The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 50, Milford, Kosciusko County, 27 January 1988 — Page 1

Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 26

At Syracuse —

Winter Carnival this weekend

J By GLEN LONG Staff Writer Bud Harsh, other Winter Carnival committee members and many area outdoor sports enthusiasts are beginning to get that great Winter Carnival gleam in their eyes as the weekend approaches. With the snows which fell early in the week, optimism is running high that this year the weather will be just right, with good solid ice and some good snow for sledding. Hursh, chairman of the carnival committee for the second year, said the ice is about 12 inches thick on Syracuse Lake and barring an unexpected - “spring thaw” will be plenty safe enough for ice activities. He remembers that being chairman of a warm weather carnival just isn’t much fun. The ninth annual SyracuseWawasee Winter Carnival is scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30 and 31. While the hub of activities will be held at Lakeside Park, some events will be at other locations. These are Wawasee High School, the American Legion Hall, Fish ’n Fun Resort and Maxwelton Golf Course. As in recent years, the carnival committee is keeping an eye on weather forecasts, hoping for snow and freezing temperatures. At present, long range weather forecasts indicate colder weather is again on the way and We may get lucky and have just the right amount of snow by carnival weekend. Other members of the committee are Jeanne Gardiner, 'pirry Michael, Ed Bogart, Jerry (Scoop) Claybaugh and Don Strauss. Michael stated that Wawasee KiWanis Club, with Phil Hoover as president, is again sponsor of the Winter Carnival and is very important to the success of the event. Proceeds of the carnival will be used to help needy people, many of them senior citizens, in the Syracuse-Wawasee area. “We want everyone to come and have a super weekend,” said Hursh. “Most important is that we have safe events with no one being injured.” On Saturday Saturday events will start early as breakfast will be available at the American Legion Hall in Syracuse Village from 7 to 10 a.m. The ice fishing contest will also get under way at 7 a.m./5T Fish ’n Fun Resort on Syracuse Lake. This event will last untir-6 p.m. (Ed Bogart, Fish ’n Fun Resort, said the fishing contest will be held on January 30 even if other events are rescheduled). Lakeside Park will come to life when the information center opens at 8 a.m. This is the place to register for the Todd Realty 5K Winter Run at 9 a.m.; and snowmobile drags, snowmobile enduro, 3-wheel ATV race and kitty-kat to 11:30 a.m. j Activities will also start at the

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Wawasee High School ag building at 9:30 a.m. with registration for the kiddie pedal pull, which will begin at 10 p.m. The Wawasee Kiwanis concession stand will also open at Lakeside Park at 10 a.m., when the ice skating events \ and races and Todd Realty j winter road race will get under way. Horse-drawn scenic sleigh rides will be offered at Lakeside Park by the Syracuse Jaycees from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. These will continue on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contestants for the snowman building contest, managed by Primary Mothers Club, should contact Teri Caldwell at Lakeside Park pavilion from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Registration for the sledding contest, with both junior and adult classes, will begin at Delbert White’s hill located northwest of Lakeside Park, will be at 11:30a.m. Afternoon events will begin at noon with open skating, kitty kat

Problems for Maple Leaf — City attorney advises against De Mar's bid

(By CARLAGAFF Staff Writer “I represent the city, the mayor who has worked diligently in this, and I represent all of you,” Warsaw city attorney Michael Valentine said, “The DeMars bid has irretrievable faults, and for you to receive it would be very wrong.” The DeMars bid was in conjunction with the possible move of Maple Leaf Farms from Milford to Warsaw, through the purchasing of the old freshman high site. Maple Leaf has been located in Milford since 1958, when it was founded by the late Donald E. Wentzel. The corporation offices only, would be making the move to Warsaw, along with approximately 60 employees. Last Wednesday, the commission voted to accept the DeMars bid over the higher Marsh and Kroger bids. Valentine spoke to the Warsaw Redevelopment Commission yesterday, Jan. 26, during a special called meeting. He explained, the city had received a letter from legal council representing Marsh, requesting tapes of last week’s proceedings. The bid was for $310,000, less the cost of demolition and

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

snowmobile race and the sledding contest. The snowmobile drag races will provide the audience with interesting competition from 1 p.m. until winners are determined in late afternoon. At 6 p.m. the snowmobile torch parade will begin at. Lakeside Park and winners of the ice fishing contest will be declared at Fish ’n Fun Resort. Fireworks will light up the sky at the park at 7 p.m. Then the big Winter Carnival Dance, put on by Enchanted Hills Playhouse Guild will put the topper on the day at 9 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. On Sunday Sundayfmorning activities will begin at 9 a.m. with registration at Lakesijde Park for the enduro snowmobile and 3-wheel ATV race. Jee fishing contest awards will be presented at Fish ’n Fun Resort at 11 a.m. and registration will be at noon for the Winter Carnival cross country ski experience, being offered by Tarkio Road of Warsaw at Maxwelton Golf Course.

