The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 26, Milford, Kosciusko County, 9 August 1989 — Page 1

Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 28

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GRAND CHAMPION STEER SOLD — Jim Bishop, Leesburg, second from right, holds his Kosciusko County Grand Champion Steer after it was sold at the 4-H auction for $3.05 per pound, a total of $3,980.25. Holding the banner for his brother is Mike, at right. In back are representatives of the merchants who bought the grand champion animal. From the left, they are Robert Bishop,

Rural numbering —

Syracuse addresses to be released Jan. 1

IBy MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer New addresses for the Syracuse area will be released sometime after the first of the year, according to Steve

50 years of service —

Baumgartners have been in the printing business since 1939

While the roots of The Mail-Journal go back 100 years, the Baumgartner family has been in the printing business in Milford and at the newspaper’s helm since August 5, 1939. It was on that date that the late Arch Baumgartner, home from college during the summer and driving an ice route, found himself the young and completely inexperienced publisher of the local weekly, The Milford Mail. The newspaper had come up for sale and Arch Baumgartner grabbed the chance. He had 600 subscribers and facilities for hand setting type. The former publishers, Carlyle D. Barnes and A. J. (Jack) Forbing, helped for a few weeks, then he was on his own. He learned through necessity. One of his first purchases was a single magazine Intertype which he learned to operate through trial and error. He moved the plant into a building on Milford’s Main Street, where it is still located today, in what was then an abandoned building which he purchased for SSOO. The year: 1940. He often referred to the move as a “big job. Then came World War II and Arch Baumgartner, like many other young men of the time, was off to serve his country. It was during this period he married Della Frauhiger of Warsaw. She joined him in the business when they returned to Milford after the war. As the couple worked together, the newspaper progressed, additional, modern equipmentwas purchased. The Baumgartners’ two children, Ron and Jane (Mrs. Michael Yoder of Indianapolis) grew up in and around the printing business. Like many youngsters whose parents owned small businesses in the 1950 s and 19605, Ron and Jane learned as they grew, helping where they could, taking on more responsibility as they grew older. In 1961 The Syracuse-Wawasee Journal was purchased and in February of 1962 the two papers were consolidated and this newspaper. The Mail-Journal, came into being For years the newspaper utilized what is known as the “hot type" method of typesetting and reproduction. Following his graduation from Indiana University in 1966, Ron joined his parents in their work at the printing plant. Just prior to his senior year at IU, Ron married Gloria Slabaugh of Milford. Gloria began helping in the bookkeeping department in 1971. The first step in conversion to offset printing came in 1968 Offset printing of newspapers at that time was relatively new. its clean and clear method of reproduction and its wider versatility caused it to sweep the newspaper industry. The next generation of Baumgartners has also gotten its feet

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Maenhout, rural numbering project director. Maenhout made this report at a August 8 meeting of the rural numbering committee. After speaking with representatives at the Syracuse Post Os-

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

Leesburg Lions; Doug Smith, Leesburg Grain Elevator; Tom Anglin, Clunette Elevator; Ben Weaver, Weaver & Sons, Inc.; Max Deatsman, Deatsman Grain; John Anglin, Clunette Elevator; Joe Kessie First National Bank of Warsaw; Dennis Lowry, Dennis Polk Equipment; and Bob Bishop. Not pictured is buyer Larry Polk, Polk & Sons. (Photo by Scott Davidson)

fice and taking a closer look at their schedule, Maenhout said that residents should not expect their new addresses until at least January 1. Contributing factors include the fact that, in September, the post office will be involved in

wet at the newspaper plant. Jane’s son, Jason Yoder, a student at North Central High School in Indianapolis, visits in Milford often and has worked from time to time in various departments in the Milford plant. And, during the past summer, Ron and Gloria’s daughter, Jennifer, has worked in the Milford and Syracuse offices. A 1989 graduate of Wawasee High School, she will leave later this month to begin studies at Purdue University. On June 30,1971, the first issue of ‘the PAPER,’ sister publications of The Mail-Journal, came off the press. It was, and is, the largest circulated publication in Kosciusko County. The success of this free newspaper is evident in the fact there are two other editions, both serving Elkhart County. In 1988 a new monthly publication was started — Senior Life. Covering Kosciusko and Elkhart Counties, Senior Life serves those over 50. Currently there are three editions of Senior Life published each month. In addition to coverage in this area, there is an edition for Saint Joseph County and another for Allen County. Since that first step to offset in 1968, the printing and publishing facility has continually added to its buildings and equipment in an effort to keep pace with the ever-increasing technology as it applies to the graphic arts industry. While the central offices and printing plant are in Milford, additional offices are located in Syracuse, Warsaw, Goshen and Elkhart. The staff has increased from a handful of two or three to 110 on today’s payroll. Also tied in with the business is a division known as tpi (The Papers Incorporated) Delivery System, a delivery system serving a four-county area. The Papers Incorporated was formed in March 1973 with Arch Baumgartner as president. Ron Baumgartner as vice president and Della Baumgartner as secretary-treasurer. For a number of years. Arch and Della Baumgartner were copublishers of the newspapers. Upon his death in June of 1988, Mrs Baumgartner became publisher. Ron became president of the corporation onNovember 29,1983. Today Ron Baumgartner is president of the corporation, Della Baumgartner is secretary of the corporation and Gloria Baumgart ner serves as treasurer. In March of 1988. knowing he had but a short time to live. Arch Baumgartner sat down at his typewriter and wrote ■ 'lf I could live my life over. I could wish no better than to spend it in the newspaper profession. I have found journalism gratifying and fulfilling where one can render a real public service " Thus, it is with this same feeling in their hearts that the Baumgartners carry on with many of the guidelines and traditions that’ their husband and father set down through the years

