The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 41, Milford, Kosciusko County, 21 November 1990 — Page 2

2

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., November 21,1990

Passenger service returns to Nappanee

By JULIE MOORE Staff Writer

About 50 expectant passengers and townspeople met Amtrak’s westbound Broadway Limited Monday morning, Nov. 12, as it pulled into the Nappanee station for the first time. The rerouted train, which links Chicago and New York City, resumed passenger service to the community after a more than 20-year lapse. What is a gain to Nappanee, is a loss to Warsaw While the rerouting could mean an economic boon to communities like Nappanee and Garret, which gained the passenger service, it could be a loss to other area communities. “The business community of Warsaw lost a little something there,” said one Nappanee resident, realizing Elkhart County's gain came at Kosciusko County’s expense. The new route moved Amtrak trains, which mostly uses rail lines owned by others, from littleused freight line tracks to main lines. Amtrak implemented the change to ensure that, if Conrail would stop using the tracks, Amtrak would not be solely responsible for the cost of maintaining and operating the freight lines on which its trains ran. The change affects not only the Broadway Limited, but also the Capital Limited, linking Chicago and Washington, D.C. In the past, both trains traveled though Warsaw, Fort Wayne and Valparaiso; but all three cities lost their stops with the change of routes. Amtrak will continue to serve Fort Wayne by a direct bus connection to the Capital Limited at Waterloo (30 miles away) and to the Broadway Limited at Auburn (20 miles away), Unfortunately, Amtrak pulled out of Kosciusko County completely. Warsaw riders can catch the Capital Limited at South

THE PERFECT LITTLE GIFT AT THE BATH SHOPPE Christmas Towels & Gift Items @ — Division Os GoiFen |] Plumbing & Heating Inc. 457-4349 P.O. Box 321, Syracuse OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8-5 SATURDAY 9-1 2 ••Donrr apologize — modekmze" Utnin No. 1»U63

I IlltU I RCA ProEdir Camcorder I ■ ' HF' 'TV • 10:1 Power Zoom With Autofocus 'MI I BV •Pro Edit Feature Package I Lj Ej/ I* * Flying Erase Head With Video/Audio Dub. ■wl lAitmi stii _ si iocss OjmOl RSII Model CCS2O * - Ssr Put Wb. E Wv o ne These \ I / SPECIALS \ ■■■ ~=g| I I no4l I Under Your Tree This I RCAVHSVCR \ jj =t»l I WZ ■ • On-Screen Remote Control Programming \ Days Or 90 Days / ■ fIHF I B • 155 Channel Capable FS Tuner (99 Cable) ''-X Cmm.* A. / I ■ ; WO®7 ® B • Dual VCR Control With Auto Edit™ Some A$ / ; I?#, |ultljt BBMF 1 i aa ■ aaa Cash! S i * ■ I $ 319 88 ig^^ Ba^^r' l Stereo RCA 13 "Diagonal P46IOOTN I Monitor-Receiver ColorTrak* TV 46- Diagonal | • MTS Stereo Sound System ’ ChanneLock-D.g,tai Remote . 56-Button Digital Control •' ®: • 5-Jack Monitor Panel rs° n c° t°°* j ri. Audio/Video Remote • Channelock™ Digital k/ L fe€n ' me n " anne • On-Screen Menu Controls Remote Control (24-Button) . <-| Um / For Total A _ _ _ ItC/l S eSP ' mer IMHH Electronic Convenience SK dL O®B Model G25179TK ModelE 1 3230WN Kj • Video Link” Universal £ — AAMOoI *Q7 25* Diagonal 13 Diagonal TV/VCR/Cable 51 QQEBBI jgW IF U g Remote (38-Button) IJ7 7MW I Best Buy. . . AV j | s 299 88 H HI Rcn I I RCA ■ -- .-ZT | “ COME ONIN YOU LL UKE US! " TW ° SI iSi *"*»J MDHC I fl • On-Screen Operating Model X2Ol 62GS W* W ■ HOV 773-4612 And Status Displays 20* Diagonal dcrojs From Standard Federal I <• <,'FT7 ll’lll ofen daily ■ 9.00-5 00 SATURDAYS

Ki f *■** ~ ,

UNION STATION — Lavern Pletcher of Nappanee muses at the expanse of Chicago’s Union Station during a guided tour of the facility, which is currently under construction to separate the city’s commuters from interstate travelers.

