The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 26, Milford, Kosciusko County, 12 August 1987 — Page 2

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., August 12,1987

SM/ff * b vW I ■» sv ••■■'■.. 9HDR» OHnWK.I.’. ■ • _r® ■* . . *" • * ’,**waar"uiM« * _»>.«•*. ■>, MONUMENT DEDICATED — The closing ceremonies Sunday, Aug. 9, of the Syracuse Sesquicentennial was in two parts, the burial of a time capsule and dedication of a monument to Samuel Crosson, co-founder of the town. A plaque was placed at the gravesite of Crosson stating important information on the town father, as well as Henry Ward, the other town founder, whose gravesite has not been located. This photo was taken during the dedication ceremonies at Crosson’s gravesite in the old part of Syracuse Cemetery. It shows a few of the people who attended the ceremonies. In the background of the photo are Charlie Harris, "Honorable” Ernie Rogers. Rev. Mike Johnson, Ted Rogers, Jack Elam, and members of the Syracuse Lions Club and Ladies of the Round Table. » ■ . . •., g? ■. " . ■ ; "

Time capsule buried, marker unveiled at Syracuse Sunday

(Continued from page 1). Having a dream of seeing a chance for wealth, Crosson, his wife, Nancy, and children, came to the newly formed Kosciusko County to build a new life. They settled in Turkey Creek Township which was wilderness the Indians had just been driven from. Crosson must have envisioned this wilderness to be a garden and had great hopes that it would bloom someday. Elam quoted Leonard Brown, an early historian for the town who knew Crosson personally, on the destruction of the grist mill. Elam also mentioned the mounting debts, laws its and judgments that crumbled the dream of the Crosson family. Crosson, Nancy and all their children except one and many .grandchildren are buried in the old section of Syracuse Cemetery which Crosson donated to the community before the platting of the town. With few descendants to care and preserve the

$46,000 damage"—

Three boats destroyed on Lake Wawasee

Syracuse Fire Department responded to three boat fires last week, all within a three day span. In all of the fires the boats were completely destroyed. No one was injured in any of the fires. The first boat fire occurred at approximately 11:50 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, in the marsh land near Macy’s Slip and Oakwood Park. Kosciusko County Police Det. Sgt. Tom Kitch reported Dave Brubaker, 2508 Darwood, New Haven, had taken his boat from its dock space at Main Channel Marina earlier that evening and went to the home of Jack Bums on the south side of Lake Wawasee. Following dinner that evening at the Burns residence, the Brubakers and Bums’ went out in a sail boat. Upon returning Brubaker found his 1986 19-foot Bayliner Caprice missing. The theft occurred between 9 and 11 p.m. Police were' notified of the missing boat at approximately the same time the Syracuse Fire Department was contacted about a boat fire. Coincidentally the missing boat and the burning boat were one in the same. The Wawasee Lake Patrol met the fire department at Oakwood Park where a portable pump was loaded into the sheriff’s patrol boat and used to extinguish the fire. Only access to the burning craft was by boat. It is believed the boat was accidentally driven into the marsh land and when it became stranded the operators fled on foot. A path was found in the marsh where someone had fled. Kitch stated the boat had an inboard/outboard motor which is water cooled and upon becoming stuck in the marsh, the propellers were out of the water. The engine continued to run and overheated. Residents nearby told officials they heard the engine running for approximately 10 minutes before the fire. The boat was burned to the waterline and damage has been estimated, by Kitch at $15,000 to the boat and SI,OOO to the contents. It’s believed by officials the theft of a boat belonging to Paul R. Ness, Huntington and a sum-

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gravesites the locations were nearly lost. Roscoe Howard and Dr. Jack Clark, Sr., were responsible for searching and finding these markers that had been covered by sod. They also reset the stones. Elam gave special thanks to Ronald Sharp, native Syracusian, author of a history of Syracuse, who for years kept the grave of Crosson marked with a temporary marker, giving a sketch of Crosson s life and his partner, Henry Ward. In closing Elam stated, “We have come to the time in our program for the unveiling of the plaque to honor our town founders. And, as we look around at our great community and if there is a chance that somewhere Samuel and Nancy can hear us, I would like to say — Mr. and Mrs. Crosson, your dream came true, the garden has surely bloomed. ” Elam introduced Donna Gosey, great-great-great-granddaughter of Crosson, who unveiled the memorial to her ancestor. In a

