The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 27, Milford, Kosciusko County, 15 August 1990 — Page 1

f’Jie .. - C)7 /.nci 1 ’ ... Mt . u o< ' ;i A MAIL (Est. 1888) and THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907)

Milford 658-4111 * Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 29

Milford accepts $32,637 bid for street improvements

I By MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer

The Milford Town Council reviewed and accepted the only bid received for street improvements during its regular session Monday night. The bid, from Phend and Brown, totalled $32,637. This year's street improvements include: First Street, from the west edge of Maple to the east edge of Elm; Fourth Street, from the west edge of Elm through Maple Street intersection; East Street, from north sidewalk at Fourth to south edge of Syracuse Road; Maple Street, from south edge of Fourth to north edge of Section; James Street, from south edge of Emeline to north edge of First; and pavement repair at the corner of SR 15 and Fourth Street. In a related manner, Dallas Winchester 11. utilities commissioner. told the council he received a bid for the Main Street project. The plan, which includes separating the storm and sanitary sewer lines between Emeline and Catherine streets, would cost between $70,000 and SBO,OOO. Though no action was taken on the project, Winchester did indicate he would be pushing for this improvement in the future.

Mock gas leak drill held in Milford

A mock gas leak drill was held Saturday morning at the Dome Pipeline Corp, gas line on CR 50W, north of CR 1350 N, Milford. Eight area fire departments — Milford, Syracuse, Nappanee, Plain Twp., New Paris, Warsaw, Elkhart Twp., and Foraker — took part in the drill. This is the first time a drill of this type has been held at this location. Dome Pipeline Corp., owned by

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RESILING THE VICTIM — Eight area fire departments, along with the Milford EMS, participated in a mock gas leak drill Saturday morning. Shown in the top photo are members of the Milford Fire Department spraying water on a tanker. A simulated gas leak at the back of the tanker has been rigged with a victim lying close by while members of the EMS carry a back board in to rescue him. In the bottom photo are members of the EMS as they administer emergency first aid to the victim before putting him in a waiting ambulance for transport to the nearest hospital. (Photos by Linda Musselman)

Continuing with his departmental report. Winchester noted the water meters will be read every two months per the new water rate ordinance. The next reading will take place in mid-September. Sidewalk Program Having completed 12 to 13 sidewalks of those participating in the town's sidewalk program, the commissioner said there are still three to four sidewalks yet to be done. He added there still is space for those wishing to get on next year's project list. As a participant in this project, a resident pays for the materials to replace his respective sidewalk while the town provides the manpower. The commissioner reported that his department will be flushing water hydrants on Thursday, Aug. 30. He added that by Wednesday, work on the storm sewer on Fourth Street should be completed. When finished, the town crew will move in with cement and work on yard restoration. Tree trimming will begin in late August or early December, noted Winchester. "I'd like to see the community involved in the alley ways," he commented, adding, the town would be happy to haul away brush and tree limbs residents clear from their alleys. In another matter, the council approved Winchester's request to purchase two new hand held radios. The cost for the two units

Amoco which is owned by Amoco Canada; Kosciusko County Civil Defense; and Kosciusko County EMS were coordinators. According to Steve Hurst, terminal foreman for Dome, the purpose of the drill was to learn the response capabilities of the departments. All eight departments brought in water totaling 70.000 gallons. Each tanker could supply 500 gallons a minute, "which is quite an achievement" Hurst stated. Also during the drill, which began at 8:10 a.m. and lasted till noon, a propane fire was started

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would not exceed $1,400. School Starting Reporting for the police department, Town Marshal Dave Hobbs noted that August 21 is the first day of school for Milford students. He asked that residents pay heed to the lower speed limits in the school zones. In other business, the town's building commissioner. Bill Durbin, informed the council that he mailed a letter to Ron Davidhizar telling him that he needs to repair a window in a garage at his 212 Fourth Street property. Although almost eight months have passed in this calendar year, the town finally signed a contract with the fire department for service in 1990. The agreement is similar to the one the town has signed with the department for the past few years. Ambulance Title In another matter, attorney Jay Rigdon said he recently received word from an Indianapolis attorney representing the bank which holds the title for Milford EMS’s ambulance. Milford EMS, with the help of Rigdon, has been trying to retain the title for the ambulance since July of 1989. In the letter, Rigdon was told that if he supplied some type of proof of purchase, EMS would receive the title. Discussion on the new town hall was tabled until the next session of the council. “Two or three avenues are being driven down as

