The Mail-Journal, Volume 21, Number 20, Milford, Kosciusko County, 30 May 1984 — Page 2

THE MAIL-JOURNAL - Wed., May 30,1984

2

Successful Cromwell Community

By BEN SMITH Staff Writer In the 12 months of its existence, the Cromwell Community Center has been so successful, the town is using part of the facility’s revenues to finance an industrial spec building slated to go up in three weeks, Cromwell Business Association president George Kreager told this reporter Friday. The Cromweli Community Center now takeis in $2,500 to $2,800 a week, he adds, thanks to a variety of activities including adult and teen dances, roller skating, weddings, graduation parties and family reunions. In addition to the center itself, the town offers two softball diamonds, a BMX racing track and a jogging track. Kreager says an adult exercise field is being planned, adding the entire area will have outdoor lighting. The spec industrial building will be a 50 x 100 x 14 foot all-steel structure The town will offer it for sale to companies that might want to locate in Cromwell’s industrial park. “The cooperation of the Cromwell people has just been super,” Kreager riotes; however, he admits in the beginning there was considerable opposition on the part of some residents when he broached the idea of saving part of the former Cromwell School by turning it into a community center Taxes would be too high, they argued; the taxpayers would end up having to pay big utility bills; the school wasn't worth saving. Kreager, 54, a positive thinker who bears a strong resemblance to actor Karl Malden, believed the school — part of it, that is — could and should be saved; moreover, he decided if there had to be a wrecking crew, it would be his wrecking crew. The origin of the Cromwell Community Center began in the early part of 1983 when a West Noble School Board committee began discussing what to do with soon-to-be-discarded school buildings in Cromwell, Wawaka and Perry Township. Several years before, the Ligonier High School and gym had crashed down in the wake of a school consolidation move which brought anger, bitter feelings and fist fights to residents of the Ligonier, Cromwell and Wawaka communities. In the end, a new high school, middle school and elementary were constructed on Stone's Hill —a small rise two miles south of Ligonier. In 1983, when the time came to dispose of the two remaining

' J I COLD RAIN — Rain plus wind and 50 degree temperatures lent a melancholy air to North Webster's American Legion Memorial Day activities. A parade and services at the town cemetary were cancelled on Monday. (Photo by Ben Smith) ißetter Living I with r-* d I ORMACO I PRODUCTS ENJOY • . . A Patio Covers B Carports Ormoco products all c Window Awnings 0 Co^py ■ around your house . S . Boat/Dock Cover > SAVE MOWfc • Available on Standard Home Many dollars annually on fuel Improvement Loans I • On Upkeep • On Repairs • Free inspections and estimates Designed and manufactured by men long experienced in both weather control ■ and home styling, Ormaco Mode means "better made.” B Ormoco products — manufactured in Indianapolis for over 36 years located I now in Syracuse by Mac McKinley. ;» COME IN OR CALL TODAY, ASK ABOUT GRAND OPENING SPECIALS ON ALL ORDERS NOW THRU JUNE 15TH. SAVE sss ■. I ORMACO PRODUCTS, INC. I ■ 500 Pittsburg St. PUe 457-3777 Syracuse I

former high schools, a school board committee traveled to Cromwell and Wawaka to meet with town and township leaders on the matter of whether the communities would like to take the former schools over, thus saving them. Wawaka residents said no to saving their school. The costs to their township would be too high, they contended. Ligonier’s residents had decided the same thing four years before. (Ligonier, however, would lease a former elementary school in Perry township in late 1983, hoping to emulate the success enjoyed by the Cromwell center.) After much discussion and several meetings with Cromwell residents, the West Noble School Board voted to lease the Cromwell school back to the town in the spring of 1983 for the sum of sl. An already busy George Kreager decided he had to get even busier. There had been strong opposition to the town’s acquiring the property on the part of Cromwell resident Lloyd Ness, a former Cromwell School principal, and several other town leaders. Kreager and his brother, Jake, 64, own an excavating business which began with a S2OO loan in 1952 and grew to multi-million-dollar proportions. Nobody in town, Kreagers included, wanted to save the old high school’s rundown classroom section. Kreager Brothers Construction was given the job, at $14,995, of tearing it down. The gym and cafeteria? The gym and cafeteria were another matter. Kreager lobbied town board members and other residents hard. He strongly believed — and still does — that youngsters in the community need a place to go — and not just to play basketball. No towns in the area served by the West Noble School Corporation had facilities for young people. On most nights — winter and summer — large numbers of youths were hanging out in nearby Ligonier, near the self-service laundry and car wash. A father himself, Kreager determined it was time to act. Like many small town residents, he was vexed at the loss of neighborhood schools to consolidation plans. So when the wrecking crews came in June, Kreager was there carefully supervising them, making certain none of the gym or cafeteria section, the latter built in 1962, came crashing down in a dusty cloud with the old classroom portion of the complex. Soon Kreager s boundless energy and positive way began to rub off on everyone, including most of the doubters. It wasn’t

