The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 42, Milford, Kosciusko County, 15 October 1986 — Page 1

Journal

Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 23

Two eye superintendent's job —

Expect crowd at Friday court hearing

(By ARCH BAUMGARTNER Publisher, The Mail-Journal - » !■ I_ V' The hearing at 1 p.m. Friday in the Elkhart Circuit Court before Judge Gene R. Duffin on charges brought by Dr. Kenneth E. Webster against the Wawasee Community School’s Board of Trustees, could attract more than a small crowd of interested parties. The Friday hearing is to be a preliminary determination by Judge Duffin to consider whether Dr. Webster s contract with the school board of trustees has expired or whether it is valid. The hearing was originally scheduled for 9 a m. last Tuesday, Oct. 7, but on motion by Robert E. Reed, the school board’s attorney, the case was venued until Friday of this week to the Elkhart Circuit Court in the courthouse building in Goshen. Judge Duffin will be asked to determine, 1.) Is Dr. Webster’s superintendent’s license valid under Indiana Law? and 2.) Did the school board of trustees meet the Indiana Open Door law by notifying area newspapers and by posting such notices in the administrative office as required by that law 9 If Judge Duffin determines that Dr Webster's superintendent’s license is valid in Indiana, and that proper legal notice of public meetings was not made, Stephen R. Snyder, attorney for Dr. Webster, plans to ask. the court for a temporary restraining order against the school board. Attorney Snyder said early this week Judge Duffin could rule on the merits of the case from the bench or he could take the case under advisement and rule at a later date The mandatory injunction being asked of the court would have Dr. Webster reinstated as superintendent of the Wawasee Community School Corporation and/or the honoring of his contract with the school corporation. His three-yea r contract with the school corporation, signed June 19, 1986, is to pay him $54,350.14 for the first year, then to be reviewed annually. Attorney Snyder said early this week he “feels very optimistic” as he prepares for the Friday court hearing. He said he has all his witnesses lined up for the hearing. Robert E. Reed, attorney for the school corporation, was in Chicago this week and wouldn’t be back until Thursday afternoon, and thus was not available for comment on the Friday afternoon hearing. Name Dr. H. J. Hull At a late afternoon meeting of the school board last Monday at the administrative building, the board voted 2 to 1 to name Dr. Howard J. Hull, director of instructional services, as interim superintendent for the school corporation Voting for the motion made by David Carey, were Carey and Henry Smith, with Marguerite Hoerr voting against the motion. Board president Billy G. Little did not vote, and member Carol Swartzendruber was not present at the meeting She was attending a fall state school board conference at Indianapolis. While the corporation has been without a bonafide superintendent since the dismissal' of Dr. Kenneth El. Webster on September 27, Dr. Hull and assistant superintendent Roger Kryder have been filling in at the administrative building. To Accept Applications In an agenda released at the last Monday meeting, the board said it would accept applications for the superintendent’s post until Monday, Nov. 17, and would accept applications both from within the school corporation and from outside. A screening committee made up of representatives of the three schools in the corporation will consider the merits of the applicants from November 17 until Monday, Dec. 8. The interviewing process will continue from

December 8 through the week of December 15. The board said it hoped to have a new superintendent in place by the first of the new year. It has been mentioned earlier that four people now employed by the school corporation are fully qualified to step into the superintendent’s position. Os these four, two have expressed a definite interest and two have taken themselves out of contention. . Dr. Howard J. Hull, who is currently serving as interim superintendent, commented on Monday that he is “seriously considering” filing his application for the job with the school board. He added, “I have a little time to find out if I can do the job” before deciding whether or not to file an application. Dr. Hull has a bachelor’s degree (1974), master’s degree (1976), and a PhD. degree (1981), all from Indiana University at Bloomington, and is fully qualified for the post. Dr. Hull is 33 years of age and has a fund of administrative experience. Also interested in the superintendency is Ned Speicher, principal of Wawasee High School since November 1, 1985. Speicher came to that position following his being principal at the Milford School. Speicher said on Tuesday of this week, “My career goal is to be a school superintendent.” Asked if he plans to file for the Wawasee superintendency, he said, “Right now I’m strongly considering it.” He has a bachelor’s degree (1971) and a master’s degree (1975), both from Manchester College, and an educational specialists degree (1981) from Indiana University at Bloomington, which qualifies him for a superintendent’s license. Speicher is 37 years of age. Not Interested Two other administrators within the school corporation who are qualified to be the corporation’s new superintendent but express no interest in the post are Dr. Winston E. Becker, principal at the Milford Elementary/Junior High School, and Marion R. Acton, vice principal of the North Webster Elementary/Junior High School. When asked about his interest in the job, Dr. Becker said, “I doubt it. I think the school board is looking for someone with more years ahead of them than I have.” He is 61 years of age, coming to Milford from the Hammond school system where he was supervisor of instruction. He added, however, that he would keep his options open, stating that he hasn’t really made up his mind yet, and noting, “I’m enjoying the role I’m in right mm -x, Dr. Becker has a bachelor’s degree from Huntington College, and a master’s degree and PhD. degree from Indiana University at Bloomington. ‘l’ve Crossed That Bridge’ Marion Acton, the North Webster vice principal, said he was definitely not interested in being the corporation’s superintendent. “I’ve crossed that bridge a long time ago.” He saidfche has been approached a number of times to seek a superintendency in other school corporations, but after weighing the pros and cons, decided against it. Acton won his bachelor’s degree in 1954 and his master’s degree in 1961, both at Ball State University at Muncie, his home town, and his educational specialist degree in the mid-19605. When be came to the corporation in 1971 he was fully qualified to become a high school superintendent. Acton is well known throughout Indiana as a high school basketball official, having officiated at state tournaments several times. He played for the Muncie Central Bearcats in high school, losing to Evansville Central in an afternoon game in 1948 in the state finals. Lafayette Jefferson defeated Evansville in the evening Acton is 57 years of age and resides at Milford with his wife Carmen.

