The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 42, Milford, Kosciusko County, 28 November 1990 — Page 1

•<“ ' I fflil J INDIANA oT A c I X4O NOKTH SENATE 620 Indianapolis

Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 29

Lakeland

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I By MARK HUFFMAN Staff Writer Rob is a line foreman in a local recreational vehicle-related industry. He has grown accustomed to shorter work weeks during the late November to midJanuary time period. He has even become oriented to a scaled down Christmas season due to intermittent layoffs. However, this year the layoffs came early, earlier than it’s been in eight years. “This year there will be no ‘scaled down’ Christmas — there won’t be any Christmas,” he says, echoing the words of many who’ve suffered the consequences of higher gasoline and oil prices. However, the picture isn't as bleak as it may be, according to many industry experts, and Rob’s situation isn’t indicative of all in the recreational vehicle industry. While there are also those in other industries who are feeling

Local retailers give mixed response to start of 1990 holiday shopping season

By STACEY LESCH And I JULIE MOORE Staff Writers Tensions are mounting in the Middle East as the possibilities of war become seemingly inevitable. The idea makes everyone shudder and realize that a recession cannot be far behind. Although many local retailers are not suffering a holiday shopping slow-down at this writing, others are fearing low sales. Says Alice Rinker, owner and operator of Rinker’s Family Store, North Webster, sales have been poor all summer, butt especially during this traditionalshopping period. “It’s affecting sales,” she says of the Middle East crisis and the money scare it is causing. Rainy, summer weekends dampened the sales as frustrated water-lovers avoided the county's lakes. The few holiday shoppers who enter the store are looking for more practical gifts, such as materials to make their own clothes. In Syracuse, women and children’s apparel retailer Marise Smith (of Marise’s), says a warm November has left everyone a little shy of catching the Christmas spirit just yet. Os holiday sales, Marise says she will make no predictions of what to expect. Jill Goshert, a sales clerk at Bonnie Gene’s Boutique, Milford, notes that a recent two-day sale showed no selling woes. The store has seen only a slight drop from last year’s holiday sales. On a wider scale, variety retailers such as Big Wheel should have no problems this holiday season. According to Mark Hubbs, manager at the Syracuse store, “People are look ing for the best bargains.” He says general line products such as toys, clothes and music are still good sellers this season? Tom Speicher, manager of Walter’s Drug Store, Milford, agrees that murmurs of a recesMerchants to meet Friday The Retail Merchants Division of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce will conduct a special meeting Friday, Nov. 30, to tie up loose ends before Santa’s scheduled arrival in Syracuse on Saturday, Dec. 8. The merchants will meet at Gropp’s Fish of Stroh, Syracuse, at noon. The merchant’s group recently changed the date of its meeting to the first Friday of each month. Their next regular meeting will be Friday, Dec. 7.

the pinch from a tightened economy, the extent of the pinch is almost as varied as views on the effects of the current state of affairs in the Middle East. Although the Lakeland area is feeling its share of a threatened recession, with a slowdown in production resulting in many industries, some plants are also admitting to an increase in business. While Dana Corporation’s Spicer Axle Division in Syracuse has suffered from a loss of 95 jobs in the past two months, JC Mfg., Inc., in North Webster has admitted to an increase in business during the same time frame. “I’m not so sure I’ve seen the recessive situation accelerate as much as many have forecasted,” admits Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce President Chad Smyth. “In talking to people, I’ve heard some say that it’s (economy) slowing down somewhat, but not as bad as many thought it would be.” ’

sion hasn’t had any ill effects on sales. If anything, he’s seen a moderate increase, particularly in seasonal gift items and decorations. Still at other area retail establishments, it’s too early in the shopping season to notice the traditional seasonal increase in sales. Louise Clayton, owner of Clayton’s Garden Center and Greenhouse, North Webster, reports that, while receipts usually increase after Thanksgiving, the November holiday coming a week early this year may help to explain a sluggish kickoff of the Christmas shopping season. Nevertheless, thus far Clayton says she hasn’t witnessed any foreshadowing of a negative buying trend and expects sales to be “as good, if not better, than last year.” Don MacGregor, assistant manager at Augsburger’s Super Valu reports a minimal decrease in sales at the Syracuse store. “We haven’t seen an increase; it’s been down a little,” he said, adding that “people aren’t buying as much as last year because of the economy.” At Campbell’s IGA, Milford, Thanksgiving sales were up from last year. But, manager Tim Campbell reports the week after Thanksgiving is traditionally the slowest week of the year. Looking ahead to Christmas traffic, Campbell said he didn’t know what to expect. Yet grocery stores may be better prepared than most retailers to stave off the impending adverse economic impact of a recession. Food staples are more apt to be “recession resistant” goods, which consumers continue

