Pipp receives WPOA’s 2019 Chief Award

By Deb Patterson, The Mail-Journal awarded the 2019 Property Prior to receiving the award, Pipp Owners Association Chief Award. The spoke briefly about some of the work a William J. “Bill” Pipp, one of a num- award was presented August 17 during group of leaders from ber of people instrumental in setting the the annual WPOA dinner meeting. process in motion to get the Syracuse The award is presented annually to See Chief | Continued on page 3 Water Control Device repaired, has been someone who has shown their devotion to the lake to make it what it is for all its residents and for the future, according The Newsletter of the Wawasee to Kay Young, president of the WPOA. Property Owners Association Pipp is a Syracuse native and gradu- ate of Wawasee High School. He played P.O. Box 427 varsity football at University and Syracuse, IN 46567-0427 also played for the Dallas Cowboys in Phone: 574.457.7172 the National Football League and E-mail: [email protected] Chicago Fire in the World Football Web Address: www.wawaseepoa.org League. Fax: 574.457.2907 “He is involved now, not only in the dam project, he takes care of the high Early Fall 2019 school sailing class project,” said Young. She also noted Pipp’s involve- Cattail Award winners ment as a volunteer in the Syracuse- I Wawasee Trail system and his N Lilly Center feted at reception leadership in the Wawasee Yacht Club. At the helm T She added, Pipp is “a huge volunteer to Flotilla filled with collegiate spirit make Wawasee what it is for all of us H and what it is going to be in the future. I Kids’ Parade revived Because of that, he is this year’s WPOA S Centennial homes, owners honored Chief.” Mud Lake channel reopened William J. “Bill” Pipp was the 2019 recipi- Pipp, who was surprised by the I ent of the WPOA Chief Award for his work in recognition, stated that, as with all past S WACF educational activities getting the Syracuse Water Control Device re- Chief winners, “It never happens with- S Trail coming to Conklin Bay paired and work on establishing a conser- out a lot of Indians, (Chiefs) who would U vancy for future repairs on the water control Yacht Club trains young sailors not have gotten the award without the E device and dike. (Photo by Deb Patterson, The Lake Patrol adds three volunteers Mail-Journal.) people who helped us get there.” Bearss, Hubbards 2019 Cattail Award winners

By Deb Patterson, The Mail-Journal need nutrients to grow and thrive,” stated Beth Morris, chair of the ecology commit- John Bearss and Jim and Sally Hub- tee. “If things get out of balance over time bard were recipients of the Wawasee Area stuff gets out of whack and we run into Conservancy Foundation 2019 Cattail significant physical problems . . . the eco Award. The award was presented at the system and the watershed is much like annual WACF Summer Celebration and that. Brunch Saturday, July 27. . . . So one of our long term goals is to Bearss, whose family has been coming prevent the entry of excess nutrients that to the lake for more than 60 years, was fuel growth of weeds and algae that harm recognized for his work with the Friday the health of our lakes.” morning canoe trips. “He is one of our Morris explained the ecology commit- canoe guys,” stated Doug Yoder, WACF tee looks at what must be done to protect board chairman. “He is really active in the the watershed in both the short term and canoes. We want to thank John for his ef- long term. Following a hot spot study that forts helping out on canoe trips and he identified 99 areas scattered throughout will come on the board of directors in the the watershed, 29 of them critical, a deci- fall.” sion was made to embark on a three-year The Hubbards were noted as being a Wawasee Inlets Nutrient Study with “big help in getting the Between the Ecosystems Connections Institute LLC John Bearss is one of the recipients of the Lakes program started with funding for a (ECI). Dr. Jerry Sweeten and his staff WACF’s 2019 Cattail Award. Jim and Sally lot of invasive weed control, tree removal began the study in April. Hubbard, who also received the award, were and installing fence,” noted Yoder. He Herb Manifold, of ECI, explained the not present. (Photo by Deb Patterson, The added their inspiration has “really gotten methodology of the study. He said sam- Mail-Journal.) things going on this project.” ples are collected every six hours and The annual celebration provides an op- since April close to 3,000 samples have to date this year. Additionally he noted portunity for friends of the conservancy to been received with close to 20,000 tests WACF owns 900 acres of property and learn about projects and work WACF has conducted. more than 10 miles of shoreline on lakes been doing in the past year. This year’s He also talked about the future work and streams. celebration focused on progress of the which will include weekly water collec- The meeting also recognized the out- Wawasee Inlets Nutrient Study by Ecosys- tions, biological surveys and submitting going board members: Larry Baumgardt, tems Connections Institute LLC. an annual report in the fall. Terry Clapacs, Jane Finch, Bill Herdrich, “We (referring to the human body) Yoder noted WACF needs approxi- Joan Szynal and Yoder. Incoming board mately $170,000 a year to fund the study, members include Donn Baird, Bearss, over and above funds needed to operate Tom Kelley, Dan Kiley and Rick Winter. WPOA Officers & Directors the conservancy. Chris Roberts will take over as chairman. Earlier in the event, Yoder touched on Kay Young • President the three main committees, which are the backbone of WACF. Those areas are pub- Please send all correspondence Carolyn Anderson, Steve Snyder, lic relations that have changed the face of regarding LakeViews to James Tranter • Vice Presidents WACF in the media and on social media; Jim Kroemer, editor, ecology; and education, which has edu- at [email protected] Janet Hartley • Administrative Officer cated more than 400 kids and 400 adults

Kip Schumm • Communications Officer Two of the five in- Jane Finch • WACF Liaison coming WACF board members are pictured Chris Campbell • Fireworks Chairman with the incoming presi- dent. From left are Donn Susan Stump, J. Scott Laughner, Baird, incoming board Beth Morris, William Pipp, William Ruddell, member; Chris Roberts, incoming board presi- Jim Silcox, Tom Tuttle II • Directors dent; and John Bearss, new board member. Jim Kroemer • LakeViews Editor (Photo by Deb Patterson, The Mail-Journal.) The Papers Incorporated • Publisher of LakeView

