News With Stacey Page | Mid Northern Indiana News

WCPL starts Knit & Purl Club

Stacey Page — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:15:15 +0000

     Knit 1 or purl 2, or is it knit 2 and purl 1? If you would like to learn how to knit, come to the Warsaw Community Public Library’s Knit & Purl Club.
    This beginning class will be a 2 part class, starting Monday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m.
    Beginning in October, this club will meet the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. This is a free class just bring a cotton based yarn and a pair of size 8 needles. Call 574-267-6011 to register.

KREMC fridge recycling program a success

Stacey Page — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:12:10 +0000

     In June, Kosciusko REMC launched an energy-efficiency program that pays members $35 for each operable refrigerator or freezer unit turned in for recycling. As of Sept. 7, the co-op has recycled 97 units.
     “We’re very pleased with the results of this program,” said KREMC President and CEO Steve Rhodes. “Every unit that gets turned in results in energy savings for both the member and for the co-op. Second fridges are normally older units that are not energy efficient. By getting these units off KREMC lines, it results in reduced electric consumption. Plus, our members receive a $35 incentive to get rid of that inefficient second fridge. That’s a win for the environment and for our members.”
     Second fridges are conservatively estimated to use 500 kilowatt hours per year, which can cost $150, but some units can use as many as 2,000 kilowatt hours per year. With 97 fridges no longer in use, the co-op estimates that they are saving over 48,500 kilowatt hours that don’t have to be purchased for members.
     “By increasing energy efficiency efforts, it results in lower energy usage. The more energy that can be saved through efficiency, the fewer power plants that have to be built,” said Rhodes. “This program is just one of many you’ll see the co-op promoting to get our members to become more aware of energy efficiency.”
     Appliance recycler JACO Environmental is administering the program for KREMC. To receive the $35 reward, KREMC members who qualify can schedule a pickup time to have their old, working refrigerator or freezer removed by calling 1-877-395-5535, or visit www.kremc.com. Members will receive a check for $35 within four to six weeks after the collection of the appliance. Refrigerators and freezers to be recycled must be in working order with an inside measurement of 10-30 cubic feet.
     Kosciusko REMC is a Touchstone Energy® electric cooperative serving over 17,000 customers throughout Kosciusko County and into surrounding counties.

Rowena K. Brewer

Stacey Page — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:06:34 +0000

Rowena K. Brewer, 97, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at 11:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2010, at Lakeland Rehab & Healthcare in Milford, Ind. Arrangements are pending at Owen Family Funeral Home, Syracuse. Related posts:Fred S. Byland Jeffrey Clement Dorcie L. James Related posts:

Richard ‘Dick’ E. Spitaels

Stacey Page — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:04:54 +0000

     Richard “Dick” E. Spitaels, 64, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, at 5:57 p.m.
     He was born on Aug. 30, 1946, in Grosse Point Farms, Mich., to Peter A. Spitaels and Irene (Crowhust) Spitaels.
      Mr. Spitaels is survived by three daughters: Heather (Ken) Brengman, China, Mich.; Patti Roland, Harrison Township, Mich.; Meaghan (Jason) Wingate, Mooresville, Ind.; one son: Pete (Diane) Spitaels, Roseville, Mich.; 11 grandchildren; and his beloved fiancé: Mona Steiner. Warsaw.
     He was preceded in death by his parents
     No calling is planned, and a service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted with Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw.

AWL Pets of the Week

Stacey Page — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:03:52 +0000

Spanky

William

     Spanky is an 8-year-old neutered male, Jack Russell Terrier. He was surrendered on May 13 for adoption because his owners did not have enough time for him.
     Spanky has a friendly, easygoing personality and is housebroken. He loves to go on car rides and long walks but he needs a home without small children. Spanky can be dog selective – meaning he must be introduced to any pets currently in the home before adoption.
     If your are looking for a new family companion, come meet Spanky. He also qualifies for the senior to senior program.
     Also featured this week is William, a sweet tiger and white kitten. William was brought in as a stray on May 22 as a playful, 8-week-old and is now a loving 5-month-old kitten. He is playful and loves attention, sweet and doesn’t mind being held.
     Williams loves catnip toys and being cuddled.
     To find your perfect new family member, visit the Animal Welare League today.

