The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 57, Milford, Kosciusko County, 28 January 1987 — Page 1

seaquicentennial 1837-1987

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VOLUME 23

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$500,000-3650,000 DAMAGE — Loss has been estimated between $500,000 and $650,000 in a fire at Jiminick Farms J 13540 CR 48, Syracuse, Monday, Jan. 26, at 8.: 11 a.m. The fire was the result of three explosions which “literally blew the building to pieces,” according to Jim Lomont, manager. The cause of the fire is believed to have been from a propane gas leak which seeped through crack; in the sub-basement of the main plant and was ignited by an unknown source. The first explosion occurred in the lower level of the main plant, the second on the north side where there are overheads for truck loading and the third at the warehouse. Benton Township Fire Department was called at 8:11 a.m. and mutual aid was

Blame propane gas leak — s *

Loss at Jiminik Farms fire to be between *500,000 and *650,000

I By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer Operations at Jiminik Farms, 13540 CR 48, Syracuse, are currently at a stand still following three explosions and a fire Monday morning, Jan. 26. Damage is expected to be $500,000-$650,000. The management hopes to be back in full swing in three to four weeks. An employee was able to escape without harm when the explosions and fire broke out in the building where he was working. The cause, which has not been definitely determined, is believed to be a possible propane gas leak. Benton Township Fire Chief Larry Erb stated the cause is still under investigation. Propane is used by the company in heating the buildings and for grain drying. The main propane gas tanks to the complex are located on the north side of CR 48, with the business on the south side. Gas lines run under the road. Fire Chief Erb said these lines will need to be tested for leakage. It’s believed the explosions were due to a large concentration of gas escaping from the lines. Jim Lomont, manager, stated it is believed the gas seeped through the ground and came through cracks in the sub-basement of the main plant. Lornont commented propane gas does not rise and it is suspected movement of air with the grain cleaners, fans and blowers caused a spark somewhere. ‘‘We know there was obviously ignition at some point,” commented Lornont. Workers for the propane gas company and insurance adjuster were to be present at the business assessing damage and looking into the actual cause on Tuesdav Benton Township Fire Department was called to the business at 8:10 a.m. following three explosions which caused a fire in a warehouse and extensive damage to several bins and the main plant. John Leer, an employee, was working in the upstairs of the maifi plant when the fire broke out. Office manager Chris Mershman stated

the employee was able to slide down a grain pipe to a grain bin where he remained until coworkers rescued him with a tractor/loader. Erb said when the fire department arrived the warehouse, which measured 60-foot by 80-foot, was totally engulfed in flames. It was brought under control withinzfs minutes. Three large storage bins, one empty and the Other two half full, were located next to the warehouse and were kept cool to prevent damage. The warehouse is located to the east of the main building along CR 48. The Morton pole building, according to Lomont, had 15,000 bags of corn ready for shipping, at a cost of S3O per bag; 12,000 new bags and 16,000 wooden pallets. The fire department was called back to the scene at 3:25 p.m. after spot fires were found when the seed corn had been moved around. Lornont stated the debris is still smoldering and they expect it to smolder for the remainder of the week. Mutual /lid Mutual aid calls went out to New Paris, Millersburg, Ligonier, and Syracuse Fire Departments. All sent tankers, trucks and men to battle the blaze. Syracuse was notified at

I . JI - I g . ■ n ra - I ■ TANKER STUCK — Syracuse Fire Department tractor and tanker were not damaged, according to the driver, Fireman Roland Gardner, when a backing automobile forced him to slam on the brakes causing the large piece of fire equipment to slide into the ditch. The tanker was within several hundred feet of the scene of the Jiminik Farms fire on CR 48 Monday, Jan. 29, when the mishap eceurred. The tanker was filled with 4.5 M gallons of water. Prior to the tanker’s being pulled from the ditch, the water was transferred to the Benton Township’s tanker. The fire loss at Jiminik Farms has been estimated up to S&SO,MS. , Shown in the photo are the tanker as it rested in the ditch and a wrecker from Don s Wrecker Service working to free the tanker. Approximately one-half hour was Lying ,o free the large tanker and tractor. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

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

8:18 a m. and sent the tanker, township truck and equipment truck. There were approximately five firemen from Syracuse responding. Syracuse and other departments assisting were able to leave the scene at 9:48 a m.