asbestos removal. It was for a mixed-use development, which would house the corporate offices of Maple Leaf Farms, public meeting rooms, townhouse structure and retail space. However, on Wednesday afternoon, DeMars official Dave Carley explained, the bid was actually made to be the exact cost of the payoff to the school, which is $317,500. Warsaw Mayor Jeff Plank said, there is a bit of a misunderstanding about the exact payoff of the school and, “I stand absolutely and totally guilty for the $310,000, appearing in the bid.” He went on to say, during the process of finding a purchaser for the old high site the $310,000 price was used, in part, to acknowledge the amount owed the school corporation. Initially the DeMars bid was for the purchase price of the site, plus a request for the city to pay for demolition, with a six year tax abatement. Through the process of the negotiations, DeMars changed from tax abatement to tax increment funding (TIF) in order to support $407,000 in onsite and off-site improvements. The Marsh bid was for a purchase price of $425,100, with $600,000 in TIF monies being used for needed changes and improvements both on the sight and off, while Kroger’s bid was for a

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27,1988

The 100-mile snowmobile enduro race sponsored by Wawasee Kiwanis and Rinker Boat Company will put on a super show on the lake from 1 to 5 p.m., with a

Ice safe for Carnival

(By GLEN LONG Staff Writer The rash of accidents in which snowmobilers, four-wheelers and motorcyclers have broken through the ice on Wawasee Lake recently has caused the Syracuse Wawasee Carnival committee to re-check the ice on Syracuse Lake. S.C. (“Bud”) Hursh, chairman, said they have been all over Syracuse Lake this week and it is solid except for an open area at the south end near the channel to Wawasee Lake, where it often remains open. This area has been posted with warning signs as have some areas on Wawasee Lake, including Johnson Bay,

straight purchase price of $485,000 for the property. At this point, Marsh representatives have stated that they’re upset with DeMars because they feel there was a change in the bid. And, because they believed the commission clearly stated in the bid speculations that it is against tax abatement. At the end of last week’s proceedings, DeMars officials agreed to pay the Warsaw School Corporation $317,500 for the site and to be reimbursed for demolition through TIF. Plank addressed the commission after Valentine, saying, “TIF and tax abatement require a commitment on the part of the city to be a partner in the bid. The city becoming a partner was never part of the bid specifications.” He went on to say, “If, in fact, the $400,000 CIP grant (awarded to the city in 1987) can be used successfully on the old Freshman high site, then let’s put it together. It would negate the debate on TIF and tax abatement.” The Warsaw School Board voiced its concern about the possible use of tax monies in connection with the property, said Plank. He noted that when he met with the school board, several members Traviolia hospitalized after accident Hal Traviolia, Wawasee High School Athletic Director, was injured in a two-vehicle accident Tuesday, Jan. 26, in Warsaw around 12:15 p.m. The accident occurred north of Dalton’s on SR 15. Traviolia was admitted to Kosciusko Community Hospital with a collapsed lung following , the accident. He is expected to be released from the hospital this weekend. According to reports released by Wawasee High School, Traviolia was returning from an athletic director’s meeting in Plymouth when a pizza truck smashed into the passenger side door of his vehicle. The impact of the collision moved the passenger seat into Traviolia’s lung cavity, causing the collapse. Traviolia was wearing his seat belt. " The driver of the pizza truck was cited for failure to yield the right of way.

3-wheel ATV race sandwiched in at 3 p.m. Awards for the enduro and 3-wheel ATV races will be made at 6 p.m. to end this super outdoor fun Winter Carnival.

where many of the dunkings have occurred. “There are from 12 to 14 inches of ice on Syracuse Lake and we’re sure it will still be solid and safe for the carnival,” Hursh said. “We’re a little concerned about the snowmobile poker run which has stops as far down the big lake as Waterson’s Grocery. The poker run committee will check the route again Saturday morning to make a final determination if the run can be held. ” Hursh said this sure looks like one of the good years for the Winter Carnival and he hopes everyone will come out to enjoy the activities and have an enjoyable weekend.

said they did not support using TIF. Commissioner Doug Grant stated, “I can see we could do a number of things. We could reject all bids, work with the DeMars bid, or try to get more time from the school board. Also, Marsh could go ahead and purchase the Richardson-Dußois site.” Virginia Summe, president of the commission, stated, “I feel that if we could use the $400,000 CIP grant to purchase the property from the school, we could then work with the bidders. I don’t want to make a move until we know what we can or cannot do with that grant.” The commission discussed looking at all of the bids again, although Valentine conveyed, M won’t recommend another bid, but you do'still have two bids to contend with. If there is a bid that’s met the specifications I believe you are committed to, accept it.” Duane Buffer, commissioner member, noted, “It would not be my desire to see a supermarket • on that site.” The commission agreed to meet again on Monday, Feb. 1, at 3:30 p.m. to discuss the matter. And, during the next couple of days, Plank will be meeting with Marsh officials to gain additional information about their expansion within the community which will be relayed to the commission at Monday’s meeting. At the time of this printing, Maple Leaf president Terry Tucker was unavailable to comment on the matter. “I’m inclined to suggest to you that you hold your present course — I have a lot of faith in the Marsh bid, and let’s not forget Krogers — I have faith that they’ll pursue another objective in the city,” concluded Plank, who is not a voting member of the -commission. Board members are sought at Milford Milford town residents interested on serving on the town’s park advisory board or the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals are urged to contact any town board member or Clerk-treasurer Monica Bice. The positions are open to any town resident interested, although BZA meetings require that the individual is available each second Tuesday morning of the month.

