Tyler C. Harkins, 25, North Fifth Street, North Webster, complained of pain to the neck after a one-vehicle accident early Thursday morning on Armstrong Road, west of North CR 75E, Leesburg. He was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital.

The accident was reported at 4:42 a.m.

Harkins was cited for operating a vehicle while suspended.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputies reported Harkins was traveling west on Armstrong Road in a 2001 Jeep Cherokee, registered to Hailey E. Smith, North CR 350W, Warsaw, when the vehicle went off the roadway on the south side and collided with a utility pole. The vehicle then collided with a curve ahead sign.

Officers report the driver started to spin his vehicle causing damage to the yard at 613 E. Armstrong Road, owned by Danny R. Smaltz. Damage to the NIPSCO pole, yard and vehicle was estimated up to $25,000.

Kosciusko

The following persons were arrested and booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

June 11

• Adam Michael Karr, 18, 221 S. Indiana St, Warsaw, arrested for theft. Bond: $600 cash.
• Cody Allen Bauer, 25, 11929 Johnson Road, Churubusco, arrested for possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $2,000 surety.
• Stacy Ann Sult, 39, 2605 10 B Road, Bourbon, arrested for criminal gang activity and attempt to commit a felony. No bond.
• Ryan Michael Kauffman, 33, 1206 N. Riverwood Ranch Road, Warsaw, arrested for criminal gang activity, possession of meth, possession of a firearm by a serious violent felony, attempt to commit felony and parole violation. No bond.
• Justin Blain Wallace, 23, 1916 N. 850E, Pierceton, arrested for probation violation. Bond: $20,000 surety.
• Tyler Scott Boocher, 20, 240 EMS T26 Lane, Leesburg, arrested for auto theft, theft, illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor, operator never licensed and failure to stop after an accident. Bond: $5,000 surety and $250 cash.

Kosciusko

Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department investigated the following incidents:

• 11:36 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 3900 block South CR 600W, Mentone. Timothy Howat reported a theft of a pistol.
• 7:42 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 1900 block North CR 850E, Pierceton. Carla L. Popenfoose reported the theft of cash.
• 7:43 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 3600 block North Barbee Road, Warsaw. Jonette Landry reported a stolen license plate.
• 1:45 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 200 block West Prairie Street, Leesburg. Faith A. Kirkendall reported a theft from her parents home. Taken were jewelry, BB gun and coins. Value: $1,800.
• 1:45 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 100 block EMS B61B Lane, Warsaw. Officials with Open Bible Baptist Church reported a break-in with a laptop, cash and checks missing. Value: $1,350.

Kosciusko

Officers of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department investigated the following accidents:

4:42 a.m. Thursday, June 11, East Armstrong Road, west of North CR 75E, Leesburg. Driver: Tyler C. Harkins, 25, North Fifth Street, North Webster. Harkins complained of pain to the neck and was transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital. He was cited for driving while suspended. The vehicle driven by Harkins went off the road, hit a NIPSCO pole and county highway sign and spun causing damage to the yard owned by Danny R. Smaltz, East Armstrong Road, Leesburg. Damage up to $25,000.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents:

2:45 p.m. Thursday, June 11, West Center Street and North Lake Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Tina M. Snyder, 40, EMS C24D Lane, Warsaw, and Misti M. Casinger, 32, South Bourbon Street, Bourbon. Snyder pulled from a parking space, sideswiping the Casinger vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

The Central Park Concert Series, featuring Alligator Blackbird, scheduled to take place tonight, Friday, June 12, at Central Lake, has been moved to Lakeview Middle School due to weather.

Lakeview Middle School is located at 848 E. Smith St., Warsaw. The band will start playing at 7 p.m. and conclude by 8:30 p.m.

Those attending are asked to park and enter from the backside of the school at door No. 11. There will also be a drawing for a couple door prizes following the concert. Individuals must be president to wind.

