The Mail-Journal, Volume 17, Number 37, Milford, Kosciusko County, 1 October 1980 — Page 1

Phones: 658-4111 & 457-3666

VOLUME 17

Cigarette blamed sor $ 1 million fire at county courthouse

By DEB FOX Arson was not the cause of the estimated $500,000 to $1,000,000 fire in the Kosciusko County Courthouse early Tuesday morning. The costly blaze started on the northwest side of the basement. Warsaw City Fire Investigators speculated the fire started in a trash barrel, from a possible discarded cigarette. This was confirmed by Deputy State Fire Marshal Bob Fortner. Fortner 1 was called in by Warsaw

L. 1 ' i I IB ? 1 H ' I B II ■Bi - j1 ■nj/ A. TELEPHONE WIRES METLED — The telephone wires in the basement of the Kosciusko County Courthouse were melted together in the hot blaze Tuesday morning. The wires which are shown in the above picture connected the couthouse to other county offices. United Telephone officials were working on restoring all telephone service in the courthouse Tuesday afternoon. Temporary phone lines were installed but Jean Northenor asked that only emergency calls be made to the courthouse. (Photo by Deb Fox) un T> 0 Bl ' By \Ay 1 -sssfBl w SL AsDH Ai 1 % W-''MrIBBBBB '1 jUR* A BBloa iMB B\ JIB B1 "•* SS *i'' / Al • t7* ' ■ PjjM ? -> ■* ■ JAL llPiwJSk GUTTED STAIRWAY — The northwest stairway of the Kosciusko County Courthouse was completely gutted in the early morning blase, Tuesday, Sept. 30. Fire officials stated this stairway acted like a chimney, pulling the fire to the top of the courthouse. Even though the fire went up the stairway there was no other fire damage on the upper floors except to the Wayne Township assessors office. The rest of the courthouse sustained smoke and water damage. (Photo by Deb Fox)

The L -5>T

Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL IE st. 1888) and THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE JOURNAL !Est. 1907)

Fire Chief Tom Burns for a second opinion. Mike Hollar, fire investigator and two other city investigators, Pete Gatke and Jon Swoveland, said there were three trash containers in that area, made out of a canvas-like material. Hollar stated they believe the container, setting outside a doorway to a room under construction, started the blaze, quickly spreading to another nearby container and then to the wooden filing cabinets, containing records. No one is being blamed for the blaze. The blaze went in both direc-

tions in the basement hallway, but mainly stayed in the northwest section. The stairway, on the northwest end acted like a chimney, pulling the smoke and blaze up to the top of the building. Outside of the basement contents, the only other parts of the building receiving extensive damage were the northwest stairway, which was destroyed up to the top floor and the dome rotunda area, which lost the plastic square windows put in several years ago. These dropped to the bottom floor. Other damage in the upper part of the building is limited to smoke and heat damage. Patrolman Spots Fire Warsaw City Patrolman Doug Brumfield spotted an orange glow through windows at the courthouse at approximately 3 a.m. while he was escorting a semi-tractor through town to the

Teachers not picketing, just showing support

Rumor had it that Lakeland Community School Corporation teachers were picketing the central administration office at Wawasee High School on Thursday, Sept. 25. According to Lakeland’s business manager George Gilbert, the teachers were not picketing, they were only showing support.

Tax board to review budgets

Field representatives of the State Board of Tax Commissioners will be at the Kosciusko County Courthouse on October 20 and 21, holding public hearings on the budgets for the year 1981 and the tax levies and rates collectible in the year 1981. They will be reviewing budgets of all governmental units, including the county, townships, towns, the city of Warsaw, schools and libraries. They will also review appeals at this time, including the one filed last week by the town of Syracsue after county tax commissioners ordered the town to cut its budget by $98,000. The report of the field representatives will be turned into the office at Indianapolis

Wild West theme for Wowasee's homecoming

“The Wild, Wild West” is the theme for the 13th annual Wawasee High School Homecoming Friday, Oct. 3. The homecoming activities will be held at the high school and will include homecoming displays, football game and crowning of the “Homecoming King and Queen.” Homecoming activities are sponsored by the PRIDE Committee. Homecoming displays are sponsored by various school classes and clubs. Displays will be exhibited on the school parking lot at the entrance to the football field where the public is invited to view them from 5:30 p.m. until the start of the football game. Wawasee will go up against Plymouth at 7:30 p.m. During the halftime, the “Homecoming King and Queen” will be crowned by last year’s Queen Michelle White. Queen Candidates Heather Beer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Beer of Milford, is 17 years old and is vice president of the National Honor Society. She has been on the varsity cheerleading squad for the past three years. Heather is on the gymnastics, diving and track teams and is also a member of the Warrior Orchestra. She plans to attend Purdue University to major in biochemistry.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1,1980

new jail site. He notified the city fire department which sent five trucks. Upon arrival, the firemen found the basement was engulfed in flames from the center of the building to the west end. After 10 minutes on the scene, the Winona Lake Fire Department was notified and responded with two trucks. There were approximately 50 firemen at the scene and the blaze was controlled in 30 minutejs. Chief Bums stated the fire departments were able to control the fire before it raged out of control. They remained on the scene for three hours. It’s believed the fire had been smoldering all night, using up the oxygen in the building. There was intense heat all over the building, resulting in a lot of damage. Look Os Disaster Little damage can be seen from the outside if one is passing the

