The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 22, Milford, Kosciusko County, 15 July 1987 — Page 1

North sesquicentennial 1837-1987

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Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 26

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SYRACUSE SESQUICENTENNIAL PARADE WINNERS — The winners of the Syracuse Sesquicentennial Parade gathered for a few ‘minutes in front of the Wawasee High School for a picture Saturday. However, the heat smothered the very idea of gathering additional information from the happy, but weary winners. Three trophies were given in nine different categories, with two overall trophy winners. Entries were categorized in one of the following: neighborhoods, civic groups.

Heat wave doesn't deter spectators as —

Thousands witness Sesquicentennial

IBy CARLA GAFF Staff Writer

The streets of Syracuse were congested Saturday morning as thousands of bystanders and participants flooded the area for the Sesquicentennial parade which served as a culmination of the week-long celebration. The parade had 154 entries with floats, horse riders, antique autos, walkers, bands .and cyclists. A representative from each entry that did not win a trophy was given a small plaque. First, second and third place trophies were given in nine different categories. Additionally, Smoker-Craft of New Paris was chosen as the overall parade winner and received a large trophy in honor of Ken Harkless. Also, a special trophy was given to Company “B” 6th Engineer Support Battalion Marine Corps from South Bend as the overall color guard winner in memory of Col. Joseph Gray, USMC retired. Category winners were as follows: • Neighborhoods: first place, Syracuse Yellow Jackets; second place. We Are The Future; third place. Picnic Days. Civic groups: first place, American Legion Post 210; second place, Working PAWS; third place, Syracuse-Turkey Creek Friends of the Library Youth groups: first place, Lakeland Day Care; second place, Chalet Realty T-ball team;

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SMOKER-CRAFT FLOAT WINS OVERALL — The Smoker-Craft float from New Paris won the best overall entry trophy during Saturday's Sesquicentennial Parade. The float was decked In red, white and blue and portrayed the many changes that have been made in the United States during the last 150 years. \ Smoker-Craft Inc. Is a boat manufacturer on Clunette Street in New Paris. (Photo by Carla (j)aff)

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and third place, Elkhart County 4-H drill team. Fraternal groups: first place, Market Place A.D.; second place, Vietnam Vets; third place, Syracuse Church of God Antique vehicle winners were: first place, John Sudlow with a 1937 Cord; second place, Wayne Sholtey on a 1935 John Deere tractor; and third place, Sheets Brothers with a 1940 30-50 Huber Roto Rack Thresher.

Thanks for the memories —

Sesquicentennial memorable chapter in history of the town of Syracuse

(By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer

The decorations are gone. The vendors have left. The museum is closed. No signs are left that a few days ago, a celebration was taking place in Syracuse. Only pictures and memories remain of the once-in-a-lifetime event. The community of Syracuse seemed to have enjoyed the sesquicentennial cejebration. A number of residents have been heard to say it was “a real nice week,” “we really enjoyed it,” and that they would like to see some of the activities continue on a yearly basis, especially the “Music in the Park.”* Approximately 2>/ 2 years of

Consolidation o/THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) and THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907) WEDNESDAY, JULY 15,1987

youth, fraternal, antiques, marching bands, commercial, color guards, or others. There were 154 parade entries and the event was announced by Dan Hart of WBTU. Kendallville-Fort Wayne and Dan Caskey from WKAM-WZOW. Goshen. The nearly two-hour event, culminated the week long celebration and enticed thousands of people to the Syracuse area. (Photo by Carla Gaff)

Marching band winners: first place, Warsaw Tigers; second place went to Fairfield High School. The Wawasee High Schoo) Marching Band decided not to compete as members felt they should act as the host band. All bands were given a monetary gift of appreciation. Commercial winners were: first place. Golden Razor; second place, Next To New Shoppe: and third place winner, Sudlow's Pier

planning by nine people, one of whom was unable to see it through, came to reality at the opening ceremonies on Friday, July 3. The week quickly came to an end with the historical house tour on Sunday, July 11. Weather threatened to put a damper on several of the events, but failed. Throughout the 10-day celebration the participation was great. As several executive committee members stated, “It far surpassed what we expected." The biggest event, as far as attendance and participation was the Sesquicentennial Parade on Saturday, July 11. Parade watchers lined the parade route to view what could be labeled the largest parade in Syracuse's history. Entries by 9 a m. Saturday morning totaled 136, with 18 more

