The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 44, Milford, Kosciusko County, 16 December 1987 — Page 1

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VOLUME 26

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NEW ENCHANTED HILLS PLAYHOUSE OWNERS - Ownership of Enchanted Hills Playhouse, Lake Wawasee, changed hands Saturday morning, Dec. 12. The transaction was between Robert and Jill Stover, Nappanee, and new owners Robert Decker, Elkhart; Christopher Helvey, Middlebury; and Michael Algate, Goshen. Shown as the keys are turned over to the new owners are Robert Stover, former owner; Decker, new general manager; Algate, production manager; and Helvey, business manager. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

New life for Enchanted Hills Playhouse with Dec. 12 sale

(By GLEN LONG Staff Writer Enchanted Hills Playhouse, a major Syracuse-Wawasee area cultural activity for over 20 years, received new life on Saturday, Dec. 12, as it was purchased by three Elkhart County partners; Bob Decker, Elkhart; Michael Algate, Goshen; and Christopher Helvey, Middlebury. The purchase closing on the playhouse property, located on the east side of Lake Wawasee, took place at 10 a.m. in Syracuse. The former owners, Robert and Jill Stover of Nappanee, had owned and operated the facility for nine years. During that time several changes had been made, including the incorporation of a Children’s Theater in 1980. Decker said that neither he nor his partners have run a theater before, but view their venture as an exciting challenge. “We feel the potential is excellent.” he said. “We expect to become a vital part of the summer stock theater in this area.” Algate, a graduate of American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, is active in Elkhart Civic Theater and will be production manager at the playhouse. Decker will be

John Replogle to head MAD

John Replogle, Milford, will head the Milford Area Development Council, Inc., in 1988. Donn Kesler, president, presented Replogle’s name along with names of other existing officers at Saturday morning’s meeting. Betty Hall will continue as secretary and Don Arnold agreed to continue as treasurer. Kesler agreed to serve as vice

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president to guide and answer questions Replogle may have. In other business, Arnold was given the approval for the annual fund drive in January. The

drive includes a REPLOGLE blanket mailing to all persons in the Milford area and businesses.

North Webster receives quote on new sewer line

(By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer A quote of $19,600 from Geyer Construction, Lakeville, was accepted by the North Webster Town Board last week. The quote was on a new sewer line from lift station 10 to the treatment plant. The Lakeville firm’s quote was one of three, ranging from $19,600 to $26,346.98. Work will begin immediately with completion expected in 30 days, pending weather.

general manager and Helvey the business manager. Decker said Enchanted Hills Playhouse will continue to provide quality productions. The plays will be similar to those performed in the past, mostly popular musicals and a few straight shows. The plays the new owners have tentatively planned for their first season will include “Sweet Charity,” “Butterflies Are Free,” “The Sunshine Boys,” “Company,” “The Fantastiks," and “A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To the Forum.” Vicki Stoll, president of Enchanted Hills Theater Guild, said guild members are obviously happy about the sale and looking forward to the 1988 production season with new excitement. She said the theater will certainly need continued community support by renewed attendance and also patron pledges, which have been solicited from area residents in recent weeks to help save the playhouse. “The playhouse is really a nice thing for the community to have,” stated Stoll. “A season had not even been planned for next year and we were in a last ditch effort to save the facility. It would have been a shame to let this valuable cultural resource disappear. Support pledges are coming in nicely, but more help is needed.”

