The Mail-Journal, Volume 21, Number 37, Milford, Kosciusko County, 26 September 1984 — Page 1

f» (jfc Indiana State Library , HiO North Senate Aye. < Indianapolis, IN IjbSOU ■ V 1 4573666 3 ° c Consolidation of THE MILFORD M AIL <Est. 1888) and THE SYR ACLSE-WAWASEE JOURNAL lEst. 1907)

VOLUME 21

— " - ■■ r -. ' ■ ' " ~ W- -?-H-Jasr-'“ *-ia^-'* .’..., - --'* ... , LEg^"^** ,l - , " !■” ■ l - ,, T ! ?~x_ '*gTT , T r -- g: . ■SF* 58 * i_-2J<zzr?r?e- - --"ZZ>z: - " r<x r r ' I"' '' 2 ? ' -' "fr """*'"’ Ki^^EßEßtf£^Kex~^srn^r ss E”' ’-" JirV--. " _ tMI . _-. —a — ,„. ~., ,m - • nBWwBW i IB ! S i I w»* ! tSF2??_*!B jt < ■ ■•_ i r j^MM! l ls- i^sSMSjL?‘ll> S* t MB BMB^S^BF'gSES^feS3K? ‘ n iiiiiri 3 mmCSml 61 - - •*’-■■»* m»rfT2^ Kyy.y^E^gß* *■ -^^«*ssw i” fW MMEEM^LT - ~7“‘''' if»>i *• p-m**** e**—- tii JSbwKSbSTj *-3MMi —ESiy, 4CSgI . : Za ■ F>4’SSA7, ’ < ' - ■■■'■■ ■ ..’. ■*** ■K!H S*«*eL«aiAhr- rii^U^. p < >• ■■ .••• . - ■ ■ -,-ff ■■ *- "'■ Ai;. -*/ .* _■ >.»■#*****'* .*•>«'. u? ■<* .. '.' \

Barbara Hulley dead —

Syracuse woman murdered!

By MARK WEINSTEIN Staff W riter Thelown of Syracuse appears to be in’shock following the murder of 55-year-old Barbara LetHfulley She was found dead on Sunday, Sept 23f in her apartment at the Medallion Apartment complex on the west side of_ Syracuse Since the weekend slaying. Syracuse residents have purchased more handguns and locks than in past weeks One hardware store retailer noted that since the murderhe has sold around six handguns a day Usually he may sell one a day While Some residents tr\ to protect themselves with the guns and locks, others are just stunned by the event “This is unreal," said a Syracuse resident who didn't

Tuttle given suspended sentence

Former South Shore Golf Club manager Thomas M Tuttle was given a six year suspended sentence and fined $15,000 for his involvement in this misap propnation of bank funds at American Fletcher National Bank Tuttle was sentenced on Thurs

To become condominiums —

New face at storied Spink Hote

B> CATHY BRILL Staff Writer The Spink building, con structed by the George Spink family in 1925 on the Lake Wawasee site of the Old Wawasee "Inn. in its heyday was used as a luxury hotel which featured illegal gambling Later, after being purchased, by William Knoll and donated to the Catholic Church, the buidling was operated as Our Lady of the Lake Seminary, as a pre-seminary high school for boys, as a preparatory school for boys and finally, it was used as a co-ed Catholic high school until its doors closed in 1975. Now, nearly 10 years later, it enters a new era as the Wawasee Villa Development Company of Plymouth and Miller Brothers Realty of Syracuse plan its rejuvenation. The Wawasee Villa Development Corporation, owned by the Miller family who also own Miller's Merry Manor Inc nursing homes, plan to retain the