WCS names new Director of Alternative Services

Stacey Page — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:52:28 +0000

     Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Craig J. Hintz is pleased to announce the Warsaw Board of School Trustees approved Amy Sivley as the Director of Alternative Services.
     Sivley has a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Ball State University. She earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Indiana University, Fort Wayne. Sively taught high school business for 10 years. During her teaching career, she coached 8th grade volleyball, JV and varsity girl’s basketball, and varsity boy’s track.
     She entered administration as the assistant principal at Lakeview Middle. After four years at Lakeview, Sivley became the principal of Lakeside Middle School in Fort Wayne. She held this position for the last two school years.
     Sivley is very excited to rejoin the Warsaw Community Schools. The ALC provides students the services they need to be successful students and adults. She is thrilled to be part of such a wonderful facility.
     Sivley can be reached by email at asivley@warsaw.k12.in.us or by phone at 574-371-5019, ext. 4003.

EPA: Contractors must be enrolled by Sept. 30

Stacey Page — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:38:04 +0000

     The Environmental Protection Agency has delayed enforcement actions regarding training and firm certification requirements against remodelers under the lead-based paint Renovation, Repair and Painting rule until Oct. 1. Contractors enrolled in Certificate Renovator training with an EPA-approved training provider by Sept. 30, will not face enforcement as long as the training is completed by Dec. 30.
     The Builders Association of Kosciusko and Fulton Counties has scheduled an EPA approved seminar on Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at their office, 313 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, to help contractors meet the certification requirement. Contact the BAKFC at 574-267-6152 or http://www.bakfc.comfor further information or to enroll in the certified lead renovator training seminar.
     The cost for BAKFC members is $225 and $325 for nonmembers. Enrollment is limited.
     The EPA will continue to enforce against violations of the work practices stipulated in the rule. Remodelers are still required to provide consumers the pre-renovation pamphlet, set up containment, avoid prohibited practies, conduct cleaning, and complete cleaning certification.
     The National Association of Home Builders considers this a victory because they have argued for this delay and contended the EPA lacked enough trainers nationwide to prepare remodelers to meet the regulation. There is still a lack of awareness of this regulations and requirements. The enforcement delay memo can be read by visiting www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/gils_RRP_memo.pdf.
     The EPA lead paint rule went into effect April 22 for builders, remodelers, property managers and subcontractors. This requirement requires all contractors to be EPA certified and to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination when working in homes and housing units, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978. These new rules were created in order to prevent dangerous lead paint exposure, which can affect children’s brains and nervous systems, can cause high blood pressure in adults, and in rare cases, may even be fatal.
     Any activity that distubrs painted surfaces greater than 6 square feet per room inside or more than 20 square feet on the exterior of the home or building fall under this regulation. Activities include most reapir, remodeling, and maintenance activities – including window replacement and building demolition. Specific examples of activities include eletrical work, plumbing, painting, carpentry and window replacement, among others. There are additional requirements for singage, recordkeeping, and record retention. The RRP Rule and specific requirements are posted on the EPA’s website: www.epa.gov/lead.
     Remodeling firms are also required to become EPA certified by submitting a form and the $300 fee.
     EPA has the right to inspect work sites, review records and reports and respond to complaints. Enforcement action against a company that fails to comply with the RRP Rule could result in fines as high as $32,500 per violation, per day.
     The BAKFC serves, advances and protects the welfare of the building industry through customer quality assurance, education of our members, and contributions to the community. Membership consists of 176 Builder and Associate members.