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

ROYAL WARRIORS — Tressa Littleton and Ben Beer were chosen as Wawasee High School’s homecoming king and queen during halftime festivities at Friday night’s football game. Tressa is the daughter of Shery U Donley of Syracuse and is> , member of the Drama Club, National Honor Society, Future Educators of America, Students Against Driving Drunk, and Varsity Club. The I“-year-old queen has also participated on the gymnastics team for three years and enjoys singing and dancing. She plans to major in business at Indiana University after graduation this spring. Ben, the 17-year-oid son of Philip and .Mildred Beer, .Milford, is a member of the National Honor Society. Varsity Club, and Student Representative Council. He also serves as president of the senior class, captain of the football team, and plays baseball and basketball. He enjoys music, particularly guitar, and is a member of Varsity Singers. Ben plans to attend Indiana-Purdue at Fort Wayne to study pre-med or business. ( Photo by Mark Huffman)

Thefts under investigation

Three thefts and one incident of suspected vandalism were investigated by Syracuse Police last week A broken window was found on the west side of Rinker Boat Co , Chicago St., last Thursday, Oct. 9, with proprietors noting that the property was broken into sometime between 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, and 6:30 a m. Thursday. Damage was estimated at S3OO. with no items reported missing thus far. ‘ Robert Holcomb, Syracuse, reported the theft of two pioneer Correct error in accident account A collision listed in the story “Heavy rains reign havoc in the area” last week was incorrectly reported. The October 8 article reported a heavy gravel truck was moving slowly through the high water when an older fourwheel drive truck came through the southbound lane too fast and was thrown by the high water head-on into the gravel truck. The correct report is as follows: Amos L. Hostetler, 39, 208 N. Nappanee St., Nappanee, was traveling north on SR 13 in a 1981 Mack dump truck owned by Beer and Slabaugh, Nappanee, and a 1969 GMC truck driven by Donald R. Daffron. 35, r 3 box 220A, Syracuse, was stopped in the southbound lane due to one lane of traffic being allowed through that area because of high water on the roadway. Hostetler had just traveled through the deepest I part of the high water when the ► water pulled his vehicle left of center. The Mack truck crossed the center line and struck the i GMC truck driven by Daffron. The accident occurred at 11:40 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3. Indiana State I Police investigated the mishap ) and listed nd one as being injured.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15,1986

speakers, two tweeters, one tape deck with radio, ope mounting face plate, one cigarette lighter, and two door lock buttons from his 1979 Chevrolet as it was parked in front of the license branch in Syracuse. Holcomb noted that the items were taken after 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, having found the radio removed when he went ot the vehicle at 11:30 a m. Saturday, Oct. 11. The automobile was left unlocked during the evening. The speakers, tweeters, and radio are valued at $420, while the other items have not been given an estimated cost. Two hubcaps from a 1984 Mazda were discovered missing on Sept. 26, when Edith Watson, Syracuse, was getting gasoline at a local service station. She reported the incident Friday, Oct. 10, unable to determine when or where the theft occurred. William Fisher, of Fisher’s Rent-All. SR 13S, reported the thef t of one spray gun, valued at S2OO, when the subject renting the equipment failed to return it. According to police, the gun was rented Sept. 13 at sl4 per day and after making two payments the subject renting the gun disregarded a bill for further payment, prompting Fisher to notify police Oct. 8. Woman serious following accident Virginia L. Sauer, 24,886 Rock-A-Bye Road, Cromwell, is in serious condition in Goshen Hospital following a one-vehicle accident around 6 this morning (Wednesday). She sustained head injuries. Kosciusko County Patrolman Gerry Moser reported Miss Sauer was westbound on Eli Lilly Road and failed to negotiate a curve, causing her vehicle to strike a tree. Miss Sauer was trapped in the vehicle. She was transported to Goshen Hospital by Syracuse Emergency Medical Service.