SITE OF MYSTERIOUS FRIDAY NIGHT MURDER

want to be identified. "It is hard to imagine this happening in Syracuse." "I haven't been in town too. much to tell what the mood of,the town is. but 1 know several people are shocked this happened in Syracuse." said Syracuse Police Chief Warren Swartz "We have had murders around us, but this is the first one that I can remember happening in Syracuse." Police Investigation According to police, the murder occurred around 9:30 p m . Friday, Sept 21. although an exact time of death has not been determined Kosciusko County Coroner Gary Eastlund stated the time of death was estimated from an autoposy and a statement by a next door neighbor The neighborsaid that she heard-strafe noises around 9:30 p m from Mrs Hulley s apartment

day. Sept 20. in Evansville by C S District Court Judge Gene E Brooks Testifying at the hear ing on Tuttle’s behalf were, among others, Frank McKinney, AFNB chairman, and ABC sport ■scaster Chris Schenkel ■/ Pleaded Guiltv

Tuttle had pleaded guilty on

Spanish styling of the old hotel, with changes being made to accommodate windows, glassed-in porches and elevator towers in the construction of the condominium units. The project, known as the Wawasee Spink Condominium, is headed by Harlan Steffen, a broker with Miller Brothers Realty. Steffen has to his credit such projects as Bay Point Condominiums and South Shore Condominiumsy both on Lake Wawasee. South Shore Green, a community at the edge of South Shore Golf Course outside Syracuse; and the Court Yard Condominiums in Goshen. Perhaps the most interesting period for the Spinks building was from its inception during the "roaring 20’s" to the close of its hotel era in 1947. The period is marked with rumor and hearsay and a spark of lively excitement. Through the memories of some local residents, historical data provided by Syracuse Librarian

By contrast, the other nextdoor neighbor, Mrs. Shirley Schang stated that she saw the victim around 10 p.m.. the night of the murder. Just as confusing is finding out a motive for the murder and the one who committed the act Kosciusko County Sheriff s officials, along with a group of Indiana State Police officers and Swartz and members of the Syracuse Police Department, continue to look for answers into the puzzling homicide The eight-member group has made steady, but slow progress in finding the murderer. Most recently. Kosciusko County officials checked a lead provid ed Larry Haviland, bartender at Lil’s Anchor Bar in Syracuse Officials questioned two Fort Wayne men yesterday (Tuesday), but did not charge them with anything A composite drawing of two

June 8 to three charges of helping Larry Hannah, former AFNB vice chairman, obtain $2 29 million in loans for a Florida housing development in which both men had financial interest Hannah, who has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the scheme, has vet to be* sentenced

Rosalyn Jones and some old promotional films abandoned by the hotel owners at its close and donated to the Syracuse Public Library by the Catholic Church, the period seemed to come to life. One hundred thirty rooms in a "fire proof hotel," said the caption in a silent promotional film. The hotel featured a 400-seat convention hall, a chapel, an 18-hole-golf course and spacious patios and lawn areas with brightly colored umbrellas. Dinner music was played softly for diners in the hotel’s fine restaurant, and after dinner, the tunes of the hotel orchestra’s dance music drifted across Lake Wawasee. The resort was a vacation place for the rich, the famous and the infamous. Visitors to the hotel are rumored to have included the Queen of Siam. Bud Abbott and Lou Costello and gangsters including Al Capone and his men. Conventions came to the hotel from all over the US, and in the 19305, according to.area resident

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26,1984

possible sdspects provided the law enforcement crew an ijlea of . what the two men looked like:-* Both men. ages 25 and 26. were at Lil’s Anchor Bar the night Mrs. Hulley was killed. In a report given to the officers working the case, the two men bought Mrs. Hulley two drinks, and she returned the gesture by buying them one each Victim Found The murder victim was found by her son, John Hulley, Sunday morning around 7:30 a m. The 33-year-old son went to his mother's apartment after being called by his sister, Marjorie Shopoff. Earlier in the morning, Mrs Shopoff had received a call from an official at South Shore Golf Course after Mrs. Hulley failed to show up for her golf game Hulley entered the house by taking off a screen from a front window and then crawling through the window It was at that time that he discovered his mother’s body near the front door The police were called to the scene They stated that there were no signs of forced entry to the apartment. Because of that, police believe that the person who committed the act either was in the house prior to Mrs. Hulley s arrival or was let in by her. According to police officials, Mrs Hulley often left her rear door open during the day. She ap-