Ask the BBQ Experts

Stacey Page — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:17:23 +0000

By Dan Ousley
Outdoor Living Center
www.theoutdoorlivingcenter.com

     Question: What is the difference between lump charcoal and charcoal briquettes? – Dave S. Logansport, IN.
     Answer: Dave, Natural lump charcoal is made from a variety of 100 percent hardwoods that are turned into charcoal the old-fashioned way: by charring the wood in a closed oxygen-free kiln or pit. What emerges is lumpy, irregularly shaped pieces of pure charcoal.
    Unlike most standard briquettes, natural lump charcoal is 100 percent natural, so only the authentic wood smoke flavor comes through to enhance the taste of food. Natural lump charcoal burns hotter than traditional briquettes, and because there are no by-products, it burns cleaner with very little ash to clean up.
    After you have finished cooking, the fire can be extinguished by closing the grill dampers and cutting off the air supply. Any remaining charcoal can be relit for the next cookout.
     Most traditional charcoal briquettes are made from scrap lumber that has been charred, ground to a powder, and combined with ground coal, limestone, starch binders, fillers, and petroleum-based additives to make them easier to light. The mixture is then compressed into the familiar pillow-shaped briquettes we all know.
     The large pile of ash remaining after a cookout fueled by these traditional briquettes is composed mainly of these leftover additives.
     The Golden Rule to remember when lighting your fire is: Never use any type of chemical lighter fluid. The petroleum-based lighter fluids can impart a chemical off taste to that expensive food you have just spent all afternoon cooking. There are several better options that will light your fire just as quickly and will not leave behind an after taste. These better options include solid fire lighting cubes, electric fire starters and charcoal chimney starters fueled by a rolled up newspaper.
     Natural lump charcoal normally costs a little more per bag, but I believe you will appreciate the difference it makes in the taste of the food you prepare. Also remember that if you properly shut down you grill as soon as you are finished cooking, any unburned charcoal can be saved for another day saving you money.

Jail Bookings

Stacey Page — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:34:22 +0000

Kosciusko County
Sept. 8
     Cameron Allan Miller, 20, Covered Bridge Lane, North Webster, arrested for minor possession/consumption. Bond: $300
     Uriah Heath Myers, 18, North Linden Street, Muncie, arrested for minor possession/consumption. Bond: $300
     Cory Alan Conley, 18, Sharon Street, Warsaw, arrested for minor possession/consumption. Bond: $300

Sept. 7
     Kevin Lee Bronson, 50, Wooster Road, Winona Lake, arrested for resisting/fleeing law enforcement and being a habitual traffic violator. Bond: $5,000
     Tamara Renee Hodgman, 43, Gyanston Drive, Evansville, Ind., arrested for probation violation. Bond: $1,000
     Elricky Santiago Sanchez, 24, West Market Street, Winiman, arrested for theft/possession of stolen property. Bond: $2,000
     Tiffany Ann Eskridge, 20, East 650 North, Rochester, arrested for failure to appear. Bond: $1,000
     Dakota Gene Landis, 19, North Lindsay Street, Claypool, arrested on two counts for failing to appear. Bond: $1,250
     Shawn Patrick Gatke, 34, East Wesley Lane, North Webster, arrested on a body attachment warrant. Bond: $6,500
     Meagan Ashlynn Martens, 21, West High Street, Silver Lake, arrested for failure to appear. Bond: $1,000
     Michael Shawn Westfall, 33, West 1275 South, Akron, arrested for domestic battery. Bond: $2,000
     Jimmy Wayne Coates, 46, East Market Street, Nappanee, arrested for failure to appear. No bond
     James Michael Miller, 35, South 425 West, Kimmell, arrested for failure to appear. Bond: $500