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9,1989

rural route counts. Also, December means a lot of Christmas mailings and it was decided that it might be easier to wait until after this season to mail out the new addresses. Maenhout added that “Syracuse is basically done,”

School board continues discussion on sidewalk

IBy DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer Progress and concerns toward construction of a sidewalk from SyracuseMilford Road to the Wawasee High School was discussed last evening (Tuesday) during the Wawasee Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees meeting. While no official action was taken, the consensus was to find solutions to the problems before going further. One board member stated this has been talked about for years, and this is the farthest it has ever been. Dr. Roger Thornton, superintendent, announced the Ruth Kern family has extended to the corporation an agreement for an easement on their property, north of the high school. This easement would be granted at no cost to the corporation. However, the agreement does state there would be no cost to the Kern family for the construction, liability and that access to the property is available.

Addressing the problems, Dr. Thornton pointed out two con-

they just need to get the road name changes adopted and new addresses distributed. As for the Barbee Lakes area, Maenhout reported that they have reached a strategy agreement with the fire chief and “have made progress along those lines.” Right now, Maenhout does not see any radical changes out there. Problems with numbering in the Barbee Lakes area developed several months ago when it was discovered that some mistakes were made in assigning numbers. Since then, Maenhout has been working toward correcting those errors. Jeanne Gardiner, committee member, said that she has met (Continued on page 2)

Excessive speed causes accident which kills Leesburg resident

Excessive speed has been blamed in the fatal accident Saturday, Aug. 5, that claimed the life of Duane C. Welling, 24, r 2 box 168, Leesburg. The accident was at 2:30 am., at SR 13 and CR 650E. Welling, the only occupant in the car, died of massive head injuries He is the ninth person to die as a result of accidents in Turkey Creek Township, the 16th in the county, since the first of the year. Kosciusko County Police Sergeant Tom Kitch reports Welling was traveling south on SR 13 in his 1989 Plymouth Turbo and for an unknown reason, the car crossed the center lane and went off the east side of the road The vehicle then, as if Welling overcorrected, came back onto the roadway traveled in a diagonal direction 275 feet, four inches, back across to the west side of the road. The car is believed to have gone airborne for 12-15 feet over a ditch, hitting a utility pole. After the impact with the utility pole, the car traveled another 27 feet where it landed on its top on CR6SOE. Welling was wearing his seat belt. Syracuse Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service were called to the scene The JAWS unit was used to free Well ing. The vehicle was totaled and damage to the NIPSCO pole, which was broken in half, was listed at up to $2,500

cerns. The first was the need and pursuing of what happens once the students reach the SyracuseMilford Road. The crossing of the CSX railroad is a concern that needs to be resolved. pointed out there was a one-half block stretch, north of the railroad, where there is no sidewalk. The board was also made aware that there is a heavier load of traffic on Chicago Street than the Syra-Web Road leading to the high school. He suggested this should also be looked into. Curt Jordan, board president, questioned the danger of the threeway intersection. Dr Thornton replied he felt it was safe to have the students cross on the west side so not to encourage the students to go east. Phil Payne noted it would be advisable to make the Syracuse Town Board members aware of what the school was pursuing stating the need for their help, guidance, suggestions and support. Courtney Blue commented his impression was that the board was not going to do anything until a solution to the railroad crossing was reached. “It would be better to have a sidewalk up to the tracks. It’s tough with buses, cars and kids in the morning. I don’t know if we will encourage more to walk, but at least they will have a place to walk. ’ ’ Purchase Land? During the May meeting a request for the board to provide an access to Milford School from CR 1250 N was made. Dirk Kuhn asked the board what progress has been made on this request. Dr. Thornton noted no easement has been found through any of the property. “We are trying to find an alternative way (other than on SR 15). It may mean the purchase of some property, which the board will discuss during the executive session. ’ ’ Surprised that no one asked about her resigning from the board, Carol Swartzendruber addressed the issue. Her husband, Ray, is considering a job change which would take the Swartzendrubers out of the school district. “People are all aware of the decision making in our family, it is a difficult time. No decision has been made at this point. When one has been made, Mr. Jordan will know and the media will know at the same time. Until that

