The Mail-Journal, Volume 21, Number 40, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 October 1984 — Page 1

Phones: 658-4111 & 457-3666

VOLUME 21

Syracuse hires collection agency to collect *17,389 in EMS fees

By JO STURGIS Staff Writer The Syracuse Town Board met last night for its regular monthly meeting. First on the agenda was approval to Larry Weirick of Joe Mater and Associates, Inc., Warsaw, for their collection services. Jerry Firestone of James and Associates. Inc., Fort Wayne, the architectural firm working with Syracuse on the new town hall, also addressed the board and tossed around new ideas to lower the cost of the new town hall. Larry Weirick, a representative from Joe Mater and Associates, spoke to the members of the town board about Mater’s services. He said Joe Mater is a full service agency which has beelp serving Kosciusko County for 30 years. The Kosciusko office also services LaGrange. Noble and part of Steuben County. The company focuses most of its attention on medical and utility overdue bills. Weirick explained there are no dues, subscriptions' or memberships to gain from Mater’s services. The only amoujjLthe agency charges is 50 percent of what it collects. Weirick said “full service collection agency” means "we do all we can to try to collect that bill.” Jennifer Lewis, clerktreasurer. researched past unpaid bills and reported the following. In 1982, the town sent 294 ambulance billings totaling $18,785.50. Os this, 239 payments, totaling $15,665, were received; leaving 55 unpaid bills totaling $3,120 50 or 17 percent unpaid In 1983 . 320 billings totaling

Halloween party is planned at Webster

A Halloween Fun Night spon : sored by the Lakeland Kiwanis Club of North Webster, has been set up for Tuesday evening. Oct. 30. The party will be held in the North Webster School cafeteria from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be a Hallowe'en Costume Contest as a main feature of the party Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Pre-school and kindergarten First and second grades Third, fourth and fifth grades Sixth, seventh and eighth grades

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HOMECOMING ROYALTY — Donna Rich and Kevin Tracey were named the 1984 Homecoming Queen and King during halftime ceremonies at the Wawasee-Culver Military game on Friday. Miss Rich is the daughter of Don Rich, Leesburg and Vickie Rich. North Webster. Tracey is the son of Wayne and Mary Campbell and Steven and Susan Tracey. Miss Rich, who b suffering from a kidney infection, was released from the hospital for two hours to attend the ceremonies. She returned to the hospital following her coronation. (Photo by Tom Charles)

The

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

$21,883.76 were sent and 241 payments totaling $16,639.75 were received; leaving 79 bills totaling $5,244.00 unpaid or 24 percent of the bills. So far in 1984, the town has sent 311 bills totaling $20,117.65 and received 172 payments totaling $11,092.50. This leaves 139 unpaid bills totaling $9,025.15 or 45 percent of the bills. For the months of January and February of this year, Lewis found 26 percent of the bills in January and 23 percent of the bills in February have not been paid. Lewis also contacted the Bowen Center in Warsaw, who employ Joe Mater’s services. She reported the facility “. had nothing but good reports on how Joe Mater collects its accounts.” After hearing Lewis’s recommendation, the board unanimously voted to employ Joe Mater and Associates' services Metal Building Discussed Jerry Firestone of James, and Associates, Inc., next spoke to the board James Hughes, board., member, had contacted Firestone to prepare a cost estimate for a pre-engineered metal building. Firestone secured estimates from Construction. Inc., Fort Wayne, a company that builds metal type buildings and who was also a major bidder on the Syracuse Town Hall project. They estimated the total cost of the metal building shell built to the same size specifications as the originally planned building at $54,280. This figure did not include rough openings for doors and windows or material and labor With these included the cost would be $57,500. This figure also includes many deletions from the original design such as wood trusses, rough framing, plywood sheathing, roofing (material and labor), sos-

Refreshments will be served for those participating and attending the party. Parents of participants are invited and encouraged to attend this partv. ' Arrangements for the Halloween Party have been made by Lakeland Kiwanis Youth Services Chairman Everett Sowers. Committee members assisting the chairman are Roger Coldren, Howard McCain. Joe White, Nick Wade, Bob Seitz, Mike Amick. Bob Williamson, John McClure, Bob Morgan, Arnold Karr, Jesse Cramer and Duane Leedy.