For more information or details visit our city website, Facebook or e-mail the parks department at at parksevents@warsaw.in.gov. Call the parks and recreation department from 7 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at (574) 372-9554 if you have any questions.

Lake City Bank announces Richard A. Delks has joined the Lake City Bank Wealth Advisory Group and Dave Hume has been promoted to technical security officer.

Delks will be working out of the bank’s Elkhart Beardsley office.

Delks, who is vice president, wealth adviser, works with clients to provide advice and access to all of the bank’s wealth management services including financial planning, trust administration, investment management and estate planning. He has worked in Elkhart for the majority of his career. He has a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance from Ball State University. Delks is a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart, is on the Tim Bringle Scholarship Committee and volunteers as an AAU basketball coach.

“We are very pleased to have Richard join our team in Elkhart,” said Jonathan P. Steiner, senior vice president, Wealth Advisory Group manager. “His deep knowledge of the Elkhart area will help him provide our customers with the wealth advisory services that are right for them.”

In his position, Hume is responsible for supporting, evaluating and improving information and technology security for the bank. He will also work with other areas of the bank to ensure that technology security is included in bank programs, prepare for information assurance audits and exams and assist with investigation and documentation of security incidents.

Lake City Bank, a $3.5 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, is the fourth largest bank in the state, and the largest bank 100% invested in Indiana. Lake City Bank operates 46 branch offices in northern and central Indiana, delivering technology-driven solutions in a client-centric way to individuals and businesses. The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation. For more information visit www.lakecitybank.com.

The number of Wawasee Property Owners Association Board Members was higher than the public attending at the annual public WPOA board meeting this morning, Saturday, June 13, at Oakwood Resort, Syracuse.

The actual board meeting was kept brief to hear from Megan McClellan, executive director of Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee, and Ann Vanderford Garceau, who will be presenting a lecture in July.

McClellan provided an update on completed and immediate future trail projects. The trail from Harkless Drive to SR 13 was recently completed, according to McClellan, and work will soon begin on trail heads. This will include installation of bike racks and benches. Two local Boy Scouts working on their Eagle Scout projects will be building kiosks for those locations.

The next project, according to McClellan, is being called “The Conklin Bay Boardwalk and Trail.” This trail will go from Harkless Drive, along SR 13, onto Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Property. The trail will cut off into the wetlands on a boardwalk, before returning back parallel to SR 13 and along the remaining WACF property.

McClellan stated the boardwalk will be wide enough for two bicycles to pass and include environmental signage. A possible overlook is being investigated, which WPOA is helping to support financially.

The trail is meant to be an alternative means for safe transportation around the SR 13 curve by pedestrians/bicyclists.

This project is presently n the planing and design stage. “This is a huge project and we want to make sure it is done properly,” McClellan stated, adding there is a lot of permitting required. Surveys, studies and design are needed for the permits, which will be handled by EarthSource Inc., an engineering firm.

With two-thirds of the design funded, additional funding is being sought to complete the design. “Assuming we can find the funding and get this process done, they (EarthSource) will give us a project ready to bid.” It is hoped to bid the project this winter, with construction to begin next spring. Funding for construction is available.

The trail, according to McClellan, is being used by all ages and abilities for a lot of different things.

McClellan provided information on a few events coming up and encouraged individuals to visit the website to learn more or email her ed@syracusewawaseetrails.com for answers to questions.

“Having her as an executive director has really made a lot more progress available with the trails,” said Kay Young, WPOA board president. “I think you will see great progress … so we’re starting to inch our way around Wawasee, but hopefully we’ll be going by feet or yardage.”

Garceau presented a snip-it of her presentation “Wawasee Then and Now,” which she will be presenting at 10 a.m. July 25, at Syracuse Community Center. The presentation uses the report of the area by  George Miles while Indiana commissioner of fisheries and game. The native of Syracuse served as commissioner from 1909 until December 1914 when he passed away. His biannual report, published in 1915, paints a picture of Lake Wawasee.

