looked down at something in his vehicle. His vehicle ended up on its side. Damage up to $25,000.

5:36 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, North CR 75E, south of East Armstrong Road, Leesburg. Driv-

ers: Esther L. Clevenger, 77, East CR 575N, Leesburg; and Julie R. Forks, 31, West CR 700S, Claypool. Clevenger’s vehicle hit Forks’ while turning. Damage up to $25,000. Incidents

block of West Emeline Street, Milford. A representative from Wawasee Community Schools reported damage to a structure valued at $1,100.

North Webster

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

Accident

Drivers suffer minor injuries in accident near Nappanee

3:52 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 2, 300 block of EMS T26 Lane, Leesburg.

Identity deception was reported.

2:27 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 2, 9800 block of North American Way, Syracuse. Manuela Perez Saucedo’s credit/debit cards were stolen from a vehicle.

11:22 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, 11100 block of Humpty Dumpty Drive, Cromwell. A dog bite was reported.

Milford

Officers with the Milford Police Department investigated the following incident:

Incident

8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29, 100

Melchi arrested in undercover drug bust

A Leesburg man was recently arrested for dealing Fentanyl during an undercover drug bust.

Nolan

Kyle Melchi, 43, 63 EMS T16 Lane, Leesburg, is charged with dealing in a narcotic drug, a level 5 felony; and possession of a narcotic drug, a level 6 felony.

Sometime in August, the NET

43 Drug Task Force purchased

0.4 grams of Fentanyl, a narcotic drug, from Melchi. The controlled purchase was captured on digital surveillance. During this undercover drug deal, Melchi was on formal probation.

Melchi has prior convictions for assisting a criminal and false informing in Kosciusko County.

He also has a warrant for his arrest in Allen County for allegedly stealing a vehicle.

Melchi was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Oct. 2, with a $31,000 surety and cash bond.

Court News

Small Claims

The following small claim has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Dr. Richard Brungardt, Syracuse v. Charley C. Page, Christopher Wine, $4,800

Superior Court III

The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Speeding — Tasha N. Thompson, Milford, $164.50; Brayden W. Miller, Milford, $164.50; Nathan E. Stichter, New Paris, $164.50;

Yichun Shuai, Leesburg, $164.50 Failure of occupant to use safety belt — Ashtyn J. Heath, Leesburg, $25

Owner allows dog to stray beyond owner’s premises — Amanda K. Downing, Leesburg, $25

Marriage Licenses

The following couple has applied for a marriage license in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Ann Torpy: Thompson-Rhodes

Benjamin Noah Thompson, 24, Milford, and Madison Whitney Rhodes, 25, Milford

Syracuse Public Library — New knitting and crocheting club

Syracuse Public Library is launching a brand-new knitting and crocheting club in October. The group will meet at 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 10 and 24, in the upstairs sitting area. Knitters and crocheters should bring in-progress projects or materials to start a new one. For those wanting to learn how to knit or crochet, someone should be on hand to demonstrate how. The library will have limited supplies available, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own.

For information, email Emilia Layne at elayne@syracuse.lib.in.us.

Young Adult Programming

Teens can show off their acting skills during improv from 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, in the downstairs meeting room. Attendees can bring props for extra fun during the improv acting games.

Tabletop role-playing fans — ages 16-25 — are invited to SPL’s Dungeons & Dragons group from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. The group plays self-contained stories, so don’t worry about interrupting a longrunning campaign. Learners are also welcome to join.

Bring a scary story to tell the group during SPL’s scary stories program from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, in the Rosalyn Jones

11:34 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, North CR 650E, north of East CR 650N, North Webster. Driver: Hunter B. Kunish, 18, North CR 675E, North Webster. Kunish’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

Incidents

1:06 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, 500 block of West Huntington Street, North Webster. Erikson Conkling reported theft of boots worth $100.

1:09 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, 300 block of East Huntington Street, North Webster. Stella J. Hollingsworth reported the theft of a bicycle. Value: $200.

Syracuse

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

Accidents

8:21 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, North SR 13, south of North Southshore Drive, Syracuse. Drive: Donald L. Yoder, 72, East Northshore Drive, Syracuse. Yoder’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

3:20 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, South Huntington Street, south of East Chicago Street, Syracuse.

Driver: Noe De Jesus D. Mazaviegos Escobar, 20, North CR 175E, Warsaw. Escobar was backing his vehicle from a parking space and struck a parked vehicle registered to Jerrold J. Neibert, South Lakeside Drive, Syracuse. Neibert suffered minor bleeding to the elbow/ lower arm. Damage under $750.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Oct. 2 — Nolan Kyle Melchi, 43, 63 EMS T16 Lane, Leesburg, booked for dealing in a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $30,000 surety and cash.

Sept. 28 — William C. Harr IV, 52, 207 E. Huntington St., North Webster, booked for theft of a firearm and possession of marijuana/ hash oil/hashish with a prior.

Bond: $10,250 surety and cash.

Sept. 27 — Mary Jo Pamer, 43, 15300 US 6, Syracuse, booked for theft with prior. Bond: $600 cash.

Sept. 26 — Terry J. Jackson, 59, 341 E. 1150N, Milford, booked for possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia.

Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Sept. 26 — Daniel U. Gillespie, 65, 7782 N. 400E, Leesburg, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a BAC of .15 or more. Bond: $700 cash.

Noble County

The following people were booked in the Noble County Jail:

Oct. 1 — Erika L. Jones, 35, 11584 N. Memorial Parkway, Cromwell, booked for possession of a narcotic drug. No bond.

Lisandra Sosa De Esquivel, 49, Plymouth; and Gary Kauffman, 19, Milford, complained of minor injuries following and two-vehicle crash at CR 1350N and CR 700W. The crash was reported at approximately 3:35 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29.

Indiana State Police Trooper Aaron Price reported Esquivel, driving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, was eastbound on CR 1350N when she began to turn left with the intention to go onto CR 700W. She failed to yield to Kauffman’s westbound 2001 Chevrolet Avalanche.

The vehicles crashed nearly head-on. After impact with the Silverado, Kauffman’s vehicle went off the northwest side of the road hitting a utility pole and

Dome Pipeline marker. The utility pole snapped in half. Esquivel was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

SPEC host euchre tournament

I think I mentioned in last week’s article that we were going to award a certificate of appreciation to Mark Herring for all he does for the senior center. Say hello to him as he graciously accepts his award.

As promised, also in last week’s article, here are the winners of last week’s euchre tournament. First place went to Herring with a score of 70, and second place went to Jack Norris with a score of 69 and oh so close; it was a squeaker.

Most loaners went to Donna Hinsdale with five loaners and our low score prize went to Judy Sutlack. If you want to join us next month, the tournament will be at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. Call me at (574) 8341600, ext. 224 and let me know. Come and join us for lots of fun, great people and great snacks.

Next month, will be our last casino trip of the year. It will leave the parking lot at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16. Call me at the number listed above. I will get you on the manifest; the bus only holds 52 so call early.

Speaking of the casino trips, if you or anyone you know would like to take over as the host and hostess of the casino trip, talk to Frank on the next trip or call me for more information. There are perks involved so let me know if you are interested.

Come in and check out our menu items for October or pick up your copy of Senior Life newspaper; the whole month of meals are listed in it. Call

Merita for information at (574) 834-1193. Well, that about does it for this week. Stay healthy and happy.

Room. Librarians might have a few scary tales to tell as well. All stories shared must avoid excessive violence and bad language.

Children’s Programming

Show off your dancing talents at Move & Groove Club at 4 p.m. each Monday in the downstairs meeting room. This program is geared toward kindergartners through fifth graders; younger siblings are welcome to join, too.

Preschoolers enjoy fun stories at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the children’s department. Storytime usually features various picture books, songs and elements of play as children learn the alphabet each week.

Older home-schooled students — grades fourth through sixth grades — will learn about geography and turn pumpkins into globes at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, in the downstairs meeting room. Younger children can join but may require their adult’s help.

Hat And Scarf Tree Returns

Sept. 28 — Jimmy D. Hunley, 64, 426 Viewpoint Drive, North Webster, booked for a warrant arrest. No bond.

Sept. 26 — Christopher R. Schisler, 20, 11139 N. Humpty Dumpty Drive, Cromwell, booked for a warrant arrest. No bond.

By the time you read this, we will almost be saying goodbye to September. I can’t believe how fast this year has gone by. I can’t say I am looking forward to winter. I just have a feeling it’s going to be a rough winter. Let’s hope I am really wrong; fingers crossed.

