The Mail-Journal, Volume 5, Number 48, Milford, Kosciusko County, 1 January 1969 — Page 1

Deaths, births, weddings and anniversaries join with newsmaking events to make iifcthe chronology which In January Lawrence Butts became auditor of Kosciusko county and Noble C. Blocker retired from political life. Don Drake was named police chief at Milford. This was the month that South Whitley won the 51st county basketball tournament and Syracuse took cheerleading horn ors. The first step in conversion to offset printing was taken by The Mail - Journal during February with the first offset paper being published ,on February 14. Akron won the sectional tournament

Phones: 658-4111 & 457-3666

VOLUME 5

North Webster Lumber Co. Sold

The North Webster Lumber Co., owned by Fred O. Carey. Kosciusko county builder and developer, for the past 17 years, has been sold to Richard B. McCool of Tippecanoe effective January 1, 1969. McCool . owns retail lumber yards ht Delphi, Winamac, Tipton and Kokomo.

March 9 Set For Wawasee Dedication

The board of school trustees of the Lakeland Community School Corporation met in special session on Friday, Dec. 2J, to approve claims and to transact other business. Included in the business was the setting of the date of March 9 for dedication of Wawasse high school.

Milford

Town Board Seeks Member As we go to press membets of the Milford town board are still looking for a townsman to replace John F. Augsburger. The state senator-elect can not hold two public offices at the same time according to state law. It now appears a two-man board will conduct the meeting next Monday, Jan. 6. Carl Duncan was re-, cently re-named president of the beard ai)d Gerald Martin is the second member. Edith I. Baumgartner is the town’s clerk-treas-urer.

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NEW COUNTY CLERK — Bessie Himes will take her oath of office as the"new county clerk on'Thursday, Jan. 2. She. has been first deputy clerk for the past six years and ran unopposed in the November 5 general election.

Chronology Os Events In Lakeland Area In Year 1968

and it was decided to include the freshman class in Wawasee high school during the month. It was on February 29 that Robert W. Ellis, 22, Syracuse, was killed in Viet Nam. * A short time later, March 18. Kenneth Willard. Jr., 21, also of Syracuse, was killed in Jhe Viet Nam war. Vernon Zurcher was named varsity basketball coach at Wawasee in April and Terry Auker was named director of the Lakeland Youth Center with Anne Jensen as assistant as Bud Smith retired. In May Mentone and South Whitley tied for the county track championship and South Whitley

The Wiiil B riial L -nT

Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) and THE SYRACUSE - WAWASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907)

The yard, managed for past three years by Ralph ("Pete”) Craw, will continue operation with the same personnel. Resides Craw as manager, other employees to continue are George Staples. Ivan Thompson, Harold Galloway and Phyllis En-

Robert Reed, attorney, was present to answer questions in regard to the signing oi final papers concerning the construction and lease-rental agreement for Wawasee high school. The bid of First Charter Insurance Company, Syracuse, for corporation insurance was accepted.

THE EVERETT TOMS HOST CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER

Mr. and Mrs. Everett Tom and Peggy Jo entertained at dinner on Christmas day for Mr. and Mrs. Guy Fisher of Milford: Mr. and Mrs Joe Shissler, Joy and Jill of Plainfield: Frank Tom of Carmel; Mr. and Mrs; Max Noel, Maxanhe and Tlrad of Greenwood; Mr. 'and Mrs. Charles Adams, Susie and Nancy of Akron: Miss Diane Adams of Purdue university; and Mr. and Mis. Everett Ernest Tom and family. Joining the group for lunch in ',the evening were Miss Sandra Caywcod of Warsaw; Larry Weisssr cf Milford; Phil Weisser of Indiana Extension of Fort Wayne; Steven Weisser of Bridgton. Mo.;« and Dave Beer of Milford.

won the all-sports trophy. The records showed 6.224 Lakeland residents registered to vote in the May 7 election. Harold Young. Milford principal, retired after 33 years of service. The Flotilla was held at Wawasee in June with Bud Smith being named “Top Pop”. Peggy Dean. Miss Nappanee, was crowned queen of the Lakes at the annual Mermaid Festival. In July they sprayed in Jefferson, Scott and Van Buren townships to rid the area of marijuana. The county's assessed valuation was reported up 3.6 million dollars and Helvey and Purdum filed for re-election to the school board.