Garceu will utilize the report and words of Miles with old photographs from then with recent photographs of the same areas. She also had available the book she co-authored about one year ago “Images of America Syracuse and Lake Wawasee,” with proceeds to the Syracuse Historical Museum.

The integrity of this bridge over the main channel between Syracuse Lake and Wawasee Lake is causing great concern not only for the environment of the lake, but also the community. (Photos by Deb Patterson)

The condition of the railroad bridge over the channel connecting Syracuse and Wawasee lakes is causing not only concern for the upcoming holiday weekend, but a larger, and possibly devastating concern for the lake and the community.

This was a topic discussed at the annual Wawasee Property Owners Association public board meeting this morning, Saturday, June 13, at Oakwood Resort, Syracuse.

Tom Tuttle, board member, expressed immediate concern about the bridge after noticing the east side is unusable. Concrete has fallen into the water causing navigational issues, resulting in prop damage for some. He feels this will be a nightmare July 3 and 4 with numerous boaters traveling to either lake for fireworks. This also led to a larger concern.

Cracks in a south support wall, deterioration of the side walls, missing concrete on the top of the bridge showing rusted metal beams/bars were noted.

It was noted Becky Fox, president of the Syracuse Lake Association, has been in contact with CSX year after year regarding the bridge’s condition.

Carolyn Anderson, board member, expressed concern over the integrity of the bridge, recalling a train derailment last month (and earlier in the year in West Virginia) causing a major fire, could have gone through Syracuse and over that bridge. She noted a train will pull 100 crude oil cars carrying 3 million gallons per car. Even empty the tank could contain 3,000 gallons. “A derailment will be a terrible issue for us.

“It’s a very serious issue in this area,” said Anderson, suggesting there was an obligation to study the issue.

Jane Finch, board member, stated WACF has and is discussing the issue. The problem for all attempts to resolve the problem is finding the correct person.

It was mentioned it has been heard CSX has stopped running two trains simultaneously over the bridge. Jerry Babb, board member, noted the bridge is to be inspected every year and it may be the only way to solve the issue is wait until there is an accident and get the Environmental Protection Agency involved. By then it will be too late.

Steve Snyder, vice president of the WPOA board and lawyer, noted towns and cities can force railroad companies to repair railroad crossings, but he has no idea how this applies to the bridge. He stated the CSX line is the most heavily traveled line with 100 million tons of crude oil being hauled each year. “Oil is not the heaviest,” he stated. “There is other stuff that is more hazardous,” indicating molten sulfur is also going through the area.

He stated CSX spends $2.5 billion a year on bridge repair all over their system, but it is unknown where the local bridge is on that list. He also suggested checking the National Transportation Safety Board and/or National Railway Administration’s websites to see if inspection reports can be found.

Following further comments, Kay Young, WPOA board president, stated she will get with Heather Harwood, executive director of WACF and Fox in the next week to develop a plan of action.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: InkFreeNews.com is attempting to contact officials to obtain a copy of the latest inspection report on the bridge)

During other business:

• Treasurers report shows there are 1,198 members with 883 still eligible. The fireworks fund is at $48,097.97, with $1,500 still needed. It was also noted donations of $9,214.68 have been received toward the purchase of a new patrol boat. There is $41,000 available.
• Jane Finch reported from the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation: receipt of a  $15,000 grant from U.S. Fish and Wildlife, combined with $1,000 from the state and $750 from local funds to remove invasive plant species along their SR 13 property and a $20,000 Lake and River Enhancement grant for a survey plan update on invasive weeds in Syracuse Lake and Wawasee Lake. She also noted upcoming events for WACF.
• Upcoming WPOA events noted included: the WPOA/SLA family breakfast 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at Oakwood Resort with up to 13 non-profit organizations having displays; July 4 Flotilla at 1:30 p.m. with fireworks at 10:15 p.m.
• Annual WPOA dinner featuring Biff and the Cruisers will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 8, on the WACF property. Dinner will be catered by Sleepy Owl. Further details will be mailed to the members.