fits (material and labor), brick (material and labor) and skylights. Firestone said these figures say to him that you can’t get a building any less expensive than the original one planned by James and Associates. Firestone said the only alternative is to make cosmetic changes such as using aluminum or vinyl siding instead of brick and paint the walls instead of using paneling or wallpaper. “I just don’t know where else we can go, the figures between the two buildings are a tradeoff,” said Firestone. Firestone recommended the board rebid the project as a total project with the cosmetic changes to lower the cost. He also recommended the board take action soon if they hope to start construction in the spring. Carl Myrick, board president, said the board members would decide if they wanted to rebid the project at the November meeting. Discussion From Floor A town resident requested information about what was being done to clean up two properties on West Pearl Street. The board sent letters the property owners in June requesting they clean up their property, but . . the property is by no means cleaned up. In fact it’s a mess,’’ said Myrick. The board decided the proper thing to do is send another letter to each of the property owners. Police Chief Warren Swartz will inspect the properties and if they are not cleaned up 10 days after the letter is sent, the board will take proper action. Streets Joe Dock, street, water and w’astewater superintendent, asked the press to inform citizens that water mains will be flushed on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 18 and 19. Town residents are asked not to do laundry on these two days. The water will appear red, but the water should be clear by Monday. Dock requested the board’s approval to replace an analytical balance at a cost of $1,795. Dock reported funds were available. The sump pump study is over one-half completed, said Dock. Dock reported estimates are being received to replace a lift station which a car demolished in a wreck. He estimates the materials will cost $15,000 and the labor $5,000. So far, there have been no back-ups in the system, but it is a day-to-day thing that it keeps working, said Dock. Dock next inquired if there was a burning ordinance in the Town (Continued on page 2)

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17,1984

The Syracuse United Way sSssi ding to chairman Robert Westfail. ' .. total to drive uwnf Tuesday rt this “With just? two weeH resew more generous people win push the uptown thermometer nast the IM njtnrjmf mark M Giving now stands at 93 per cent of its goal. To review tax rates at the courthouse Notice is being given in this issue of The Mail-Journal that public hearings will be held November 7 and 8 in the courthouse in Warsaw by the state board of tax commissioners. The commissioners will review the tax levies and rates to be collected in the year 1965. Hearings begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7. The only taxing corporation in the greater Lakeland community scheduled for Wednesday’s hearings is k Plain Township. Turkey Creek Township, Van Buren Township, Syracuse, the Lakeland Community Schools and Tippecanoe Township are scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8. At 1 p.m., Leesburg, Milford, the Milford Library and the Syracuse Library are scheduled. At 8:30 a.m. on Firday, Nov., 9, North Webster Library and North Webster are scheduled. Two syracuse residents involved in county accidents Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department investigated a pair on one-car accident last week involving Syracuse residents. According to police reports, David Hughes, Syracuse, lost control of the car he was driving on Old Road 8 Friday, Oct. 10, around 3 a.m. He was driving down the road, according to police, car started to slide before coming to a stop. Damage to the Hughes vehicle was not estimated, although there was some damage done to his front left fender. The police report notes, at the time of the accident, Hughes had been drinking, but it is not known what caused the accident. The only other accident investigated by the county was a 4:18 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 7, accident involving Elizabeth Johnson, Syracuse. According to the official report, Mrs. Johnson was traveling south on SR 13 when her car began to slide on the wet pavement. She tried to correct the sliding, but apparently over compensated and hit the embankment. Damage to her car was received to the front left fender and rear left fender. No damage figures were released.

