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Covering Milford, Syracuse & North Webster, Indiana
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Twelve Dogs Rescued See Page 5
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Community meeting on new Milford Elementary School project %\ (0,/< :255(// :DZDVHH &RPPXQLW\ 6FKRRO &RUSRUDWLRQ 'LUHFWRU 2I &RPPXQLFDWLRQV $QG 0DUNHWLQJ
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Park board receives $150,000 grant %\ 3+2(%( 087+$57 6WDII :ULWHU The Syracuse Parks and Recreation Board received a $150,000 grant from the K21 Foundation. The board heard the good news at its monthly meeting Monday, Oct. 9. Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson said the grant will be used to fund Ward Park’s new playground. The cost of the playground is $250,000. Ward Park is undergoing a renovation. The pavilion and rest rooms are being remodeled. The grant is not a matching grant. Jonsson said the parks department may have funds to cover the difference. He is also applying for more grants.
Jonsson is meeting with the contractor Oct. 23. Water and power are on and a sewer line will go in this week. Jonsson said the park is used frequently. During his tree board report, Jonsson said 10 trees will be removed and 11 will be planted this fall. The trees will be planted in late October or early November. “We will have 11 locations for planting, including Kerns Crossing,” he said. The parks department is getting a new zero-turn lawn mower to be purchased in 2024 and the 2012 mower is being sold. “I’ve had some inquiries for it and some interest,” said Jonsson. Jonsson showed a draft of Lakeside Park’s new signs. “This is project for next year but
I wanted you to see them,” he said. Another sign will also be placed along Northshore Drive. Lakeside Park’s swing will also be replaced. The swing is broken but the frame is still there. The “mommy and me” swing will fit on the frame, Jonsson said, and the swing is face-to-face. It will be installed sometime in the spring and costs $1,519. The facilities committee has met in the last couple of months. Jonsson showed the board a planning and development worksheet. Park board members are to list the priority for each park, the community center, skate park, municipal pier, Hoy’s Beach and the new sports complex. The priorities are: the next three years (2024 to 2026), the fol-
lowing three years (2027 to 2029) and long-term priorities (after 2030). Also, to be determined, are a noleash pet area (dog park), a splash pad and pickleball courts. Jonsson said he would like the sheets back by Nov. 1 in time for the next meeting. “It gives Darin (Lursen), and I something to work on,” he said. A memorial brick was given to David Johnston for the time he has served on the park board since 2017. The brick will be placed outside on the walkway outside the community center. “I’ve enjoyed it, and I will miss you all,” said Johnston, who has sold his house and is moving. Mary Hursh’s term is also ending at the end of the year, leaving
two open seats on the board. The board also welcomed new member, Kristin Abbs. During Program Director Lursen’s report, he said Fall Harvest Festival last Saturday “went well.” The indoor garage sale will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 14, at SCC. Euchre is Friday, Oct. 20, at SCC. A trick-or-treat trail is from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, and will also feature a haunted woods from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $5 per person. The walk at WACF is one mile. Basketball registration begins Monday, Nov. 6. There was no financial report. Jonsson said he will have a report at its next meeting, which is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13.
Wawasee school board adopts 2024 budget, bus replacement resolution %\ 0$5,66$ 6:($7/$1' 6WDII :ULWHU During the regular October Wawasee Community School Corporation’s board meeting, members voted to adopt a 2024 budget and bus replacement resolution. The budget workshop was held in August and the hearing in September.
The board passed a budget of $750,000 rainy day fund; $12,707,600 debt service fund with a $12,500,279 adopted tax levy and 0.3420 adopted tax rate; $21,732,994 education fund; and $10,551,638 operations fund with a $7,955,177 adopted tax levy and 0.2833 adopted tax rate. The total adopted budget is $45,742,232 with a $20,455,456 adopted tax
levy and adopted tax rate of 0.6253. “These are advertised high, even though the levy is capped, just to protect the school from any weird things that might happen with appeals,” Dr. Brandon Penrod, LQWHULP GLUHFWRU RI ÀQDQFH explained to the board. Each year, school corporations produce a 5-year bus replacement
Milford Town Council hears updates on master utilities study, Waubee Lake Trail %\ /,//, ':<(5 6WDII :ULWHU Milford Town Council’s meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 9, began with a public hearing on the results of the master utilities study done by Commonwealth Engineers. The
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study looked at the town’s water distribution system, wastewater and stormwater collection systems. The goal was to quantify issues with each utility, present recommendations on how to address them, come up with future projects and assign costs.
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Wawasee Community School Corporation has announced a unique opportunity for community members to come together and take part in the exciting journey of building a new Milford Elementary School. Corporation officials invite families, students, community members and leaders to share insights, learn more about the project, and help shape an institution that will be at the center of our community for generations to come. The event will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, in the Milford Elementary School cafeteria. Attendees should enter through the north doors. The evening will include a project overview, community engagement and feedback session. It will be an open forum. Why Attend? • Community Engagement: This is your chance to provide feedback, share insights and be a part of a project that will impact the community for years. The school corporation values your opinion. • Learn More: Get an initial overview of the school’s design, the educational vision and the unique features that will set the school apart. • Networking: Connect with educators, community leaders and fellow residents. Let’s build stronger community bonds. Special features of the evening will be: • Interactive Collaboration: Engage in interactive sessions which will gather community feedback on architectural designs being considered for the school, exterior facade and community gathering space. • Meet the Architects and Planners: Get a chance to meet the masterminds behind the project and understand their vision. Dr. Steven Troyer, WCSC superintendent stated: “Our goal is to build more than just a physical structure. We aim to create an environment where students thrive, educators are inspired, and the community feels proud. This can only be achieved with the collective insights and contributions of all community members. Join us, and let’s co-create a legacy!”
Ryan Lareau of Commonwealth read the results. In water distribution, the results recommend replacing the town’s water meters, looping dead end water mains, replacing lead service lines, adding a filtration system at supply Continued on page 2
NWCC Auction Dinner See Page 9 See Public Notices On Page 11
plan. Buses have an average life span of 12 years, so once they age out of service they are replaced. Mike Wilson, board member, inquired if alternative fuel options were being considered, but Dr. Steve Troyer mentioned the cost
takes the option off the table for now. During the learning report, Troyer presented on behalf of Dr. Shelly Wilfong. He informed the board NWA testing for the Continued on page 2
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