SYRACUSE — Syracuse residents downwind of the small channel off Harkless Drive may be smelling more than just fried foods lately.

Street repaving in some areas of the town of North Webster will begin this fall. At the Tuesday, Aug. 18, North Webster Town Council meeting, Phend & Brown, Milford, was the low bidder at $17.20 a square yard over two competitors, Niblock and Ranger Materials.

Syracuse Town Council approved a bid for $140,627.30 from Phend and Brown for street paving during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, Aug. 18. Phend and Brown also won a paving contract with the Turkey Creek Fire Territory for $66,778.20. Both contracts were bid together and each agency will be invoiced separately.

WARSAW — Atwood Fire responded to a call about a semi truck on US 30 east of CR 500W, in the eastbound lane. The truck was reportedly on fire, but it turned out to be a brake fire that was quickly extinguished with a fire extinguisher. There were no injuries reported.

SYRACUSE — Join the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, for the annual WACF public meeting, at the Levinson-LaBrosse Lakes ad Wetlands Education Center. The breakfast meeting will be held at the Ruddell Pavilion.

WARSAW — The Mariners Drive Rehabilitation project began today, Tuesday, Aug. 18. According to Andrew R. Schouten, project manager for Phend & Brown, Inc., Milford, project contractors, a schedule of activities has been released highlighting major activities. Schouten notes changing weather conditions and/or internal schedules changes may alter the dates. Traffic control signage and detour …read more.

INDIANA — Today, Tuesday, Aug. 18, is the quarterly deadline to sign up for the state’s Do Not Call list, which helps stop unwanted telemarketing calls and text messages.

SYRACUSE — Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District’s monthly Monday night, Aug. 17, meeting was all about compromise and change.

WARSAW — A preliminary glimpse of a city-wide tornado warning system plan was given to Warsaw City Council members Monday evening, Aug. 17.

WARSAW — Review of proposed budgets for 2016 are complete. Now the Warsaw City Council needs to act on the proposals before the Sept. 19 deadline to advertise that budget.

Monday’s meeting of the Turkey Creek fire territory executive board involved bids for paving and cosmetic work on the township’s fire stations and a clarification by President Kimberly Cates about fundraising efforts to help pay for exercise equipment for the department.

Two major sections of the trail system were discussed at the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee meeting Monday, Aug. 17.

Updentity, a digital marketing firm located in North Webster announced the launch of its annual Bashpole Grant, a grant program for 501(c)(3) charities for non-profit promotion, valued at up to $366,000 in the aggregate.

ALPENA, MICH. — An Amber Alert has been issued for 3-year-old Keegan Elijah Waterman, Alpena, Mich., last seen wearing a diaper and sandals. He is believed to be with his mother, Christina Marie Waterman, en route to Tennessee in a 2000 tan-colored Chevrolet Tahoe, Tennessee license plate number U4758V. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is …read more.

By TRACIE HODSON Beaman Home Executive Director WARSAW — Beaman Home Board President, Dennis Cripe, announced local community leaders Jodie Hall, Erich Hollis and Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine have been elected to serve on the Beaman Home board of directors. The three recently completed the board orientation program and have begun attending board meetings. Jodie Hall …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Transportation advises students moving in to Indiana University and Purdue University to plan extra travel time on I-65 between Lebanon and Lafayette and SR 37 between Martinsville and Bloomington.

SYRACUSE — The Indiana Department of Transportation announced that SR 13/North Huntington Street, between East Baltimore Street and Medusa Street in Syracuse, is scheduled to close at 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24.

WARSAW — The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced the implementation of a temporary lane restriction for SR 15. The restriction will occur 2.72 miles north of US 30, on Thursday, Aug. 20. Motorists can expect one-lane traffic directed by flaggers to facilitate the repair and replacement of roadway sensors. From 9 a.m. to 1 …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Hilligoss family of Whitley County was among several Indiana families honored Tuesday, Aug. 11, during the Indiana State Fair.

SOUTH WHITLEY — At 8:30 p.m. Aug. 14, officials were notified of a possible shooting on Buckeye Street in South Whitley. According to Whitley County Coroner Randy Dellinger, the body of a deceased male was located in the backyard of a residence. The deceased was identified as Adam Wade Porter, 29, South Whitley. The cause …read more.

ELKHART — Meteorologists have forecasted that weather conditions will be conducive to high levels of ozone pollution.

