The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 9, Milford, Kosciusko County, 12 April 1989 — Page 1

Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 28

Search begins today for middle school principal

I By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer The search for a middle school principal began today (Wednesday) following a 4-1 vote by Wawasee Community School Board of Trustees last night. Dennis Mikel voted against the search beginning before actual construction time is known. Dr. Roger Thornton, superintendent, presented the time line, criteria and contract terms for the recruitment, screening and selection "of the middle school principal. Applications would be sought through , May 15 with the screening and interviews ending by June 15. The new principal would be appointed

Effluent flow planned at new Syracuse Sewer Plant April 24

I By GLEN LONG Staff Writer The Syracuse Town Board met in special session at 5 p.m. on April 11 to hear an update on steps leading to startup of the new sewage treatment plant which is nearing completion. Randy Lindley, project engineer for TenEch Engineering Inc., informed the board that effluent flow to the new plant is planned for Monday, April 24. He pointed out that initially the new

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DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS COMMITTEE — Shown are members of the Dollars for Scholars Committee who met for an organizational meeting this morning (Wednesday), at 7 am. at Wawasee High School. Pictured in the front, from left to right, are Sue Wilkinson. Susie Johnson. Gloria Baumgartner. Eve Payne. Kris Hickey and

Dollars for Scholars holds first meeting

Members of the committee met early this morning < Wednesday > in the home economics room at Wawasee High School for an organizational meeting for the Dollars for Scholars program At this first meeting the Wawasee program was reviewed, officers were elected and the committee moved to accept the by laws for the Wawasee chapter. Officers elected for the Wawasee chapter are Marilynne

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in July with his/her duties to begin August 1. Curt Jordan, board president, summarized the discussion and noted all board members had voiced opinions. “We've heard cons — use of funds, building schedule, and a time line 18 months prior to completion. We’ve heard pros — the caliber of person needed in this role, program quality put in place and development training for a team and staff.” ° He personally noted the person hired will have a total district impact and programs planned will be totally integrated within the corporation. “Time and perseverance is needed to do it right.” Basing the time line on a fall 1990 opening of’the new school. Dr. Thornton stated the curriculum and options need to be

operation will be on a manual, temporary basis while wiring, electrical controls and other equipment is thoroughly checked and the old plant is removed. The engineer said personnel at the sewage plant have been involved in training on the new equipment for about six weeks and recommended that the operation be manned around the clock for several months:. He pointed out that the contractor has until October tbcomplete the project. "We feel comfortable with what the contractor has in place and the steps planned for final operation." said Lindley. "The

Curtis, president; Bill Little, vice president; Judy Schmahl. secretary; and Susie Johnson, treasurer Affiliated with the CSFA, dr Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America. Inc., the Dollars for Scholars program is provided with guidance, materials, sup port and incentives to communities interested in organizing a program by the CSFA In 1988/ 350 Dollars for Scholars chapters throughout the United States

known by the end of November 1989. This is when scheduling begins for the next year. He also added time is needed to develop all aspects of the middle school program including recommendation for staff and in-service needs. The new principal would be hired on a two-year contract, beginning August 1. at a salary ranging between 545.675-551.450 for 260 days per year. Questions Raised Mikel questioned and expressed concern over starting the search before a construction time is known. He pointed out the bids on construction would be open Thursday and awarded April 18. "I'm concerned if something happens and construction takes two years, it's $50,000 wasted. I'd like to see them wait six weeks,” noted Mikel following the

contractor warranty lasts for one year after the system is finally Turned over to the town. ’ ’ Lindley reminded board members that some facets of the sewer project are not fundable by the EPA grant and will have to be purchased by the town. Ron Helman, head of the sewage department, presented a, list of furniture, equipment, tools and lab equipment, totalling about $7,000 in cost, which will have to be bought. He agreed with board members that some of the items, such as desks and other furniture, may already be available in town offices.