Distribution of surplus food

Surplus butter, flour, honey, and peanut butter will be distributed Thursday, Dec. 6, beginning at 10 a m. at various sites in Kosciusko County. Recipients are expected to utilize the distribution site nearest their home. Recipients are required to show identification, such as a welfare or food stamp card, or a driver’s license, and bring a container in which to carry the food home. Elderly or handicapped homebound individuals and eligible working persons can have someone pick up the products for them by sending a signed authorization and proper identification with the person picking up the food. Income eligibility guidelines for those under age 60 are: household of one, $9,420; two, $12,630; three, $15,840; four or more, add $3,210 for each additional person in the'household. If

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

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current

However, Bill Sanders, human resource manager at Dana Corp., confirms that his plant has experienced its worst production level since the recession of 1982, although he doesn’t foresee further layoffs. “We had been running on a high since 1982 tfnd have had a slowdown in the last few months, especially in the last month,” he says, adding, “Hopefully we’ve seen the worst. We’re hoping it (production) will be on an upswing after the first of the year, but we don’t know.” Kinro of Syracuse, which also fluctuates with the rise and fall of the RV industry, is experiencing its worst time in five years. “November, December and January are naturally slow times, but this year is worse than it’s been in about five. We’re primarily tied in with the RV market and with the cost of gas, people tend to cut back on luxuries first and an RV is one of those primary luxuries,” says Pete Pederson, plant manager.

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STEADY SHOPPER — Dick Wolferman of Milford says murmurs of an impending recession haven’t changed his shopping habits any. The Chore-Time employee, like many Lakeland residents, has yet to feel the effects of the predicted economic downturn. (Photo by Julie Moore)

to purchase during times of economic hardship, opting to forgo luxury items instead. So, despite a national forecast of a gloomy Christmas season for

the head of the household is age 60 or over, the annual income guidelines are; household of one, $11,304; two, $15,156; three, $19,008; four or more, add $3,852 for each additional household member. The distribution sites in Kosciusko County are: Warsaw — American Red Cross, 501 N. Lake Street; Salvation Army, 501 E. Arthur Street; Center Lake Pavilion, turn off Hwy. 15 at fried chicken restaurant, one block from lake; Julia Goon’s home, 4496 N. CR 600 W; Merlin Wertenberger’s home, r 3 Claypool Fire Department. Claypool Robert Hoffman’s home, r 1, Claypool Etna Green Fire Department. Etna Green Sidney Fire Department. Sidney

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28,1990

Economic outlook

industry status

Pederson notes that Kinro has seen a 40 to 50 percent cutback in employees over the past two months, with most departments working only four days a week. “I think we re all in the same boat. We have a majority of the RV business in this locale, but I’m sure others who have other customers in the area aren’t doing any better,” he adds. Meanwhile, Kim Cripe, vice president at JC Mfg., notes, “There are Certain areas in the country where it’s been spotty, but the local economy has been fairly good. Overall, we’re up for the year and have been busier this fall than anytime in our history.” Cripe attributes much of that business to an expansion of its targeted market. “That did very well for us — expanding throughout the U.S., gradually, and going into Canada for the first time (this year) at the Toronto Boat Show,” he says, adding, “We don’t live and die by

retailers, sales this holiday shopping season appear to be gaining momentum as Christmas approaches. And there are only 27 more shopping days left

