The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 48, Milford, Kosciusko County, 13 January 1988 — Page 2

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., January 13,1988

Dennis Wuthrich is Milford's board president

I By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer Dennis Wuthrich, the only veteran member of the board, was elected to a one-year term as president of the Milford Town Board in the first official action taken by the board in 1988. Wuthrich was elected unanimously and without discussion by new boacd members Robert Phillips and John Lehman. Monica Bice, clerk-treasurer, chaired the meeting Monday evening until the election. For a few moments at the opening of the meeting, former board members Jean Treesh and Charles Bird, along with Wuthrich, approved minutes of the board’s December meetings. ,Before turning the meeting over to William Leemon, town attorney, for the oath of office by the new board, Mrs. Treesh gave a farewell address. ° Mrs. Treesh commented she has appreciated having worked for the town for 12 years. “I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve made friends and I’ve made some enemies. Hopefully, all the enemies will be friends. I think most of them I made unhappy have become friends,” she said, adding it’s been interesting and offering the best of luck to the new board members. “Everybody’s just been great. I’ve loved it,” was her final comment. Wuthrich’s first act of business was to present Mrs. Treesh with a gold necklace. Engraved were the words “In appreciation for 12 years.” The back of the necklace was engraved with the words “town board.” Commends Volunteers Firemen, emergency medical service personnel, the police department and public were commended by members of board, past and present, for all that was done to assist at-the fire Sunday evening at Evans Family Store. Mrs. Treesh offered a big thank you to the three departments, as

B 11 I \ up*' • RECEIVES APPRECIATION GIFT — A gift in appreciation for the years of service to the Town of Milford was presented to Jean Treesh Monday evening at the Milford Town Board meeting. Mrs. Treesh, who did not seek re-election, has served as a town board member for 12 years. Shown in the photo is Dennis Wuthrich, newly elected board president, presenting Mrs. Treesh with a gold necklace inscribed with the words “In appreciation for 12 years, town board.” (Photo by Deb Patterson)

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well as those at The Chateau Restaurant. Wuthrich personally thanked Marshal Hobbs for the work he did that evening, as the town marshal was first at the scene and contacted the EMS personnel to evacuate the emergency equipment from the nearby community building. Marshal Hobbs noted the people of the community worked together in removing items from the community building and there were ladies from the community serving coffee and assisting in any way they could during the firemen’s battle. Mar-,' shal Hobbs noted the volunteer people at the fire are the ones to really thank as they quickly controlled a fire that had fully engulfed a building. Dallas Winchester, utility and street superintendent, added credit should be given to the past town board for installing the new well and tower. He noted without the new well and tower with the amount of gallons pumped per minute by the fire departments, the fire would have traveled a lot quicker because of set up time to pump needed water from Turkey Creek and Milford could have lost more than it did. “It’s a very good additive that no one sees in this situation.” Salaries Set Board members were presented with their first ordinance of 1988 when the board got down to business. The ordinance dealt with the fixing of town trustees’ and employees’ salaries. The salaries were informally approved during the 1987 budget hearings last summer. The ordinance sets the salaries and wages as follows: Town board members receive the annual compensation of SI,OOO each; clerk-treasurer, $15,000; town marshal, $23,500; deputy town marshal, $19,500; part-time deputy, $4 per hour; school crossing guard, $1,500; assistant clerktreasurer, $4.25 per hour; streetutilities superintendent, $23,400; assistant superintendent $19,080; maintenance personnel, $6.91 per hour; part-time/overtime, up to $2,000 from each respective account; park department labor, up to $6,700 per year; town attorney,

$1,650; miscellaneous legal, $500; building inspector, $25 per inspection up to $500; fire chief, $250 clothing allowance; firemen, S2OO clothing allowance; and travel reimbursement, 22 cents per mile. The announcing of appointments for 1988 was tabled until the February meeting. Mrs. Bice had presented board members with a list of appointments but noted an ordinance was not drawn up to approve the appointments as some of the posts were not filled and persons serving in some of the positions had not been contacted to continue. It was noted a fourth person would be needed on the park advisory board and Mrs. Treesh was interested. Lehman officially resigned his position on the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals that evening. It was noted the position is open to anyone interested. Lehman noted a person should be able to devote one day a month and withstand controversy. “It should be given a lot of thought who to put in there,” commented Lehman. Board members also signed the fire agreement between the town and Van Buren Township. The agreement states the township will pay $13,500 towards the fire department and the town’s share will be $10,254. Action was taken by the board on an ordinance approved last year, but not typed up, concerning a penalty on sewer fees. Mrs. Bice stated a flat $2 penalty was charged on the fees, however the ordinance, now drawn up, would charge a penalty of 10 percent on the first $3 and three percent of the balance of the bill. The ordinance, 87-17, was voted to be enacted, effective the last day of December. v Also an ordinance allowing Deputy Marshal Aaron Rovenstine one additional week of vacation in 1988 was approved. The extra week is compensation for a lost week of vacation in 1987. In other business, the voted to keep the meetings on the second Monday night of each month at 6:30 p.m. 1