Teachers were carrying handwritten signs depicting “negotiate nowj’ “fair contract,” “good faith,” and “bargain now.” Approximately 92 teachers were present. “What happened was not announced. It was more of a show of support,” explained Business Manager Gilbert. “The teachers

where the final review will be made and tax rates set. Jefferson Township will be among those taxing units reviewed beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 20. Tippecanoe, Turkey Creek and Van Buren Townships are all slated for the session which will begin at 1:30 that afternoon. Among the taxing units to be reviewed beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, will be the towns of Milford, North Webster and Syracuse and the Milford and Syracuse Libraries. The Lakeland Community School Corporation is slated for the Tuesday afternoon session. A legal notice appears elsewhere in this issue listing times for all taxing units in the county.

Tonda Davis is 18 years old and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Davis of Syracuse. She is on the diving and gymnastics teams and is captain of the Flag Corps. Her hobbies include sailing, biking and running. Tonda hopes to eventually become a fashion designer after attending Adrian College. Alicia Holcomb is a resident of Syracuse and the 17-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Holcomb. She has been a member of the Ski Club the past two years and enjoys snow skiing, ice skating and tennis. After graduating from Wawasee High School, Alicia plans to attend the Warren Beauty School in Ohio to study cosmetology. Sandy Lozano is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Lozano of Milford. She is 17 years old and has been a member of the PRIDE Committee as well as secretary of the Class Council during her freshman year. Sandy is a member of the DECA Club and enjoys camping, horseback riding and all sports. She plans to attend Fort Wayne Business College after graduation. King Candidates Chris Darr is the 18-year-old son of Jack and Carol Darr of Syracuse. The senior class president, he is a member of the of Christian Athletes

courthouse on Center, Buffalo or Main Streets, however there are three windows broken out on the northwest side which show the damaged stairway. Once inside the building, the smell of smoke and the presence of debris and smoke damage is readily noticible. Because of the intense heat, the plastic covers of the hall lights and dome windows melted and fell to the main floor and the cream colored walls have streaks of black smoke coming up from the floor. All papers on the desks look like they had aged over night, everything in the building is covered with smoke. Jean Northenor, county auditor, was at the scene of the fire at 3 a m. and spent the whole day getting things organized. Outside of the west and east entrances are two uniformed county officials only allowing

showed up after work, they didn’t leave their classes. They were showing support to the negotiating team.” Thursday was the first time since the beginning of negotiations on May 5, that an Indiana Education Employment Relations Board mediator was present. Full-tiem IEERB employee Cal Simon has been aprouiied to the case. Lakeland teachers are under a calendar year contract unlike other area corporations. According to the August 3, 1979, ratified contract, the current pact does not expire until December 31 of this year. Simon has reportedly stated there will be a public fact-finding case hearing on Thursday, Oct. 16, if a settlement is not reached. He can make recommendations to both sides, but they are not binding. So far, approximately 16 sessions have been held between (Continued on page 2)

MID-TERM REPORTS TO GO HOME FRIDAY Mid-term reports will be sent home this coming Friday with all Lakeland Junior High School students according to Principals Marion Acton at Milford, Charles Haffner at Syracuse and G. Wendell Bryant at North Webster.

and the varsity football team. He also enjoys music. Chris’ future plans include attending Ball State University to study computer technology. Dan Godfrey, son of John and Fran Godfrey of Leesburg, is 17 years old. He is on the Warrior football team as well as the baseball team. Dan is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Let ter men’s Club. He enjoys skiing and jazz music. Dan hopes to attend Indiana University to study computer programming. Tim Kroh of Syracuse is the son of John and Gail Kroh. He is 18 years old and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, football team and track team. Tim is this year’s student body president. He enjoys football, snowmobiling and fourwheeling. Tim plans to attend Jacksonville University to major in business education. Brian Roberts is the 17-year-old son of Ron and Phyllis Roberts of Syracuse. He is presently a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Future Farmers of America of which he is president. Brian has also served on the PRIDE Committee. He will attend Purdue University after graduating. He will major in either agricultural engineering or business management.

