$1.50
Covering Milford, Syracuse & North Webster, Indiana
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Warmth Amid The Cold One Nation Under God
Page 5 themail-journal.com
5($'< )25 &+5,670$6 ³ &KDXWDXTXD :DZDVHH·V DQQXDO 2OG )DVKLRQHG &KULVWPDV SURJUDP LV VHW IURP S P 6DWXUGD\ 1RY DW 2DNZRRG 5HVRUW LQ 6\UDFXVH 3LFWXUHG DUH VRPH RI WKH FKDUDFWHUV \RX·OO PHHW LQFOXGLQJ IURQW URZ IURP OHIW WKH *ULQFK 7DPP\ 6FKXPP WKH HOYHV 6LHUUD &ODUN .HUQ DQG 6WDF\ <RUN WKH 6QRZPDQ %ULWW 1LQH 0DU\ 0RUHWWR DQG 0DUN .QHFKW ,Q WKH EDFN URZ DUH .LS 6FKXPP DQG WKH *LQJHUEUHDG 0DQ 'DQH 3HQURG 3KRWR SURYLGHG E\ 0DU\ +XUVK
,1 7+( 5811,1* ³ 0DSOH /HDI )DUPV DORQJ ZLWK 3RO\ZRRG DUH LQ WKH UDFH WR KDYH LWV SURGXFWV QDPHG ´7KH &RROHVW 7KLQJ 0DGH LQ ,QGLDQDµ E\ WKH ,QGLDQD &KDPEHU 0DSOH /HDI )DUPV SXW XS LWV URDVW KDOI GXFN IRU WKH FRQWHVW 6KRZQ LQ IURQW DUH 0LFKHOOH &UDWKLQ OHIW DQG 0DULD 5RGULJXH] ,Q WKH EDFN DUH 2OLYLD 7XFNHU EUDQG PDQDJHU &KULV -HOOHO SODQW PDQDJHU 0ROOL 5LFR DQG *DEH %ROOLQJHU 7KH ZLQQHU ZLOO EH QDPHG 'HF 3KRWR E\ /DXUHQ =HXJQHU
Popular old-fashioned Christmas celebration returns to Syracuse %\ .(,7+ .1(33 6WDII :ULWHU If you’re planning to stay in the area this coming holiday weekend, make plans to come to Oakwood Resort in Syracuse from 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. That’s where Chautauqua Wawasee will be holding its third annual Old Fashioned Christmas celebration. This free, family-friendly event features something for everyone, including some of Santa’s reindeer, who will be available for petting; a live nativity scene; horse-drawn wagon rides; strolling musicians, including two barbershop quartets; and an elfin reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” While there, you’ll surely run into a variety of characters who will be roaming the grounds, including Frosty, the Grinch, Rudolph, Buddy the Elf, a toy soldier and the Gingerbread Man, all of whom will be delighted to stop for a photo with your group. Activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with music near the Oakwood Inn. The 60-foot Christmas tree will be
lit at 6:15 p.m., accompanied by the singing of Christmas carols. Back by popular demand this year is the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible, which will take place at the historic Oakwood Chapel, read by Penny Kitson and Shelly Judy. As you walk to the chapel, look for the live nativity scene featuring Mark Mesaros as Joseph; Suzie Cook as Mary; Ron Mason, David Johnston and Jim Kroemer as wise men; Alan Kitson and Dave Schramm as shepherds; and Karen Kroemer as an angel. Milford Christian Church will provide the costumes; the Syracuse Parks Department built and assembled the nativity stable. Additionally, the Christmas photo booth is the perfect place for your family’s annual Christmas picture. Hot chocolate, cookies and s’mores will be provided, and don’t forget to pick up some deer food to take home for Santa’s reindeer. “As we celebrate Christmas, we often think of those in need,” said Mark Knecht, president of Chautauqua Wawasee. “A collection bin
for the Syracuse Food Pantry is available for your canned or nonperishable goods.” Keep your fingers crossed for a bit of snow, but if severe weather occurs, check chqw.org or facebook. com/chautauquawawasee for information and updates. All events will be held outside, so dress accordingly for the weather. Event sponsors include the Town of Syracuse Parks Department, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club, Wawasee Property Owners Association, Oakwood Resort, Syracuse Chamber and many local businesses that will be identified in the event program. Free parking is available around Oakwood Resort, located at 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse. “This is a fun-filled family event and a wonderful way to get the family into the Christmas spirit.” said Kip Schumm, event coordinator. “Make this event part of your family’s holiday traditions.” For more information, email debbie@chqw.org.