By ABBY MATIENZO Communications Associate, NAELA WASHINGTON D.C. — Aug. 14 marks the 80th anniversary of the Social Security Act. Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin announced the launch of the agency’s event-filled celebration, with many activities leading up to this date. To learn more about the events going on today, visit their event website. President …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission is not sure it wants to start issuing bonds for the new Co-Op TIF district — yet. Chad Miner presented the resolution during the commission’s regular meeting Thursday, Aug. 13. The bonds would be for up to $900,000 at a rate of up to 6 percent for up to …read more.

WARSAW — As budget time looms, the Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission has the task of deciding where to divide funding. Local entities came to the commission’s monthly meeting, held Wednesday morning, Aug. 12. Dr. Nate Bosch, representing Kosciusko County Lakes and Streams, discussed the role the local lakes play in tourism. Bosch also believes …read more.

SILVER LAKE — Discussions turned from flood plains and budgets to woes over the old school building during the regular meeting of the Silver Lake Town Council Wednesday evening, Aug. 12. The topic came up as council member Gale Owens was reviewing concerns he had received over some old structures in town that they would like to see …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Due to massive rainfall this summer, Kosciusko County, among 52 other Indiana counties, was approved for a secretarial disaster declaration as requested by Gov. Mike Pence, Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, and Indiana Farm Service Agency Executive Director Julia A. Wickard.

Emergency personnel are currently responding to an accident located in the area of US 30 and CR 200N.

MARSHAL COUNTY — The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane restrictions of SR 331, between US 30 and SR 10, near Bourbon, beginning Monday, Aug 17, through the end of November for repaving work.

ETNA GREEN — The Etna Green town council meeting was supposed to be held last night, Aug. 11. However, because of a lack of quorum, the meeting had to be cancelled. The meeting will reportedly be rescheduled. The date of the rescheduled meeting is unset at this time.

To borrow a phrase used by George Gilbert of the Wawasee school board, it was only the first day of school and there was already a student learning report.

Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals held its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11, in Warsaw. Among the several petitions presented was one by Ferguson Farms to allow a home based business, in this case the manufacturing of semi trailers, in an existing building on property zoned agricultural.

A petition listed as Cobbs/Palacios was denied by the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11, in Warsaw. The petition asked for an exception to allow limited raising and sales of small dogs in a residential district on CR 825E, south of EMS W34A Lane in Tippecanoe Township.

Syracuse Parks and Recreation board assembled Monday evening, Aug. 10, to hear updates on department projects and program reports.

MERRILLVILLE — National Safe Digging Day is today, Aug. 11, and NIPSCO wants to remind customers to call 811 before any digging project to have underground utilities marked.

At the Milford Town Council meeting Monday, Aug. 10, Town Marshal Rich Miotto warned residents of recent criminal activities.

Lewis Eugene Collier of Warsaw was just announced Veteran of the Month at today’s Kosciusko County Commissioner’s meeting. County Veterans Affair Officer Rich Maron was there to present the award.

Milford Town Council was again visited by Timothy Wall and Michael Reese of Troyer Group at its monthly meeting Monday evening, Aug. 10. The consultants presented overviews of three plans for moving ahead with the town facilities study.

MILFORD — Milford Police and Fire and Syracuse EMS responded to a two-vehicle accident today at the intersection of South Higbee Street and West Section Street in Milford.
The accident occurred around 4:45 p.m.

North Webster Heart of the Harvest Fall Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Mermaid Festival Grounds it was announced at the general meeting of the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Monday, Aug. 10.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community School employees gathered Monday morning, Aug. 10, to celebrate the beginning of another new school year. The program began with presentation of colors, pledge of Allegiance and national anthem by the Junior ROTC Cadets. Guest speakers included Dani Barkey, Warsaw Community High School student; Brynn Durecki; Jennifer Tandy; and Barb Smolen. WCS …read more.

By BRETT BOGGS TVSC Superintendent AKRON — Tippecanoe Valley will host the Tippecanoe Valley High School Distinguished Alumni Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, in the Tippecanoe Valley Middle School commons. The community is invited. The menu for the formal dinner features baked chicken breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, salad, dinner roll, …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — Millions of particles of comet dust are bombarding the atmosphere, putting on a spectacular nighttime show. According to NASA, the annual Perseid meteor shower is currently at its peak, with 50 to 100 meteors per hour visible. The best viewing would be from a spot with as little artificial light as possible. Viewing time is from 10 …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — A short meeting was held at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at the Kosciusko County Courthouse, wherein the county commissioners voted to expedite a plan to partner with North Central Co-op in order to install fiber optics at their facility in Mentone. The Indiana Fiber Network will be working on the project, and …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Fair has begun and, with it, a list of family-friendly activities. Friday, Aug. 7 College ID day, all day; college students admitted for free with active college ID Calgary Stampede, 2 p.m. in the grandstand; free concert Unlimited rides, noon to 11 p.m.; $20 online or $30 on-site Indigo Girls …read more.

