The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 9, Milford, Kosciusko County, 15 April 1987 — Page 1

I \ IL / . sesquicentennial 1837-1987

Milford 658-4111 & . Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 26

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READY TO GO TO WORK — These men are the ones who make the plans, move the dirt and pound the nails at the new educational wing of the Calvary United Methodist Church south of Syracuse. They posed for this photo at the Sunday morning groundbreaking. From left are: Rev. Haroia Oechsle, Elkhart District Superinten-

Plans began iri 1981 — Break ground for Calvary Church wing

A large group of members and friends of the Calvary United Methodist Church of Syracuse gathered on the north lawn of the church late Sunday morning to take part in and witness the groundbreaking for the new educational wing. The groundbreaking is the result of planning and saving that began in 1981. On Monday morning workmen of the Elkhart firm of Ira C. Mast, general contractor for the project, had moved onto the site and work had begun. It was an especially auspicious day for Rev. Kennard and Ruth Robinson and Rev. Kenneth and Eleanor Foulke, who shared in the groundbreaking rites. Pastor Foulke was instrumental in consolidating the Harrison Street Trinity Evangelical Church and the Lakeside United Brethren Church, to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church, and Rev. Robinson was pastor 25 years ago when the present church in the Village was built. In a 1968 church consolidation, the Evangelical United Brethren Church became the Calvary United Methodist Church. A number of church committees took up the shovels and took their turn in breaking ground,

Taxpayers address concern — School board adopts plans for upgrading buildings, grounds

Wawasee’s Board of Schooky Trustees conducted its mon/ thly meeting Tuesday-even-ing and adopted plans to improve its facilities within the The proposal, to upgrade the buildings and grounds during the summer, was approved, but is contingent upon the approval from the State Board of Tax » Commissioners. / Total cost of the summer project is $390,175. The School Board plans on resurfacing parking lots at North Webster and Wawasee, and the sidewalk at Milford. In addition, plans call for several fences to be painted, and the installation of a compressor for North Webster’s walk-in freezer. T.C. Beardslee was awarded the compressor installation job — pending state approval. Beardslee’s $91,800 bid barely vfcs under Simerman Construction’s bid. Fritz Kilmer was given the fence painting position, and Phend and Brown was awarded the asphalt paving job. The project, funded through the Cumulative Building Fund, must be approved by the state ■ organization. Wawasee Community School’s attempt to get its

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followed by a large group pulling a one-row plow through the ground. Sermon On Lord’s Passion Harold Oechsle, Elkhart District Superintendent (of some 60 churches) spoke to a full house on “The Passion of Our Lord,” taken from Matthew 27:11-16. The new ediftatftnal wing will be 8,000 square feet, a one-stqry fellowship hall that will seat 200 at tables, and a two-story section housing a large kitchen, rest rooms, a storage room and seven new classrooms. Other contractors aside from the general contractor, Ira C. Mast of Elkhart, are Con-Nel Electric, electrical contractor; and Goshen Plumbing and Heating of Goshen and Syracuse, plumbing and heating contractor. The architect is Don Scearce of Warsaw. The building committee is made up of Al Eades, chairman; Arlen Bobeck, Ray Buhrt, John W. Cripe, Gran Godley, Jan Hodgson, Priscilla Juday, Ed Napier, Michael Neff, Bertha Rhoads, Ken Robinson, Steve Schwartz, Joan Sharp, Clark Smith, Win Sroufe and Ron Stoll. Construction is to be completed late this fall. The building fund for the new addition was begun in 1981 and received a major boost from

fuel station funded through the CBF was rejected. “We have encountered a great deal of red tape,” said Wawasee Community School’s Superintendent Roger Thornton, referring t'o State Board of Tax Commissioners rejection of allowing the CBF to fund the fuel station. “We believed that was a legitimate expense. However, we now feel, the summer projects are much more 4mpoltant.” Thornton noted the school, corporation would attempt to handle the SII,OOO bill for the fuel station, if the Stpte Board of Tax CommissionerSsgrants funding for the summer project,, through the CBF. “We can assure you, if the additional appropriation of $390,175 does not go through, we will be traveling south to protest,” added Thornton. Taxpayers At Meeting In other business, school board officials heard comments from the large turnout of interested tax payers. Comments centered around the possible central middle school. Connie Smith, Milford, addressed concern over the possible school,-and informed the board members that she hoped they would conduct public meetings so residents could air their views with the board.