See record high enrollment —

Teachers issue statement in suoport of school board

(By JERI SEELY Editor, The Mail-Journal Members of the Wawasee Community Teachers Association, through their president Donna Yargosz, Lsued a brief statement of support and sympathy for everyone involved in the situation (the dismissal of Wawasee Superintendent Kenneth Webster) during the October meeting of the Wawasee School Board. The meeting was held last night (Tuesday) in the North Webster School Cafeteria. Mrs. Yargosz read the statement to board members and a rather small group of teachers, principals, school board candidates and school patrons. “We appreciate the board’s efforts in what must have been — and may continue to be — very distressing and distasteful. We know you have put in many hours and have agonized over the decisions that have had to be made,” read Mrs. Yargosz. She thanked, on behalf of the teachers. Dr. Howard J. Hull and Roger Kryder, for stepping in. “As teachers,” she continued, have. I feel, stayed in the classroom and done our part to keep the corporation moving along. That’s our proper job and we intend to leave the board alone to do its job.” In concluding her comments, she noted all need to be mindful of the good filings this corporation has moved toward in the past year or so — things like the atten-

« 1 Enrollment By Schools North Milford Webster Syracuse Corporation TOTAL (K-») ( K-*> <!M2) 1962- 544 4T2 768 618 2.342 1963- 597 442 809 682 2.530 T 965-66 653 520 841 718 ? >732 1966- 64T 547 849 743 2-780 1967- 695 580 882 720 2.877 (Wawasee) 1968- 706 62T 897 765 2.989 T 969-7 0: 699 653 888 785 3.025 1970- 6T3 705 871 821 3 -O |Q 1971- 604 702 867 882 3,055 1972- 638 705 891 971 3.205 1973- 634 705 855 ( 8)* 1.019 3.221 1974- 638 701 903 ( 8)* I.QB 3.269 1975- 613 677 903 ( 8)‘ 1.019 3.219 1976- 600 659 911 (U)* 1.004 3 .186 1977- 609 653 911 (WT 1.028 3.215 1.978-79 569 673 871 (16J* 1.024 3.153 1979- 574 658 874 (11)* 988 1980- 566 658 688 (11> 9LB 3.071 1981- 568 627 866 (18)* 895 1982- 567 624 890 (13)* 880 2374 1983- 583 622 909 (12)* 887 3.013 1984- 577 648 962 (11)* 922 3.120 1985- 643 774 780 (.16)* 970 3.183 1986- 619 834 809 (20)* 1.006 3,288 MCI Co-op EXTENSIVE DAMAGE — Driver inattention contributed to a two-car collision at 2:45 p m. Wednesday. Oct. 8, when Dennis L. Bender, 32. r 3 box 632. Syracuse, entered the path of a 1979 Toyota, shown ou right, driven by Marlene KnispeL 22, 899 E. Greenhaus Dr., Apt. 49, Syracuse. Bender was traveling west on Bowser Read when he failed to see

tion to remodeling needs, the introduction of Prime Time, more intense vertical planning, the encouragement of teachers to attend professional workshops for the formulation of specific goals for the corporation. “We don’t always agree with everything but we feel the corporation is basically moving forward in the right direction,” she said. “We would caution that because a man is gone does not mean that his works should go, too. Let us keep moving forward prudently. Discard what doesn’t work — keep and strengthen what does. We stand ready to lend a hand in this process and want you all to know of our support.” 3.288 Enrolled y Dr. Hull, interim superintendent, presented enrollment figures for the corporation. He pointed to the 3,288 students enrolled, stating it was the largest enrollment ever in the school corporation. He also stated there were 3,205 students enrolled on the first day of school with the figure increasing to 3,288 by the official enrollment date of September 12. Following a five-year decline in enrollment, the corporation has seen a 10.3 percent increase over the last four years. Dr. Hull also pointed out the fact the kindergarten through fifth grade enrollment is the Largest ever. Currently 1,559 students are enrolled in these grades. This is the second year in a row this figure has topped the 1,500 mark. Hull’s report shows 1,599 in

grades k-5; 682 in junior high. 21 in the self contained special education class; 20 students in the co-op program and 1,006 students in the high school. During 1962-63. the first year of the corporation. Hull’s report shows 1,150 students in k-5, 574 iif junior high and 618 in the high school for .a total of 2,342 students. There were no special education students and no co-op program. Currently there are 438 students in the Milford Elemen-

