The Mail-Journal, Volume 10, Number 13, Milford, Kosciusko County, 25 April 1973 — Page 1

Phones: 658-4111 & 457-3666

VOLUME 10

Postal week set: April 29-May 5

Postmasters at the Milford, Syracuse and North Webster post offices are making plans to observe Postal Week April 29 through May 5, as designated by Postmaster General E. F. Klassen. Milford postmaster Paul Kizer said today he plans to serve light refreshments to patrons who visit his post office during the observance. He and Syracuse postmaster Avon Bushong and Imogene Menzie at North Webster will join with the nation’s 31,000 other post offices in issuing 10 special stamps honoring postal employees. Post offices will mark the occasion with special First-Day-of-Issue observances, simultaneously with similar ceremonies to be held in Washington by Postmaster General Klassen. « 10 New Stamps Ten new postal People stamps will be placed on sale commemorating April 30 as “Postal People Day.” Each of the 10 stamps depict a special job postal people do, and for the first time a message is printed on the reverse of each stamp, on the adhesive side, in a mint-colored dye. Each message is a reminder of jobs

Milford man wraps auto around tree

Johnny R. Tackett, 20, of Milford was involved in a one car accident last Saturday morning. The wreck took place at 6:39 a.m. on SR 15 about one and one half miles south of New Paris. Tackett, the lone occupant of the car, was southbound when he lost control of the car, traveled over the centerline for 314 feet, left the highway and traveled 382 more feet and finally wrapped his car around a clump of trees, uprooting one in the process. Witnesses said the automobile, a 1969 Road Runner, was traveling south at a high rate of speed just before the accident occurred. Tackett had passed several other southbound cars. The left front tire apparently blew out during this process and contributed to the accident. Pinned In Wreckage The driver was twisted down in the front seat and pinned in the car for 50 minutes. When help arrived the radio was playing

KCH board gives final approval to new hospital blueprints

At a special board of directors meeting called on Tuesday. evening, April 17, the Kosciusko Community hospital board of directors gave their final stamp of approval to the construction plans for the new 113 bed hospital for Kosciusko county. The new, non-profit hospital has been in the planning stage for several years and it is now anticipated that construction bids will be awarded for the $6.5 million hospital within the next 60 days. Construction is expected to take 24 months. Architects for KCH are Fleck, Burkhart, Shopshire, Boots and Reid Associates of LaPorte. They are now presenting the plans to the Indiana State Board of Health; the state fire marshall; the State Building Council and Environmental Protection Agency. Full approval is expected within three weeks at which time bids will be advertised. L. Milton Holmgrain, KCH administrator, stated that the board anticipates a total of nine prime contractors and over 24 sub-contractors will be involved in the construction project which will be the largest institutional construction program ever undertaken in Kosciusko county.

The MailSl9fournAl ISt

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

postal people do. In conjunction with the issuance of the Postal People Stamp, patrons visiting post offices on Postal People Day will be given free souvenir envelopes, printed with special cachets as long as the supply lasts. If customers desire, they may purchase First Day Covers, featuring the 10 eight-cent stamps, for the 80 cents face value of the stamps. Postmasters joined in a statement that by the recognition of all who form the mail service team, the public may reach a better understanding of what postal service is all about. And through improved understanding, to find even more constructive ways to carry out the privileged obligation of public service. Postmaster General Klassen said in a recent message, “We need the informed understanding, cooperation and support of every citizen.” Mrs. Menzie, North Webster postmaster, said, “I think we have this to an exceptional degree in North Webster, and part of the purpose of Postal Week is to show our appreciation.”

loudly and the rescuers decided to disconnect the battery in an effort to keep the auto from catching afire. The New Paris firemen and a wrecker service were called but were not successful in their rescue attempts. Tackett was conscious and talked to them. The Nappanee fire unit with its new Hurst Porta-Power tool which has a separate engine were called in to help. They used the tool to force the twisted metal from around the occupant. He was lifted from the passenger side of the auto into the ambulance which belonged to the New Paris fire department. The injured Tackett was admitted to the Goshen hospital where he was found to have multiple abrasions and contusions and possible internal injuries. Investigating officers were Elkhart county sheriff’s department patrolmen Randall Yohn and Michael Ryman.

CEMETERY CLEAN-UP The Milford Cemetery Association is asking the help of all who are interested on Monday evening, April 30. This is the day set for cleaning up the winter debris. Work starts as early as 6 p.m. and everyone who can is asked to come and help at least part of >the evening.

HOST TO EASTER SUNDAY DINNER Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smoker of Warsaw hosted an Easter dinner at their home. Among those present were Mrs. Hazel Kline and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Berkeypile and family of Milford.