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NEW BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — The new Kosciusko county board cf commissioners, following a re-organiza-tion meeting at the court house in Warsaw on Thursday, Jan. 2, 1969, will be as shown here. Board members are seated with county auditor Lawrence Butts and county attorney Robert

Favor County Hot-Mix Plant

Commissioners Set To 'Sack' 'Chuck’ Cleveland Thursday

Kosciusko county highway engineer Charles (“Chuck”) Cleveland, a resident of r 4 Syracuse, will be relieved of his duties and responsibilities when the new board of county conjmissioners holds its first meeting of the year on Thursday, January 2,

This strong sentiment was apparent when the commissioners met at the court house on Monday of this week to consider matters rounding out the year 1968. Cleveland, who is on vacation with his family at West Palm Beach, Fla., voiced the opinion last week that he expected to be “sacked” by the new board of commissioners when it took office the first of the year. In Disfavor Cleveland was named to the $15.000-a-year post of county highway engineer in February of 1964, following the resignation of Ray Nine of North Webster as county highway supervisor. At that time commissioner Rav E. Ferverda, of the New’ Salem community, -stated the county was paying out too much money for professional engineer’s fees, and that the state be footing $5,000 of the bill toward "p’dyfnent of an engineer’s salary. It was learned this week that of the state’s 92 counties, only 20 have employed county highway engineers such as Kosciusko county has, and that only SIOO,OOO of the n°arlv $350,000 the state has available has been used bv the counties for engineers’ salaries. The remaining $250.000 is distributed to the counties of the state. In short, whether Kosciusko county hires a county highway engineer, or not, it will get nearly $3,500 from the state toward engineer’s fees. a Cle\ eland has been in disfavor with southern district commissioner Harvey Anglin of Silver Lake for several years. Anglin

Former Turkey Creek township Madison F. Jones died in August. A Christian Dav school was opei»ed in September at Syracuse. A total of 765 answered the first bell at Wawasee and Lakeland s enrollment reached 2.989. ■ Wawasee high school held its first homecoming in November with Arlene Olson being crowned queen. The basketball season opened al-Wawasee and the freshman team won the holiday tournament at Middlebury. Three lonely spacemen -spent the Christmas holidavs making history as they circled the moon

WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 1, 1969

said Monday. "I have never voted for Cleveland, and I won’t vote for him now.” He said he and incoming commissioner Maurice Dorsey of near North Webster called on commissioner Frederick Gilliam on December 17, and told Gilliam they favored firing Cleveland at the end of the year. Gilliam who has always favored Cleveland said he didn’t know what all the ruckus was about. Anglin said Cleveland has not done his job satisfactorily, charging him with -not knowing how’ to handle the 44 men in the highway department to the greatest advantage, and with poor business practices. He also said his private conduct 'was nos becoming to the post he held, but that he would not pursue that matter. In face of this criticism, commissioner Anglin on Monday refused to sign a claim entered by the Logansport Culvert Company for over $6,300 for culverts of various sizes that have been delivered to the county. .Anglin said no one knew w’ho ordered them or for w’hat purpose they are to be used. Gilliam signed the claim, it was noted. Anglin seriously questioned the need for a county highway engineer. “Rather." he said, we need a good old- fashioned gang foreman who will go out and work with the men in the department.” He challenged the statement that the hiring of a county highway engineer is a savings to the taxpayers of the county. Anglin said. “Within the next 20 years the only bridge w’e will

10 times before landing in the Pacific on Friday, Dec. 27. JANUARY 1— Arthur (Ted) Baumgartner, Milford, retires after serving as bulk tank driver for 28 years. 1— Lawrence Butts becomes county auditor. Noble Blocker retires as term ends. 2 — George Ruby, 74, Syracuse, dies. ' 2 — Cheryl Denise born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert McDowell of Milford. 2 -- Death claims Mrs. Rosanna Bellerive. 95. mother of Mrs. William Liska of r 3 Wqrsavir.

Rascr. . . , ■ . . From left are auditor Butts, incoming commissioner Maurice Dorsey, chairman Harvey Anglin, commissioner Frederick Gilliam, and attorney Rasor.

