The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 11, Milford, Kosciusko County, 29 April 1987 — Page 1

1 sesquicentennial ' tF’TI 1831-1981

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Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 26

Late concerns voiced as citizens — Question storm sewer project at Milford

I By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer An expected brief Milford Town Board meeting Thursday evening turned into a long one as several town residents questioned the town’s storm sewer project for Syracuse Street. On several occasions Jean Treesh, board president, -ask ed why the matter was being brought up now and not before, only to be answered by Maxine Pifer, she has been at past meetings and that people were tired “of fighting you.’’ Greg Smith, project engineers and Luann Erickson, planner, both with Bonar and Associations, Fort Wayne, were present to get necessary signatures for a tentative bid letting by the Indiana Department of Highways in August and to discuss a pro- ■ blem between the Indiana Department of Commerce and the state highway department. Erickson stated the department of commerce has released the $250,000 for the town, however, it will not give the funds to the town in one lump sum so no interest can be earned off the 'amount. The state highway department, however, requests that all funds for the project be in the town's hands before the bid letting. A meeting between the two departments, Bonar and Associates, and a representative of the town was scheduled on Monday in Indianapolis. Mrs. Pifer requested to know what the total cost of the storm sewer project would be. Smith stated the total project is $1.2 million and the town is responsi- ~ ble for $527,000. Major Concern A major question raised by Robert Pifer, Mrs. Pifer and Marcia Baumgartner was the ■flooding and sewage back up that is going to be caused by the extra water flowing into Turkey Creek. Questions were also raised as to how the water being pumped into the creek was approved. Smith pointed out the water, which will be funneled into the open ditch, already drains there today but with the project, will get there faster. He stated several times no more water will be added to the creek than what currently flows in. The amount being funneled through the ditch will be like adding an eyedropper of water into a gallon of water,' “very minimal,” he stated. Turkey Creek has a water shed of 59.8 square miles, or 2,265,000 acres. The first phase of the project, the Syracuse Street project, will be adding drainage from 105 acres. “A very minute amount,”

Warsaw firm involved— . - State inspects for hazardous waste disposal

(By CARLA GAFF Staff Writer A hazardous waste substance, 111-Trich-loroethane, was dumped or spilled in a swampy, woods area near Tyler Machinery Company, Inc. at 610 South Detroit Street, Warsaw, during the fall of 1986. The problem was then brought to the attention of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The department is at this time pursuing the matter as an administrative investigation. A decision concerning the matter has not yet been reached. < Chief of compliance monitoring department, Jim Hunt stated, “1 did get a report on that (Tyler matter) which did show that there is a degree of contamination there.” _.— The company is owned by Dave Tyler and was incorporated in 1964. According to former employee Robert La Chance, the company dumped approximately two fivegallon buckets of the waste in the swamp behind the building each week for at least the 17 months while he was an employee there. The substance is used in the machine shop as a degreaser and to clean out paint, he stated. “We were asked every couple of days to dump the waste drum,” commehted La Chance, “and told to dump ■X<->>X-X<<< , X-X< , X , :-X , X , X-X-‘.'XvX , XvX'X'XvX , X , X-X , .' , X , X , X , X-X-

Smith stated. He also pointed out the funneling of water from Syracuse Street to Turkey Creek is following the natural flow of water. Smith pointed out the Syracuse Street project is not meant to help those living at the east end of town and improvements will be made in the project as needed. “This particular project is to help The central business district,” Smith said, a three-city block area. Jean Treesh, board president, asked why Mrs. Pifer and Mrs. Baumgartner hadn’t come to previous meetings on the matter and that the time for the questions being raised was before plans had been laid. Mrs. Pifer pointed out she has been to the meetings and that the residents this affects were tired of fighting the board. Mrs. Baumgartner indicated she was not giving up and felt the time to stop something was before the fact. “I feel it will cause a problem where I live now with sewage back up,” commented Mrs. Baumgartner. — Both Mrs. Pifer and Mrs. Baumgartner cited several projects the board had approved in the past concerning drainage in which the neighboring residents were told there would be no problem with sewage back up.