and each fire department took turns putting out the fire. Thermal relief valves from the propane tanks were also popped to show the sound that is made when gas is leaking. Hurst said that a senior-safety advisor from Amoco Canada, Canada, was very impressed with each fire department's skills and training. He considered the drill a complete success. "Each community should be very proud These men may be called volunteers, but they are very professional," Hurst stated.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 1990

we speak" to seek funding, informed Rigdon, adding, discussion could wait until this information is received. In final business, the council heard Maria Lozano's request that the town supply utilities to her home. Annexed 12 years ago, Lozano stated at that time she was told that sewer lines would be extended to her home. “We were promised, but nothing has been done, nothing has been said, "she remarked. While sympathizing with Lozano’s situation, council

October 1 — Roger Kryder leaving WCSC

I By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer

Roger Kryder, Wawasee Community School Corporation Business manager, will serve the corporation in a new capacity, that as director of special education for North Central Indiana Special Education Cooperative. Kryder's resignation was accepted last evening (Tuesday), by members of the school board, effective October 1. Warsaw Community Schools

The Milford EMS Was also asked to participate in the drill. According to Margaret Brooks, vice president, the members learned how to maneuver carrying an oxygen tank on their backs and wearing the fire department's face mask, boots, hat, and coat. They also learned not to rescue a victim by the conventional rules. They are to drag the victim away from the accident because it takes too long to put a person on a back board. Then the EMTs will assess the victim's condition and get him to an ambulance as fast as possible.

members remarked they could not be held accountable for promises made by past administrations. Winchester offered to look into the situation. The council will meet again on Monday, Aug. 20. and Monday, Aug. 27, to conduct public hearings on the proposed budget and advertised tax rate for 1990. The next regular session of the council is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 10. Meetings of the Milford Town Council are conducted in the town hall and begin at 6:30 p.m.

accepted Kryder's employment as director Monday evening during its board meeting, pending action by the' local school corporation. His annual salary will begin at $60,000. He is currently earning $57,240. "My leaving has nothing to do with money or being dissatisfied," stated Kryder. "I'll be able to work in the area I have a lot of training in and serving the corporation in a different capacity.” Kryder has an administrative license in special education and spent 6*2-7 years in that capacity. While Kryder will be leaving the corporation, he will not be leaving the area. It was announced during the meeting that he will a resident and patron of the school corporation. "Wawasee School Corporation has been extremely good to me and it’s been a pleasure to live here and have my kids attend here,” said Kryder Kryder was hired on July 1, 1985, as business manager He was assistant director of special education for Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative. Corunna, from 1974 to 1979 and special education teacher from 1970-1972 in Antwerp local schools, Antwerp, Ohio. Just prior to coming to Wawasee, Kryder spent 5‘ 2 years as business manager of Central Noble Community School Corporation. From 1972-1974, he was pre-vocational education coordinator. Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative; and from August 1978-January 1979, he was school psychometrist for Central Noble and West Noble School Corporations. He has a teacher's license, a school services psychologist I. and director of special education

Middle School ready

(By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer

Wawasee Community School Corporation Board of Trustees had a mild agenda last evening. With one week before the start of school, everything was given a green light. Board members were alerted to the fact the new middle school was ready for students. It was pointed out that the deceleration

Mount Wawasee to close

By STACEY LESCH Staff Writer

Having provided a close-to-home winter recreation site since 1962, Mount Wawasee will be sadly missed in the Lakeland area when the first snows of winter fall. Late last week. William and Renska Stath, owners of the ski resort, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the corporation, Mount Wawasee Inc. The Staths reside in Milford and have owned the ski resort since 1977. Their decision to file bankruptcy and close the resort is justified by the mild winters over the past few years. In an

