The Mail-Journal, Volume 20, Number 9, Milford, Kosciusko County, 16 March 1983 — Page 1

Indiana Stata Library 140 North Senate Ajre. Indianapolis, IN 46204

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VOLUME 20

u . jflßj f I HL SAINT PATRICK’S DAY — The percentage of Irish in the Lakeland community is very small, hut one avowed Irishman will be wearing the green on | Thursday, March 17 — Saint Patraick’s Day. He is Edwin Patrick McCarty — and the very name gives him away —a resident of r 3 box 452 Syracuse. Pat, as he is known among his host of friends, i plans to honor the Irish Patron Saint Thursday by decking himself out in his | I favorite color, green. He is shown here wearing a green sweater and trousers and deciding on the green socks he plans to wear. Pat claims on Thursday there will be two kinds of people: those who are Irish f f and those who want to be.

(Milford Town Board considers funds, cable TV and ordinances

By GAIL WIDMOYER A special meeting of the Milford Town Board was held Monday at 4:30 to consider additional appropriations for removal of abandoned vehicles and 1 unsafe buildings. A cumulative capital improvement fund was also requested* at the special meeting. Besides approving the additional appropriations, mem-

Grays find themselves in the eye of 'Cyclone Oscar' in the Fiji Islands

When Col. Joseph A. Gray, U S. M.C. (Ret.) and his wife Joan left Indiana for the tropical paradise of Fiji, they left one of the most potentially dangerous areas in the midwest. Syracuse is just about right in the middle of the infamous “Tornado Alley” that streaks across America’s heartland. Although the tornado is the smallest, single most violent and destructive storm mother nature produces, a hurricane’s winds can reach catastrophic proportions. Things were peaceful when the Grays arrived, but the peace quickly turned into madness when “Cyclone Oscar” destroyed the city of Nadi, Fiji, leaving a death toll of seven according to recent press reports. Following is report by Col. Gray on his experience at the Fiji Isles: If this starts out like a travelogue, so be it, for that is what the trip was meant to be. A trip to the South Pacific during the winter months was to be an idyllic adventure with balmy breezes, warm ocean waters, golf, shelling, snorkelling and all of the other amenities that go along with a winter vacation. And so it was for 10 lovely days.

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

bers of the board discussed cable hook-up generalities with representatives from Noble Cable TV. Noble Cable TV currently services the Syracuse area and is interested in supplying a franchise to Milford. Company president, Fred A. Manahan, told members he is interested in servicing the Milford area because of the economics involved. “Chances of keeping services up to date are

Then we heard of a tropical storm which had hit Tahiti, some 1,200 miles away, and we were getting the tail end winds and rain from that. Not to worry, it was headed east and would soon blow itself out — or so we thought. We moved on to another hotel on the beautiful Coral Coast of Fiji, a wonderful place with all of the niceties of life; good food, a lawn bowling green, a nine hole golf course, boats, a good reef for shelling, really all one could ask for. But the rain continued and we thought of moving on to one of the outer islands. The next day we read in the “Fiji Times” that one of the Blue Lagoon cruise boats was in trouble in one of the northern island groups with high winds and heavy seas giving them trouble and that they were struggling to make port. That was on a Sunday. Oscar On Its Way Monday morning the papers reported that the Tahiti storm, now named “Cyclone Oscar” was headed to the south, southeast at 12 knots forward speed and with winds of 80 knots, gusting to 100 knots. Not to worry as this was the rainy season and we might get 60 knot winds and some rain out of the storm. A bulletin was published by the

better when you share the service with more homes. ” Manahan further assured board members, “Our company has never got a franchise and not built a system.” If contracted to service Milford, Noble Cable TV will require approximately one year to fully service Milford town including a convenient location for customers to pay their bills. (Continued on page 2)

hotel which read as follows, “Dear guest: This is the latest weather bulletin issued by the Nadi weather office at 1:30 p.m. Tropical cyclone “Oscar” is situated 190 miles N.W. of Nadi and is slowly moving southeast. In connection with this depression a gale wind warning has been issued for the whole western division and we can expect heavy rain and winds of up to 60 knots. Please do not be unduly alarmed. This is only a seasonal occurency which we have experienced on numerous occasions in the past. We will keep you informed of any changes.” We had a small radio and so started to listen to the weather reports. About this time the forward progress of the storm stopped. This had me a little worried because that’s when the internal winds pick up force. My worst worries were to be realized. A Long Night We went to dinner early that evening as the winds had picked up to 40-50 knots and it looked like a long evening. We asked the manager where was the best place to go and he recommended to stay in our room. Hie seaward wall of the hotel room was glass

