The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 17, Milford, Kosciusko County, 6 June 1990 — Page 1

The TI \S \A° W° V

Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 29

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THE LINE-UP — The Class of 1990 is ready to set sail into the real world following Sunday’s, June 3, commencement ceremonies at Wawasee High School.

203 receive diplomas Sunday

By JENNIFER WOODWARD Staff Writer

The Class of 1990 was ready to set sail following Sunday’s commencement ceremony at Wawasee High School. The 22nd annual graduation exercises said good-bye to 203 seniors. The Wawasee gymnasium was filled with family, friends, school teachers and administrators acknowledging the graduates’ accomplishments. Philip Fawley performed on the organ as audience members waited in anticipation for the start of the commencement exercises. Dr. Roger Thornton, superintendent of the Wawasee Community Schools welcomed the family and friends attending

TCRSD special meeting —

Approve plans for condo connection, consider creation of master plan

By MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer

A special public meeting of the board of trustees of the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District was held yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon. The purpose of the meeting was to act upon the method of connection into the district’s public sanitary sewer system by Pier 343 Condominiums and to consider the adoption of a master plan for future connections to the district’s public sanitary sewer system. Upon the recommendation of the district’s engineer, Ray

and began the ceremony with a few opening remarks. Senior class president David Schmahl also welcomed those in attendance on behalf of the students. The Wawasee Commencement Orchestra played the national anthem. As the audience settled into their seats, the Wawasee Commencement Orchestra and Fawley, under the direction of Dennis Carper, played the traditional and stately processional, “Pomp and Circumstance.’’ Glowing parents watched as the proud seniors entered the gymnasium one last time as a student. The seniors were seated following the invocation provided by graduating senior Scott Berkey. Suzanne Parr introduced Annette Wilson as the class salutatorian. Wilson spoke of the future endeavors of each graduating senior. The commencement choir

Kocher, the TCRSD board voted unanimously to accept the proposal by the developers' engineers allowing the developers to tie into the Runaway Bay lift station. This would require running a sewer line north from the condominiums to the lift station on either side of the road (Old SR 8). “How we get there (Runaway Bay lift station) is our problem,” Joe Todd later commented. Located on the east end of Lake Wawasee, Pier 343 Condominiums are still under construction and are to consist of 21 units. The project is being spearheaded by Don Deck and Todd, partners in D & T Developers. Todd, also a trustee for the district, excused himself

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

A total of 203 WHS seniors received their diplomas during the ceremonies. (Photo by Jennifer Woodward)

followed with “Forever Friends” under the direction of Tom Beckett. The 1990 valedictorian. Chris Conkling, was introduced by Janelie Jennings. Before the final moment, first year principal Nyle O. Fox addressed the audience. He spoke of the class of 1990 and the feelings he shared. Finally all the years of hard work were about to pay off as seniors received their diplomas from Principal Fox and Assistant Principal Donn Kesler. The seniors received quite a surprise when'they saw their diplomas. The cover of all the diplomas misspelled “Wawasee" as “Wawasse.” However, school officials explained that the mistake was not seen until the diplomas were presented. They added that the new diploma covers will be mailed to each of the graduates within the next two weeks. Following the presentation of

from the board during the discussion and vote on this matter. The board's acceptance of this northern route also included its recognition that this sewerage would have to be treated at some point in the future on a gravity line running south to the Buttermilk Point lift station. With this in mind, the board stipulated that it would approve the developers’ proposal to run a line north on the condition they would make a capital contribution dedicated to the future southern gravity line. Given that this southern line would serve more than just Pier 343 Condominiums, the dollar amount of this capital contribution would be a pro-rated share of the total cost depending on the number of users benefitting from this line. During the meeting, at-

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 1990

every diploma, the seniors were asked to stand and were congratulated for their endeavors. The turning of the tassels marked the end of their high school years as they were inducted into the Wawasee alumni. The Class of 1990 continued with tradition with the candlelighting ceremony. The "Wawasee High School Hymn” was performed during the lighting of each graduate's candle. Benediction followed and was led by graduating senior Julie Gunn. The 1990 graduates left the gymnasium to the recessional. "Die Meistersinger." Words of congratulations greeted each of the seniors as they proceeded out the gymnasium doors. The organ postlude, "Trumpet Voluntary in D" ended the ceremony as family and friends of the new alumni filed out.

