The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 10, Milford, Kosciusko County, 19 April 1989 — Page 1

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Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 28

$67 per square foot — $12,997,511 for school

I By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer Construction of the new Wawasee Community School Corporation Middle School will cost $12,997,511, based on bids awarded yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) by members of the WCSC Board of Trustees. This is $67 per square foot for the 194,000 square foot building. The cost

Dr. Webster, WCSC settle out of court tßy DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer A mutual agreement has been reached between Dr. Kenneth E. Webster and the Wawasee Community School Corporation two weeks before the bench trial May 1. The petition to dismiss the lawsuit was filed in Elkhart Circuit Court Monday, April 17. The agreement called for a $15,000 settlement by the school corporation, $5,539 of which was for unused vacation time and personal leave days accrued. Only the amount owed Dr. Webster for vacation and personal leave was paid from tax dollars. The remaining $9,461 was paid by the corporation’s insurance company directly to Dr. Webster and his attorney, Steve Snvrter Also the corporation paid SI,OOO in its attorney fees from tax dollars with the remainder being covered by the insurance company. The lawsuit between Dr. Webster and the school corporation began on September 18, 1986, when a special meeting of the school board was called to consider the credentials of Dr. Webster, who was then school superintendent. Remarks were heard from parties involved and the matter tabled and continued to September 26. At that meeting, Dr. Webster’s contract was voided by a board vote of 4-0. The reasoning was his superintendent’s license had expired on July 21,1986. Snyder had asked the board to hold off its decision until the October 2 meeting of the state licensing board. At that meeting Dr. Webster’s license was extended, retroactive to August 1, 1986, and valid through June 31,1987. Once the license was extended, Dr. Webster filed suit to have his contract honored by the board. The first hearing date was Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Kosciusko Circuit Court, but a motion for a change of venue by Robert Reed, school attorney, was granted. The hearing was then moved to Elkhart Circuit Court and heard on Friday, Oct. 17,1986. A ruling on the summary judgment heard in October was ruled on in March 1988, that tossed the ball back into Dr. Webster’s court and in July a date for the bench trial was set. Dr. Webster was seeking damages for $54,350 for lost salary, legal fees and costs.

Brian Neff, Kris Hickey named top seniors at WHS

Brian A. Neff, son of Michael and Kay Neff. Syracuse, has been named valedictorian of the Wawasee High School class oi 1989 and Kristin LaVelle Hickey, daughter of John and Linda Hickey. Syracuse, has been named salutatorian. During the school year Brian participated in band. Fellowship of Christian Athletes. .Future Problem Solving. Varsity Club and the boys' varsity swim team He was a conference swim champ, sectional swim champ, state swim finalist, school and pool record holder and team captain. He is also an active member of Calvary United Methodist Youth Fellowship. Brian’s hobbies include Ltl BRIAN A. NEFF reading, fitness and enjoying sports as a participant and as a spectator

is $1,946,489 less than the estimated construction cost of $14,944,000. Construction could start as early as Thursday if a firm commitment is given by the State Board of Tax Commissioners today (Wednesday) that the corporation will get the funds. Contracts were awarded to Carl J. Reinke and Sons Construction, South Bend, general contractors; Burton Mechanical Contractors, Inc., Rochester,

He has been named a Presidential Scholar by Manchester College and Wabash College, and has received Honor Scholarships from Wabash College and Indiana University. He plans on attending Wabash College, majoring in pre-medicine. Brian said. "My future career plans include the pursuit of a medical career. I want a college that will help me obtain my personal goals, and at the same time offer many opportunities to grow as a person. I plan on attending a college that specializes in courses for pre-medicine. The three schools that I have been interested in are excellent in this field, allowing me to be prepared to enter the best possible medical school. I want to be able to help society in a positive way by offering my service and training as a medical doctor" Salutatorian Kristin's honors include the Hugh O'Brien Outstanding Leadership Award, Rotary Youth Leadership Award, National Merit Commended Scholar, Purdue President's Honor Award, Gerst acker Scholarship, Academic Hall of Fame member and National Council of Teachers of English Award Recommendation. She transferred to Wawasee from Bishop Dwenger in F'ort Wayne during her sophomore year. In addition to being elected student body president this year, Hickey has been involved in several activities during her high school years. Her competitive interests in chide track, cross country and the Academic Decathalon team She has belonged to such organizations as the School Ad