long before Sparta Township’s American Legion Post 421 donated $15,000 to the cause of the community center. The Jenny Thompson Foundation, a Noble County-based charitable trust, awarded the town $6,000. An auction of old school desks and other mementos netted SIO,OOO. George Kreager even went into his own pocket to the tune of almost SB,OOO. “The town will pay me back when it can afford it,” he told this reporter at the time. Now, one year later, some 250-300 area kids attend dances at the center every week. Kreager says the young people come from places like Syracuse, North

Day-to-day schedule given for 1984 Mermaid Festival

This year’s Mermaid Festival, to take place at North Webster, promises once again be one of the most exciting and varied celebrations in this part of the state. What follows is a day-to-day schedule for the week-long event, SATURDAY. JUNE 23 At 8:30 a m. the festival gets under way with registration for the 500 meter run. The run itself begins at 10 a.m. at the International Palace of Sports. At 10:30 a m. there will be a chicken barbecue sponsored by the North Webster and MidLakes Lions Clubs. Beginning at 12 noon there will be a weigh-in for the garden tractor pull at the MX race track. The pull begins at 1 p.m. A girls’ softball tourney will start at 10 a.m. To round out the first day’s activities, the annual Mermaid Ball will be begin at 9 p.m. at Camelot Hall. SUNDAY, JUNE 24 There will be a firemen’s and ladies’ waterball contest at the fairgrounds beginning at 2 p.m. The girls’ softball tourney continues at 4 p.m. MONDAY, JUNE 25 Monday night has been designated “Family Night,” with the B<ys’ Youth League tourney getting under way at 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m. the merchants’ building and midway open. At 7 p.m. the first of several talent contests will be held at Camelot Hall beginning at 7 p.m. (Kindergarten through fifth grade) Also, at 7 p.m. there will be a Treasure Hunt at the fairgrounds. TUESDAY. JUNE 26 Tuesday evening has been

Webster, Goshen and Topeka. Adult activities on Friday nights draw many adults from neighboring communities. Kreager says he’ll be even busier now that lake residents are arriving in the area. Senior citizens’ groups and Girl Scouts also meet at the Cromwell Community Center, as does the local American Legion. Their patronage, as well as the patronage of many other groups mean, not only will NIPSCO be paid, Kreager adds, but the spec building and other crucial parts of Cromwell’s economic development plans will proceed smoothly. “You know, people say I’m the

designated “Merchants’ Night.” At 5:30 p.m. the Boys’ Youth League plays. j At 6 p.m. the midway and merchants' building open. At 7 p.m. a greased pole contest will be held at the fairgrounds. The talent contest continues at Camelot Hall at 7 p.m. with grades six through eight slated to compete. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27 “Kids’ Day.” The midway will be open from 12 noon to 5 p.m. At 4 p.m. there will be a Strawberry Festival at the North Webster Methodist Church. At 5:30 p.m. the Boys’ Youth League tourney continues. The midway and merchants’ building reopen at 6 p.m. Registration for the Cutie Parade begins at Augsburger’s parking lot at 6 p.m., with the Cutie Parade beginning at 7 p.m. The crowning of the Cutie King and Queen will take place at 8 p.m. There will be an admission price. THURSDAY, JUNE 28 A weigh-in for the pony pull will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds. At 5:30 p.m. the Boy’s Youth League contest continues. At 6 p.m. the pony pull starts. Also, at 6 p.m. the merchants’ building and midway open. It will be “Two-for-One” night. There will be a square dancing exhibition at Augsburger’s parking lot at 7 p.m. The talent contest also con-

