The Mail-Journal, Volume 7, Number 5, Milford, Kosciusko County, 4 March 1970 — Page 1

Phones: 658-4111 & * 457-3666

VOLUME 7

3 Annexation Ordinances

Passed The Syracuse town board passed three readings of the ordinances proposing the am nexation of three parcels of land to the incorporated town of Syracuse at its meeting at the town hall last Wednesday evening The three ordinances were read by town attorney Robert Reed following a* lengthy » discussion, then they were approved by the board. The board then suspended the rules and had the second and third reading of the ordinances concurrently and approved this dual reading Public Meltings The three ordinances will be published in two newspapers of general circulation on Wednesday, March 11, and Wednesday, March 18. and posted in three public places <town hall, post office and the bank building) prior to public meetings for a full airing of the annexation ordinance^ The public meetings will be held on Wednesday, March 18, Wednesday. March 25, and Wednesday, April 1. place of the meetings to be announced at a later date Sixteen townsmen appeared at the meeting last Wednesday night at the town hall, misreading the purpose of that meeting. It was not to be a public (neeting, but a meeting for the reading of the ordinances Steve Hearn, chairman of the ' Syracuse-Wawasee chamber of N commerce annexation committee. explained the purpose of annexation and what it would mean He said it was imperative to the future growth and development of the community. He called Syracuse “locked in, with nowhere to go but to annexation " | He pointed out it would cost approximately $250,000 to bring the necessary water and sewer lines to the annexed areas, but that the Indianapolis firm whose business it is to approve such municipal revenue bonds, has advised his office that the proposed revenue; bonds would be marketable. He said it would take about three years to bring the needed services to the annexed areas. Among the other serv ices to be provided, Hearn pointed out. would be free garbage pick up and snow removal.

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CONGRATULATES PAUL — Third District congressman John Brademas of South Bend is shown congratulating out going Kosciusko county Democratic county chairman Paul Konkle at the Shrine building at the. fairgrounds in Warsaw Saturday night. The occasion was Paul Konkle night. From left are master of ceremonies Tom Lemon; Third District Democratic chairman and Marshall county chairman Ernest Bixel of Plymouth; Opal (Mrs. Walter) Miller of Syracuse, a precinct committeeman; Konkle; Brademas; Kosciusko county Democratic chairman Jack Sumntr; Irene tMrs. Wayne) Bucher of Dewari Lake, a precinct committeeman; and Robert Price. Elkhart county Democratic county chairman.

Good Luck To Warsaw Tiaers In The Regional Saturdayl

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

Double Town's Sue Should the annexation prove a reality, the size of Syracuse would double in land area, and its taxable valuation would jump from approximately $3 million dollars to $44 million dollars. A number of those present at the Wednesday meeting were against annexation of any kind, stating it would give them added taxes for services they now have. One objector was Fitzhugh Turner, whp resides in the Hunmcut Addition He said he found himself against the proposed annexation, but did not want to be considered an obstructionist in the town's growth. Joe Todd, also a chamber of commerce member and an area realtor, said the lakes are becoming contaminated as it is, adding that most septic tanks were only 75 per cent efficient. He said annexation, for one thing, would head off further pollution of the lakes and streams He said he felt no one should halt a plan for orderly growth of the area. Bill Brammer said the “real reason“ the chamber was urging annexation was to provide for a mayor system of government for Syracuse which they thought would be more forceful and efficient Some board members jokingly admitted perhaps this was sufficient reason for annexation. Hearn pointed out that 51 per cent of the landowners of the areas to be annexed could halt the annexation. Colonel Joe Gray, a Lake Wawasee resident and president of the plan commission, said he favored annexation as a means of growth for the community. He said he could foresee the day when the entire lakes would be required by law to have a more suitable sewage disposal system Holy Week Services At New Salem Holy Week services for the Milford churches will be held at the New Salem church of the Brethren this year with services to be held at 7:30 on March through 25 Good Friday services will begin at 1 p m. Churches participating will be the Bethel Church of the Brethren, Christian church. First Brethren. United Methodist and New Salem.