Shop. Color guard winners: first place. Warsaw American Legion Post 49, second place, Garrett American Legion; and’ ttffiftl place, Lakeside Eagle Auxiliary 3760. Others: first place. Claypool Fire Department; second place. Heart of the Lakes; third place. Lowell Anglin with ponies and stage coach. Parade emcee's Dan Hart of

coming in that morning. The 154-unit parade lasted approximately one hour and 45 minutes, without much interruption by two CSX (formerly B & O) trains. Highlights The Syracuse Lions Club couldn’t help but be pleased with the turn out at the fish fry on the opening night. The fryers of the fish found it hard to keep ahead of the demand. The demonstration provided by the Syracuse Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service, along with the tour of the trucks, at the Liberty Lot on SR 13. was well received by the public. For those who toured the CSX Safety train throughout the celebration, valuable information was learned about crossing safety. For some this information made a lasting impression. This year’s Flotilla will not be one that’s soon forgotten. A large number of first-time entries and seasoned veterans participated. i The queen pageant proved to be successful, as planned, with a large contestant participation. Approximately 650 people were present to witness the coronation of Syracuse’s Sesquicentennial Queen Kathie Yoder. The Syracuse Civil Defense was surprised at the number of kids and parents who gathered there to hear the awards from the Kiddie Parade earlier. Punch was quickly exhausted, thanks to the hot weather. While the family contests didn’t draw as many people as hoped, the 26 families who did par ticipate, will not forget their ex periences. The Sesquicentennial Ball drew approximately 170 people, a large number appearing dressed from days gone by. All had fun dancing to the music of “The Mock Twins Band.” High temperatures may have kept a number of people away from the Historical House Tour, yet those who did take the tour

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WBTU and Dan Caskey of WKAM-WZOW kept the parade moving and the crowd laughing even though the temperature was above 90 degrees. Judges were Joan Gray. Sharron Lantz. Fredetta Money. Jim Caskey and Ralph Thornburg It was noted by the Sesquicentennial Committee that the judges wrestled with their final decisions because of the many fine entries.

were welcomed to a total of 12 homes and churches, ail with historical value to the communi tv. Still to come and in the plan ning stages is the Samuel Crosson dedication on Sunday. Aug. 9. at 2 p.m.. at Syracuse Cemetery The burial of the time capsule is also slated on this day and names are still being collected along with any messages wanting to be placed in the capsule. More information on this will be made available. Financial End A budget of $30,000 was proposed in February 1986 and letters were mailed to businesses, clubs and organizations seeking funds to purchase souvenir items. The majority of the budget was anticipated being raised through the sale of souvenirs. A circus and chili supper were sponsored to help raise initial funds Until the nine-week mayor's race, which raised $41,252.84, money was watched closely, as funds were dwindling A treasurer’s report as of Tuesday, July 14, shows $80,766.50 has been received through donations, souvenirs, fund raisers, interest and other areas. The disbursements to date total $46,247.70 going mainly to souvenirs, advertising, and trophies. A balance of $34,518.80 is left with very little, dollar wise, outstanding in bills. More money is expected as there are souvenirs still available at the souvenir stand and a number of places of business. Volunteers are being signed-up-to man the souvenir stand on weekends for several hours. The prices of the souvenirs have been marked down to less than halfprice. The executive committee is hoping to give the Syracuse Public Library approximately $35,000 towards the permanent - museum. This money has been placed in a money fund.

Milford Town Board action —

To prepare ordinance on burning of garbage

By MARK HUFFMAN Staff Writer

Town Attorney Bill Leemon agreed to compose a preliminary ordinance on the burning of garbage at a regular meeting of the Milford Town Board Monday night.

Instructed to have an ordinance prepared for review by the board's next meeting, Monday. Aug. 10. Leemon noted that the updating of additional town ordinances should also be ready for approval. The attorney was asked to devise the garbage ordinance after Paul Boyer, a resident of West Catherine Street, complained that he had asked for such an ordinance three years ago to no avail. "People are still burning rubber and other garbage throughout Milford,'' Boyer stated, noting that a foul stench results, while full barrels provide a "nest for rats." In other business, the board decided to place the 1984 Dodge Aries four-door automobile that was previously used by the police

School board focuses on special education needs

By MARK WEINSTEIN Staff Writer

For much of Tuesday’s Wawasee School Board meeting board members listened and discussed ways to improve its special education program. The board also exchanged ideas with visitors concerning its middle school concept. Don Pinnick and Debbie Weaver, involved with Wawasee’s co-op special education program, offered a new plan for the 1987-88 school year. No action was taken by the board at the meeting. . If approved, two new programs will begin this year. At Milford Junior High, a full-time program for mildly mentally handicapped children will/begin. Eleven students ajx'expected to participate irfthe program with one teacher and an aide serving their needs.