K w - X.... ONE OF THREE BOATS DESTROYED — Shown in the photo is the 19' 2 -foot 1985 Well Craft, owned by Jan VanGorder, Zionsville, that was destroyed by fire on Friday, Aug. 7. The fire occurred at 12:15 p.m., in the channel at Kale Island in front of the home of Max Boles, Noblesville and summer resident of Kale Island. Syracuse Fire Department responded to three boat fires between 11:50 p.m. Thursday evening and 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Damage was estimated at $15,000. The aluminum boat canopy was also damaged. (Photo by Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Det. Sgt. Tom Kich)

mer resident, may be related to the theft of the Brubaker boat. Nesses boat was found floating in the middle of the slip that evening and had been vandalized. The thief or thieves attempted to remove a stereo. Kitch stated Ness, who was not at his summer home at the time of the theft. He lives at the end of the point at Macy’s Slip. Both thefts are under investigation by the Wawasee Lake Patrol Officers. Other Fires A 19 Vi-foot 1985 Well Craft, owned by Jan VanGorder, Zionsville, was destroyed by fire on Friday, Aug. 7. The fire occurred in the channel at Kale Island in front of the home of Max Boles,

few brief words, Mrs. Gosey thanked the community for letting her be a part of the celebration and for all that was done in remembering her ancestor. Prior to the dedication of the plaque, those members who were present from the Ladies of the Round Table and Syracuse Lions Club were introduced. These two clubs provided one-half of the cost towards the plaque. The remainder was matched by sesquicentennial funds. Rev. Johnson, in closing, encouraged future Syracuse citizens to make Syracuse the best community in the county of Kosciusko and state of Indiana. Following the ceremony a number of the* guests gathered around the burial site of the time capsule to watch the historical event. A young girl was curiously watching as the capsule was sealed and lowered, stating she wants to remember where it is at. She plans to be there when it is opened in the year 2037.

Noblesville and summer resident of Kale Island. The fire occurred at 12:15 p.m. According to Kitch, Boles was burning brush along the channel, which he has done for years, and left the fire unattended for a short time. Upon checking on the fire he noticed VanGorder’s boat in flames. Boles believes a spark from the fire blew onto the canvas cover of the boat and started the fire. Damage was estimated at $15,000. The aluminum boat canopy was also damaged. The third boat fire occurred early Saturday morning, Aug. 8, at Harborside Condominiums, Pickwick Road. A 19-foot 1976 Century Arabian, owned by the John Kroh family, was completely destroyed. Another boat, docked nearby, was also damaged. According to a member of the Kroh family, Steve Kroh at whose

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Sesquicentennial final report (By CARLA GAFF Staff Writer j Final reports concerning the actual monies brought in during the sesquicentennial were discussed by the Syracuse Retail Merchants Division Friday morning. Also discussed were upcoming events, including the Sidewalk Days to be held this weekend. The board reported that approximately S4OO was brought in during the sesquicentennial and that the entirety of it is targeted for Sidewalk Days. Syracuse Sidewalk days will be in conjunction with North Webster and will be held on August 13,14, and 15. “People worked together beautifully during the sesquicentennial and that’s what we’re looking for again,’’ reported Jeanne Gardiner, as she explained Hoosier Celebration TBB. The state wide celebration is one in which persons are invited “to come on home, and visit the town of their own roots.” Each town or city throughout the state will be invited to participate by having a celebration, with each area having a different date. Syracuse will be having a type of small sesquicentennial, commented Gardiner, and will be keeping certain events that worked well this summer. Such events as the ice cream social, and music in the park will be repeated and “we’re open for additional ideas,” Gardiner said New Business The board discussed upcoming meeting places as it will no longer be able to meet in the town hall due to the fact that the high school will be using the facility for special sessions. “My personal feeling is that it should be at a different place each time,” commented Conder. “I think it would be nice to spread it around and go from one place to the next.” The Sept. 4 meeting is presently scheduled for 8 a m. at Aunt Verna’s in Syracuse. Those wishing to have breakfast should arrive a few minutes earlier.

home the boat was docked, heard an explosion at approximately 5:15 a.m. and saw the boat on fire. Damage to the boat is believed to be approximately $15,000 No other information on the fire is available from fire officials. MAD to underwrite EMS training The Milford Area Development committee voted Saturday, Aug. 8, to underwrite anyone interested in taking EMT classes at Goshen General Hospital. No other business was acted upon at the meeting. The group’s next meeting will be Saturday, Sept. 12, at Milford’s Community Building. Use socks in ring of collar To prevent crushed collars on shirts when packing for vacation, place socks in the ring of the collar. Incomes Increases After-tax incomes shot up a record 3.4 percent in May as Americans recovered from a huge tax bite in April, the government reported.

