The Mail-Journal, Volume 16, Number 12, Milford, Kosciusko County, 11 April 1979 — Page 1

Phones: 658-4111 & 457-3666

VOLUME 16

Milford eligible for HUD action development grant

Robert Murphy of Murphy and Associates, grant consultants, told members of the Milford Board Monday night the town meets minimum eligibility requirements for an Urban Development Action Grant through the Housing and Urban Development Center Murphy had been looking into several grants the town could use to pay for extending the water and sewer lines out to Brock Manufacturing, Chore-Time Equipment and the proposed Milford nursing home site Murphy said, “The town does meet the minimum requirements for eligibility and can go ahead with a pre-application.” HUI) will accept pre-applications as of May 1. This grant is a 25 per cent grant, said Murphy. If the proposed project would cost $2 million, the town could get a $500,000 grant and if a $1 million project is proposed, the town could possibly get a $250,000 grant Murphy added, “This is a once in a lifetime chance. You should find out in three to four days after filing if you've got the grant ." Meeting Set Next thing needed before a preapplication can be filed is a committment from Brock and other businesses involved stating they do need town water and sewer. A special meeting has been set for 7:30 p.m. April 17, in the fire station. All businesses who are considering expansion are invited to attend. The meeting is open to the public. Murphy also reported he and his engineers have been gathering information on running sewer lines out to-Brock, Chore Time and the nursing home, if needed. Construction costs would run about $56,000 plus engineering fees. If the town board decides to do so, Murphy will be ready to take bids for this project as of July 1. Voiced Concern Robert Wise voiced a concern on why sewer lines are only proposed out to Brock He asked, “What about the rest of the town'.’ They've been paying money into the fund, too. " The town has had a cumulative sewer fund for a number of years. Dr. T. A. Miller, board member, said most of the newer homes and businesses pay more into the fund than the older , smaller houses. Miller said, “I think the town board’s position should be to use these funds to generate the best use. Where can we get the most value, serve the most people for our investment?” Miller said, "There’s no way we can go to all areas at once, unless we have a grant of at least $1 million and a half. Somebody’s

I llllllivil OHM C 4 lit***. u — o . OPEN HOUSE SET — On Tuesday, April 17, Wawasee High School will open its doors to the public to tour, inspect and observe the new physical education annex building. The doors will be open from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the public to see the building in use. Classes and activities will be in progress throughout the day. From 7:30-9:30 p.m. that evening, tours will be conducted every half hour to explain each area to the public. Above, these students use the facility to practice folk dancing in an advanced physical education class.

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Consolidation o/THE MILFORD MAIL fEst. 1888) and THE R ASEE JOLRNAL (Est. 1907)

going to be unhappy.” Mrs. Glen (Jean) Treesh, board president, added Brock and the other businesses involved are willing to pay for part of the sewer construction. Wise had another concern regarding sewer lines. He is having problems with his sewer in that it was frozen all winter and is now clogged up. Terry Beatty, street and water superintendent, will see if he can clean out the line. The board also authorized the hiring of Murphy’s engineers to survey the line to see what can be done. Easement Vacation In other business, the board adopted an ordinance vacating a 40 foot public right of way easement by Brock and ChoreTime. An attorney representing Brock was present and told the board he will be filing a pet tion to vacate this week in Kosciusko Circuit Court. The easement lies in between Brock and Chore-Time. It is now blacktopped and blocked off for parking. Adjacent to the

Syracuse board seeking funds for town projects

In a special meeting of the Syracuse Town Board Tuesday night members discussed several ways the town could receive funding for town projects with Robert Murphy, of Murphy and Associates, grant consultant. Paul M. Isbell., board president, said the town is looking for funding in various areas, including rennovation of the town hall. Isbell asked, “Are there any funds available that can be utilized for office space for senior citizens so we can have greater utilization of the town hall?” Murphy said a grant might be available through the Council of Aging and Aged. The grant, an 8020 grant, could be used for most anything including repair and insulation. Murphy said funding might also be available through the Kosciusko County Council. The council budgets so much each year for matching funds. The consultant added two things are needed before the town could apply for funding. They are finding out when the funds are available and deciding exactly what the town wants. New Building Isbell then asked, “Are there monies available to build a new building for senior citizen ac-

easement is Ray Custer and the Big Boulder Golf Course. The attorney commented, “Both companies are expanding. I don’t think this will be a matter harmful to anyone. ” The attorney added the public right of way was not set up when the town was laid out. He said it was created by deeds Before adopting the ordinance, Mrs. Treesh said. “This will increase the employment in our town. It will increase our valuation." Bill Leemon, fire chief, told the board the fire station’s roof needs to be repaired. He said. “I think we should have somebody come and look at it.” The board gave Leemon the go ahead to get some estimates of repair Milford Town Marshal David Hobbs gave the monthly police report. It reads as follows: Complaints received, 33; traffic accidents investigated, two; traffic arrests, nine; misdemeanor arrests, six; stolen property reports investigated. (Continued on page 2)