I . ■ - | If ERADICATE MARIJUANA — Indiana State Police eradicated approximately 100 pounds of unprocessed marijuana from an area southeast of Milford last Friday, Aug. 10, in their continuing effort to eradicate cultivated and wild growing marijuana. Indiana State Police Trooper Mike Swallow stated that the plants were found in an area of sevenfoot high horseweed and because of the large amount was airlifted out to be destroyed. Most of the time, as in this case, the plants are burned; but sometimes are compacted and buried 30 feet into the ground. Trooper Swallow pointed out that the plants are now at their peak and should be eradicated before they can reseed. Anyone who has a suspicion of the location of cultivated plots or wild growing marijuana is asked to call the Indiana State Police Bremen Post at 1-800-552-2959. Callers do not need to leave their names, only the location of the know n or suspected marijuana plants. Once the plants are located and identified, troopers from the Bremen post will help property owners eradicate the marijuana, either through the use of chemical sprays or by cutting down and removing the plants. In the top photo the state police helicopter is airlifting plants. The bottom photo shows the plants being destroyed. (Photos by Indiana State Polj.ee Trooper Mike Sw allow )

Set wheels in motion for park grant at Syracuse

By MARK HUFFMAN Staff Writer

The Syracuse Park Board set the wheels in motion for state-funded improvements

lane on SR 13 has all but the final asphalt laid, the asphalt base for the parking lot should be com pieted by Thursday, the extended lanes on Old Road 8 are almost complete Workers have been putting in overtime to prepare the school for opening day. including weekend work; Board members asked if the sheriff's department could be asked to assist with any traffic problems that might occur on the first student day. Tuesday. Aug. 21. A call will be made.

earlier statement issued by William Stath, it was noted that in order for the ski resort to operate successfully, at least 65 days of snow or temperatures cold enough to make and maintain snow are needed. Less than 50 days fit those qualifications last winter. The lack of good ski days put a financial crush on the operations. In filing Chapter 11, the corporation listed $424,185 in assets while debts stood at $548,975. It is now rumored that the ski resort, located south of New Paris off CR 50. may become a gravel mining operation. William Stath was not available for comment as of this morning and Renska Stath did not care to issue any statements without the approval of her husband

to Ward Park, signing an Indiana Waters grant application at its monthly meeting last night (Tuesday). If awarded, the grant could provide up to 75 percent of the funding for various park im-

Also. Roger Thornton, superintendent, was asked about the progress with the state highway department on the stoplight at SR 13 and CR 1000 N. Thornton stated the state is aware of the concern and agrees with the corporation on the light, however, they (the state* would have to monitor the traffic before steps are taken to install the light During the meeting, public hearings were held on $230,000 additional appropriations, the advertised 1991 budget and 1991 capital projects fund. Comments were only heard regarding the budget Dr. Thornton provided board members with advertised tax rates of 10 other area school districts noting this corporation's advertised rate of $4 54 was the second lowest figure of the schools listed The corporations were: Baugo. $5.03; Concord. $5.54; Fairfield. $5 57; Goshen. $4 78; Middlebury. $5.29; Penn-Harris-Madison. $7 22; Wa-N'ee. $5 90; Warsaw. $5 2299; West Noble. $4 86; and Whitko. $4 529 Board members were told because of their long-term view, the corporation was in a position to have the budget and tax rate proposed and are in an enviable position with other corporations they rub elbows with. "We don't have the surprises, (other cor(Continued on page 2>

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NUMBER 27

provements that are expected to cost approximately $48,000. The board plans to use the bulk of the money, if awarded, for the construction of a seawall and boardwalk at the park. The seawall would help to alleviate erosion problems while the boardwalk would provide a place for familyfishing. Restrooms would also be renovated for the handicapped while a sidewalk would be extended to the parking area. A fisheries biologist who examined the area also recommended that a 30-foot pier be extended from the boardwalk However, the decision to sign the grant application did not come without common complaints about who was getting the most use out of the Medusa Street park "Are we going to have a park or a parking lot for bass fishermen' 1 " asked James Butt, who resides m the area. Butt was concerned about the number of parking spaces being allocated for vehicles with boat trailers while he also expressed reservations about a boardwalk that would provide an area for more fishing. Park board president Phil Stump noted that parking facilities for bass fishermen was the result of a compromise with Syracuse Police to keep the < Continued on page 2)

WSTA meeting

The Wawasee School Taxpayer Association will meet on Thursday, Aug 16. at 7:30 p.m. This meeting will be held in the North Webster Community Building. All taxpayers from the Wawasee Community School Corporation. Milford. Syracuse, and North Webster, are welcome to attend.