Syracuse BZA approves new parking lot despite remonstrators’ concerns All three cases presented to the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals at the Thursday, Nov. 17, meeting were approved with stipulations. The only remonstrators in attendance expressed concerns about a new parking lot intended for Polywood LLC employees. The petition for an exemption to allow a parking lot in a residential district, located on the east side of Maple Street and south of North Street, Syracuse, was heard by the board in September. The board then requested more documentation and
information from Polywood before they would make a decision. William Bennett, Gary Cook and Melodie Rodgers, area residents, all expressed that even though expanding parking would be good for Syracuse, they were concerned about the excessive noise and reckless driving that already occurs in the area. Matthew Shaw, chief financial officer of Polywood, provided more information on the privacy and noise concerns. Shaw stated that additional lighting is not necessary
for the parking lot, a fence and new trees will serve as a buffer between the parking lot and the residential homes and additional surveillance will be implemented. The petition was granted under the following conditions: • Only the first shift sewing department is to use the parking lot. • Parking is allowed only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. • No installation of lighting. • Installation of trees for privacy and a 6-foot fence covering the Continued on page 2
Maple Leaf Farms, Polywood competing for Coolest Thing Made in Indiana title %\ /$85(1 =(8*1(5 6WDII :ULWHU Two local companies — Maple Leaf Farms and Polywood — are in the Final Four round vying for the title of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Indiana” contest. Maple Leaf Farms and Polywood are competing against Hiker Trailers in Columbus, which manufactures a custom teardrop camping trailer, and Kidstuff Play Systems in Gary, producers of a tri-ride slide. Online voting to see who reaches the finals, is open to the public at indianachamber.com/ coolest-thing-made-in-indianatournament. Voting for the semifinals runs through Friday, Nov. 25 at 10 p.m. The championship matchup will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28. The tournament
concludes Nov. 30. The contest, which celebrates the state’s long manufacturing history and showcases the wide variety of Hoosier-made products, started with a 54-company field. Some companies participating have headquarters located outside the state, but the product representing them is made completely in Indiana. Those 54 companies were placed in a March Madness-type bracket with the public encouraged to vote during the various rounds. The winner will be announced Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Indiana Chamber’s Best IN Manufacturing Luncheon. Olivia Tucker, brand marketing manager, explained someone from Maple Leaf’s executive committee nominated the company for the contest. Maple Leaf’s product is its roast half duck. “The
great thing about the product is it’s a partially deboned product,” said Chris Jellel, plant manager. He explained the deboning process has to be done by hand. “So a lot of blood, sweat and dedication goes into it.” Maple Leaf has been campaigning for votes through social media as well as talking its product up through various professional organizations, such as the Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce. Company officials are tossing around a few ideas how to celebrate, should Maple Leaf win the coveted Coolest Thing Made In Indiana award. “We’re just happy our staff is being recognized for the product,” said Janelle Deatsman, communications manager for Maple Leaf Farms. “We’re very appreciative of the people who made this prodContinued on page 2
Lakeland Regional Sewer District approves 2023 budget %\ 3+2(%( 087+$57 6WDII :ULWHU Lakeland Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees approved its 2023 budget of $1,965,255 during its monthly public meeting Wednesday, Nov. 16. President Jim Haney opened the meeting. The board welcomed new board member, Rosa Ritchie, before getting down to business. Mike DeWald gave the treasurer’s report. He presented the monthly claim approval form for
5IF .BJM +PVSOBM
a total of $73,207.64. DeWald expressed the district is financially in good standing except for maintenance costs, as there is actively a steady increase. A motion was made to introduce an amended rate ordinance. A multi-phase rate increase of 12% was proposed. There will be a public notice prior to the December meeting. A letter will be mailed to LRSD customers about the rate increase. If adopted, customers will not see the increase
Inside
%\ &$/(,*+ %<5(5 6WDII :ULWHU
7+5,//(' 72 %( ,1 7+( &217(67 ³ 3RO\ZRRG LQ 6\UDFXVH VXEPLWWHG LWV (OHYDWH SLHFH SLW VHFWLRQDO IRU WKH ´&RROHVW 7KLQJ 0DGH LQ ,QGLDQDµ FRQWHVW KRVWHG E\ WKH ,QGLDQD &KDPEHU 9RWLQJ IRU WKH ÀQDO IRXU FORVHV RQ )ULGD\ 1RY 3KRWR SURYLGHG E\ 3RO\ZRRG
in their bills until early February. Tom Astbury of Astbury Water Technology, Angola, presented their monthly report. He reported the “plant was operating well” with a removal level of 98%. “A piece of metal got into the pump and caused the pump to fail. Due to hydrogen sulfite, there have been some damages. We will continue to monitor this closely,” he said. He said it is not expensive and the other two lift stations “look Continued on page 2
History of Library Presented See Page 7 See Public Notices On Page 11
Olld Ol dF Fashioned ashioned C Christmas hristmas Oakwood Resort, Syracuse, Indiana Free! For Families Of All Ages * Christmas Tree Lighting At 6:15 * Caroling * Santa * Live Nativity * Elves * Grinch * Frosty * Chapel Reading Of The Christmas Story * Live Reindeer * Family Photo Booth And More Outdoors * Come Early To Enjoy The Music www.chqw.org or Facebook/ChautauquaWawasee Jointly sponsored by Syracuse Parks Department and Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce