The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 8, Milford, Kosciusko County, 19 February 1986 — Page 1

Phones: Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 23

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Seek agreement

Mobile home park for Milford area on hold

By GLEN LONG Staff Writer A petition by Harlan Beer, Nappanee, for a zoning exception to allow building a mobile home park west of Milford was continued until its March meeting by the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals yesterday. The BZA asked opposing parties to get together in the ensuing month to try to come to some agreement among themselves. The point was made that the Milford Town Board should getlnvolved to help bring about agreement before the March BZA meeting. The court room in the Kosciusko County courthouse was well filled on Tuesday morning as the BZA meeting began with 14 petitions to hear. After 11 cases had been decided, the audience was still about half its original size when the Beer petition was presented by attorney Mike Armey. The proposed mobile home park would be located on the south side of CR 1250 N in Van Buren Township. It is planned to consist of 60 single mobile home sites, two double wide sites and would include four duplexes which would be owned by the park proprietor. Armey stated that the park would be regulated to provide a high quality area, would be surrounded by banks to serve as sight buffers, and would meet all minimum state regulations. He added that sewer and water would come from Milford. He said no mobile home more than five years old would be allowed to enter the park and that the park owners would retain the right to evict any resident who did not

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keep his mobile home area clean and presentable. Armey stated further that the mobile home park would help fill the need for more housing in the Milford area and would be a good environment for retired people and married couples alike. Deceleration lanes would be placed as allowed by the county highway department. ■"■A JOHN PERRY Against Mobile Home Park Remonstrators Present When board chairman Bob Hartzell opened the meeting for comments from the floor, attorney Rich Helm, speaking for ‘ John Perry and other area residents, stated their remonstrance based on the lack of compatibility with existing adt jacent uses. He stated the coocern for maintaining property values and presented an area appraisal by Diane Bitting as exhibit one of the remonstrators.

Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) and THE SYRACUSE-WAW ASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907)

The appraisal, with photos of area residences, stated an estimated devaluation of some nearby homes would be from 10 to 20 percent. These are homes in the $70,000 to $120,000 range. It stated that more residential development would be compatible with the area instead of a mobile home park. Helm said residents are concerned that over 70 more residents would be placed in close proximity to the Loving Care Nursing Home and that most traffic to and from the site would be over a short section of CR 1250 N and SRIS. Attorney Bob Reed, representing the Wawasee Community School Corp., voiced the concern that the full Milford school would be overcrowded by more residents in the area and made the comment that a mobile home park, primarily, would not fit well in the area which is near the school. Phil Butler, who recently boughta property adjacent to the proposed mobile home park, rose I and voiced his remonstrance, I saying he wants the area to remain agricultural. John Perry, who owns the nursing home and more acreace behind his home on CR 1250 N, stated he believes profit motive is why the park is planned for Milford since the developer is from Elkhart County. Several ( other individuals spoke, express- . ing basically the same reasons for their concerns. Harlan Beer spoke in favor of ‘ the project and said he feds that people who live in trailers are not bad people. After several rebuttal exf changes by the attorneys the . public portion of the meeting was closed and the BZA discussed the petition and asked several ques-

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19,198«

tions. Dennis Wuthrich, Milford Town Board member, was asked what the Milford Town Board position is. He said the park would benefit Milford merchants as well as the town due to the added sewage and water

DENNIS WUTHRICH Favors Mobile Home Park assessments it would generate. Hartzell asked those in the audience opposed to granting the petition to stand and over 25 people promptly complied. Those in favor of the petition who stood when asked numbered six. Chairman Hartzell said a mobile home park of this size would need to meet state board of health restrictions and Beer agreed that is true. The petitioners were asked to submit more information on traffic flow plans for the area and the case was tabled unanimously.

Letter of commendation for officer Moser's heroic action >

By GLEN LONG Staff Writer The Syracuse Town Board voted unanimously last night to present a letter of commendation to Syracuse police officer Ron Moser for his heroic action on January 10. On that date at 9 p.m. Moser, with no thought to his personal safety, helped rescue Donald Hawkins, Syracuse, from the icy water of a channel at Syracuse Lake. Moser arrived at the scene where snowmobiler Hawkins had broken through the ice and immediately proceeded to attempt to pull Hawkins onto the ice with by using a garden hose. In the process, the ice broke, sending Moser into the icy water also. He maintained his hold on the hose and was able to grasp Hawkins so Syracuse firemen and Emergency Medical personnel could pull both men to safety. Hawkins, suffering from hypothermia, was taken to Goshen General Hospital and

Fort Wayne architectural firm gets nod from Wawasee board

By DAVE STRAUB Staff Writer With major renovation projects in the works, the Wawasee School Board approved the hiring of a new architectual firm for the remainder of 1986 at last night’s meeting. Barton-Coe Associates of Fort Wayne will be the corporation’s new firm and will be evaluated at the end of the year depending on performance. This hiring marked a significant change. The Everett I. Brown Company had been the corporation’s architect. The board conducted the search by advertising for a firm. After 13 statewide companies

Chiddister at mayor's banquet

By MARK HUFFMAN Staff Writer With a current balance of $4,892.28 it was reported that the “solicitation committee has been active,” as the sesquicentennial committee met last night, Feb. 18, amid its highest money total since an inaugdral meeting last September. Don Arnold, treasurer for the steering committee, informed the group of 20 that 40 different businesses had responded to the plea for sesquicentennial contributions while approximately 30 remain uncommitted. Mayor committee co-chairmen John Replogle and Elmer Sorensen gave a brief report of their activities at a Saturday morning, Feb. 15, meeting at which mayoral race plans were finalized. “The enthusiasm is growing and the candidates are ready,” Replogle commented, revealing that there were eight candidates entered in the race. “It looks like we’ll have four men and four women of varying ages,” he added. Many of the candidates will be sponsored by various organizations, according to Replogle who is looking forward to Monday, Feb. 24, when each candidate will be photographed individually and as a group. It was also reported that only 160 tickets will be available for an April 26 banquet honoring the chosen mayor and his/her runners-up. “Anyone wanting

released the next day. Moser sustained no injuries. These facts were read by Syracuse Town Marshal Bob Ziller to the town board members as he requested issuance of the letter of commendation. Flood Insurance Reviewed William Trakimas, flood insurance coordinator for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, reviewed for the town board the status of flood insurance requirements in Syracuse and Kosciusko County. Syracuse was initially offered flood insurance information by the state in 1975. A stipulation was that the community regulates land use in the flood plane, the area along streams and waterways with history of flooding. Since that time 12 flood insurance policies have been written in Syracuse for a total coverage of $38,000. Three claims totalling $6,000 have been paid to date. The Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission will soon have a 90-day review study in progress

delivered presentations, the board narrowed the field to five. The final recommendation was made following extensive review of those companies. This was an important decision by the board since renovation of Syracuse Junior High School is scheduled to start by June. In addition, renovation of the North •Webster gymnasium is scheduled for completion in September. Advanced Placement Courses The board approved the addition of advanced placement courses for Wawasee High School. These courses can grant participating students from three to 15 college credit hours. This program was especially designed for gifted students.

tickets will need to get his or her reservations in because we’re going to run out quick,” Replogle emphasized. Banquet tickets will become available March 10, with Replogle and Sorensen handling all of the sales. The co-chairmen also reported that Goshen Mayor Max Chiddister had confirmed, by letter, that he would take part in the April 26 affair. “We will need, and should get, a lot of community support,” Sorensen concluded. Brochures To Be Printed Sesquicentennial committee secretary Evelyn Orn presented the group with a rough draft of a brochure to be handed out the week of the event, June 1-7. The committee agreed that “at least” 1,000 would need to be printed. In a similar matter, Charlotte Siegfried, historical committee chairman, reported that she was attempting to formulate a history of the town, which would later be made into book form, and urged anyone knowing of any interesting person who may have been a part of the town’s past or anyone who knows of an interesting historical episode to contact her. Siegfried also reported that the sesquicentennial museum, to be in operation throughout the week, was in need of Bedell furniture and pottery from Milford. Anyone having such items should also contact Siegfried. Reporting in the absence of parade chairman Arch Baumgartner, Randall Dewart confirmed that the committee

on the state regulated flood control system. Then during a sixmonth period the county will review flood insurance regulations with each town in the tyState regulations dictate that a property owner with a structure in the flood plane must have flood insurance before applying for funding. The rates will go down and the available coverages up when Syracuse goes from “emergency” flood status to “regular” status. Trakimas noted that area lenders should make their decisions on when to require flood insurance based on location of structures instead of whether a property owner’s land extends into the flood plane. He gave the town board a set of study maps which will be reviewed for possible correction. These are available for public review at the clerk-treasurer’s office. Other Business Previous meeting minutes were approved and claims number 86 through 166 approved

According to Dr. Howard instructional services director, the school has offered an advanced English course in conjunction with Indiana University. At its completion, participating students earn three college credit hours. These credits would also be recognized by most Indiana colleges in addition to IU. Hull then mentioned that students can take an advanced placement test which can earn them credit hours toward college. With this information, Hull noted that calculus, math, biology, chemistry, English and American History would be offered as advanced courses pen-

had secured the use of a calliope through the help of Syracuse resident John Augsburger. “We are trying to get it at no cost, but won’t be sure for awhile,” Dewart said of the instrument, which is owned by the Kroger Co. and is currently at Indiana University, Bloomington. Dewart also reported that a letter had been sent to Governor Robert Orr, inviting him and the first lady to the June 7 parade. In a related matter, Jean Treesh, committee president informed Dewart that town marshal Dave Hobbs had been looking into getting a portion of SR 15 closed to traffic during parade hours. Mexican Dinner Scheduled After a lengthy discussion it was decided that Dave Antu, secretary-treasurer for the Filadelfia Evangelical Spanish

Ice, fog hits area

There is a saying in Indiana that if you don’t like the weather you should wait a minute or two and it will change. How true! Last week we featured snow pictures on the front page of this newspaper. Sunday it began to rain. Then it began to freeze and 5e area was one big skating rink. onday morning the schools in e Wawasee School Corporation were closed because of ice. By Monday afternoon fog set in. It stayed for the remainder of the day and many thought that

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for payment. Ziller asked the board to remove the name of Ron Harris as a reserve police officer as he is no longer available. Tim Weisser was given approval to purchase supplies totalling $138.58 as requested. Carl Myrick, member, asked what is happening in the industrial park. President Jim Hughes answered that as far as he has heard no sales of industry sites have been made as yet. Unresolved problems in the town hall building were again discussed and the board agreed to hold two certificates of substantial completion until some items are fixed. Hughes asked board members to think about an open house at the town hall and a directory and asked the clerk-treasurer to secure sample room identification signs for consideration. Myrick suggested the board proceeds with plans to build a garage building behind the town hall for impounded auto storage and storage of other items. This subject was continued to allow time to get more information on financing and zoning requirements.

_ ding approval. The board affirmed this unanimously. Testing Program Update At the start of his report, Hull noted three changes the corporation has made concerning competency tests. First, the lowa Basics Skills test is being used as an achievement test for the kindergarten to sixth grade level. In the past, students in this age group would be tested twice, taking a standard achievement exam. Since both tests cover similar material, it was decided that the lowa Basics test would be enough since one exam saves money. Secondly, Hull said the lowa Basics exam was traditionally (Continued on page 2)

Assembly of God, Milford, and a member of the sesquicentennial committee, be alloted use of the community building for Saturday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the purpose of holding a “Mexican combination plate dinner,” with proceeds going to the committee. Antu suggested that carry-outs would also be made available and assured the group that he would begin setting-up ticket sales and start advertising for the event. Reporting on the progress of a planned pedal-power pull, scheduled for Friday, June 6, Sorensen commented that cash prizes would not be offered, but that ribbons and trophies would be given to participants in three different age groups. The question of the extent of (Continuedgnpage2)

schools would be closed again Tuesday because of the fog. They were not. Residents of the area crept to work and the school buses picked up their charges and took them to their respective schools. By mid-afternoon Tuesday the temperature reached 44 degrees and there was blue sky and sunshine in Kosciusko County. Much of the snow melted. Wednesday morning brought more fog and promises of another warm, sunny day after the fog lifts.