The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 50, Milford, Kosciusko County, 10 December 1986 — Page 1

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Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 23

Santa to return —

Syracuse Retail Merchants to study Disney World techniques

By LESLIE MILLER Staff Writer

In its endeavors to create a more unified merchant atmosphere, the Retail Merchants Division of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce discussed plans for a lecture at the January meeting. The lecture will cover the topic of customer relations and will include a partial viewing of the video “Pursuit of Excellence.” The segment shown will focus on the techniques that Disney World uses to maintain its appealing atmosphere and how that relates to other merchant environments. The lecture has tentatively been, set to begin at the usual meeting time of 8 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9. The Retail Merchants hope to have breakfast from Aunt Verna’s Place available for those attending the lecture. Following the video, a discussion session will be held. Winter Carnival Plans The Winter Carnival has been set for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24 and 25. In case of rain, the carnival will be held on the following weekend of January 31 to February 1. Carol Wallace will be contacting Art Buchanan in Kimmel to arrange for sleigh rides at the carnival. Unlike the customary sleigh that is pulled by eight tiny reindeer, this particular one is led by a team of tiny Shetland ponies. Other possible activities for the carnival were discussed including a treasure hunt and a fishing contest. These were both ideas that other towns have incorporated into their festivals that may work as well in this area. Cabin Fever Days The tentative dates set for Cabin Fever Days will be over the Valentine s Day weekend, February 12-14. As chairman of this event, Bob Pilcher will be responsible for arranging the television advertising spots. He will be checking into the possibility of getting 15 10-second spots to air on the three days prior to the event. Advertising will also be done through the newspaper. Gift Certificates As away of promoting business in the Syracuse-Wawasee area, the Retail Merchants reviewed an idea used by a neighboring town. The concept involves the use of gift certificates that are redeemable at shops in the area. The ideal use of these certificates would be as Christmas gifts or bonuses to be given by companies to their employees. Old Business Judy Wallace, chairman of the Christmas promotion, designed schedules to place in various store windows that indicate the date, time and store where Santa Claus will be visiting next. The retail merchants were pleased with the design and appreciated the work she put into them. Further discussing the arrival of Santa, the retail merchants compiled a list of merchants who helped prepare for the photo sessions with Santa. Among the list was Thornburgs, which donated candy canes; Aunt Verna’s Place, which donated cookies; Teghtmeyer Ace, which provided the paint for the scenery; and Judy Moser, who has been taking

Milford EDC addresses community development plans

I By MARK HUFFMAN Staff Writer The Milford Economic Development Corporation adopted a preliminary approach of addressing community development plans at its monthly meeting last Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Chateau Restaurant. Plans within the approach include: formulating ingredients to develop a plan for future growth, develop specific projects, deter-

the photographs. Children will be able to have their photographs taken in a sleigh with Santa at the Lakeland Youth Center from 2-4 p.m. on each Saturday before Christmas. Chamber Luncheon Before adjourning the meeting Jim Evans, president of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of

To name Milford Board replacement December 29

I By MARK HUFFMAN I Staff Writer Nine-year Milford Town Board member Darrell Orn marked his final regular board meeting Monday night, Dec. 8, amid controversy surrounding an incident involving the apparent theft of material from the North Main Street street department property. Orn, a Democrat, will recognize a replacement at the board’s final meeting of 1986 (5:30 p m., Monday, Dec. 29, in the town hall) and he/she will then be sworn. Remaining board members are Dennis Wuthrich, and president Jean Treesh. The new board member will undoubtedly inherit a position that has been aligned with controversy in recent months — this came to light when Dallas Winchester Jr., utilities superintendent, noted the theft of gravel from the street department facility on North Main Street. According to Winchester, a load of number 13 limestone, approximating that of a bushel, was taken from the department’s drive Saturday, Nov. 29. The culprit was confronted and said that he was taking the material to cover an area on his property where the town had installed a water line. The area involved, at the northwest corner of Emeline and Maple Streets, is private property ; however, charges were not filed and the town later agreed to settle for the cost of the material — which was deemed to be 55 cents after Winchester priced similar material at Zimmerman Gravel Co., Milford. Controversy surrounding the actual amount of limestone taken still exists, although town marshal David Hobbs confirmed that an investigation would not take place.

7 will hang in there': Beer

Maurice Beer. Kosciusko County Northern District Commissioner, stated in a telephone interview on Tuesday, Dec. 9, “I will not resign under fire. I will hang in there.” He added that any comment that he may have made on this subject was stated in frustration while trying to get the proper decision reached on a subject he feels is important to county residents. Offered To Resign? Beer was reputed to have made an offer to resign from the Board

mine marketing for desired development, and monitor compliance with development plans and zoning. Seven community members and businessmen attended the meeting, prompting town board president Jean Treesh to declare, “It makes me unhappy that more businesses haven’t come to participate, considering they’re the ones that will benefit.” Other board members noted that a small number may be beneficial, considering the contention usually evident in larger groups.

