The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 25, Milford, Kosciusko County, 5 August 1987 — Page 1

•esquicentennial 18371987

Milford 658-4111 & . , Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 26

At Syracuse Cemetery —

Sesquicentennial celebration conies to a close Sunday

Closing ceremonies for the Syracuse Sesquicentennial are slated for Sunday, Aug. 9, at 2 p.m., at the Syracuse Cemetery. The actual platting of the town was on August 11, 1837. The ceremony will include the dedication of a plaque at the gravesite of Samuel Crosson and burial of the time capsule. The plaque, purchased by the Ladies of the Round Table- the Syracuse Lions Club and the Sesquicentennial Committee, is to be a permanent marker at Crosson’s grave. This plaque will state, in part, when the town co-founder was born, died, and when he and

911 emergency number system —

High on chamber agenda

IBy DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer A lengthy agenda was discussed at the SyracuseWawasee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting this morning (Wednesday). Included were topics on the 911 emergency number, rural numbering and a storm warning system. Robert Hampton announced the Wawasee Property Owners Association is funding phase one of the three-phase outline to implement the 911 emergency number system in Syracuse and

S \ MftgaTHON/

fi jHk 4 will W BM --/W : Jr Jb -5 (J: ■RBBBBBr- Wb< i . B < RUNNING AND ENJOYING EVERY MINUTE OF IT — The torch run for the International Special Olympics on the Notre Dame campus at South Bend came through Milford late Saturday morning attracting many viewers. The run began at Soldier Field in Chicago on Thursday, came down US 30 to Warsaw, then north on Indiana Highway IS through Milford, Goshen, Osceola, Mishawaka and finally to its destination at the north edge of South Bend. Running through Milford, in the top photo is Albert W. Maxey, a lieutenant with the Lincoln, Neb., police force. He said as he passed through Milford, ‘T’ve never been treated better in my life.” Maxey was on the Crispus Attucks (Indianapolis) High School championship basketball team in 1956 and on the school’s runner-up team of 1957. He is also an Indiana High School Hall of Famer, and a graduate from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. In the bottom photo Maxey is passing the torch to Lodwyn Sutherland of Trinidad and Tabago, Just off the coast of Venezuela, South America, with timekeeper Greg Martin, on the right, clocking them. The exchange was at the north edge pf Milford.

f’fie

Henry Ward founded the Town of Syracuse. The plaque will be similar to historical markers seen around the county and is to be unveiled by Crosson’s great-great-great-granddaughter Donna Gosey, Goshen. A brief ceremony will be conducted with five individuals placing final items in the time capsule. This capsule will be opened in the year 2037 for the towfi’s bicentennial. To ensure the capsule’s location is not forgotten, it will be buried at the veteran’s memorial in the cemetery and recorded in the cemetery’s files and at the courthouse. There’s still time to include items in the time capsule. Any

Turkey Creek Township. This would have the emergency number feed into Syracuse instead of to Warsaw. Phase one of the program is a general survey ’of the current telephone system in the dispat- > chers’ office and police station in Syracuse for recommendations on modernization and consolidation as well as the cost. Work has already started on phase one. Hampton explained phase two is the implementation of phase one and phase three is the study or feasibility of other systems. Jeanne Gardiner, chamber president, presented a report for Larry Teghtmeyer, Kosciusko

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

one wishing to place a sealed envelope, no larger than nine inches by 14 inches and flat, may do so before noon Friday, Aug. 7. Items may be taken to any branch of the State Bank of Syracuse or to J.A. Business, Pickwick Place, Syracuse. Persons wishing to have their signature placed in the capsule may also do so, for sl, at the above mentioned locations. All donations collected from the envelopes and signatures will be added to the permanent museum fund. Additional events taking place during the closing ceremonies include the John McFarland Family singing the Syracuse Ses-

County Council member, on the rural numbering system. Teghtmeyer stated the numbering is stalled at the county commissioner level at the present time. He stated a decision is going to be made this year whether to go with or forego the project. The cost for this project is estimated at $250,000 with the county having $300,000 on hand, some of which can be directed towards the project. Teghtmeyer recommended the chamber and individuals send letters in support of the rural numbering to members of both the county council and Kosciusko County Commissioners. The War-