Rates, updated inventory raise insurance costs

I By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer Art Marose and Don Arnold of Little and Clark Insurance Agency, Milford, provided the Milford Town Board renewal rates with the Bliss Group for the coming year and recommended the town stay with the Bliss Group Thursday evening, April 23, during a special meeting of the board. The Bliss Group held the town’s insurance policy last year and failed to provide renewal rates the first of the year. Insurance coverage has been extended until approval of the new rates is received. The board took the new rates under consideration. If the board votes to have the Bliss Group carry the town’s insurance, the premium will be $12,059, up $3,000 from 1986. Arnold stated the increase W;as due to an increase in ' insurance rates and the updated inventory of town property. Arnold noted a lot of time was spent on the inventory and he feels there is now a complete listing of all town property. / Jean Treesh, board president,

Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) a/nd THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29,1987

However, sewage problems did arise. “People are leery about the same thing happening,” commented Mrs. Pifer. She also pointed out the board has started five projects in the past, never completing them all the way. “We forget what we’ve started and go on to something else: ” Mrs. Pifer also noted there was only a 12 hours notice to the public about the meeting and 48 hours was to be given. Mrs. Treesh stated the newspapers were properly notified and the board can’t be blamed for what day the papers are published. Mrs. Pifer commented all the ' water ik gomg out to the sewage plant now and if the board changes it “you’ve got double (the water) going that way (to the creek). I’ve come for two years to this town board. If they are going ahead with it; it’s on their shoulders.” Open Ditch Smith stated the open qlitch will be 200 feet long with a 48-inch outfall. The construction of the ditch will be a four to five-foot bottom with a 3-1 side slope. Smith stated the ditch will also be lined with filter cloth and six-inch stones. The installation of an open ditch was questioned by both (Continued on page 2)’

commented she feels since the town has somebody from Milford handling the insurance policy “they will take more of an interest in what we have.” She also noted in years past the board was approving paying insurance on things that were of little worth. Arnold pointed out the items which have no value were taken off the list and all items on the list were brought up to current replacement values. Increase Fire Coverage Several areas the two agents pointed out were the increase in fire coverage from $432,000 to $521,000, or a SI,OOO additional cost on the premium, and the $1 million combined single limit general liability covering any suits. Arnold and Marose stated with the Bliss Company, all town officials and employees are insured in addition to the property. Marcia Baumgartner, Van Buren Township Trustee, asked if the fire department was included in that coverage as the township carries insurance on the township trucks. Arnold replied the town’s policy covers the building but that the fire department had its own policy covering anything else. Confusion on what was covered under what policy will be checked out by Arnold and Mrs. Baumgartner.

it there in the swamp.” Tyler, on the other hand stated, “Tyler Manufacturing has never had a policy of dumping waste or scrap materials, as that would be totally contrary to our policies and is against state and federal laws.” He went on to explain that the first time he'd heard anything about the allegations was when the evironmental department called him, and that he pledged his entire cooperation to them at that time. He said when the state ■ came to investigate, they found two spots approximately the size of a desk chair seat, arid that the spots were dry. Thus he concluded that the matter was probably a onetime occurrence. Few Conclusions Additionally, Tyler commented, “There are only a few conclusions that could be drawn from this. One being that an employee dumped a can there contrary to good judgement and company practices. Or that someone totally unrelated to the business dumped the waste. La Chance was responsible for bringing the matter before the state environmental management department last year while an employee at Tyler. During the fall of 1986, La Chance visited Jim Hunt and wrote to Governor Robert D. Orr. Shortly after writing to the governor La Chance received an invitation to meet with inspector of the environmental department Jeff Blankenburger He again wrote to the governor and four various newspapers