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

dent; Grandin Godley, the church’s on-site representative; Elmer Stutzman, Goshen Plumbing & Electric; Warren Zelner and David Pasten, Ira C. Mast, general contractor; Donald Scearce, architect; Al Eades, building chairperson; and Rev. David C. Maish, the church’s pastor.

-ACM -a /\B IBBr iL; SUPERINTENDENT TAKES HIS TURN — Harold Oechsle. superintendent of the Elkhart District of the United Methodist Church, took his turn at the shovel Sunday morning at the groundbreaking for the new educational wing of the Calvary United Methodist Church at Syracuse, with pastor David C. Maish looking on.

Miracle Sunday gifts and pledges last April. The congregation already has over two-thirds of the needed funds on hand for the new addition, and expects to raise or

“It has always been the intent of this board to hold public meetings, and listen to those interested in attending,” said Thornton, following Smith’s remarks. “These are the public school’s and the parents’ children. We believe that very strongly. We work for you.” The school officials also accepted three resignations. Two teachers, Stanley Grabowicz and Max Ellen Medich, announced their retirement plans. The board also accepted the resignation of Carol Phillabaum, corporate bookkeeper. Meanwhile, the school board approved the hiring of Robert Friddle as full-time bus driver. Friddle, a former bus driver in the Marion Public School Corporation, started his work Wednesday, April 15, and will work through the end of the school year. “We have a need for an additional route,” insisted Roger Kryder. “There’s an overcrowding problem in the North Webster area, and this, we feel, is the best way to solve the problem.” Also, Andrew Gebhard was hired to teach Spanish and German at Wawasee High School. Gebhard presently teaches at

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1987

borrow the remaining funds needed from the congregation and its friends by summer. Total cost is estimated at approximately $400,000.

Fort Wayne Bishop Luers High School. In a related issue, the school board approved the reduction of Sue Ganshorn’s position. Ganshorn will teach half-time, focusing her duties only at Syracuse. A $73,000 over-expenditure problem this school year forced the board to take the action. “This action has nothing to do with quality of performance,” insisted Thornton. “We want to maintain costs, but not affect the students’ education.” Howard Hull reported the school corporation s latest nineweek enrollment figure to the board. It was noted that 94.98 percent of Wawasee Corporation students attended school during the nine-week session. The normal rate, according to the state, is 90 percent. "I think our percentage speaks highly of the parents’ involvement and the quality of teaching in our system,” said Hull. “When quality things are going on in the classroom, students are more inclined to attend.” However, enrollment dropped nine students during the grading period. Wawasee’s school board listened to Connie Bailey, coordinator of the Gifted and Talented educa(Continuedonpage2)

Working on crossing —

Milford board finalizing plans for Syracuse Street project

IBy MARK HUFFMAN Staff Writer Attempting to finalize plans for the Syracuse Street* improvement and storm-sewer projects, the Milford Town Board signed letters forwarding plans to various state agencies Monday night, April 13. Greg Smith, project engineer