Award contracts for Syracuse street repair

(Continued from page 1) Reed, town attorney, commented that the State may take action against the town if it adopts the lower scale. “I’ve had some contact with State officials,” Reed said. “They said that we may be headed for some difficulty down the road. But at this point I am not sure what kind of action, if any, they might take.” Perry Glancy, of Midwest

Millers path cleared for Syracuse nursing home

Following a delay of nearly six months, Millers Merry Manor, Inc., will be allowed to begin construction of a $1,650,000 nursing facility in Syracuse. A circuit court appeal filed in early April by Community Care Centers of Muncie, was dismissed May 22 before it entered court. The case evolved from the State Board of Health's decision to locate a nursing facility within this area of the state. Three proposals were originally looked at from groups interested in locating a nursing home in the area. The Millers proposal for the Syracuse facility was eventually accepted. Community Care’s case, however, stemmed from a tentative approval said to have been granted by Steve Dunn, Project Review Officer of the State Board of Health Planning and Development Division. Following the State Board of Health’s acceptance of the Millers proposal, Community Care reacted by appealing the decision in an administrative law hearing. The hearing findings were in favor of Millers, and Community Care further appealed the case to circuit court. Before the case ever went to trial, a stipulation which dropped the appeal was filed, finally giving Millers undisputed approval to go ahead with the nursing home construction. The next step for Millers will be procuring the property for the building site. The completion date for the facility is now slated for mid-1985. The facility will provide much needed nursing care for Syracuse. A total of 66 beds will be available in the facility, with 22 skilled care and 44 intermediate care beds available. - Stated Ton Teghtmeyer, direc-

Center funds industrial building

one responsible for all this,” Kreager says, “but without the help of the people here in town, it just wouldn’t have worked. People do need someone to push though — and keep pushing." When asked to comment on reports Ligonier’s community center project is still bn Square One because there is no driving personality behind the effort, Kreager chuckles goodnaturedly. “Well, over here we are doing very well. It would be nice to have a crack at it (Ligonier’s project),” Kreager says. “I’ve got ideas on it. It’s too bad their building’s not in town like ours is,” he adds.

tinues at this hour (high school or older), and there will be a coin hunt at the festival grounds. FRIDAY, JUNE 29 A chicken barbecue and ice cream social will take place at the North Webster Church of the Brethren from 3 to 7 p.m. At 4 p.m. the Girls’ Youth League final will take place. The Boys’ Youth League final will be played at 7 p.m. At 6 p.m. the midway and merchant’s building open. At 7 p.m. there will be an aerobic exhibition at the International Palace of Sports. The highlight of the evening will be the Queen of Lakes swimming suit competition beginning at 8 p.m. SATURDAY, JUNE 30 At 11 am. there will *be a chicken barbecue (American Legion) and a home-cooked dinner at the North Webster Methodist Church. Also at 11 a.m. the,Tournament of Knights Competition will be held. The midway and- merchants’ building will be open from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The Mermaid Festival Band Contest starts at 1 p.m. At 2 and 7 p.m. ski shows will be held. The Mermaid Festival Parade begins at 4 p.m. The big event — the Queen of Lakes Beauty Pageant finals — starts at the school gym at 8 p.m.

Educational Services, Inc., reported to the board that the State Tax Control Board has tabled approval of the town hall financing proposal until its June 22 meeting. Glancy, Reed and Board President Carl Myrick will attend that meeting. The board also set a special meeting for Tuesday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. to review the bids for the town hall project. Bids were received this morning (Wednesday).

tor of marketing for Millers Merry Manor, Inc., “We just took it one day at a time, and we’re very glad it worked out this way. We’re still convinced and strongly convinced of a need (for a nursing facility) in the Syracuse community.” Alan Wuthrich struck by car Alan Wuthrich, Warsaw, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wuthrich of Milford, is out of intensive care at Kosciusko Community Hospital where he had been admitted as a patient Sunday evening after being hit by a car as he was walking on CR 100 near his home. Wuthrich suffered a broken leg. Wuthrich’s mother said Tuesday there may be an investigation in the matter. Two new Webster special duty police officers Phil Malott and Matt Wagoner, both of North Webster, have been sworn in as special duty police officers for the town of North Webster. The North Webster Town Board met in several special sessions prior to hiring the police officers. Malott was hired by the board on Wednesday, May 16, and Wagoner, at a special meeting on Friday, May 25. Both officers will be assisting regular town police officers with duties during the summer months and at other specified times.