Bend or Waterloo (each about 40 miles away). They can get on the Broadway Limited at Nappanee (25 miles away). Residents from the northern part of the county, however, are closer as the train nation in Nappanee is less than a mile north of the Kosciusko/Elkhart County Line. Waiting to board the early morning train, Richard Pletcher, who was instrumental in attracting the passenger service to Nappanee, explained that officials are working with CSX Corp, for use of its building at the Nappanee station. Pletcher suggested in the interim a temporary shelter for train riders might be erected on the property. A new structure would be built near the tracks only as a last resort, he said. The Broadway Limited brings the arts, restaurants, shopping and big city life closer to Nappanee. A local travel agency reserved a car on last Monday’s train and provided beverage and breakfast to waiting area passengers, who hailed from Nappanee, Bremen, Goshen, Leesburg, New Paris, Syracuse and Wakarusa. Their destination: Union Station. Like many of the travelers, Lavern Pletcher and his wife, Lenore, of Nappanee went to Chicago to shop. “I’m going to carry the packages,” joked Pletcher, as be waited for the arrival of the train. Before the Monday morning excursion, the last time Carl Yoder rode a train was in 1951 on his

& Doll's Decorating 3 Wallpaper W Sale 1 'Hurry In!' $ 20% Off All Books Everyday & —NO RETURNS — « < 658-4033 g Milford

way to San Antonio, Texas, when he went into the Army. The Elkhart County Coroner and his wife, Doris, planned a day of museums and shopping malls in the Windy City. It had been 30 years since Ralph Jerles rode a train, too. “This will be new for me,” sqid Jerles, whose itinerary included Chicago’s Institute of Art, which remains open on Mondays. There was even a fellow waiting for* the incoming train. An executive from Pennsylvania, possibly the first person to head to Nappanee on the Broadway

Wawasee administrators will not tolerate drug abuse at school

(Continued from page 1) students who are borderline in substance abuse. A list of students who are borderline, was given to authorities for future reference. Should school authorities believe such an investigation is necessary in the future, the

Syracuse superintendent named top operator

Syracuse Street and Water Superintendent Ron Conley was recognized as “Operator of the Year” for a small (3,000 or fewer meters) system by the Indiana Rural Water Association last week. Conley was named the top operator at the association’s annual conference, while Columbia City Utility Manager Tony Zigcraft was named top operator for a large system. The winners were announced Thursday as part of the association's weeklong activities. Conley was in town to attend the Safe Drinking Water Seminar sponsored by the association and expressed shock when learning of the award. “I was surprised and pleased at the same time,” he says.

Limited, was coming on business to company headquarters in Goshen. “They used to fly. Now that fares are getting so high, they are going to put them on trains and buses,” explained the man meeting the train. And a handful on onlookers said they just “decided to come down and just watch it go through.” For additional costs, the Broadway Limited offers sleeping accommodations. All trains have dining and lounge cars. For Amtrak scheduling information, call 1-800-835-8725.

lessons learned from this experience will be utilized. “The message to be heard is that Wawasee School Corporation administrators will not tolerate the presence of abuse of controlled substances at school,” stated an official.

Syracuse Town Council Actingpresident Kenneth Johnson commended Conley on the award at last night’s (Tuesday) council meeting. A nine-year employee of the town, Conley has been street and water superintendent for 2‘ 2 years. Agencies represented at the annual conference included: Indiana Department of Environmental Management; Department of Natural Resources; Indiana Department of Revenue; Farmer’s Home Ad ministration; Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, and the State Board of Accounts.