He stated the drive normally br- « ings in over $1,200. 1 Approval was given to include I several questions with the mail- i ing. The questions will deal with 1 the Milford Recognition Night to t seek suggestions of an organiza- t tion to honor. Volunteers for the committee will also be sought. I Replogle, who also joined MAD t

Orchestra scholarships

Orchestra scholarships will be offered to qualified first-time students at Manchester College for the 1988-89 academic year. Interested persons must apply by April 1,1988. Robert Jones, assistant professor of music and director of the Manchester Symphony Orchestra, said the scholarship amounts range from SSOO-$ 1,000 and will be awarded primarily on

The original bid was for $19,985, with a $385 reduction in price if the work was done west of the access road. Harry Minnick, street commissioner and sewage department maintenance supervisor, stated the line will be placed on the north side of CR 650. He planned for work to start west of the access road. Minnick explained by laying the line on the north side, only two road cuts are required. Those driveways affected by cuts are gravel and will easily be replaced. Minnick commented he was not acquainted with the firm, however the town’s engineering firm, Philip

Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) and THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE JOURNAL (E5t.1907)

as a representative of the Milford Kiwanis Club, offered to contact Nelson’s Golden Gio for the annual Memorial Day Chicken Barbecue. Kesler stated this is the one project each year undertaken by MAD. The next meeting of MAD will be Saturday, Jan. 9, at 9 a.m., on the Milfqrd Community Building.

the basis of performance ability and academic record which qualifies the student for admission to the college. The Scholarships are provided by the Manchester Symphony Society, the Honeywell Foundation and the North Manchester Community Foundation. For further information and for application forms, contact Jones at P. O. Box 42, Manchester College, North Manchester.

Schnelker, Fort Wayne, is familiar with its work. ? Other bids came from Haskins, Inc., Plymouth, $23,400, and Ora Simmons Excavating, Columbia City, $26,346.96. A problem with parking on East Washington Street was again a topic of discussion at the meeting. The matter has been addressed by the board numerous times throughout the past years. Steve Ward, owner of a business in that area, stated there is a problem with old and wrecked vehicles being placed in one hour parking spaces for weeks. He asked for assistance in seeing the

WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 16,1987

Plus 5 100 fine and court cost —

Ray Frost given two-year term in Superior Court for assisting a criminal

A two-year-prison term in the Indiana Department of Correction plus a SIOO fine and court cost were given to Ray B. Frost during sentencing on Thursday, Dec. 10, in Kosciusko County Superior Court. Ten months ago, on March 10, Ray B. Frost was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail on a class D felony, assisting a criminal charge — he was tried and found guilty of the offense on October

Add man to Milford Utilities Department

| By MARK HUFFMAN Staff Writer The addition of William Hyden as a full-time member of the Milford Utilities Department was formally approved, as the town board acted on a recommendation by Superintendent Dallas Winchester at its monthly meeting Monday night, Dec. 14. Board president Jean Treesh was unable to attend the final regular meeting, with Charles Bird and Dennis Wuthrich acting in her stead. Hyden, who has worked in a full-time capacity since the fall, was deemed a “good worker” by Winchester, who suggested that the board hire him at the agreed rate of $6 per hour. Hyden will be eligible for two increases after consecutive 60 day periods. Winchester also received a rate increase of $1,750 per year after passing state certification in water chemical treatment and distribution. The board had agreed to the raise when it initially hired the Wabash native, contingent on the state certification, which he received four weeks ago. In other business, Winchester noted that the street department would initiate a call-in schedule for salt and sand dispersal. One of the three department employees will be on-call throughout 24-hour periods in the event of a snow emergency. The superintendent also asked the board to investigate a measure to alleviate a problem with mud being dragged onto streets from vehicles parked in tree lawns. The board allows town residents to park in the town-owned lawns (located between the sidewalks and streets), and, according to Winchester, much of the property is becoming soft — with mud hampering the street sweeper’s effectiveness. The board tabled an idea that would require gravel to be placed on the lawns. Police Report In another department report, Police Deputy Aaron Rovenstine, who is filling in for injured Marshal David Hobbs, noted that he would be unable to use a week’s vacation he had accumulated in 1987 due to a heavy workload. The board agreed to pass a resolution to the town’s ordinance, allowing Rovenstine to carry the week

vehicles were properly ticketed. Myron Clark, board president, stated the police department has been instructed to enforce the one hour parking limit when they have time to enforce it. “We don’t have a meter maid,” commented Clark, who noted he didn’t intend to employ one Jerry Craig, acting town marshal, asked if the parking spaces could be marked clearer on the pavement. Currently it is unclear if a vehicle is parked in a No Parking Zone, or if there are two or three extra parking spots. He noted there are two different markings on the street.