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Power Of Pink exceeds last year all the way around

“We exceeded what we raised last year and that makes me happy. I hope to see everyone next year, this has become a tradition,” said Julee Rauch, chairwoman for The Power of Pink committee.

The third annual Power of Pink, to raise money for the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund, was held at Tippecanoe Lake County Club Sunday, Oct. 1. The event was sold-out with more attending than last year. The dining room was a sea of pink and guests decked out in various shades of pink. The tables included flower vases filled with various flowers in shades of pin. Pink macaroons were placed at each setting and Brew City Roasting company provided the special brew

POP coffee.

All guests were greeted with a glass of pink champagne, Teena Nichols and Todd Biller playing the piano and guitar, while guests looked over the items for auction and caught up with friends.

Rauch welcomed the guests and spoke about the KCCCF, noting to date the fund has given out a little over $105,634 and helped over 62 people.

“As long as there is a need, we want to keep this fund going and growing,” stated Rauch. When it came time for the auction of numerous purses, there was such high energy and everyone wanted a bag.

The bags were modeled by Cole Koontz, Brody Duncan and Cohen Silveus, members

of the Warsaw Football team. They modeled bags from Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Valentino and a very custom bag made especially for the event by a local artist.

Lutheran Health Network had a table in the lobby promoting breast cancer awareness.

While the numbers are still being tabulated, the purse auction brought in close to $9,000 and the pink purse raffle raised $1,200. The highest bid for a bag was $1,200.

Rauch was helped in organizing the event by Lisa Rosales, Janet McCully, Barb Klotz, Amy Smith, Tami Baumgartner, Jacinda and Jason Metz. Joy Lohsee and Lois Borkholder helped the committee welcome ladies as they registered.

Freshwater jellyfish: A delicate ecosystem indicator

When Crooked Lake resident Tim Hartman’s nephews gazed into the depths of the water just off his pier at the top of the Upper Tippecanoe River Watershed in Noble and Whitley counties, some strange, transparent, wiggly creatures moving through the water caught their attention — and they quickly went running to shore looking for answers.

“My nephews went swimming and saw them first,” Hartman said. “They called me down to the pier to make sure they weren’t seeing things.” They were, in fact, seeing things … things that were very good news for Crooked Lake and the rest of the watershed — a freshwater jellyfish.

“I have read articles in the past few years that freshwater jellyfish have been seen in a couple lakes in northern Indiana,” Hartman said. The next day, he took off on his kayak to look for more, wondering just how widely distributed they were in the lake. “I saw them throughout the lake, by the hundreds,” he added, “mainly in the open water along the southern shore.”

A docile creature that poses no threat to humans, the freshwater jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbii) are a remarkable, but often overlooked aspect of aquatic ecosystems. They’re much smaller than their saltwater counterparts and certainly more likely to bring a smile to a scientist’s face because of what they represent — clean water. In Hartman’s case, he said they were various sizes ranging from about the size of a dime to the size of a quarter.

“These translucent, gelatinous creatures have been spotted in various freshwater bodies around the world, and their presence can be seen as a positive sign for water quality,” said Lyn Crighton, executive director of The Watershed Foundation, an organization taking action to preserve and protect

the waters of the Upper Tippecanoe River Watershed. “Finding these in our local lakes is very good news and it indicates that the steps we are taking, the dollars we are investing in conservation projects, are improving the health of our lakes.”

Indeed, according to Crighton, freshwater jellyfish are very sensitive to changes within their environment.

“They require stable and wellbalanced water conditions to thrive,” Crighton adds. “The presence of these delicate creatures suggests that the water they inhabit is not only suitable for their survival, but also indicates that it has maintained stability over an extended period. A well-established and consistent ecosystem is often indicative of good water quality.”

While Crooked Lake residents and those at TWF might be eager to jump for joy at this news, it’s a delicate situation.

“Freshwater jellyfish are known to be highly intolerant of pollution,” warned Crighton. “They are filter feeders, mainly subsisting on zooplankton, algae and small aquatic invertebrates. In polluted water bodies, these food sources may be scarce or contaminated, making it difficult for jellyfish to find suitable nourishment. Small changes in the water could spell trouble for the freshwater jellyfish. It’s important to continue doing the work we do and for residents to remain committed to protecting their lake from sources of pollution.”

Fluctuating nutrient levels also pose a risk for the freshwater jellyfish. Excessive nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff or wastewater discharge, can trigger algal blooms. These blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to hypoxic conditions harmful to many aquatic organisms. The

presence of freshwater jellyfish is an indirect indicator that nutrient levels are within a reasonable range, preventing algal blooms and maintaining essential oxygen levels.

For now, though, Crighton is optimistic. “The fact that they are present in an area suggests that pollutants and contaminants are minimal, promoting a healthier and more pristine aquatic environment,” she said.

Fortunately, freshwater jellyfish have a few natural predators, such as certain species of fish and aquatic insects. The presence of these jellyfish suggests that their natural predators are also present in the ecosystem, contributing to the overall ecological balance.

“This balance is a sign of a wellfunctioning ecosystem, which is also often associated with good water quality,” Crighton continued.

“The presence of freshwater jellyfish can be seen as an indicator of overall ecosystem health. A thriving population of these creatures is a testament to the health and vitality of an aquatic ecosystem, which in turn can benefit various

other species that depend on this environment for their survival.

The interconnectedness of species within an ecosystem means that the well-being of one organism, like the freshwater jellyfish, can be reflective of the broader ecological conditions and overall water quality in Crooked Lake.

“That means that the water quality might be stellar in Crooked Lake, but we know that as the water flows west and south, it continues to pick up pollutants and excessive bionutrients,” Crighton said, “so, clearly, our work is far from finished. To me, though, the presence of the jellyfish are a sign that we are making progress and what we have is certainly worthy of our time and protection.”

“The discovery of freshwater jellyfish in Crooked Lake should be viewed as a positive sign for water quality and a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our freshwater ecosystems, our lakes and our streams,” Crighton said.

For more information about The Watershed Foundation, visit watershedfoundation.org.

Milford Public Library — Bring socks to the library for Socktober

In the fall of 2011, Brad Montague realized there was a large homeless population in his hometown and he wanted to do something about it. He researched the needs of the homeless community and learned that socks are the items least donated to homeless shelters.

“Socktober” became Brad’s brainchild.

He took videos of himself wishing people “Happy Socktober” as he gave out pairs of socks on the streets. He posted these videos to social media. Word got around and Socktober exploded. People around the world have

started their own sock drives so they can help others in their communities. Last year, participants on all seven continents donated pairs of socks. This October, the Milford Public Library is celebrating Socktober. Bring a new pair of socks to the library for any age and size and they will distribute your donations to Milford Food Bank, Milford Food Pantry and Milford School. There is a collection box upstairs and one in the children’s department, decorated with socks, of course. Donations will be accepted through October.

Warriors come close again to conference upset

It had been nine years since Wawasee last took home the “W” trophy from Warsaw, but the Warriors nearly did so Friday, Sept. 29, on the Tigers home turf. No. 13 Warsaw overcame a 15-7 deficit in the third quarter to win 22-15.

Coach Jon Reutebuch says getting a moral victory against a class 6A power is not something he is comfortable settling for.

“Close is not good enough, except for horseshoes and hand grenades. We need to get over the top and get one of these wins but we’re getting there,” Reutebuch said. “We had opportunities again to win the game, we just got to cut out some of those errors. If we can clean that up a little bit we’re going to be a tough team to beat.”

The Warriors are 1-6 this season but four of those defeats were by one score. Last year, Wawasee finished 1-9 with all nine defeats by 10 points or more.

Warsaw moved to 6-1 and No. 12 in the coaches poll, but coach Bart Curtis was impressed with how Wawasee fought.

“Credit to Wawasee, they came out and they played to win. We were fortunate to come out of here with a win and I credit our kids for that and our coaches did a good job of keeping things calm,” Curtis said.

Warsaw led 7-0 after the first

quarter but a fumble on offense deep in Warsaw territory led to Wawasee senior Payton Sewell recovering the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. The kick was missed but Wawasee connected on a 34 yard-field goal before half to lead 9-7.

Warsaw had five fumbles in the game with two being muffed on returns. Wawasee also held Warsaw to under 300 yards of offense.

“We kept it simple, guys played very discipline football and flew to the football,” Reutebuch said on his defense. “We had some turnovers that helped us out quite a bit.”