Man found dead in state park

Stacey Page — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:27:48 +0000

     ALBION - Indiana Conservation Officers with assistance from the Noble County Sheriff’s Department continue the investigation of what appears to be the suicide death of a visitor to Chain of Lakes State Park on Sunday afternoon.
     According to investigating Indiana Conservation Officer Rodney Clear, emergency response personnel were called to the Glacier Ridge Pavilion at about 1:19 p.m. An unknown female visitor noticed a vehicle in the pavilion’s parking lot appearing to be occupied by a man who she thought needed assistance. She in turn notified a park employee working nearby who then called 911.
     Responding units found Louis E. Tantalo, 50, of Johnnesburg, Mich., suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Tantalo was transported from the scene to Parkview Hospital by air ambulance where he died later that evening at about 9:55 p.m.
     Indiana Conservation Officers say the investigation is ongoing and Tantalo was a person of interest in a double homicide in Michigan. Law enforcement officers in that state are currently investigating a possible connection.
    Any further information will be released by the investigating law enforcement agency in Michigan.

Motorcyclist killed in Wabash County

Stacey Page — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:21:28 +0000

     A Wabash County man was killed Saturday night when his motorcycle collided with a car driven by a Silver Lake woman.
     According to the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department, David Love, 47, was driving his motorcycle on Wabash CR 1400 North, when Nicole Decamp, 33, pulled from a stop sign at CR 400 West and into Love’s path. Investigators say Decamp did make a complete stop at the stop sign, but failed to see the oncoming motorcycle.
     Love died at the scene of the crash. Authorities say he was not wearing a helmet but could not determine if a helmet would have saved his life. Decamp was uninjured.

UPDATED: Attempted murder suspect caught after 13 years

Stacey Page — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:48:26 +0000

Marcelo Brito

By Stacey Page

     At 10 a.m. on Jan. 13, 1997, Marcello Brito, then 28 years old, was to appear in Kosciusko Superior Court One where Judge Duane Huffer was to sentence him on one count of aiding or inducing attempted murder. Instead, Brito never showed up to court and, for the last 13 years, had escaped capture.
     On Monday though, his luck ran out. Brito, now 41, was pulled over by an Indiana State Police Trooper for a traffic violation. He was then arrested on a charge of failing to appear and false reporting. His bench warrant dated to Jan. 13, 1997, the day Brito failed to show up for his sentencing.
     Because the case is so old, local police agencies, the prosecutor’s office and even the county clerk’s office no longer had the initial case details. Even officers who worked the case could recall very little information about what happened. The information had been archived and long forgotten. Until today.
     Attorney Vern Landis of Rockhill, Pinnick LLP attorneys at law, Warsaw, was the defense attorney on file when Brito was initially charged. He also remembered very little about the case, only that it involved a shooting in Leesburg. That little bit of information, however, trigged some recollection of officers and a search of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department’s archives today turned up the original case report.
     According to the report, Brito was one of four hispanic males who had been in The Keg Tavern in Leesburg on the night of May 7, 1996. The men were being kicked out of the establishment for getting into an altercation over a game of billiards when one of them struck Ortie G. Manns, 58, in the forehead with a tire iron. Manns was the co-owner of The Keg at the time.
     Witnesses said about 30 minutes later the suspects returned and one of them, Hugo Brito Delgado, returned to the tavern and opened fire on Manns, discharging four to five bullets, two of which struck Manns in the chest and a third entered his hip. Manns identified Delgado as the same man who hit him with the tire iron earlier in the night.
     Two days later the suspects were identified and charged. Delgato was sentenced to eight years in prison for the shooting crime. His accomplices, Adan Cervantes, was sentenced for aiding and inducing an aggravated battery; and Marcello Brito was charged, but never brought to justice.
    On a plea agreement on Nov. 15, 1996, Brito pleaded guilty to aiding or inducing attempted murder. He was released on his own recognizance and was to return on Jan. 13, 1997, for sentencing, but he never showed up.
     Although police knew who Brito was, they believed he fled the country and eluded arrest for 13 years. The case saw new activity on June 21, 2002, when the prosecutor’s office filed a Motion of Intent to Prosecute. That meant Brito’s arrest warrant was to remain active.
     Ironically enough, Brito, who also goes by the name Angel Delvalle, was actually arrested in Kosciusko County in April 2006 and charged with driving while intoxicated, to which he plead guilty and was sentenced. But somehow, he slipped through the cracks and was freed.
     On Monday, though, ISP Trooper Luke Waikel stopped Brito at the intersection near Center and Parker streets in Warsaw and took him into custody of the 1997 warrant.
     Brito is now being held in the Kosciusko County Jail on a $500 bond for the failure to appear and false reporting charges, and on no bond for the Class A felony charge stemming from the 1996 shooting.