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5,1987

quicentennial Song “Syracuse” written by Naomi McFarland; remarks from Bill Beemer, sesquicentennial chairman,''-and Honorary Mayor Ernie Rogers; and a flag presentation to the Town of Syracuse by Karen McHugh, assistant to Northeast Regional Director from the office of Senator Dan Quayle. George Bushong, owner of Bushong’s Barber Shop, will be receiving the flag on the town’s behalf. Jack Elam will give a history of Crosson and introduce Mrs. Gosey. The Syracuse Cub Scouts will be participating in the event as will Rev. Mike Johnson from Syracuse Church of God and the Calvary United Methodist Church Choir.

saw Chamber of Commerce, United Telephone Company, Northern Indiana Public Service Company and other businesses will be meeting with the commissioners in August to discuss the situation in an attempt to sway commissioners towards approval. The county council would like to have the project implemented by the first of next year. He stated the timing would be good as Avis Gunter will be doing a reassessment for the county and additional temporary tax could be established, earmarked for rural numbering. Syracuse Police Chief Robert Ziller was present at the morning meeting to discuss the storm warning system for the town of Syracuse. He has contacted a company out of Chicago that carries a penetration siren. The cost of this siren is SIO,OOO. Ziller suggests two sirens should be purchased to ensure all people in Syracuse can be alerted. Ziller also presented a map which indicated where the sirens would be located to best serve the Town of Syracuse. It was noted the Syracuse Property Owners Association would assist in funding one of the sirens. Committee Reports In the last report by the Syracuse Sesquicentennial Committee, Bill Beemer, chairman, stated a wrap-up meeting was held Monday evening by the executive committee. The group was astounded by the receipts generated for the events, With one-half of the amount raised by the Mayor’s Race. Beemer announced since a large sum of money was received, a financial statement will be published in The Mail-Journal when funds are as close to the actual amount as possible to be turned over to the Syracuse Public Library for the permanent museum. It was noted there is still some money to be received with souvenirs still available. He noted a close out sale of remaining souvenirs will be held during Syracuse Sidewalk Sales, August 13, 14, 15, practically at cost. Concerning the Beautification Committee, Beemer reported he attended a Main Street Meeting in Huntington last month which gave assistance on grants and funding. Speakers will be sought to assist the committee and public on the various programs for money. The date of the next meeting will be announced at a later time. A list of chamber members and prospective members was distributed to the directors by Mrs. Gardiner who noted SI,BOO is still outstanding in dues from chamber members and an additional S7OO could be received if all the prospective members joined. Luncheon Today Hoosier Celebration *BB will be the topic of discussion at the bimonthly chamber luncheon at South Shore Golf Club. The executive director of Hoosier Celebration ’BB will be present to explain the celebration. Beemer (Continued on page 2)

' 7 fl 1 BO 1 A V U I fl fl B G F * B * -1 / 1987 KING AND QUEEN — Kosciusko County l-H Fair King and Queen for 1987 are Steve Lynch and Lisa Kaiser. The two were crowned during Monday evening's award ceremony at the Warsaw High School. 4»teve is a 1987 graduate of Tippecanoe Valley High School and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lynch of Claypool. Lisa is a senior at Bethany Christian High School and is the daugher of Mr. and Mrs. Kackard Kaiser of Milford. (Photo by Carla Gaff)

