The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 4, Milford, Kosciusko County, 22 January 1986 — Page 12
THE MAIL-JOURNAL—Wed., January 22, IMS
12
North Webster News BY MARY LEE WILLMAN
Snowmobile club is 15 years old
In 1970, the Lakeland Snowmobile Club was incor : porated. It was the first such organization in the state and North Webster became known as the “The Snowmobile Capitol of Indiana ” At about the same time, a state snowmobile organization (ISA) was formed by Dick Mitchell, Aaron Hinesley, and Phil Fidler. ISA goals are to promote the sport of snowmobiling and help organize family oriented snowmobile clubs throughout the state of Indiana. Founders of the Lakeland dub were: Mitchell, Phil Fidler, Hinesley, Harold Mitchell, Palmer Hasty, Don Strauss, Jeff Com, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Fidler, and Jim Scott. During the blizzard of 1978, over 200 runs were made by club volunteers who used their snowmobiles to deliver medication and groceries to stranded residents. Snow emergencies bring hazards that cause problems even for an experienced snowmobile driver. Visibility is usually poor, roads and signs are difficult to see, and the soft snow can form nearly impossible barriers. Fence posts, pieces of machinery and cars that are covered by snow present a deadly situation in case of a collision. It takes three or four snowmobiles to go on an emergency run so that should there be a mechanical failure or other problems help is available. The Lakeland club meets once a month and is especially interested in promoting conservation and safety. It is a family organization and has sponsored safety classes taught by an ISA sanctioned instructor. For the past several years, the group has sponsored a Winter Carnival that is held during a weekend, usually in February, with the proceeds being donated to charity. This year the event is scheduled for February 8 and 9 and proceeds will go to the North Webster Beach fund. Thoughts And Ideas Several members of the Lakeland club were kind enough to provide this Reporter with their thoughts and ideas while reminiscing about the local organization. DICK MITCHELL: “The local club came into existence after several families started gathering for informal Sunday outings on Webster Lake. We had bonfires, hot dog roasts, and enjoyed riding our snowmobiles. Soon we realized there was a need to ex-
I Ti»<* If ai I .k.lou riia/ I I IT'S MORE THAN I I JUST ANOTHER NEWSPAPER I I /**\ IT’S A. Pl ACE TO I I I with the pages of The Mail-Journal. ■ Rock back and read interesting stories W about your friends and neighbors in the t Lakeland area. Ease into newsworthy articles with a comfortable chair and a ■ cup of tea. The Mail-Journal is there, waiting for you when you're ready to ■l———————— M » « «| SUBSCRIPTION COUPON * Circulation Department io% Discount To The Mail-Journal Senior Citizens P.O. Box 188 (To Be Eligible, Milford, Indiana46s42-0188 YouMustße6s) || Please Include Check Or Money Order. ■ ■ - - I NAM! . ■I ADORED I 1 ■ ■ iCITTBSW’ |B 1 1 ( ) One Year In Kosciusko County $15.00 ■|( ) One Year Outside Kosciusko Countys2l
pand from just the lake area. “The Kosciusko County Commissioners were contacted for permission to ride on county roads. They allowed a trail area between the Trojan Motorcycle Track at North Webster to Lake Wawasee. Permission had to be obtained annually for this trail area. After two years of using the designated area, they allowed a trial period on all county roads. Again, this was only on a year-to-year basis. “Cross country snowmobile races used to be held in the area of the Trojan track. These were sponsored by the North Webster Lions Club. Phil Fidler, Tom Rieff, and I would dear a trail through the woods to accommodate snowmobiles. This was a forerunner of the Snowmobile club. “An annual Indiana Snowmobile Association banquet was held with awards presented for drivers of the year, class champions, etc. The banquet and awards helped foster the growth of the sport throughout the state. “Races were sanctioned by the ISA which provided insurance, a directory, and rules. Different clubs throughout the state started hosting races to raise funds. “One time our unpredictable Indiana weather caused a real dilemma. A race had been publicized but on race day the temperature was unseasonably warm. So they went out with trucks and loaded up with snow from roadside ditches and the race went on as planned. Early Activities “Early activities of the club included one day outings to other areas, night rides, treasure hunts, family outings, combined rides with neighboring snowmobile clubs and carry-in dinners. Once the club rented a motel at. Kalkaska, Mich., and held a joint ride with the snowmobile club in that area. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship. “Our club sent a delegation of eight workers to help clean trails at the Salamonie Reservoir. This was done in the fall so riding was good for the winter. The trails at Bristol were the site of another enjoyable club outing. Since the club has always been family oriented, it’s a great way for a family to spend the day and enjoy the outdoors. “The Winter Carnival evolved out of the ISA wanting to raise money for the American Heart Association. The Lakeland Snowmobile Club was asked to host the event. Many family
