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. For more history of Kosciusko County in the news visit yesteryear.clunette.com

Dec. 2, 1983 — Eight officials in the Hodges administration have been ordered to repay the city of Warsaw $7,972.67, according to an audit released today by State Board of Accounts Examiner M.F. (Bud) Renner.

A state audit was initiated after city Clerk-Treasurer Pam Ward voiced concern about HUD and city records one and a half years ago. She commented this week, “All I said is something is not right in Warsaw. My concerns were very valid. I think these auditors feel the money is due back to the city for various irregularities.” She added, “They (city officials) got caught with their fingers in the cookie jar. Now they’re going to pay.”

Four city officials met Monday with Renner in Indianapolis to appeal orders to repay money to the city. They include: Mayor Paul E. (Mike) Hodges, City Public Works Superintendent Everette Dunkleberger, Assistant Public Works Superintendent Robert Hoppus and City Park Superintendent Richard Hamman. In addition, Hodges was unsuccessful in justifying the use of city-owned vehicles on vacation and other irregularities, which are pointed out in the final city audit.

Nov. 28, 1973 — Dancing with little or no clothes at the Hickory Lounge is “not to the liking of most people,” especially the citizens of the tiny community of Milford.

The above words were used by Archibald Baumgartner, president of the Milford Area Development Council, as he opened the discussion to the large crowd that jammed the fire station for MAD’s Tuesday night meeting to discuss the dancing.

1877 — The population of Warsaw was 4,000.

1867 — The Wright House stood on the corner east of the courthouse and was destroyed by fire in 1867. James Whitcomb Riley lived there as a young man while doing sign painting in Warsaw.

– Compiled by InkFreeNews reporter Lasca Randels