The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 13, Milford, Kosciusko County, 13 May 1987 — Page 1

— sesquicentermial 1837-1987 • » j & ,-.-r 71

Milford J 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 26

MURDER CONFESSION ANNOUNCED — With grim faces, Kosciusko County Sheriff Ron Robbinson, Detective Thomas Kitch, Prosecuting Attorney Michael Miner and State Police Detective Mel Keplinger, revealed the facts and the confession of Robert Hootman to members of the media Thursday morning. Miner explained that the department had “never given up on the case.”(photo by Carla Gaff) Good police work solves —

Barbara Huiieys 1984 murder at Syracuse

| ByCARLAGAFF Staff Writer After 31 months and 150 interviews, Prosecuting Attorney Michael Miner announced that Robert Hootman has confessed to the September 21,1984, murder of Barbara Hulley of Syracuse. Hootman’s confession to the murder was made last Thursday at 12:30 a m. after a polygraph test had been administered. He has been incarcerated in the Kosciusko County Jail during the last four and a half months while serving out a misdemeanor conversion charge. He has been questioned periodically. <> Hootman is 20 years old, and a 1985 graduate of Wawasee High School. He had lived in Syracuse only four months before he attacked Mrs. Hulley. He resided at 231 North Street in Syracuse. This is a neighboring home to the apartment complex where Mrs. Hulley had lived. County officials called a press conference on May 7, at which time Prosecuting Attorney Michael Miner stated, “It’s been a long and frustrating case for us.” In an interview a year after the murder, Marjorie Shopoff stated, “There could be, and probably is, a murderer right here in Syracuse walking around free a|» a bird. What breaks my heart is that a lot of people, really don’t care.” But Miner commented, contrary to Shopoff’s statement, local officials have worked continuously on the case. And that he would like “to pass out flowers to Detective Thomas Kitch and State Police Detective Sgt. Mel Keplinger for all the work they’ve done on the case.” Determination He explained their dogged determination is what brought it all out now, and that they were responsible for piecing together most of the pieces of the puzzle. It appears that Hootman was surprised while in the middle of ,a

Syracuse artist wins 'Best of Show' award

Betty Deahl, Syracuse\ artist, won “Best of Show” and tne S2OO Zimmer Memorial Award /or her watercolor entitled “Still i Life — Red Checked Cloth.” /Jacque Kuilema, Syracuse, won second place in watercolor with her entry “Mixed Bouquet. ” The Syracuse ladies entered their art exhibits in the 30th annual Lakeland Art Association’s Spring Exhibit which was recently held at the Bowen Center, Warsaw. The exhibit attracted many categories of art media from artists of the northern Indiana area Categories represented at the show included oil, watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media paintings, pencil drawing, sculpture, woodcarving and photography. Prizes of $35 for first place, sls

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burglary attempt, explained Miner, and that there was a struggle between him and Mrs. Hulley at which time she was stabbed with a knife and murdered. Keplinger stated, “It (the case) is especially alarming because of the viciousness of and because it took place in a small community.” He went on to say that thedepartment never gave up on the case, although there were lulls in it when all leads had been exhausted. But that all possible means were used including the FBI, state lab technicians, county and state officers, consultation with a Candor, N.Y., psychic, FBI profile, offering of a Crime Stoppers reward and polygraph testing. The missing link, however, was always slightly out of grasp, until now. Mrs. Hulley was an employee of Syracuse Rubber Company for 13 years, and was said to be a “well known, well liked lady in Syracuse.” She was found by her son John Hulley on Sunday after concern was expressed to the family by an official from South Shore Golf Club. Hulley crawled through a window and discovered his mother’s body just inside the door. Over the months following the murder townspeople continued to