Lisa Kaiser, Steve Lynch to reign supreme at fair

By CARLA GAFF Staff Writer The Kosciusko County 4-H Fair will continue until Saturday, Aug. 8. Monday evening will be a night long remembered by many Kosciusko County 4-H members, but perhaps especially it will be remembered the longest by Lisa Kaiser and Steve Lynch, this year’s 4-H queen and king. The king and queen were crowned at the Warsaw High School during a 2' 2 -hour ceremony. Miss Kaiser is the 17-year-old daughter of Richard and Clara Kaiser of r 2 box 22, Milford. She is a member of the Successful 4-H'ers and the Milford Creative Co-eds. She was an achievement trip winner to Washington, D.C , and attended the 1986 State Junior Leader Conference and 1984 4-H round-up. Last year she was selected as Supreme Livestock Showman and was 1485 Kosciusko County Pork queen « Lisa will be a senior at Bethany Christian High School in the fall She plans to attend Purdue University, majoring in veterinary medicine or pharmacy. , Steve is 18 years old and the son of John and Betty Lynch of Claypool. He is a member of the Burket Country Neighbors and a recent graduate of Tippecanoe Valley High School. He was named a 1987 Star Counselor at 4-H camp. He plans to attend Manchester College studying to become a teacher and a coach. The king and queen were selected through a process of interviews as well as being judged on their 4-H achievement records; 4-H involvement; activities; poise; community, school and church involvement; general appearance; and their ability to answer on the spot questions. There were seven young men and nine young women vying for the title. The other 14 were: Duane Kline, Rodney Shepherd, Todd Roberts, Paul Berkey, Jim Kintzel, Mark Demske, Kim Demske, Jeryl Baker, Shirley Bolinger, Elizabeth Walters, Becca Vanschepen, Mary Beth Tusing, Penny Williamson and Katti Stroup. First runners-up were Todd

Roberts and Katti Stroup. Tenure Awards Also during the evening tenure awards were given to Shirley Bolinger, Tim Carpenter, Adam Craig, Mark Demske, May Dickerhoff, Alan Earl, Jeff Feldman, Dana Geer, Christine Herendeen. John King, Jim Kintzel,, Steve Lynch, Todd Nelson. Jerry Phillips, Shanna Randall, Todd Roberts, Tammy Rose. • Carl Rouch, Debra Schafer, Jack Sisk. Allan Waggoner and Elizabeth Walters, who had each completed 10 years in 4-H. Winners of this year's fashion review and construction winners were announced, plus project champions and state awards for a variety of other projects. Sei>en, eight and nine year 4-H members also received special recognition and either a 4-H key ring, mug or an engraved wall plaque. County fair auction is Friday A.M. The Kosciusko County 4-H Fair will continue until Saturday, Aug. 8. Tonight (Wednesday) there will be the winged sprint races; Thursday, a grandstand show; Friday, semi truck pull; and Saturday, auto racing, all featured in the grandstand. Also each evening will be various entertainment activities going on such as dances, musical groups, gospel quartet, a show featuring dancers from an area dance school, doggers, fiddlers contest, nail driving contest, crosscut saw contest, watermelon eating contest, and much more. Auction Friday A.M. On Friday morning, starting at 10 a.m., the 4-H club livestock auction will be held in the show area. The sale order will be beef, milk, poultry, swine, sheep, rabbits, and goats. Local auctioneers volunteer their time to the 4-H’ers to cry the sale. They are Larry Evans, Max Metzger, Dennis Polk, Everett Rookstool, and Eric Yoder. Each 4-H’er is assessed a fee for the animals he or she sells through the auction. This fund is used to finance the barbecue and pay buyers for loss or dead animals occurring after the sale. Last year’s auction grossed $128,366

Under $2,000 —

Milford Town Board rejects police car bid

One bid of less than $2,000 for a 1984 Dodge Aries fourdoor automobile being offered for sale by the Milford Police Department was rejected by the town board at a special meeting Monday, Aug. 3. Police Marshal David Hobbs was advised to contact other interested parties and report back to the board at its next regular meeting, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10. In other business, Hobbs reported the need for a part-time deputy. Interested applicants who are at least 21 years old, United States citizens, and are able to pass several physical and mental aptitude tests may contact Hobbs or the town board. The board also accepted a proposal to establish a cumulative sewer and water fund at the rate