2 Reception highlights work of Lilly Center

By Deb Patterson, The Mail-Journal

Randy and Deborah Tobias, along with several co-hosts, hosted a social event for friends on behalf of the Lilly Wawasee and Syracuse lakes, projects able to the public. Center for Lakes & Streams Saturday and the future endeavors. The final area was students. “We evening, June 29. Attendees heard up- Dr. Nate Bosch, director of the center, want to attract even more (students) and dates on studies by the center of spoke of applied research, engaging edu- develop the talents even better with the cation and collaborative efforts. “The students we already have,” Dr. Bosch Lilly Center is about clean water,” he said. He noted this investment would be Chief | Continued from page 1 stated, relating its work to an old pitcher through scholarships and fellowships and Syracuse Lake have done over the pump with its donors, volunteers and The presentation also briefly touched past nine months. those offering advice being those whose on the current status of the lake. Bosch He stated, “The town only has 10% hands are on the pump to help prime it. noted the cool, wet spring kept the water who live on the lake. Ninety percent of The purpose of the evening was to temperatures about three weeks behind the people (who live on the lake) do not share goals for the future at the center. where it was the previous year. The im- live in the town of Syracuse. So we have This was highlighted in three areas all pact has been water clarity. “The visibil- elected officials responsible for preserv- starting with the letter “S” — scopes, ity is better than the typical at this time,” ing the values of our homes, who actu- sensors and students. Bosch stated. ally don’t represent 90% of us. Yet they The scopes referred to are the micro- “With the cooler water, the algae is are responsible for that dam. scopes needed as an investment for the not waking up as fast as it normally “We’re going to take over the dam center’s kindergarten through 12th grade does,” he noted, adding there also has from the town once it’s repaired,” he an- educational programs. not been much boating activity. But the nounced. He noted how the funding for Two additional stream sensors were rain has also washed a lot of nutrients the repair has been worked out, with the second area noted. Three sensors into the lake, which should prompt algae funds from the town and township and are currently installed around Wawasee growth. “The weird thing is the cool “very gracious donations.” and Syracuse, collecting data every 10 water is impeding algae growth … it will Pipp said the dam will be repaired in minutes. The Doppler sensors are con- be interesting as we track this over the the next six to seven months or “by Me- nected to a data collection system and summer months to see which wins out: morial Day next year.” through a cellphone signal sent to the the extra nutrients or cooler water tem- Once in place, the conservancy dis- center’s website. Real data is then avail- peratures.” trict will spend money only on control and drainage control. “We will control the dam. It will be given to us free from the city and for the future we will be in charge of the dam. We will have a new dam, then start the district.” While a new dam is expected to have a 50-year-life span, Pipp said over the next 50 years funds will be collected through a tax base, “but very little. We will have 50 years to put away money so when it needs repaired the next time, nobody has to worry. We’ll have the money. We’ll do the appropriate mainte- nance over the next 50 years, making sure the dam does well … and you will be in charge of your property value, not elected officials from the town of Syra- cuse, who don’t really represent most of us.” The annual meeting was held on the SS Lily Pad II. The only other business for the night was announcing a new board member. Susan Stump was elected to the board, replacing Sharie Dr. Nate Bosch, center, director of the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams, talks with hosts Deb- Johnson whose term had expired. orah Tobias, left, and her husband, Randy Tobias, right, at a reception June 29 at the Tobias’ Lake Wawasee home. (Photo by Deb Patterson, The Mail-Journal.)

3 LABOR DAY has come and gone and as the “Wawasee Flotilla” worked its way might have had. It is great to see them another summer at Wawasee is in the around the lake to hundreds of onlookers taking an interest in keeping these boats books as they say. While every summer on the land. With a collegiate theme each of the past on the water, doing what they seems way too short anymore, this one of the participants was able to show off love to do . . . run! was exceptionally short it seemed. A their favorite school’s colors. Hats off to a These are only a few of the things that colder than normal month of June with hardworking group of volunteers that stood out for me this summer, I am sure wet weekends made for fewer weekends manage to organize this event every sum- you can add many more that you experi- spent on the water for sure. mer. enced with your families as well. But I Having a “short” summer did not Along with special events the other think for all of us it is the feeling that we make it any less of a great summer for things that stand out as summer “tradi- get when we are on the waters or the most of us. Lots of time with family and tions” are things like Boat-In Worship shores of this beautiful lake. A calming, a friends and hours of boating fun. each Sunday. With the “Lilypad” an- peace that envelops us whether you are As I look back on the summer a few chored off the shore of The Oakwood here for just a few days or for every day things stand out as extra special. Since hundreds listen on the water or land to of the year Wawasee is an experience that June was short let’s start with July and a outstanding music and preachers. we are all blessed to have in our lives. spectacular week of celebrating our coun- Follow that with a newer tradition of So with Fall just around the corner I try’s birthday. I particularly love starting the wood boat parade that gathers each hope that if you cannot come back to out this week with the concert at the - Sunday in Conklin Bay. With more than 70 Wawasee until next year that at the very wood Resort featuring the wood boats on our waters it is amazing to least you will close your eyes, take a deep Philharmonic playing music that brings see some of them gather each week to breath and remember some of the things out such pride in our country. “thunder” around the lake. With up to 35 that made your summer here special . . . Saturday night produced a spectacular boats at a time on this run and the en- and remember . . . . . if your lucky enough fireworks display . . . how they manage to couragement of the people on shore this to be at the lake . . . . . you are lucky make it better every year I do not know is a “tradition” that will continue to grow. enough! but once again the show and the music For many of the participants these were were wonderful. Earlier on Saturday the the boats that we grew up with. For some Kay boats had gathered together, all deco- of the newer owners (that is “younger Kay Young rated and loaded with excited passengers ones”) these are boats that their parents WPOA President Lost and found items sought

In preparation for a 2020 Chautauqua program, Erin Lomax and Ann Garceau are researching lost and found items in and around lakes Wawasee and Syracuse, and they would like your assistance. An example is pictured here. This is the engine from a cement plant’s tugboat from the days early in the last century when marl was mined from the bottom of Lake Wawasee. The engine was discovered by John Sudlow in 1983 near Macy’s Slip and is now on permanent display at the Syracuse- Wawasee Historical Museum. If you have a family story/legend that you would like to share, please contact Ann Garceau at [email protected]. Photo provided