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

Commerce, announced the upcoming chamber noon luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 4. At the luncheon, a representative from Leßoy Troyer and Associates, an architectural landscaping firm from Goshen, will be on hand to discuss its proposals for beautifying the roadway along SR 13.

- CONCLUDES DUTY — Darrell Orn concludes his final regular meeting with the Milford Town Board Monday, Dec. 8. A nine-year member of the governing body, Orn will retire from Chore-Time Equipment Inc. this month, relinquishing his Milford duties at the same time. The Democrat member will announce his replacement at the board’s year-end meeting. Monday. Dec. 29.

Stagnant Water Deposed In other matters, a problem with standing water at a corner parking lot at Main ana Catherine Streets will soon be resolved, according to Winchester. Under public scrutiny throughout the past month, the water has been stagnant due to improper drainage and an apparent clogged drain. Winchester noted that a drain could be connected to the town’s existing sewer line to eradicate the problem and town board members agreed to allow town employees to provide the labor. Property owner John Perry will be asked to pay the cost of materials, while Dennis Sharp, proprietor of the nearby hardware store, agreed to discontinue the use of degreaser to clean farm implements on the site. A walkway near the lot will also be designated for pedestrians.

of County Commissioners during the meeting last week in which the board voted to approve the establishment of the much publicized industrial corridor northwest of Warsaw. The motion to approve the corridor was made by Beer and board members needed some further discussion, apparently heated, prior to the unanimous vote to approve. Beer said, “We intend to go on working as a three commissioner board for the good of county

One important member missing from the group was town attorney Bill Leemon, who was to ascertain whether a community grant formerly approved for an EDC brochure was still available. Brochure Question Tom Hamilton, representing CTB Inc., felt the development of a brochure would be premature, considering the youth of the organization. Treesh rebutted, “If we drop the matter of the grant we probably won’t get another one — we need to take a hard look at it.” The matter was deferred to the next meeting by

WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 10,1986

Also at the luncheon will be a representative from Precision to propose different sign designs that could be used in identifying businesses along SR 13 as well as those back further. The next retail merchants meeting will be held at 8 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, at the Syracuse Town Hall.

Continuing his report, Winchester stated that a maintenance schedule has been implemented for water meters within town, while equipment has been prepared for the coming snow season. A proposal for a program to correct the problem of rusty water, which has also been a considerable complaint in recent months, was presented by Winchester and unanimously approved by the board. Service lines (running from the main line to houses) that are worn will be placed with copper lines, while hydrants will be flushed four times during 1987, instead of the usual two. Iron had been building up in the main line to cause rust due to improper flushing in the past, according to the superintendent. (Continued on page 2)

residents.” He said that the accusation of a closed-door meeting before the board meeting was incorrect and that the discussion referred to was in the first two hours of the regular commissioner’s meeting at which there was apparently no reporter present. Fred Gilliam, Middle District Commissioner and board president, voted to approve only after being assured that rights of property owners in the 1,600 acre tract would be protected.

president Dan Brown. In other matters the organization’s relationships with Kosciusko Development Inc. and the Kosciusko Area Plan Commission were examined. Brown reported that he had met with Dan Richards, APC director, who assured him they were prepared to cooperate. * Secretary-treasurer Monica Bice informed those present that the town’s membership to KDI will expire at the end of December. A decision to appropriate funds for membership in 1987 is to be made MondaV? Dec. 29, by the town board.

