The Mail-Journal, Volume 22, Number 16, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 April 1985 — Page 1

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VOLUME 22

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SYRACUSE TOWN BOARD MEETING — This photo, taken at the Tuesday evening Syracuse Town Board meeting, shows only part of the large audience seeking answers to sewer and drainage problems that have beset the community during the past several weeks. The

Seeks accommodation, yet — OKs school rezoning plan

By CHRIS CAULEY Staff Writer What was introduced to a roar a month ago went down without a whimper Tuesday night at the monthly meeting of the Lakeland Community School Board. The board voted unanimously to approve the re-zoning plan sub-

< W *| i ■' : . | • I *■ ■ *' B - 1 ' V I I Ww ' * *''^- «*«*’* •* * .. TOP STUDENTS — Amanda Anne Siegfried (left) and Cathy Kay Cobbum (right) have been announced as Wawasee High School’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian for 1985. Miss Siegfried, who plans to attend Purdue University, is the daughter of David and Charlotte Siegfried of Milford. Miss Cobbum is the daughter of Owen and Sandy Cobbum of Syracuse. She plans to attend Ball State University. (Photo by Chris Cauley) WHS valedictorian and salutatorian

Amanda Anne Siegfried and Cathy Kay Cobbum have been declared valedictorian and salutatorian of the 1985 graduating class at Wawasee High School. Commencement exercises for the 192 graduating seniors, plus three honorary graduates, will be held at the high school on Sunday, May 19. Miss Siegfried is the daughter of David and Charlotte Siegfried of 121 N. Main St., Milford. She plans to attend Purdue University and major in physics or engineering. Miss Cobbum is the daughter of Owen and Sandy Cobbum of 313 Benton St., Syracuse. She plans to attend Ball State University and major in telecommunications. Miss Siegfried is a member of the National Honor Society. She is also a member of the Foreign Language Club at Wawasee and

Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL )Est. 1888)and THE SY RACUSE-W AWASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907)

mitted at the March 12 board meeting by Schools Superintendent Dr. Kenneth E. Webster. Webster’s plan calls for changing the existing school boundaries of Syracuse, North Webster and Milford. The changes will alter the student populations at the three schools and are intended to relieve the over-crowded classrooms at Syracuse Elementary.

has spent four years in student government. She is the principal cellist in the Wawasee Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, and she is a member of the Kosciusko County Historical Society. Her interests include music, reading, astronomy and sports, especially swimming, golf, football and baseball. Miss Cobbum is a member of the National Honor Society, and she is vice president of the Foreign Language Club. Her other activities include Drama Club, Key Club, Student Council, Senior Class Secretary, “Triumph” Bible Study, Advisors’ Council, Concert Choir and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Her interests include music, writing, aerobics and swimming. She has worked as a lifeguard at Wawasee and has also served as the Wawasee High School correspondent for the “Youth Line” column in the Goshen News.

meeting grew increasingly volatile as the agenda progressed, to a point where one person, Bernice Knisley, of 113 West Brooklyn Street (see inset), stood up and demanded the board speak in open tones so she could hear the proceedings.

Webster’s proposal that a feasibility study be undertaken to determine building renovations and the cost of renovations at the Syracuse Junior High School building was also approved by the board. The vote on the plan took place about midway through Tuesday night’s meeting, held at Wawasee High School. Members of the board did not deliberate long on the plan before casting their yes votes, and there were no emotional outbursts from citizens who were in attendance to see how the vote turned out. Many in the crowd — which, surprisingly, numbered only about 50 persons — stood up and quietly left the room after the vote was taken. They left quietly perhaps because of a couple changes made in Webster’s plan before it was approved. Henry Smith, a school board member representing Syracuse, made the motion that Webster’s plan be accepted with a couple of alterations, which Smith went on to read. The board then voted on the plan and approved it. The changes make it possible for junior high school students at Syracuse (current 6th and 7th graders) to complete their 7th and Bth grade years at the school. Also, students in grades kindergarten through 6th in the 1985-86 school year will be required to attend the school located in the new boundaries. However, special request forms will be made available at the Syracuse principal’s office

Meter at Syracuse dam tells the flooding story

By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer • “The flooding should be about over,” commented Darrell Grisamer, controller of the Syracuse Dam. The reading at the gauge, on the east wall of the dam building, read 9.74 feet on Saturday indicating the depth of water, down from the reading the day earlier. Grisamer opened one flood gate an additional three inches ofr Saturday to 18 inches, the widest the gate can go. He commented the gate has been opened at 15 inches since December, with the exception of 10 days. Water levels on Wawasee and Syracuse Lakes have decreased approximately one-half inch a day, according to the readings at the dam, with one foot of water constantly going over the dam’s spillway. Charts kept by Grisamer, who has been controlling the dam for approximately 10 years, indicated there was three inches of rain February 21-24 on top of the