4 Collegiate spirit abundant at Wawasee Flotilla

By Deb Patterson, The Mail-Journal

Rain threatened the start of the Lake Wawasee Flotilla July 6, but it dissipated and all entries showed up to travel around the lake and show off their col- lege spirit, this year’s theme. There were also eight shore entries. The parade was led by 10 wooden/an- tique boats thundering around the lake announcing the start of the flotilla. Women of Today’s entry featuring the IU vs. Ball State football game at Lucas Oil Stadium, and fatheads of com- An entry by Women of Today won the 2019 Commodore Trophy. Their entry featured a pre- modores Tom and Holly Tuttle received dicted third-quarter score of 21-7 by IU over Ball at Lucas Oil Stadium and fatheads of this year’s this year’s Commodore’s Trophy. commodores and others. (Photo by Deb Patterson, The Mail-Journal.) Other top award winners included a universities and colleges as well as a Honors Award; and the Evansville Purple unique entry by Deb Farmer and large balloon. Aces, entered by Andrea Hoeppner re- Michelle Straessle who connected two The annual Wawasee Property Own- ceived the Flotilla University Legacy pontoon boats for a salute to Monster ers Association Award was given to Jim award. University. This dual entry received the Kroemer’s entry featuring Animal House. The Flotilla University Valedictorian Most Original Youth trophy and the Most Jordan Fraser’s entry using a sail boat Award was given to Mike Barger’s entry Spirited Youth Trophy. focused on Purdue University and Boiler of a pontoon honoring the American The College Game Day Tailgate entry Up won the DNR trophy; Dan flag; and a Master’s Degree award and by Barney Niezer received the It’s All Buchman/State Farm featuring GDI award were given to two entries fea- Good Award. This entry featured several State, received the first place turing Animal House and Defensive Driv- Business/Commercial Award; and Mo- ing School. The entrants are not known. Chautauqua hawk Pier and Lift won the Most Original John Feighner’s Chris Craft Capri, Business/Commercial award with its named Life of Riley, received first place sponsors Old salute to the Big 10. in the antique boat category. Second Kathy Graham’s Purdue entry re- place went to Kevin Screed’s 1932 Chris- Fashioned Christmas ceived the non-profit first place award Craft Triple named “Class of ’32.” “On while the Price family’s entry on College Point” owned by the Nichols family, a If you love the traditions of the Christ- Spirits was awarded the Most Original Chris-Craft Custom, received first place mas season, you won’t want to miss the Non-Profit award. in the wooden boat category. Second Old Fashioned Christmas celebration at Dave Stell featuring the School of place went to Luke Knecht’s 1968 Riva. the Oakwood Resort. Hard Knocks received the Lake Wawasee On shore awards were presented to Sponsored by Chautauqua Wawasee, History award; the entry of the Denny three of the eight entries. Neighbors the celebration will take place on Satur- Bailey Family featuring a House Divided Roger and Kris West and Becky Schaefer day, November 30, beginning at 6 p.m. received the Neighborhood Award; and Arnold tied for the first place Neighbor- Listen to an elf read the Night Before the List Family Award (Most Original) hood Shore Participation Award. The Christmas to the children. Take pictures of was presented to Lindsey Traub’s entry Wests featured an entry titled “Show Us your children on Santa’s lap. Enjoy a featuring Ball State and Purdue. Your Banners,” while the Arnold’s entry sleigh ride with the family. Participate in T.L. Jackson Construction was pre- was a Boilermaker Blast Off. the lighting of the Christmas tree in front sented the Most Patriotic award; The All The Most Spirited Neighborhood of the Oakwood Resort Inn followed by Nighter award was given to the McCully Shore Participation Award was presented singing carols around the tree. and Rauch entry; Bob McNary and The to Erica Batcher’s entry of the Great Sip hot chocolate and munch on a NautiBelle received the Fratty Award fea- American Tailgate, and The Spink Condo- cookie. Take pictures with Christmas char- turing Animal House and the College of minium received the Home Association acters. Stroll up the lighted walk listening Hard Knocks. Award. to carolers. At the chapel hear the Christ- The Studious Award was presented to Other shore entries included the Col- mas story. Bob and Char Sheehan’s entry featuring legiate Collage by Freese/Duncan; Notre These are just some of the many free his pontoon honoring the Dame by Dennis Pynaert and Shayna activities at the Old Fashioned Christmas, Wolverines; John Topham’s entry for the Stump; Ohio State vs. Texas by the Zipfel so mark your calendars now for Novem- University of Southern Indiana Scream- family; Animal House by Dave and Deb ber 30. ing Eagles received the Flotilla University Mayer.

5 The annual Flotilla Commodore Party for past commodores of the an- nual event was hosted by Tom and Holly Tuttle Sunday, July 21, at their Lake Wawasee home. Involved with the Flotilla for 21 years, the couple was 2019 Co-Commodores. The Wawa-seal in the photo was signed by many of the guests and former commodores as a gift to the Tuttles for their years of par- ticipation. In front, from left, are Jim Tranter, Kay Young, Clare Baumgart, Holly Tuttle, Tom Tuttle and Bob Mc- Nary. In back are Dave Stell, Dick Green, Ron Baumgartner, Matt Kiley represent- ing his father, the late Mike Kiley, and Mike DeLucenay representing the Knights of Columbus. At the party but not in the photo were Doug Schrock, Tom Prickett, Sam Cole and David Ganz, who also represented the K of C. (Photo provided) Wooden boat show draws large crowd