Reviewing plans — BZA tables petition

The Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals, at its Tuesday, Jan. 12, meeting, tabled the petition of Plaza Marina at Tippecanoe Lake for a zoning exception for the purpose of alteration and expansion of an existing nonconforming use (marina) in a residential district. John Jansma, representing Plaza Marina, agreed willingly to have the case postponed until February so the Tippecanoe Lake Property Owners Association can review the plan. This request was made by Dave Caldwell, association president. Another neighbor, Larry Cripe, said he is concerned that growth changes may “eat away” at the residential area in which the marina is located. He said future variances could be more of a problem. Jansma said the plan includes adding a 38x60 foot building to house the general office, an accessory showroom and increase the size of the boat showroom. It would be located on marina property inside the existing chainlink security fence. The board denied Plaza Marina’s request to enlarge an off-premises sign from a four by eight foot size to eight by 12 foot size. The board stated the sign can be painted, raised or otherwise improved, but not increased in size. The sign is located on the east side of an un-named road on the north side of Armstrong Road in Tippecanoe Township. Other Cases The board approved the request of Dr. C. N. Slavin, Muncie, for a petition to permit placement of a 32x22 foot residential accessory building (garage) and connecting latticework grid five feet from a side property line. The petition as presented was to build on the property line, but the board voted unanimously to approve only within five feet. The property is located on the south side of North Shore Drive and about 200 feet west of Max-

Department Reports Milford Marshal David Hobbs presented the board with a monthly, yearly and four-year progress report on the police department. He noted the increase in accidents and damage figures, as well as the increase of traffic arrests. He said the majority of complaints received are about speeding vehicles. The number of thefts are increased, which is the case throughout the county and state in the last couple of months. He noted the additional radios allowed in the budget had been ordered and will now give the department a radio for both fulltime officers and each part-time officer. Marshal Hobbs noted it is uncertain about the work schedule of the department at this time. Rovenstine is currently on vacation and Tony Ciriello has been called back by the state fire marshal’s office to investigate arson fires. 1988 Work Slated ' Winchester listed what he has set aside to be done in 1988. Included in the list was work on two dead end water lines at West Catherine Street and at James and Emeline Streets. These include replacing the lines with a larger size water main and replacing the old fire hydrants. Also included in the work list is the laying of a sewer line on North Henry Street from Syracuse Street down to Fifth Street in the spring, and two small sewer lines at Section and First Streets. A sidewalk program in the business area will be implemented this year to update the sidewalks. The department will be providing the labor with the cost of material up to merchants. A spring clean-up will also be offered for two weeks, tentatively set in April. Winchester plans to continue with the hydrant flushing in 1988. He would like to plan an open house at the waste water plant and street department to allow the residents to become familiar with the town’s equipment and what the department can and cannot do. He has asked Ron Bonar of

welton Golf Estates Road in Turkey Creek Township. The petition of Larry and Clara Bennett for an exception to allow placing an automobile graveyard/jtfnkyard in an agricultural district in Monroe Township was denied. The board also voted tocgive the petitioners six months to remove existing unused vehicles from their property, located on the west side of CR 400E at its intersection with CR4OOS. Donald and Ruth Beer were granted a variance to permit construction of a deck five feet from a rear property line and a? residence 12 feet from the rear line. The property is located on Schrock purchases H&R Block Merlyn R. Schrock has purchased the H&R Block income tax service franchise in Nappanee with a branch office in The Nappanee office has moved .to larger facilities at 103 West Lincoln, while the Syracuse office remains at its present location on SR 13, south of Syracuse. H&R Block, the nation’s largest tax preparation firm, has almost 9,000 offices in the United States, Canada, 11 overseas countries and two US possessions. Schrock, a native of Wakarusa, has been preparing taxes for over 10 years and most recently worked for H&R Block in Dowagiac, Mich. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. During the off-season, April 16 to December 31, the Nappanee office will be open Mondays. For an tax-related problem during the off-season, people may call the office. H&R Block will do all types of taxes, including farm, business and personal and all state returns including those other than Indiana. The firm’s policy is that if it makes an error in tax preparation, it will pay the penalty and interest due, but not the taxes due.