One injured as cars collide One injury was caused in a rear end collision Friday, Dec. 5, at 3:50 p.m., in Syracuse, while a 1979 Mazda Coup suffered extensive damages in a separate incident Monday, Dec. 8. Karen G. Tevis, 40, 1702 West St., Goshen, complained of pain to the neck after the car she was a passenger in collided with a 1981 Renault, driven by Jason D. Blaton, 19, r 8 Big Lake, Columbia City, south of Chicago Street, on SR 13. Tevis’ husband, Roger B. Van Horn, 40, was traveling north on SR 13 when he was distracted by the couple's child and couldn’t avoid colliding with the Blaton vehicle, which had slowed for a turning vehicle. Up to SI,OOO in damages was caused to both vehicles. A hit-and-run was reported at 8:21 am., Monday, with the Mazda owned by Diana Graber, 413 S. Main St., Syracuse, suffering up to $2,500 in damages as a result. Graber claimed that she had heard her vehicle being hit at approximately 6:45 a.m., but had thought it was a door being slammed. The vehicle was parked on the west side of Main Street before being hit in the left rear and pushed onto the sidewalk, she incident is still under investigation by Syracuse Police. Open house postponed The Syracuse Fire Station open house, planned for Sunday, Dec. 14, has been postponed, according to Louis Kuilema, Turkey Creek Township Trustee. Kuilema stated several areas of Avork have yet to be completed, thus the postponement. An open house is being planned for January. An exact date and time will be announced later. Break-in at Brock Mfg. Considerable damage was caused to Brock Mfg., SR 15, early Saturday morning. Dec. 6, after Milford Police discovered that three doors had been broken into. A piece of metal was used to break the windows of doors at the north side of the factory, an office, and a room where a soft drink machine is located. Police were called at 7:42 a m. Saturday, but found nothing missing from the factory. Brock personnel reported that pop may have been stolen, while a file cabinet was broken into and payroll desk material was vandalized Samples of blood were taken at the scene of the incident, but no suspects were found. Webster beard to hear request for annexation North Webster Town Board of Trustees will be having their regular monthly meeting tonight (Wednesday) Dec. 10, at 7 p.m., in the town hall/fire station. An executive session will following the regular meeting. During the meeting the board will hear an annexation request, receive the Area Plan Commission’s Flood Plan ordinance; and set a date for the year-end special meeting. Department reports will be presented by department heads and approval of claims and minutes from the November meeting will be on the agenda also.

Brown also reported that Bonar & Associates, Inc., an engineering firm from Fort Wayne, would submit a proposal of what it would recommend for appropriate land use and obligations of interested parties. It was also suggested that towns that had employed the firm for planning be contacted for references. Additional firms may be contacted for possible consultation as well. Noon, Wednesday, Jan. 7, marks the next meeting of the committee. Anyone planning to attend is encouraged to contact Bice at 658-4519.

El ( ■ I t I (?) - M , • Iwf uJ i \/ I I it ’ IB I LA B PICTURE WITH SANTA — Boys and girls may have their picture taken with Santa Claus when they visit jolly old Saint Nick at the Lakeland Youth Center. Syracuse, every Saturday between now and Christmas. Santa will be at the youth center from 2-4 p.m. Syracuse-Wawasee Retail Merchant’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring Santa's visit this year and photos will be taken by Creative Touch Studios. Syracuse's own Santa (Butch Plikerd) will be visiting various businesses throughout town prior to his visit in the youth center. Shown in the photo is Santa relaxing in his sleigh waiting for children of all ages, to tell him what they want for Christmas.

Syracuse Town Board votes for new sewer rate schedule

I By GLEN LONG Staff Writer The Syracuse Town Board last night, Dec. 9, voted to adopt the new sewage rates which had been proposed after a rate study by Jones and Henry, Engineers, of Toledo. Town attorney Bob Reed read the amendment, number 86-14. to the old sewage rate ordinance in its entirety and by title as prescribed by law and the board accepted it for consideration at each reading. Eight property owners were present as Joe Dock, Utilities

sescjxxicexi.teri.nial 1837'1987

North Webster's Sesquicentennial logo winner A drawing by Kris Hackleman, r 1, Warsaw, was picked the winner in the North Webster Sesquicentennial Logo Contest. Mrs. Hackleman received SIOO which was donated by Mary Sullivan and the North Webster Chamber of Commerce. The winning logo was among 33 entered in the contest. Choosing the winner were members of the sesquicentennial committee. This logo will be used for banners, souvenirs, and all publicity for the town’s sesquicentennial celebration. Ed Clayton, vice chairman of the event, stated sesquicentennial events will be in conjunction with the annual Mermaid Festival. The sesquicentennial committee meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m., in Camelot Hall. The meetings are open to anyone interested is helping with the celebration. Mike Nash is the chairman and Mary Stackhouse, the secretary. Shown in the photo is Mrs. Hackleman accepting the check from Clayton. (Photo by Dale Tobias)

Superintendent, introduced Homer Wilson, of Jones and Henry Engineers, who reviewed for the board and the audience the rate study steps taken. He displaced summary of sewer utility income and expenses for 1984, 1985 and projected for 1988. The chart showed a rapid deficit increase from $9,736 in 1984 to $36,046 in 1985 and $67,396 in 1988. It was pointed out that the uniform rates being proposed were selected from five option plans because it is deemed most fair for all sewage service users and because the government agency, EPA, feels it is the best rate structure. All of the options considered were geared to generate about $280,000 in 1988.

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the projected total cost for that year. Wilson displayed a chart of new sewer rate charges, which showed that 3,924 gallons is the median usage of water per month in Syracuse. At this usage, a monthly sewer bill, which is related to water usage, will increase from $7.64 to $12.32, an increase of $4.68. Dee Stiver asked from the audience if there is any assurance that rates will not have to go up again beyond 1988 if the town expands extensively. The answer from Wilson and board members was that rates will have to be reviewed periodically to, as Jim (Continued on page 2)