ILJ1 11 JJ llfcr ’ LOREN E. LONGENBAUGH

First in a series —- Longenbaugh and Smith are Syracuse mayoral candidates c & - • Eight candidates are vying to become Syracuse’s first mayor, through monetary donations given by the public, in an effort to raise money for the town’s sesquicentennial celebration July 3-11. Following is The Mail-Journal's first installment of “Who'll be mayor?” — giving the public a view of each of the Candidat&sand his or her background. This section also provides a forum for candidates’ race plat- ■ forms and goals they wish to attain if elected. Syracuse will be afforded it’s first mayor on the strength of donations given to individual candidates. The position is — honorary, with the candidate raising the most money becoming mayor for a year. Four runners-up will serve as honorary town council members. v . > , Having kicked-off April 13, the race will run until June 20 — at which time the winner will be announced at a banquet staged in the American Legion Hall. — All candidates have savings accounts set-up in their names at three area banks, where donatibpk e&n be made. For more information on the race one may contact mayor committee chairmen Jim Evans, at Augsburger’s Super Valu, or. Bob Westfall, at Northern Indiana Public Service Company. Loren Longenbaugh and Bud Smith are profiled this week. Other candidates include: Bob Troutman. Ernie Rogers, Jeanne Gardiner, Lil Cook, Jerry Claybaugh, and Jane Nearing. /E6i - en E>Longenbaugh A resident for 41 years, Lpren E. (“Kurly") Longenbaugh, a former teacher-taught his students that if an office to serve the public is offered they should-accept it gladly. This is why Longenbaugh has thrpwmhis hatihtojhe ring for the title of “Honorary Mayor of Syracuse.” Longenbaugh, sponsored by the Syracuse Bowling Association, calls Syracuse “home” after moving many times as a child. He and his wife (Luella) live at 542 South Main St., Syracuse. They are the parents of LuAnn Berry. Beavercreek. Ohio; and John K. Longenbaugh. Syracuse. The have four grandchildren, including one set of twin boys. Longenbaugh is a retired teacher and coach. He taught social studies and physical education at Syracuse for 33 years. He was a coach for the high school and junior high baseball, basketball and track teams for 20 years. He was the first director of summer baseball. He served in that capacity for 19 years. He also served on the Syracuse Town Board for 9 1 z years. With bowling as a hobby, it is only natural he has sponsored “Kurlys Keglers” in the County Bowling League for 37 years and in the Land of Lakes League for seven years. His two teams bowl on Monday night and Wednesday night. Longenbaugh also enjoys spending time with his grandchildren. < He is a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church, Syracuse, and is a life member of the Syracuse Bowling Association where he served as treasurer for five years. He has also served as County League secretary for 15 years. He is a charter member of the Syracuse Lions Club. With a savings account at Lake City Bank, Longenbaugh encourages the public to contribute to his fund. He also has a number of fund raisers planned including a bowling tournament. ( Continued on page 2)

explaining the situation, but received no assistance. In March he again made a trip to Indianapolis, planning to go to the top and meet with the commissioner of the department, Nancy Maloey, but, “the best I could do was meet with her secretary,” he said. He reports that he refused to dump the waste from the very beginning, but his refusal was no "big deal to the company” as they simply had someone else do it; “I don’t know if other employees were afraid to refuse when asked to dump the stuff,” explained La Chance, “or if they just didn’t care.” The Indiana Department of Environmental Management started preliminary investigations into the matter last fall and made its first on-site inspection on October 21. The first set of samplings and photos were taken on December 9,1986. Five separate soil tests were taken by the department at the time of its December inspection. Thomas Russell, chief of the enforcement department, stated, “It looks as though something has been dumped or spilled or whatever out there. ’ ’ The substance, 111 Trichloroethane, is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor, and is used as a degreaser, dry cleaner, pesticide, propellant, or as a solvent. Liver and kidney damage, central nervous system depression may be caused by the substance. (Continued on page 2)

'H-j— -- — - . ■ r BUD’ SMITH

Quilt, paintings auction — ""' ' 0 , To highlight fund raiser for Syracuse centennial

I By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer The sesquicefntennial quilt was shown to those attending the Syracuse Sesquicentennial meeting Monday evening by Dot Wysong, designer and maker of the quilt. The quilt will be auctioned and mayoral candidates will be given the opportunity to organize the auction. There was a lengthy discussion on how to handle the sale of the quilt, along with the 30-50 paintings"- by Kerr Harktess, all of which have been donated to the sesquicentennial. It was decided to try and have the quilt displayed during the open house of the Harkless home on May 2 and 9. Jim Evans, chairman of the mayor race, will be checking •with the candidates at tonight's meeting, to plan for the quilt auction. (See quilt photo on pg. 3.) Those present voted to give 25 percent of the quilt sale, up to SI,OOO and 50 percent over SI,OOO, to those candidates undertaking the auction details. Evans will be looking into having a consultant . in the field of art give suggestions on how the sale of the paintings should be handled and on ajvalue of the paintings. Details on when the paintings can be dispersed will be looked into also. In other reports the games for family night, July 9, have been set. These games will take place from 6:30 p.m. until dusk at Lakeside Park. Bruce Vandermark, vice president of community development for the Syracuse Jaycees, stated the games will include: water balloon contest, three-legged race, spoon relay race, horse show pitch and obstacle course race. Due to the time of day the games are scheduled, each family will be asked to choose three of the five games to participate in, allowing continuous action. Prizes will be awarded that evening. Dick Wysong will be asking the Wawasee Future Farmers of America if the Kiddie Pedal Power Pull could be started at 6 p.m. that evening. This event is expected to draw numerous contestants and spectators. Evans announced the eight mayor candidates have a variety of activities planned to raise money. Planned thus far are a dance, t-shirt and sweat shirt sales, hats, garage sales, bowling tournament, style show, souvenirs and more. He asked that people get the word out this is not a political campaign, as many people believe, but away to raise funds for the sesquicentennial. He also asked people to support the candidates.