Cost: $57,957.00 —

Buy new ambulance for Syracuse Fire Department

■ By Glen Long I Staff Writer The Syracuse Town Board met in special session last night, Jan. 27, and approved contracts to purchase a new EMS ambulance, to proceed with another step in the application for the Town of Syracuse wastewater facilities project and to retain Bonar and Associates for administrative services in the community improvement program (CIP) grant. Town board members voted

received from Syracuse, New Paris, Millersburg, and Ligonier. Firemen are shown containing the fire in the 60-foot by 80-foot Morton Pole Building which contained 15,000 bags of processed corn ready for shipping. The corn was valued at $450,000. Also in the building were 12,000 new bags, which were empty; and 16,000 wooden pallets. Other damage included structural, electrical and mechanical to the three-story main plant; and two fans used in drying bins. Lomont stated more damage is being found, structurally, than originally thought. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

Benton firemen remained at the scene until 2 p.m. on the first call and until 4:15 p.m. on the second call. Erb stated a snorkel from the Goshen Fire Department was called in due to the three-story

unanimously to purchase a Braun handcrafted ambulance from Saint Ives, Inc., Toledo, for a total price of $57,957. Larry Hunter, fire chief, and Tim Weisser, EMS captain, presented their recommendation for this unit and Weisser explained that an additional radio headset which may be needed in the patient compartment could cost an additional $l5O. Retiring township trustee Lou Kuilema and new trustee Alice Johnston were present and agreed with the ambulance selection. It was pointed out by Weisser that the new unit will be properly identified with “Turkey Creek Township and Syracuse Fire

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28,1987

main plant, however, it was not needed and returned to base. The fire started all around the main -building and this is where all of the explosions originated. Erb commented all explosions (Continued on page 2)

Department” painted on the sides. Os the total cost of the ambulance, 55 percent will be paid by Turkey Creek Township and 45 percent by the Town of Syracuse. EPA Grant Contract Randy Lindley of TenEch Engineering was present to discuss the EPA step 2 plus 3 grant application for the wastewater facilities project. He explained the total fee for design services will be $175,000, with an estimate of the portion the Town of Syracuse will be responsible for being $21,307. The balance of $153,000 will be funded from the EPA grant. Lindley defined nine major tasks involved in the design services phase and discussed the total scope of the project. After Joe Dock, utilities superintendent, and Bob Reed, town attorney, said they had both read and approved of the contract submitted by TenEch, the board voted unanimously to accept it. Dock stated that the town’s portion will not be payable (Continued on page 2) Kiwanis breakfast Saturday The threat of bad weather postponed the Milford Kiwanis pancake and sausage breakfast from last Saturday until this Saturday, Jan. 31. The breakfast will be held at the Milford Community Building from 6-9:30a.m. It will bean “aDycu can-eat” event.

Fickle weather —

Causes Syracuse Winter Carnival to operate on split program

I By GLEN LONG Staff Writer The fickle Indiana weather has caused many changes in ttfe)planned eighth annual (Sy)ragys&>Wftwasee Winter carnival, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Some events wil>be held on Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1, after having been postponed from last weekend. Other events, those planned to be held on the lake, have been postponed until Sunday, Feb. 15, and some activities have been cancelled due to conflicting schedules. Bud Hursh, chairman of the Winter Carnival committee reported yesterday (Tuesday) that ice on Syracuse Lake has so much snow and slush cover that it is unsafe for a large number of racers and spectators to be on the lake. Therefore, the Winter Carnival Committee has decided to postpone the lake events. Most of the activities of the Winter Carnival this weekend will be centered at Syracuse Lakeside Park on the north side of Syracuse Lake, but some will also be held at other locations in the Syracuse area. The schedule follows:, '.r .-. . .■■.■. . ... . Saturday Events Things will get rolling at 7 a.m. on Saturday when the American

Ik-, ■ ’ pl, MF CARNIVAL SCHEDULE CHANGES—AGAIN — Even with all the planning put in by these committee members and other Syracuse area residents, public safety had to be considered once again as the lake events planned for this weekend, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, were postponed until Sunday, Feb. 15. Hursh reported on Tuesday. Jan. 19, that although some events must be postponed or cancelled due to schedule conflicts, many of the activities to occur on land will be held this weekend. Pictured from the left are Jim Evans, Larry Michael, Jeanne Gardiner and Bud Hursh. (Photo by Glen Long)