Jesse Berger’s home, CR 1350 N, r 1, Nappanee Silver Lake Fire Department. Silver Lake Fred Slabaugh’s home, CR 1350 N and CR 950 W. Nappanee King Memorial Home (Harrison #2), 101 N. Tucker, Mentone Chester Clampitt Jr.’s home (Harrison #1), 3762 West Old Rd. 30. east end of the laundromat in Westhaven Estates. Warsaw Syracuse Fire Department. Syracuse Dail Barber s home. CR 1000 S, Mentone Winona Lake Fire Department. Kings Highway, Winona Lake Wawasee Community Bible Church. Syracuse-Milford Road, Milford Pierceton Nutrition Site, SR 13, Pierceton Leesburg Fire Department, Leesburg Tippecanoe Community

the volume number, we have custom built products and look at the market’s needs, not numbers. Flexibility within the corporation has been the key issue.” While Sea Nymph Inc., Syracuse, finds itself in a similar industry, Dick Marquis, vice president of manufacturing, notes, “There is definitely more of a slowdown than last year at this time, not just in our industry, but the general business economy seems to be slower.” “We’re lower in total employment, but we haven’t had to layoff anyone. We think we’ve kind of reached the bottom at this point and don’t think it will get any worse in relation to our business,” he says, before adding, “We foresee some increase in both production and employment in January, but, as you know, the business climate is very unpredictable right now. ” Such uncertainty is fueled by the cloudy situation in the Middle East, with Iraq’s occupation of Kuwait and American troops stationed in Saudi Arabia providing unforeseen consequences. Liberty Homes, Inc., of Syracuse is experiencing rising freight surcharges due to the situation overseas, according to Carl Severe, division general manager. However, overall ' business remains steady. “The price of oil and gasoline, the uncertainties, and the Persian Gulf situation aren’t really having an effect on us, thus far,” he says, adding, “It’s just the typical slowing down period we

Trial to decide if lake is public or private

The determination if Papakeechie Lake is public or private will be decided by trial. This is the latest development in the case. Recently the Indiana Department of Natural Resources filed a motion to dismiss the matter on a procedural basis. Late yesterday, (Tuesday) Steve Snyder, attorney for the Papakeechie Protective Association, received notice that the motion had been denied and the case will proceed to trial. A petition for review was filed on September 2, 1989, by the License branch to be open Thursday The Syracuse License Branch has announced that the office will be open Thursday, Nov. 29, until noon. This opening will make up for the hours the office was closed Saturday morning, Nov. 24, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Building, corner of Washington and Morton Streets, North Webster. These commodities are donated by the US Department of Agriculture and are not to be sold or exchanged. The Commodity Distribution Program is administered by the Indiana Department of Human Services. Crafts on sale at Wawasee Middle School The Wawasee Middle School PTO will host its first Christmas Bazaar Saturday at the school. Area residents are welcome to view various crafts from 8 a m. to 4 p.m., with 107 tables being reserved for sale items.

traditionally experience at this time of year.” Many food-related industries are feeling some consequences of the overseas situation, although locally such effects appear minimal. Maple Leaf Farms, Inc., Milford, has not experienced a slowdown in business, although Kirk Hang, director of marketing, states, “I wouldn’t say the economy looks ‘good’ from the company’s standpoint because those people on the fringes may not be able to afford to buy the product. It has a negative effect in some respects.” While no one wins with a recession, some industries actually fare better than others due to the nature of their business. Sturonjac Quality Builders, Inc., may be one such firm. “Our expertise (on the construction side) is in remodeling and that plays to our advantage during recession times because when people are not willing to build new they will fix up what they already have,” says Ron Richey, co-owner of the North Webster business. With a gloomy economic forecast, Lakeland industry appears to be faring as well, if not better, than in many surrounding areas, although anyone would have a hard time convincing people like Rob, the unemployed line foreman. “Some say it will get better, others say it’s going to make a turn for the worse. I don’t know what’s going to happen — I just pray it doesn’t take a war to find out.”

Papakeechie Protective Association after the DNR issued a nonfinal order declaring the lake a public freshwater lake. Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Richard W. Sand issued a stay on the same day. This has kept the lake private, untifa ruling on the issue is made. Approximately 40 residents of the lake are a third party in the suit. These residents wish the lake to become public. The issue was moved from Kosciusko Circuit Court to Whitley County earlier in the year, following a request by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, defendants in the case. No date for the trial has been set.