Important By Phoebe Muthart, The Mail-Journal said Jeanne Knecht, who organizes the Wawasee Web sites annual boat show with her husband, The third annual Wawasee Wooden Clarke. “We again had a sensational vari- Wawasee Property Owners Association Boat Rally on Saturday, June 22, drew a ety of boats from a one of a kind Wage- www.wawaseepoa.org large and enthusiastic crowd of people, maker/Arnolt to a twin engine 1949 Chris Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation who admired 20 boats in the water, as Craft Sportsman.” www.wacf.com well as seven boats in the on-shore dis- Boats by Century, PennYan, Riva and play area. Hacker Craft, as well as others, were on Wawasee Flotilla www.wawaseeflotilla.com The show began at 10 a.m. and lasted display in vintages ranging from 1932 to until 4 p.m. Then 15 of the boats cruised 2014 making for a most varied and inter- Chautauqua Wawasee around the lake in a Thunder Run similar esting collection, she noted. www.chautauquawawasee.org to the weekly parade of wooden boats For those interested, the wooden boat Syracuse/Wawasee Trails each Sunday in the summer. folks have a Facebook page. www.syracusewawaseetrails.com “There’s been quite a resurgence of For more information, visit www.face- (wooden) boats in the last seven years,” book.com/wawaseewoodenboats. Wawasee Yacht Club www.wawaseeyachtclub.com

Oakwood Resort www.oakwoodresort.com Gene McNichols Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams www.water.grace.edu shows off his 1949 wooden boat, a Special Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund Six, at the annual An- www.cancercarefundkc.org tique and Wooden Boat Show at the Oakwood Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum in June. (Photo by www.syracusemuseum.org Phoebe Muthart) To have your web site added to this list, please contact the editor at jim.kroe- [email protected].

6 Chautauqua, museum collaborate on native American series

By Mary Hursh and Mark Knecht, with the historical museum to develop for diapers,” Clemons said. “They made guest writers for The Mail-Journal their new “Dawn of Indiana Archaeology” ceramic bowls from local clay which they exhibit. mixed with shells for lightweight bowls The Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Mu- Garceau gave the audience back- and grit for heavy bowls.” seum and Chautauqua-Wawasee recently ground on the friendship of Joseph P. Jeff Mesaros, talked about stone tools hosted the Northeastern Indiana Historical Dolan and , both avid collectors of made from silica rich rocks used by Na- Native American Series in Celebration Native American artifacts. The Dolan col- tive Americans. Mesaros knaps raw mate- Hall at the Syracuse Community Center. lection of over 700 Native American arti- rials gathered on rock trips to replicate The first of the three-part series was facts is housed in the Syracuse-Wawasee projectile points. “Flint knapping takes presented on September 5. “Algonquin Historical Museum. trial and error,” he said. Inhabitants of Indiana’s Forests,” by Joe Clemons highlighted the Native Ameri- Chatauqua-Wawasee plans to sponsor Krom, described how indigenous people cans diets of plants, berries, corn, beans, a fall color Lillypad tour on October 13; a of northern Indiana adapted over time to and squash. “These people harvested reading circle discussion on November European and American influences. Krom cattails and used the stalks for baskets 15; and an old-fashioned Christmas at the authored the historical novel “Heart of a and the fluff for stuffing items and even Oakwood Resort on November 30. Warrior: The True Saga of Sweet Breeze and William Wells.” The second in the series presented on September 6 featured Steve Hart and a discussion of Indiana and Midwest prehis- tory from 10,000 B.C. to 1492 A.D. Hart, an award-winning historian, has spent over fifty years building and adding to the Hart Collection of historical artifacts spe- cializing in projectile points, pipes, tools, and ceremonial artifacts. For each of the four relevant periods, Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, and Late Prehistoric, Hart de- scribed the culture, tools, food, and native animals. The third and final family-orientated Around 60 participants, mostly children, set out in the revival of the North Shore Kids Parade program on September 7 featured a dis- playing a flute, trumpet, and harmonica as well as banging on tin pans, blowing bubbles and car- play and a discussion of Native American rying flags. (Photo by Nicholette Carlson, The Mail-Journal). artifacts. The children in attendance were able to touch a Mastodon tooth found in Waubee Lake on August 18, 1918, and a North Shore Kids Parade revived Wooly Mammoth tooth. They could also view many Native American tools. Before, By Nicholette Carlson, The Mail-Journal the parade was able to make its return. during, and after the Saturday program, Kids gathered at 11 a.m. to begin the children and adults enjoyed chocolate A Fourth of July kids parade along the parade. Those wishing to participate chip cookies and juice boxes provided by north shore of Lake Wawasee was re- were invited to bring pots and wooden the museum. vived Thursday, July 4, after a hiatus of spoons to bang on, snare drums, flutes or Mark Knecht, a volunteer with Chau- more than 20 years. Residents, family any other traditional Revolutionary War tauqua-Wawasee, introduced the final members and friends gathered at Bob instrument. They were also encouraged Saturday program of the three-part series. Fanning’s home at Lake Wawasee to to wear either festive July 4 apparel or “We try to bring education, art, recreation march down to the Needler home and traditional Revolutionary War garb and and cultural programs to this area as well back. soldier accessories. as to northern Indiana.” Formerly an annual event, it was origi- Approximately 60 to 70 people The Saturday audience listened to in- nally organized by Col. Jack Feighner and showed up to participate in the parade formation from Ann Garceau, Heritage Master Sgt. Bill Beemer beginning in the with many other residents waiting out- Support Grant coordinator; Jamie mid-1980s and ending in the early 1990s. side to cheer on the kids as they passed Clemons, director of the Syracuse- Jack’s son, John Feighner, had been anx- by. The kids who participated were also Wawasee Historical Museum; and Jeff ious to revive the tradition, and after rewarded with a treat and juice box after Mesaros, a flintknapper who has worked meeting with Fanning and Rick Winter, returning to the Fanning residence. 7 Centennial Homes Series highlights Historical homes on Lake Wawasee