Syracuse lends support to recycling efforts

I By MARK HUFFMAN Staff Writer Helping Syracuse to lead the area in resolving problems with solid waste, Bob Knudsen, Kosciusko County advisor for solid waste management, introduced a plan to Syracuse Council members last night (Tuesday) that will assure that recycling persists. While he admitted “there is no more money to be made in recycling like there used to be,” Knudsen stated that the town still needed to find away to meet state requirements, concerning solid waste, that go into effect in July. “With the consideration of Syracuse Rubber, we are able to reserve a spot, across from the plant entrance, for recycling,” Knudsen said. This spot will allow residents to discard all recyclables, while Knudsen hopes to see an organization volunteer to help with the collection efforts on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The council gave Knudsen the resources to fence in the area, instructing Street and Water Superintendent Ron Conley to work with the county advisor. Knudsen confirmed, “We just don’t have the money to run a major recycling program, but this will be a step in the right direction.” Knudsen has also expressed hope that the surrounding communities of Milford, North Webster, Leesburg, Mentone, Silver Lake and Warsaw actively pursue a recycling program. Items collected at the drop-off point will be transported to Lewis Salvage in Warsaw. In a related matter, Town Attorney Robert Reed noted that the Indiana Bond Bank had been contacted about the funding of toters for the town’s 1991 garbage collection system. “The matter needs to be approved through the bond bank before we’re able to take bids (for semi-automated toters),” Reed said. It was also reported that those residents who do not participate in the town’s collection program will not receive a tax credit of any kind. While those discontinuing pick-up will not have to pay a toter fee, they will be responsible for their own pick-up. Garbage collection to those areas normally collected on Thursday will be delayed one day due to the Thanksgiving holiday, while Borden Waste-Away will collect garbage on Mondays instead of Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning December 1.

In other business, Syracuse resident Lucy Kammerdiener expressed concern with the new addressing system, noting that her house number is 909 while those in the same block are listed with 1,000 numbers. “It's confusing,” she said, adding, “I just want to know that it’s right and that there

won’t be repercussions down the road, should we sell.” After discussion, it was agreed that Kammerdiener work with town and county officials and area neighbors to assure proper addressing. • Reporting for the street and water department, Conley noted that the town’s wells and pumps have been examined and are deemed in good working condition, with the exception of a booster pump at Dana Corp., which may cost $1,500 to $2,500 to correct. Conley also noted that the development of off-site drainage at North Huntington Street, which would normally cost $20,000, may be done for considerably less by utilizing town labor. After discussion, the council agreed to use $4,700 already in the water department budget to perform the work. Conley noted that the county will consider taking over the area as part of its legal drainage system after completion. Work on the drainage ditch is expected to begin this month. Reporting for the sewer department, Sewer Consultant Tom Gordon noted that the wastewater treatment plant’s open house October 30 was a success. “We had about 12 people go through the plant and continue to welcome anyone who would like tours,” he said.

"Burning issue’ addressed by North Webster Council

I By MITCHELL STINSON Staff Writer Carrying a garbage bag with burned materials in it, Kenneth Roland complained about the burning habits of his neighbors at the North Webster Town Council meeting last Wednesday, Nov. 14. He claimed that hazardous materials like paint, oil and plastic are finding their way into burn barrels in his neighborhood. Roland said that the odor can be overwhelming at his Fifth Street home. “With prevailing winds at certain times, we have to button up the house in order to be able to breathe,” he said. Council President Myron Clark explained that town ordinances allow the burning of leaves and wood products only. Potentially hazardous materials are restricted from being burned. “The ordinance supposedly prevents it but they’re not following that,” Clark observed. Roland said that most of the offenders don’t have trash pickup service and use the barrels to get rid of their garbage. Town Marshal Jerry Craig told Roland that the town fire chief can help him solve the problem. “If it’s going in your house and causing discomfort, it can be eliminated,” Craig said. In other business, the council gave names to three alleys in

Accolades given to Bitner

(Continued from page 1) Kocher noted the bulk of the conditions contained in the letter were standard. “They’re there to protect the interests of the district,” Kocher added. The village will have to pay the equivalent of 16 connection fees, $14,288. In addition, the cost of construction and maintenance will be covered by the park. In another matter, trustees Gerald Dehner and L.D. “Bud” Hayner stated they submitted

SWING WITH THE MUSIC OF YOUR ERA OR LAUGH WITH THE BEST CHICAGO COMEDY HAS TO OFFER ... There’s Something For EVERYONE ATELCO!! during . An c/rews B WB Fr/£} ay wl * or'"' c omedy Av Orchestra December 15 felfa ELCO THEATRE 410 S. Main St., Elkhart For More Information Call 293-4469 Or 1-800 628-9717 Tickets Available At: Templin’s Record Connection, Super Sounds, World Records