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17,1985

for those families who strongly desire that their elementary school students be allowed to remain at Syracuse. The request forms will be turned over to the superintendent’s office for consideration. The superindent’s decision on the request forms will be based upon: 1. space available and, 2. family hardship. If the family’s request is approved, transportation to school would have to be provided by the family. Smith’s motion, also part of the plan approved by the board, recommended that the boundary lines around Dewart Lake be changed from CR 500 to CR 450E. The original proposal called for extending the boi/ndary line from 400 to 500E. I That motion! as accepted, means that children on the tfast side of Dewart Lake will still be attending Syracuse\Dc_Webster said after the meeting that the switch involved only five elementary students. Those students would have been transferred from Syracuse to Milford in the fall. Another aspect of the plan concerning junior high school students is that families who want their 7th and Bth graders to transfer from Syracuse to either Milford or North Webster may go through the same request form procedure as parents of Syracuse Elementary students. No Sweeping Changes The changes made in the plan before it was approved did not (Continued on page 2)

snow melt and saturated ground. This raised the lake three inches, not including the runoff. Starting March 27,1.4 inches of rain fell in a 24 hour period and on March 28, there was 5.5 inches of rainfall. All of this rain was on top of saturated ground which “is the next worst thing to frozen ground,” commented Grisamer. He pointed out the immediate watershed runoff, which includes three golf courses and acres of fields, is more acres than the acreage of the lake. With this information when heavy rainfall is received the amount from runoff from the immediate watershed is again as much. Grisamer stated the 6.9 inches of rain which fell really made 15 inches of excess water on the lakes, when the runoff is considered. “The last few days I’ve been staying with it. We’re getting rid of the first 15 inches on top of the lake.” The average rainfall for this area is approximately 43 inches per year, one-half of that amount was received in a 30-day period. The Farmer’s Almanac predicts

Adopt new street lighting system — Sewer problems highlight volatile Syracuse Town Board meeting

By GLEN LONG Staff Writer “No satisfaction here.’’ This was the comment, among others, of the large group of citizens who in anger walked out of the Syracuse Town Board meeting at 8:45 p.m. last night. It was a rousing night at the old town hall, to say the least. As a crowd of about 35 visitors gathered, waiting for the meeting to begin, it was apparent they had something to say. And say it they did. While the high water in the Wawasee and Syracuse Lakes and Turkey Creek had received much news coverage in recent days, sewage was king last night. Irate citizens were asking for help in resolving the severe problems of sewage flowing out into their basements that they have experienced since the extreme high water began to flow. They wanted to know what the town board is going to do to fix the problem now and keep it from recurring in the future. They needed some answers, expected serious help, would even have settled for some kind expressions of concern and sympathy. They hone of these. ’ The tone of the meeting was set when Bernice Knisley rose during a muted conversation the board was having with architects about the planned new town hall and in exasperation informed the board this was an open meeting and nobody in the audience could hear. She was promptly told by Carl Myrick, board president, that she was out of order. She agreed to this but said her piece anyway. When Myrick asked for comments from the floor, Joe Gray started things on an even keel with a question about the town joining in the Kosciusko Development Incorporated (KDI) with other towns in the area. This subject was held for later in the meeting. Mrs. Jim McClintic, 621 S. Main St.,Syracuse, then promptly stated she was there to protest the water and sewage problems residents in her end of town have been having since the first of the year. She asked what the town is going to do about it. A jar of liquid material which its owner, Mrs Terry Smith described as human waste, toilet paper and “Things” was placed on the town board table with a resounding thump. “This,” she said,“is what is all over our basement. It comes in faster than we

an above average of rainfall this spring. Closed 10 Days Grisamer explained the dam’s being closed for the approximate 10-day period. “It was closed basically for public safety during the winter carnival.” If the dam was kept open to maintain an average level during activities of the Winter Carnival, there may have been safety problems. By closing the dam, Grisamer allowed the ice formed to remain solid with no air pockets below from the moving water. However, he indicated the dam did freeze up during that time, but was only down one day until * the gate could be opened. Grisamer mentioned if the level is six inches below the spill way it is difficult for boats, particularly, 10’s to get under the railroad bridge. If the water is too high boats are not able to go under either. Average Level A letter in October 27, 1978, from the Department of Natural Resources to Grisamer concerning the lowering of the lakes level by 12 inches during the winter, in-

can pump it out. You can’t pump that stuff.” She said she is worried about the health of her family with this filth all over her basement and that everything in the basement including furniture is ruined. Mrs. Smith said they can’t even sell and get out. “Would you buy our house,” she asked Myrick. He said he has water in his basement, too, and has one sump pump which is doing the job. When she said they had called the fire department for help in pumping and were told that the town board had put a stop to the department’s assisting with the trucks, Myrick erupted and told her to get her facts straight because the board had issued no such order. “We’re not going to sit here and listen to lies all the time,” Myrick flared. Terry Smith said the fact was that he had been told over the phone exactly what his wife had said and her facts were right. Jim McClintic and Ted Alworth, Boston Street, got into the act and graphically described the mess and corruption their homes were being subjected to and told of the many hours of nonstop pumping and effort they had expended to stay ahead of the flow. They were joined by Bernice Knisley, Barbara Carwile, Isabelle Carwile, Dorothy Wagner and others in stating their extreme problems and in asking what the town board is going to do now and ih the future to get the sewer system working properly so they will not be wading in sewage in the future. As the deluge of angry and frustrated comments continued, Myrick’s comment was, “I’m not aware of all these things.” This brought a chorus of “why nots” and “That’s why we’re here, to tell you.” Several questions were asked about possible governmental assistance and the sewage system study which is in process. It was in no way a satisfying or productive meeting for the taxpayers because they received no answers, pledges of help or, for that matter, even expressions of concern from the board members. Several people did express appreciation for the help of the fire department employees in pumping out basements. Howard Birkle, first assistant fire chief, verified that firemen had worked 26 straight hours to assist residents in pumping. The only plain water comment from the floor was from Mike Swihart, who asked who was