torney Dick Green estimated the developers’ share to be about 17 percent of the total cost ($95,500), or approximately $16,235. Master Plan Though the second half of the afternoon session was to be dedicated to the consideration of a master plan for future connections to the district’s' public sanitary sewer system, no action on a plan was taken at this time. According to Kocher, the creation of a master plan would cost the district about SIOO,OOO. “As good as that idea is (to have a master plan),” board president Robert Jones commented, “I don’t see where we come up with $100,000.” Later, June Cripe, trustee, remarked, “It doesn’t cost

Watchdog committee formed —

New action group seeks to delay destruction of school

By MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer

Though the initial purpose of a meeting of concerned citizens within the Wawasee Community School Corporation was “to delay planned destruction of present middle school building located at Syracuse,” after some discussion the focus of the group was expanded and the Wawasee School Taxpayer Association (WSTPA) was formed. Just over 30 people showed up for the 8 p.m. session at Chico’s Restaurant in Syracuse. Two of those present came from Milford, while the rest of those in attendance were from Syracuse. It was suggested at the meeting that there might have been additional representation from Milford, as well as from North Webster if it had been known that the group's intent was not just to try to save the Syracuse school. Thursday evening’s special session, however, was the result of the circulation of petitions to save the old high school building. “This (Thursday’s meeting) came up so fast, as you well know,” said Joan Stoelting, organizer. “A week ago tonight 1 might have had 10 signing the petition, but that's the way it really started. . .and the basic end of it is not to save the school, but the tax situation. . .” Stoelting continued. Beginning the discussion, Ron Sharp and Vera Hall shared figures and statistics with respect to the school corporation’s budget and capital expenditures. Sharp said the school corporation’s plans include adding 24 classrooms to Wawasee High School and office space to

66th alumni banquet held at Milford Saturday night

By BERNICE DWYER Guest Writer

The 66th annual Milford High School Alumni Banquet was held Saturday evening, June 2, in the cafeteria of the Milford Junior High School. There were 159 graduates and guests in attendance. Margie (Hollar) Brooks and Mary (Hollar) Duncan were the hostesses for the social hour. Prior to the meal, catered by Campbell’s, IGA, the invocation

SIOO,OOO for us to establish a policy.” Green concurred with Cripe, adding the district needs to establish some sound, fundamental policies in order to best handle the interim situation. Along with the creation of such policies, Green said the district also needs to come up with rules and regulations for the operation of the sewer district. He suggested the possibility of setting up a committee to work with him on the creation bf these policies. The meeting adjourned without a decision being made on the creation of a master plan. The next regular meeting of the district will be Monday, June 18. Meetings of the district begin at 7:30 p.m. and are conducted in the meeting room of the Syracuse Town Hall.

. EE! . Qi -T 4i xfQin>l I 7 <’4 i- twaww jMB a ' Ik. W'’/‘- <’#:?■<„ ~ » ’ ■" > Jb fb > Wfl B W - w B If™ Bfl lb BMHHHtWf 4B B MAKING HIS POINT — Tom Tuttle speaks to a group of concerned citizens who gathered at Chico’s Restaurant in Syracuse on Thursday evening. May 31, to discuss the proposed demolition of the old Syracuse High School. Though the initial purpose of the meeting was to delay the demolition of the old Syracuse High School, located on East Brooklyn, the group expanded its focus and formed the Wawasee School Taxpayer Association. The next meeting of the WSTPA has been slated for Thursday, June 7, The meeting will be held at the American Legion in Syracuse and will begin at 7:30 p.m. (Photo by Mary Jane Lorton)

the present administration building. Sharp reported, “I would say by the time they (school corporation) got through with everything they want to do, and do it, with the interest and everything, you're going to be in the hole some SSO million." "The bottom line is how much am I paying (taxes)?" Sharp