Gordon also reported that sewage work on Chicago Street has been completed, with street crossings expected to be made at Skinner Ditch next week. Progress is also continuing on the Brooklyn Street project. The plant continues to add to its collection capabilities, with Country Meadows tying into the system yesterday, while preparations are being made to accept flow from Turkey Creek in early December. A study revealed that the Syracuse plant was paying $1.50 per 1,000 gallons of flow, which Gordon deemed as “very good for a plant our size.” The council also received the 1991 sewer department budget for review. Reporting for the park department, council member Carol Koble noted that gravel work has been completed at the Lakeside Park parking lot, while the park board is still awaiting word on a grant application for seawall construction at Henry Ward Park. One Syracuse resident complained that the town was wrong to consider accepting a grant after earlier offers by area bass fishermen to construct a seawall were turned down. However, Reed noted that such offers were never substantiated, noting, “If I remember right, there wasn’t a solid program that could be seized upon and turned

North Webster. The alleys needed to have names so they could be included in the. forthcoming emergency 911 service. Town attorney Rex Reed still needs to draft an ordinance for the process before the names are official. The three alleys were given the titles of Ward Lane, Governor’s Lane and Camelot Lane. Ward Lane is the first alley west of SR 13, Camelot Lane is located south of Washington Street, and Governor’s Lane is the first east-west alley north of North Street. The council also renamed a couple of existing streets. The part of Hickory Street in the Warner Addition was renamed to Hickory Street East and Hickbry West. Center Street in the Addition was divided int»Hickory Street East, Hickory Street West. Street Department Commissioner Harry Minnick volunteered to build a lightweight cart to help crossing guards at the town’s elementary school. The cart would include flashing lights to catch the attention of motorists on dark mornings. The crossing guard’s little stop sign isn’t adequate, according to Marshal Craig. Park Board President Howard Ziegler announced that the town park is being shut down for the ' winter. He also said that the board’s tree planting project has begun under the guidance of Lin-

preliminary drafts of by-laws and rules and regulations of the district to attorney Richard Green. “We’ll meet next week with the attorney to discuss them,” Dehner said. Other action and discussion at the evening session included: • Hayrter told the board the district purchased earthquake insurance at $lO6. • Three change orders were approved. The totals were $5,544, $7,592 and SB2O.

into anyone’s advantage. ’ ’ Syracuse resident Betty Dust also claimed that money had been earmarked for seawall construction, in an earlier park budget, and went elsewhere instead. However, Koble countered, “My recollection is that the money was targeted for park improvements, not, specifically, a seawall.” In a report for the police department, it is noted that 190 complaints were received during October, with 101 courtesies being extended and 30 accidents investigated. The department responded to 321 calls during the month while 4,848 miles were logged. The dispatchers’ monthly report shows that 2,251 calls were handled in October, while 447 courtesies were extended. It was also reported that E-911 forms are available at the clerktreasurer’s office and fire station. Residents are encouraged to fill the forms and return them so that the information can be placed in the system’s central computer. In a final matter, Stan Insley, 601 N. Dolan Dr., was appointed to fill the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals position left vacant last month after Jean Rogers resigned due to health problems. The council meets again in regular session at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18.

da Olson. Ziegler hopes to build a tennis court behind the fire house, as the board’s next big project for 1991. “I think you’re to be congratulated on the things you did at the park this summer,” Clark said. “It got a lot of use.” Upon the recommendation of Marshal Craig, the council approved Lauren Bishop as a parttime dispatcher for the North Webster Police Department. Bishop had prior experience as a dispatcher in Ligonier. In other matters, the council signed an agreement with H.J. Umbaugh & Associates to conduct a sewer rate study. The council also announced that the 1991 budget hearing will be held on December 10. The meeting is slated for 9 a m. at the Warsaw Courthouse. October Police Report Officer hours, 662.75; fuel used, 237.13; miles driven, 3,079; calls received, 355; EMS/Fire calls, 36; Ref. other dept., 105; call on duty, 292; calls off duty, 6; assist other dept., 30; Fire/EMS assist, 10; courtesy services, 287; alarms, 14; accident inv., 2; citations, 18; warnings, 17; adult arrests, 6; juvenile arrests, 1; permits, 9; vehicle identification number (VIN) checks, 10; hull identification number (HIN) checks, 3.

• The district approved making improvements on part of the existing sewer line. • Following an executive session, the district voted to grant a six percent pay increase for two employees; Rita Ball, project coordinator; and Vai Duggins, superintendent. • The next meeting of the district will be Monday, Dec. 17. Sessions of the district are held in the meeting room of the Syracuse Town Hall and begin at 7:30 p.m.