The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 45, Milford, Kosciusko County, 23 December 1987 — Page 13

Trustee, advisory board refuse to approve Webster's Fire Chief

(Continued from page 2) ficers, were present to encourage

may not be recessed and reconvened with the intent of circumventing the subsection. Reed commented if the board would not have given notice in the papers of an executive session at 7 p.m., they could not adjourn the regular session, but notice was given. “Consequently they can do that. If they wouldn’t have done that, I whole heartedly agree, but feel they have given proper notice and are entitled to do that at the moment.” The board met behind a closed door for approximately 20 minutes. Upon return, Mitchell commented the board had thoroughly discussed the problem and assumed the board was ready to act. Leßoy (“Buck”) Henwood, board member, made the motion that was later approved. The officers presented, including that of chief, were elected December 16, by members of the fire department. The department has a roster of 30 firemen. Officers approved by the township board were: Jack Rhodes, Jr., first assistant; Gary Hill, second assistant; Steve White, captain; Bruce Leslie, co-captain; Dave White, training officer; and Hill, Leslie and Dan Conkling, board of directors. Dennis Rex was elected chief by the department. However, he is not a state certified master fire fighter, holding a master rating in at least one of the various levels. This is a guideline set in the resolution, dated December 29, 1986, and adopted by the townshipboard. Wishes Os Department Firemen, most of the seven of-

CHRISTMAS HOURS ALL OFFICES Os STATE BANK OF SYRACUSE CHRISTMAS HOURS: OPEN: Thursday, December 24, 9 A.M.-3 P.M. CLOSED: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, December 25-27 NEW TEAR'S HOURS: OPEN: Thursday, December 31,9 A.M.-5 P.M. CLOSED: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, January 1-3, 1988 State Bank of Hi OVraCUSe H9-123E Center St •Warsaw IN 46580 J (219)267-2420 COLUMBIA CITY BRANCH Syracuse Warsaw Columbia City Columbia Square Shopping Center 100E Mair St.. Syracuse IM 46567* *TblumbiaCitw 1N46725 '(219)244*6666 Member F.D.I.C. 1 S Justin Time For I Great Savings On GM Company Cars 808 WYSONG ■9(7 Astro Vs. LT Model Has All The Options 1987 Celebrity Evrosport 4 Dr., 2To Choose From 1987 Cavalier 4 Dr., Auto., Air G.M.A.C. Repo Can 1987 Cavalier 2Dr., 4,BooMiles 1987 Grand Am 2 Dr., 6,200 Miles * 808 WYSONG f uievroieT-rofmac v CROMWELL 856-2121 M A Holiday Wish to One and All! S S L May you enjoy a glad and glorious Yule. Thanks for your valued business. . W ary? W W Turn East OH Hwy. 13 * 2 At Dairy Queen hw W Then Second W Rood Right TO J • 457-4200 2 W Syracuse ' 3

the board to go with the wishes of the membership. They questioned wording in the resolution, asked for it to be reviewed and for an exception to be made. It was noted, by both the firemen and Mitchell, that the resolution was verbally read to -the department in 1966, prior to its adoption. At that time the resolution was being considered. Firemen stated they never received a written copy of the resolution until that evening, which Mitchell disputed. Hill pointed out the resolution states that the State of Indiana is close to mandating eligibility certifications for operational positions. He contacted the director of training in Indianapolis. His finding was that there is nothing before, or proposed in legislature as far away as 1991. Bill Metcalf, advisory board member, stated he had checked on the matter last year and the mandate was at the top of the list. Thus the resolution to protect all parties involved. The trustee commented on several occasions there was no qualm with Rex’s capability as fire chief. The only problem was the requirements for the office were not met. Firemen also sought to have the resolution reviewed with members of the department. It was pointed out there were no firemen present, or asked to attend meetings concerning the issue. The township asked why the firemen waited until that moment to question it when they have allegedly known about it for over a year. Hill asked the board to make an

exception due to the misunderstanding and in all fairness to Rex, leave the roster of officers as voted on by the membership. This would allow Rex to seek the master certification within the year, while serving as chief. Hill noted otherwise it would leave the department without a chief for six months or more and put pressure on Rex to take the course. Rex noted there has been no master certification courses offered within a reasonable distance in the past year, however there was one coming up in the near future in Warsaw. He has intentions of attending. “For the first time in seven to eight years we have a full roster and the morale is up,” commented Hill, “a squabble like this is a sure way to kill that morale. “We (the firemen) are asking you at this time, we have shown good faith and what the circumstances are, to allow Dennis to assume the job as chief, for the coming year. It is definitely a misunderstanding,” said Hill. Reed stated the board had said