oriented activities were scheduled, a tradition that has carried through for all subsequent winter carnivals. Each year a Snow Queen was chosen and a dance was held. Riders secured pledges for the distance they rode to raise money for the American Heart Association. “The Lakeland club was quite active during the blizzard of 1978. Two stations were established, one at the North Webster city building and the other at Waterson’s Bait Store. Many errands of mercy were run, medicine and groceries delivered, and other emergency needs were met. That snow emergency lasted for three days. Many people of the community were served by the club and expressed appreciation for the assistance.” JEFF CORN: “About 1967-1968 my mother and stepfather purchased the North Webster Marina. Included in the inventory were two snowmobiles. After having had a snowmobile in our family for about six months, we found we totally enjoyed the time spent riding. “The sport was not yet really popular or publicized in this area. The first year We sold machines by offering demonstration rides. We also held races at the Mount Wawasee snow bowl and sold the machines right off the semi trailer. This helped to spark interest in the sport. “With the growing number of snowmobiling families in the area there were more group outings, night rides, and cookouts. At the first sign of a nice snow cover phone calls were made and at the given time all interested parties would line up their snowmobiles along the road by the Dixie Camp. Then we would all go for an enjoyable night ride through the country. In no time at all there would be 20-40 snowmobiles ready for the ride. “We decided to hold public meetings at the marina to see if there was any interest in forming a club. The evening turnouts were overwhelming. We started having oval races at the Trojan track. At times we did have problems with the weather on race dates. One night before a race we had to scrape snow off Webster Lake and haul it to the track. Another time we had to build up banked curves for turning. This was done by stacking bales of straw at a sloped angle. That night, when the temperature fell below freezing, we sprayed water over the straw to make a hard surface.
Non-profit Organization “Lakeland Snowmobile Club is a non-profit group. We have donated to the Heart Fund, Easter Seals, toward the purchase of a cancar treatment machine, North Webster Christmas charity, provided canned goods for the needy, and hours of volunteer service during snow emergencies delivering food and medicine. “We have hosted and participated in snow shows, bake sales, winter carnivals, races of all kinds (both winter and summer), handled concessions at auctions, held fun days for members and guests, built floats for parades, sponsored a haunted house at Halloween, numerous fundraisers, club trips to surrounding areas and neighboring states and helped to get other new clubs started. We have also purchased a rescue sleigh for the North Webster Fire Department and EMS to use for transporting the injured. “I would like to encourage anyone who has never ridden a snowmobile to visit a trusted neighbor or a reliable dealer and take a ride.” JOYCE PACKARD: “When we moved to this area, one of the first things we wanted to do was find new friends and a snowmobile club. When we went to our first Lakeland Snowmobile Club meeting (and may I say we went without an invitation), we found what we were looking for on both counts. I had always been very active in community projects and I found this was the heart of the Lakeland club. “It is a lot of hard work to put on the Winter Carnival but we all feel it is worthwhile because we are helping others. We found that the members of this club are willing and ready at any time to help in disasters and times of trouble. “I know that some people do not care for snowmobilers. They think we are the ones who destroy property, etc. This is not true of club members. Damage and trespassing are done by inconsiderate people who are not familiar with the laws. “This year we have chosen to help our own community by supporting the beach fund. I invite anyone in the area, even if they do not own a snowmobile, to come attend one of our meetings. You will find we are always searching for new opportunities to help others. “Whether you ride a snowmobile or not you will enjoy the Winter Carnival. We have many fans who look forward to watching the events every year. ’ ’ Past Events The following is a cross section of events that the Lakeland club