Indianapolis Native Welling was born on July 29, 1965, in Indianapolis, to Ralph and Linda Welling. He moved to the Leesburg area recently. He was a 1983 graduate of Bedford North Lawrence High School and received an electrical technician degree from ITT, Indianapolis. He was employed in office ser-

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NINTH FATALITY IN TOWNSHIP — The accident Saturday morning. Aug. S. that claimed the life of Duane C. Welling. 24. r 2 box 168. Leesburg, was the ninth fatality in Turkey Creek Township this year, there havebeen 16 fatalities in the county. The accident occurred at SR 13 and CR 650E. south of Syracuse, at 2:30 a.m. Welling died of head injuries. He was wearing his seat belt. < Photo by Deb Patterson)

time I will serve to the best of my capability.” Budget/Contract A part of the regular meeting was a public hearing on the proposed 1990 corporation budget. Despite 11 persons being present, no one commented about the budget. Jordan announced that on August 22 the board will further discuss the budget and at that time approve or disapprove the advertised budget. Board members approved the negotiated agreement with the Wawasee Community Educators Association. Dr. Thornton pointed out several changes in the contract, including that the corporation will now pay the three percent teacher contribution to the Indiana State Teacher Retirement Fund. This is over and above the salaries, however, if the percent increases the three percent will be added to the salary schedule. Also in the contract is a three percent increase in the salary schedule. The salaries range from $19,501 with a bachelor of science degree and zero years of experience to $36,656 with a master of science degree and 19 years teaching experience. The policy for Before and After School Care and Summer Day Camp Program for students was adopted by board members. Burger Dairy, New Paris, was awarded the milk contract for the 1989-90 school year. Bids were opened Tuesday, Aug. 1, from three companies, Allen Dairy of Fort Wayne, Schenkels Dairy, Huntington. and Burger Dairy. Burger Dairy’s bids were: .139 cents for one-half pint of two percent milk; .149 cents for one-half pint of whole milk; $1.70 for a galkn of two percent, $2,765 for vanilla shake mix; $2,825 for chocolate shake mix; $4.42 for 80 ounces of cottage cheese and $9.50 for three gallons of vanilla icecream. Personnel Approvals Board members approved the employment of: Nancy Rehling as science and social studies teacher at Syracuse Middle School; Debra Collins to teach language arts at Milford Middle School; Margaret Stone, as readiness teacher at Milford; Lisa Wilcoxson as fourth grade teacher at North Webster; Sheri Miller as home economics teacher at North Webster Middle School; Tamara Willaman as

vices in Dalton Foundry. Survivors include his parents, Ralph Welling, Pierceton, and Linda Welling, Warsaw; one brother, Brian Welling. Warsaw; grandparents, Donald Welling and Norma Welling, both of Indianapolis; Dick and Maynel Laker, Jasper, Ga., and John and Sharon Nelson, Rushville; and

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language arts teacher at Milford Middle School; Patricia Mikel on a temporary teaching contract for the gifted and talented program for the corporation; Jill Yoder for one half day-four periods to teach physical education and social studies at Syracuse School; Lori Williams, to teach special education at Syracuse Middle School; Christine Foster, one year temporary contra.t to teach language arts and psychology at Wawasee High School; Sandi Beery as secretary to the middle school principal; Linda Wuthrich as LRC paraprofessional at Milford and Judy Wolfe as parttime secretary to the compliance officer. Resignations were approved for: Mary Jane Thompson as home economics teacher at North Webster; Linda Cripe as corporation registered nurse; Tonya Rhodes as half-time home economics teacher at Milford; and Kathy Beer, paraprofessional at Milford. Suzie Yeager, coordinator/teacher of the gifted and talented program, was granted a first semester parental/adoptive child care leave. Questions Raised Dirk Kuhn questioned the board on progress of the asbestos removal. Dr. Jerry Riffle, compliance coordinator, noted that clean-up will begin next week and the project is finishing on schedule. Roger Kryder, business manager, noted there have been three change orders on the project, due to unforeseen problems, that totaled $6,803, but the project was still within the budget. (Continued on page 2) WHS registration to begin Tuesday Registration for classes at Wawasee High School will be held on August 15, 16 and 17, according to Principal Nile Fox. On August 15 and 17, registration will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on August 16. Fox would like to encourage anyone new to the area to register prior to these dates.

great-grandparents, Agness Brune and Ama Randall, both of Indianapolis. Funeral services werp—eonducted Tuesday, Aug. 5/1989, in the Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw. Rev. Donald Poyser officiated. There was cremation. Memorials may be made to the Kosciusko County Cancer Unit.