North Webster Easter egg hunt goes over big

This year’s Easter egg hunt, held at the North Webster Lions club fairgrounds on Saturday ( morning, April 21, drew several hundred youngsters, and they all made a scramble in their individual age categories to bring in the most eggs. Results were as follows:

rz i 1 TnniMß - ■ T1 H| rr i j Hr z ll *1 i |,; iII L ? JRETIRING AS RURAL CARRIER — Wallace W. Huffman, well known Oswego resident, is retiring as rural mail carrier on r 2 Leesburg after 30 years of service. He is shown putting up mail at his Leesburg post office station. His last day on the route will be Thursday, April 26. His actual retirement becomes effective May 1. Huffman, an Oswego native, entered rural service February 3, 1941. Two months later he entered military service and served over 4 years, returning to rural service in February 1946. He has completed a correspondence course in television and radio servicing, and plans to continue doing television service and sales out of his home. Wallace has been active in the state Rural Carriers’ Association, serving as state president in 1960 and 1961. Mrs. Huffman is a first grade teacher in the Leesburg elementary school and they have a married son Michael Leßoy residing at Hudsonville, Mich.

Offer *25 reward in case of the missing flags Two American flags were reported stolen on Easter Sunday at Syracuse, one at First Charter Insurance Agency on Main street and the other at Syracuse Rubber Products, plant 1, on South Huntington street. John Walker of First Charter reported the flag had been cut from the pole and placed an estimated value of S2O plus roping. This was the second theft of the flag at the insurance agency, the other taking place on March 9 of this year. Walker is announcing a $25 reward this week for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of person or persons responsible for the theft. The missing flag at the rubber company was reported by Dale Roberts of 430 Parkway drive, Syracuse, where the rope was also cut. Roberts reported the flag was flying at 10 p.m.

MAD sets dates for clean-up week

The Milford area will have its annual clean-up, fix-up, paint-up week May 12-19, according to a vote taken at a meeting of the sponsoring Milford Area Development Council last night. Richard Stoller will serve as chairman of the community-wide drive, with Fred Weisser, Glen Wuthrich and Robert Long assisting. The committee hopes to enlist the help of members of the community Little League ball team who will benefit from the community chicken barbecue planfied for Memorial Day. Junk Cars Again Along with clean-up week, MAD voted to send a letter to the Milford town board, asking that the board prepare a stronglyworded letter to be hand delivered by chief of police Don Drake to violators of the town’s junk car ordinance 67-3. The location of a number of unsightly junk cars was discussed. Officer Drake pointed up the problem of enforcing any local ordinance in the absence of a local justice of the peace. Harold

Pre-School — Ist, Tina Kruger; 2d, Travis Reiff; and 3d, Mike Heche. Grade 1-3 — Ist, Steven Henwood; 2d, Scott Badskey; and 3d, Mandy Grimes. Grades 4-6 — Ist, Sheryl Eastlund; 2d, Tod Walls; and 3d Linda Shock.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1973

Young, who was present and who is a member of the township advisory board, said the trustee and advisory board is seeking a suitable person to serve as JP. Bessie Sunthimer, a town board member, was asked to convey to the full town board a MAD request that uptown parking lanes be painted before or during clean-up week, and it was pointed out that the volunteer firemen should wash down the sidewalks in the business block before parking lanes are painted. Memorial Day Plans Paul Kizer, co-chairman with John Ausburger, Jr., of the community-wide Memorial Day chicken barbecue, discussed plans for the annual function and said everything is proceeding well, especially since a recent meeting of his committee. It was voted to give a $2 cash prize to any youngster who catches the greased pig within a minute, in a greased pig contest. Trophies will be given winners in the cutie contest, bicycle races and ribbons will be given to all participants in various events. Kizer also said there are house numbers available' at the post office for anyone living in town who wants to have their house numbered. On Saturday several adults, assisted by student council members, will assist anyone who wants help in putting up their house numbers. Fair Queen Candidate MAD will place a candidate — a “Miss Milford” — in the contest for a county fair queen as they have in years past. (Continued on page 3)

Losses add up to *136,000 Three fires at North Webster; suspect arson at Augsburger's