Economic development group hopes to stimulate industrial growth

A pilot project to stimulate the economic development and growth of Kosciusko County recently began here. Small industry planning to build or expand in Kosciusko County may now find it easier to apply for economic development bonds to finance expansion projects through this unique pilot project. It works like this — local businessmen simply go to a bank and ask for assistance in filling out a new standardized “Kbsciusko Expedited Economic Development Bond” form. The form is then submitted to either the newly-formed Kosciusko

Hoppus replaces Treesh —

BZA says 'yes' to camp, 'no' to new apartments

By BRENDA RHODES Staff Writer Alexander Mack was the first case on a 29-case agenda heard by the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals at its monthly meeting Monday, Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. This meeting was also George Hoppus’ first as a member of the BZA. He replaced Glen (“Ike”) Treesh as Milford’s representative. After some deliberation by the board, a motion was made to approve the special exception for Camp Mack, with the following stipulations: RV camping would not be allowed at any time; must exclusively use the two existing water sources; one privy is to be constructed for use with the existing one; no dumping site; construction of the 24 by 24 nature center; make no paved or gravel roads or improvements; allow

Police checking every rumor to find Mrs. Hulley's murderer

By MARK WEINSTEIN Staff Writer In an effort to find the person responsible for the murder of Barbara Lee Hulley, Kosciusko County Sheriff officials and Syracuse Police are not discounting any rumor they hear. And there have been several. One of the first rumors traveling through Syracuse was that Elizabeth Kay Clark, 27, 430> 2 Boston Street, Syracuse, was picked up for the murder of Mrs.

MAD gets a financial boost from Lions, BBQ

By JO STURGIS Staff Writer Members of the Milford Area Development Council met Saturday, Oct. 13, for their regular monthly meeting in the Milford Community Building. Don Arnold, MAD treasurer, reported the opening balance for the month of September as $114.13. The ending balance for the month was $627.85. Total deposits for the month were $1,924.21, and expenditures totaled $1,410.49. Arnold reported a $227 profit was realized after all bills were paid from the chicken barbecue, held on Sept. 16. Another source of funds during the past month came from the Lions Club. The Lions donated $540 from their auction to MAD. x With the large balance in the MAD account, the group decided to wait until the November

County Economic Development Commission or any economic development commission in any of the area towns in the county for consideration. If approved, they are then forwarded to local governmental units for final action. ‘‘These are the first such forms in the State,” commented Matt .Dalton, president of the Kosciusko County Economic Development Commission. “Kosciusko County is initiating a pilot project," he added. Dalton, a Warsaw industrialist, explained that a group of local businessmen began meeting informally nearly one year ago.

the natural hedges to grow as a buffer; maximum of 50 campsites at any one time; only service vehicles may use the east access way, signs must be moved to direct all other traffic to use CR 1150 N , camp use must be limited to Brethren Church groups or Scouting groups; and no additional expansion petitions may be filed for five years. \ This motion passed by a vote of 3-2. One other case on the agenda of interest to area residents was a petition filed by Joseph and Rowena Gerencser of Milford for a special exception to permit the construction of a multi-family dwelling in an area currently zoned as residential. The Gerencsers had also filed a petition for a variance, which would allow them to build the duplex on a tract of ground measuring 16,137 square feet, when 22,500 square feet are required by ordinance.

Hulley. Instead, Miss Clark was picked up and later charged with burglary and theft. The charges were in connection with a September 1 break-in of a houseboat owned by Ralph Griffith. Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Detective Tom Kitch stated that Miss Clark was questioned for the murder of Mrs. Hulley because she had once made a statement that indicated she was involved in a fight with another woman.

meeting to decide whether they will again sponsor a pancake/sausage breakfast in December. Arnold also said the MAD balance should increase with the rental money due in December. Eva Hamilton, building administrator, reported that the community building is scheduled for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. She said the Jaycees contacted her and they will not be using the community building this winter for their meetings. Hamilton will contact the Jaycess to return the building key. A lady from Warsaw contacted Hamilton about the possibility of using the community building for hearing aid testing. She was not willing to pay any rent for the building. MAD members denied the request.