. ■ : ■ \ -flu''. ' '. ‘ DREAM REALIZED — George Kreager, president of the Cromwell Business Association, stands outside the thriving community center for which he is largely responsible. One year after the former Cromwell Elementary School became the property of the town, the facility is not only paying for itself, but monies from the highly-successful center are being used by Cromwell to finance a factory building in the town’s industrial park. The building will be offered for sale to companies as an incentive for them to locate in the community.(Photo by Ben Smith)

Fourth of July road race is on!

The annual Fourth of July Flotilla Road Race is on! This was assured last week when veteran runner and Milford elementary teacher Tony Clouse volunteered to assume the leadership in handling the myriad of details involved in making the race a success. For the past six years the race has been held it has proved increasingly popular, according to Arch Baumgartner, publisher of The Mail-Journal, sponsors of the event each year. It has proved one of the most colorful, expertly executed races in northern Indiana, Baumgartner said, pointing out that The Mail-Journal is proud to be associated with the race. Saturday, July 7 The race, an integral part of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July weekend, is scheduled to be held Saturday, July 7, with runners stepping off at the Syracuse Lakeside Park at 9 a.m. sharp. Pre-registration will begin at 7:30a.m. . The weekend will include GRADUATES FROM LAW SCHOOL — John L. Stewart, a 1974 graduate of Wawasee High School, recently completed. his studies at Indiana UniverskyPurdue University, Indianapolis'"' Campus School of Law, with a doctorate degree in jurisprudence. The May 13 graduation ceremony was one of the first activities to be held in the new Hoosier Dome at Indianapolis. The son of Morris and Jean Stewart of Dewart Lake, he is married to the former Diane Cook, who also a graduated from Wawasee High School in 1974. She is a registered nurse in the critical care unit at Community Hospital in Indianapolis. The Stewarts have two sons, lan and Eric. He is employed with the law firm of Kline man, Rose, Wolf & Waliack in Indianapolis.

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fireworks, the Lake Wawasee Flotilla of decorated boats, plus other events to be announced later, to make this one of the biggest, most fun-filled weekends of the year. And now for the race: The short, 3.3-mile race goes around beautiful Maxwelton Golf Course, returning to the parkside starting point. And the longer, eight-mile race goes around Maxwelton then continues around Syracuse Lake. It too returning to the starting point. Splits will be at two, four and six miles, and water will be fCirnished on the course at two, four and six miles. Awards will be given to winners in each event. Trophies will be given to the first man and first women finisher in each race, and plaques awarded to the first three positions in each age group of each race. A total of 94 awards will be made. Men’s categories are as follows: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49,50-59, and 60 and over. There are only five women’s categories, as follows: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, and 40 and over. Each runner will be given a number and will be electronically clocked so he or she will know how long it took him or her to make the full run. A full, detailed

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computation will be published in The Mail-Journal on Wednesday of the week after the race. This year’s pre-registration fee is $5, with the deadline for pre-registration being Monday, July 2. A $6 entry fee will be charged on the gorunds and a handsome sport cap will be presented to the first 225 entries. Make It A Good One We expect this to be a good race - one of the best in the area. There will be plenty of help to make the race orderly and successful, including many men and their wives who have helped in past years. They know what they are doing and will gladly help any entries with questions. Clouse has had the assurance of plenty of experienced assistance, including that of Carl Meditch, former Wawasee High School athletic director, who has carried much of the weight of planning the popular event in years past. Others to assist will include Jerry Minton, Donn Kesler, to name two. Standing by will be members of the Kosciusko County Red Cross with a first aid tent in case of any emergency. Others assisting will include Tom Kitch of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Syracuse City Police under chief Warren Swartz, and the Syracuse EMS under director Tim Weisser.