Ronald Sharp, the Golden Gloves with Joe Lewas as a member, trained at the Spinks The illegal gambling was a ma jor source of income for the hotel. Sharp, who delivered newspapers to the Spinks in the 19305, explained. "Mrs. Cunndiff, the hotel manager, told me the only way she could afford to keep the soda bar open was the slot machine (located in the soda bar)." The railroad made the hotel accessible from both Indianapolis and Chicago, explained Jack Vanderford, a lifetime resident of the Wawasee area. "The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad had some interest in it (the Spinks) and helped finance the buidling. They ran an excursion train from Chicago," he said. With the excitement of the bustling resort and its illegal gambling, stories are numerous among Syracuse residents who remember the hotel or recall

MT < _ ”* .£ ■Jb BARBARA HULLEY parently would close it when she arrived home from work. But Swartz stated that they checked the door and found it was locked that day. The only door that w as unlocked was the screen door. Search For Weapon According to Eastlund, the cause of death was “multiple incised wounds to the neck.” He stated that the instrument used in the homicide was probably some type of single-edged knife. Officials went behind Mrs. (Continued on page 5)

tales told them by parents or grandparents. Ronald Sharp has one such story himself. Sharp stated. "Its hearsay how they got away with the gambling. They had a constable at that time protecting them. He was getting so much a week. He said he wanted more money once, but they said they didn’t think so and they’d talk about it and to come back that afternoon. When he went back two fellows jumped on his running boards and told him to keep driving. They convinced him he didn’t want more money. That’s a tale that goes around. It’s a good yarn.” All that history considered, some might find rooms at the Spinks a bargain at any price, but the owners of Wawasee Villa Development Corporation will know for sure in May of 1985 when the first eight condos are slated for completion. Units will range in size from 1,600 to 1,900-square-feet and price will range from $215,000 to $240,000.

5-year prison terms for Faith Assembly couple The first Indiana Faith Assembly couple to be convicted in the death of their child were sentenced to serve a five-year prison term Monday, Sept. 25, in Whitley Circuit Court. Gary and Margaret Hall, Columbia City, will serve a five-year term for reckless homicide and will also serve a two-year term for child neglect. Both charges will run concurrently. Immediately following the decision of Whitley Circuit Court Judge Edward J. Meyers Jr, the Halls stated they would not appeal the decision. They were then escorted to the Whitley County Jail, where they had a change of heart concerning the appeal process. Shortly thereafter, they were returned to the courthouse where they made a motion for an appeal. John Bloom, a stand-by counsel, was instructed to initiate a motion to correct errors from the trial and start the appeals process. The Halls could have received a maximum prison sentence of 12 years for both charges. Possible penalties included two to eight years imprisonment and up to a SIO,OOO fine for reckless homicide. Child neglect, a class D felony, could have brought the Halls up to a four year term and another SIO,OOO fine. Hall, 33, and his wife, Margaret, 27, were charged in the death of their 26-day-old son, Joel David Hall. The infant died r of untreated pneumonia. Whitley County Prosecuting Attorney John Whiteleather Jr. recommended a prison term for Hall because of his previous criminal record. According to court records. Hall was convicted on a charge of sodomy in Kosciusko Superior Court in 1976. Three years later he was paroled. He was also convicted on a charge of assault' and battery with intent to commit sodomy on Sept. 12, 1975, in Allen Superior Court. In January, 1976 he was charged with exposure in Warsaw City Court. Hall, in his defense, felt that his prior criminal record should not be considered since the statute of limitations is eight years. His last conviction was nine years ago. Judge Meyers offered a suspended sentence for Mrs. Hall, but after a statement concerning her convictions, her fear of God and statement that she will not provide medical attention for her family, Meyers sentenced her to the same term as her husband. Another Faith Assembly couple, David and Kathleen Bergmann, Syracuse, await their Oct. 29 sentencing date at Noble County Superior Court. 5 Town board fails to approve claim A clajm for $7 to a fireman for reimbursement was mysteriously taken under advisement with no explanation during the regular meeting of the Syracuse Town Board last Tuesday evening. Claim number 4-1025 signed by trainee fireman Corky Wong was ordered to be put to the side after the board voted to pay all other claims. No reason or discussion to the action was given. In trying to find out why a volunteer fireman was not given his pay for fire duty, no answer could be found. Board members Steve Butt and William Hess both stated they had no comment on the matter as did town attorney Robert Reed. Other board members, James Hughes, Joe Morganthaler and board president, Carl Myrick, were unavailable for comment.