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16,1983

North Webster — Chamber sets priorities The newly formed North Webster Chamber of Commerce met recently to establish necessary priorities that will embody the chamber’s future as it relates to Tippecanoe Township. President-elect James L. Salisbury, announces that the board of directors has acted favorably to the recommended request by the membership committee to set dues at $25 for businesses and $lO for individual membership. The chamber was elated to learn from Dick Mitchell, township trustee acting on behalf of the township, that office space at the local fire department would be available if desired. In a unanimous show of favor, the board heartily accepted thereby giving the chamber its first home and office. * Immediate plans by the membership committee has commenced to personally call on over 185 businesses in the area. “We are on target and share enthusiasm. We have ‘purpose’ and we are anxious to speak of the many ‘goals’ that can be met by community participation,” commented Salisbury. The business and industrial growth committee, chaired by Joe Harris, presented a detailed “business interest” questionnaire that will be mailed out to area businesses shortly. The questionnaire will allow this committee to further address needs and priorities. Other committee reports were read and discussed at the meeting with disclosure sef at future date. The next chamber meeting will be March 21 at 7 p.m. at the Classic Restaurant. The board resolved that all future meetings will commence on the third Monday of each month. Interested parties are urged to attend. Trustee notifies residents i Max Evans, Van Buren township trustee, has issued the following notices for township residents: The cheese and butter distribution will be held on Thursday, March 17. Recipients may pick up their items at Evans Store, Main Street, Milford. Specific instructions will be posted on the store’s front door. All dog taxes should be paid to Evans as soon as possible if they have not already been paid. Personal property taxes are also due and anyone who has not filed their 101 forms should contact the trustee.

with a sliding glass door. The glass has been taped, just in case. At this point the radio was reporting winds of 100 knots with gusts up to 120 knots. “Oscar” was now a full blown hurricane and the direction of progress had changed to due east — headed right for the Coral Coast of Fiji. Nothing to do now but wait it out. At about 10:30 p.m. we closed the curtains for fear of broken glass should hit it and went to bed. About that time we heard a sound like a shotgun going off and one panel of the glass wall disappeared. We called the main desk and asked what to do and they said that they would move us to another room. We put our belongings up as high as we could and waited. Soon, three of the biggest Fijians I had ever seen came to the room and said they have a safer room for us. I guess the winds were at least 70 knots when we went outside and fought our way to the other room. Two of the men were on each side of my wife and the other with me. We left all of our belongings in the old room and finally reached the new room. The sound of the wind had now reached proportions which hurt the ears. About 1:15 the next morning, I said that I didn’t like the feel of

New rates adopted for Milford Community Building

ByDEBFOX New rates for the Milford Community Building were set by the Milford Area Development, Inc., board of directors Saturday morning. The new rates became effective Saturday unless a verbal agreement or contract was made prior to this time. In the no charge group, for meetings only, are: Blood Pressure Day, Chatter Box, Senior Citizens, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts, MAD, Cub Scouts, Emergency Medical Services, Girl Scouts, 4-H clubs, Brownies and Milford Town Board. If a fund raiser is sponsored by one of these groups a minimum amount will be charged for the use of the kitchen and if the building is not left in the condition that it was found a fee will be charged. Charges for the meeting fee groups will be $6 per meeting plus $4 for kitchen usage. Those groups include: Any Milford area religious civic or public group, Milford Kiwanis Club, Milford Lions Club, Milford Jaycees, Milford Jayceettes, and Waubee Lake Association. A $25 charge will be made for fund raising activities. Day fee groups will be charged a $25 rental fee plus $25 kitchen usage ($5 if used for coffee only). An additional cleaning charge will be assessed, a maximum of SSO, if the building is not left in the condition that it was found. The day fee groups include wedding receptions, private business meetings, family reunions and private parties. For profit or private organizations will be charged SSO. These groups include garage sales, merchandise sales, and auctions. An additional cleaning charge, a minimum of SSO, may be assessed if the building is not left in the condition that it was found. Others would be charged $lO per hour. Other Business Don Arnold, treasurer, reported last month’s Northern Indiana Public Service bill has been resolved and the February heating and electric bill was reduced by SIOO. Arnold stated that in searching the building an electric heater in the Emergency Medical Service office had been left on and turned up on high. This heater was thought to be the cause of the high bill. Arnold also reported that the Lakeland School Board was not interested in a long term lease agreement concerning the ground which held the old Milford Junior High building. “It’s not

things and that I could feel the pressure change in my eardrums. At this time, the window in that room blew in with all the force of a full hurricane. No one could come out to help us in this situation, so we took the matress off the smaller bed in the room and put it in the dressing room which was connected to the bathroom. There we waited out the storm. We learned later the winds had reached a steady speed of 140 knots with gusts up to 180 knots — over 200 miles an hour! Belongings Okay Later that morning, when the winds had died down to a mere 35 knots, we went back to our old room and, miraculously, our things were still intact. The damage outside was devastating. We were marooned on the little island on which the hotel was located as the causeway to the main island was underwater Communications were broken down and there we sat not knowing what had happened elsewhere. We soon found out. Water damage had all but wiped out most of the hotels on the western coast, there was five feet of water in Nadi town and they (Continued on page 2)

their concern what the ground is used for,” remarked Arnold, who added that the board “doesn't want to give it away. ” Eva Hamilton was introduced as the new building manager. She replaced Marlene Evans. Mrs. Hamilton requested that a carpet sweeper be purchased for the building and Donn Kesler and Don Arnold stated they would work with Mrs. Hamilton on ideas and obtaining prices. Mrs. Hamilton remarked she would like a list of each of the service groups who use the building so she can schedule all meetings. Membership Drive Residents of Vanßuren Township will be receiving membership letters from MAD