It happened . . .in North Webster

10 YEARS AGO, DEC. 21,1977 Tippecanoe Township Extension Homemakers Christmas party was held December 14 in the home of Mrs. Allen Hart with 21 ladies present. Mrs. Frank Kurth assisted the hostess. New officers were elected during the December 13 meeting of North Webster Pythian Sisters. Imogene Menzie was in charge of the brief business session. Senior high youth who attended the UMYF retreat held recently at Epworth Forest were: Richard Steele, Gregg Reed, Kevin Reed, Tim Morton, Lori Henderson, Rosalie Keim, Sandy Keim, Teresa Pruitt, Linda Reed, Julie Shafer, and Brent Brown. Mr. and Mrs. John Pruitt served as counsellors for the outing. Mrs. A. C. Underwood was hostess for the December 13 meeting of Lydia Circle from North Webster United Methodist Church. The ladies met at 1:30 p.m. atthe Underwood home. Mr. and Mrs. Marion Urshel, Bippus, spent last Thursday visiting in the home of Carl Shields, r 1 Leesburg. 30 YEARS AGO. DEC. 26,1957 North Webster business facilities took another step forward recently with the addition of a modern trailer home court, owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Willis (Bill) Eberly. Called Mid-Lake Trailer Court, it is prepared to accommodate twen-

Commission to advertise for bids

The Warsaw Redevelopment commission agreed to go forward with the bidding process of the old freshman high property immediately and will be putting no restrictions on bidders. The commission made the agreed during a special meeting Tuesday morning, Dec. 22. “We can always take a shot and see wnat we get,” explained city planner Pat Watkins. “If it’s (the bids) not what we want — it’s time to go to plan ‘B,’ if you will.” The commission unanimously agreed to advertise for bids with no restrictions, and to search for a buyer for the property to hold it, if there is no suitable bid. During the meeting the commission members discussed possibly purchasing the property through bonds or whatever

At Bethlehem, God demonstrated that to love is to give. "JOY TO TNE WORLD, THE I LORD NAS COME” H»m\ -■ Yeo Are luvhnd Tn Worship With Ihl 9:00 A.M. —Sunday Bible School For All Ages yWTO OCMs 1\ \ /♦/tIVX mßr X 10:00 A.M. — Sunday Morning Worship Aw' \ Y» y SS’ 4:30 P.M. — Sunday Evening Service A a - rirt\ 'v Jk 111 6:45 P.M. — Wednesday Evening Tut)'/J Bible Study TRANSPORTATION provided for \\ \\ Sunday mornings. Call 658-9151. ■■■ * MH Dola Kahns Candlelight Communion in honor of Brian Wikox Minister L ° rd * birth on Thursday, Youth Minister JO7EIJX December 24 of 9:00 p.m. Now Year * ve Watch Party — December 31 at 8:00 p.m. JsScß CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF MILFORD hope Faarth* Henry Streets .458-9151 MILFORD

three or four times that evening it would give further consideration to the resolution and is willing to listen to the department. He noted it would be contrary to the resolution to change the requirements. He noted the board’s options included denying the officers submitted or amending the resolution. Following the unanimous vote by the board, Hill noted the general membership would not be pleased. “It will not go over very well. It is not an equitable decision. I’m sorry.” The firemen were asked and agreed to attend the January 12 board meeting. The purpose will be to review the resolution. Mitchell remarked he felt badly about what had happened, after firemen left and prior to adjourning the meeting. “I feel absolutely sick to my stomach. As hard as we all work for our fire department in our community and to have this. It’s so totally uncalled for. It’s a terrible situation. It’s going to disrupt the fire department immensely. It’s a shame.” He further stated the board has to

ty trailers, with adequate space for many more. There are completely modern laundry facilities located on the grounds. Albert Hamman Sr., who, with his wife, Ruth, lives in one of the trailers, is the assistant caretaker. Mr. and Mrs. Albert ‘Doc’ Hamman are spending the winter months in Webster this year and are living at the Mid-Lake Trailer Court. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Baugher and children left Friday to spend two weeks in Florida. Mr. and Mrs. Sid Bryant and daughter of Warsaw, called on Mr. and Mrs. Orva Miller and daughter Sunday evening. Mr. and Mrs. Ormel Kline and family drove to Urbana Sunday afternoon to visit Mrs. Kline’s father Loren Karns. Employees of Herrmann’s North Webster Gas, Inc. were feted at the annual Christmas dinner of fried chicken at the M&M Case. Harry L. Stark acted as master of ceremonies for the program. The North Webster Women’s Auxiliary had a brief Christmas party Tuesday night following the Christmas Choral program at the school. A gift exchange and games, followed by refreshments, comprised the events of the evening. Hostesses were Mrs. Verland Bockman and Mrs. Charles Menzie. The Tippecanoe Township Home Demonstration Club held