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Bonar and Associates to attend the February meeting and discuss filtration and Neil Ott of the Phoenix Consultants will present information on a package filtration system for the water department in March. Winchester stated this is something the town needs to look at with Ott explaining what red tape will need to be gone through. Milford will host the northeast section seminar of the American Water Works Association in the spring. It is expected 120 water superintendents will be attending. The two-day seminar will be in the community building, with a golf outing at Big Boulder planned. He is checking with the Indiana Water Pollution Control Association about hosting a seminar in Milford on small town lagoons for the northeast section. He asked board members to notify him of any streets they feel need resurfacing and that before a street is resurfaced in 1988 the service lines will be checked and either replaced or in good shape before the paving is done. Also the alleys will be repaired this spring. Winchester is also planning to start a drive this summer for new Christmas decorations in town. In other reports from Winchester, he noted he will be receiving a letter from the Food and Drug Administration stating the aquadene is hazardous to health at a certain -level. He stated he is keeping daily records and taking daily tests of the polyphosphate additive level and sending the reports to the state. The legal limit allowed of the polyphosphate is l(Kparts per million, and Milford’s limit is at four parts per million. When the letter is received, it will be posted at the town hall for people to read. Winchester was given approval to attend the 80th annual Indiana section of the AWWA school February 22-24 in Indianapolis. He also reported the town has not had any water mains freeze, however, there were some service lines frozen and asked the residents to leave a faucet on a steady drip to avoid the meter freezing up.

the east side of CR 300E and about 1,100 feet south of CR 1000 N in Van Buren Township. The petition of Philip T. Rinker was approved for a variance to permit construction of a single family residence seven and a half feet from his north property line. The property is located Near Bell Rohr Park at the west end of Tip : pecanoe Lake in Plain Township. Scott Township resident, Levi A. Miller, was granted an exception for the purpose of alteration of a non-conforming use (sawmill) by constructing a building addition in an agricultural district. His property is located on the north side of CR 1350 N and three fourth mile west of SR 19. The board approved Michael Hemminger’s request for an exception for the purpose of alteration of a non-conforming use (real estate sales office and used auto and recreational vehicle sales lot) in a light industrial district. The property is located on the south side of CR 250 N and east of SR 15 in Plain Township. New Officers Elected Member Jim Harp was elected chairman of the BZA for 1988 and Bob Sittier is the vice chairman. The secretary will be the new representative to be named by the Town of Milford in February. This representative will replace John Lehman, Milford. Pkm to Light up one's life! Syracuse Lake residents have an opportunity to “light up their lives” during the ninth annual Syracuse-Wawasee Winter Carnival by placing luminaries along their shoreline the evening of Saturday, Jan. 30. The carnival committee is encouraging this community involvement as a means of adding a festive touch to the carnival. Residents will be able to enjoy the light show from their homes when viewing the opposing shoreline, and carnival participants will have a breathtaking view from Lakeside Part.

' 11 ■ ! x (11 '*t ' a H1 -■ :k-W W sl ■At ■IF/»t®x WWk/S -**' RFm . Us W wßfl*> flJl f.HI P W ft<■ Jr ■» *9ki t ” . < ?x ■ lift $% JW ? ■ -wclk ■ 4srj A bk Bk| B hHL >' |‘ 4?Jaw jOL k ■ >.■«>>* JwHL 3r Hib i m ikSfwf ¥1 IS ffijffyffi. ■/ v V fl »& • jeMWI wfl t ; fl ~ *-'i<v ' . '^Bm.Wß> B \ i AM , - M k** £o&». i B \ A Bl flgßOl vyflgol iRkJI <4 1 Mw Ai M I 11 fll ’I IHHH li * siiwfi NEW BOARD SWORN IN — Members of the Milford Town Board were sworn into office Monday evening at the first regular meeting for the board in 1988. Administering the oath of office was town attorney William Leemon. Shown on the left in back are John Lehman and Robert Phillips, new board members, while in front are Monica Bice, re-elected clerk-treasurer; and Dennis Wuthrich, re-elected board member. , Standing on the right is Leemon. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

Increased number of complaints received by Milford Police Dept.