A 6-year-old was transported to an area hospital following a two-vehicle accident at 9:41 p.m. Saturday, June 13, on West Lake Street at Hepler Drive, Warsaw.

Kendra Sumpter, 6, North Arbutus Trail, Warsaw, sustained minor bleeding to the face, and was transported to a hospital. The 6-year-old was in a child restraint seat in the back seat of the vehicle, behind the driver, Morgan N. Potts, 18, North Arbutus Trail, Warsaw.

Warsaw Police report Bradley W. Johnson 32, South CR 1000W, Claypool, was westbound on Lake Street and started to make a left turn onto Hepler Drive. He told police, as he was turning he saw the Potts vehicle eastbound on Lake Street without its headlights on but it was too late to avoid the accident. The vehicles collided in the intersection.

Potts told police she could not recall if the headlights were in operation. Two witnesses, one behind the Johnson vehicle and the other stopped on Hepler drive, both stated the Potts vehicle did not have the headlights on at the time of the accident.

Damage was estimated up to $10,000.

Kosciusko

Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department investigated the following accident:

6:15 p.m. Sunday, June 14, EMS B38 Lane, south of East CR 450N, North Webster. Driver: Barbara K. Noble, 66, EMS B38 Lane, Leesburg. Noble’s vehicle went off the road and struck a tree. North Webster Paramedics were called, but Noble refused any treatment. Damage up to $10,000.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents:

6:26 a.m. Monday, June 15, Oakwood Drive, west of North Zimmer Road, Warsaw. Driver: Kayla S. Seitz, 18, Miami Drive, Warsaw. Seitz lost control of the steering on the vehicle, went off the roadway hitting two mailboxes and a utility pole. Damage up to $5,000.

5:08 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Lake City Highway and North CR 150W, Warsaw. Drivers: Brian C. Amell, 34, Kuder Lane, Warsaw, and Donald J. Gibbs, 67, 224th Avenue, Benet Lake, Wisc. Amell’s vehicle struck the back of the Gibbs vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

12:41 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Lake City Highway and Springhill Road Warsaw. Drivers: Dallas G. Owens, 65, South Union Street, Warsaw, and Kevin G. Hasselbusch, 24, Greenbriar Drive, Wexford, Pa. Owens went to change lanes of travel and failed to see the Hasselbusch vehicle in that lane. Damage up to $2,500.

9:41 p.m. Saturday, June 13, West Lake Street and Hepler Drive, Warsaw. Drivers: Morgan N. Potts, 18, North Arbutus Trail, Warsaw, and Bradley W. Johnson, 32, South CR 1000W, Claypool. Injured: Kendra Sumpter, 6, North Arbutus Trail, Warsaw, a passenger in Potts’ vehicle, suffered minor bleeding to the face and was transported to a hospital. Johnson made a left turn in front of the Potts vehicle, which did not have her headlights on. Witnesses also confirmed Potts had no headlights in operation on her vehicle. Damage up to $10,000.

2 p.m. Saturday, June 13, North Detroit Street, north of East Fort Wayne Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Lindsey R. Tatum, 20, Ranch Road, Warsaw, and Laurie K. Head, 46, South Wood Street, Warsaw. Tatum’s vehicle struck the back of the Head vehicle. Damage up to $10,000.

8:55 p.m. Saturday, June 13, Husky Trail and North Parker Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Ronnie Whitaker, 64, East CR 500S, Warsaw, and Heather R. Demske, 23, North Brook Boulevard, Warsaw. Whitaker began merging his vehicle into the turn lane failing to see the Demske vehicle in the same lane. Damage up to $5,000.