On SR 13 near North Webster -

APC approves 26.43 acres be rezoned for commercial use

By GLEN LONG I ' Staff Writer The Kosciusko County Area Plan' Commission, at its meeting in the Justice building on Aug. 5, voted to recommend that the county commissioners approve the rezoning of 26.43 acres of land along SR 13, south of North Webster. The petition of Gail Conkling and BSC Associates was to rezone the tract from agricultural to. commercial district. Steve Snyder, Syracuse attorney, presented the petition and stated the plan is to develop a strip shopping center with three accesses from SR 13 in the one half mile stretch on the east side the state highway. Attorney Rich Helm represented Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gilson, whose restaurant, P J’s Too, is on the next property to the north, and said his clients were only wanting to express their concerns about traffic problems if many accesses are allowed off SR 13 and possible increased surface water drainage.

Busy town board meeting at Milford

(Continued from page 1) Monday states: It will be unlawful to burn any garbage, refuse or natural debris in the town except in an incinerator; provided, however, during the months of April, October and November leaves may be burned in town so long as no fire hazard is created and leaves are not burned on paved sidewalks or streets. Violators will oe fined not more than SIOO for each offense through the court system. Separate offenses shall be deemed committed on each day a violation occurs or continues. Sewer Ordinance An interpretation of the town’s sewer ordinance may be called for concerning wording in the ordinance which states a resident Syracuse involved in wastewater suit (By GLEN LONG Staff Writer The judicial order between the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the Town of Syracuse has progressed to a lawsuit being filed on Aug. 10 in Marion Circuit Court. Syracuse officials were aware of a sewage handling problem as Joe Dock, utilities superintendent, stated at the July 21 town board meeting. “The overloading of the treatment plant was the original reason for the planned expansion,” he said. “However, after we received our new permit we found that ammonia-nitrogen and phosphorous would need to be dealt with.” He added that two of the steps required to settle the problem and receive the town’s EPA grant for facilities expansion had already been taken. Jim Hughes said in a telephone interview this morning, Aug. 12, that he and Dock had gone to Indianapolis on August 5 to meet with the town’s attorney. Hughes signed an agreement concerning the sewage treatment concerns and discharge of ammonianitrogen and phosphorous from the treatment plant which he said answered the lawsuit before it was filed. The agreement stated that the Town of Syracuse will diligently work toward meeting all steps required to satisfy the state’s concerns so the EPA grant can be received and sewage plant upgrading begun. Grissom open house Grissom Air Force Base will have its annual open house on Sunday, Sept. 20. Many different types of aircraft will be on display, ranging from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the giant C-5 Galaxy. Military working dog demonstrations, aircraft flyovers, historical displays, and many other activities are planned for the day. For more information, contact the Grissom Public Affairs office at 317-689-2104 or 689-2105. Canada Re-arms Canada's Conservative government unveiled a new defense policy calling for the nation’s first nuclear-powered submarines and a three-ocean navy.

. Snyder said a 150-foot wide ■ strip just south of the restaurant was excluded in,the petition by a surveying error and will need to be petitioned for rezoning in September. Helm said his < ents concur that this error should be corrected. After discussion on the use of a retention basin to handle surface water, the board voted unanimously to recommend approval by the board of commissioners at its September 1 meeting with the stipulation of a maximum of three access cuts from SR 13. The petition of James and Elva Hershberger to rezone 1.129 acres from agricultural to residential district was approyed. Their property is located on the south side of Riel Road, 650 feet southwest of CR 400E in Van Buren Township. Snyder represented the petitioners and pointed out that this parcel had been left incompatible when the surrounding area was zoned residential. The petition of Verna Weaver, owner of Aunt Verna's Restaurant in Syracuse, was tabled for one month to allow time for her to certify receipt of notices to adjacent property owners. The petition is to rezone