Marilynne Curtis. In the middle row are Cathy Cone. Lewis Immel. Gene Lange. Sally Cotton. Judy Schmahl and Bill Little. In the back are Carol Swartzenruber, Henry Smith. Steve Snyder. Walt (orbin. Terry Iden. Bruce Lamb and Xed Speicher. (Photo by Marv Jane Lorton >

raised and distributed over $2.5 million in student aid Managed by the elected officers, the purpose of Dollars for Scholars is to raise funds for local scholarships and make awards to -deserving local students. The Wawasee chapter hopes to offer a scholarship yet this year Dollars for Scholars is a community scholarship foundation organized and operated byvolunteers. The programs are both tax-exempt and publicly supported. They can be organized

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

meeting. Bill Troup questioned if such an early start is a prudent use of funds for 18 months "It bothers me.” he stated pointing out the board has a goal to make the transition a smooth one. Troup noted he had trouble with the building schedule and felt in ail reality "we won t be in before January 1991." Mikel questioned what the latest time was to advertise for applicants this year. Dr. Thornton stated the time was now and delaying it would not attract the candidates wanted and who honors ethical commitments. "To wait one month, we can t do an appropriate job in recruitment and screening." He mentioned. "The person being sought will be a person who understands what the middle school is all about and with a sense to get to know our

Other Business Jim Hughes, board president, reported that the state permitle move the storm sewer at the planned McDonald's location along SR 13 has been received. He said the board will need to sign the agreement with McDonald's, which is to share the cost, at the April 18 board meeting. Hughes informed the board that a $49,000 change order for more extensive street work on south Main Street will be presented for consideration at the next meeting. He pointed out that (Continued on page 2)

at any community level, depending on how the committee chtooses to set up the program The Wawasee chapter would like to stress the importance of public participation in the local program The Wawasee program is not focused on business or cor porate organization, but would like the entire community to take part in helping students continue their education. Donations can be mailed to State Bank of Syracuse, attention Susie Johnson. P() Box 427. Syracuse. Ind 46567

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1989

people and kids.” Dr. Thornton commented he appreciated the concern. “This is a prudent expenditure of public funds and think it is essential to get the job done.” He expressed his concern of a smooth transaction also. "With well over $1 million a year in salaries (for that school), $50,000 is invested. Without bringing the person on • ahead of time) I have a great concern for a smooth transition." transition.” "We're being pushed. We know not getting in, in the fall will be difficult,” noted Car 1 Swartzendruber. She commented she sees this person as being possessive of the building and having the effect of pushing for construction to stay on schedule. Dave Carey commented he understood Mikel and Troup's concerns, but, felt that due to the importance of responsibilities the principal will be saddled with, a year will be needed to get done what is prescribed. He recommended the board approve the process to begin. Criteria Criteria for selecting the new principal was noted by the superintendent. This would include the job description established by the board as policy and the criteria established by the Parent Advisory Committee in selecting the principal. One of the qualifications is the person must have at least seven years of teaching and school administrative experience. The person must have a master's degree in secondary education and have a valid license in school administration for middle schools (Continued on page 2)

MAD turns down request to use community building for REAL Meals

I By STACEY LESCH Staff Writer During a special meeting of the Milford Area Develop-, ment (MAD) committee held Tuesday evening, April 11, the board voted unanimously to turn down a request from Norma Roose to use the community building as a nutrition site for REAL Meals. The decision came following discussion at the regular monthly meeting held Saturday, April 8. At the Saturday meeting, the MAD committee continued its discussion on Norma Roose s request. made at the March meeting. Roose told board members and others in attendance. that if the communitybuilding would be made available to them, anyone over 60 years of age would be able to enjoy a hot meal from 10 am, to 2 p.m. each Monday through Fridav. She fur«a anMßMß■■■»

Tax Statements mailed today According to information released from the countyauditor's office, all county tax statements went out bn Wednesday, April 12. Those receiving statements have a May 10 due date for the payment of their first installment Those who have not filed for their Homestead, mortgage, disabled veteran or legally " blind and disabled exemptions have until May 10 to do so Any questions concerning any of the above-information should be directed to the county • auditor's office. The number to call is 457-5757 or 267-4444