'a IK SLIGHT COLORING SEEN — There is a slightly greenish paint type of substance showing on this pile of brush near Tyler Machinery in Warsaw. The ten-acre vacant lot is in a private trust, and is not owned by Tyler though the department of environmental management is currently investigating as to whether the company is responsible for the soil contamination found there. (Photo by Carla Gaff)

JodrKleeman, chairwoman of the special musical event at the former Fish Hatchery, stated a tentative date for the music extravaganza will be July 11, starting at 3 p.m. and lasting for approximately three hours. She will be contacting the proper authorities for permission to use the site. Roger Shipley stated the tent to be used by the Jaycees for the beer tent, will be available for rent July 5-10 at a fee of $45 per

Supreme court finds in favor of county, association

I By GLEN LONG Staff Writer The legal action which began in 1983 with a suit by the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals and the Papafceechie Lake Protective Association against Ned, Bertha and Gary Stuckman has run its course. The Supreme Court of Indiana has heard the case which had previously been heard by a trial court and the Indiana Court of Appeals and has remanded it back to the trial court. The Supreme Court found in favor of the county and protective association and has directed the trial court to "vacate the injunctive portions of its order and to issue such orders as will permit continuing use of lots E- K (for an auto salvage operation by the Stockmans), prohibit the relocation of the business to lots A- D and effect the restoration of the

It proved to be a case of corpus delicti at Syracuse It was a case of corpus delicti — where the absence of a body gave little or no proof that a crime was committed. There was no body in evidence Sunday evening when townsman Dennis J. Darr, 37, told authorities a convincing story of hitting a youth on the Channel Bridge on Pickwick Road. Darr estimated the youth to be 13 or 14 years of age. Darr stopped after he thought he struck the youth when he was going west in his light truck, but could find no one. Soon, a large number of vehicles jammed the bridge area. A widespread search began, involving Syracuse police officers, conservation officers, county sheriff's officers and members of the lake patrol, who used powerful search lights. Sheriff Ron Robinson said he, Tom Kitch, and divers Tom Brindle and Jeff Bronsing joined the search, as did lake patrol officers Warren Swartz, Terry McCarty and Dick Waterson. With their lights they could see the bottom of the channel, but found no evidence of a youth as described by Darr. "Kids can play tricks on you,” is the way Sheriff Robinson described it when the search proved futile. His officers and Syracuse Police continued the search in Monday morning s daylight, and came up with no evidence.

sEswctinaiiim s -t^^ SE INDIANA l»87

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NUMBER 11

day plus electricity costs. The tent will be placed in the lower parking lot and if groups and organizations are interested in renting the tent for an event they should contact Shipley or the Jaycees at P.O. Box 73, Syracuse. The next meeting for the sesquicentennial committee will be Monday, May IL at 7:30 p.m., in the Syracuse Scout Cabin. The executive committee meeting will be at 7 p.m.

status quo as it existed before the (Stockman’s) relocation.” The original action by the plaintiffs had asserted that the Stockmans had expanded a preexisting non-conforming use of their land as an automobile salvage storage operation in an area zoned for residential use. The trial court had issued a mandatory injunction after ruling that the Stockmans had, without BZA approval, modified and expanded the nonconforming use of their land. The Stockmans then took the case to the Indiana Court of Appeals, which reversed the trial court decision and held that the Stockmans had intensified a non-conforming use. The Stuckmans had purchased lots A -K of Papakeechie Lake Subdivision Number Two in Turkey Creek Township in 1954 and began their auto salvage business on lots E- K. In 1975 the Kosciusko County Zoning Ordinance was established and the (Continued on page 2)