The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 1, Milford, Kosciusko County, 15 February 1989 — Page 1

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VOLUME 28

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IT’S OFFICIAL — Groundbreaking ceremonies Saturday, Feb. 11, made it official that McDonald’s Corporation will be building a McDonald’s restaurant in Syracuse. The site for the restaurant is on the southeast corner of SR 13 and Palm Drive. Construction should begin this week, if wehther allows, with excavation by Don’s Excavating, Syracuse. Hudson Construction, Indianapolis, will be the general contractor. Sub-contractors, according to Don Alspaugh, job supervisor, will mostly be from the local area. Officials are hoping the restaurant will be <sen before July 4. Joe Plank, construction engineer for the corporation, stated the full size McDonald’s will be 54 feet by 66 feet with a seating capacity

Contaminant levels tested, new sewer lines planned at Meadowview

I By MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer

Reporting for the utilities department, Dallas Winchester II spoke about testing Milford’s water for its contaminant level, as well as about adding a sewer collection service in Meadowview, during the town board’s monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 13. Winchester told the board that Milford is required to test eight new volatile organic chemicals in the water, as designated by the state. Presently, he is in the process of sending the samples to a state lab. Within the next 30 days, “we should know our contaminant levels,” he said. Winchester pointed out that, “the main issue here is, if we do have a contaminant level in one of those eight compounds, and it exceeds the state limits, you’re required to sample every quarter for the next three years.” This would again require the samples to be sent out to be tested by the state, and “that could be costly,” noted Winchester. Getting started on the details for adding a sewer collection system in Meadowview was another item on Winchester’s agenda. Although Meadowview was annexed some time ago, it does not yet have utilities, and Winchester feels strongly about getting things rolling so that maybe “we can break ground this summer." The project will cost the sewer department more than $25,000. As soon as applications are available, “we’ll apply for a loan through the Indiana State Wastewater Revolving Loan Program,” said Winchester. The commissioner asked the board members for their approval to get an engineer’s price on “how much the spec will cost to have drawn up.” He added that he would like to price more than one engineer. With that in mind, the board decided to get three bids on the project. Other news from the utilities department ineluded the fact that the town used 5,000,000 gallons, of water, less in the 1988 drought

season, than in 1987. Winchester noted that this fact makes it apparent that they have started to “weed out and take care of” water leaks that Milford residents have had in the past. Winchester also asked the board to approve a bid for a tree trimming contract that would involve removing branches that are hanging over the streets and causing problems in town, especially on Main street. After speaking with two companies, Winchester said that a rough figure of SI,BOO would cover most of the town. The board voted unanimously to approve the bid, with money being taken from the appropriations for town improvements. In other utility department news, $16,000 was budgeted this year to purchase a one-ton truck. With the board’s approval, Winchester will begin looking for a truck. Also, water meters will be read this week. Call-ins will be accepted. Finally, new street identification signs have arrived. The blue and white signs will be

Long-lime Milford merchant Merle C. Campbell dead at 81

One of Milford’s long-time merchants, Merle C. Campbell, 81, West Fourth Street, Milford, died at 11:04 a m. Friday, Feb. 10, 1989, in St. Joseph Medical Center, South Bend, following a lengthy illness. Having lived most of his life in the Milford area, he was owner and operator of Campbell Market in Milford from 1951 to 1974. ’ Campbell started working in the grocery store in 1938 .as a meat cutter when it was owned by Earl Wolferman. The store was then located uptown in Mils rd on the corner of Main and Emeline Streets. During the war, Ralph Miller and Dewey Faulkner leased the Store from the Wolfermans and he continued to work for them. In 1949-50, Campbell became a partner with

for approximately 100 persons. Jobs will be available for 75-85 people. The site plans call for a drive-thru window and 64 regular parking spaces including spaces for handicapped, and 10 truck parking spaces. Standing in front are Don Deck, representing Todd Realty who handled the real estate transaction; honorary mayor Ernie Rogers; Brian Hershberger, manager/supervisor; Rick Purcell and Jeanne Purcell, owners/operators; and Sally Cotton. Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce President. In back are Alspaugh, job supervisor; Terry Troyer, field consultant; and Plank. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

put up as soon as weather permits. Letters Sent Building Commissioner Bill Durbin reported that what was once Levernier’s Body Shop, is now gone. He added that he has sent a letter (to Levernier) cancelling next Monday’s meeting that was to discuss what would be done with the shop. The