Northern Indiana Public Service Co. files for reduced rates

Responsive to the Public Service Commission of Indiana order of January 14, Northern Indiana Public Service Company today filed reduced electric rates to eliminate the remaining $1.9 million of amortization costs of Ba illy Nl. NIPSCO said while it is not disputing the reduction provisions of the PSC ruling, it intends to seek further review of that part of the order which calls for a $54.6 million refund to customers. NIPSCO said in the 3-2 commission order, it is clear that substantial questions are involved regarding retroactive ratemaking and the interpretation

Legion begins serving breakfast at the Legion Hall on SR 13 in Syracuse. The Legion will continue to serve until 10 a.m. The ice fishing contest will also begin at 7 a.m. at Fish’n Fun Resort on the southwest side of Syracuse Lake. The information center will open at the park pavilion at 8 a.m. and registration will begin for the five kilometer Todd Realty Winter Road Race at 9 a.m. Registration for the kiddy pedal pull at Wawasee High School agriculture building will begin at 9:30 and be followed by the competition at 10 a.m. Primary Mothers' Club will conduct the snowman building contest at the park from 10 to 11 a.m. Also beginning at 10 at the park will be the Todd Realty Winter Road Race. Registration for the snowmobile poker run, which is on the land, will be from 10 a.m. to noon. The run will begin at noon and be over by 5 p.m. The Lakeland Community Day Care/Wawasee Kiwanis sledding contest for juniors and adults will begin at noon at Delbert Whitehead’s hill, located-nor-thwest of Lakeside Park, following registration, which begins at 11:30 a.m. Beginning at approximately 9:30 or 10 a.m. at the ’ park horse-drawn sleigh rides will be available. Lakeside Park will also be the location of the mustache and beard contest at 12:30p.m. Winners in the ice fishing contest will be declared at Fish’n Fun Resort at 6 p.m. and Scotch

of what credit the company should receive for allowable planning, analysis and investigation expenses under the Supreme Court of Indiana decisions on Bailly.Nl. In addition to the rate filing, NIPSCO also filed today for approval of a $3.8 million per month average reduction in its purchased power adjustment tracker. NIPSCO is seeking approval of the reduction effective February 1 to reflect termination of 200 megawatts of firm purchased power from Indiana 4 Michigan Electric Company, provided under a 1961 contract. The reduction is temporary un-

/• INDIANA hit

doubles bowling will be held again and will begin at Wawasee Bowl on SR 13 in Syracuse at 9 p.m. More On Sunday Registration will begin at noon for the Maxwelton three-hole winter open, which will have both men’s and women’s divisions, and which will get under way at 12:30 p.m. Also at Maxwelton Golf Course, north and east of Syracuse, the cross country ski event for children and adults will be run from noon to 3 p.m. Events Postponed, Cancelled Events postponed until Sunday, Feb. 15, include the snowmobile drags, 100-mile snowmobile enduro race, three-wheel (ATV) race, and kitty kat snowmobile race, bonfire and fireworks. Cancelled events include the softball tourney, Wawasee Kiwanis chicken barbecue, ice skating events, Lakeland Youth Center snow football game and iceboat regatta. The' gala Winter Carnival dance, sponsored by the Enchanted Hills Playhouse Guild, was held at the American Legion Hall as planned as was the American Legion Scotch doubles bowling at Wawasee Bowl on SR 13, Syracuse. Chamber of Commerce members urge area residents to support the 1987 Winter Carnival by wearing official badges with the carnival Wawa-Seal logo. Proceeds will to defray costs and allow free events for the youngsters.

til the commission enters an order in NIPSCO’s pending electric rate case. The revenue levels requested in the rate case already contemplate the termination of the I&M contract. The remaining 200 megawatts under the I4M contract will be terminated December 31,1987, Ms provided for in the contract. The power will be replaced from the NIPS CO system, includingJts new Unit 18 at the Sehahfer Generating Station If today’s filings are approved, a residential customer using 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity will have a $1.98 reduction in the monthly bill.

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