By MICHELLE CABRERA MLS Coordinator, Koscuisko Board of Realtors KOSCIUSKO — The Kosciusko Board of Realtors presented $2,800 to Kosciusko County Habitat for Humanity, raised from their recent 5K run/walk, titled “Build A Home-Run,” which took place Saturday, July 18, at Trails of Winona Lake. In all, 55 runners and walkers and 17 sponsors helped raise funds to …read more.

SYRACUSE —Mike Schmidt, principal at Wawasee High School, announced counseling services will be available for staff and students the first day of school Tuesday, Aug. 11. Christopher David Prater, struck and killed by a train Thursday morning, would have been a senior at Wawasee High School this year. Related: Pedestrian Identified In Syracuse Train Accident.

By AMBER ZECCA Community Development Director, Hoosiers Feeding The Hungry WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Community Foundation has awarded a grant for $1,500.00, from the Myra Igo Haley Advised Fund, to the Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry 2015 “Meat” the Need donation program. This grant will be used to pay processing fees for donated meat in …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson is encouraging Hoosiers to register to vote to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. The act was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Aug. 6, 1965.

SILVER LAKE — This year’s beef twilight tour offers fun and fellowship for all area beef producers at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. The 18th addition heads to the Silver Lake area. All who attend will get to see great cattle, learn about the Limousin breed and enjoy a delicious meal sponsored by the Kosciusko County Cattlemen’s Association.

KOSCIUSKO — The Kosciusko County Alcohol and Tobacco Commission held its monthly meeting today, Aug. 6, at 1 p.m. Fourteen renewals were on the agenda for the meeting, and the commission approved all renewals on the agenda. Each of the following renewals were approved with a single motion: SS Lillypad II, Syracuse; Beef’s Booze Barn, Syracuse; …read more.

SYRACUSE — Christopher David Prater, 17, Syracuse, was struck and killed this morning by a train in northern Kosciusko County.
Kosciusko County Coroner Michael Wilson stated Prater was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a westbound CSX freight train en route to Chicago.

From a previously donated refrigerator that won’t fit through the door to wrapping up its open house, the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce board addressed several moving-related topics at its regular meeting Wednesday, Aug. 5.

SYRACUSE — Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Syracuse Police and Turkey Creek Fire and EMS responded to the call of a pedestrian struck by a train around 7 a.m. this morning.

WARSAW — State and federal mandated revisions to Kosciusko County’s flood control ordinance are a step closer to final adoption. During its regular monthly meeting Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 5, in Warsaw, the Kosciusko County Area Planning Commission recommended approval of the revisions.

WARSAW — Emergency personnel are currently responding to an accident located on Scott and Center streets. Three vehicles are believed to be involved.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Thursday, Aug. 20 is the first day of school and as summer winds to a close, students can begin registering for classes at Whitko High School.

SOUTH BEND — The Conexus Indiana North Central Regional Logistics Council today released its regional logistics strategic plan that details long-term infrastructure, public policy and talent development priorities to grow the logistics industry and the economy in the seven-county region. Among those counties was Kosciusko. According to a press release, in developing Ensuring Connection to …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Gradway announces the election of a new board president. Former Gradway Vice President, George Brennan, was unanimously voted in as president of the board of directors July 22.

SYRACUSE — Turkey Creek Township Fire Territory responded to a boat on fire Tuesday evening, Aug. 4, on Syracuse Lake. At 5:57 p.m., firefighters received the call and were able to extinguish the fire in about five minutes.

[weaver_youtube o1-BWGlVRt0 rel=0] ETNA GREEN — A Bourbon woman was listed as stable after a dump truck crushed the driver’s side of her car, trapping her inside. Her survival has been called, “nothing short of a miracle.” The call went through at 7:26 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 that a dump truck had overturned onto a …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer introduced his new appointment for fire chief of the Warsaw-Wayne Township Fire Protection Territory at its monthly meeting today, Tuesday, Aug. 4. Mike Wilson was appointed to succeed Mike Brubaker as chief. Wilson previously served on the Warsaw Fire Department for almost 21 years as assistant chief and fire …read more.

Citizens of North Webster will not be choosing a town clerk-treasurer or council members in November. Because only one candidate will be running for each office, the Kosciusko County Clerk has decreed no election will need to be held according to Indiana law and the deadline for filing for office has past.

Scheduling conflicts kept the Syracuse Parks Foundation board members away from the monthly meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 28. The meeting was cancelled due to a lack of members need to fulfill the assembly quorum.

Milford’s Town Council will remain as is, at least until the 2016 elections.