was given by Bill Little. Following the meal, Master of Ceremonies Bill Little welcomed everyone and recognized other members of the 1990 planning committee: Eugene G. Lange, class of 1959, chairman; Margie Brooks, class of 1960, membership secretary; Bernice Dwyer, class of 1936, secretary; Robert and Carol Geiger, classes of 1948 and 1951, co-treasurer; and Fred and Diane Weisser, classes of 1958 and 1960. Both the secretary and treasurer’s reports for the 1989 banquet were approved. Serving on the planning committee for the 1991 banquet will be Margie Brooks, Mary Duncan, Bernice Dwyer, Carol and Bob Geiger, Eugene G. Lange, and Mike and Carolyn Zimmerman. Special recognition was given to Bernice Dwyer for her continued assistance with each year’s program; Margie Brooks for updating the membership and necrology lists; Nilah Brown for printing of the program handouts; Cindy Kaiser, Milford school assistant principal, and

For executive director position —

C of C to raise money

By MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer

Reporting for the task force assigned to investigate the idea of an executive director for the chamber, Jim Evans suggested the next step for the chamber will be to raise monies to fund the position. The task force, made up of Evans, Mike Tallon and Kip

said, adding, “and the bottom line is a lot more.". Also concerned about the increase in property taxes, Tom Tuttle said the property taxes on his business have gone up 100 percent. “You have a couple of these 100 percent increases and I’m going to be gone . . . I'm only a six-month business," he remarked. Although the board has not yet

the Wawasee School Corporation for the use of the building; Dee Tobias and personnel of Campbell’s IGA for the delicious meal and the complimentary socialhour food and punch; and The Papers Incorporated, for the printing and mailing of the invitations. A moment of silence was observed in respect for the deceased alumni listed on the necrology report. Almeda (Neeley) Stutsman of the class of 1930 was added. Dorothea (Groves) Kerlin, class of 1917, observed that she has attended 71 MHS Alumni programs. Other alumni recognized for their faithfulness in attendance were Robert Groves, class of 1927, Matilda (Graff) Kasbaum, class of 1925, and Roy Eisenhour, class of 1921. Dorothy (Warstler) Bullock introduced the members of her class of 1930 who made a special effort to observe their 60th anniversary on this occasion. Eight of the 13 members still living were present: Helen (Weisser) Zimmer, Dorothy (Warstler)

Schumm, gave its report at this morning’s (Wednesday) regular meeting of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce. Having met with Walkerton’s executive director, Tallon said, “basically we need one or two well-known people in the community to push to get it done. . to get a full-time director.” He added the chamber

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voted on whether or not to raze the old high school building, Hall informed tentative plans are to begin demolition in the summer of 1991 and to have it done by 1992. Tuttle said it would cost about $1,500,000 to tear down the old building. Removing the asbestos from the building would cost $1,200,000, Tuttle said, adding, (Continued on page 2)

Bullock, Mary Bauer, Thelma (Griffith) Cochran, Mildred (Hartter) Randall, Ralph Krull, Warren Fisher, and Lamar Reed. Maurice Beer reminisced for the class of 1940. He spoke of the untimely death of Lieutenant Harry Michael killed in action during World War II five years after graduation from Milford High School. Michael was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor. Beer read the list of other deceased members of the class and introduced the 13 members present: Opal (Zimmerman) Bullinger, Melba Marie (Fox) Spence, Margaret (Stuckman) Gilliot, Elizabeth (Orn) Steinke, Frances (Estep) Aker, Leona (Poe) Dippon, Edna (Hollar) Barbour, Willene (Rapp) Critney, Frank Beer, Rich G. Martin, Rich Brumbaugh, Cleon Scott, and Maurice Beer. Os special interest was the listing of the teachers in Milford High School in 1940: Joseph Fur(Continued on page 2)

might approach the town to see if possibly the position could be shared 1 ; executive director and town manager. “It’s basically got to be done,” remarked Tallon, adding, “there’s no way we can exist anymore without going fulltime.” During previous meetings of the chamber, several members indicated the need for a full-time person to staff the (Continued on page 2)