26. The six-person jury deliberated approximately two hours before bringing back the charge which could have gotten Frost a prison term of up to four years. Frost, 43, is a Syracuse resident. He was arrested after, officers received information that he was harboring a 14-year-old Syracuse boy who was wanted by the department. Sheriff Ron Robinson said at the time of the arrest that the

over to 1988. It was also decided that funds would be transferred within the department to support the payroll for two part-time officers for the remainder of 1987. The department fielded 169 complaints between November 6 and December 6, with 11 traffic accidents investigated and 26 traffic arrests made. Five misdemeanor arrests were also made, while the department logged 3,283 miles at a cost of $252.40 for gasoline and oil. Incidents of gasoline siphoning >om various vehicles parked at The Papers Incorporated office during the day also have been reported, with Rovenstine urging others to look out for suspicious persons in the area. In other business, the board renewed its Emergency Medical Service and Fire Protection agreements with the respective departments. The fire department agreement calls for a $10,254 stipend from the town, paid in three installments. Jim Amsden, who was named the new fire chief at the department’s last elections, forwarded the agreement to the board. Max Duncan, former fire chief, will now act as assistant fire chief with Denny Newcomer. Doug Ruch, treasurer, atyd Keith Hunsburger, secretary, retained their positions. / a The EMS gains $3,0Q0 per year from the town, which is used specifically for insurance and is paid in quarterly sums. The town also adopted a resolution to agree to the application of federally subsidized flood insurance, which lays in the hands of the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission — the agency responsible to help assist with coordination and implementation should the insurance be needed. Additionally, a new public service agreement with NIPSCO was signed, while Clerktreasurer Monica Bice announced that water bills were delayed this month but would be sent out with a December 31 due date instead of the usual mid-month deadline. Computer problems and late meter readings caused the delay. In a final matter, the board selected Paul Bolinger of Avilla from a list of nominees as Milford’s representative for the Advisory Committee of Governmental Inter-insurance Exchange. After signing the register of claims, a final 1987 meeting was set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28, in the town hall.

Ward remarked his concern was the need to keep people in North Webster to shop and the availability of customers to get to a business. A question of parking in front of Roy’s Shell was raised as a No Parking sign has been erected on a fence. Eve Payne, clerktreasurer, stated she would look at minutes from past meetings to find board action on that particular matter. Salary Ordinance Approved The ordinance fixing salaries and benefits of town officials and employees for 1988 was adopted by the board. The salaries are as

pursuit of Frost stemmed from, an on going investigation by the sheriff’s department. According to Robinson, the department had reports of runaway juveniles frequenting the Frost residence. It was noted that the department questioned Frost a number of times concerning tile whereabouts of the youth, though he denied any knowledge that the youth was staying at his home.

School trustees and officials —

Attempting to cover all bases for school board hearing

(By CARLA GAFF Staff Writer With less than 25 hours to go before the scheduled hearing in which allegations will be heard concerning Milford music teacher Donna Pollen, school trustees and officials are “attempting to cover all the bases.” At the time of this printing it was still undecided as to whether the 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, hearing will be a public hearing, private one, or a continuance granted. Arrangements are being made so that the hearing can officially go either private or public on Thursday. Syracuse man arrested for OWI A Syracuse man was taken to Kosciusko County Jail early this morning, Wednesday, after the semi he was driving ran into the Red-D-Mart building at the corner of SR 13 and Chicago St., in Syracuse at 12; 54 a. m. Robert W. Myers, 63, 419 E. Boston St., Syracuse, was charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. He was driving a 1979 International Transtar 11, owned by Allen and/or Delores Gerber, r 3 box 498, Syracuse. He pulled into the parking lot at Red-D-Mart where construction work has been going on. There was just enough room for a small vehicle to pass through but Myers attempted to drive the semi through any way. The stack of the semi struck the edge of the roof on the building, knocking down lights and tearing trim from the south and north side of the building. Special meeting in Tippy Twp. There will be a special Tippecanoe Township Trustee and Advisory Board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 22, at the North Webster Fire Station. An executive session will be held at 7 p.m. during which time personnel matters will be discussed. A regular board meeting with year-end business and personnel matters will follow the executive session.