authorized personnel into the building. For the next 24 hours, the doors of the building will be guarded by county officers. Broken windows were boarded up on Tuesday afternoon. Voting Machines Lost The small Vote-O-Matic voting machines, which were in the west basement hall being prepared for the upcoming election, were involved in the fire. All but an estimated 75 machines were destroyed. Jean Messmore,

Milford to issue bonds for Serenade Foods' expansion

By TERRI CHILCOTE The Milford Economic Development Commission voted to approve the issuance of economic development bonds for the planned expansion of Serenade Foods. The commission met Monday, Sept. 29, at 4 p.m. at the Milford Town Hall. Terry Tucker of Serenade Foods presented a blue print of the company’s new addition which will be around 13,000 square feet. Tucker said the company is planning to hire 25 additional workers when the addition is completed and another 25 within the next three to four years. Members of the Economic Development Commission

Will you ride? — 'Wheels For Life' to help Saint Jude Hospital

The annual Saint Jude’s Bike-A-Thon “Wheels for Life” will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, beginning at 9 a m. at the parking lot of The Papers Incorporated on Main Street in Milford, according to this year’s chairman, Ron Barley. Riders are’ needed for this event to help fight childhood diseases. Sign up sheets are available at Campbell’s IGA, Schwartz Super Valu, Little and Clark Insurance, Denny’s 66, Liberty Shoe Hospital in Syracuse, the Milford Elementary School, the Concord United Methodist Church, Evan’s Family Store, Sharp Hardware and Steve’s Barber Shop or by calling Paul Fulp, Ron Barley or Jackie Foltz. Riders need to seek pledges

MHBM| ———— J? Ba ' 1 B W s y A & 1 ri A i j ■ W' J Ji i A j 1 X/a i A i oXsiw •HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN’ CANDIDATES — These WawaseMligh School students have been nominated for “Homecoming King and Queen.” The king and queen will be crowned Friday, Oct. 3, during the football game on the 50-yard line. “Homecoming Queen” candidates are Tonda Davis, Alicia Holcomb, Heather Beer and Sandy Lozano. “Homecoming King” candidates are Dan Godfrey, Chris Darr, Brian Roberts and Tim Kroh. (Photo by Terri Chilcote)

county clerk, stated they will know exactly how many were damaged when they removed them from the damaged area. New machines will be obtained before the November election is held. The flames also destroyed old newspapers given to the county by the late George Nye. It is also believed some of the records may have been damaged in the county surveyor’s office, also located on the west side of the basement.

present at the meeting were Darrel Orn, Dennis Sharp and Don Ahrns. Attorneys Richard Helm and Tim Blue were also present. Town Board Gives Approval The Milford Town Board met immediately after the Economic Development Commission and passed an inducement resolution to issue bonds for the Serenade Foods’ addition. The board also appropriated $1,500 from the motor vehicle and highway fund to the equipment repair fund. The board received the $1,500 from sale of the town's old street sweeper and the money had been placed into the motor vehicle and highway fund. The town transferred the money in order to purchase sweeper at-

and ride an approximate twomile route from Main Street north to 1350 N, east to Old State Road 15, south on 1250 N then north approximately one half block to North East Street and south on North East Street to First Street, then west to the back side of the fire station, returning to the parking lot. Persons wanting to ride more than once may do so, gaining more money for the bike-a-thon. Persons earning $25 or more for the bike-a-thon will receive a t-shirt. Persons earning $75 or more will'receive backpacks. Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital helps children live throughout the world. It is in Memphis, Tenn., and was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas.

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Records in the Wayne Township Assessor’s Office, west comer of the main floor, were also destroyed. Courthouse Closed Mrs. Northenor stated the courthouse will be closed for business for the rest of the week. During this time it is hoped the building can be cleaned up and the equipment, such as typewriters and calculators, (Continued on page 2)

tachments for the town’s truck. Blue, the town’s attorney, announced he will submitt an appeal for relief from the frozen tax levy to the Local Tax Control Board. Under the frozen tax levy, a town can only collect a certain amount of money each year. Since Milford has annexed surrounding areas, the board needs to collect more money in order to provide services for the newly annexed areas. Milford Town Board members present at Monday’s special meeting were Steve Miller, Bob Auer, Jean Tpeesh and ClerkTreasurer Maria Lozano. The next town board meeting will be Monday,’Oct. 13. at 7:30 p.m in the Milford Town Hall.

The children who go to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital are afflicted with the most devastating kinds of childhood diseases: acute lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease and other forms of cancer, infantile malnutrition, myscle disorders, sickle cell anemia and other maladies of childhood. They need the best, most up-to-date medical care available. That is what they receive, regardless of their economic status. Saint Jude's is fulfilling the promise and dream of Danny Thomas, by making a significant contribution to alleviating childhood diseases which blight the lives of (Continued on page 2)