Dr. Webster suit to be heard in Elkhart court

By DEB PATTERSON I Staff Writer The hearing date has been set on the motion for a summary judgement in the suit between Kenneth E. Webster and the Wawasee Community School Corporation, its board of trustees and the State of Indiana, Department of Education. Those involved will appear before Elkhart Circuit Court Judge Gene R. Duffin on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 1:30 p.m., in the Elkhart County Courthouse. The motion of a summary judgment asks the court to make a ruling on the legal questions in Dr. Webster’s suit. These questions concern the validity of his license: Was it valid from July 31 to his termination date of September 26; and whether or not the meeting notices were properly posted. v> The hearing comes exactly l(p months after Judge Duffin’s ruling on the first of many decisions on the law suit. That ruling denied Dr. Webster the right to return, on a temporary basis, as superintendent of the school corporation. Judge Duffin made his decision 10 days after the hearing on October 17,1986. Still to be heard is the main portion of the lawsuit, the question of damages for breach of contract, and will be based on the judge’s decision at the August 27 hearing. It’s in this portion Dr. Webster seeks the balance of his salary according to the contract signed by him on June 12,1986. The contract states Dr. Webster was hired beginning July 1, 1986, until June 30, 1987, as superintendent and paid $54,350.14 per year. It also states Dr. Webster’s salary would be reviewed annually and was the first of a three-year contract. Dr. Webster was paid approximately $14,005.62 between July 1, 1986, and September 26, 1986, leaving an unpaid balance, from the contract, of $40,344.52. Counter and Cross Claims The counterclaim and crossclaim, filed by the school corporation on November 21, 1986, will be heard in a separate hearing, yet to be set. The counterclaim seeks payment of $834.08 for long distance telephone calls made by Dr. Webster on the school telephones, not pertaining to school business. It also seeks damages, compensatory and punitive, arising from the acts of Dr. Webster, reasonable attorney’s fees and further relief. The crossclaim requests the court to enter a declaration that the acts of the State Board of Education, Division of Teacher Education and "Certification, in issuing a license purportedly retroactive to August 1 is contrary to the law, null and/or void, the license allegedly issued to

garonii. 10 7

35C

NUMBER 25

of 10 cents on SIOO assessed valuation. An agreement with Conrail was signed to provide fees for improvements on Syracuse Street The town is responsible for 10 percent of the $116,000 project cost, with reimbursement being given (with the exception of timber crossings). Project engineer Greg Smith, of Bonar & Associates, reminded the board that it was responsible for any construction signs needed for the Syracuse Street project. Smith also noted that the state would hold a pre-construction conference before the project is underway. Such meetings are usually held in Fort Wayne. The board will hold two special budget meetings, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, and Monday, Aug 31, for anyone opposed to the proposed 1988 budget of $325,046.00 (a net tax rate of $2.11).

plaintiff (Dr. Webster) retroactive to August 1 is null and/or void, judgment be entered in favor of the school corporation and for the corporation to recover their costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and further refief. The Beginning —ll Months Ago The suit between Dr. Webster and the School Corporation began 11 months ago, on September 18, when a special meeting of the school board was called to consider the credentials of Dr. Webster. The only item on the agenda at this meeting was the review of the superintendent’s contract status. Remarks from the school board’s legal counsel and Dr. Webster’s legal counsel, along with remarks from Dr. Webster and the public were heard. The matter was tabled. A public meeting was set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, to continue the contract review. It was during this meeting the school board voted to void Dr. Webster’s contract by a vote of 4-0. The reasoning for voiding the contract was his superintendent's license had expired on July 21, 1986, and he had acknowledged he presently did not have a valid superintendent’s license for the State of Indiana. Snyder had asked the board to hold off its decision at the September 18 meeting on the contract until the October 2 meeting of the state licensing board. At the October 2 state licensing board meeting, Dr, Webster’s license was extended, retroactive to August 1, 1986, and valid through June 31,1987. Following the license extension. Dr. Webster, through his attorney, Filed a suit to have his contract honored by the school board. The first hearing date was scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m., in Kosciusko Circuit Court. A motion for a change of venue by Robert Reed, school attorney, was granted and the hearing was moved to Elkhart Circuit Court, where it was beard on Friday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m. Original Complaint The suit filed by Dr. Webster is a “verified complaint for temporary restraining order, preliminary and permanent injunctions, declaratory judgments and damages.” It is a four-page complaint in which Dr. Webster demands judgment for: Restraining and enjoining defendants from terminating his contract of employment and ordering him reinstated to the position of superintendent and further ordering the defendants to make payments to him in accordance with the contract. Declaring bts license issued July 31, 1986, by the State of In* diana, Department of Education to be valid and to have been valid continuously since July 31, 1986, and to be valid through June 30, 1987. Declaring actions of the defen(Continued on pages) X