Always felt murderer was a local resident

On a bright Sunday morning two and a half years ago John Hulley of Syracuse climbed through the window of his mother’s apartment looking for her. What he found that day muddled the waters of the Small lake town and shocked its residents for months. His mother, Barbara Hulley, had been murdered. Robert Hootman, Syracuse,

for second, and $5 for third were awarded. Sara Robbins, professional artist and Warsaw High School art teacher, judged the two-day event. She made many comments during the final day “critique” such as “handled water color with great deal of ease,” “liked the bockground and her use of color,” and “gutsy with color” when describing the top entry of the shqw. First place entry in oil was Joyce McNabb, Winona Lake, who won a ribbon and cash award for her still life entitled “Mom's Violets.” Judge’s comments included were “very subtle,” “lots of depth,” arid “nice use of colFirst place winner in water col-

Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888)and THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907) WEDNESDAY, MAY 13,1987

talk about the crime and attempted to help officials solve it, through the calling in of leads and actual donating of cash for the Crime Stoppers Reward, which finally totaled $12,000. Additionally, in November of 1984, Kosciusko County and Syracuse Police authorities compared notes with police officials from Harlan, Ky. According to reports from that time, both law enforcement crews were trying to solve similar cases. It was found that both victims suffered the same type of wounds, were near the same age and lived alone. However, that was where the connection and the leads stopped at that time. Discrepancies Miner stated that approximately four months ago the department received information from the county probation department which led them back dncejgain to Hootman. Originally Hobtman had been questioned at the same time as other neighbors, though after several interviews, discrepancies were found in his story. Hootman was only 17 at the time of the murder, though Miner stated he will be charged in adult court for the incident. Arraignment in circuit court was held on Friday, at which-time charges were read to him. Trial information is unknown at this time.

confessed last week that he had killed her. Mrs. Hulley’s daughter Marjorie Shopoff said this week, “I have really mixed emotions about all this because it was such a senseless murder. But, I’m really glad they have someone in custody.” In an interview 20 months ago she said Syracuse could have a murderer walking the streets (Continued on page 2)

or was Jerry Dunbar, Rochester, for her entry “First Snow.” The veteran artist and former school art teacher drew many comments from the judge and public alike, such as “handled color extremely well” and “well handled competition.” Other winners included were: Adult Division Oil — Second place, Fred Clark, “Summer House;” third, Marilyn Kruger, Akron, “Ripening Berries; ” honorable mention, Jeff Klinefelter, Tippecanoe, “Thinking of Spring;” honorable mention, Beth Sweany, “Portrait of a Squirrel;” honorable mention, Beth Sweany, “Garden Beauty” Watercolor — Third, Denice HorneKaplen, “Mr. Fred’s Plumtree;” honorable mention, Denice HorneKaplen, “Naptime,

■' ■ -. . " . .......... <4 • ■ ~ ■■■moaaM -Xii C ■■ ' ■ ~ .' / JERRY CLAYBAUGH JEANNE GARDINER Third in a series — Jerry Claybaugh, Jeanne Gardiner are Syracuse mayoral candidates Eight candidates are vying io ueconie oyiacuav c, i.ioi. mayor, through monetary donations given by the public, in an effort to raise money for the town’s sesquicentennial celebration t , ’ The following is The Mail-Journal’s third installment of “Who’ll be mayor?” — giving the public a view of the candidates and hisor her background. 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. 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 donations can be made, for more information on the raceme may contact mayor committee chairmen Jim Evans, Augsburger’s Super Valu; or Bob Westfall, Northern Indiana Public Service Company, Syracuse Office. Jerry Claybaugh and Jeanne Gardiner are profiled below. Other candidates include: Loren Longenbaugh, Bud Smith, Jane Nearing, Ernie Rogers, Bob Troutman and Lil Cook. Longenbaugh and Smith have savings accounts set up at Lake City bank, where contributions can be made, while Troutman, Mrs. Nearing, and Mrs. Cook, have accounts at State Bank ■" of Syracuse and Mrs Gardiner, Claybaugh and Rogers have ac-counts-at First Federal. Jerry Claybaugh Jerry Claybaugh. r 3 box 610. Syracuse, hopes to raise money for the sesquicentennial celebration in his campaign for mayor. Claybaugh. who was born and raised in Syracuse, hopes to live in the community all his life. He was a member of the last class to graduate from Syracuse High School. Claybaugh is sponsored by Sea Nymph, Inc., Lakeland Standard. and Butler Signs. His wife, Belinda, is also helping in various ways to support his campaign. He is with the accounting department at Sea Nymph, Inc., where he has worked for nine years, and is a member of the St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. He is also a member of the Sons of The American Legion and Elks Lodge. His hobbies include golf, coins, landscaping, and antique cars. Claybaugh believes the good part of living in Syracuse is, it’s a nice small town with beautiful lakes, and a place where everyone is friendly. Jeanne Gardiner It would be an honor to “serve” as Mayor of Syracuse for Jeanne Gardiner, r 5 box 479 C, Syracuse, who has come to love and adopt Syracuse as her town. Mrs. Gardiner, sponsored by Augsburger’s Super Valu and The Papers Incorporated, has found Syracuse to be a place with friendly and helpful people. “The area offers beauty and yearround activities,” commented Mrs. Gardiner, who stated it is never dull in Syracuse. She is marketing manager at State Bank of Syracuse where she has produced award-winning advertising the past eight years. She is a member of the St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Enchanted Hills Theater Guild, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, Retail Merchants division of the chamber and Bank Marketing Association. Mrs. Gardiner is an ex-Army “brat” and loves scuba diving in the Caribbean. Her hobbies include tennis, gardening, coordinating and stimulating people into action. Mrs. Gardiner and her husband, Duane, are the parents of two sons, Mike Gardiner and Rennie Orr.