must tap onto the town’s sewer line if the property is 150 feet from the line. The problem in interpretation stems from a situation at Newcomer’s Mobile Home Court, Charles Bird Lane, at the south edge of town. Newcomer’s property is within 150 feet of the sewer line that runs to Barth, Inc. However it is not sure if it is all one lot or individual lots owned by him. It is known there is one lot, in the middle of the court, that is not owned by Newcomer. Dallas Winchester, utility superintendent, stated the town needs to figure out what to do with Newcomer’s Mobile Home Court, as he probably will not be running sewer lines through the court. By law he should be on the town’s sewer. Board members asked if the mobile home court was all one unit, in which Winchester stated approval has not been received for a 28-unit park. Winchester also commented the town could not regain its money if it runs the sewer lines for Newcomer. It was also noted the state is investigating the septic system in the mobile home court which is in violation of state codes. Leemon stated the town’s ordinance is not clear in the area of property being 150 feet from the line, and depends on which way it is interpreted. (In Newcomer’s case, it could be interpreted all property owned by him, just his home, or the west half of the mobile home court). He stated it would call for a court to interpret the ordinance and it could be clarified in the codification of all ordinances. Winchester also noted two lots in the Ulrich Subdivision were within the 150 feet stipulation and should be sent a letter also. Mrs. Bice noted the septic system at Ulrich’s may be within the fiveyear limitations allowed, and proof would need to be shown. The attorney suggested the board figure out what properties are affected and go from there before letters are sent. In other sewer line matters, Winchester stated the project on Elm Street is near completion. Repaving, including widening the street and yard work will be done during the first or second week in September. He informed Mrs. Bice it was time to get the certified letters to those residents along Elm Street stating they have 90 days to show proof of their septic work, in accordance with the town’s sewer ordinance. Cosmetic Or Security? A request for a fence and gate in front of the street department property was determined to be for cosmetic reasons by the town board, as only one side could be fenced in. The request was tabled until one of the budget hearings at the end of the month when ideas, costs and measurements could be obtained. In his appeal, Winchester stated the town well, sewer pond and town hall have all been improved. “I think it’s our turn.” He also wanted a nice looking fence for an open house he feels the town should have, allowing residents to see what the town has done and the equipment available. Wuthrich commented the board had talked about a fence several years ago but wanted more discussion as to an idea of what to erect. He did agree with Winchester a new fence should be put up. Currently there is a barbed wire strung in front of the proA plastic fence was recommended by Winchester, indicating he would go the least expensive and best way. He sought a limitation on what could be

a lot from residential to commercial district. It is located on the west side of Fourth Street, south of Boston Street in Syracuse. .Preliminary plat approval was given Robert C. Leiter for a residential subdivision on a twoacre tract located on the north side of CR 300 N, one half mile east of SR 15 in Plain Township. Rich Helm spoke for Leiter and agreed with the City of Warsaw request that a statement of the proximity of.the Warsaw airport and that possible noise, vibration, dust or particles could be present in the future be included on deeds sold in the tract. The state has stated that no wells can be drilled within 600 feet of the old Warsaw landfill location in the area. Helm asked for preliminary plat approval with these two stipulations included. No remonstrators were present as William Bibler’s final plat east of Warsaw, north of US 30, was approved with one abstention. Bibler stated that all stipulations are being met, including ditch routing, proposed traffic turnaround, drainage improvements and road improvements. He said he hopes hookup to city sewage lines can be done in the near future.