60 market hogs missing

A thief or thieves may be living high off the hog after taking 60 market hogs from Routh Packing Company, just north of Milford. The theft occurred between noon and midnight on Friday, Feb. 10. The hogs are valued at $6,000. Glen Byler, manager, notified police at 1:30 am., Saturday, Feb. 11, that the animals were missing. He stated a semi driver

1 i X fl MERLE C. CAMPBELL Wolferman, purchasing the store in 1951. In 1974, he then sold the store to his son, Phil. Services Campbell was born on July 15, 1907, in Deer Creek, the soft of Zena and Mary Ellen Ulrey

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15,1989

letter also asked Levernier to fill the holes on the property. Durbin also requested permission to send a notice to the owner of the trailer on 204 James St., asking that the trailer be repaired or demolished. The house trailer burned on January 10, and is in very poor condition, said Durbin. His request, was granted.

arrived at approximately midnight to load hogs to take to the market. The driver noticed gates were open in some of the pens and after taking a count of the hogs, it was determined 60 were gone. The animals, of various breeds, weighed between 215-254 pounds each. Kosciusko County Police are investigating the incident.

Campbell. On April'lß, 1929, he was married to Laura Smith Lantz; she survives. He was a member of the Milford Masonic Lodge and Fort Wayne Scottish Rite. Survivors in addition to his wife are two daughters, Mrs. Betty Vanlaningham, Gusher. Utah, and Mrs. Robert (Nancy) Wilson. Lake Havasu. Ariz.; two sons. Merle (Bud) Campbell, Jr., and Phil Campbell, both of Milford. 10 grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one brother. Delbert Ca'mpbell, Elkhart. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13. in Eastlund-Mishler Funeral Home. Milford, with Otto Beer. Jr . pastor of Living Gospel Church. Nappanee, officiating Burial followed in Milford Cemetery Memorials may be given to the National Kidney Association

On Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. —

Wawasee school board sets public meeting on new middle school

By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer

Patrons of Wawasee Community School Corporation have been urged to attend a special board meeting February 28 following the WCSC board of trustee’s decision last night to move ahead with an estimated budget on the new middle school. The meeting will be at 5 p.m., in Room 130 in Wawasee High School. “We urge every patron in the school corporation to please be there. It will be an interesting evening and one we’ve waited for, for a long time,” stated Curtis Jordan, board president. The action taken on the project will see a construction start date beginning May 1. , A resolution was passed allows ing a budget and lease to be prepared by Summers and Company, Fort Wayne, financial consultant. —- Jordan was hesitant to answer the question, “Is the middle school carved in stone finally?,” from Lynn Griffith. But when he responded “Yes,” Jordan and the board received a round of applause from the 57 persons present. “We put in place tonight the wheels of progress,” stated Jorian, “after many months ,pf blood, sweat and tears. We need to move ahead.”

To Update Ordinance After discussing the problem of people parking on Main between 2 a m. and 6 am., when it is prohibited by a town ordinance, Town Marshal Dave Hobbs asked for stricter penalties for violators. Right now, cars in violation are towed, but this does not deter people from repeatedly parking where prohibited for these four hours. It was decided that town’s attorney Jay Rigdon will update the present ordinance, adding stricter, penalties, and have it ready for the next board meeting. Hobbs also reported that he has received many complaints with respect to “U-turn parking” on Main Street. Hobbs and Winchester will get together and see what can be done. The police report detailed that the Milford Police Department received 217 -complaints between January 7 and February 10, including the investigation of 10 traffic accidents at an estimated SIB,OOO worth of damage. The department logged a total of 3,065 miles, while using $245.69 worth of gas and oil. Graff Requests Sewer Lines With the premise that a previous town board had promised sewage, Oscar Graff came to the board asking that this promise be kept, and that sewer lines be run to each of his properties at Graff Trailer Park. Rigdon advised Graff that there are restrictions put on the town board, and “when we pay for yours, then we have to pay for everyone Who wants sewage in a subdivision.” With a bit more discussion, the board members once again told Graff that they would not provide the sewer lines. President Robert Phillips added that although they could not pay for it, “that does not mean that we won't work with you." To illustrate the board’s attempt to work with Graff, Winchester offered to help Graff collect bids for the project. The meeting ended with the board approving a motion to have an executive session, in order to discuss personnel policy. This meeting will take place on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 6:30 p.m.