A progress report submitted to the Milford Town Board Monday, Jan. 11, showed a gradual increase in the number of complaints the police department has received over the past four years. While 1985 fielded a low number of complaints (2,014), that total climbed to 2,346 in 1987, Milford youth injured Doug P. Wolferman, 18, Milford, received injuries when the truck he was driving was struck by a train Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 3:50 p.m. at Milford Junction on Old Road 15N. He was thrown from the truck and was knocked unconscious for a short time. He was admitted to Goshen Hospital with one broken rib, hairline fracture of several ribs, bad bruise on his leg, and received stitches behind his ear. He was released Friday and returned to Wawasee High School, where he is senior, on Monday morning. Wolferman stated he did not see the westbound train, which was on the spur, because of other cars sitting at the crossing. According to Wolferman’s mother, the engineer stated that he could tell the young man was not trying to beat the train. The crossing is marked but has no flashing lights or cross arms. Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Ptl. David Curtis and Jeff Bronsing, investigating officers, estimated damage at $2,500-$5,000 to Wolferman’s 1977 GMC Jimmy and $5,000-SIO,OOO to the train. Thursday Accident On Thursday, Jan. 7, a car driven by Franklin A. Bush, 56, Syracuse, went off the road and down an embankment when he swerved to miss a deer. The accident occurred on SR 13 south of CR9OON. Joyce Bush, 56, r 3, Syracuse, a passenger, was treated and released at Goshen Hospital for rib injuries. County Ptl. David Curtis was investigating officer. No damage estimate was given.

■W Uh OR}'-., V I HLF- ' >.■- EMM E SCHOOL BOARD OFFICERS — The Wawasee School Board of Trustees, Tuesday evening, Jan. 12, elected officers for the coming year. Curt Jordan on the left in the photo will be serving as vice president, while Carol Swartsendruber will act as secretary for the board and Billy G. Little will again be president. (Photo by Carta Gaff)

with 2,201 and 2,165 being heard in 1984 and 1986, respectively. Damage from accidents reported almost doubled, going from $99,800 in 1984 to $196,000 this past year. Traffic arrests and miscellaneous arrests also climbed from 38 and 15, respectively, in 1984 to 120 and 113 in 1987. While juvenile arrests hit a peak in 1985, totaling 23, they decreased to 18 in 1987, which was more in line with the 1984 total of 13. Warnings went from a low of 39 in 1985 to 1987’s high of 133, while stolen property reported totaled 26 in 1987 and a low of nine in 1986. Theft reports had declined over the past three years until 1987, when they climbed to 29, while stolen property recovered amounted to 15 at a value of $6,942. Courtesy services increased from 68 in 1984 to 115 in 1987. The

No injuries in 4 accidents

Four accidents were reported to Syracuse Police last Wednesday, Jan. 6, through Monday, Jan. 11. No one was injured in any of the incidents. Up to S2OO damage was caused to a 1980 Toyota Celica GT driven by Matthew L. Border, 17, North Webster, when it left the roadway at 7:12 a.m. Monday, Jan. 11. Border was traveling north on SR 13 when a vehicle blinded him with bright lights, causing him to drive to the right and strike a culvert. The other vehicle left the scene. A two-vehicle collision contributed to up to SI,OOO damage to separate vehicles when a 1974 Ford Bronco driven by Meredith A. Plikerd, 29, Syracuse, struck the rear of a 1975 Oldsmobile driven by Donna L. Snyder, 55, Syracuse. The collision occurred at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, after Snyder had stopped at the intersection of SR 13N and Carroll Street. Driver inattention contributed to a two-vehicle collision at 4:20 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7. Joe G. Helmuth, 65, Goshen, was traveling east on CR 1250 when he pulled into the intersection at SR 13 then backed his vehicle into a second vehicle as the

year also saw a four-year high of 20 fire calls, while vandalism incidents dipped from 17 in 1986 to 11 this past year. The department patrolled 31,167 miles in 1987, up 11,701 from 1984. The cost of gasoline during that same period went from $1,435 (18.5 mpg) to $2,176.50 (16.1 mpg.). David Hobbs, town marshal, noted the added manpower the department had from 1984 to 1987, accounting for many of the higher numbers. A monthly report for December 6, 1987, to JanuaryJß, 1988, was also given to the ward. Hobbs stated that 186 complaints were received during that 32 day period, while 14 traffic accidents * were investigated, with $49,000 in total damage. Traffic arrests numbered 22, while there were 16 misdemeanor arrests. The department logged 3,333 a cost of $293.07 (11.8 mpg).

street signal turned red. Esther M. Rider, 60, Pierceton, was pttempting to make a right turn opto SR 13 when Helmuth his 1986 Ford pickup into her 1987 Mercury Marquis. Up to S2OO damage was caused to both vehicles. , Up to S2OO damage was also caused to a 1976 Buick driven by Guy E. Eltzroth, 78, Syracuse, when he misjudged a turn onto SR 13S from Chicago Street and went into a drainage ditch. The incident occurred at 8 p.m. last Wednesday, Jan. 6. Next Flotilla meeting Feb. 4 Projects to raise funds for the 1988 Wawasee Flotilla was discussed at the Flotilla meeting last Wednesday, Jan. 6. There were approximately 25 people present. The next meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m., in the Shrimpßoat Restaurant. The meeting is open to any individual interested in helping plan this year’s Flotilla.