Wawasee senior quarterback

Mason Shoemaker returned from injury and threw for 192 yards. He hit junior Dallas Miller for a seven yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. The score put Wawasee up 15-7. Shoemaker was injured in a loss to Concord back on Sept. 16.

“He’s banged up but he’s toughing it out. He’ll get better each week but he’s a warrior. He’s going to give it everything he’s got,” Reutebuch said on Shoemaker.

Warsaw’s defense did respond in the second half to stop Wawasee with three interceptions in the half and a fumble on a quarterback sack.

Down 22-15, the Warriors were able to move the ball into Tiger territory on their last two possessions. However, both drives ended with Shoemaker getting intercepted on passes down the field.

“The turnovers, when we’re moving the ball and just the errant throws. We’ve got to do better than that,” Reutebuch said. Warsaw outscored Wawasee 15-6 in the second half to keep its winning streak going against Wawasee. Warsaw is tied for first in the Northern Lakes Conference with Northridge and Mishawaka. Wawasee lost 14-7 to Northridge on Sept. 23.

“I’m very proud of how the boys and the way they’ve played the past two weeks. We’ve played the best of the best and stood right there toe-totoe. We made some errors. That’s why they beat us. Not because we laid down and died or because they were that much better than us.”

Wawasee will play NorthWood and Mishawaka to close out the regular season. NorthWood visits Warrior field on Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. The game is senior night for the Warriors.

Wawasee exits sectional in loss to West Noble

A promising sectional run was there for Wawasee to take if it could get through West Noble Monday, Oct. 2, in Nappanee. Unfortunately, the dream of a sectional run turned into frustration as West Noble ended the Warrior season with a 2-0 result.

“It’s a tough one to swallow, the boys played hard,” coach Jordan Sharp said. “West Noble played hard as well. We tied them during the season. I thought we still played good against them tonight. We had a couple close chances and balls didn’t fall our way tonight. Unfortunately, sometimes that’s how soccer goes.”

The 1-1 tie from their Aug. 26 meeting was the lone tie of the season for Wawasee. Monday, in the NorthWood sectional, the Warriors had a few chances to score goals in the second half but failed to find the back of the net.

Wawasee had finished with a 6-1 edge in corner kicks but rarely tested the West Noble keeper Christian Rodriguez on the attempts.

“Sometimes in soccer when you don’t put your chances away it comes back to bite you,” Sharp said. “For some reason I feel like we don’t get lucky at Wawasee. It’s a frustrating thing. I know the boys put in the hard work, they put in the time, they put in the effort and they do the best they can.”

West Noble held a 10-3 advantage with shots on goal. Wawasee did have some close misses including a shot just over the bar by senior Xavier Washington three minutes into the game. Junior Josh Trujillo would hit the crossbar in the second half.

“Had we put one on the board it could have been a whole new game and the guys could have rallied behind that,” Sharp said.

The Chargers scored a goal both halves, the first from freshman Emanuel Gutierrez and the second from senior Victor Rodriguez. Wawasee finishes its season at 4-10-1 and 2-5 in Northern Lake Conference play. It is the first time in recent memory Wawasee has won two NLC games in a season for boys soccer. The team rallied from a 1-0 deficit to top Plymouth

2-1 Thursday, Sept. 28. Seniors Washington and Grant Likens each scored in the second half for the win to close out the regular season.

The loss to West Noble concluded the soccer careers for eight seniors in Washington, Trujillo, Likens, Hunter Fiedeke, Titus Taylor, Paytin Martin, Mattia Vallentini and Anthony Hughes.

Sharp said Taylor spoke to the team after the game and told his teammates about the improvement they made from a season ago on how Wawasee competed in every game.

“At the end of the day it is a good game, it’s a tough game,” Sharp said. “The boys will feel that one because we were in it.”

Get to know Wawasee senior Chloe Rodgerson on the varsity girls soccer team. Rodgerson plays as a central defender for the team and has had to fight through an injury like many of her teammates this season.

What’s favorite thing about playing for the soccer team?

Just being with the team and the team bonding that we have. It’s a good thing to have.

Favorite athletic moment with the team?

In the past years just the funny things that have happened. This year, my favorite game was the West Noble game that we played. We won that game and it was just an enjoyable game.

Favorite workout song?

I listen to anything.

Favorite place to visit on the weekend?

I like to go walking in nature.

I like the Winona Trails.

Favorite food to eat after a game or practice? Mashed potatoes.

Host Wawasee learns sectional draw

Starting next week, the Hardwood Teepee at Wawasee High School will be rocking sectional volleyball action. The sectional pairings were released Sunday, Oct. 1, with host Wawasee paired with West Noble. The game will start at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14.

Wawasee defeated West Noble 3-0 in the sectional semifinals last season. The first game of sectional 20 is 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, where defending sectional champ NorthWood takes on Lakeland. Fairfield will await the winner of that game

on 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. The sectional championship game follows at 6 p.m.

Wawasee has had its season end with a sectional defeat to NorthWood each of the last four seasons. NorthWood is seeking its fifth straight sectional championship.

After high school plans?

Go into real estate.

After high school, will you stay in Indiana or move out?

I would like to stay around family but eventually maybe go out to Colorado.

Favorite color?

Blue or white.

Favorite TV show?

Grey’s Anatomy.

Tell us about your season?

It’s been a tough season. I’m injured right now but I’m still able to play. Overall, it’s been enjoyable. It’s my senior year. Trying to have fun. There has been very, very many injuries this year. Probably the most I’ve ever played with.

How have you guys been able to cope with the injuries?

Trying to work together. It’s been a struggle but we are getting through it.

Highlights and awards from sailboat racing season

Labor Day weekend is the conclusion of the regular racing series for the Wawasee Yacht Club, with the last race on Sunday and the awards presented later that night. Sailboat racing does require wind, a resource that was more difficult to find this year than in the past. That said, there was still plenty of action to fill the summer, with some new winners announced at the ceremony. For the two fleets that compete on Saturdays, there was a shortage of races early in the season, but some really good racing days the last half of the summer. In the single-handed Sunfish class, young sailor John McClain kicked into high gear and won the season going away. McClain also won the prestigious Cynthia’s Cup award, presented to the top sailor in the club. In the I-20 class, Emily Allen sailing with her father Andy, won the majority of the individual races to capture her third title.

The two fleets racing on Sundays had difficulty getting races completed, given the lack of wind. The races that were completed, however, were tight and the overall champions were not decided until the very end. In the Lightning class, Jeff Schmahl started strong and maintained his narrow lead until the end, winning for the second year in a row. In the E Scow class, the Dave Irmscher, Bryan Sarber

Boys Tennis

and Dave Newcomer team started a little slower, but ended up winning the next to last race on Sunday to win the season.

The junior sailing program had classes for five weeks during the summer, teaching 155 students over that time and has two special awards. The Berkley Duck award for top junior sailor is Paige Bucher.

The Tag Snook Corinthian Spirit Award winner is Annika Batt. The youth service award was presented to Audrey Wallach for her outstanding contributions to the junior sailing program and the club. The WYC also has two awards for contributions from females. The Women’s Service award was presented to Kristi Harrison for her ongoing efforts to make the club a better place. Erin Beesley won the Nancy Blackwell award for sailing excellence.

Lastly, there was a special “Racer Emeritus” award presented this year for longtime member Terry Moorman. Moorman has been actively racing sailboats since purchasing a Hobie Cat in 1975. He has raced an E-Scow since the early 1980s and more recently raced in the I-20 class as well. He finally decided this year to retire from active racing, which was a difficult decision to make. In addition to racing, he has served as the club secretary for 29 years, keeping track of the members and procedures for all that time. Terry’s contribution to the club is very much appreciated by the membership.

Roundup

Sept. 28 — Wawasee fell 3-2 in the first round of sectionals at host Warsaw to conclude its season.

Junior Joey Harper did advance into the singles tournament with a win at No. 1 singles 6-2, 6-2 over Charlie Norton. Kane Dukes won at No. 2 singles 2-6, 6-1, 6-0. The match came down to No. 1 doubles, but Warsaw would take the point 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 against the Wawasee duo of Evan Byler and Ty Brooks. Warsaw would go on to win the sectional. Next match is Joey Harper competing in the state singles tournament, which will take place at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at NorthWood against Noah Schrock of Bethany Christian.