UPDATE: Missing girl located

Stacey Page — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:17:47 +0000

Emily Jones

By Stacey Page

     A Warsaw family received news late Tuesday that their daughter, who had not been seen since Aug. 15 or heard from since Sept. 3, has been located and is safe.
     The family of Emily Lynne Jones, 20, of East Eastridge Drive, Warsaw, last heard from her on Friday. Jones, who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a form of autisum, had also suffered a stroke that has affected her cognitive thinking.
     Mark and Lori Shortz are the court appointed guardians of Jones. They said that on Aug. 8, Jones packed two plastic bags and a pillow and started hitchhiking to West Des Moines, Iowa, to meet Dale “DJ” Cobia, a boy she met online. The Shortz’s, though not anxious to allow Jones to travel, were at least able to convince her to take a bus to Iowa after she assured them she had a place to stay when she arrived there. Jones left from South Bend on Aug. 15, bound for West Des Moines.
     On Sept. 3, Lori Shortz reportedly received a collect call from Jones at around noon. All she heard was Jones crying and say, “Mom, please help me.” The family does not have long distance service on their landline and could not accept the charges.
     Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputy J.D. Ayres was able to make contact on Aug. 15 with Nancy Yeager of West Des Moines, Iowa. Yeager said Cobia is a friend of her son’s and had been staying with them. She said Jones did arrive at her home, but Cobia and Jones were transported to a homeless shelter. Within just a couple of hours, however, the two were taken to a hotel by Yeager’s son. That was the last contact Yeager was aware of, but she did say the couple was planning to go to Nebraska to get married.
     On Wednesday Jones was able to get in touch with her grandparents and is reportedly safe. It is believed the couple did get married, but those details are still being gathered.

Vandals strike South Brook Park

Stacey Page — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:00:20 +0000

By Stacey Page

     Officers of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a number of destructive incidents that occurred late Sunday night and early Monday morning in the South Brook residential neighborhood, south of Warsaw.
     In all, officers took six reports that largely involved slashed tires on vehicles parked at residences on Old Ditch Road. There was also a report of a smashed windshield and damage to another vehicle made by some kind of sharp object.
     Police do not have any suspects at this time and there have been no reports of anything missing from the vehicles that were damaged, although Lee Rish, a resident of the 2400 block of Old Ditch Road, did report someone tried to remove a CD player from her vehicle.
     Residents of South Brook Park reported hearing some disturbances during the overnight hours, but so far there are no claims that anyone saw the vandals.
     If you have any information, contact the sheriff’s department at 574-267-5667.

Larry ‘Pete’ Eugene Leiter

Stacey Page — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:44:29 +0000

     Larry ” Pete” Eugene Leiter, 71, of Claypool, Ind.,, died Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at 1:24 p.m. in his residence.
     He was born Dec. 23, 1938, in Kosciusko County to Leroy and Willodeen (Brown) Leiter. In 1970 he married Mae McAfoose.
     Mr. Leiter is survived by his wife: Mae Leiter, Claypool; one daughter: Veronica Cogley, Warsaw; a granddaughter: Sara Severns, Pierceton; two great-grandchildren: Summer Severns and Carter Severns; three brothers: Jim (Sereta) Leiter, Fort Mohave, Ariz.; Ronald (Arlene) Leiter, Claypool; Ted (Karen) Leiter, Akron.
     He is preceded in death by his parents and a grandson: Travis Cogley.
     Calling hours will be Thursday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Services will be at noon Thursday, in the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date.