By Martha Stoelting, The Mail-Journal sold Christmas trees to finance the first WACO dance hall, beach and slide, channel and roads. As lots sold, chan- Mock’s Marina, the Lake View Hotel, The second in the Centennial nels were added. The final area devel- Winter’s Sandwich Shop and Emer- Homes Series for 2019 featured the oped was the deep lots along North son’s Grocery. Leeland Addition adjacent to Lake 800E. Three centennial home families Wawasee. In its fourth year, the series Ellsworth spoke of trying to find were honored and spoke about their is sponsored by the Syracuse- something on Lake Wawasee that re- homes, all older than 100 years. Wawasee Historical Museum. This minded him and his late wife, Lois of Karen Stiles has spent part of every round was a bit different as one home the cottages they were used to on summer of her whole life at the lake and one family were highlighted. Michigan lakes. Coming by boat, they cottage of her family at 6950 E. Waco Ann Vanderford Garceau, museum saw the farmhouse at the end of the Drive, built in the early 1900s. board member and event organizer, channel and learned it had gone on the The second featured cottage, lo- presented awards to Diana Lung market the day before. It is believed to cated at 6602 E. Waco Drive, was built Castell for the Mellinger family’s contri- have been built in the late 1800s. Pur- by the Hammer family in 1900 and pur- butions to the area and to David chasing it, they did some remodeling chased by the Henschen family in Ellsworth for his farmhouse on North and then after a few years made a sig- 1980. Jim and Sandra Loucks and 800E, which now sits on a Leeland Ad- nificant addition to the rear of the prop- Carol and Gene Henschen added to the dition channel. erty while trying to maintain its information given by Garceau on the “Last year we gave out our first no- historical roots. home. table family award and this year we are The first in the Centennial Homes The Meyer-Teetor cottage, at 6602 E. giving another as well as recognizing Series presentation on July 27 drew a Waco Drive, has a long family history the original farmhouse from the 55 standing room only crowd to the Syra- as well. The Teetor family first came to acres of land including where the Lee- cuse Community Center Kiwanis Sargents Hotel and then bought the land Addition is now,” Garceau said. Room. The presentation covered cottage across the lake in South Park. Castell discussed the ancient history homes and businesses along Waco Granddaughter-in-law Connie Meyer of the land, dating back to the Miami Drive from The Sleepy Owl Supper presented the information about the and Potawotami tribes, as well as more Club to the St. Martin des Porres home and the fascinating life of the recent history. Her great-grandparents Catholic Church, an area is known as late Ralph Teetor, a noted inventor and bought the property sight unseen South Park. engineer. while living in Chicago and it was sev- Garceau guided visitors along the Each family received a plaque from eral years before any family members former route of SR 13, now Waco the museum commemorating the settled in the area. Eventually the Drive. Brief stops were made at the event and their homes standing as a Mellinger family ended up in Vawter Wawasee Amusement Company or centennial landmark on the lake. Park, building a home that was also a rooming house. They rented out cot- tages and the Leeland Addition farm- house as well. David Ellsworth, Castell’s grandfather was involved left, and Diana Lung in the construction of WACO Dance Castell, right, re- Hall Pavilion, South Shore Golf Club ceive awards from the Syracuse- and a basement room in the Honeywell Wawasee Historical home. That room was dismantled and Museum board reconstructed when the Honeywell cot- member Ann Van- tage was torn down. It is now on dis- derford Garceau at play in the Honeywell Center, Wabash. the second of the Castell’s parents and her aunt and museum’s Centen- uncle developed Leeland Addition in nial Homes Series the 1950s from the original property for 2019 on August her great-grandparents purchased 17. (Photo by Martha Stoelting minus 20 acres. Those had been sold The Mail-Journal). to someone else and became the Hess Addition. Initially, the families planted and

8 The use of 10 barges from three different loca- tions for this year’s fireworks display on Lake Wawasee received rave reviews from many of the residents around the lake and those who viewed the display from shore. This was the first-ever multi-location launch and it dramatically improved the visual effect of the fireworks celebration. Wawasee is now among the exclusive few that can boast about being a multi-location shoot. The three clusters of barges, which formed a triangle on the water, also improved the reliability of the show and increased safety. (This photo was taken by Peter Wallace of Wallyography.) Wawasee-Mud Lake channel reopened A channel that connects Lake Wawa- boats could carry coal brought in by the see to Mud Lake, the area be- B&O Railroad, now the CSX line that runs tween Lake Wawasee and Syracuse, has through Syracuse and along the North been reopened, restoring water flow be- shore. Lamb owned the old Lakeview tween the two lakes and opening a scenic Hotel on the point next to Waco. This was waterway for kayakers and canoeists. on the south shore, and it later became The channel had been blocked for sev- the South Shore Inn. His steamboats were eral years by downed trees, some blown named the "American Girl" and "Gazelle". over in wind storms and some felled by In 1904, the Sandusky Cement Com- beavers. pany was given the rights to dredge marl The Lake Wawasee mouth of the chan- from Lake Wawasee and they expanded nel is located in the small bay in front of the channel to accommodate their barges, the Wawasee Boat Company, between which were used to deliver marl dredged pier 753 and pier 754. The channel runs from the lake bottom to railroad cars behind Pickwick Park on the lake’s north where it could be delivered to the cement end. It serves a vital role in the Wawasee plant. Workers from Davidson Pier Shop work to ecosystem in that it is one of only two In 1929 W. E. Long was deeded the reopen the channel connecting Lake Wawa- that connect it with Mud Lake and ulti- land from the Pickwick Park association see to Mud Lake. The channel had been mately Syracuse Lake. and dug out an adjacent channel to create blocked for several years by downed trees. A work crew from Davidson’s Pier Dream Island, the location of the Chinese Shop, using one of the company’s barges Gardens can still be seen while paddling through and chain saws, cleared the channel in A bridge was erected so passengers ar- the channel. late August. Along with Dave Davidson of riving at the Pickwick station, which was For a trip back in time, take your canoe, the pier company, Kirk Salerno of Ad- located on the B&O tracks behind the kayak, rowboat, or paddleboard someday vance Disposal played an important role park, could walk over the channel and and trace the road that the residents used in the project. through the woods to Kale Island on the in the days when the train was used for The channel was originally dug by shore of the lake. The cement supports of transportation and the principal mode of George L. Lamb so that his two steam- the old foot bridge and the raised roadbed travel was often the horse and buggy.