1:43 p.m. Saturday, June 13, Jalynn Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Susan L. Blount, 39, West US 136, Crawfordsville, and Cynthia A. Shelton, 68, Fairlane Drive, Warsaw. Blount pushed the accelerator instead of the brake crashing into the Shelton vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

Photos by John Faulkner

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Warsaw-Wayne Township Fire Department and Multi-Township EMS are en route to a report of a roll-over accident at 3236 E. US 30, Warsaw.

The accident involved two vehicles with one person being treated by Multi-Township EMS at the scene, according to the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. The westbound lane of US 30 is closed, east of CR 325E.

One driver was transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital for further treatment. As of 12:17 p.m., the scene was clear.

InkFreeNews.com continues to prove itself as Kosciusko County’s news leader. We have now reached 34,000 Facebook likes and continue to grow. We are Kosciusko County’s most liked news source.

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Kosciusko

The following persons were arrested and booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

June 15

• Terri Sue Bowyer, 45, 741 E. Center St., Warsaw, arrested for possession of methamphetamine, manufacturing meth and possession of a precursor. No bond.

June 14

• Shad Elliott Ott, 37, 1324 E. 225S, Winona Lake, arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and OWI with prior. Bond: $5,000 surety and $250 cash.
• Mark Allen Slone, 39, 1827 Rieder St., Warsaw, arrested for failure to appear and habitual traffic violator. Bond: $10,000 surety and $718.50 cash.
• Gabrielle Nychelle Yeazel, 19, 2436 E. 225S, Warsaw, arrested for battery. Bond: $500 cash.
• Bryce Marshall Shannon Sears, 18, 401 Kings Court, Winona Lake, arrested for battery. Bond: $10,000 surety, $250 cash.
• Timothy Michael Grevenstuk, 34, 410 E. Water Street, Akron, arrested for driving while suspended with prior. Bond: $450 cash.
• Shasta Lynn Gearhart, 32, 1951 E. Wade Road, Warsaw, arrested for driving while suspended with prior. Bond: $450 cash.
• Glynda R. Jones, 48, 729 W. Market St., Warsaw, arrested for disorderly conduct-fight. Bond: $500 cash.
• Sabrina Ann Vuittonet, 26, 205 S. Edgewater Drive, Syracuse, arrested for possession of methamphetamine, manufacturing meth, operator never licensed and possession of precursors. No bond.

June 13

• Bradley Wayne Johnson, 32, 8788 S. 1000W, Claypool, arrested for driving while suspended. Bond: $450 cash.
• James Francis Mittica, 66, 1543 S. Kelly Lane, Warsaw, arrested for OWI-prior and OWI. Bond: $5,000 surety and $250 cash.
• Victor D. Ceballos, 39, 1203 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw, arrested for habitual traffic violator – life, and criminal conversion. Bond: $10,000 surety and $1,750 cash.
• Cletus Lee Beechy, 21, 3675 N. 720W, Shipshewana, arrested for OWI with a BA of .08-.15 and OWI. Bond: $700 cash.

The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a flood warning for areas around rivers until 7:15 p.m. Friday, June 19. A general flood warning for the county is in effect until 1:45 p.m. today, June 16.

Among the rivers in the warning is Eel River at North Manchester; Tippecanoe River near Ora affecting Kosciusko, Fulton and Marshall counties; Wabash River and Little River.

General Flood Warning

At 1:46 a.m. today, June 16, Doppler weather radar indicated widespread showers persisting across areas that have received 2 to 4 inches on Monday. Runoff from this rainfall will continue to pool in low areas and streams will continue to flow out of their banks.

Motorists are advised not to drive through flooded roads. This flood warning replaces and extends various prior flood and flash flood warnings.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Warsaw, Nappanee, Winona Lake, Plymouth, Rochester, North Manchester and Bremen.