With the idea of simplifying the bond process, the businessmen approached the Indianapolis law firm of Ice, Miller, Donadio and Ryan to ask attorneys to prepare standardized bond forms. Their goal was to standardize bond forms in hopes of reducing administrative and legal costs for the applicant. Seek Lower Interest Rates “The goal of the new commission is to get interest rates below the New York Prime rate,” commented Dalton. “We don t know if we can do that on loans of $50,000 or not. The only way to know is to try it. The borrower or lender can go to any EDC. The county EDC

Gerencser cited a need fobren* tai housing in Milford, and said he had a waiting list of 12 families who need rental housing in this area. He also produced a letter from the Milford Town Board in support of his position. Myrtle Felkner, an adjacent property owner, was present to inquire how close the proposed building would be to her property line. (The answer was 10 feet, which was acceptable to Mrs. Felkner.) The BZA members expressed doubts about the parking plan outlined by the Gerencsers. They did not feel there was adequate room for the required two spaces per unit ordinance. Although the plan submitted to the BZA stated there would be room for 12 cars, Dan Richard, plan director, stated that a more realistic estimate would be room for six cars. Hoppus moved to approve the variance, but the motion died for lack of a second. There was a

There were signs of a slight struggle between Mrs. Hulley and the murderer. “All what you hear are rumors, that’s all,” said Syracuse Police Chief Warren Swartz. “But we are not discounting any of them. We do not have much to go on, so we will probably check them out.” Mrs. Hulley died September 21, of multiple stab wounds to her neck. The lack of a'motive for the slaying and murder weapon continue to puzzle IqCal authorities. /

Hamilton said the only minor maintenance problem is the need for a doorstop behind the kitchen door. The wallpaper is getting soiled and scratched from the door hitting it She reported the women’s commode is now completely fixed. Arnold told the group about the , recent JAWS Fund meeting he attended. The Milford service organizations and Campbell’s IGA are panning a kick-off for the fund on jpturday, Oct. 27. Arnold drafted a letter, which he read before the MAD members, to be sent out to area citizens in November. The letter asks for donations for the project. Arnold said, “the donations received from the letter would be pure support for the JAWS project.” He added, “the (Continued on page 2)

was set up to standardize the forms and reduce the borrower’s cost,” Dalton added. Currently, a borrower pays several thousand dollars in legal fees when applying for an economic development bond, according to Michael Armey, a Warsaw attorney who was appointed legal advisor to the new Kosciusko County Economic Development Commission. With reduced legal and administrative costs, applications for economic development bonds may have become more feasible for local businessmen, Armey noted. “It is now possible for small manufacturers to borrow

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Jong pause while board members discussed the situation among themselves before a motion was made to deny the variance. This motion passed by a vote of 4-1. 1 / \ ■ ■ | GEORGE HOPPUS After the discussion was closed to the public one BZA member was heard to comment,“This job ain’t getting any easier.” The petition for the special exception was also denied by a vote of 54). The meeting time of the BZA was moved to 9 a.m. from 7 p.m. because of the heavy caseload. The next meeting will be November 12 at 9 a.m. in the basement meeting room of the Justice Building in Warsaw. Condominium Units Plans for 74 condominium units bn the shores of Webster Lake were approved, pending letters of agreement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife. Lloyd Stouder gained approval in 1980 for a Planned Unit Development in a residential district on the south side of CR 700 N, 1,200 feet from CR 850 W. The development included several single-family homes, with 40 apartments and 66 condominiums. The new plan will eliminate 34 hoihes, and add 74 condominium units with 32 other such units and 20 apartments. If completed, the area would have a density of 126 units. Lowell Gilmore, president of the Webster’ Lake Property Owner’s Association, asked the board for another continuance — the case was tabled for survey maps last month. He said he has contacted officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Deptment of Fish and Wildlife, who will inspect the site this week. “I’m not here to be against the proposed development ... I’m concerned with Webster Lake.” He was concerned about whether the area was a wetlands, and the long term effect on the lake. Other cases approved by the board were: • James Loetz’s request for a residence addition 18 feet from the road right-of-way, located on the east side of SR 13, north of George Street, in North Webster. (Continued on page 2).

small amounts of money at tax exempt rates. Previously, administrative rates for loans below $250,000 made it unfeasible. We are reasonably sure we can make tax exempt loans at SIOO,OOO available to small business,” Dalton added. New county EDC board members Matt Dalton, Joe Gray, and Richard Keeven are hopeful that the first standardized bond applications will he presented for consideration at their next public meeting, which is scheduled to be held at 8 a.m.,. Monday, Nov. 12, in the old courtroom in the Kosciusko County Courthouse in Warsaw.