Milford pushes for public meeting on unsafe buildings

9 By MARK HUFFMAN Staff Writer Urging fellow board members and officials to “proceed in good haste,’’ Jean Treesh asked town attorney Bill Leemon to contact Harry Doty, building inspector, about setting a public meeting concerning three local properties cited earlier for unsafe conditions, during a Milford Town Board meeting Monday, Oct. IX The houses, owned by Ron Davidhizar of Goshen, had been under public scrutiny for months and Davidhizar <wUl again be ordered to appear before Dr. T.A. Miller, building commissioer, to address charges. A building owned by Ed Huber, Syracuse, which had also been cited for unsafe conditions, is in the process of being repaired, according to Treesh. In a separate action, Marion Acton, JoEllen Free, Dick Koschnick, and Missy Sorenson were formally accepted as park board members. (See accompanyingstory). Storm-Sewer, Street Project Reporting to the board on the progress of the town’s stormsewer and street improvement project, Greg Smith, of Bonar & Associates Inc., Fort Wayne, presented a revised plan to the board, noting that a field check was done last week by the Indiana Department of Highways. Smith suggested that an informal hearing be held, with state officials present, to allow interested town residents to air their concerns and be told how the project is progressing. The board agreed to have such a hearing during the next town board meeting, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in the community building. Plans for the project are also available at the town hall for anyone wishing to review them. Acknowledging that four small pieces of property would need to be acquired by the town to continue the project, Smith agreed to compile a legal description of each area and present it to the board as soon as possible. Flushing Hydrants Acting-utilities superintendent Randy Veach gave his monthly report, agreeing to check the costs of material for installing a sanitary pipeline at the same time the storm-sewer project is

Knispel. who was traveling south on SR 13. No injuries or arrests were reported, according to the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office. Up to |S,M9 in damages was caused to the 1979 Chevrolet truck, shown on left. Bender was driving, while the Knispel vehicle suffered up to SUM in damages.

30 e

NUMBER 42

tary School, 592 in the North Webster Elementary School. 544. in the Syracuse Elementary School, 181 in the Milford Junior High School, 242 in the North Webster Junior High School, 265 in the Syracuse Junior High School, 1.006 in the high school and 20 in the NCI Co-op. Audit During the business session board members instructed Assistant Superintendent Roger Kryder to request a special audit (Continued on page 2)

underway. Treesh agreed that it would be in the best interests of the town to “do it jvhile the streets are already tom up.” Veach also suggested the possibility Os working on a compromise with the contractor doing the storm-sewer work. Thursday, Oct. 16, at 9 p.m. has been set aside as the date for flushing hydrants, while the board also agreed to have Veach flush wells one and two, by the Coop building on Main Street, to better preserve them. Veach also asked that people living on td^h"stre^s v *»<Jt' rake leaves into those streets due to the inconvenience it causes the sweeper. Burning leaves on blacktop has also presented some problems, according to Veach, who agreed to pick up bagged leaves after 8 am./ on Friday mornings. Noting the need for a high pressure cold water washer for the town’s street equipment, Veach was allowed $650 to purchase one from Valley Supply Co., Warsaw. The board also allocated $94.30 for new root saws for the root machine. The monthly police report was submitted in the absence of town marshal David Hobbs, showing that 178 complaints had been received, with seven traffic accidents being investigated between Sept. 8 and Monday. Cost of accident damage was estimated at $13,000, while there was one incident of stolen property, which was recovered. In other matters: — Ordinance 86-14 allowing for petty cash for the clerk-treasurer was passed. — Trick or treat hours were designated as 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 — Town board members will review and help update a data sheet for Bob Westfall of NIPSCO. Westfall also presented the board with a brochure on community improvement, designed to help towns attract businesses to the area. — Leemon will send a letter to the proprietors of Sharp Hardware and Walter Drugs, at Main and Catherine streets, about resolving a problem with standing water at the stores’ parking lot. — Little & Clark Insurance will act as the town’s insurance agents, although the present coverage with Bliss Insurance, which covers various governmental agencies, will remain in existence.