River Flood Warning

The flood warning until 7:15 p.m. Friday is concerning the Eel River, North Manchester. Forecast flooding increased from moderate to major severity for the Eel River at North Manchester. At 2 a.m. Tuesday the stage was 11.5 feet and rising, moderate flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast. The flood state is at 9 feet. The river will rise to crest near 14 feet around 2 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, and fall below flood stage around 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18. This crest compares to a previous crest of 14.5 feet, which occurred on April 19, 2013.

The flood warning for the Tippecanoe River is in effect until further notice. At 3 a.m. today, Tuesday, June 16, the flood stage was 11 feet and rising. Moderate flooding is the forecast, with the flood stage at 12 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage very early Wednesday morning and crest near 13.1 feet around 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18. Additional rises are possible. This crest compares to a previous crest of 13.4 feet on June 15, 2013.

The Arnolt Building has been ordered demolished by the Warsaw Code Enforcement Officer.

The former Arnolt Corporation building at 2525 E. Durbin St., Warsaw, was ordered to be immediately vacated, sealed and demolished at Monday’s Warsaw Code Enforcement Hearing. Larry Clifford, hearing officer, made his ruling after numerous photos were submitted as evidence on the building’s condition.

The building is approximately 66,000 square feet, and formerly used for manufacturing.

“I also want every dime available to the receivership to be used to seal the building,” Clifford told James L. Walmer, who has been appointed receiver by Kosciusko Superior Court I. Walmer stated there was $7,000 to $8,000 still available to use towards the building.

The main tenant of the building — Our Father’s House — has been given until July 10, by the courts, to remove all items from the building. The other tenant, Vern Zartman, was advised last Friday to find another location. Our Father’s House has reportedly been using the facility for storage.

Walmer asked Clifford and Todd Slabaugh, building commissioner, to give him exact locations needing sealed. “Any opening,” Clifford and Slabaugh told him. “I saw a half dozen ways a 6-year-old could get in. A key to the front door doesn’t mean a … thing,” stated Clifford. Slabugh further stated there were broken out windows, any where there was a door that moved or where items were stacked up to a window to get in.

(Photo by Warsaw Fire Department)

Notice of the order to demolish was sent to Walmer on May 26, after the Warsaw Police Department and Warsaw-Wayne Fire Department alerted the city of unsafe conditions following an inspection of the building. At that time it was found the building was vacant and unsecured/unsafe, portions of the roof were missing, no utilities and no sprinkler system, numerous one-pot meth manufacturing items and discarded precursors discovered, there was chemical contamination from previous manufacturing as well as illegal drug manufacturing, and a large accumulation of household items and junk, along with foodstuff, causing a fire hazard.

During the hearing, Walmer gave a history of the property since going into receivership. He also stated Our Father’s House has not paid rental fees for a number of years. Zartman, who was renting 750 square feet, has been paying $65 a month. It is estimated Our Father’s House owes $65,000 in back rent.

A leaking roof has been evident since 2006 when an estimate of $220,000 was received, but nothing done. Walmer noted potential ground contamination in several areas. While funds available were used to pay a realtor to market the property, Roz Morgan, with Our Father’s House, has been reportedly providing security and mowing the grass.

Walmer stated he was notified, near Memorial Day by Warsaw Police, of finding meth being manufactured in the building. The building was shut down by the county board of health until meth residue testing could be completed. The testing done, the results were below the Indiana Department of Environmental Management approved level.

Warsaw Fire Marshal Joe Fretz presented interior photographs recently taken at the site. The photos showed broken out skylights, a collapsed roof, a section of a garage type door pried open, missing sections of roof, meth trash and what Clifford and others called “trash” throughout two-thirds of the building. Nothing of value was noted in the building, with Slabaugh stating it was all “broken down pieces of junk. Stuff people couldn’t sell at garage sales. It’s a junk yard.” Also of great concern was a crack in an exterior brick wall that is now leaning towards the city street, indicating potential structural damage.