ONE-CAR ACCIDENT — Richard Koschnick. Syracuse, was injured early this morning (Wednesday) when the Datsun auto he was driving went off the side of the road hitting a NIPBCO pole. The accident occurred at around 12:13 a.m. on Beer Road, approximately one mile east of Milford. Damage o was listed at *2OO-9300 to the NIPSCO pole and 80-85 customers were without service for one hour and 42 minutes. —“ —— — ———— -—— . The Milford Fire Department was called when the car burst Jnto names and was totally destroyed. Max Duncan, fire chief, stated damage estimate is unknown. The department responded with nine men and four trucks. They were on the scene about an hour and IS minutes. The Milford EMS transported Koschnick to the Goshen Hospital where he Is listed In good condition this morning. Investigating officers are Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Officers Sam Whitaker and Steve Knispel and Milford Deputy Marshal Aaron Rovenstine. The accident remains under investigation. Shown in the photo are. left to right. Joe Gerencser. Jr., Milford EMS. Ken Sawyer, and Rovenstine. (Photoby Ron Baumgartner)

department up for bid at a special meeting Monday. Aug. 3, at 6:30 p m. However, the board reserves the right to reject any and all bids on the automobile, which currently has about 73,000 miles on the odometer. , Town Marshal Dave Hobbs gave a monthly department report, noting that the police department issued 17 junk car warnings from June 5 to July 10, with six having been moved within the 10-day limit, thus far Hobbs also warned town residents about vandals getting in unlocked automobiles and removing items in increasing numbers. Additionally, the department issued 33 warnings during the month, with many of those given to drivers who have disregarded stop signs. Four traffic accidents were investigated, with $3,500 in damages, while the department logged 3.278 miles at a cost of $232.25 (15.7 mpg). Reporting for the utilities and street departments, Superintendent Dallas Winchester II reminded residents that the water department would be .flushing hydrants next Wednesday, July 22, while an attempt

At the Syracuse School, an emotionally handicapped class for students from kindergarten eighth grade will begin. Only one teacher will work with the students. Prior to the new program, students in the proposed Syracuse program were bused to Warsaw’s Cardinal Center. “We really do not want to bus these students to Warsaw if we do not have to,” insisted Pinnick. “We are really excited about these programs.” In a related issue, Roger Kryder, business manager, was given permission by the board to attend Wednesday’s AAA auction in Fort Wayne. It is the board’s hope that Kryder will be able to purchase three mini-buses, all to be used to transport special education students. The buses have hydraulic lifts and the board feels they would be very valuable in transporting the students. Kryder was given a $15,000 cap on his buying. Also, school board president

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will be made to eradicate an iron problem in water lines by experimenting with looping dead end lines the first week of August. A sewage project neat parts of Elm, Section, and First Streets should also be completed within the next week. The street department, which is helping with the project, will resurface those respective sections of streets after the project is completed, according to Winchester. The cleaning and grading of alleys was completed during the latter part of June, while flooded catch basins will be cleaned next. The superintendent also noted that he had hired a laborer to work for six to eight weeks (at $4 per hour) to help with the added sewer project load. The board agreed to purchase four “Children Playing" signs to be placed on Smith and Williams Streets, while a stop sign will replace a yield sign on the east end of Williams Street (at the James Street intersection). Winchester concluded his report, noting that the department had been spraying for bugs about every two weeks, utilizing (Continued on page 2)

Bill Little accepted a *1,311.82 check from the Knights of Columbus for Wawasee’s special education program. Overflow Crowd An overflow group of visitors waited until the closing segments of the meeting before addressing the board about concerns with the corporation's middle school proposal. Several members of the Citizen’s for Quality Education group spoke. Among the items presented was the Area Plan Commission’s report on projected growth figures in the Wawasee community. Connie Smith, Milford, encouraged all board members to visit the Milford School before making their final decision. Smith felt that abandoning the five-year old school would not be cost effectiveness. Smith presented the board with a report showing the cost per student at all three junior high (Continued on page 2 >