The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 34, Milford, Kosciusko County, 4 October 1989 — Page 1

Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 28

Executive committee selection is next step towards beautification

By MARY JANE LORTON

Staff Writer

Selecting members for an executive committee is the next step toward beautification reported Bill Beemer, beautification chairman, at a regular meeting of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Oct. 4. , Beemer told the board that a meeting was held with Pat Brown, a landscape architect from Mishawaka, and “we went over a long-range plan for beautification." The next step, said Beemer, is to start selecting members for an executive committee for the beautification project. Once that task is accomplished. Beemer said a public meeting would be held in order to get input on a long-range plan. “We are already getting responsive reports on it (beautification),” commented Beemer, adding, "people have heard aboutit and want to tie into it.” Representing the Retail Merchants division of the chamber, Judy Moser noted that while contacting businesses for a retail merchants’ project, there were some negative comments about the chamber. Moser said that the comments were concerning the chamber’s involvement in the past removal of signs out of the ditches in the village area along with the addition of trees. Because of these trees, Moser said, many buildings can not be seen from the road. She wondered if plans for beautification would address these concerns. Beemer answered that the beautification project calls for

Men in black remain a mystery

Officials still are not sure what or if any items were stolen from a semi trailer parked on the south side of Noble Romans, Syracuse, late Sunday evening. No arrests have been made. Police spent four hours searching for information on the possible theft. Syracuse Police Officer Ron Moser was called to Noble Romans at approximately 10:55 p.m., Sunday evening.' The night manager at the restaurant reported seeing several persons, in black suits, enter the rear of the trailer. When the persons came out of the trailer, they left in a large dark-colored car, believed to be a Lincoln Town Car or limousine. Thoughts of a roving casino or drugs Were first speculated by Officer Moser. He found that the trailer doors had no padlocks. Inside the trailer were supplies for Ponderosa Restaurants. Information received on the trailer license plates, showed

Syracuse cyclist killed during high speed chase

Troy Phillip Ropp, 20, 69615 CR 31, Syracuse, died at 3:25 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, in Goshen Hospital from a skull fracture he received when the 1988 Kawasaki Ninja 750 cc motorcycle he was driving became airborne and crashed on CR 17, south of CR 30,* Goshen. The accident occurred at 1:26p.m. Indiana State Police report Goshen Police Ptl. Wade Branson attempted to stop Ropp in the 1400 block of Chicago Avenue, Goshen, for speeding, but Ropp refused to pull over and drove away. The officer then gave chase, at one point reaching 100 mph. with the bike pulling away from him The bike was capable of going 148 mph Ropp turned north onto Elkhart

. . * * * CROI : i . , SCiT Mall Journal

more trees in this area, but “you will be able to see through them." As far as signage, Beemer noted that it will be controlled in an effort to preserve some continuity. As far as the chamber s involvement in the removal of signs from the ditch, Beemer said that it was a state law that mandated that signs could not be in the ditch, not the chamber s. “The state highway department demanded it,” he added. Another concern as expressed by Moser was having a knowledgeable person answer

United Way campaign is in full swing

By KATE WOLFORD Staff Writer

The 1989 Kosciusko County United Way Campaign kicked off on September 11 and is now in full swing. Jim Evans of Syracuse, vice chairman for the county campaign, reports, “Everything seems to be going real well.” This year’s fund drive has a county goal of $670,000. In the Northern Communities district, of which Jeff Wells of Syracuse is chairman, Syracuse has a goal of $9,000; North Webster, $6,100; Leesburg, $1,200 and Milford, SI,OOO. These goals are for individuals and small businesses. Educational and industrial segments of the northern communities fall into larger county accounts. Wells says it’s important for potential givers to know that when volunteers call, there’s no need to write out a check on the spot. In fact, donors can be billed anytime throughout the year. For example, if a company has already done extensive

it is owned by ESI Corporation, Bristol. The semi tractor is owned by North American Van Lines, Fort Wayne, but a sign indicted it is being leased by Whiteford Leasing. The next thoughts were the semi and trailer were stolen and left in Syracuse. Telephone calls were made to ESI Corporation and Whiteford Leasing. When officials from ESI notified the police department. Officer Moser was informed the load was to have left at noon for California and should have been well on its way. They also noted the trailers were always padlocked. Whiteford officials stated the two drivers did not live in the Syracuse area, one was from Fort Wpyne, the other from Niles, Mich. However, further checking found that parents of one of the drivers had a home on Ideal Beach. Officer Moser made constant checks on the trailer, while patrolling until the

Road and then south onto CR 17. As Ropp crossed Bashor Road, he lost control of the bike, becoming airborne, striking a metal speed limit sign The entire chase lasted just two minutes. According to Patrolman Jerry Berkey of the Indiana State Police, there ” as a high grade in the road, and with Ropp's high rate of speed, this led to the bike going airborne. Branson's patrol car had fallen behindjin the chase and Ropp's speed was estimated by Branson and witnesses. Police found in Ropp's posses sion four traffic tickets and two warning tickets dating between May 29 and Avgust 19. A urine test showed evidence of man juana