Phil Gutman, vice president of the financial consulting firm, presented a time schedule and also two estimated budgets. The budgets reflected a worst case scenario, based on the future market and if action was taken that night, based on the current market. Both were based on a 20-year lease. The worst case scenario, based on an estimated assessed valuation of $125,418,469, would see a $1.32 property tax increase starting in 1991. The other budget sees a sl.lß property tax increase. The tax figures fall between the rates given at the Maj' 17, 1988, hearing where the rates were estimated to be between $1.13-$1.25. The budget presented, Gutman stated it was a comprehensive effort of all parties involved, including the recent projetfFX estimates from William Sheet/ and Sons Construction, Forr Wayne, project estimator. “I have a great deal of comfort in the estimates,” Gutman noted. Budget Figures Using the worst case scenario budget, the total project cost would be $19,005,000. The total project cost, based on the current market would be $18,550,000. Both

P** MM ' -■ — -Wfc •* •—— —- .wTF KL > wL. -jB BBMI -- • wW I ■ I H v liE I QUEEN FOR A DAY — Bertha Moneyheffer was officially crowned Queen for a Day at 4 p.m., I February 10. Clippers, Syracuse, was the site of the crowning, as well as a reception held in her Lhonor. A limousine picked Mrs. Moneyheffer and her husband. Delbert, up at their Milford home and I took them to the reception. I ‘ . Although Mrs. Moneyheffer has seen the show "Queen for a Day,” she never imagined that I she would win such a title. Moreover, it is still hard for her to believe that she "gets to take all of I the prizes home.” One entry left at Big Wheel, was all that Mrs. Moneyheffer needed to win, as her name was I drawn from over 5,000 entries. “Overwhelmed." Mrs. Moneyheffer could not describe her emoI tions after winning over $1,700 worth of prizes. She did say that she "w ants to thank all of the merI chants, for doing such a fine job promoting Syracuse like this.” The Queen for A Day promotion was sponsored by the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of ComI merce Retail Merchant’s Division. Interested persons from the Syracuse, Milford and North I Webster areas could enter by registering at a number of participating Syracuse Retail Merchants. I The winner was drawn Saturday, Feb. 4. by Honorary Mayor Ernie Rogers. Follow ing the coronation, the Moneyheffers wei e driven, by limousine to dinner at Sleepy Owl I and then taken to Tara Inn for a night in the honeymoon suite. Approximately 46 businesses parI ticipated in the event. (Photo by Mary Jane Lorton)

budgets used the construction cost estimate of $14,784,000. Figures presented in May indicated the cost to be between $15,605,000 and $16,970,000. Dr. Roger Thornton, superintendent, stated this morning the budget presented last night matches the latest construction estimate from Sheets, which reflect higher interest costs and higher construction costs. The earlier budget was initially prepared on schematic drawings where now refined drawings have been established to provide a better picture of the costs. Also, the earlier budget was based on an. estimated assessed valuation of $120,000,000. Gutman noted the school corporation has experienced a 3.1 percent compounded rate of growth in the assessed valuation over the past eight years. He foresees the assessed valuation to increase 1.5 percent for 1990 and 1991 and included this figure in the latest budget. He noted the assessed valuation in the corporation has increased at a three percent rate and would impact the tax rate by a decrease of three to four cents. The 1989 assessed valuation for the school corporation is

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$121,738,910. The time schedule approved calls for a special budget hearing and authorization on the budget February 28. Bids would be advertised on March 8 with letting April 13. A public hearing and execution of the lease would be on March 14 and a hearing before the state board of tax commissioners on April 19. Dr. Thornton stated the schedule reflected the board’s desire to move ahead as quickly as possible and allowing adequate bid time. Plans/Sewer Richard Barton, Barton, Coe, Vilamaa, project architects, guaranteed drawings of the building for the board by February 28. He explained, at the request of Dr. Thornton, the reasoning behind the design around the window. Barton noted the building will have insulated masonry walls, which are not as strong as older non-insulated masonry walls. These Walls, because of long runs, will need control joints. Also to minimize the amount of glass used, due to cost, smaller windows were designed. Taking these two aspects into considera(Continued on page 2)