The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 5, Milford, Kosciusko County, 14 March 1990 — Page 1

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Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 29

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STORM SEWER PROJECT — Darrell Custer of Milford and the Milford Utility Department were busy this week running storm sewer lines down the south side of Catherine Street from Henry to West streets. According to the utilities commissioner, Dallas Winchester 11, the project will connect four catch basins and will help alleviate flooding i

At Milford —

Feasibility study shows town hall should be razed

I By MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer

“...to raze the existing town hall and build a grade level entry town hall facility, incorporating all public code needs now existing and developing a more people and energy efficient building.” Such was the recommendation made by Stevens, Lobsiger & Associates, following the presentation of their feasibility study for a proposed town hall. The study was presented by Jerold W. Lobsiger at a regular meeting of the Milford Town Council on Monday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. Lobsiger met with Milford town council members to discuss his firm’s preliminary findings and recommendations at a special meeting on February 7. At that time, the council requested Lobsiger’s firm make some adjustments to their proposals to include both a reduction in costs and the potential for the incor-

Approval given for mineral extractions at North Webster and Syracuse by BZA

I By STACEY LESCH Staff Writer Two mineral extraction operations were given the goahead by the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals at the March meeting. Both Robert Likens of North Webster and Paul Beezley of Syracuse will begin their individual operations immediately. Likens, owner and operator of Likens Seawall Construction and Concrete Work, petitioned to the BZA for an exception to extract minerals from his property just east of SR 13 and north of CR 500 N, in North Webster. Likens has already been operating the business in the northwestern section of the property, but applied for the exception to continue along with western property line. After listening to remonstrator Dennis Richcreek, who owns a residential subdivision to the

poration of a fire station in the overall proposed new town hall project. Lobsiger returned to Monday’s meetings with these requests in hand. He presented several plans for the new town hall based on information collected from the various department heads and building codes. These plans varied from an entirely new structure to adding onto the current town hall. “The biggest problem with the existing building,” noted Lobsiger, is its height. “We can’t get into it,” he said, “without ramping.” The scheme endorsed by Lobsiger’s firm involves razing the old building and constructing a new town hall. With 3,072 total square footage, the new building would cost approximately $194,700. Both councilmen and members of the public expressed concern about this scheme noting it is not very big. “You will be full the day you walk into this new building,” commented Milford resident Becky Doll. “We thought about that,” answered Lobsiger, adding, there is a potential to add a basement to the scheme at about S2O per square foot.

southeast of the property, the BZA approved Liken’s petition with a stipulation that he confine the operation to the northwest quadrant. Concerning Beezley’s petition, BZA member Bob Beer commented, “It looks like you have an excellent site plan here.”Beezley, in working with Soils, Inc., will be installing a new sewer system near the Marineland Gardens Subdivision near thp Old SR 8 (CR 1000 N) and CR 800E intersection, east of SR 13, Syracuse. Land, Inc., a sister to Soils, Inc., has signed a contract with the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District stating that the project will be completed by the fall of 1991. Concerned resident of the neighboring subdivision, Ed Fortier, did not object to the project, however, asked that a stipulation that no mineral extraction sales be made from that location. Soils, Inc. will be clearing space where the new sewer system will be installed around Lake Wawasee. After a short discussion, the BZA voted unanimously to accept

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

problems at the corner of Catherine and West streets. Winchester said the project will be completed by the end of this week with the utilities department fixing the yard lines. Custer digs out room for the sewer line while Winchester, left, and William Hyden, right, look on. (Photo by Mary Jane Lorton)

No action was taken on the firm’s proposals at this time. Instead, council members voted to think about all of the options and to not make any decisions on how to proceed until next month’s council meeting. Department Reports The town council approved a request from Utilities Commissioner Dallas Winchester II to purchase a sewer plug for S6OO. The plug will be used to prevent a back-up at the lift station across from the Milford School in case of creek elevation, noted Winchester. Reporting for the police department, Milford’s town marshal, Dave Hobbs said due to the recent damages to the police car the newly ordered car should arrive before April 1. The council approved the purchase of a new police cruiser during its January meeting. Town Attorney Jay Rigdon gave the council a bill related to legal work done on behalf of Milford EMS. The bill was $224. In July of 1989 Milford EMS requested help to pay for legal representation in a matter concerning its new ambulance purchased from McLain’s Specialty

the petition as written with the stipulation that no sales will be made. In addition, the petition will become null and void in the fall of 1991. Boat Repair In Tippecanoe Although approved by the BZA at an earlier date, Robert Day appeared before the board again to discuss further plans for a boat repair business in North Webster. Day’s petition called for altering and relocating the business to a