It's Time For Action , Citizens in district 3 (Van Buren township arid the east half of Jefferson township) of the Lakeland school corporation are becoming increasingly restless with the school board’s hesitancy to appoint a board member from that district. It is their responsibility to appoint a replacement for Kenneth Haney who resigned effective January 1. At the time of Haney’s resignation, the board said it would wait until the return of member Floyd Baker from a Florida vacation, then make the appointment no later than the end of January. Now we are well into the month of March and no appointment has been made. The board hds stated it is imperative that an appointment be made as soon as possible since the board is contemplating a building program, and it is their desire for any new member to be brought up to date as quickly as possible in order that he have a full appreciation of the corporation’s building needs. We, of course, would agree with this point of view. Board president Jerry Helvey has stated, “We are continuing to receive names of possible candidates." This will continue as long as there is delay. To revive a tired but historic cliche, some citizens in district 3 state they are burdened with taxation without representation. There was a citizens group in district 3 that proposed names of two possible candidates to fill the vacancy, but there has been no strong polarization behind any one particular candidate. The restlessness of citizens of district 3 does not gather around a particular candidate, but is due to what they consider undue delay in making the necessary appointment which is the board’s duty and responsibility.

Hope To Refile For Sewage Disposal Funds

Members of the Milford town board met Monday evening for their regular monthly meeting with routine business being discussed. Following the reading of the minutes, clerk-treasurer Edith I. Baumgartner reported the town had a credit of $1,826.50 in the fund provided by the new gas tax. This money is to be used for building new streets. Mrs. Baumgartner also told the board the police department would like walkie talkies, she had received complaints about the town hall being dirty and of the signs that are bent over in front of the post office. No action was taken by the board on any of these matters. Sewage Plant Senator John F. Augsburger was present at the meeting in regards to the proposed sewage plant for the town. He is going to find out more information from the state

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 4, 1970

this week when he goes to Indianapolis and attorney William I. Gerrard is to check on the filing of forms to get the town on the state’s list for state and federal grants to help wih be financing of the project. Following discussion on various types of plants, lagoons’* etc., available the matter was tabled until the attorney makes his check and reports back with the board. Board president Carl Duncan reported he had received a letter from the state rating bureau in answer to the board’s request at the last meeting. It told of the poor condition of the town’s fire hydrants and gave a list of improvements recommended. If the improvements are met, the town’s rating could be improved from eight to seven. Street and water commissioner Marion Deeter stated he had repaired some of the hydrants. He commented he needed help ami didn’t know’ when he would get back to the others. The board tabled action until it has a chance to talk with firemen and warmer weather arrives. Police Car Board members Carl Duncan and Dr. T. A. Miller reported they are planning to go to Indianapolis in the future to purchase a used state police car at auction for use by the town’s police department. The clerk-treasurer was given permission to attend a state meeting on May 13 and 14 in Indianapolis. Her expenses will be paid by the towu. Mrs. Baumgartner reported she had received 180 thus far in answer to 60 letters sent out by the park board for the park donation fund. Parte board chairman Dean Troup stated he planned to have a boat landing put in and would have the beach area turned over with a plow in order to get rid of the dirt that has collected in the sand over the years. Mr. Troup also questioned the board about a lifeguard for the beach for the coming summer and was given permission to find one. 'Continued On Page 2, Sec. 1'

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ESPRESSION TELLS IT ALL — The expression on the face of coach Boag Johnson following the sectional torunament at Warsaw Saturday night is representative of the spirit of Warsaw Tiger fans as the team prepares to go into the regional on Saturday at Elkhart. Warsaw defeated Rochester 65-58 in the final game to win the Jtrip to Elkhart. In the front row left to right are Ginny Eschbach, Cathy Cox, Jane Becker. Janet Gresso, Kim Gast and Janet Landis.

Warsaw Wins Sectional, Meets Plymouth Saturday

The Warsaw Tigers did it again! They won another sectional basketball tournament. But not without a hard fight. They won their way to the Elkhart regional, coming up this Saturday, by defeating the Rochester Zebras before a packed house at the Warsaw community school gym Saturday night. Coach “Boag” Johnson, now in his ninth season at Warsaw, could never be sure of victory, really, until the final minOte of play. To Meet Plymouth The Tigers will meet the Plymouth Pilgrims at 1:45 Saturday in the second game of the regional. The first game will be at 12:30 between the Elkhart Blue Blazers and the Northfield Norsemen. The Warsaw-Plymouth game promises to be watched with consummate interest, as earlier in the season the Tigers rode to a 66-59 win over Plymouth, and the Saturday game is scheduled as some are already calling it — ”a grudge game." So fans can expect the fur to fly. In the six-team sectional. Warsaw easily defeated smaller Akron, 80-64. in the first game of the afternoon semi-finals in a “bye” drawing. Nobody’s Game The Saturday night finals could be called nobody's game. Coach Johnson of the Tigers meant what he said in tourney predictions that “anybody could defeat us.” Not for one second did his eager Tigers take Rochester for granted. Warsaw played a zone defense early in the game against Rochester but later switched to a 2-3 zone defense. The Tigers two tall Essen berg brothers, Kim 6 foot 7 inches and Brian 6 foot 6*2 inches, pretty well controlled the rebounds from the board, but their scoring was nothing to shout about. Brian only got two field goals for four points, while Kim got seven field goals and two free throws for 16 points. Hanna was high for the Tigers with 19 points. Shirley was high scorer for Jim Powers’ Rochester team with seven field goals and seven free throws for 21 points, while Buckingham, a whiz in the afternoon game against Wawasee, got seven field goals and four free throws for 18 points.