Beep For Service” Acrylics — First, Ed Roberts, “Canvas Backs;” honorable mention,- Ed Roberts, “Old Memories” Mixed media — First, Fred Clark, “Jackson County Barn;” second, Peggy Koehlinger, “Henry” Drawing — First, Laura Hill, > North Webster, “Quiet Cove: Bluewing;” second, Mike Yazel, Mentone, “Great Homed Owl;” third, Laura Hill, North Webster, “Down In The Woods” Photography — First, Judith M. Price, “Snowy Bleachers;” second, Judith M. Price, “Untitled Abstract;” honorable mention, Susan Butcher, “Maine Mountain” Sculpture — First, Mike Yazel, Mentone, “Carousel Horse;” second, David Taylor, “Black

Boat” • Student Division Scholarship awards — First, Rene Suzanne King, $100; second, Jessica Billey, SSO Painting — First, Jori DeYoung; second, Charla Thomas; honorable mention. Cord Julian; honorable mention, Gina Minear Drawing — First, Lisa Ebersole; second, Jori DeYoung; honorable mention, Greg Needier Photography — First, Jana Gill; second, J. B. Van Meter; honorable mention, Jana Gill Sculpture — First, Cord Julian; second, Lisa Ebersole Best of show — Lisa Ebersole, gift certificates from Ream Steckbeck Paint Co and Edwards Kimru Faint Co.

Milford's MAD — Making early plans for Memorial Day barbecue

(By CARLA GAFF Staff Writer A Memorial Day chicken barbecue will be sponsored once again this year by the Milford Area Development Council. They will start serving at 11 a.m. and serve until halves are sold out. \ “I won’t even mind if I don’t have 12-20 halves to put in my freezer this year,” commented treasurer of the group, Don Ar~~nold?T won’t care a bit.” The council is planning to purchase 900 halves this year, which is down approximately 200 from last vear. Thev plan to sit at least 200 persons inside me community building and sell the majority of the halves through carry outs. It was decided to charge $2.75 for carry outs and $3.75 for eating in. Those eating in will be served chicken, beans, applesauce, car-

Public meeting dates on Middle School — School board OKs Substance Abuse Outreach Program

ißy MARK WEINSTEIN Staff Writer A Substance Abuse Outreach Assistance program was presented to members of the Wawasee Board of School Trustees by Superintendent Dr. Roger Thornton during Tuesday’s school board meeting. The program is an effort by the school corporation to help students involved with drug problems. In other key issues at the meeting, Thornton set the public meeting dates for the middle school issue. The board also honored two retiring Wawasee High School teachers. “We have listened carefully to the Student Advisory Council, and now we want to hear what the public is thinking in concern with the middle school issue,” added Thornton. Milford will open the public meetings with a Monday, May 18, meeting. All three meetings will be held at 7 p.m. in the local schools.