tivities and town facilities?” Murphy again told the board money is only available through the Council of Aging. He added, "I think it would be easier to get money for remodeling. You would have to take it a step at a time.” Another area the town desires funding is street maintenance. Murphy said state and federal funds are available, but the engineering fees are high, Murphy advised not to go with this type of grant, unless a large project is being considered. One area the town might be able to receive 100 per cent funding is for repair of railroad crossings. The town has been in contact with the state for the past year to see if the crossing on SR 13 could be fixed. Murphy will look into funding to repair the crossings on SR 13, South Main Street, 7th Street and Oak Street. All he will need is-a traffic count on how many vehicles use the crossings. The board will see if it can get a count done. Turkey Creek Clean-up One area Murphy feels he can get funding for is to clean-up Turkey Creek. The grant, which would be 100 per cent funded, is available through the Occupational Development Center

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

Bazaar at Milford a success The Milford Community Bazaar held this past week end was termed a highly successful event by participants. Over SIB,OOO was taken in with an expected profit of around $16,000 when expenses are met. See full account of bazaar, with photos, on page 9.

Chamber of Commerce to hear F. C. McAlister

A general membership dinner meeting for the SyracuseWawasee Chamber of Commerce will be held April 16 in The Beacon, at 6:30 p.m. The dinner meeting will feature as guest speaker, Frank C. McAlister, vice president. Human Resources Division. Indiana State Chamber of Commerce. McAlister, a popular and dynamic speaker, will report on what the current Indiana Legislature has done to and for the small businessman in the State of Indiana A question and answer period will follow. Reservations are necessary and can be made bv contacting Bob McNary, Syracuse. This meeting is open to the public. McAlister joined the state Chamber of Commerce staff in 1955 as director of transportation

as a summer program for youth Murphy said this 10-week cleanup program would be similiar to theCETA program. All the board would need to do is to provide supervision for the project. Equipment and a truck to haul the debris away would also be needed. The board will ask the Kosciusko County Commissioners for help in obtaining these needs. The board asked Murphy to look into funding for three more areas: Constructing a park, installing sidewalks and curbs and extension and repair of sewer lines in the annexed parts of town. Murphy will also check to see it Syracuse might be eligible for an Urban Development Action Grant through the Housing and Urban Development Center. Isbell stressed to Murphy, “We’re interested in any funds.” Fire Truck Bids In other business, the board opened bids for a new town pumper fire truck. The following bids were received: Midwest Fire and Safety Equipment, Inc., of Indianapolis — total bid of $52,625.48; Pierce Manufacturing, Inc., Appleton, Wise. — $60,999 for diesel engine and $58,899 for a gasoline engine; Fessco Fire and Safety Equipment, Inc., Niles, Mich. — $60,091 for a diesel engine and $58,756.04 for a gasoline engine, with options for deductions if the chassis is paid for at time of delivery; and Hoosier Fire Equipment, Inc., of Valparaiso — $63,435 for diesel engine and $59,235 for gasoline engine, with options for deductions if the chassis is paid for at time of delivery. Members of the fire department and town board will review the bids in a special meeting in May. A decision will probably be made at the regular May 15 meeting. •Bids were also opened for trash and sanitation removal. One bid was received from Lakeland Sanitation Service — $29,805 for a one-year contract. Broken down, the bid includes $22,005 for 815 residential units and $7,800 for 130 business locations. Isbell noted the bid is a 30 per cent increase over last year. He asked, “What is the differential?” - Richard Bellman of Lakeland Sanitation Service explained. He said, “We’re bidding on an annual basis. We’ve got to eat price rises during the year for gas and equipment. Our prices in the past have really been cheap compared to the companies surrounding us.” The board will try to negotiate with Bellman to see if it can get a cheaper rate. Isbell said two options are available: Shorten the term of the bid and attach a (Continued on page 2)