spent to let him go the best way possible and have the street department employees install the fence. ~ < “We might be able to do something cheap with the right materials,” commented Byrd. It was noted chain link fence could cost $1,406. Winchester commented he wanted something out there letting people know they are not to be there. “I’m sick of the hassles,” he stated, noting he has been called everything but a white man if he locks the gate on weekends. “I get 50 calls on a weekend from people who said they have dumped there for years and will continue. ” Other Business A bid of $2,200 from Ann Harris, Syracuse, was accepted on the old police car. A total of three bids were received the second time around in the amounts of $2,100, $2,001, and $2,200. Despite the advertisement on the bids stating cash on the night of the bid letting, Mrs. Harris was given until 5 p.m. Tuesday to pay for the car before the next highest bidder, Pat Speicher, would be contacted. Only one of the bidders was present at the meeting and Mrs. Harris was represented by proxy. Leemon announced the codification of town ordinances is near completion with only an index and reference notes still to be done. He noted a couple, of ordinances noted changes but the changes were not found. There are also several ordinances missing. The project should be completed by the September meeting. He explained the ordinances will be set up similar to that of the Indiana Codes with titles, subheads and so on. The seven titles, making additions easy, will be: governmental structure and new structures; zoning, planning and development; public health and safety; motor vehicles; licenses; public works and facilities; and parks and recreation. A public hearing was set for Monday, Aug. 31, at 6:30 p.m., on the consideration of establishing a Cumulative Capital Improvement fund. This fund would raise five cents per SIOO assessed valuation the first year, 10 cents the second and 15 cents the third and each consecutive year. Mrs. Bice stated these funds can then be used for a new fire truck or police car. If the CCI fund is established the town would raise approximately $4,100 the first year. Department Reports Milford Marshal David Hobbs reported he is still working on those residents with junk cars, with the next step, for those disregarding the ordinance, being taken to court. It was announced four applications have been received for reserve officers in the town after one reserve officer was hired by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and the other is on medical leave. Hobbs stated a county reserve officer has been filling in the blank spots. Board members asked if one or two reserve officers would need to be hired, with Hobbs responding two would be best and for them to have flexible hours. Hobbs explained how the squad car interior was recently damaged by a prisoner. He will be looking into putting in a plexiglass shield which was used in one of the older squad cars. It was also noted he will get with school officials concerning setting the timers on the school crossing lights. Winchester stated he will be working on a map locating all dead end water lines on the east

The petition of Coy Gregory for a preliminary plat for a residential subdivision on a 5.45 acre tract of ground was approved. The property is located on the south side of CR 450 N, 300 feet east of Third Place (Road) in Tippecanoe Township. Howard Woodward was given approval for a preliminary plat for an industrial development. The approval was with the stipulation that a drainage easement to an existing ditch be intact. The property is on the west side of CR 100E, north of CR 200N, in Plain Township. Approval was also given to J.E. Noel (Wilma Noel) for a preliminary plat approval for a residential subdivision on a 11.40 acre tract of ground. The property is located on the north and south sides of CR 300 S, 1500 feet west of SR 15 in Wayne Township. The Area Plan Commission voted to recommend to the county commissioners that the county begin charging a nominal fee for improvement location permits. A report from the APC staff stated that an estimated $33,230 would have gone to the county general fund in 1986 if fees had been collected.

side of town, if the work on the dead end water line on Section Street, between Henry and West Street, works. This plan will include tying in all dead end lines and possibly increasing the line size. Fire hydrants will be flushed for the seventh time on August 13. He noted he hasn’t received near the complaints of rusty water since the hydrants have been flushed more frequently in the past six months. Residents will have their meters manually read by members of the water and sewage department on August 17 during the day or in the evening the following day. Winchester stated no call-in readings will be accepted. The department will work various hours to read the meters when residents are home. A quote from Phend and Brown, Inc., on repaving Main Street, across from the doctor’s office, First Street between Henry Street and SR 15, and Elm Street was received. Winchester stated he can save the town $5,000 if the street department does the work itself and another street could be paved in town. A roller has been borrowed from Wabash. Concerning the Syracuse Street Project, Winchester announced the bids will be rebid next month as a line on the form was not filled out properly. The board will meet on August 24 and August 31 at 6:30 p.m. for public hearings concerning the budget.

New M-J Subscribers Steve/Kris Landry 257 N. Nappanee St. Nappanee, Ind. 46550 Carl Shearer 740 W. Wickersham Webb City, Mo. 64870 Art Troyer 3012 W. Wilson Chicago, 111. 60625 Stephen O. Arnold R 3 Box 213 Syracuse, Ind. 46567 Sandy Angel W-8115 Canterbury Ln. #2 Lake Mills, Wis. 53551 Kelly McQuillian 5022 N. 34th St. Apt. 4 Phoenix, Ariz. 85018 Mrs. Irene Newman 3048 N. Spaulding Ave. Chicago, 111. 60618 Steve Prange 5364 Clarendon Rd. Indianapolis, Ind. 46208 Rick McGowtf R1 Box 177 Milford, Ind. 46542 John O. Branneman R 2 Box 398 Syracuse, Ind. 46567 Scott J. Hollett, Sr. R 2 Box 397-C Syracuse. 1nd.46567 Don Heppner R 2 Box 502 Syracuse, 1nd.46567 Jodi Scarbeary 1513 Brooks Dr. Apt. A-2 Nappanee, Ind. 46550 Bill Steffen 9502 Placid Park Dr. >lew Haven, Ind. 46774