WARSAW — An ordinance amending the city code regarding disbursement of buy money used by police and a tax abatement application from Redwood IT, LLC, received approval by the Warsaw Common Council Monday evening.

CSX Railroad crossing closures at Bishop Road and East Wawasee Drive near Syracuse will affect bus routes at least for a couple of days for the Wawasee Community School Corp.

[weaver_youtube IT_6n0EPo7s rel=0]   WARSAW — Men and women from around the northeastern portion of the state, who are in the Indiana Guard Reserve 1st Brigade, came to Warsaw in mid-July for a drill to establish a COMMEX with four other state defense forces. But the morning wasn’t just radio communications. A handful of potential …read more.

By BRETT BOGGS TVSC Superintendent AKRON — In April, 2015, Tippecanoe Valley High School submitted a request to the Indiana Department of Education to review its 2014 graduation rate that was reported by the IDOE at 77 percent. The IDOE completed the review of the documentation provided by TVHS and found that sufficient evidence was …read more.

WARSAW — An estimated 150 people enjoyed free pizza this weekend as Fellowhip Missions hosted the Little Caesars Love Kitchen. The event took place Sunday, Aug. 2, at Fellowship Missions, located on Winona Avenue. “It was pretty cool,” Victoria Jennings said. “It was fresh, hot and ready pizza, right there.” Jennings, along with Josh Hensley, were …read more.

PIERCETON — The Indiana Department of Transportation announces SR 13/East Main Street, between East Keith Street and Market Street in Pierceton, is scheduled to close at 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10. The road will be closed to allow Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern Railroad to rebuild the railroad crossing. The official state detour is US …read more.

By BRETT BOGGS TVSC Superintendent AKRON — Tippecanoe Valley High School has named its Distinguished Alumni Class of 2015. The seven members of this year’s class join a noble group of TVHS graduates who have led successful lives while making substantial contributions to their chosen field of work or have provided outstanding service to their …read more.

Emergency personnel are currently responding to an accident located in front of Dairy Queen in Warsaw. According to officials, no one was injured at the scene. The accident involved two vehicles.

David Eby and staff have done more flights over the local Kosciusko community than usual lately. Children aren’t the only ones who stare in awe as the yellow planes dip low — an astonishing 10 to 15 feet above the crops.

KOSCIUSKO — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 2 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3, for Kosciusko and surrounding counties.

BREAKING: Emergency personnel are currently responding to a reported motorcycle accident located in the area of SR 15 and CR 400N in Leesburg. According to a reporter from the scene, the accident involved a single vehicle, identified as a motorcycle. The operator of the motorcycle is being flown to Lutheran Hospital by air ambulance due …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation met for their final Lake Talks & Eats of the summer today, Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Education Center.
Following a potluck breakfast and coffee, WACF board member Diana Castell introduced the two speakers, Jim Donahoe, owner of Aquatic Weed Control, and Rod Edgell from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

CROMWELL — Around 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon, Aug. 1, local fire departments began fighting a house fire near the intersection of SR 5 and CR 200N in Cromwell. Albion Fire Department, Sparta Township Fire Department (Cromwell), Turkey Creek Township Fire Territory (Syracuse), North Webster Fire Department and Perry Township Fire Department (Ligonier) each dispatched equipment and firefighters to …read more.

By FIRST SGT. CHAD HILL, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department is warning the public of a scam that has moved to the community again and involves people claiming to be from the IRS. Deputies are investigating a phone scam involving callers who impersonate Internal Revenue Service representatives and demand immediate payments …read more.

SYRACUSE — Indiana Conservation Officers announce the temporary speed restriction has been lifted immediately for motorboats on Lake Wawasee. Hazardous high water conditions no longer exist on this lake. DNR Director Cameron Clark has removed an emergency order that had restricted speed. Indiana Conservation Officers remind those on the water to wear a life jacket …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — Tonight, eyes will turn to the sky to witness an event that happens only once in a blue moon — literally. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration website, a blue moon does not appear blue. Rather, the colorful nickname has been attached to the second full moon to occur within a …read more.

WARSAW– One week ago, 30 representatives from the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC), headquartered in Warsaw, participated in a Washington DC fly-in. The representatives, one of which was Jennifer Cobb-Hayes, Certification Manager for NCBC, spoke to congressmen and women from 15 states in support of a moratorium against the US Preventative Services Task Force …read more.

In a letter sent earlier this week to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack, Governor Mike Pence requested a secretarial disaster declaration for 53 of Indiana’s 92 counties due to crop damage and losses caused by flooding and excessive rain since May 1 of this year. Kosciusko County was amongst the 53 counties requested …read more.