has helped with over the past years: A couple from Muncie who met while snowmobiling had a wedding with all participants on snowmobiles. The ice on Webster Lake was not safe at that time so the wedding was held in the yard at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Packard. The “Indiana Gals,” members of the Lakeland club, rode motorcycles to Alaska to raise money for the cancer “Gals,” Lynn Ruda, Betsy Zeller, Kathy Grader, and Phyllis Harris, rode 8,500 miles. The Lakeland club helped sponsor the trip. Getting expectant mothers to the hospital. During the blizzard of 1978: A frantic five-year-old boy who had recently lost his mother was picked up at the home of his babysitter where he was stranded by the storm and reunited with his father. A man who needed groceries and was snowbound was taken to the store. He bought a box of oranges. The rather bumpy ride over hills and drifts on the way home caused the man to do a humorous juggling act with the bouncing oranges. Injured people were transported from the scene of accidents to the nearest available medical help. A heart attack victim was picked up by helicopter at a house in an isolated area and taken to a waiting snowmobile. A very ill infant was transported by snowmobile from Hoss Hills to SR 13 and a waiting vehicle. A man who was hemorrhaging collapsed in an isolated area on Lake Tippecanoe. He was transported by snowmobile to a waiting four wheel drive vehicle, then to a van that took him to a state highway where he was picked up by a medical unit and taken to the hospital. Pythian Sisters install officers North Webster Pythian Sisters met January 13 at the Lakeside Temple. New committees were named and it was announced that there will be no more monthly meetings until March 24. New officers were installed by Joan Moore with Georgia Cormican assisting. The new officers are: Jeanette Bockman, Most Excellent Chief; Thelma Berger, Excellent Senior; Mrs. Moore, Excellent Junior; Mrs. Corxnican, Manager; Alice Kissinger, secretary; Ethel Engel, treasurer; Corrinne Staples, Protector; Catherine Ba use, Guard; Margaret Kiser, musician; and Marie Hursey, Past Chief. Following the installation service and business meeting, a salad bar was served. Mrs. Bockman asked for suggestions pertaining to the Pythian Sisters’ district convention to be held at North Webster in May. She announced that a salad bar will be served at the March 24 meeting and asked the ways and means committee to start working on fundraising ideas.
Quilt Club to take trip Lakeland Quilt Club members met January 13 at the home of Miriam Mason. Rita Slankard and Ruth Dunker reported on the dub trip to Rochester in March at which time quilt and antique shops will be toured. Mrs. Dunker distributed graft paper so members could start working on designs for the lap robe contest. Mrs. Slankard and Mrs. Dunker displayed sample rainbow colored lap robes. A sack lunch was served at noon. Following lunch, the group adjourned to Prairie View Nursing Home where a mini quilt show was held for the patients. Carol Anders and Ann Beamer were coordinators for the event. The next meeting is scheduled for January 27 at the Mason home. Club receives appreciation letter from KCH Tippecanoe Township Club met January 15 in the fellowship room at North Webster Church of God with 18 members present. Hostesses for the day were Debbie Belcher, Ruth Hamman, and Helen Wichern. The business session was opened by Betty Hinton who read two poems, “Influence” and “A Lovely Day.” Pledges to the American and Christian flags and the club creed were repeated in unison. Catherine Ba use played the piano for group singing of, “Auld Lang Syne.” Minutes of the November and December meetings were read by Valerie Merkey, secretary pro tem. May Grodrian gave the treasurer’s report. A carry-in dinner was served at noon. Mary Lee Willman gave a short review of program planning for the coming year.
The health and safety report entitled, “Fiber In The Diet,” was given by Wilma Conner. She noted that fiber helps in weight loss, lowers cholesterol levels and also helps stabilize blood sugar. She gave a recipe for a high fiber casserole dish. Helen Wichern reported on the group’s Christmas charity projects. Mrs. Belcher gave information about the Red Cross blood donor program. It was announced that aJetter of appreciation was received from KCH for Christmas hospital tray favors that were made by club members. The lesson, “Tourism In Indiana” was presented by Mrs. Hinton. She and Mrs. Bause gave a brief report about the microwave cooking lesson held recently at Warsaw. Sorority to hold 'Surprise Night' Sally Cotton was hostess for the January 14 business meeting of Theta Sigma Chapter of Psi lota Xi Sorority. There were 21 members in attendance. The treasurer’s report was given by Betty Richcreek and then filed for audit. It was announced that Cyndi Heckaman is a member of the Psi