Girls Soccer

Sept. 28 — Wawasee closed the regular season with a 5-0 loss at NorthWood. Coach Luis Camargo appreciated the way his team played. “NorthWood was able to use their shots outside the 18 to break our defensive line. The girls played hard. I’m proud of their efforts,” Camargo said.

Oct. 2 — The Lady Warriors played NorthWood again to start sectionals at Lakeland. Wawasee was defeated again 5-0 to finish its season.

“The team came out shy in the first half and allowed four goals out of mistakes. They came out tougher in the second half and looked much better. We will miss our seniors,” Camargo said. Wawasee ends it season at 1-14-2.

Junior Varsity Football

Sept. 30 — Wawasee hosted county rival Warsaw and was defeated 44-24. Coach Nick Feldman thought his team played well against the bigger school.

“They battled throughout the entire first half. In the second half the Warriors dug deep and fought until the final seconds. We need to keep it up and get ready for next week.” Feldman said.

Wawasee is now 3-4 and will next travel to NorthWood 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7.

Unified Flag Football

Sept. 27 — Wawasee lost its

Warriors show improvements in final NLC meet

In third leg of the Northern Lakes Conference cross-country meets, Wawasee has some highlights it can point to as sectionals approach. Wawasee ran against the best in the NLC at Ox Bow Park Saturday, Sept. 30.

Sophomore Mia Hodgson was seventh overall to lead the girls at a time of 19:51.10.

“Mia responded well after some adversity she has been through recently,” girls coach Doug Slabaugh said. “It’s nice to see her back under 20 minutes.”

The result makes Hodgson a member of the All-NLC team.

Junior Jasmine Hernandez was 26th at a time of 21:39.50 as she came close to a personal record.

“America, she was huge. Really proud of the way she did,” Slabaugh said. The focus now shifts to getting Hodgson, Hernandez and Benitez out of sectionals and onto regionals. Slabaugh is optimistic all three will advance.

“For sure, especially if they run with the confidence that they ran with today,” Slabaugh said.

The boys continued to run as a pack and edged out NorthWood and Plymouth for sixth in the meet. The Warriors had a team score of 164.

Freshman Mason Worrell was 27th at a time of 17:27.40 and junior Hunter Allen was right next to him at 17:28.30 for 28th.

Freshman JD Stoffel was 31st at 17:33.30 and freshman Ivan Waikel was 38th at 17:58.20. Junior Isaac Winters and senior Landen Kessler were 40th and 41st overall.

regular season finale at NorthWood 56-39. Aidan Cabeen, Gabe Ward and Bailey Hursey all added touchdowns and Dom Ward threw a touchdown pass.

Sept. 30 — Wawasee played three sectional games in one day as the Warriors advanced all the way to the sectional final. Wawasee open sectional play with a 22-19 win over sectional host Central Noble. In the semifinals, Wawasee downed Goshen 36-24. DeKalb would knock off Wawasee in the sectional finals 49-31 for its third consecutive sectional.

“I was proud of my team’s effort level all day on the field,” coach Andrew Wilson said. “Their ability to compete at a high level while maintaining the heart of unified sports is inspiring. I want to thank our seniors, parents, the WHS student section, athletic office staff and all the fans for all the support this season.”

Wawasee ends season with a winning record of 6-5.

Girls Volleyball

Sept. 28 —Wawasee fell at Mishawaka in a sweep 25-22, 2517, 25-11. Senior Aly McClintic led the Lady Warriors in the loss with seven kills. Junior MacKenzie Hackleman added 11 digs.

Sept. 30 — The Lady Warriors split their games at the Dunes Invitational. Wawasee lost to Concord (25-8, 25-18) and Buchanan (25-22, 25-11) before defeating Michigan City (26-28, 25-11, 15-13) and Wheeler (25-22, 25-19).

Oct. 2 — Wawasee traveled to a future sectional opponent in West Noble and earned a sweep. The 27-25, 25-14, 25-14 win moves the Lady Warriors to 13-17. Hackleman had a team-high 13 kills added 10 digs. Junior Abby Dusek had 14 digs and 12 assists. Junior Hannah Truex finished with a team-high 14 assists. Next game is senior night when the team hosts NorthWood 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5.

Junior Varsity Volleyball

Sept. 28 — Wawasee lost to Mishawaka 25-20, 25-21. Freshman Addison Delagrange led the team with 12 digs.

Sophomore America Benitez was 42nd at a mark of 22:50.90 for a personal record. The girls did have a couple of runners who sat out due to injury and were eighth in the conference. The Lady Warriors had a team score of 180.

Coach Jose Lopez is enjoying watching his team with plenty of freshmen make progress. Four of his seven varsity runners ran a personal record Saturday.

“Super happy, I told them the

way they ran today, phenomenal,” Lopez said. Wawasee will return to Ox Bow Park for sectionals on Saturday, Oct. 14. The boys have a chance to advance to regionals as a team if they can pass up a couple of squads it

went up against at the NLC. Lopez said he is also thrilled with how junior Wes Hoffert and senior Landen Kessler are peaking at the right time. “We are looking forward to sectional here in a couple weeks,” Lopez said.

Community Corner

Emily Shipley at the helm of North Webster Community Center

While Emily Shipley serves her second term with the North Webster Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce, she has accepted the job of executive director of the North Webster Community Center. She started her new position on Monday, Oct. 2.

Shipley is also known as the general manager for Dixie Haven and Fisherman Cove in North Webster. She left that position to take on the directorship at the community center.

two together,” she said of the community center and the chamber.

Another thing Shipley is excited about having the North Webster Community Public Library as a neighbor and exploring how the two organization’s can benefit the community together. She said she didn’t want to see community organizations competing with one another when their focus is to benefit the town.

PROFILE

Shipley said she was approached and encouraged to apply for the job as executive director. “It’s a culmination of what I’ve been doing for the chamber,” she said. “The more I thought about it, the more excited I became to be more directly involved in the community.”

She’s jumping in full force with her first day this past Monday and the North Webster Community Auction taking place Saturday, Oct. 7. And the community center is a very busy place. “It’s one thing after another. It’s a lot of learning,” she said.

Shipley said she likes to be busy and isn’t one to sit still. “I thrive on being busy,’ she said.

She sees the community center as the heart of the community. “It just makes sense to have the

Shipley is originally from Warsaw, but her husband, David, is from the area and teaches physical education at Wawasee Middle School. He always wanted to live in his grandmother’s house on Sechrist Lake. After she died, they purchased the home from the estate.

“I really feel North Webster is a big family. I think everyone here is willing to help each other out,” she said.

Mom to Aiden, Rachel, Stone, Ethan and Graysen who range in age from 22 to 10, Shipley jumped into being more involved in the community once her kids were in school. “I want to reach out to those who (may) feel this is not their community. This is the place to be. They’re welcome here.”

Along with a new job, Shipley is also busy with her kids activities including college visits and applying for scholarships. And when she has some down time, she loves to do yard work and going out on the boat with the family. In the winter she enjoys being a homebody.

Moore 70th anniversary celebration

Gearold “Gary” Ray Moore and Marilyn Jo (Parson) Moore, Syracuse, are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.

They were married Oct. 10, 1953, at the Antioch Christian Church, Swayzee, by Rev. Otto Stroup.

They have five children: Lynn and Kevin Weaver, Goshen; Dave and Jan Moore, Syracuse; Karen and Brad Cox, Syracuse; Mike Moore, Syracuse; and Jane and Ben Wilson, Milford. They also have 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Gary owned and operated Moore and Moore Excavating in Syracuse until he retired. It is now run by son, Dave Moore. Marilyn assisted her husband in secretarial work for Moore and Moore Excavating and fed the work crew a homemade lunch for years.

Gary and Marilyn were active at church, serving in many capacities, including groundskeepers and children’s Sunday school teachers for years. The church fellowships they served in locally are Wawasee Lakeside ChapelSyracuse, North Webster Church of God, Country Bible Church, North Webster, and now currently back at Wawasee Lakeside Chapel, where son-in-law Brad Cox is pastor. Marilyn was also involved in Bible study fellowship for years and served in the children’s ministry there.

Working at a factory, Marilyn was teased by her coworkers about the cute new guy who had just started working there. She mentioned her doubts aloud and that rumor came around to Gearold. He boldly walked up behind her and clarified, “Well, I’m not married, and I don’t have three kids,” mortifying Marilyn. He then proceeded to ask her out on a date. She had a date planned already for that night. He asked for a date for the next night. She did not want to seem “too eager” so she said she was busy then, too. Gearold said he was willing to ask one more time, but that was it. Marilyn accepted for the third night, which started a whirlwind, three-month courtship that ended in a 70-year marriage.