9 WACF educates kids and adults on lake and watershed issues

By Pam Schumm WACF Education Chair

Education is alive and well at WACF! We hosted a total of 11 different educa- tional events this summer and we will host five grade level field trips for all WCSC students this fall. Let’s start with a recap of the summer: This summer we hosted Adven- tures for the fourth year. Wednesdays in July brought parents and children to the Center for environmental activities and canoe scavenger hunts. This year we fo- cused on STEAM activities including rac- ing different types of sailboats, making Chautauqua to hold book discussion Brad Clayton making a presentation for the Pollinator Workshop in June 2019. Chautauqua-Wawasee has planned a discussion of the book Being Mortal, by cars that move with a balloon, a wind not co-operate and we had to get out of Atul Gawande, for November 15. The dis- gage, a sun dial and much more. the water after about 15 minutes of bug cussion will take place in Conference We had our annual Bug Catch over the catching. Several people stayed in the Room #1 at the Oakwood Resort from 2 - July Fourth weekend, but the weather did pavilion and observed the macro-inverte- 3:30 p.m. It is free to the public. brates as the storm passed. Commenting on this book, Time Maga- Also during the July Fourth week we zine said “This should be mandatory hosted Fishing with the DNR at Between reading for every American.” Medicine the Lakes. Everyone caught at least one has triumphed in modern times, trans- fish and several kids caught multiple fish. forming the dangers of childbirth, injury, What a display of biodiversity! and disease from harrowing to manage- We were happy to host the first Foren- able. But when it comes to the in- sics Activity this summer in partnership escapable realities of aging and death, with the Lakeland Youth Center. Several what medicine can do often runs counter young teens participated and learned to what it should. about fingerprint analysis and how insect Being Mortal reveals the suffering this development can help solve a crime. dynamic has produced. Nursing homes, They put that knowledge to use by solv- devoted above all to safety, battle with ing the case of the missing bird. residents over the food they are allowed Our adult education programs ex- to eat and the choices they are allowed to panded this summer as we hosted the make. Doctors, uncomfortable discussing pollinator workshop in June in partner- patients' anxieties about death, fall back ship with TWF, LCLAS, and KSWCD. on false hopes and treatments that are ac- About 30 individuals participated in this tually shortening lives instead of improv- workshop and many took plants home for ing them. their pollinator gardens. Riveting, honest, and humane, Being We invited Kent Hare to come talk with Fishing with the DNR over July Fourth Mortal shows how the ultimate goal is not week. About 35 kids and parents fished at Be- us about native and invasive fish in our a good death but a good life, all the way tween the Lakes and everyone caught a fish lake. It was a most interesting discussion to the very end. or two. Fish were displayed in tanks so every- with several people attending a beautiful For more information, contact Candice one could see the wide variety of fish in the Brown, 574-377-7543. lake. See WACF | Continued on page 13

10 Boat-In Worship concluded its 50th year on Labor Day weekend. The Rev. Har- lan Steffen, one of four area ministers who founded the weekly service, is still in- volved and here recounts how the Lord has blessed the ministry over the years. Boat-In will return for its 51st year next May 24. (Photo by Ray Balogh The Mail- Journal.)

Conklin Bay trail project to begin soon as committee seeks new director

While the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails sist in “the continued development, ad- Committee searches for a new executive ministration and maintenance of a grow- director, work on the Conklin Bay portion ing trail system in and around Syracuse, tails of the contracts, and contracts with of the trail is moving forward, with con- including the Lake Wawasee area,” ac- vendors have been signed. struction expected to begin soon. cording to the committee. “It’s a big relief for us all,” said Kay Megan McClellan, trails executive di- Meanwhile, construction of the new Young, the committee chairman. “They rector for several years, resigned last Conklin Bay project should begin yet this are ready to go.” spring to accept a similar position in Fort fall. A $1 million Next Levels grant from With the state grant, grants from the K- Wayne. Applications and resumes have the state has helped move the “shovel- 21 Foundation and Kosciusko Community been received and the interviewing ready” project into the construction Foundation, and private donations, “We process has gone one this summer. As phase. Bob Smith, an attorney and trails should have close to $2.4 million ear- with McClellan, the new director will as- committee member, has handled the de- marked for the project,” said Young. The Conklin Bay project will be 1.37 miles, extending the existing trail with one-third of wetland boardwalk and two- thirds of concrete trail. Construction will start on the east side of Conklin Bay and Calendar work is expected to be completed this year. May-Oct. Syracuse Artisans Market, Memorial Park The trail committee has already built Oct. 12 Fall Harvest Festival, Lakeside Park approximately 11 miles of a core trail sys- Oct. 13 Fall Color Tour, Lillypad 2-4 p.m. (Registration required) tem in the greater Syracuse area. The Oct. 19-20 Fall-Tastic Trail Walk, WACF property, 12-4 p.m. each day committee’s goal is to complete a trail Nov. 15 Book discussion, Being Mortal, Oakwood Resort, 2 p.m. system that will loop all around Lake Nov. 30 Old-Fashioned Christmas, Oakwood Resort, 6 p.m. Wawasee. The Syracuse Lake section is Dec. 6 WACF Christmas Lights Celebration, Ruddell Pavilion, 5:30 p.m. finished and is more than four miles in length.

11 As part of its mission to preserve and The young sailors come from near and confidence, independence, and self-es- pass on the proud tradition of sailing on far, including many from out of state as teem as they practice and learn in a safe Lake Wawasee, the Wawasee Yacht Club they make their annual pilgrimage to and supportive environment. These are annually sponsors two programs to in- Lake Wawasee to visit family and the rewards of time spent on the water, troduce young people to sailing. friends. or “tiller time”, according to Herdrich. The club’s popular Junior Sailing pro- Now in its third decade, the program In February, the dates and registra- gram takes place in the summer, and the offers two levels of instruction. The tion documents for the summer of 2020 club collaborates with Wawasee High basic classes accommodate first-time Junior Sailing program will be posted School in the fall to offer sailing a sailing sailors up to those with several years of on the Club’s website, www.wawasee- class to high school students. experience. The advanced class is ap- yachtclub.com. Schmahl and Herdrich The Junior Sailing program wrapped propriate for the older and most experi- encourage you to register early, as most up another successful season this sum- enced kids and focuses more on racing. sessions fill up quickly. mer. According to Jeff Schmahl, WYC All classes last for one week, and kids The course for students at Wawasee member and longtime program director, may choose either the morning session High School is designed to offer aware- roughly 130 kids, ages 8-15 participated or the afternoon session, which leaves ness and strategies of activities on the in this year’s program, which ran from the remainder of their day available for water such as sailing, environmental is- the last week of June through the first other activities. A number of kids partic- sues, canoeing, and kayaking. The yacht week of August. ipated in multiple classes. club works with the school to provide an “We continue to be thrilled by the Jeff Herdrich, who completed his experience on the water that has truly level of participation; the enthusiasm of 11th year as lead instructor this year, been awesome. our young sailors and their families; and and his team of junior instructors are to For many students in the class, this is the support of our members and the lake be congratulated for the quality and con- the first time they’ve been on a sailboat, community,” said Schmahl. “It’s partic- sistency of the kids’ experience, says and they move from being slightly afraid ularly rewarding to see so many kids Schmahl. Aside from basic sailing and of the boat to being the captain. Usual continue to return from previous years.” boat handling skills, the kids develop class size is 12 to 30 students in the fall trimester. Jeff Herdrich, Rick Lemburg, Andy Allen, Bryan Bahlor and Janay Hackle- man all work together to get students out on the water for instructional time, allowing the students to get as much time behind the tiller as possible. The class also takes the WACF 10- lakes canoe trip where the students learn about the watershed and how it af- fects the lakes. Financial help from the Wawasee Property Owners Association helps make this class possible.