Order properties repaired

By MARK HUFFMAN Staff Writer Building Commissioner Dr. T.A. Miller affirmed orders that were sent to Milford landlord Ronald Davidhizar March 27 at a meeting of the commission and town board last night, April 14. Davidhizar was absent during the proceedings. The affirmation allows the Goshen resident 10 days to appeal the orders. If Davidhizar fails to appeal, the commission can proceed with action on the orders — which are to be carried out within 30 days. Orders for repairs were given for prpperties at 105 N. Maple St. and 212E. Fourth St. The commissioner also suggested having a complaint form for tenants or area residents raising concerns about a particular property. The form would be sent directly to building inspector Harry Doty. However, no action was taken on this idea. Doty noted that he was to meet with Davidhizar Saturday, April 18, to inspect the two properties concerning the order he was issued. If the order hasn't been carried out the landlord has until April 27 to fulfill them. . “If he (Davidhizar) fails to present proof of meeting the order's demands the town has to determine what action to take,” Dr. Miller said, adding, “I’m going to proceed with caution in the gray areas. I will do everything in my power to facilitate this thing, but it must be done withm the frames of the law and the means of the town.” Kiwanians to hold Easter egg hunt The Kiwanis Club of Milford will sponsor an Easter egg hunt this Saturday, April 18, at Milford Elementary School at 10 a.m. There will be three divisions for the hunt: two-year-olds; three-four-year-olds ; five-six-year-olds (students not in first grade). Parents are asked to bring their children to find plastic eggs and redeem them for money. Each yellow egg will contain five cents; blue egg, 10 cents; green, 25 cents; gold, sl. There is a limit of five eggs per child. All children between the ages of two and six are invited. All children should meet in the school parking lot on the north side. Instructions for the hunt will be given then. Syracuse Alumni Banquet planned The Syracuse High School Alumni Association held its first planning meeting last week for this year’s alumni banquet. Charles Haffner, Barbara Griffith, Marsha Fisher, Jean Insley, and Willodean Tytler attended. The banquet will be held on Saturday, May 24. Notices will be sent out shortly to all alumni. This is the 100th anniversary of a high school in Syracuse and the alumni association is planning this year’s banquet around that theme. More workers will I be needed to assist in preparations for the evening. Anyone who would be interested in helping should contact Suzie Tytler.

.from Bonar & Associates, the firm spearheading the projects, urged the board to have all plans arranged with the various agencies by next month (May). “In order to meet our deadlines and stay on schedule, all plans should be finalized by May,” Smith remarked. Utility agreements with United Telephone Co. of Indiana, Northern Indiana Public Service Co., and Triax Cablcvision were signed by the board, while a letter was sent to the state asking for

In a related matter, the commissioner expressed his displeasure over an editorial appearing in the April 1 edition of The Mail Journal. “I’ve never been so deeply hurt by an article — which I feel was written unfairly,” Dr. Miller said, adding, “We have a class community and I don’t think that was a class article.”

Bed and breakfast addition approved

IBv GLEN LONG Staff Writer | A Wawasee business which opened in August, 1986, is already involved in plans for an expansion project. Robert and Jean Kennedy, who operate Anchor Inn, south of Syracuse, received unanimous approval from the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday, April 14, for an exception for the purpose of a bed and breakfast house in a residential district. The approval allows the Kennedys to proceed with their plans to add five new bedrooms onto their bed and breakfast residence, which now has three double bed guest rooms. In answer to board member questions about the nature of their business, Jean Kennedy said that business is now beginning to pick up as people start to visit the lakes area this spring. She said that normally guests stay one night and sometimes two. She agreed that in this respect a bed and breakfast is similar to a motel, but the atmosphere is entirely different, much more quiet and home-like. Several board members agreed with Jerry Grady, board president, who said the Kennedys should be commended for the improvements they have made to their home, which is known by many as the old Vanderford property. The property is located on the west side of SR 13 just north of South Shore Golf Course in Turkey Creek Township. Grady told the petitioner that their growth request has caused the BZA to begin drafting an ordinance to properly regulate bed and breakfast establishments. This ordinance, when completed

BI E . CSJmf ijKi Aj WORK ON CROSSING — After nearly two years of being on hold, the Fourth Street raHruud crossing at Milford is getting flashing lights. Conrail officials had agreed to do the work in June of and received the town's share of the funds for the project a month later, but the light hat been pending since then. The crossing has been the site of two fatalities and one serious accident during the last two yean. Work is expected to be completed late this week. < Photo by Carla Gaff)

reimbursement of a 10 percent sum to be paid by the town for a Railroad Protection Project. A mylar of the street improvement plans was also viewed and signed by the board for the purpose of forwarding it to the state.' In other business, a deferred compensation plan was adopted, allowing town employees to invest 25 percent of their salaries into the Indiana Public Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. Reporting for the police depart-