Commencement Sunday Commencement exercises will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. in the physical education building at Wawasee High School. A total of 208 seniors will receive diplomas. A special graduation section is being published this week and features photos of the seniors.

BMM WINNER OF ‘BEST OF SHOW’ — Betty Deahl, Syracuse, ea the left, is shown with her “Best of Show” entry entitled “Still Life — Red Checked Cloth” which she entered in the 30th annual Lakeland Art Association's Spring Exhibit. On the right is Leona Smith, PR chairman for the art asaaeiatiea. Mrs. Deahl woa the S2OO Zimmer Memorial Award at the exhibit which was held recently at the •" Warsaw.

rots and celery, bread ana butter as well as orange drink or coffee. Phyllis Sorensen will be handling food preparation. Council President Donn Kesler stated, “We need help with serving.” Continuing Kesler stated/'lt was good last year and people seemed very satisfied,” He went on to explain that the reason for buying less halves this year, is due to the fact that 221 halves were left over last year. 'This is primarily because of the rainy weather and Sesquicentennial events taking place on the same day. However, the council did make $5lB last yepr on the barbecue. Additionally, the council discussed the possmie upcoming tail lesuvai. Kesler announced that in June he would be prepared to report on the committee that will be heading up the festival as well as what actions are being planned for the event.

Syracuse will follow two days later, Wednesday, May 20, while North Webster will conclude the sessions Thursday, May 21. Thornton suggested a final decision, as to the direction the school board will take, will be made in June or July. Substance Program Concerning the substance abuse program, after Thornton addressed the topic, school board members unanimously approved the program. No age limit was imposed on participants of the program, although the program is capable of working with students from grade 6 through 12. "The program comes to us because it is an issue that we need to deal with, just as our society needs’to deal with it,” insisted Thornton when presenting the plan to the board. “Whether the drug is alcohol, bocaine,

Open house Saturday for North Webster candidates

A “Meet the Sesquicentennial Mayoral Candidates Open House” will be conducted in the new Tippecanoe Township building, North Webster, on Saturday, May 16, from 2-5 p.m. The building is located two blocks west of the stoplight in North Webster at the corner of Washirigton and Morton Streets, across from the Mermaid Festival Grounds. The Tippecanoe Township Advisory Board and Township Trustee are hosting the event. The building was recently donated to the township by Heaters, Inc., after North

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NUMBER 13

Anyone interested in serving on the committee or giving in-put in the matter should contact Kesler at 658-4805. The treasurer’s report showed MAD having the following expenses: NIPSCO, $207.60; United Telephone, $35.74; custodial $130; supplies $4.19; and EMS insurance, $955. MAD member Carol Spicher announced, “We have a busy month for the building this month with graduation and anniversary rentals being high. ’ ’ A short discussion concerning up-keep of the building and sidewalk maintenance was also held ; during the meeting. Along with examining this year’s membership roil wuieu is now eemdividual members and 28 businesses. MAD will be meeting in June on Saturday the 13, but is not presently planning to meet in July or August.

marijuana, pills or a combination of the above, the loss in human potential and achievement coupled with the emotional pain experienced by both the abuser and his family are of enormous proportions.” The new program is broken down in three phases, education, substance abuse therapy, arid public service and work. The program is a nine week program (minimum) but could last up to 18 weeks. While receiving help, students will continue yieir studies — away from the school — in science, math, social studies, and English. This portion of the program is for a half-day. Wawasee Community School Corporation will pay for the halfday educational training for students involved in the program. (Continued on page 2)

Webster Products moved to its new facilities on Backwater Road, south of North Webster. Prior to housing North Webster Products, the building was the home of the Blue Bell Factory, a jeans manufacturer. Candidates for mayor have been invited as special guests for the event Proceeds from the mayoral race will be designated to various projects in the structure. Candidates and their sponsors are: Eddie Overmeyer, Lions Club; Don Martin, Kiwanis; Imogene Menzie, Chamber of Commerce; Bill Met- < Continued on page 2)