Syracuse Library board awards to lowest bidder

I By STACEY LESCH Staff Writer The bids came back and members of the Syracuse Public Library advisory board were pleasantly surprised. Working with the Borger Jones Leedy ar-

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14,1990

Vehicles Incorporated of Fort Wayne. At that time council members approved a motion to help pay these fees. Although most of the situation has been corrected, Milford EMS is still waiting for the title to the new ambulance. In other business, council members discussed street name changes for the town of Milford. It was decided that no action would be taken until all possible changes were identified and the public had an opportunity to provide input on the changes, the proposed modifications include changing: Milford-Syracuse Road and 1250 N to Syracuse Street; CR 1150 to Waubee Road; Old SR 15N to Old State Road; and Charles Bird Lane to Turkey Creek Drive. (The last name change was proposed by Kate Doty at a February meeting of the council.) In final business, the council set March 26 as a date for an executive session. At this time, council members will discuss the water rate study. Clerk-Treasurer Monica Bice reported she has a copy of a 1990 census form for anyone who would like to see it.

property south of CR 800 S on SR 13. Board members again approved Day’s petition which stipulates that a fence must be erected around the back north, south, and west sides of the completed structure. The next meeting of the BZA will be held Tuesday, April 10, at 8:30 a. m. Meetings are held in the basement meeting room of the Kosciusko County Justice Building, Warsaw.

chitecturail firm of Elkhart, the board had originally estimated construction of the new Syracuse Library to cost at least $700,000 to complete. But When bids were returned from at least nine contractors, the highest checked in at only $673,408. At the regular monthly meeting

Carlson steps down —

Willis Alt named president of FNB

The appointment of Willis Alt as president of First National Bank of Warsaw, effective April 1, was announced today, March 14, by George Lenke, chairman of the board of First National Bank of Warsaw. Currently senior vice president and senior loan administrator at First National Bank of Warsaw (FNBW) 4 , Alt succeeds Neal Carlson, president of FNBW since April 1,1974. Carlson, who will remain with FNBW on a half-time basis as executive administrator, has asked the board of directors to name a new president because he wants an orderly and smooth transition of leadership while the corporation is running smoothly. Also, he wants to devote more time to his community efforts and travel with his wife of nearly 40 years, Joy. Lenke stated, “The bank has grown and prospered under Neal’s leadership. We are sorry to see him step down, but at least he will still be with us in his new role,” . Similarly, Loren Miller, vice chairman of the board of directors, emphasized, “Guided by Neal’s vision and leadership, First National has become a model of consistency and performance recognized statewide by bur peers in the banking industry. Kosciusko County benefits more

For new middle school —

School board approves purchases, tables approval of other items

I By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer Board members of the Wawasee Community School Corporation did not rush into approving the spending of $889,231.42 for middle school equipment last evening (Tuesday) during a regular meeting. They did, however, approve spending $290,311.41 to purchase classroom, cafetorium, office furniture and equipment. A number of questions were raised by the board members regarding some of the equipment that is to be purchased as well as some of the businesses whose bids were used as quotes, because of not complying with bid specifications. Dr. Roger Thornton, superintendent, presented the bids and quotes and pointed out to board members some bids were received without the noncollusion affidavits and/or bid bonds. These bids were used as quotes when no other bid was received. In some instances, it was suggested items be re-bid or purchased on the open market. Several questions were raised by board members on the purchase of some equipment or the number of items. Phil Payne questioned the purchase of a Tshirt printer, in which it was explained it was part of the industrial technology communication area. Another area question-

of the board, architect Eric Leedy joined the members to review the bids and all the alternatives offered by the contractors. Ira C. Mast & Son, Inc of Elkhart, won the bidding hands down by casting in the lowest (Continued on page 2)

than most will ever realize from Neal’s fine work, both at the bank and in his private life. I wish Neal continued success in his new duties with First National.” Carlson reflected, “The people of Kosciusko County have indeed been good to my family and me. ‘The people’ include my fellow workers, board of directors, customers and friends. We have had an opportunity to achieve more than we ever dreamed possible. With the quality of people on our staff under the leadership of Willis Alt, the bank will continue to provide quality, conscientious service to our superb community.” The incoming president, Willis Alt, has been with First National Bank of Warsaw since April 1, 1970. Most recently he has served as senior loan administrator and branch administrator, responsible for the lending side of the bank and integrating FNBW branch activities. Alt is a graduate of Purdue University and holds graduate degrees from IUPU and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Carlson stated, “Willis’ many years of diversified bank leadership and community service combined with his commitment to our bank’s mission and core values have uniquely equipped him for his expanded role as president of