After Gary served time in the Army, he drove a semi, which helped to fund the purchase of a wooded property they had hoped

to build a house on. They built a cement bridge to the property as a family. Instead, they ended up selling this property and moved to Syracuse to a log cabin on Lake Papakeechie, where they have resided for 54 years. Here, they owned and operated Moore and Moore Excavating, where Gary used his entrepreneurial and inventor skills to develop a thriving business.

They currently reside in the same home on Lake Papakeechie surrounded by beautiful flower gardens they both have helped to develop and maintain. They are so dearly beloved by each family member. They are happy to celebrate this big milestone with them.

A 70th anniversary celebration open house is planned for 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Wawasee Lakeside Chapel, Syracuse, hosted by their children.

Mobile Meals drivers

Bridge Results

North Webster Bridge Group

The North Webster Bridge Group met Tuesday, Sept. 26, and Thursday, Sept.

WHS CTE student gets beloved truck back on the road

Sue Stolze, a cafeteria worker at Wawasee High School, received word late last week she needed to go over to the Career/ Technical Education building. Members of the auto mechanics class wanted to give her some information about her truck.

As she approached the building, Jon Everingham, CTE director, was waiting for her. As the garage door went up and she walked inside Devin Stidam, a WHS senior, turned the ignition key on her truck. The engine roared to life while Stolze started to cry.

Stolze explained the truck has deep sentimental value to her. Her husband, who died a few years ago, purchased the truck as new in 2004.

Last year, Stolze drove the truck home and when she turned the ignition off, she said something smelled a bit off. The next day the engine refused to turn over.

A local mechanic had the truck for six months before admitting he couldn’t fix the problem. A second mechanic had the truck for a few more months before telling her they couldn’t fix it either.

Stolze’s boss suggested she have the auto mechanics class take a crack at the issue. It took Stidam a week and a half to fix the wiring issue.

He explained this particular truck model is wired in such a way that a portion of the wiring dangles where it can rub against the wheel well. “It was just, anytime you drove, it rubbed,” he said.

Stidam fixed the wiring, tucking it away, so it doesn’t rub on anything now.

Everingham said this situation is just another example of “the reassurance that we have good kids in our school and CTE program. They are capable of anything.”

“It just becomes a part of you,”

Stolze said about the car.

Stidam is a second year student in Brad Craig’s automotive

Syracuse Lions complete SchoolSight vision screening

The Syracuse Lions Club recently completed its annual SchoolSight screening of students in grades one, three, five and eight at Syracuse Elementary and Wawasee Middle schools. The Lions vision team also screened new students in other grades at these schools. This state-mandated vision acuity screening has been provided by the Syracuse Lions since 2015, except during the pandemic of 2020, when schools were closed. On Sept. 7, two teams comprised of four trained Lions screened 193 eighth-graders. This represented a 20% increase over 2022, due to the consolidation of Milford and Wawasee Middle schools. The club also screened 15 new sixth- and seventh-graders. On Sept. 13, the teams screened 236 first-, thirdand fifth-graders, up slightly from 2022. With this year’s screening, the Syracuse Lions have screened or assisted in screening nearly

4,500 students in the Wawasee School District since 2015. This year’s team members included Ann Haffner, Marie ButlerKnight, Tom Thornburg and Karen Hartley, working closely with District Head Nurse Sarah

Bauer and Syracuse Elementary School nurse Tisha Powell.

Lions team leader Marie Butler-Knight noted that the referral rate has continued to drop, this year from 15% to 13%. Referral rate is the percentage of

Wawasee Marching Warrior Pride community show set for Monday

Wawasee’s Marching Warrior Pride will host a community show at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, on Warrior Field at Wawasee High School. Admission is free and open to the public.

The band recently competed in the ISSMA Prelims at Homestead High School and qualified for Scholastic State Finals.

Come out, watch and cheer on the Wawasee Marching Warrior Pride as they perform their 2023 state-qualifying show.

The band would also like to express its appreciation to all the area businesses and community members wo have financially supported it and helped make the trip to state a possibility.

screened students who do not have vision acuity of at least 20/32 in both eyes. The Lions and school nurses believe that regular screening of students is a significant factor in the steady referral decline.

Syracuse Lions Club opens annual nut sale

The Syracuse Lions Club is open for business with its 2023 sale of Terri Lynn Nut products. The sale will run through November. This annual fundraiser helps the Lions Club provide community services such as vision screening for school children, free books for third graders, scholarships for high school graduates and eyeglass assistance for all ages. Proceeds also fund donations to help support other community organizations such as the food pantry, Syracuse Library, parks department and community center.

Terri Lynn products include many varieties of premium nuts, snack and party mixes and candy, all of which are known for exceptional quality. Prices start under $10 and most one-pound products (in air-tight bags) are still under $15. Favorites, especially for the holidays, include giant cashews, pecan halves, deluxe nut mix and candies such as chocolate cashews and chocolate pecan clusters.

These and other Terri Lynn products

Girl Scout meeting Oct. 5 in North Webster

Girls in kindergarten through fifth grade who wish to find our more about Girl Scouts are invited to a meeting from 6-7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5, at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St. RSVP to gsnimmembership@ gsnim or call (800) 283-4812 and let them know you wish to sign your child up for the North Webster group.

It happened in Milford … 10 years ago

Violet Lutes celebrating 100th birthday

10 YEARS AGO, OCT. 2, 2013

Violet Lutes, Milford, is celebrating her 100th birthday. She was born Oct. 7, 1913, to Paul and Ida Buhrt. On Aug. 5, 1934, she married Herman Lutes. He passed away Feb. 24, 1998. Sometime this week, T-Zone is hoping to finish the detailing on the new 2014 Police Interceptor Milford Police Department recently bought. Since the last vehicle detailing was done in 2008 when David Hobbs was police chief, Town Marshal Rich Miotto had to learn the process on his own. He designed the decal and asked T-Zone to put it on for the department, in an effort to keep things local. The police department’s patch will be on both front doors and the blue line down each side will be

trimmed with black.

20 YEARS AGO, OCT. 1, 2003

Milford PTO raised and donated $10,000 to Milford School for new playground equipment through the Boxtops for Education program, Scholastic Book Fairs, a school carnival, butter braid sales, chicken barbecues, and donations from businesses and other various fund-raising efforts. The PTO raised enough money to allow the school to purchase Phase I of the three-phase playground.

Caleb and Tyffany Sheeley recently moved into a home on Milford’s Main Street where they have been finding some interesting tidbits of Milford’s history. The home, as it turns out, once belonged to Wilbur Baumgartner, a brother to The Mail-Journal’s

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patriarch, Arch Baumgartner, and uncle to now publisher Ron Baumgartner. When the Sheeleys moved into the home about three months ago, they began some renovations which involved a little digging literally into the guts of the home. As Tyffany explained, the couple tore away some floorboards and walls, only to discover newspapers dating to the 1920s. “They were wadded up and stuffed in the insulation,” she told. “It was neat to read them though. (In the 1920s) a suit was just 25 cents.”

30 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 29, 1993

Dan Duncan and Mia Rinehold were named Wawasee Homecoming King and Queen during halftime festivities at Friday’s football game in Syracuse. Dan is the son of Max and

Mary Duncan of Milford. Mia is the daughter of Jeffrey Rinehold of Leesburg.

Carol Landrigan’s fourthgrade class at Milford School recently completed maps of Indiana made up of flour and salt dough. In its studies of Indiana, the class took two days out to work on making these maps. The children made their own dough at home. Don and Dot (Slabaugh) Boyd have returned to their home in Sebring, Fla., after spending the last week visiting in the Milford area. They flew to the Fort Wayne area from Virginia, where Don had just competed in a golf tournament. The Boyds stayed with her mother, Sarah Slabaugh, and offered some assistance in getting ready for her upcoming auction on Saturday, Oct. 2.

40 YEARS AGO, OCT. 5, 1983

Much remodeling is underway in Milford … one large project we noted this week are the new windows and siding being installed at the Robert Auer home on Section Street.

Philip D. Beer II, r 1 Milford, has been selected as a counselor for Purdue University’s Tarkington Hall. Beer is studying civil engineering and land surveying at Purdue.

Patrick L. Speicher of the Speicher Insurance Agency, Milford, has been appointed agent for Indiana Farmers, Town & Country, and Indiana Union Mutual Insurance Companies. Speicher is a licensed agent, and has been in the insurance business for 10 years. A native of Milford, Speicher graduated from Milford High School in 1958.