means would be available to them in order to secure a “safe haven” for it. Warsaw Mayor Jeff Plank assured the commission that there are virtually three avenues that can be taken in the issue which are: turn it back to the school; try to work with bidders within 62 days; or find someone to purchase it.

Coming Soon! |

protect the interest of the township, which was the reason for the resolution. “We’d be remiss if we went contrary to it (the resolution) and let them run over you. You can’t do that. ” Reed noted the board could not have been more kind to the firemen than what they were that evening. Other Business Sturonjac Quality Builders, North Webster, was given approval to install new guttering on the north side of the township building. The existing guttering is leaking and causing problems with ice. The cost is $548. A decision on creating a parking lot at the west end of the township building was tabled. Mitchell will be checking with Phil Holiday, library board president, to see if funds are available from the library to help with the cost. The lot will be used for library patron parking and those conducting township business. In final action the board approved retaining Reed for 1988 as the township attorney.

their Christmas party at Foo and Faye’s restaurant Wednesday. There were two guest present Mrs. Jack Troxel and Mrs. Albert ‘Doc’ Hamman. Strange superstitions There have been many superstitions down through the years about how and when to put up and take down the Christmas decorations. After Christmas when holly was removed, it was often buried, burned, or given to the cows If a piece was dropped, that person would have bad luck. North Webster Lions hold party for children The North Webster Lions Club held a party in the basement of the Church of God on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 19, for underprivileged children of North Webster and Tippecanoe Township. Lion Carlos Williams reports there were 33 children with parents present. After all served a meal, Santa presented each child with a toy and a box with a towel, wash cloth and tnilet articles. There were also six large tables of clothing for the parents to pick out their children’s needs. This is a yearly event of the North Webster Lions Club.

He concluded, “I’m confident you can come back with some type of mixed use development bid within 62 days.” Indian custom A custom for some North American Indian tribes on New Year’s Eve is to light bonfires, then scatter the dead ashes and with great ceremony, relight their fires.

■ J/f

FENDER BENDER IN MILFORD — Glenn E. and Katherine Price, Milford, received minor injuries in this accident at the intersection of Catherine and East streets in Milford at 2:45 p.m. on Dec. 22. They were transported by Milford EMS to Goshen Hospital, where they were treated and released. The driver of the other car, Walter L. Boshert, Goshen, is shown as he surveys the damage. Boshert he pulled out in front of the Price car and was struck in the intersection. Price was westbound on Catherine Street and Boshert was northbound on East Street. Milford police officer Aaron Rovenstine investigated the accident. (Photoby Glen Long)

Support group for persons with eating disorders

John E Sadler, president of the Kosciusko County Mental Health Association Board of Directors, announced the sponsoring of a day and evening support group for persons with bulimia . and related eating disorders. Bulimia, sometimes referred to as the binge-purge cycle of eating, affects mainly young women. It tends to become difficult to correct. Professionals consider bulimia a potentially serious condition. Sadler noted that the Mental Health Association does not offer clinical treatment, but does urge bulimic per- • sons to seek professional aid. The Mental Health Association is to support those affected. The Well defined Some folks are like blisters — they don t show up until the work is done.

’ a BHBvWkbc ' ml ’ i Sincere wishes that the joys of Christmas be abundantly yours. D&E AUTOMOTIVE 457-4778 201 E Main SYRACUSE

Wed., December 23,1907 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL

support group will meet on a weekly basis at the Colonel Joe Gray Center, 207 East Center Street, Warsaw. There is no

■ £ r “ ‘-ya ‘jS ' " .si * T • We're wishing you and your family all the happiness of the Holidays. We've enjoyed serving yoa. Michael R. Williams, M.D. > & Staff { || North Webster I ” 4 - 7 ” 7 I HAPPY fIOUDAY fTR "'H Best wishes to friend, old and new for the brightest, most joyful Holiday ever > We hope this season brings the greatest of happiness to oil of you! MFf-Miy. us 30 East 247-4141 WARSAW

charge to participate. Interested persons may stop in at the center or phone 269-2102. It is expected the groups will begin in January.

13