Items overflow from the loading dock area

Warsaw-Wayne Fire Chief Mike Brubaker stated there is a standing order should there be a fire no firefighter is to enter the building or get on the roof.

While Walmer stated he was told “no one ever stayed there,” photographs from the fire department showed evidence of persons having stayed in the building.

Mike Valentine, city attorney, bluntly asked Walmer “What have you been doing since taking receivership? …. Have you ever looked in that building?” Walmer stated he had seen it on several occasions but is now far worse than when he last saw it.

It was noted the last estimate to demolish the building, received by Walmer, was in 2006. The cost was $177,000. It is estimated it will cost close to $200,000 to demolish the building. To rehabilitate the building would cost $500,000 minimum, excluding any environmental concerns.

Walmer asked in a suggestion, if there was any help the city could provide. “We don’t want any part of it,” stated Valentine.

“I wish we were talking a couple months ago,” said Walmer, noting someone had been talking to Morgan, but not to the receiver. “Don’t go putting that on us,” said Valentine.

A $5,000 civil penalty has also been imposed.

The demolition order of the house at 108 N. Park Ave., Warsaw, has been put on temporary hold to give mortgage holders an opportunity to present a solution.

Warsaw Code Enforcement Hearing Officer Larry Clifford reset the hearing on the property for 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 20. The property was last owned by Phil Smith and has been a topic of discussion at code enforcement hearings since February.

William Hagg, a representative of Nationstar Mortgage, Springfield, Ohio, stated he was presented with the letter of the hearing and told to attend, to find out what the issues were. Clifford indicated if the company developed plans he would hear its intentions, but if representatives wanted to stall, “don’t waste my time.

“I’m inclined to order it demolished. The repair costs exceed the demolition cost,” said Clifford. While he stated his mind is not made up, he is interested in knowing what the mortgage company desires. Hagg stressed a detailed plan would need to be presented along with a timeframe.

“The point is, there needs to be something done,” said Clifford.

Additional evidence was presented during Monday’s hearing. Todd Slabaugh, building commissioner, reported a former owner contacted the planning department. The owner stated there was no dirt under the basement floor due to regular flooding, and there was foundation issues and asbestos siding under the existing siding.

Slabaugh stated during the winter, water was pumped out of the basement, which caused an “ice rink” on the street. Due to the the fact there has been no electricity to the home, a sub-pump has not been able to operate. It is unknown if there is structural or water damage to the foundation. A wash out under the basement floor was noted by the previous owner, which is speculated to have increased. Slabaugh has not been able to do an interior inspection.

Hagg, who has not inspected the property, inquired about the property and what it may take to rehabilitate the residence.

Slabaugh noted a demolition quote of $7,000 was received, but to rehabilitate the property would cost approximately $65,000, which would just bring the property to code. It was additionally noted soil samples may be needed as well as pilings placed under any slab or crawl space.

During other business the code violations against Raul Ramos, 202 S. Union St., Warsaw, was found in compliance and dismissed.

The Kosciusko County Highway Department has issued a list of roads closed at this time, Tuesday, June 16, due to high water.

Steve Moriarty, assistant superintendent, notes the list may change as the day progresses. A list will be updated this afternoon.

Roads closed are:

• CR 550 South, from SR 15 to Kinsey Road
• County Farm Road, from SR 14 to CR 1200S
• CR 400E from SR 14 to CR 1000S
• CR 400E from CR 850S to CR 900S
• CR 700S from CR 875W to CR 1000W
• CR 1000W from CR 800S to CR 900S.

All closed roads are marked with road closed signs and cross bucks.

Motorist should not travel down these roads.

County residents who are in need of sand bags may obtain sand and bags at the Kosciusko County Highway Garage on Old 30W, east of Warsaw. Individuals should bring his/her own shovels and manpower.

Interns and co-ops from the orthopedic industry enjoy casual networking at OrthoWorx Ortho Intern Meet and Greet Event, Warsaw.