It Happened in — King Arthur's Town
A DRAMATIZATION of the Last Supper will be presented at North Webster United Methodist Church on March 16 by Simpson UMC, Fort Wayne. A carry-in supper is planned for 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7:30 p.m. SENIOR HIGH Youth from North Webster Church of God enjoyed a roller skating party on January 18 at Warsaw. NEW BOOKS. Adult nonfiction: “The March Folly,” by Barbara Tuhman; “How To Wake Up The Financial Genius Inside You,” by Mark Haroldsen. Adult fiction: “Air Force One Is Down,” by John Denis; “The Golden Rendezvous,” by Alistair Mac Lean; “Hie Cruel Sea,” by Nicholas Monsarrat; “Home Again.” by James Edmiston. Children’s nonfiction: “West From Home,” letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder, edited by Roger Macßride. Children's fiction: “Mystery Os Smuggler's Cove,’’ “The
It happened . . . in North Webster
10 YEARS AGO, JAN. 21,1976 Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Haney of Milford and the Galen Haney family of North Webster spent Sunday afternoon visiting Eugene Cotton and family at Pierceton. Joann Moore, Lake, was hostess for the January 14 meeting of North Webster Past Chiefs of the Pythian Sisters. Catherine Bause, president, opened the meeting by reading a poem. Members of the Lakeland Snowmobile club are organized and prepared to help with emergency situations during ice and snow storms according to Mrs. Jim Scott club secretary. Army PFC and Mrs. Bruce Mitchell, Presidio Monterey, Calif., recently spent a vacation visiting with friends and relatives in the North Webster area. Members of Sechrist Sixty Five home extension club met recently at the home of Dixie Pryor. Becky Rhoades assisted the hostess. Devotions were given by Mrs. Diane Williams. 20 YEARS AGO, JAN. 19,1966 Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Krouse attended a farewell party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Kessler in Fort Wayne, Sunday. The Kesslers are moving to Florida soon. Mr. Donald Richards and daughter Karleen entertained at a moose roast dinner in their home last Wednesday night. Guests included Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Marvin of Barbee lake and Mr. and Mrs. George Staples. Mrs. Georgia Cormican and son Roger were week end guests of their son and brother, Danny, and wife at Tippecanoe lake. Mrs. Stanley Vanator entertained the Wednesday luncheon euchre club in her home at Sechrist lake Wednesday. Guests were Mrs. Herbert Brunner, Mrs. Vern Hunt and Mrs. Jacob Krouse. The total balance in all funds for the town of North Webster is $9,064.37 according to the town’s annual report of 1965. The following officers were in-
lota Xi state nominating committee. Beth Winnebald is chairman for this year’s sorority sponsored spring style show. Kathy White is chairman of the nominating committee for Theta Sigma Chapter. Plans are being made for a concert on February 27 at Wawasee High School. It will feature the Wawasee High School Jazz Band and Varsity Singers. Members signed up to provide specific craft items for next year’s Christmas bazaar. A social is scheduled for January 28 at the home of Paula Mitchell. Theme for the evening will be, “Surprise Night.” Secret sister names will be revealed and a white elephant auction is planned. Lady Lions to make donation North Webster Lady Lions met January 16 at North Webster United Methodist Church. Hostesses for the meeting were Susanne Parker,, and Teresa Richcreek. Sue Mitchell, president, opened the business session by reading a poem about New Year’s resolutions. The group voted to make a donation to the Statue of Liberty restoration fund.
Vanishing Thieves,” “The Mummy Case,” i] *The Stone Idol,” and “The Apeman’s Secret,” all by Franklin W. Dixon; “Thidwick The Big Hearted Moose,” by Dr. Seuss. ESTHER CIRCLE members met at Wesley Hall on January 15 for a layette sewing bee. GRANDMOTHER SAYS, “People are sometimes so understanding, kind, caring, and helpful that it almost compensates for the ones who are so impatient, judgemental and uncooperative.” THE ANNUAL UMW “Sweetheart Banquet” is scheduled for February 11 at an area restaurant. Call the office at North Webster United Methodist Church to make reservations. Entertainment will be provided by the Wawasee High School Varsity Singers. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to: Justin Brinegar, Marvin Helsel and Rhoda Wright, January 1; Lester Stabler and Vernon Zurcher,
