From the Files of the Kosciusko County Historical Society

Editor’s note: This is a retrospective article that runs a few times a month on InkFreeNews.

Information for this retrospective series is courtesy of the Kosciusko County Historical Society

July 7, 1980 — County residents were continuing clean-up efforts today following a devastating storm early Saturday that injured 11 and caused millions of dollars in damage as high winds swept through the area toppling trees and disrupting electrical service to many homes.

The storm, with winds of more than 60 miles per hour, swept through the northern section of the state and knocked out the communications system at the National Weather Service office at the South Bend Airport, according to Kosciusko County Civil Defense Director Sonja Creighton. Thus, area residents were not alerted for “one of the most wicked storms” to hit the county in recent years.

July 10, 1978 — Between 75 and 80 drivers, along with nearly 450 supporters, picketed the Kosciusko County Fair Grounds Saturday night as a dispute erupted into public between the drivers and owners and Warsaw Speedway director C.E. “Hoot” Gibson.

Between the two warring sides sits the Kosiusko County Fair Board, which is more or less put into a mediator’s position. The drivers say they won’t race until new management is installed and improvements are made on the track. Gibson still has two years remaining on his contract with the fair board and says he definitely won’t step down.

July 9, 1968 — A young Rt. 2 Pierceton farmer was killed and two Warsaw girls escaped death but were burned by lightning bolts when thunderstorms swept through this area Monday afternoon.

Killed instantly by a bolt of lightning at 12:15 p.m. was Leon M. Brown, 28, the father of two. Authorities said Brown was struck as he drove his tractor and hay baler toward a barn on the Dr. Howard Liebengood farm on Division Road in Whitley County near the Whitley-Kosciukso County line.

Approximately one hour later, Cheryl Clampitt, 12-year-old daughter of the Chester Clampitts, Rt. 5, Warsaw, and Evelyn Kaim, 14, daughter of Mrs. Pauline Kaim, 657 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, were burned and temporarily stunned when lightning struck a tree under which they had take refuge at Center Lake beach.

– Compiled by InkFreeNews reporter Lasca Randels