/IbMaIK w i '| < J i --- ! < ■ I w - BE-v-**'

FIREMAN OF THE YEAR — Bill Leemon, left, stands with Milford Fire Chief Max Duncan, right, after Leemon was named the Kosciusko County "Fireman of the Year." The award was presented *4>y<the*»oscttMko County Fireman’s Ag^ocialion^. — Leemon was nominated for the honor by Robert Hurd and Duncan. The pair of firement sent a letter to the nominating committee stating reasons why Leemon deserved the award. In the letter, they said that Leemon was the most knowledgable of ' all firemen in the department. He was the fire chief from 1976 to 1981,. and has been a fireman for the past 26 years. Leemon becomes the second Milford fire-fighter to win the coveted award. Harold Kaiser was the first recipient, winning the award in 1976. "This is quite an honor for me,” said Leemon. “And without a doubt, a very big surprise.” North Webster’s Bill Metcalf was another award winner at the special awards meeting. Metcalf was named the winner of the "Distinguished Service” award presented by the same association. (Photo by Mark Weinstein)

Schwartz liquidation

By Jo Sturgis Staff Writer Ron Schwartz, owner of Schwartz’s Super Valu on SR 13 in Milford, has announced the closing of the Super Valu grocery. Schwartz plans to liquidate his stock beginning Thursday and continue reductions daily until all merchandise is sold. Special hours will be in effect during the liquidation sale; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. * Schwartz cited competitive changes in the area as the reason for the closing. He said it may appear to be a quick decision to some people, but that it’s not really and that he’s thought about „ it hard before deciding. Augsburger’s Super Valu, Syracuse and North Webster, still own the Milford building. Schwartz was renting the facility. As far as Schwartz knows, Lake City Bank will continue to operate at its present location in the front of the building. Schwartz said he was uncertain about his future, but that he would undoubtedly stay in the food business. He said he would like to stay in the Milford area, but job opportunities will determine that. Steve Schwartz, Ron’s brother and manager of the store, also is seeking a position in the food business and would like to remain in the area. He now lives on Papakeechie Lake. Schwartz’s employed approximately 16 employees, some of whom are now finding other employment. One employee said, “I’ve been an employee here for two years and I was shocked, sorry and sad to hear about the closing.” Ron said he was covering possibilities with Super Valu right up until the end to keep the store open, but there just were no options. “We’ve enjoyed good support through-out the years and right

NUMBER 37

up to the last few weeks, people have been very supportive, not only for the business, but for my family, also," said Ron. He added, “The overriding thought in , my mind is we re disappointed about the business, but my family and I still feel very positive about the people in Milford and their acceptance of our family.” The Schwartz family moved here from the Fort Wayne area when Ron bought the store on Dec. 11. 1977. Program on China at CRC Monday • The Columbian Reading Circle met at the home of Bernice Ahrns on Monday evening, Sept. 24. The 12 members answered roll call by telling about a new product they had used recently. Kathleen Heath, president, conducted the business meeting. Nancy Wuthrich announced she will be sending Bibles to Ghena, Africa, and if anyone has a Bible *• she would like to contribute, she should leave it at the home of Gwen Dewart. Edith Baumgartner was the program chairman for the evening. She introduced Della Baumgartner, the speaker for the evening. Mrs. Baumgartner showed slides and told the group about her trip she took to China with her husband, Arch, and granddaughter, Criss, this past February. The three were guests of Chinese International Travel Service. Booklets of their China trip were given to each member present. The hostess served dessert with mints, nuts and coffee. The next meeting will be Oct. 8, < with hostess, Phyllis Sorensen and program chairman, Eudora Hurd.