The editorial, written by staff writer Mark Huffman, chronicled the town board’s and building commission’s actions concerning substandard housing over the past eight years and questioned their effectiveness in dealing with the dilemma. After one hour of deliberations, the commission adjourned until further notice

will likely limit guest rooms to 12 in number and will state that any building additions must be compatible with the existing building architecturally. Kennedy said the addition they plan to begin next fall will have the appearance of their home, with the white front porch extended and dormers on the second story roof. Other Cases Rihwan, west of North Webster, was-granted an exception for the purpose of alteration of a non-conforming use. This will allow rebuilding a two-story headquarters cabin for the YMCA camp. It is located on the west end of CR 675E and one half mile south of CR 650 N in Tippecanoe Township. Tom and Connie Bachota received approval for a variance to permit construction of a residence and garage 20 feet off the road right-of-way . Their property is located on the west side of Shaffer Street and 500 feet north of Beer Road in Van Buren Township. Jack Carty was granted a petition for a variance to permit construction of a garage 25 feet off the road right-of-way. This was instead of the three inches he had petitioned for. The property is on the east and south sides of Marine Key Drive in Turkey Creek Township. Harlan Steffen was granted an exception to allow construction of a warehouse (mini “you lock it” type) in a commercial district. The board limited the approval to one 30 x 120 ft. building. The property is located on the north side of CR 1200 N and 388 feet west of SR 13 in Turkey Creek Township. Kim Jacquay was granted an exception to allow construction of a residential structure in a flood plain in a residential district. He plans to build three and a half feet above the present grade level.

SESQUICENTENNIAL S ?t^^ SE i rw D I A N A

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ment, Town Marshal David Hobbs noted that 227 complaints were received March 9 through Monday, April 13, while one traffic arrest and 11 misdemeanor arrests were made. The department logged 2,63$ miles during the four week period. Milford police also joined hands with the street and utility department, giving 14 junk car notices to coincide with spring clean-up week. Utilities Superintendent Dallas Winchester II deemed the cleanup week a success, saying that the Main Street alley was also cleaned by residents and department members New street signs were also placed on Main Street during the past month, while hydrants were flushed March 16, a process the superintendent hopes to repeat bi-monthly. Work Begins On Crossing Conrail has begun work on the Fourth Street railroad crossing, with lights and crossing arms slated to be installed later this week. Catch basins are also currently being cleaned, with Winchester reminding residents to avoid raking leaves and debris onto the grates. Several complaints about the Syracuse Street and SR 15 intersection have been received by the department, prompting Winchester to place cold mix (blacktop) in the area. Concluding his report, the superintendent stated that he and department employee Randy Veach would be attending a class on water testing, conducted by the State Board of Health, on April 23. Clerk-treasurer Monica Bice will attend a computer training seminar in Ann Arbor, Mich., April 28 and the Indiana Municipal Clerks’ Convention in West Lafayette May 13-15. The board also agreed to allot expenses for computer consultant Ken Murray to come to Milford for two days training with Bice. Addressing an ongoing incident, town resident Della Baumgartner asked the board if something could be done to keep tractors off town property on the southeast comer of Main Street and Catherine Streets, where Sharp Hardware stores implements are parked. Winchester Confirmed that he would be designating a sidewalk near the lot in question. Baumgartner, co-publfther of The Mail-Journal, also sifomitted a copy of the Open Door Law to town attorney William Leemon in response to a closed meeting conducted by the board recently. Leemon replied that he had a copy, while Baumgartner pressed the matter — asking why The Mail-Journal hadn’t been notified of a meeting held by public officials in late March. The attorney confirmed that the press hadn’t been notifying, adding, “The remedy is to go to circuit court for an injunction,’ and not to publish the information submitted at the meeting. In a final matter, the board signed the register of claims. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 11.