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

the phone in the chamber office. Board members agreed that this has been an ongoing concern and efforts have been made to find someone. Beemer followed up Moser’s comments by stating that “this is the kind of input we need.” He said the chamber needs to hear opinions and to respond to them. Brackets And Banners The board voted to lengthen the Christmas banners by 30 inches so that they will fit on the brackets with the new county banners.

charitable giving for this fiscal year, it can have its United Way account extended to next year. Or, the billing date can be tailored to accommodate tax needs. As of last week. Wells says, about 20 percent of the goal had been reached in Syracuse. Wells estimates that figure would hold true for the rest of the northern communities. Much giving happens at the middle and end of the campaign and Wells says, “We’re pretty much still on schedule.” In any case, the United Way campaigners have a never-say-die history. Both Wells and Evans expect to meet the campaign's overall goal for this year. However, Evans says that the hard part comes after the campaign, when it’s time to meet the needs of the United Way's 22 member agencies in this county. These agencies requested $823,000 of the United Way for this year. Although the campaign usually exceeds its goal, parceling out the funds is difficult, Evans said.

driver was located and could go to the scene. At approximately 3 am., Monday, Oct. 2, driver Eric Klare was notified at his parent's home near Ideal Beach and met with police. He stated he had parked the vehicle on the south side of Noble Romans and went to his parents home, planning to meet the other driver in Elkhart at 6 a.m., that morning. He did confirm that there were padlocks on the doors of the trailer. Checking inside, it was found that one pallet of boxes had been tampered with as the boxes were in disarray and the shrink wrap around the boxes cut. The driver stated it would not be known what was missing, if anything, until making deliveries to Ponderosa Restaurants in Utah or California. Officer Moser stated the 1983 Great Dane trailer was loaded with approximately $75,000 worth of products for the restaurants, including various cuts of meat.

Funeral Services Ropp was born in LaGrange on March 22,1969, to Leonard G. and Mary Kay (Lockwood) Ropp, Syracuse; they survive. Additional survivors include two brothers, Trent and Todd Ropp, Syracuse; his grandfather, William Ropp, Goshen; and his stepgrandmother, Edna Lockwood, Goshen Services were held this morning, Wednesday, at 10 a m. in Rieth. Rohrer & Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen. Officiating was Rev. Milo Miller, with Scott Roth assisting. Burial was in New Paris Cemetery. Memorials may be made in his memory to the student assistance program at Fairfield High School, where Ropp had attended

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1989

In addition, the board was informed that the pole brackets were packaged and shipped back to Bronners. When credit is received from Bronners, the chamber will be able to purchase new Christmas decorations. In a related matter. Kip Schumm reported that he and Mike Tallon met with an engineer from NIPSCO to discuss hanging the county banners. The appropriate poles have been selected, Schumm said, adding, they are waiting for a special tool to put the brackets up. With the news that Amtrak is looking at pulling out of Warsaw, Schumm told the board that the train is considering an alternate route which would mean passing through Syracuse. Although he noted that if Amtrak does decide to do this, this alternate route would not include a stop in Syracuse. Kip suggested that the chamber open lines of communication and encourage a stop in Syracuse. By pulling out of Warsaw, Schumm noted that Amtrak would not have any stops in the county. With the strong ridership in Kosciusko County, Schumm said a stop in the county is needed. Bob Troutman and Schumm agreed to check on contacting state representatives and to indicate that there is an interest in a Syracuse stop. In final business, the chamber decided to join Syracuse Area Community Services. This relatively new organization gives immediate and temporary assistance to people in need. In addition, the board voted unanimously to donate SIOO toward the Red Ribbon Campaign. Following the meeting, Carl McClear, executive director, noted he will be on his way to Florida. The board commended him on his service toward membership and public relations and noted it will look forward to his return June 1.

Tim Roemer is making an effort to 'brinq politics back to the people'

I By .MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer In an effort to make good on his promise of conducting a “grassroots” campaign and “bring politics back to the people,” Tim Roemer, Democratic candidate for the United States Congress in the Third Congressional District of Indiana, and his wife, Sally, made Milford a stop on the campaign trail on Thursday, Sept. 28. Going door-to-door in an effort to get in touch with people and to learn of their concerns is one strategy Roemer said illustrates his belief in bringing politics to the people. “And people are sometimes amazed" to see a congressional candidate at their door, said Sally Roemer, adding, “but that kind of keeping in touch is what the people deserve." “You can’t be content to buy a TV commercial and just pop in on voters,” maintained Tim Roemer. “I want to meet people,” he added In general, Roemer described that many people he has come in contact with have expressed a general “aggravation and frustration with Washington ." With an increasing “lack of ethics," and lack of accountabili ty, people are losing faith in thCir representation, he continued A successful campaign for Roemer therefore would mean restoring people’s confidence in people and in effective government. In his door-to-door campaigning, Itoemer noted that people are concerned about a variety of issues. He listed education, environment, drugs, health care and farming as just a few of those concerns. Top issues in Kosciusko County seem to be far ming and health care. In addi