stalled at the regular meeting of Lakeview Temple Pythian Sisters with Mrs. Charles Harris, installing officer, assisted by Mrs. Russell Engle, Mrs. Carl Kissinger, and Mrs. C. J. Menzie. Mrs. Stanley Vanator, PC; Mrs. Thomas Doyle, M.E.C.; Mrs. Georgia Cormican, Sr.; Mrs. Robert Bosstick, Jr.; Mrs. Verland Bockman, manager; Mrs. C J. Menzie, secretary; Mrs. Raymond Ferguson, treasurer; Mrs. Alva Greisinger, protector; Mrs. Glen Vanator, guard; and Mrs. Frank Green, pianist. 30 YEARS AGO, JAN. 19,1956 According to a statement of Homer Shoop, festival chairman, the North Webster Mermaid Festival may be started on Washington street in the center of the business district next summer. Shoop said last Thursday, “In the event we are unable to use the school grounds, we have decided to hold most of the' festival on Washington street, both east and west of State Road 13.” Tippecanoe township school board of trustees some time ago informed festival officials that the school grounds could not be used for the festival this year due to a new grade school addition and gymnasium being constructed there. Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Leedy, North Webster, are the parents of a seven pound, two ounce daughter, born at 5:10 p.m. Sunday at the Murphy Medical Center in Warsaw. The Good Will Home Demonstration Club held their monthly meeting with Mrs. Bernard Roberts presiding at Hilda Homekraft Shoppe at Yellow banks, Webster Lake Wednesday night, 11 January with fourteen members and two children present. A sack lunch was enjoyed at noon with the hostess serving hot coffee. 56 YEARS AGO, JAN. 23,1936 Arnel Miller made a business trip to Elkhart, Monday. Gerald Priest and Eva Kuhn
Plans were finalized for working at the Lions club food conces- i sion booth during the Winter Carnival on February 8 and 9. Plans were also discussed pertaining to Mermaid Festival secretarial duties. During a craft time, heart shaped sachets were made and decorated with lace. Homemakers to celebrate anniversary Jill Shock gave devotions for members of Efficient Homemakers Club when the group met at her home on January 16. Judy Clayton led group singing. Roll call response was, “My favorite TV commercial.” Myrtle Likens gave the health and safety lesson with Mrs. Shock reading the garden report and Alice Long reported on program planning. It was noted that the club anniversary dinner is scheduled for April. Vera Zurcher will be hostess for the February meeting. Mrs. Shock served refreshments of fresh pineapple cake.
January 2; Jim Clayton and Jim Likens, January 3; Meghan Boggs and Kent Butcher, January 5; Harold Leach, January 7; Doug Brinegar, Mary Ellen Haney, Todd Reiff, and Harriet White, January 9; Tonya Kuhn and Barbara Towriss, January 10; Dennis Dußois and Dave Martin, Jaqu ar y U: J<* Reynolds, Sr., January 12; Ashley Madriz, January 13; Tag Huffman, Jason Mickley, Mikki Wagner, and Zermah Wright, January 14; Carol Baugher, Roberta Ferverda, Monetta Gray, David Matz, Deb Sumpter, Huong Tran, Yen Tran, January 15; Helen Grile and Jessica Likens, January 19; Billy Heckaman and Chris Lung, January 20; Nancy Corbin and » Ruth Hamman, January 21; Chuck Dye, January 22; C. Preston Towriss, January 23; Dave Waldrop and Mark Wagoner, January 26; and Cinda Culver, January 28. t THE CAT snitched a ball of white yarn from this reporter’s knitting basket, unrolled it, and redecorated the living room. The place looked like a giant spider had put in a busy day.
were on the streets of Cromwell Monday. Pete Grubb called at the J. L. • Kline home Tuesday. Miss Jessie Baugher called at the J. Garber home Tuesday. Mrs. Royal Kline visited Mrs. James Gilbert Monday. Mrs. Phoebe Goppert and daughter Minnie were in Warsaw Saturday. Mrs. Isaiah Kuhn and daughter Eva were on the streets of Syracuse Wednesday. Mr. and Mrs. Royal Kline took Sunday dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kuhn. — Mr. and Mrs. J. Garber took Sunday dinner at the J. L. Kline home. Sunday twenty-three neighbors and friends pleasantly surprised Miss Jessie Baugher in honor of her birthday. The evening was spent enjoying a pot luck supper, music and the ordinary chats etc., which go with such an occasion. Harold Webb of Akron called at the J. L. Kline home Saturday afternoon, the two making a business trip to Wawasee. Saturday night and visitors in the Eli Shock home were Mr. and Mrs. John Shock and daughter Lois of Mishawaka; the Misses Helen and Lucile Shock of South Bend; Mr. and Mrs. Lee Dye and son of Elkhart; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ringgenberge and Miss Romaine Coy. Mr. and Mrs. Leancer Yoder and family from near Kimmell were Sunday dinner guests in the Elmo Shock home. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Baugher and daughter visited his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Baugher Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kuhn spent Monday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Shock. Clarence Lewallen was an afternoon visitor. Bernard Roberts spent Sunday k. in the George White home near North Webster. Miss Olive Baugher is doing housework for Mr. and Mrs. Claypool of Warsaw.