Showalter files suit in Smith-Walbridge sale

(By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer A complaint has been filed in Kosciusko Circuit Court byShowalter, Inc., against H. Merl Smith, Margaret Smith, SmithWalbridge Camps, Inc., Gary E. Smith and Beverly Smith. The case deals with the intended purchase, of the camp property byShowalter. Inc The complaint alleges that on December 5, 1989, Showalter. Inc., entered into a purchase agreement with Gary and Beverly Smith to purchase the camp property and this agreement was modified and accepted on or about December 8,1989. Terms of the agreement called for the purchase of 47.47 acres for the price of $250,000. An earnest moneydeposit of $20,000 was placed in an escrow account. The plaintiff alleges that Gary and Beverly Smith, through their agent. H. Merl Smith, misrepresented facts concerning the acreage owned by the camp and location of a significant por-

i k El* 4 W Kl ■ h 111 I• I ■ tjTJ' jhß /JJ f'l 818 88. I JLp Hi I I Bill Christmas spirit settles in the Lakeland area ’Twas the month before Christmas and all down Main Street, town employees worked hard to conquer a feat. The banners were hung atop telephone poles and holly and lights were added for souls. The towns people scurried from this place to that, while Christmas decor was upped in a flash. In the spirit of Christmases past, present and future, town employees and volunteers didn’t waste any time preparing for the Christmas holiday. Even before the turkey had digested in many bellies, a group of five volunteers donned their working duds and were busy decorating the streets of Syracuse. On Friday, Nov. 23, members and friends of the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, Jerry Wright, Mike Tallon, Bill Beemer, Kip Schumm and Hershel Wells, spent the best part of the day affixing giant seven-foot stockings, candy canes and candles to street lights and other “decoratable” objects. This year, Syracuse residents may notice four new additions to the decoration family. With money raised by the Harkless Foundation, the chamber of commerce was able to purchase two more seven-foot stockings and two huge candles. In all the communities, the decorations are highlighted during the dark hours by tiny, white or colored lights. Pictured above, William Hyden works to arrange a string of holly around a telephone pole on Milford’s Main Street. Hyden and co-worker Randy Veach of the town’s utilities department, brought out the town decorations on Monday. Although Hyden probably had the toughest job as he assembled the decorations on their posts, he said he enjoys being a part of the holiday tradition — especially with this year’s unusually warm weather. In North Webster, the street department was busy last Friday decking the entire strip of SR 13 that runs through the town. Some 25 decorations, complete with lights and garland, are used each year around this holiday season. Despite the now unseasonably warm weather. Lakeland area residents should remember to stop and enjoy the Christmas decorations. According to the Farmer s Almanac, traditional Indiana Christmas weather is on its way!

tion of the acreage as frontage on the north end of Bonar Lake, which the plaintiff alleges the amount of land sold and the frontage on the lake were essential and material elements upon which the parties based their bargain. H. Dale Showalter, an agent of the plaintiff, represented to the defendants he intended to develop the 47.47 acres of land as a senior citizens retirement center. Documents allege that “. . . Gary and Beverly Smith, by their agent, made the misrepresentations knowing them to be false and fraudulent, with the intention of deceiving and inducing plaintiff to enter into the purchase agreement.” . According to the complaint, following the survey of the land, the plaintiff discovered that the real estate contained only 43.67 acres and not all of the frontage on the north end of Bonar Lake as represented by defendants during the negotiations for sale. The complaint also alleges the defendants refused to include the

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missing acreage and lake frontage in the purchase agreement, and on August 8, the plaintiff demanded a recision of the purchase agreement and a return of its escrow deposit, which the defendants refused; the purchase agreement does not identify or describe the property, furnish means or foundation for identification, fix the boundaries between real estate sold and real estate retained with definiteness and certainty. Also, the complaint alleges that the defendants did not furnish the plaintiff with the environmental disclosure statement, required by law. 30 days prior to the date of the transfer of property ( August 25). but on August 31. In all five counts of the complaint, the plaintiff is asking the court to rescind and cancel the purchase agreement; release the plaintiff from obligations under the purchase agreement; enter a judgment against the defendants in the amount paid by the plaintiff on the purchase agreement, with interest; for punitive damages; and attorney fees.