ed was why 22 sewing machines over the ones now in use. The response was the existing machines are not at the level wanted in the building and should be updated to newer models. Dr. Thornton pointed out that any equipment currently in use and in good condition will be used in the middle school. Also, questioned was the purchase of some musical items that the corporation already owns and why what “we have is not being used.” Curtis Jordan, board president, pointed out that several years ago the board delayed updating a lot of equipment in the middle school area until such time as the middle school would need equipped. The purchase of 120 basketballs was also questioned.

WHS teacher arrested for child molesting

I By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer The resignation of Gregory DeWayne Cook. 27, r 1 box 657A, North Webster, as ag mechanics teacher at Wawasee High School was accepted without comment" by members of the Wawasee Community School Corporation Board of Trustees, following his arrest last Wednesday evening for child molesting, a class D felony. He was released Thursday afternoon on $2,000 bond. Kosciusko County Police were contacted by officials of the Wawasee Community School Corporation after staff members became concerned with his alleged behavior with a 15-year-old female student. Dr. Roger Thornton, superintendent, stated Cook was a first year teacher with the cor-

WILLIS ALT First National Bank of Warsaw.” Lenke stated, “We are pleased to have a local leader who is qualified and ready to step in as president. Willis has the capability and the desire to do the job that we expect of him.” Alt commented, “Mr. Carlson, in his 16 years as president, has been a stickler for quality customer service, community involvement, integrity, teamwork, confidentiality, and conservatism among his staff. These

Quotes Questioned Dennis Mikel asked that the request be tabled to allow board members more time to consider the recommendations, particularly with the companies used in quotes. He noted it bothered him that of the approximately SBBO,OOO, almost 25 percent was being spent with companies who did not submit valid bids. It was pointed out that the classroom, cafetorium and office furniture and equipment needed approval in the very near future because of time factors in getting that equipment. All board members agreed and voted to approve bids on those items and table the remainder until the April 10 meeting. Mascot And Colors Following the will of the majority of students who will be at-

poration. Concerning the investigation into the allegations, Dr. Thornton pointed out “we worked closely with them (the police) and cooperated with them to the best of our ability." Thornton pointed out that Cook resigned his position with the corporation at 10:30 p.m., Wednesday. In addition to his teaching position, Cook also coached girls’ freshmen volleyball and basketball, and bovs' freshmen basketball. According to information from the sheriff’s department. Cook gave a statement to police admitting to developing a special acquaintance with a female student, who he knew to be 15 years of age. Cook told authorities that on several occasions he had the girl in his vehicle and the two parked along county roads. He admitted to embracing her and various petting acts. Cook has denied ever undressing the girl or having sexual intercourse. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

45 c

NUMBER 5

Hf NEAL CARLSON tenants have proven themselves to weather both economic adversity as well as prosperity. Times have changed the delivery of financial services but sound principles of banking have not changed. We will continue to serve our friends and neighbors with the same resolve.” Also, an active community leader, Alt resides in Warsaw with his wife, Peggy, and their three daughters, Sarah, Laura and Martha.

tending Wawasee Middle School, board members approved Knights as the mascot and red, white and black for the school colors. Larry DeWeese, middle school principal, explained the selection procedure and criteria to the board. He noted there were 460 student nominations in which all the students voted on the top four, narrowing the field down to the top two choices. Knights received 259 student votes and Wildcats, 224 votes. Red. white and black received 429 votes and silver, white and blue, 127 votes. Bill Troup questioned why the criteria eliminated the high school color scheme. DeWeese noted there were two middle schools in the corporation and did (Continued on page 2)

Randy Girod pointed out it was a “consentual relationship,” between Cook and the student. Noting how authorities made the arrest, Girod commented, “Someone observed too intimate of a relationship involving a student. On March 7, officials watched him leave the school with her and drive off to go parking. ” Girod said when authorities talked with; Cook, he said he had developed a relationship with her (the student) and on that date had engaged in heavy petting. The actual wording for the charge is child molesting, fondling and touching with intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desires. Girod stated Tuesday that Cook has waived his initial hearing that was scheduled for Thursday, March 15. He will appear before Kosciusko Superior Court Judge Robert Burner on Thursday, May 17, at 9:30 a.m., for an omnibus hearing and pre-trial conference. According to information given to Girod by Cook’s attorney, Cook has given up his teaching license.