and since 1960 has been a staff executive for the personnel and labor relations committee. A graduate of Indiana University, he holds an MBA degree. Currently he is a member of the employee relations committee of the council of state Chambers of Commerce and the public affairs committee of the American’ Society for personnel ad--1 ministration. He is an instructor in labor economics in the evening division at Indiana Central University. He has been associated with industrial concerns in Kansas, Mississippi and Indiana in personnel capacities. He is a member of several professional organizations and has served on a variety of national, state and local organizations, boards and committees. Margaret Brooks enrolled in seminar Margaret Brooks, Milford clerk-treasurer, was one of 36 elected city and town officials enrolled in an intensive six-hour seminar on “City and Town Budget Preparation," held April S 4 in South Bend. Representing 26 northern Indiana cities and towns, the public officials participating in the seminar included eight mayors, five council members, two town board members, two clerks and 17 clerk-treasurers. School board vetos Webster curbing bid A bid received by the Lakeland School Board for the curbing project at North Webster Junior High School was rejected in Tuesday night’s meeting.' Marion Lantz, business manager, asked for the rejection following a meeting with Indiana State Highway officials and North Webster Town Board President Howard Bemish in March. Lantz said the highway department does not plan to resurface SR 13 until 1981 and the town of North W'ebster is considering curbing in the future but is not sure when the money will be available. If the curbing is to be engineered by the school corporation, it will have to meet drainage standards before the state highway will issue a permit. Lantz said he had received a phone call from the North Webster officials to submit a letter of support for the resurfacing, along with the petitions being signed to send to Governor Otis R. Bowen. The reasons for the petitions and letters of support is the safety of the children when autos are dodging the chuck holes and for bus safety. Accept Recommendations In other action the board members accepted the recommendations of the businss manager for the custodial and electrical supply bids presented. The low bidders will be accepted if they meet the quality and specifications required. In the bids presented, there were several prices less expensive for this year than last year. There was a 1.1 per cent increase in custodial supplies and a 13.1 per cent price increase in electrical supplies. All prices submitted in the bids are good for approximately 60 to 75 days. Resignations The resignation of Gerald McClintick, a temporary math teacher at North Webster Junior High, was accepted by the board. Sue Harman was approved for his replacement. McClintick was hired to fill a temporary contract for the remainder of the year when the previous math teacher left. At the time of his hiring he was not guaranteed a position next fall. (Continued on page 2)

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TWO CONCERNED CITIZENS — Bev Coldren. left, and Lila Strombeck. both of r 1 Leesburg, are concerned about the safety of their children. For this reason they have started a petition in the North Webster area asking support in their fight to resurface SR 13 through town. Above, they stand behind one of the many chuckholes in front of the North Webster Schools. Both women are afraid a child's life may he taken by a motorist trying to dodge the chuckholes. Safety at stake — Petitions ask for resurfacing of SR 13 in North Webster

Petitions are being circulated in the North Webster and surrounding areas by Lila Strombeck and Bev Coldren. both of r 1 Leesburg, who are concerned about the safety of their children. The women, both full time dispatchers at the North Webster police department, feel there is a real need to have SR 13 resurfaced all the way through North Webster. They will be sending their petitions, through the North Webster Town Board, to the Indiana State Highway Commission. The petitions read as follows: "The undersigned respectfully petition and request the immediate reconstruction of Indiana State Road 13 in the town of North Webster, in Kosciusko County, due to deplorable condition of such road and specifically allege that said road is an extreme safety hazard particulary jeopardizing the safety of school children attending the public school located thereon." The state was originally planning to resurface SR 13 in

2 nd CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT of INDIANA • n MOBILE OFFICE "' - ' | |F !! ' "g " 6 X 1 j ■ i ■■» . >JsyH«Ai®hs I* ~W\. >S F ~ iLte. vfk ■ «-■’ ~ l MpWa ' ■wl' OFFICE ON WHEELS VISITS AREA — Congressman Floyd Fithian’s Office on Wheels made a | brief stop in the Milford and Syracuse areas Tuesday to visit with townspeople. Stanley Nice, Fithian s Kosciusko County representative, was on hand to answer any questions. Above. Nice, right, visits with Max Evans of Milford. Some of the main concerns voiced to Nice 8 Tuesda v included inflation, energy, nuclear power and balancing the national budget. ■

North Webster this summer However, the date of the resurfacing has been set back to possibly 1980 or 1981. Mrs. Strombeck commented, “If the state officials were to drive that road. 1 bet it would be done by now,” The ladies' main complaint lie in the number of chuckholes in front of the North Webster Schools. “You can t let your children walk on SR 13. The people are so concerned about their cars, they don't see the children." Mrs. Strombeck said “We've seen countless accidents with people dodging c huck holes. ’ ’ Primary Consideration Mrs. Coldren said her primary concern is with the lives of her children: Melissa. 13, Barbara, 11 and Rachel, nine. "I won t let my children walk across 13. You just can’t take the chances on it The children should be the primary consideration " The women brought their idea before the town board on April 4. They will be circulating petitions until April 18. when they will present them to Howard

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Beemish. board president A special meeting has been set for 7 p in. on the 18th in the town hall. The petitions will then be taken to Indianapolis Mrs Strombeck said. “We will personally deliver them to Governor Bowen, if necessary " Petitions are available at most of the town's businesses and at the police department Petitions are also circulating in the Warsaw and Syracuse areas. Anyone desiring to sign a petition without transportation, should contact one qf the dispatchers at the Webster police department Mrs. Strombeck said she couldn't believe the state .put back the resurfacing of the state road. She said. “They feel there* are many other roads that need prior attention. I can't honestly believe there are many roads as bad off as this. With the buses and children on foot, this road is a total hazard." & Mrs. Strombeck added fears someone is going to be* injured as a result of 'he road’s poor condition. “I think they're (Continued on page 2)