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

mechanical contractors; Herrman & Goetz, South Bend, electrical contractors; Beer & Slabaugh, sanitary sewer contractors; and G. V. Aikman, Co., Indianapolis, kitchen equipment bids. Alternates are not being sought on the bids except for the sewer construction in which a decision will be made by January 1, 1990. All contractors have indicated completion of the various project areas will be by the fall of 1990, as specified in the bidding specs. Bids were opened on Thursday. April 13, for general, electrical, mechanical, sanitary sewer constructions and kitchen equipment. All bids were taken under advisement at that time. Six firms submitted bids for the general construction. Bids were: Reinke. $8,044,000; ANCON Construction, Goshen, $8,325,028; H.G. Christman Construction, South Bend. $8,518,000; Simerman Construction, Fort Wayne, $8,742,000; Hagerman Construction, Fort Wayne, $8,786,000; and Casteel Construction, South Bend, $8,845,000. Alternate bids included deleting six tennis courts and fencing; delete three tennis courts and modify the fencing; delete asphalt track and field; add or deduct window alternate; add or deduct roofing alternate. Mechanical construction bids were received from four firms. Burton was the low bidder with $3,020,000. Other bidders were Slutsky-Peltz Plumbing and Heating, South Bend, $3,043,000; O.J. Shoemaker, Inc., South Bend, $3,135,000; and A. Hattersley & Sons, Inc., Fort Wayne, $3,168,542. Alternate bids were also received on pneumatic temperature controls other than Barber. Trans Tech Electrical. Inc., South Bend, was the apparent low bidder with a bid of $1,265,000. However, the bid was overlooked due to items being left out of the bid. Herrman & Goetz was awarded the contract, as second low bidder, with a bid of $1,508,760. Other bids were: Burton Mechanical Contractors, Inc.. Rochester. $1,562,000; Delp Electric, Plymouth, $1,579,900; Koontz-Wagner Electric Company, Inc., South Bend, $1,608,534; and Shaum Electric, Inc., Elkhart. $1,681,000. Alter-

KRIS HICKEY visory Council, AIDS Advisory C< incil. Yacht Club, French Cl.it, Ski Club, National Honor , c >c ety, Student Council, Church Youth Group, Future Problem Solvers and the’ Teen Youth Fellowship. Kristin's hobbies include downhill snow- skiing, jogging, windsurfing, horseback riding and hydrosliding. After graduation, she plans to attend either Purdue University or Michigan State University. "After gaining experience through the cooperative education program. I hope to enter the exciting-and challenging field of chemical engineering Later in my career. I might address tangent problems dealing with chemical engineering, such as material science or pollution. ' she said.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 1989

nate bids included a 25-inch television in lieu of a 27-inch television. The cost for the sanitary sewer construction, if the school has to install a forced main sewage line, will be $161,990 or $55,620 to hook onto a System provided by Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District. All five bidders included both costs, with Beer and Slabaugh, Nappanee, the low bidder. Other bids were Star Excavating, Bippus, $176,614; Kreiger Brothers Excavating, Fort Wayne, $266,322.68; Dye Plumbing and Heating, LaPorte, $388,800; and Small, Inc., North Liberty, $444,200. The tap-on to the sewer district line was an alternate bid. G. V. Aikman was the low bidder on the fixed kitchen equipment bids, with a cost of $262,761. Other bids were Indiana Restaurant Equipment Company, Warsaw, $265,000; Stafford-Smith, Kalamazoo. Mich., $265,862; Great Lakes Hotel Supply, Detroit, Mich., $271,616; G & T Design Company, Indianapolis, $276,140; and Willoughby Industries, Indianapolis, $283,175. Discussion Richard Barton, of Barton-Coe-Vilamaa. architects for the project, noted the corporation received very good and close bids. Concerning the general contract it was noted that the job supervisor will be Tony Mrocskievicz, whom Barton has worked with before. Contact had been made with the general contractor who noted there was no reason why a substantial completion could not < Continued on page 21

Board approves purchase — Syracuse firemen may get 8 5-foot aerial snorkel truck

I Bv GLEN LONG Stuff Writer The Syracuse Town Board, at its April 18 meeting, voted to purchase a jet vacuum sewer cleaning machine and a backhoe for which bids had been under study. Also approved was an expenditure of $20,000 from the town’s cumulative fire fund for half the cost to purchase a used 85-foot aerial snorkel truck from the Columbus Fire Department as proposed by Jerry Byrd, fire chief. The board selected the Aqua Tech vacuum sewer cleaner of Best Equipment Company at a base price of $108,645 and then voted to add the option of a rearmount hose reel for $3,500. The other two bids,' from Deeds Equipment and McDonald Machinery, were both higher than the selected base bid. The backhoe bid selected had a base price of-$26,161. This was S2IL higher than the other bid. from McDonald Machinery Ron Conley, head of the water and street department said the higher bid was preferred because the equipment is a 'more economical buy for the town due to better balance and type engine.” A clam bucket option

Cemetery spring clean-up April 24 April 24, from 4:30-5 p m., will be a spring clean-up day at Milford Cemetery to rake debris from the wooded area. In case of rain, the clean-up day will be moved to May 1. Those willing to help should contact Bob Brown or be at the cemetery on the above date.