b? needing in the county that demands engineering is the Barbee Lake bridge.” He added that most of the so-called bridges being put in are culverts or “tubes”. and that no engineering is needed for these. (Note: The Barbee Lake bridge was built in 1896 and will have to be raised so boats can go under the bridge to go between Big and Little Barbee lakes.) Anglin said the commissioners have no one to take Cleveland’s place at the present time, but that they would look for a person with the ability to handle crew of men. someone who also knows road work. He added, “Party affiliation would be fourth in line of qualifications.” Dorsey Acquiesces Maurice Dorsey attended the Monday meeting but was hesitant to commit himself on the Cleveland dismissal since he will not be an official member of the board of commissioners until Thursday. Ray Ferverda, whom Dorsev will be replacing, is vacationing in Florida. Dorsev said he could not understand whv county trucks were hauling sand from Etna Green to the highway garage m Warsaw ' with which they mix salt for winter highway use) when they could get it at the gravel plant at Leesburg for the same price. said it was 12 miles to Etna Green and six miles to Leesburg. Anglin said he had a radio put in his truck, then put on some hip boots to check the county’s bridges for himself without taking anybody's word for it. Wants Hot-Mix Plant Anglin said the county could also save a considerable amount of money by purchasing a portable hot-mix plant. He said the county should purchase a plant that would produce 60 tons of hot-mix per hour. This would

2 — Peter A. Godfrey. 69. r 1 Walkerton, a cousin of William Carroll of Kfilfprd, died. 2 — John Albert born to Mr. Mrs. Harland D. Gardner of r 1 Syracuse. 3 — Report death of Lindon Thomas Barthy, 21, r 5 Goshen, when- his car hit a tree head-on in Syracuse. 3 — Herschel G. Johnson. 38. died December 24. He was a former Ligonier resident. 3 — Announce December 17 wedding of Pamela Combs and Douglas Chokey, both of Syracuse. 3 — Announce December 17 birth of Fredrico Abel to Mr. and Mrs. Fredrico De La Cruz of

cost in the neighborhood of SBO,000. and it would pav for itself in three years. He said the county highway department would not need to add any additional men to handle this new installation. “I am readv to buy such a. plant in 1969. if I can get another commissioner to vote with me,” he added. Dorsey said he favored such a move, pointing out the county is paying out “large sums of money to private contractors,” when they could save a considerable amount of this money. Other Business On Mondav the commissioners let a tire bid to Montieth Tire Co. in Warsaw and failed to receive anv bids on a new car for th'* sheriff’s department. Two new members were appointed to the county health board to replace Dr. Floyd M. Rheinheimer of Milford and attorney Byron Kennedy of Warsaw. Maurice Dorsey won his seat on. the county board of commissioners by defeating outgoing commissioner Rav Ferverda by a mere 30 votes in the May primary last year and by defeating Leesburg Democrat Herschel 'Albert in the November 5 general election. SYRACUSE MAN FINED IN WARSAW CITY COURT Phillip Bates. 41, r 2 Syracuse, recently paid a fine of s2l on assault and battery charge in Warsaw city court. CHRISTMAS EVE GUESTS Christmas Eve dinner guests in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hollar on r 2 Milford were Miss Ginger Hollar of Indiana Central college. Indianapolis: Pvt. Lester Lull of Fort Campbell, Ky.; and Terry Hollar of Dwight, 111.

Pierceton. He is the new greatgrandson of Pilalar Avalos of Milford. 3 — Announce December 27 birth of son to Mr. and Mrs, Jes- “ us .0. Pena of Milford. 3 — List obituary of J. K. Gorrell. former Bremen Enquirer publisher. 3 — Funeral services held for Mrs. Joe (Lovena) Kropf. 83. Benton, former Milford resident ■who died December 31. 3 — List obituary of Jesse Edwards Dippon, 82. Goshen, father of Mrs. Ray Bray and Delbert Dippon of Milford, who died December 28. ; 4 3 — Announce December 28 death of Mrs. Lelo 0. Gardner.