By TAMMY ALLEN
OrthoWorx Director of Marketing

Over 60 summer interns and co-ops from OrthoWorx member companies recently attended an after-work social program to connect with other interns/co-ops from local medical device companies.

Attendees included individuals from Biomet, DePuy Synthes Joint Reconstruction, Medtronic, OrthoWorx, Paragon Medical and Zimmer. The purpose of the event was to provide millennials an opportunity to be introduced to their peers at local orthopedic companies, while featuring local, social and recreational assets.

This program is part of the OrthoWorx Talent Development Initiative, announced in February this year. The OrthoWorx Board of Directors announced a commitment of up to $475,000 to fund a series of major initiatives designed to improve workforce development in northern Indiana for the region’s orthopedic industry by improving the attraction and retention of students from key Indiana colleges and universities.

The multi-pronged program was developed in conjunction with and approved by the OrthoWorx University/Industry Advisory Board.

“Many of the interns and co-ops that come to our member companies for summer positions don’t have the opportunity to socialize with other students outside of their employers,” states Sheryl Conley, OrthoWorx President and CEO. “There isn’t currently a program in place to introduce them to each other, or to introduce them to what our community has to offer. To encourage them to consider our region for continued opportunities, including potential future full-time positions, we want them to understand the recreational assets we have. We understand the millennial generation places great value on the quality of life aspect of an employment opportunity.”

The interns and co-ops in attendance were provided food and beverages while they casually networked, enjoyed watching beach volleyball and played a few rounds of corn hole.

“I’m now in my second rotation at Zimmer,” comments Jessica Kwong, a Biomedical Engineering co-op from University of Toledo. “The first time I came to Warsaw, I had no idea where anything was or what there was to do here. Now that I’m back, I’m more familiar with what this area has to offer — which is a lot more than I had thought. I wish there would have been an event like this during my first rotation. It would have made that experience much better for me. This is such a great way to meet people and check out a local restaurant that has good food and fun activities.”

OrthoWorx will conduct another similar social event later this summer and will evaluate the lessons learned in order to further build out its future plans. The area of social programming for millennials in the orthopedic industry is part of the OrthoWorx University/Industry Advisory Board Talent Development Initiative, which strives to raise awareness about the experiential learning and employment opportunities available at orthopedic companies to our state’s higher learning institutions. With over 300 students engaged in the local orthopedic industry annually, programs like this are important to attract and retain interns and co-ops to ensure the hiring of talented, young professionals for the continued success of the significant, orthopedic economic cluster in Warsaw.

By JESSICA FLORES
Communications Specialist, Nappanee Public Library

Meet four incredible small animals with super power adaptations when the Potawatomi Zoo comes to you at the Nappanee Public Library from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 23. (EDITOR’S NOTE: It was originally announced the visit would be June 16. This is a change in the date.)

Participants will be entered to win a family pack of tickets to the zoo at the close of the program. Kids of all ages are invited, and no registration is necessary. Those under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult.

More weekly programs for families are coming to the library in June and July. Learn the stories of many different types of heroes with special guests from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Enjoy game show challenges, American folk tales, music, science and more.

In addition to these activities, the library is planning ongoing open Lego build times, movie matinees, craft projects and games throughout the summer.

For more information on the reading challenge and all summer activities, go to www.nappaneelibrary.org, call (574) 773-7919, or find the Nappanee Public Library on Facebook.

Kosciusko

The following persons were arrested and booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

June 15

• Andrew Jacob Brost, 28, 7072 S. 100W, Claypool, arrested for failure to stop after an accident. Bond: $500 cash.
• Robert Wayne Pundt, 43, 316 E. Washington St., North Webster, arrested for strangulation and battery causing bodily injury. Bond: $5,000 surety, $1,000 cash.
• Amilou Reed, 31, 111 N. State St., Mishawaka, arrested for criminal conversion. Bond: $1,000 cash.