Authorities are continuing to investigate three serious fires which occurred in North Webster in the early hours Tuesday morning — and to determine if there was any connection between the three. Fires occurred at the Culver Grocery and residence on the Yellow Banks Road, about two miles southeast of North Webster, and at the North Webster Package Store, and later at the large Augsburger Food Palace, located on road 13 in North Webster, in that order. Damage to the Culver Grocery and residence was serious, and there was no thought of arson, until the liquor store fire and Augsburger fire occurred later in the night, thus raising the question of arson. The most extensive damage was done at the Augsburger store, where it appears all contents are damaged beyond salvage. It is in this fire where authorities suspect arson. Loose damage estimates were given as follows: To the Augsburger’s Food Palace, $100,000; to the Culver Grocery and residence, $30,000; and to the North Webster Package Store, $6,000. Call Firemen North Webster firemen were first called to the Arnold Culver Grocery and residence at 10:30 p.m. Monday night. Fire got out of control and completely gutted the small summer convenience store, and the Culver residence in the rear of the first floor. The back apartment on the second floor of the two-story frame building, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. George Milton, was also completely gutted. The front apartment was unoccupied. Mr. Culver, owner and operator of the Farmers’ Feed Service in North Webster, said at first he thought faulty wiring was the cause of the fire, but when he heard of the other two fires the same night, he had his doubts. He and Mrs. Culver, pondering the extent of the damage, were considering the feasibility of rebuilding. They have operated the store since 1932. Mrs. Culver recently retired after 36 years as second grade teacher in the North Webster elementary school. Liquor Store Fire At 12:07 a.m. Tuesday (several North Webster residents attest to this exact time), North Webster deputy marshal Leonard Bums, on duty at the fire station, saw flames licking the sky over the Thornburg drug store. He promptly called firemen again. It turned out there was a fire on the outside of the North Webster Package Store, located on a side street in North Webster. The store, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Thurman Rinker, is managed by Charles Pryor. Pryor said he thought the fire was a trash fire, but since learning of the other two fires the same night, he has had misgivings. He said the outside fire burned a natural gas meter, and the flames were fed from the gas line. Fire damage was done to the roof of the building, and smoke damage was done to the inside. Pryor and Rinker both confirmed that the building was not broken into, nor was anything missing. Third Alarm Mortician Gary Eastlund, who resides just across road 13 from Augsburger’s Food Palace, said he remembers everything being “all quiet” at 1:30 a.m. Eastlund said at 3 a.m. Charles Pryor was back at the liquor store surveying the damage fire had done, when he saw smoke coming from what later turned out to be the rear of the Augsburger store, about a block and a half away. Pryor turned in the fire alarm which brought the North Web(Continued on page 3)

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SURVEY DAMAGE — In the top photo John B. Augsburger is looking over damage in his store in North Webster Tuesday morning following the fire that appeared to be a case of arson. In the photo on the right Charles Pryor, manager of the North Webster Package Store, is looking over damage in the ceiling of the store room where a roof fire broke through. Todd Realty opens 'House in the Village' Todd Realty, owned and operated by Joe and Barbara Todd, have announced the purchase of property known as the George Lamm residence on road 13 south of Syracuse, and have named the property “The House in the Village.” Located in the house will be the new Wawasee Village branch of Todd Realty, the “This ‘N’ That Shop” operated by Charles and Cheryl Penn. Additional office space will soon be available at that location. The Todd Realty branch office will be staffed by Harlan Steffen and Clara Warner, sales representatives forTodd Realty. Clara Walley, daughter of the Todds, will serve as secretary. While the office is open for business, a formal open house isy planned for the near future. Jo/ and Barbara Todd will continue to staff their main office on the east side of Lake Wawasee.

Youth groups urge homeowner clean-up This Saturday, the lakeland area will receive a thorough cleaning from its youth. Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, the youth center and other youth groups in Syracuse, North Webster and Milford, will gang-up on trash in a joint effort climaxing National Clean-up Week. The local project will involve cleaning trash from roadsides of all lakeland area state highways and major county roads. The groups urge area residents to perform their own clean-up to make it a clean sweep. Empty lots and alleys particularly need a helping hand. Area motorists are urged to be on the lookout for the work crews this Saturday.

I

LCSC to receive machinery on loan

WASHINGTON, D. C. — The U.S. Senate has approved a measure which Senator Birch Bayh had sponsored to enable 18 separate Indiana school districts to retain 321 pieces of machinery, worth $2.2 million, under a federal loan program. Included in the 18 school districts is the Lakeland Community School Corporation. Wawasee high school, after final approval and paper work is done and the lease is signed, will receive on loan tools for use in the machine shop. The tools include two automatic welders, two vertical milling machines, two horizontal lathes, one 15 inch metal lathe and one comparator. The only costs to the school corporation will be the freight from the warehouse in Tennessee according to business manager Marion “Bud” Lantz. The National Industrial Equipment Reserve program, known as Tools for Schools, was in danger of coming to an end had the Senate failed to enact. The urgent supplemental appropriations measure which Bayh sponsored and which the House had previously approved. Bayh said was among 41 states which had Tools for Schools program in a total of 400 schools utilizing 8,000 pieces of machinery. The equipment is surplus government-owned machinery loaned free of charge for vocational training programs.

NUMBER 13

“The urgent supplemental appropriation for this very worthwhile program is only $l.B million,” said Bayh. “It would actually cost the government more than that to end o the program and store the equipment, not counting the tremendous replacement cost to the nation’s schools.” Opening at Pierceton post office Fostmaster Dale W. Wright of Pierceton has announced the opening of examinations for substitute rural carriers of record. The opening date was set for Monday, April 23 with the closing date being May 8. The application forms may be picked up at the post office. MAIN STREET SITE OF ACCIDENT Two cars driven by Opal Berkeypile, Milford, and Ruby Collins, general delivery, Milford, collided at the 100 block of Main street in Milford on Tuesday, April 17. The Berkeypile auto received S2OO damage and the Collins auto received SIOO. There were no injuries. Milford town marshall, Don Drake, investigated.