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NIPSCO FOOTINGS GOING DOWN — This Northern Indiana Public Service Company equipment was in location and ready for use to sink footings on the east side of SR 15 south of Milford on Tuesday, April 18.

was then approved for the backhoe at a cost of $3,500. The bids were accepted contingent on receipt of a $230,000 sewer payment coming from Dana Corporation in a few days as Reed said is expected. Before the bids were accepted, Dan Brennan, of Deeds Equipment Co., stated he had been denied the opportunity to see all bids on the sewer cleaner by Bob Reed, town attorney.- Reed acknowledged he had given the wrong information when asked to see the bids and apologized to Brennan, who asked nothing further and left the meeting. Fire Chief Byrd, who had gone with mechanics to Columbus to

To become assistant superintendent — Ned Speicher accepts post with WaNee Schools

(By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer • Wawasee High School Principal Ned Speicher has accepted the position of assistant superintendent of instruction with the Wa-Nee Community Schools. Speicher. 40. was appointed to the position yesterday morning (Tuesday). His resignation was accepted by the Wawasee Community School Board of Trustees. Tuesday afternoon in a special meeting. Upon presenting Speicher's resignation. Dr. Roger Thornton, superintendent. commented Speicher has brought focus .in students and achievements, mentioning the Academic Hall of Fame and numerous other pro grams he has implemented as principal. Speicher s resignation will be effective June 30. Dennis Mikel, board member, stated this was not one of the

see the snorkel truck which is for sale, said it is a 1967 model with 17.000 miles which was recertified two years ago and is in top condition. He pointed out that the highest ladders the town has are only 35 feet, which will not reach the top story of condos being built ■ in Turkey Creek Township Byrd added that the ability to apply overhead water will aid in fighting many fires, not just the high ones. Since the town board approved the purchase, he must now finalize it with Ray Darr. Turkey Creek Township trustee, for the township half of the price. Member Kenny' Johnson abstained from voting on the fire equipment to avoid any possible

™ - V B ■* KI more pleasant tasks ot a board member, to loose an administrator at any level He noted he was regretful in. seeing Speicher leave and offered him continued success. All board members echoed Mikel's com

A line of footings is being installed from west of Leesburg to the Topeka area. Towers will be installed to hold a 345 KV electric circuit system. (Photo by Glen Long)

conflict of interest due to his business selling fire equipment. Reed and Mark Tatman, clerktreasurer. informed Byrd it could take as long as two months to get the needed state approval to appropriate funds for the fire truck. Other Business Town Marshal Bob Ziller was given approval to have large dumpsters located near the Civil Defense building on Dolan Drive for this year's clean-up week of May 1 through 5. The board signed a proclamation designating May 1 through May 7 to be National Drinking Water Week and asks that all citizens join in paying tribute to the tireless dedicated people of

ments before accepting his resignation. “It was one of the toughest things I had to do. I didn't really see myself doing it." noted Speicher He stated he has wanted to be an assistant superintendent and this was an opportunity for him. "This was the next career move 1 wanted to make It is tough to leave after all these years. I'll miss everybody here a lot ' Speicher will begin his new position on July 1. filling the vacancy of John K Miller who will be retiring He signed a twoyear contract with the starting salary of $53,070. He is currently receiving $49,750. Speicher was one of 38 applicants . for the WaNee position Jerry Lelle. superintendent for WaNee Community Schools, noted in their early morning board meeting that Speicher was the strongest and best suited candidate for the position In presenting Speicher to the board. Lelle noted Speicher had administrative,experience in all

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the water system and lend all possible support so the growing water needs of the community will be met. Greg Stoddard, r 1 Leesburg resident representing Midwest Cable Consumer Alliance (MCCA), after attending several town board meetings was successful in securing the signatures of town board members on a resolution to be sent to congressmen asking them to support the revisiting by Congress of the Cable Deregulation Act of 1984. This act, according to Stoddard, removed the rights of states and municipalities to regulate rates charged by cable companies and channels carried (Continued on page 2)

grade levels having been principal at Milford Elementary and Junior High and Wawasee Hieh School over a span of 10 years. "His strength is seen to be in the area of curriculum in that as building principal, he has initiated and directed many qualityprograms," commented Lelle. Speicher noted that in time he and his family, wife Deb and four children. Dawn. 18; Kerri, 15; David. 12; and Kasee. 10; will be moving within the WaNee School Corporation limits. Speicher started with the school corporation in 1970 as a teacher and in 1980 was appointed principal of Milford ElementarySchool later becoming principal of Milford El6mentary/Junior High School. In 1985 he was appointed principal of Wawasee High School. He is a Milford native and named Milford's 1979 "Citizen of the Year" by the Milford Area Development Council. He has a bachelors and a masters degree from Manchester College