Fire Damages Car $2,000 A car belonging to Penny Godfrey. Syracuse, was damaged|s2,COC at 2:45 a.m. Saturday on county read 1000 North near Syracuse. The Syracuse fire department was called to the scene and(extinguished the blaze of undetermined origin. McGrew To Conduct Study For Area Schools The steering committee 1 for an area vocational school feasibility study, consisting of representatives of school couporations in Marshall. Kosciusko. Fulton, and Whit ley counties, announced today tha David L. McGrew from r 1 Nap- ! panee has been selected to conduct the study. Mr. McGrew is 44 years of age and is,a native of Terre Haute. He received a bachelor of science degree in industrial education from Indiana Statj? university)‘in 1950 and a master of science idegree in administration and Indiana university, in' 1952. He has done additional graduate, study at Indiana university and at Purdue. Mr? McGrew taught industrial arts and served as coordinator of cooperative education and as director of adult evening classes at , Nappanee high school from 1952 to 1958 and as director of guidance . and testing for the Wa-Njee Community Schools, Nappanee, from 1959 to 1967. He spent one year as a test representative for Harcourt, Brace and World, Inc., and currently is self-employed in Nappanee. He is a veteran of World War 11, is married, and has two children. In 1960 Mr. McGrew was selected as one of the three outstanding young men in. Indiana by the Indiana Junior Chamber of Commerce. As director of the feasibility study, Mr. McGrew will be visiting each.community participating in the study, will prepare and distribute questionnaires to business, industry, and to high school students regarding vocational education needs of the area, and will prepare the feasibility study report for consideration by school officials and the state department of public instruction. He will, work cut of an office in the administration. building of the Warsaw Community Schools. His new' duties will begin on January 2. Milford Masons To Have Open Installation i ■■ Kosciusko lodge number 418 F and AM will hold an open installation of officers at a called meeting Saturday, Jan. 4, at 7:30 p.m. in the Milford Masonic lodge hall. Officers elected at a recent meeting are: Donald Davidsen — mastef William Bess — senior warden Silas Howard — junior warden Paul Kizer — treasurer Arlo Beiswanger — Secretary John Davidsen — trustee Families and friends of the local Masons are invited to attend. *

75. Fort Wayne, mother of George Gardner of Syracuse. 3■ — Announce December 27 death of Mrs. Donald J. (Edith B.' Lichtenwalter. 68. Warsaw, mother of Guy B. Lichtenwalter of Milford. 3 — Death notice published for Mrs. Harold S. Myers. 68. Wakarusa. sister of Mrs. Art Backhouse, Mrs.. Albert Etter. Taylor Shively and Robert Shively, all of Leesburg. She died on December 26. 3 — Earl R. Townsend, 71. Rochester, father of Mrs. Earl Robinson. Leesburg, died. 3 — Grant Edward born to Mr. Gn Page 3, Sec. 1)

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NUMBER 48

FOOTBALL STAR Tom Speicher Hospitalized After Accident Tom A. Speicher,. 16. Wawasee high school sophomore and son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Speicher of r 2 Milford, remains a patient in the Gcshen hospital following an accident Monday at 7 p.m. At first it was thought he suffered a broken neck vertebrae, but preliminary X-rays revealed no broken bones. He was, however, in shock. The first reports listed his condition as critical, but the Xrays proved otherwise. Speicher was hospitalized after his 1967 Pontiac hit a bridge on road 900 N. three miles south of Milford. Investigating officers James Risner of the state police and Gerald Oswald of tiie Kosciusko county sheriff’s office stated Speicher was going west on the county highway when he came to a narrow bridge. At the same time he met an oncoming car and the lights from the second car blinded him. He hit the bridge head-on. Said bridge is unmarked. Damage to the car was estimated at S6OO. Speicher is an active member of the sophomore class at Wawasee and participated in football and B-team basketball. Milford Tavern Sold To Mr. And Mrs. Virgil Deisch A Milford tavern, known as Kaiser’s Inn, has been sold by its owner, Emery Huffer, to Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Deisch of Leesburg. The new owners, who will take possession of the tavern on Wednesday, Jan. 1, plan to remodel the building and make other changes. Mr. Deisch, .who is now farm manager of the Maple Leaf Farm, Inc., located in the New Salem community, owned a tavern in Leesburg for seven years before selling it to Harry Gladieux of Syracuse. Mr. Huffer has owned the Milford tavern for over 10 years. Mr. and Mrs. (Nadyne' Deisch have two daughters, Brenda, employed at the Lutheran hospital in Fort Wayne and Carol Shepherd, and two grandchildren. PRE-CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR CUSTER FAMILIES Children and grandchildren of Mrs. Lillian Custer enjoyed a preChristmas dinner Sunday, Dec. 22, at her home. Guests were Mr. and Mrs. Myrtus Custer, Pam and Sue, Mr. and Mrs. Danny Ransbottom and Dave of Claypool; Mr. and Mrs? Myrtus Dierks and Julie of r r WarsAw; Mr. and Mrs. Steven Diedks of Liberty Mills; Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Dierks, Kris, Jcie, and Debbie and Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Dierks of Sidney; and Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Custer, Jon, Tcrrie, and George of Leesburg. .. - « CHRISTMAS DINNER GUESTS Mr. and Mrs. Henry Biller, Mr. and Mrs. Enos Hollar and Terry Hcllar were Christmas dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hol- - lar of near Milford.