50 YEARS AGO, OCT. 3, 1973

Bud and Jeri Seely were off for Michigan last Sunday to help his father celebrate his 70th birthday. Members of the Seely family gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Shaner in Marshall, Mich., to mark the special occasion.

Mr. and Mrs. Dean Troup of r 1 Milford will observe their 25th wedding anniversary on October 7 by repeating their marriage vows in the Grace Lutheran church in Syracuse at 2 p.m. Mr. and Mrs. Troup were married on October 7, 1948 in the Lutheran church in Munich, Germany. Mrs. Troup, the former Ida Funk, was born and raised in Munich. She met her husband when he was a member of the armed forces stationed in Munich.

Pat Friddle named Kosciusko County Homemaker of the Year

ster Church of God.

10 YEARS AGO, OCT. 2, 2013

North Webster Fire Department, with a full assist from Turkey Creek Fire Territory, responded to a mobile home fire Sunday morning in the area of EMS W14 Lane, North Webster. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by Kosciusko County Squad 70, a countywide fire investigation team.

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INDEX

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

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

EMPLOYMENT.............................E010-E080 FARM ...........................................G010-G070

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

Please take the time to make sure your classified ad is correct. The Papers Incorporated will not be responsible for errors in ads after the first publication. Ad position other than classification is not guaranteed. LEISURE, RECREATIONAL ........M010-M110 MERCHANDISE ...........................P010-P290 PETS ............................................Q010-Q030 REAL ESTATE SALES ................S010-S110 REAL ESTATE RENTALS ............U010-U120 TRANSPORTATION .....................W010-W100

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BUYER BEWARE

Auction Sales A010

There will be bird brains in the North Webster Community Public Library next week when wildlife rehabilitation expert, Maria Waltz, presents the family bird program Thursday, Oct.

10.

The Friends of the North Webster Community Public Library enjoyed a special carry-in luncheon following last week’s monthly meeting. This volunteer organization supports the work of the library through fundraising, program assistance and other support activities.

20 YEARS AGO, OCT. 1, 2003

Wawasee High School junior Jessica Randall recently took part in a job shadowing opportunity at North Webster Elementary School. Randall was among the juniors and seniors who had passed the ISTEP test and were offered opportunities to do job shadowing, community service or college visits.

When members of the North

Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce met Wednesday, Sept. 17, they heard that their membership numbers have increased. Becoming a chamber member is easier and more user-friendly than ever, said membership chair Chris Bruno.

Marilyn Hartman entertained members of Tippy Lee Club in her home Sept. 3. As the meditation, she read two poems, “Cornerstone” and “I Am Only One.” Cheryl Criswell served as secretary pro-tem. Juanita Allen presided during the business session. A memorial service was held for Veva Shepherd.

There were 35 members present for the Sept. 11 annual carryin picnic of North Webster Church of God J.O.Y. group. Scheduled to be held in North Webster Park, the location was changed at the last minute to the church fellowship hall due to an abundance of pesky bees trying to share the meal.

30 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 29, 1993

Norma Sliger, North Webster, has just returned home from vacation to central Illinois where she visited with her daughter, Jill Hasker, a school teacher in the Champaign/Urbana area.

Gary Zehr of Topeka, president of Indiana Custom Truck in Lagrange, was guest speaker at the Lakeland Kiwanis Club meeting Monday, Sept. 27, at North Web-

Catherine Bause and Ellen Eichorn of the North Webster area were recognized as 50-year members of the Extension Homemakers program. Pat Friddle, Barbee Lake, was named Kosciusko County Homemaker of the Year.

40 YEARS AGO

OCT. 5, 1983

The North Webster Town Board heard a progress report from Triax Cable Corporation at Tuesday night’s meeting. Two corporation representatives indicted an office will be opened in town on or before Nov. 1. and North Webster citizens should have Cable TV by the middle of December.

Rocky Marciano’s Hickok championship belt is now at home in the International Palace of Sports in North Webster. William Bibler, a prominent local businessman, presented the belt.

North Webster Lady Lions met recently at North Webster

United Methodist Church with 22 members and two guests present. Guests were Jackie Yeiter and Jane Nave. Susanne Parker, president of the organization presided.

50 YEARS AGO,

OCT. 3, 1973

The Lakeland Kiwanis Club meeting was opened with prayer by Jay Boyer, Oliver Will, Jessie Cook, O.W. Grossman, and Kenney Halper, were guests at the meeting.

The North Webster Volunteer Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary and their families enjoyed a picnic Sunday afternoon and evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Galloway.

Mrs. Roy Spry and Mrs. Carl Kissinger accompanied by Mrs. Florence Huffer and Mrs. Helen Lester of Warsaw attended the Pythian Sisters Grand Temple sessions at Indy Inn in Indianapolis last week. Mrs. Kissinger was installed as district deputy.

It happened in Syracuse ... 10 years ago

Schwartz gives old building new life

10 YEARS AGO, OCT. 2, 2013

This sweet story just has to be shared. Jordan Grindle, a sixth grade student at Wawasee Middle School, son of Kevin and Gina Grindle, Syracuse, wrote this message at a small memorial he made for his grandmother, Glenda K. “Kay” Biller Byrd, who died a couple of months ago.

She had lived her whole life in Syracuse. His hand-written sign said, “Though your physical form isn’t with us, your beautiful, cheerful, living moments-memories are. So watch over us as we take on our lives and problems. I love you very much. We all do.

We miss you. See you soon.

Jordan.” What a tribute to a loving grandmother from a loving grandson! Needless to say, both his parents were quite touched and proud of him.

Anybody who has driven through Syracuse on SR 13 has passed the old molasses factory.

Until recently, the giant, yellow building was something of an eyesore — rundown, empty, and taking up prime real estate.

But that all changed when Roy Schwartz purchased the property. Schwartz moved his family to Syracuse from Berne several years ago and was looking for a

space to start a shop. Swiss Perfection, Schwartz’s company, does steel fabrication.

20 YEARS AGO, OCT. 1, 2003

Mary Gretsinger has been invited to exhibit one of her watercolors in a national show for the second time. Mary resides on the east side of Wawasee Lake with her husband, Bill, and their two sons, Redmond, in the third grade at Syracuse Elementary, and Gordy, first grade.

Mary’s first exhibit was a watercolor titled “Pattern of Life” shown in Kentucky Watercolor Society’s Aqueous USA 2001 show. This month, the pictured watercolor titled “Shout and Whisper” will be exhibited in the Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society’s annual national juried watercolor exhibit in Lockport, N.Y. This show attracts many of this country’s finest watercolorists. Mary said she has painted or drawn almost daily since preschool. Growing up in a military family, she was exposed to the beauty of art and architecture in many locations, such as in Europe and on an Indian reservation, which continue to inspire her.

page 11

It happened in North Webster ... 30 years ago

Interra makes donation to CAPS

Interra Credit Union, headquartered in Goshen, recently held an event with business members for a day away and friendly competition.

“Rather than the traditional golf outing, Interra hosted some of our business partners for a clay shooting contest,” shared Randy Lehman, vice president, business lending manager.

With morning and afternoon flights, a total of 80 individuals participated in the day.

During the initial planning of the day, it was suggested Interra increase the stakes and use the time to also raise funds for a local nonprofit, all in the spirit of Interra’s vision of “Do Well To Do Good.” Child and Parent Services’ of Elkhart was chosen as the recipient of any dollars donated.

“In the beginning of planning this day, there was little business purposes behind this event rather than connecting individuals and showing Interra’s appreciation for their continued partnership with the credit union,” said Lehman.

“Adding in the fundraising was a whole new aspect. We had no idea what to expect and set our fundraising goal at $5,000. But instead, we found through the generosity of the attendees, CAPS was the real winner as individuals donated nearly $9,000.”

CAPS CEO Rebecca Shetler Fast said it best when she accepted the donation and stated, “We are humbled by this kindness. The money will be used specifically to help support the efforts of our Court Appointed Special Advocates, who work

in the court system protecting children who have been affected by abuse and neglect.”

“I’ve always known we had generous business partners,” shared Mike Blosser, senior vice president and head of commercial services, “but the charity of this year’s participants blew us away. I can’t wait to see what happens next year.”

Other business sponsors who helped provide lunch and promotional items for the event were Synergy Insurance Group and Maple Lane Hunting Preserve.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT 2024 ANNUAL BID SPECIFICATIONS NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of Kosciusko County, Indiana, will from this date until November 6, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., (local time), receive sealed bids for the following: County Highway supplies for the 2024 year. Specifications are on file at the Kosciusko County Highway Garage, 2936 E. Old Road 30, Warsaw, Indiana 46582.

All bids must be submitted on Form #95 and be accompanied by an affidavit of non-collusion. The bids should then be submitted to the Kosciusko County Auditor’s Office, 100 W. Center St., Warsaw, IN 46580. The bids will be opened at 9:15 a.m. during the Commissioner’s Meeting on November 6, 2023. The meeting will be located on the third floor of the Courthouse, 100 W. Center St., Warsaw, IN 46580. In comparing bids, consideration will not be confined to price only. The successful bid will be the one that is judged to best serve the interests of the Kosciusko County Highway Department when price, product, safety, quality and delivery are considered. The Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or any part thereof, and to waive any minor technicalities.

Bids will be accepted for consideration on any type or variety that is equal or superior to the one specified. Decisions of equivalency will be at the sole interpretation of the Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners. A blanket statement that bid will meet all requirements will not be sufficient to establish equivalence.

The Kosciusko County Highway Department reserves the right to ask for clarification for any bid submitted. The specification herein states the minimum requirements of the Kosciusko County Highway Department. It shall be the Bidder’s responsibility to carefully examine each item of the specification. Any bid not in substantial compliance with these specifications will be rejected. It will be the responsibility of the Bidder to conform to the requirements unless deviations have been specifically cited by the Bidder and acceptance made on the basis of the exception.

When the bid deviates from the specified item, documentation shall be submitted that fully explains and justifies the deviation.

Dated this 26th day of September, 2023. Rhonda Helser Kosciusko County Auditor hspaxlp O.4-11

SECTION 000025 - NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received:

By: Board of Commissioners Kosciusko County, Indiana

For: Kosciusko County Justice Center Interior Renovations 1121 N. Lake Street Warsaw, IN 46580

At: Kosciusko County Auditor’s Office 100 W. Center St. Warsaw, IN 46580

Date: Monday, October 23rd, 2023

Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time

All Bids received prior to the time and date noted above will be publicly opened and recorded as part of the October 24th County Commissioners Meeting at 9:00 AM – Location: Kosciusko County Court House – third floor.

Bids received after the noted time will remain unopened. All legal bids will be reviewed for compliance and a final selection shall be made public at the November 6th County Commissioners Meeting at 9:00 AM – Location: Kosciusko County Court House – third floor. Bids shall be submitted on the forms provided by the Architect with all the blanks filled in. Bid Form and other documents required to be submitted in a sealed envelope with the heading, “BID – Kosciusko County Justice Center Interior Renovation” , and the Bidder’s company name and address. The Bid Envelope shall be addressed to the Kosciusko County Auditor’s Office.

Pre-bid Meeting: Thursday, October 5th, 2023 – 2:00 PM

At the Justice Center – 121 N. Lake Street)

The Mandatory Pre-bid Meeting will be led by the Architect to introduce the project to interested Bidders. The meeting will not be a detailed Q&A, but rather a brief walk through the scope of work and a chance to outline bidding procedures and expectations.

The format will allow multiple “prime” contractors for Flooring/Base and Painting/Wall Finishes. Bidders are allowed and encouraged to submit a combination bid as well.

Drawings Available to Bidders:

Drawings and bidding documents are being distributed Electronically via Eastern Engineering Plan Room: easternengineering.com Hard copies may be purchased from Eastern Engineering at: 1239 North Wells Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46808. No other distribution of bid documents will take place. No additional plans and specifications will be available At the Pre-bid Meeting.

Each Bid must be accompanied by a bid security which shall not be less than five percent (5%) of the highest combination of the base bid plus all add alternates (if applicable) in the form required by the INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS. All bid bonds shall be made payable to the Kosciusko County Auditor and be executed by a surety company authorized to do business in the State of Indiana.

The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any bid (or combination of bids) and to waive any irregularities in bidding. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of thirty (30) calendar days after the date set for bid opening.

The successful bidder will be required to furnish Performance and Payment Bond & Labor and Material Payment Bond for 100% of their contract amount prior to execution of contract. Bonds shall be in full force and effect for a period of at least 12 months after the date of final completion and acceptance of the longest guarantee provided under the contractor’s contract. Should the contractor’s bonding company default, the contractor will be responsible for securing a new bond within fourteen (14) calendar days. The COST OF THE BOND shall be included in the base bid. Bidders shall comply with provisions related to pre-bid site visit and pre-bid site conference as set forth in the INSTRUCTION TO BIDDERS.

In comparing bids, consideration will not be confined to price only. The successful bidder will be the one that is judged to best serve the interests of the Owner when price, product, safety, quality and delivery are considered. It is the intention of the Owner to start work immediately the contractor has been selected and contracts have been prepared and signed. Bid Proposal shall be executed in a complete manner on the bid form provided in the project manual and on State Forms 96.

gives an update on his most recent race. Brian did very well in the Sept. 21 Olympics-sanctioned race in Pennsylvania. He said it was a good race and he almost made the main event, placing fifth in the semi-finals. He noted the race was delayed two days because of a wet track from Hurricane Isabel.

30 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 29, 1993

Many will remember George Riddle, former Syracuse area resident, who now resides in New York. Riddle is performing in “The Will Rogers Follies, A Life in Revue.” According to the reviews, Riddle, who plays Pa Rogers, is the “highlight of the show, a scene stealer, irresistible, top banana,” and more.

The reviews Riddle has received are from such newspapers at the Hartford Courant, Miami Herald, Los Angeles Times, Houston Press, The Tennessean from Nashville, Tenn., and other from across the country.

Paul and Rhudy Yeager, North Harrison Street, Syracuse, returned Friday, Sept. 24, from a two week bus trip along the Ameritimes. The bus left Goshen Sept. 10 and the group traveled to York Harbor beach in Maine and past Kennebunkport. Yeager stated that the group could view former President George Bush’s summer home on the point from a distance, as it was fenced off.

The tour bus group boarded a ferry at Portland and traveled overnight to Nova Scotia, one of the four Atlantic Provinces of Canada. They arrived at Yarmouth the next morning and, after breakfast on the ferry, the group began the tour on the Evangeline Trail, which winds through fishing villages and rolling farmland in AnnapolisCornwallis Valley of Nova Scotia. This area was made popular through the words of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

40 YEARS AGO, OCT. 5, 1983

Townsman Ken Harkless, waxed nostalgic when he posed for the picture in this issue of

the new Rotary Club Memorial to the old uptown high school. “I saw them build that school, then I saw them tear it down,” he observed.

Harkless, who was born in 1897 in a house on the site of his present home, at 300 East Main Street, Syracuse, noted he was nine years old when they built the old school in 1908. Prior to that he attended the old brick school on the upper lot, later converted into a gym, and finally torn down. He graduated in 1916, from the school the memorial is to, and thought enough of this memory that he was easily persuaded enough to cough up enough money to pay for the expensive bronze plaque which bears a drawing of the old school as depicted by Harkless the artist. Right now several Rotary club members are considering plans to have the fitting memorial lighted.

Joe Savage, 18 years of age and a 1983 Fairfield High School graduate, has the honor of representing the State of Indiana at the National Grange convention, to be held the week of November 13 at San Antonio, Texas.

Joe is the son of Peter Savage and Mildred M. Ginger, both of Syracuse. Joe’s father and brother Steve had a similar honor when the convention was held in Hershey, Pa., and sister Beth was so honored when the National Grange convention was held in Greensboro, N.C.

50 YEARS AGO, OCT. 3, 1973

Three Syracuse area women have written to lifer Eddi McClendon at Lucasville, Ohio after his Letter to the Editor which appeared in these M-J columns September 19.

Writing were Mrs. A.L. Miller, Mrs. Melville Smith, and Mrs. DeLoss Martin, and Mrs. Miller has received a return letter. A most interesting pen pal relationship could develop from this which could possibly prove the salvation of a life to a meaningful purpose.

Mary Swager, First Charter’s gal Friday and hubby Bob, have returned from two weeks in the west, namely Oregon and California.

Around The Lakes

CONGRATULATIONS TO the four winners of the Milford Lions raffle held at the Syracuse Eagles Club

Syracuse Baptist Church to host conference

Syracuse Baptist Church, 10013

N. Syracuse-Webster Road, will host “Jesus and Politics IV: Hail to Jesus” conference 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Quaker Haven Camp, 111 Ems D16C Lane #8051, Syracuse.

The event covers a wide range of interesting topics, including family, church, local governance, school, business, art, music and politics. The conference is a time for fellowship, food and networking.

“We’ve always placed much more of an emphasis on ‘Christ and culture,’ dealing with fundamental issues that everyone faces,

Oct. 21

but predicated on the proposition that Christ’s Lordship extends to every institution that exists,” Pastor Tim Bushong explained, “This means, like the Abraham Kuyper quote, ‘There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!’”

Speakers include Pastor Tim Bushong; John Moody, seminary graduate who is involved with food co-ops, homesteading and food freedom; Jon Harris, a seminary graduate who hosts ‘Conversations That Matter,’ a Christian podcast;

Pastor Joseph Spurgeon and William Wolfe, a seminary student who served in the Trump administration. The event will also incorporate the singing of Psalms and hymns.

Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com/e/jesus-politicsconference-iv-hail-to-jesus-tickets634816913477?aff=eand.

Lunch will be provided.

Past conferences are available on Syracuse Baptist Church’s YouTube channel.

Syracuse Baptist Church holds worship 10:30 a.m. every Sunday morning.

Wawasee Compass donates over $90k to local families

Compass’s goal is to “compassionately connect with our neighbors to provide hope, comfort and resources along with spiritual and practical direction to those who find themselves in need in the Wawasee area while coming into closer fellowship with those in our community.” So far, this year, Compass has donated over $90,000 to families in need.

A majority of Compass’s donations come through the summer boat-in worship services on Lake Wawasee, but they also receive

donations from friends of the ministry throughout the year.

“One local businessman recently gave us $10,000, and that happens at least once a year from one donor or another. Last year we gave away over $100,000 to keep folks from being evicted from their homes and to keep their power on,” explained Kristin Steffen, director. Recently, the ministry has expanded to include gas vouchers.

“We serve families within the Wawasee school district and keep track of them through Charity Tracker with other organizations — The Syracuse Food Pantry, The

Turkey Creek Township trustee, the Vineyard Church in Syracuse, Salvation Army and Combined Community Services,” Steffen explained.

If you or someone you know are in need, call or text (574) 5291663 or email wawaseecompass@ gmail.com. For vehicle fuel assistance, call (574) 518-1905. Compass provides a resource sheet on their website that has all community help listed in one document.

Every donation made to Compass goes straight back into the community. To make a donation, visit their website, wawaseecompass.org.

Monday, Sept. 25. Lion President Lisa Ensz wants to thank Lion James Smiley and all who helped him in this fundraising endeavor. The turn out was outstanding, as was the fundraising. In the end, 75% of the event’s proceeds go to Milford Family Fun Fest while 25% goes towards Milford Lions Club Projects Fund.

The prizes won were a Henry 30/30 brass gun, first place; 250 in Milford Bucks, second place; and 100 Milford Bucks, third place. There was a bonus prize this year of yet another Henry 30/30 brass special edition. A fun and enjoyable time was had by all who were involved, said Ensz. Pictured at top are Lion Steve Weisser, left, holding some of the Milford Bucks, and Lion James Smiley with one of the 30/30s.

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NORTH WEBSTER Community Center has announced the building’s gymnasium will be closed through Oct. 9 in preparation for the annual auction fundraiser. The gym will be back open Tuesday, Oct. 10.

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THE SYRACUSE American Legion Riders Post 223. is having its fourth annual brisket dinner to benefit Toys for Tots. The meal will be served from 4:30 p.m. until sold out Saturday Oct. 14, at the Legion, 1008 S. Huntington St., Syracuse.

The cost is $20 per person with dessert available. The public is welcome to attend. All proceeds go to buying toys for the Toys for Tots program, which benefits less fortunate children in the area during Christmas time. —o—

FOR THOSE of you who subscribe to Reader’s Digest, you may have noticed a local name in the September issue. Jesse Beer of Milford had his letter published in the “Humor in Uniform” column on page 24. In his letter, Beer wrote:

“Spotted — this sign at U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri: ‘Drive carefully. The man you run over may be your replacement.”

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GOSHEN PHYSICIANS Family Medicine in North Webster will hold a flu shot clinic from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24. The clinic will be held inside the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St., Suite 121.

These clinics are open to everyone in the community age 10 and older. Being a patient of Goshen Physicians is not required. The influenza vaccine is free with most insurance plans. Cash, checks and credit cards also will be accepted. The self-pay cost is $40 for the low dose and $107 for the high dose.

No preregistration is required, but participants should bring a photo ID, insurance card and payment method. A parent or guardian’s signature is necessary for those under 18.

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THE 15TH annual Fall Harvest Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in Lakeside Park. Come enjoy performances by the Inclognito Cloggers, pumpkin decorating, food vendors, kids activities, live music and much more. Remember this is also the final date of the season for the Artisans & Farmers Market.

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MILFORD HELD its annual fall cleanup Sept. 21-23. According to Superintendent Steven Marquart, the guys and gal in the street department welcomed 142 visitors who brought enough refuse to fill five 30-yard dumpsters as well as one dumpster of scrap metal.

If you didn’t take advantage of this opportunity to clean out your home and garage of unwanted items, rest assured that they will offer a spring cleanup next year. Start now in setting aside the items you no longer want or need and avoid the stress in the spring! —o—

THE AMERICAN Red Cross will be holding a blood drive from 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at North Webster Church of God, 302 N. Main St. Further information is available at redcross.org/give-blood.html. From there, you can enter your zip code to pull up this blood drive as well as others in

the area that might be more convenient to your schedule or location.

Additionally, to make it easier to set an appointment the Red Cross has established a free blood donor app for smartphones. The app will also help find nearby blood drives, get some of the paperwork completed with RapidPass and much more. If you give blood before Friday, Oct. 20, you will be granted a $15 Amazon.com gift card via email for your donation. —o—

WAWASEE KIWANIS will have members at the intersection of SR 13 (Huntington Street) and Main Street in Syracuse from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 7, to accept donations and hand out peanuts to raise funds for Riley’s Children’s Hospital. Members of the local Kiwanis also will be at Neighborhood Fresh.

If you happen to miss them at those two locations, Kiwanis members will be on hand at the Fall Harvest Festival at Lakeside Park where they will walking around with donation cans or have cans available at their hayride site.

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THE WEBSTER Lake Conservation Association’s fall newsletter, “Webster Waves,” is out. If you have not read it yet, it can be found by visiting lakewebster.net. In it, check out the story about how Dale and Nicole Davis got to Webster Lake.

If you or your family would like to share your story explaining your history on Webster Lake, submit your article by e-mail to WebsterLakeAssociation@gmail.com or use the “Contact Us” tab on the WLCA website at lakewebster.net. Photos can be included, as well.

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BY THE time you read this, you might have already noticed that the Milford Street Department has started their regular process of flushing fire hydrants. They will continue the process on Thursday, Oct. 5. They do this on a regular basis to clear out any detritus that might have gathered in the system, which helps to ensure the hydrant lines are ready for use if they are ever needed by the fire department.

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GET THE hottest ticket in town. The North Webster Community Center’s auction and dinner will be this Saturday, Oct. 7. Doors open at 5 p.m. There will be silent and live auctions. Dinner will also be served. A ticket costs $40. A $20 raffle ticket is also available this year. Silent auction items can be found on NWCC website. Let the bidding begin!

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JUST REMINDING everyone about the free Falltastic Trail Walk this weekend at Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation from noon to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Treats for humans and dogs will be available in the pavilion. Two miles of trails will be decorated for fall and Halloween. At 1 p.m. Saturday meet in the pavilion to join Dr Nate Bosch for a tree walk.

NORTH WEBSTER American Legion had a picnic Saturday, Sept. 30. There were so many prizes, a band and delicious food. Kevin Enyeart, Sherman Bowers, Jeff Spickelmier, Mikey Grimes and Jeromy Murphy roasted the hog. Ed Klinger made a Chicken Bingo board and Don Coverstone brought his chicken, Penny. The band “Beez and the Rocker” performed, providing the music for the evening.

“I would like to quote Kevin Enyeart, who said to me, If you told me that I had to turn around and do it all again next weekend, with the same people, sign me up,’” said Legion Commander Cat Bowers, pictured above at the event. “As the commander of this post, I cannot tell you how much that warms my heart. Thank you to everyone who came out to spend the day with us.”