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HOUSE DESTROYED, LOSS EXTENSIVE — The Backwater Lake home of Bart and Cinda Culver was destroyed by firo Friday, Jan. 22. Damage estimates are approximately $360,000 for the home and contents. North Webster Fire Chief Dennis Rex stated the cause of the fire is still being investigated. BarkerDavies Analytical Laboratories, New Haven, have been called to assist along with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. North Webster firemen were called to the scene at approximately 12:44 p.m. and called Syracuse Fire Department to assist with a 4,000 gallon tanker and a pumper. North Webster Firemen remained at the scene until 10 p.m., at which time the scene was secured by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Reserves and Kemrad. The actual investigation into the cause began Saturday morning. According to Rex, Culvers were out of the state at the time of the fire. Kathy Singrey, Mrs. Culver’s sister, was staying at the home, but was not home at the time of the blaze. No injuries were reported. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

Robert Decker speaks to S-W Chamber about playhouse

I By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer An overview was given by Robert Decker, co-owner of Enchanted Hills Playhouse, Inc., of where the theater is heading, what the owners are trying to do this summer and what they are going to dp, at the quarterly SyracuseWawasee Chamber of Commerce Luncheon last Wednesday. Following his presentation, Decker who is general manager, answered questions from those present. Decker presented the business end of the theater stating $135,000 has been budgeted for 1988, most of which needs to be generated during June, July, and August. He noted close to $20,000 will be spent on actors, $9,000 or SIO,OOO

Co-op worker killed

A Pierceton man was killed last Thursday afternoon in an accident while working at the Farm Bureau Co-op mill at Milford. Melvin J. Heinold, 47, r 2, Pierceton, was pronounced dead in the emergency room at Goshen Hospital at 4:50 p.m. where he was taken by Milford EMS. Cause of death was listed as suffocation. According to police, Heinold and a co-worker were loading a truck with shelled corn from the grain bin. He attempted to clear an opening in the bin that had become clogged and was still in the bin when the grain was dumped. The grain quickly buried him. It is not known how long he had been in the bin before being discovered. Milford EMS members tried to clear an airway and administer

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for musicians in the orchestra, SII,OOO on royalties with the remaining towards expenses for other staff members and operating expenses for the theater. He stated the owners are relying heavily on ticket sales, advertising' income, corporate contributions and grants in order to make the budget come out in the black. Decker and Christopher Helvey, co-owner and business manager, will be working full time for the theater beginning April 1 and Michael Algate, co-, owner and production manager, will be working full time the first of May. He indicated to help cut expenses a number of the positions in the past that were hired out will not be. The three owners will be covering three and four positions in order to make it go. “We know this is what has to be done, ’ ’ commented Decker. •. Minor improvements in the

CPR to Heinold while he was still trapped in the grain bin but efforts failed to revive him. Funeral Services Heinold was born on August 13, 1940, in LaCrosse, the son of Aaron and Emma (Marti) Heinold. On August 20, 1960, he married Carol Aisles. She survives. Heinold was a 1959 graduate of Kouts High School in Kouts, and had been employed by Farm Bureau Co-op for the past six years. A former resident of Porter County, he moved to Whitley County in 1969. He was a member of the Church of Christ in North Manchester. Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, Nicholas, Pierceton, and Perry, a student at Valparaiso University; three daughters, Mrs. David (Tammy)

NUMBER 50

theater will be made this year. A question the owners have been asked frequently was if air conditioning would be installed. Decker replied “bring your fans along.” He commented the reasons why air conditioning would not be installed was the cost and sealing up the structure 'for air conditioning would destroy the beauty of the barn. Plans call for a new sound system to be installed so the owners are hopeful they can leave more of the fans on those extremely hot nights and keep the air moving. One of the improvements is on theatrical lighting. “We are hoping to find a few people in the area to sponsor a light so we can add additional lighting. • That’s one of the short comings within the theater.” The seating capacity will be (Continued on page 2)

Smith, Phoenixville, Pa., Mrs. David (Tina) Diedriech, Indianapolis, and Sally Heinold, a student at Huntington College; one grandson, Nicholas Ryan; his father and stepmother, Aaron and Grace Heinold, Kouts; three brothers, Marshall Heinold, East Peoria, 111., Eugene Heinold, Kouts, and Glen Heinold, LaCrosse; three sifters, Mrs. Gwen Bucher, Medaryville, Mrs. Eula Mogler, Whitemore, and Mrs. Emily Schlatter, Defiance, Ohio. He was preceded in death in 1970 by a twin brother, Marvin, and a sister, Peggy, in 1967. Services were held Monday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m. in Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Patrick T. Powers officiated with burial following in Booneville Cemetery, Whitley County.

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