12 The Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation (WACF) has been from left, Heather Harwood, WACF executive director; Jody Kress, awarded $150,000 matching grant from the Indiana Natural Re- INRF executive director; Matt Kiley, INRF; and Bob Fanning, WACF. In sources Foundation. The grant was funded through Northeast Indi- the second row are Bill McCully, WACF and INRF; Tom Kelley, North- ana Conservation Partnerships and will be used to further the east Indiana Conservation Partnership; Jay Jorgensen, WACF and Wawasee Inlets Nutrient Study, an initiative to provide a comprehen- NICP; Dr. Jerry Sweeten, Ecosystems Connections Institute; and Herb sive analysis of the nutrient and sediment loads within the Lake Manifold, ECI. In back is Doug Yoder, WACF chairman. (Photo pro- Wawasee watershed. Shown at the check presentation are, in front, vided)

Freshman Watershed Adventure 2019: Loaded rafts getting ready to head out. Students learn to paddle together as a team while learning about nature.

WACF | Continued from page 10 Freshman Rafting in the Watershed by their juvenile life in the water. Then third hosting about 160 students from WHS grade students, second grade students evening in July. over two days. The students learn about and Kindergartners will come out for a Our Lilly Pad Cruise in early August a watershed, water quality, plants and ani- field trip, each one with a different theme finished our Lake Talk and Eats series. mals that live in the water, native and for their science standards. The focus was on lake ecology and we alien species present here in our water We are thankful for our volunteers who heard about the WACF WINS study being system, how our lakes were formed and put in countless hours helping our com- conducted in five sites on Lake Wawasee much more. They raft from Between the munity youth learn about nature and our inlet streams. The first year of this study Lakes into Syracuse Lake and back all watershed. Without our volunteers, none is coming to a close, so stay tuned to while collecting plants, identifying other of these programs would be possible. WACF’s Facebook page and newsletters wildlife and having a good time out on Teaching our children about how to take for a full report of the findings later in the the water experiencing nature. care of our precious resources will ensure year. The second week of September we that we have those resources for future As fall approaches, the WACF Educa- host all the fourth grade students for a generations. tion team gears up to host several grade Bug Fest where they learn about insects, Preserving our watershed – it’s what level field trips. We have completed our especially the ones that spend much of we do at WACF!

13 Lake Patrol adds three new volunteers

By Jim Tranter Patrol I am amazed and pleased at our lake Sheriff Dukes, has been extremely support- WPOA Vice President patrol who give up their weekends and ive of the Wawasee/Syracuse Lake Patrol evenings to be patrolling out on the lake program. I am going to once again repeat myself . when needed. It is quite a sacrifice. So We still need to add several more patrol . . Wow, where has this summer gone? It when you see any of your lake patrol volun- volunteers to the program, so if you have seems like just last week when we launched teers, just a quick thanks would make them an interest or know of someone that is inter- the patrol boats and started ramp inspec- feel that we are going in the right direction. ested, please call Janet at the WPOA office tions. As you know we had four of our Lake Pa- and leave any pertinent information to help I am among many who want to say trol deputies retire this year, but we are us in a follow-up. thanks to our property owners on the lake pleased to announce that three new Our equipment fared well this summer. for having the willingness to support a lake deputies have been sworn in by Sheriff Kyle We are appreciative to have marinas that patrol. As a visitor from a big lake to the Dukes. Our newest Lake Patrol deputies are are supportive to the program and espe- north of us told me, “you are very fortunate Matt Goodnight, Tom Malott, and Scott cially thank each of you for your support of to have such a great program on your lake” Piepenbrink. When you see them on the the Lake Patrol program over the past 21 and I echo those words. water just a quick wave or a fist pump years. All of our patrol figures have not As your WPOA coordinator to the Lake would be nice. Let me also emphasize that been totally compiled however we can tell you that we patrolled both lakes using more Flotilla Road than 750 hours as of mid-August. Race winners in- We do keep track of our stops and the cluded, from left, Suzi Swinehart reason for our stops. Here are just a few: (women’s 8-mile), • Over loaded boats mainly pontoons – Evie Bultemeyer remember your passenger plate will tell you (women’s 3.3-mile), the safe number to allow on board. Brian Shepherd • Not enough life jackets for those on (race director), board – remember, one for each passenger Derek Miller (men’s and they must fit. 8-mile) and Kent • Over loaded wave runners. Most wave Yoder (men’s 3.3- runners are made to hold three people, if mile). (Photo by James Costello) you are pulling a tube or another apparatus the total cannot exceed three, two on the wave runner and the one you are pulling. Flotilla Road Race draws 400 runners • Paddleboards must have a life jacket on board, as do canoes, kayaks, etc. By JAMES COSTELLO It was Swinehart’s first appearance in the This will most likely be my last Lake- Mail Journal Sports Editor race, and she said she “loved the course. It’s Views article covering the Lake Patrol. After somewhere new to run that I haven’t run be- 21 years of steering the Lake Patrol program The 42nd annual running of the fore, and being near the lakes is always I believe it is time to turn over the pilot Wawasee Flotilla Road Race on July 4 drew beautiful,” she said. “The people were great. wheel to the next generation, who have nearly 400 runners, who turned out for ei- The volunteers were friendly. It was a great new ideas and understand the new technol- ther the 8-mile run, the 3.3-mile run or the experience.” ogy to continue improving the methods for 3.3-mile fun walk around Lakeside Park in Derek Miller and Evie Bultemeyer are safe boating on Lake Wawasee and Syra- Syracuse. It was an increase of more than 50 both students at Trine University in Angola cuse Lake. racers from last year’s event. and traveled together to the race. Miller, a So, I am pleased to welcome John Kel- “To have 400 here speaks a lot about the Flotilla road race veteran, finished first in logg as your next Lake Patrol coordinator tradition of the race. Forty-two years in a 43:58 in the men’s 8-mile while Bultemeyer working in conjunction with the WPOA and row, and we’re still here. Tom Tuttle does a won the women’s 3.3-mile race in 19:24. the Sheriff’s Department to keep the Lakes great job of putting everything together,” Miller previously won the race in 2015. safe for all to enjoy. John has been an inte- said race director Brian Shepherd. Bultemeyer is just getting back to form gral part of the Lake Patrol program for the “We appreciate the (Syracuse Commu- after an extended cross country season that past 12 plus years. So I ask you to give John nity Center) letting us come in; that helps a closed in mid-November with a 55th-place the support that you have been so generous lot. You’re out in the humidity, and you can finish at the NCAA Division III nationals as to offer me during the past 21 years. Thanks come in the air conditioning a little bit. It the first women’s runner in Trine history to for your support. helps us set up the night before, so we ap- compete at the meet. On behalf of your Lake Patrol: Jerry preciate them, and the whole town in gen- First place in the men’s 3.3-mile went to Babb, Todd Eby, Matt Goodknight, John Kel- eral is just great about giving.” Kent Yoder, who clocked 17:46 in his first- logg, Tom Mallot, Ken Nord, Scott Piepen- Winners included Suzi Swinehart in the ever Flotilla race. brink, Dan Rice, Dave Schwartz and yours women’s 8-mile; Evie Bultemeyer in the “I always ran the Topeka 5K. I heard truly we want to wish you a happy and safe women’s 3.3-mile; Derek Miller in the men’s about this one, so I wanted to try it this winter and we look forward to seeing you 8-mile; and Kent Yoder in the men’s 3.3-mile. year,” he said. on the lake in 2020. 14 Zebra Mussels: Small but mighty invasive invertebrates