Easter coloring grand prize winner to receive SSO bond

Arch and Della Baumgartner, publishers of The Mail-Journal, have announced this year’s Easter coloring contest grand prize winner will again receive a SSO savings bond from The Papers Incorporated. Area merchants are joining forces to sponsor the Easter coloring contest for boys and girls. Youngsters may enter by coloring pictures in this issue of The Mail-Journal and taking them to the respective sponsoring merchants. No pictures will be accepted at either office of The Mail-Journal or any office of ‘the paper.’ Prizes will be awarded to a winner from each participating store with the grand prize winner to be chosen from the store winners. Papers are also being handed out at the Milford, North Webster and Syracuse Elementary Schools for the kindergarten through fourth grade students who wish to participate. These pictures too must be taken to the sponsoring merchants. All entries must be at the merchants’ stores by 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 27. Winners will be notified after pictures are judged. Contest rules follow: 1. The contest is open to all children kindergarten through fourth grade. 2. Paint, pencil or crayon may be used for coloring. 3. Entries must be received at each sponsor’s firm no later than 6 p.m. March 27, or at the store’s regular closing time on Saturday or Sunday, whichever is earlier.

■ % DESTRUCTIVE WINDS — “Cyclone Oscar” leveled several homes when it tore through the Fiji Islands while Syracuse resident Joe Gray and wife Joan were vacationing. A complete account of the Grays experience appears on this page. (Photo by The Fiji Times)

through the mail. To join MAD any interested individual may join for $5 and any business may join for $25. Missy Sorensen, secretary, stated letters had been sent out to businesses with the exception of three new businesses who will be contacted personally by Jean Treesh, president, or Marcie Haab, vice president. A suggestion of purchasing Tshirts with a motto for the town was brought up but no discussion was held. Upcoming Events Upcoming events for MAD include a spaghetti supper on Friday, March 18, from 4-7 p.m. Assisting with the supper will be the Milford Boy Scouts, Lions Club and Kiwanis. Ballots for the “1983 Milford

Absolutely no entires will be accepted at any office of The Papers Incorporated. 4. Accuracy and appearance counts. The judges’ decision will be final. 5. Mount each entry on 84 by 11-inch sheet of paper with name, address, parents’ names, telephone number, school and grade. This is a must. 6. Children of employees of The Papers Incorporated will not be eligible for prizes. Sponsors and their prizes are as follows: Augsburger’s Super Valu, Syracuse and North Webster — $5 gift certificate at each store First Federal Savings and Loan, Syracuse — $5 savings account B and K Root Beer, Syracuse — $5 gift certificate Syracuse Kentucky Fried Chicken - $5 gift certificate Gropp’s Fish of Stroh, Syracuse — $5 gift certificate Ben Franklin, Syracuse — Easter basket l Marise’s, Syracuse — $5 gift certificate Country Home Floral, Syracuse — $5 gift certificate Three Flags, Syracuse — $5 gift certificate White Plumbing and Heating, North Webster — $5 Burger Dairy, Syracuse — $5 My Store, Syracuse — $5 Klink’s Market. Syracuse — $5 gift certificate

NUMBER 9

Citizen of the Year” will be published in The Mail-Journal on March 23 and March 30. All ballots must be turned in by April 1. One vote per ballot. Tickets will be available in the near future. Tickets will only be available on a pre-sale basis. Approximately 1,500 halves of chicken will be ordered for the Memorial Day celebration in Milford, May 30, from 11 am. to 2 p.m. Bruce Bultemeier will be contacting Nelson’s Golden Glow and reserving that date. Last year 900 halfs were ordered and the chicken barbeque was sold out by 12-12:30 p.m. Working on activities will be Richard Smith, Lani Baker, Mrs. Sorensen, Mrs. Treesh, Mrs. Haab, Elmer Sorensen and Bruce Bultemeier.

Wawasee Bowl, Syracuse — $5 Smith Flower and Gift Shop, Milford — Balloon arrangement Dick Smith, Milford — $5 Doll’s Decorating, Milford — stuffed toy Evans Family Store, Milford — $5 gift certificate Bruce’s Marathon, Milford — $5 White’s Amoco, North Webster — $5 Syracuse Dairy Queen — Free dinner for winner and his or her family Rinker’s Department Store, North Webster — Easter basket 4k Inside... ' - Conservation groups issue statements Page2 'Heaven Can Wait* at Wawasee Page 13 Board tables 3 major issues... Page 2 Best season tor Warriors.... Pageß V AS BZA approves petitions.... Page 2