follows: Town board president, S7OO per year; other two board members, $600; clerk-treasurer, $6,000; and town attorney, a minimum of $35 per hour for each hour of service. The town marshal, with Indiana State Police Academy training, will receive $19,602 per year ; and a town marshal, with no Indiana State Police Academy training, $17,885. Deputy Marshal, with academy training and more than one year service to town, will receive $16,470; deputy marshal, with academy training (Continued on page 2)

k However, after a search warrant was acquired, an inspection of the home led to the hiding place of the youth. The youth was wanted in connection with the February breakin of a Syracuse home, and Frost was notified by the department of the matter. Frost reportedly asked the youth if he was involved in the Syracuse matter and believed the

“We have been notified that the teacher’s council has changed, she will not be represented by Indiana State Teachers Association Director Jim Claxton, but will receive assistance from Columbia City Attorney John Bloom. As a result of the change we wish to provide either setting for the hearing that the council would request,” explained Wawasee Community School Superintendent Roger Thornton. Continuing, he stated, “Notification is being made so that a private or a public hearing may be held, which should also remove any reasons for a delay if the teacher or her council decides they wish to go private. ” Bloom was not available for comment, although Claxton assured the two will be working in a joint effort continuing in the same manner as was originally started. “I am still involved,” commented Claxton, “and certainly if they (Pollens) choose to have additional assistance they obviously may do so. At this point we are considering a continuance but the hearing will still be a public one.” Pollen has been on paid suspension from her position as Milford music teacher since September 10, due to allegations that she had

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DRIVER SLIGHTLY INJURED - Keith Hickman, N, Marte, received abrasions and contusions when this IMIAMC he was driving was struck broadside by a 1977 blaser driven by Nicholas Snsaraba, 27, r 9, Warsaw. Hickman, who was cited for disregarding a stop treated and released at Kosciusko Community Hospital. Susaraba refused medical treatment, although he also received contetee and abrasions. The collision occurred at 3:21 p.m, on Dec. • as Hickman was traveling west on CR teN and Susaraba was driving south on Old State Road 15 three miles south of Milford. Damage was estimated at $2,000 for each vehicle. (Photoby Glen Long)

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boy when he told him “no.” Frost contended that since the youth denied having anything to do with the burglary it was not necessary for him to discuss it with the investigating officer. The 14-year-old youth was arrested at that time for the breakin of the Rick D. Griffin home. The burglary occurred on February 25 and two shotguns and a handgun were stolen.

sexual relations with a former student. During a media conference last week the press was told by Indiana State Teachers Association representative, Jim Claxton, that allegedly the involvement was to have taken place with Kevin Harney in Pollen's home. It was noted that the incidents were to have started when Harney was 13 years old and continued over a seven-year period. He was a neighbor, a student, and a frequent passenger to and from school in the Pollen vehicle. The issue surfaced after Pollen reported the younger brother of the accuser for driving his automobile through the Milford Elementary School parking lot in a dangerous manner. However, the entire matter was not revealed until a week and a half ago. The school corporation has not made a public statement about the suspension. Additionally, Thornton noted, he has not made a recommendation concerning the teacher to the board of trustees, though one will be made after the hearing. Persons interested in attending the hearing are advised to contact school administration the day of the hearing to clarify as to whether the session will be taking place as scheduled.