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PLANTS EVACUATED — For the second time within a week plants of the CTB Corporation located on SR 15 north of Milford have been evacuated due to bomb threats. The first threat was received last Wednesday evening, Sept. 27, at approximately 8:30, and was received by the night supervisor at Chore-Time Equipment, Inc. The second threat came at approximately 3:47 p.m., Tuesday. This time the threat included Brock Manufacturing. Inc., buildings as

Bomb threats at Chore-Time

The second bomb threat, in a week, evacuated employees at Chore-Time Equipment, Inc., Tuesday afternoon. This time the evacuation also included Brock Manufacturing, Inc. The businesses are located on SR 15 at the north edge of Milford. Tuesday's evacuation was for approximately one hour. The call was received at ap-

tion, Roemer said that residents of Kosciusko County are very enthusiastic about "getting to know you.” Roemer, a Mishawaka resident, announced his candidacy to Kosciusko County on July 10. Holding a master's and doctorate degree in government from the University of Notre Dame, Roemer also has some experience in Washington. For four years he served as chief advisor on defense, trade and foreign as-Two-bedroom home destroyed by fire A two-bedroom home on the south edge of North Webster was destroyed by fire Monday night after a living room freezer malfunctioned. The six residents of the home escaped without injury ,» North Webster fire department officials received the call at 9:05 p.m., with 19 firemen responding. The single-story home, located on Barbee Road, across from Barbee Landing, was engulfed in flames when firemen arrived. The owner of the home, Dennis Rogers, and his wife and four children fled the house without any belongings. North Webster Fire Chief David Bieseffieyer estimated a loss of $25,000 for the house and SIO,OOO in contents. Firefighters, who were on the scene until approximately 12:25 a m. Tuesday, were unable to save any of the contents. Donations for the family can be left at the North Webster Community Building Boys' sizes seven to 16 and size 30-by-3O men's pants are needed Rogers is medium built and wears size 32-by-3I pants Two neighboring homes receiv ed minor heat damage, with siding being melted by the fire

proximately 3:47 p.m. The first bomb threat was on Wednesday. Sept. 27, at 8:30 p.m. It only involved Chore-Time Equipment. Inc. A night supervisor received the call; a receptionist received the second call. Milford Town Marshal David Hobbs stated on the first threat, the anonymous caller said the bomb was to go off at 9 p.m. No time for the bomb's detonation was given on the second call.

fairs to Senator Dennis De Concini (D-Arizona). Married for a little over four weeks, the Roemers said "we've decided to do it (to run for the congressional seati.” Asa result, Sally Roemer, also with a strong background in politics, is actively involved in the campaign. Originally from Louisiana, she noted she grew up outside of Washington and has worked on two campaigns before An additional way the Roemers are "getting people involved” is

“ w I ROEMERS CAMPAIGN IN MILFORD — Tim Roemer. Democratic candidate for the Third Congressional District of Indiana, and his wife. Sally, are making good on the promise of conducting a ■■grassroots" campaign. Going door-to-door, attending town meetings, visiting at local coffee hours, are just a few of the ways the Roemers are attempting to get in touch with voters and to learn of their concerns. ' — One of their more recent stops on the campaign trail included Milford. Shown here introducing themselves to Milford resident Richard McMillen, on the far right, are Sally and Tim Roemer. < Photo by Mary Jane Lorton)

well as Chore-Time Equipment, “Inc. Thorough searches of the buildings were made by fire and police officials in both cases, turning up nothing. Shown in the photo are several of the employees of Chore-Time Equipment, Inc., waiting outside the plant while members of the Milford Fire Department, Indiana State Police. Kosciusko County Police and Milford Police search the building. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

Following both calls, the buildings involved were evacuated and a complete and thorough search was done by members of the Milford Fire Department. Kosciusko County Police, Indiana Statetyolice and Milford Police. In both cases, nothing was turned up. This last bomb threat is the third one in the Lakeland area in three months. The first threat was made to the Dairy Queen,

byway of their unique program called Roemer's Roamers. The focus of this group is to get individuals involved in community activities, and in doing so. helping people to help themselves. An example of a recent activity of this group, is a canoe trip down the river in which participants picked up trash along their route Roemer s Roamers is just one more attempt to restore people's confidence in others. “Getting people involved in the community," explained Roemer, “that's

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located on the corner-of Pickwiok Road and SR 13 in Syracuse, oh June 16. According to Detective Stan Holderman of the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, bomb threats fall under the statute of false reporting, 35-44-2-2. and are a class d felony. The penalty could result in a maximum of four years in jail. Marshal Hobbs noted the investigation into both bomb threats is continuing.

the kind of thing we need to invigorate” The Roemers look forward to meeting more people in Kosciusko County and are looking to holding a town meeting in the county very soon. "I would like to have one in Milford,” Roemer stated. He added that he would be more than willing to come to any meeting, be it a club or organization, formal or informal.