dicated the legal water levels of Wawasee and Syracuse Lakes were established at elevations of 858.87 and 858.89 feet by the Kosciusko Circuit Court on September 20, 1948. “It is the responsibility of this Department to see that these lakes are maintained at their legally established water levels.” By this letter Grisamer was ordered to halt lowering operations and restore the lakes legal levels to the court orders. However, the court order filed by the Indiana Department of Conservation on September 20, 1948, states Judge John A. Sloan ruled “the average normal water level of Syracuse Lake in Kosciusko county is hereby established at 858.87 feet elevation Sea Level Datum or at 8.87 feet...” “That the average normal water level of Wawasee Lake in Kosciusko County is hereby established at 858.89 feet elevation Sea Level Datum or at 8.89 , feet...” The court order also shows that the highest elevation to which the (Continued on page 2)

responsible for getting his sump plumbing corrected in a recently built house. Bob Reed, town attorney explained it is between the owner and the contractor who built the house. Finally, in mass exasperation the group stood almost to a person and proceeded to depart in anger since they apparently felt they wpuld get no answers by staying. The board had earlier, before the storm, voted to enter into a 10-year contract with Northern Indiana Public Service Company to replace the present street lights with newer type lights which will allow them a projected saving of $5,507 per year. This is a monthly saving of $454. Groundbreaking The board established April 30 at 5 p.m. as the time of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new town hall. Representatives of James Associates Architects and Engineers from Fort Wayne will be present on that occasion. In other business the board members approved claims, including the two Eby Ford claims which had been held from last month for further checking. They voted to table joining the Kosciusko Development Incorporated (KDI) for further consideration. They tabled completion of an ordinance restricting sale of breakable containers from vending machines in Syracuse and voted to restrict parking in Fence in the Round new business “Fence in the Round” is the name of a new business opened up by Lowell Rassi, his son Doug Rassi, and Larry Boyts. The business handles the marketing and sales of a new type of fence that is virtually maintenance free. The fence is made out of specially formulated PVC material that won’t rust, rot, or peel, eliminating any need for painting. Lowell Rassi recently resigned from Brock Manufacturing where he had been employed for seven years. According to Rassi, the people at Brock have been very helpful in the planning of his business and he expects to be doing a lot more business with them in the future. For the time being, the business will operate out of Rassi’s home west of Milford.

’ WML I? fl| METER TELLS THE STORY — About the best way to tell bow deep the flood waters are is to read the meter at the Syracuse dam. It j indicates a depth of 9.74 feet, according to Darrell Grisamer, who has -i charge of the dam. He was cooperative in furnishing us with information for the accompanying story.

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an area near the boat loading ramp on Syracuse Lake. Attorney Reed has negotiated a 10-month extension on the present town hall lease which the board approved. In view of his extreme efforts and accomplishments, the board voted to increase the salary of Joe Dock, water and sewage manager by SIOO per month, effective today. The subject of what to name the town hall was discussed, with Myrick proposing “Municipal Building. ” This subject was tabled for further consideration. Reed was instructed to proceed with land deed transfer for the town hall site. License branch closed today Syracuse License Branch will be closed Wednesday, April’ 17, due to a bureau meeting. The branch will reopen on Friday, April 19, at 8:30 a.m. Two accidents at Syracuse last week Syracuse police officers investigated two property damage accidents last week. The first accident occurred on Thursday, April 11, at 4:30 p.m., at Huntington Street and Chicago Street, when Gayla G. Eash, 36, r 3 box 629 Syracuse, drove into the path of a vehicle driven by John P. Freel, 17, r 2 box 389 Syracuse. Mrs. Eash told police she was * eastbound on Chicago Street, and was stopped at the intersection. A vehicle parked approximately 10 feet from the intersection at the Pacer Station apparently blocked her view as she pulled out. Damage to the 1972 Plymouth driven by Mrs. Eash was valued at S7OO and damage to the 1985 Plymouth driven by Freel and owned by Donald Smith, r 2 box 389, Syracuse was estimated at SBOO. The other mishap occurred at 5 p.m. Monday, April 5, at the intersection of Harrison and Main Streets. The police report indicates Steve D. Slabaugh, 21, r 5 box 409 Syracuse, turned the corner to sharp and struck a sign causing $450 damage to the 1978 Chevrolet truck. Slabaugh was northbound on Harrison at the time of the accident.