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HEAD START LN CLEAN-UP — The Syracuse Street Department is getting a jump on this year's spring clean-up. The department will be mowing and cleaning all town property. Ron Conley, street department superintendent, noted that areas neglected in the past are not going to be neglected this year. “With the amount of manpower we have, we will do the best job we can to clean up Syracuse." Official spring clean-up week is May 1-5. The photos show the area along the north side of Railroad Avenue, owned by CSX Railroad, being cleaned. Conley noted, in accordance w ith town ordinance, a letter was sent to the railroad company giving it 10 days to clean up the area. Since compliance with the ordinanc'e was not met. the town has undertaken the task and the cost will be charged to the property owner. Conley stated this will be done to are private property owner in violation of the ordinance regarding this area. Shown in the top photo are Gerald Wolfe, Larry Roden and Butch Robinson. In the photo on the right are Roden and Wolfe. (Photos by Deb Patterson)

ther explained that other nutrition sites, located in Warsaw. North Webster, Syracuse. Mentone. Pierceton and Winona Lake in Kosciusko County, attracted an average of 20 seniors daily. At that time, the MAD committee told Roose they would further discuss her request to use the building and offer her a reply thereafter. During the April 8 meeting. MAD President John Replogle stated that if the program would be a benefit to the community, the program would be approved. However, the board commented that the REAL meals would not be the only such service available to senior citizens in Milford, and that the program would only reflect additional expenses to the MAD board. Replogle suggested that before the committee make any final decisions on Roose's request. representatives for the board talk to local members of groups that use the community building on a regular basis to see if the REAL meals would in-

NIPSCO —

Seeks to condemn power easements

LBy glex long Staff Writer The owners of three parcels of property near Milford have been named in condemnation suits filed in Kosciusko Circuit Court by Northern Indiana Public Service Company 4NIPSCQI. Defendants in the suits are Donald P and Marilyn Sue Wolterman; Eugene H . Myrtle and James L Felkner and Joan K Sparks; and Steven E and Marceil A Ha b and First National Bank of Warsaw They have been ordered to appear in the chambers of Judge Richard Sand at 1:30 p.m. on May 5 to show cause why NIPSCO should not -be awarded right-ot-way easements across their property

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terfere with their activities or if the members would be interested in receiving the meals. Replogle stated that the regular groups would have precedence over the nutrition site. Replogle told other committee members at Tuesday’s meeting, that he and Don Arnold spoke with members of the Chatter Box. a regular group that meets at the community building, on Sunday. Replogle also said he talked with a group of senior citizens at his church regarding the REAL meals. In total, approximately 40 seniors were asked for their input, but only two from Milford stated that they would be interested in the daily meals. The MAD committee voted in favor of rejecting the REAL meal services, at this time, for lack of interest They did agree to keep options for the program open for future consideration of the REAL meals In other business, it was an-

NIPSCO seeks that the right-of-way be condemned to its use for construction, erection, maintenance, repair, replacement and renewal of a 345 KV electric circuit system for the transmission, distribution and delivery of electric energy to the public in general for heat, light, power, telephone and other purposes The new aerial line is planned for construction from west of Leesburg to the Topeka area. The suits request that three disinterested freeholders of Kosciusko County be appointed to assess,the damages which the defendants may sustain or be entitled to by reason of appropriation and taking of the easements for right-of-way. titles to the easements and court costs. The Felkner farm lies south of

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nounced Saturday that at the end of the MAD membership drive f<fr 1989, ’ responses from 31 businesses and 110 individuals were received. Replogle announced that John Lehman and Don Arnold are looking into details to promote the town of Milford in an up-dated brochure. The brochure will be designed to feature points-of-interest and be used widely by the Kosciusko County Visitor and Convention Bureau to provide information about the town to area tourists. Replogle reported to the board that new “No Smoking” signs would be placed around the community building because the old signs were not attracting enough attention. Replogle designed a sign with black letters on a pink background which will be placed on at least two walls in the building. The next meeting of MAD will be held Saturday, May 13, at 9 a m. in the Milford Community Building.

Milford between old SR 15 and new SR 15. ‘We re not at all happy about this." stated Myrtle Felkner "It is a problem for our irrigation plans and will hurt the possibility of some day selling lots for residences.” She said the farm is a certified homestead farm and her daughter. Joan Sparks, is the fifth generation of Felkner to live on the farm. Donald and Marilyn Sue Wolferman have had their 79 acres, which lie east of old SR 15 and north of CR 1150 N. zoned residential with the intent of developing it into a residential area Mrs Wolferman said the NIPSCO line will make it difficult to sell lots in a wide swath right across their field. She said a com(Continued on page 2)