By Dr. Nate Bosch, director the underside of piers and on rocks. Al- The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams though small, zebra mussels can cause quite a bit of damage to our lake’s ecosys- If you have spent time on Lake tem. Wawasee, you have probably noticed a Zebra mussels are an invasive species Hayden McCloskey, with the Lilly Cen- few (or more than a few) zebra mussels. classified as “filter feeders,” meaning they ter for Lakes & Streams at Grace College, These little invertebrates, usually no more filter algae out of the lake water. This might displays the sampling device the center than half an inch long with a trademark sound like a good thing, but they prefer to uses to collect zebra mussel samples. black-and-white shell, tend to collect on eat only the good kinds of algae (those that make up the bottom of the food chain that eventually feeds our larger fish), giving a competitive advantage to the bad kinds of 1930 Harkless Premier returns to Wawasee algae (the blue-green algae that can pro- duce harmful toxins). By Deb Patterson, The Mail-Journal Butt and Penn began the restoration, More zebra mussels often mean a finding the original inboard single cylin- clearer lake; but does that mean the lake Merrell Harkless, of Harkless Boat der engine and reinstalling it. After the will have fewer blue-green algae blooms, Company, now known as the Wawasee restoration was complete, it was entered too? Boat Company, built a line of boats in the in the 1998 Wawasee Flotilla, with Janes Zebra mussels are closely connected to early 1900s. Reportedly he only built as the captain. It received the Com- blue-green algae. The Lilly Center’s re- about 60 boats in total, and today only modore’s Trophy that year. searchers, building upon the blue-green one remains, a 1930 Premier, and it has Edmundson ended up selling the boat algae research it began in 2010, began a been in dry-dock for more than 20 years. to Janes who has owned the historic boat new multi-year zebra mussel study during The boat was found at the estate auc- until recently, when Doug Grant took over the summer of 2019. The study will help tion of John Sudlow. “It was sitting at the ownership and brought it “home, here on provide context for the dominance of blue- auction,” said Jim Janes, who noted its Wawasee.” green algae observed in Lake Wawasee in condition was poor. “We (Jay Edmund- In addition to its single cylinder en- recent years and potentially guide strategic son and Janes) looked at it and decided gine, the boat is unique because it can be action for the future. to restore it.” After it was bought, Dale steered from the bow or two places on Using specially designed sampling Butt and Charlie Penn were hired to re- the starboard side. “It has a steering equipment, our research team quantified store the boat to its current beautiful wheel and two other levers along the zebra mussel populations during June, state. Butt immediately recognized the side,” said Grant. The boat has once July and August in 14 local lakes, including boat from his childhood. It was also dis- again been removed from the waters of Lake Wawasee. The samplers allow zebra covered Col. Eli Lilly had originally Lake Wawasee and placed in safe keep- mussels to colonize on known surface owned the boat. ing. areas to allow standardized quantification. For instance, we learned that peak re- production and colonization in Lake The 14-foot Hark- Wawasee was in July this summer with less Premier returned 51,814 zebra mussels counted across six to Lake Wawasee on samplers while August counts totaled 106 August 9. Here, Jim mussels and only one mussel was found Janes, at the helm, between all of the samplers in June. and Doug Grant take Information like this (and much more) the first ride in the will help reveal the mussels’ connections boat after 20 years in to algae toxins and their impact on recre- dry dock. (Photo by ational activities. Deb Patterson, The Mail-Journal). To keep up with our research, connect with us on Facebook or visit our website, lakes.grace.edu! 15 First-Class Mail U.S. Postage Paid Syracuse, IN Permit No. 7

P.O. Box 427 • Syracuse, IN 46567-0427

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