By Lt. Kip Shuter, Warsaw Police Department Recently, the Warsaw Police Department Dive Team was the recipient of several community grants to obtain new dive equipment to better serve our community in a water emergency. Grant funds were obtained from the K21 Health Foundation, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, and from the Kosciusko REMC Operation Round-Up …read more.

There is no denying meth, drug use and substance abuse are increasingly detrimental problems in the Kosciusko community. This week alone, approximately 36 individuals were booked into the Kosciusko County Jail on drug or alcohol related charges. In addition, Kosciusko has been ranked third for highest occurrences of meth labs by Indiana State Police within …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — This week’s Crime Stoppers crime of the week comes from the files of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department would like the community’s assistance in locating two stolen golf carts. Between July 26, and July 29, the sheriff’s department took two reports of stolen golf carts from the areas …read more.

Kosciusko County officers arrested a Warsaw man yesterday on charges of dealing heroin. Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputies and Drug Task Force officers arrested Steven Paul Gasaway, 25, Warsaw, on preliminary charges of dealing a Schedule I, II, III, controlled substance. Gasaway was taken in the custody without incident Friday afternoon during a traffic stop, and …read more.

  WARSAW — Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a death that occurred on Little Chapman Lake. Around 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, Indiana Conservation Officers responded to a person unresponsive in the water on Little Chapman Lake. Initial reports indicate that an adult male was swimming from a boat with a family member. The family member …read more.

By TONY CIRIELLO, Syracuse Police Department Chief SYRACUSE — At approximately 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, Syracuse Police Department was dispatched to a possible fight in 1400 block of South Harkless Drive. Upon the arrival of officers, it was determined that a man and woman had been walking south on Harkless when they were approached …read more.

WARSAW — Emergency personnel are currently responding to a possible drowning at Little Chapman Lake in the area of Loziers Mobile Home Park, near C23 Lane.  

By STEVEN COOKE Bose Public Affairs Group INDIANAPOLIS — Re/Max Integra, Midwest recently released its Recreational Property Report for the 2015 summer season, showing healthy activity across second property markets in Indiana, including the areas of Lake Monroe, Patoka Lake and the northeast Indiana region. Local brokers from across the state indicate that consumer demand …read more.

WARSAW — The final beam in Parkview Hospital’s new Warsaw location is in place, completing yet another phase of the construction of the 86,000 square-foot facility. Representatives from Parkview and the local community gathered at noon Wednesday July 29, to witness as a large crane hoisted the beam in place, completing yet another phase in …read more.

Even though sometimes on Rain Day (July 29 each year) we want to shake our fist at the sky and shout, “Enough, already!” the fact is we humans need rain to survive. We require not just stationary water (97 percent of the world’s supply is undrinkable salt water), but the whole hydrologic cycle, including evaporation, …read more.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Though official reports from police stated Crosson is an assistant soccer coach at Whitko Middle School, according to Steve Clayson, Superintendent of Whitko School Corporation, though Crosson did assist the coach, he did so on his own volition. Crosson was not employed directly by the school, but was instead a member of the …read more.

Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann is requesting that the U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA) take swift action on setting renewable energy volume requirements for 2014, 2015 and 2016. In a letter to the EPA Administrator, the Lt. Governor noted that the proposed reductions and uncertainty in the volumes requirements significantly impacts both Hoosier farmers and the biofuels …read more.

MILFORD — Price Auto Repair in Milford is busy cleaning up this morning following damage caused by a fire Tuesday night, July 28. Milford Fire Department responded to the blaze late last night.

A special Wawasee school board meeting was held the evening of Tuesday, July 28, in Syracuse for the main purpose of a budget workshop and to start the formal budget process for 2016.

MILFORD — Emergency personnel are currently responding to a fire at Price Auto in Milford on SR 15.

GOSHEN — Experiencing trouble on the toll road, with what was reported as two shredded tires, the 9/11 Never Forget Exhibit arrived at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair two hours behind schedule. While the fanfare for its arrival was not as grand as originally planned, their arrival was spectacular none the less.

SYRACUSE — Earlier this week District One Commander Lt. John Karris sent the following in an email to WACF Executive Director Heather Harwood: “Through our patrols on Lake Wawasee this weekend, officers were still seeing several homes impacted by lake water. It is our hope with the recent warm weather and no rain fall the …read more.

Milford’s proposed 2016 budget managed to successfully cut close to 6 percent from last year, bringing its total to $1,585,450, down from $1,684,402 in 2015. “It will be a tight year,” Town Treasurer Joellen Free stated. This is the second year the town has had to reduce its budget.