REGIONAL PAIRING AT ELKHART SATURDAY 12:30 p.m. — Elkhart Blue Blazers vs. Northfield Nors> men. 1:45 p.m —Warsaw Tigers vs. Plymouth Pilgrims. 8:15 p.m. — Championship game. In the final quarter of the thriller, with 1:40 remaining on the scoreboard, the score was Tigers 58, Rochester 50. The lead was quickly cut to two points, 5658. by the adroit ball handling of the Zebras with 1:23 on the clock. It was a turn that only happens in Hoosier basketball and suddenly the Tigers found themselves in jeopardy. Deatsman sank two free throws for Warsaw, to ice the game for the Tigers. . The box score follows: WARSAW’ (65) — Johnson 552. B. Essenberg 205, K. Essenberg 721, Coplen 403, Hanna 671. Deatsman 022. and Watkins 010. Totals: 24 field goals, 17 free throws, and 14 personal fouls. ROCHESTER (58) — Deeb 404, Shirley 772. Elliott 210. Don Betz 103. Buckingham 744, Dave Betz 202. and Wisley 001. Totals: 23 field goals, 12 free throws, and 16 personal fouls.

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ANNEXATION HEARING — A number of Syracuse area residents appeared at the Syracuse town board meeting at town hall last Wednesday night to protest the passage of the three annexation ordinances. On the right foreground is Syracuse clerk-tic a surer Ronald Sharp who assisted and answered some questions from the crowd.

Kneeling in the second row are Keith Ring, John llanna, Steve Bair. Randv Coplen, Stu Watkins, Gary Eherenman and Jim Kingston. Standing in back are Warren Campbell, Tal Smith. Wes Earle, Rick Kerlin, George Gilbert, Darrell Boling, Tom Wiltrout, Kim Essenburg, head coach Johnson, Brian Essenburg, Greg Johnson. Ross coach Hugh Ressler (almost hidden) and Dave Ressler.

Hilda Ruch With Vitreous 25 Years Miss Hilda Ruch of r 2 Milford was honored at a luncheon last Thursday in honor of the 25 years she had been employed at Vitreous Steel Products Company in Nappanee. Present with Miss Ruch and officials of the company were those who were honored in the past for 25 years with the company and special guest Mrs. Hattie. Becker of r 2 Milford. , Harold Wilson, plant manager, presented Miss Ruch with an engraved watch. TWO FIRE CALLS SATURDAY < Syracuse firemen answered two minor calls Saturday, the first at 4 p.m. on the John Fisher farm (old Hess property* south of town on the Syracuse-Webster road for a grass fire. The' second call was at 4:45 p.m. near the vacant home of Jerry Hoopingamer on Main street wiien a trash fire got out of control. No damage was estimated on either fire.

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NUMBER 5

MAD Council To Meet At Milford Next Monday The newly organized Milford Area Development Council (MAD) will hold its next meeting in the social rooms of the Masonic hall in Milford at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 9. C. J. Myers, president of the group, said there is irrfportant business to come before the body, and is urging a good attendance. Since the first, organizational meeting was held a month ago, the body’s steering committee has held weekly meetings. It has drafted a set of by-laws which the MAD Council will be asked to ratify on Monday night. The by-laws set up the following working committees: Planning-zoning-annexation, retail merchants, housing, legislative, membership-finance, and public information and coordinating committee. Names of two members of MAD will be suggested as co-chairmen for each committee, to be voted on Monday night. Besides the by-laws, a list of duties and responsibilites for (Continued On Page 2 Sec. 1)