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.

Nov. 18, 1986 – Jomac Products Inc. is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. The company has 14 locations in the United States and Canada employing more than 700 persons. Jomac has operated a facility in Warsaw for 34 years. Warsaw Mayor Jeff Plank presented a resolution to company officials at a dinner last week and thanked the organization for its tenure here and for its support of the community.

Nov. 18, 1975 – A Warsaw youth has found that hard work in 4-H can pay off in a really big way. Ralph Reiff, 17, of Warsaw, is one of five Indiana youths who were named state award winners in their 1975 club projects by the Cooperative Extension Service.

Four of those selected, including Reiff, will receive expense-paid trips to the 54th National 4-H Congress in Chicago Nov. 30-Dec. 4.

Nov. 19, 1970 – Tech. Sgt. Frank R. Kepler, husband of Jeanette (Purdy) Kepler, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service as Weapons Branch Chief, 460th Avionica Maintenance Squadron, Republic of Vietnam, while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force from July 12, 1969, to July 11, 1970.

Sgt. Kepler and his wife are the parents of two sons, Harry E., 13, and Michael S., who is 12. The serviceman is the son of Harry E. Kepler of 508 W. Center St., Warsaw. He also is a Warsaw High School 1950 graduate.

Nov. 17, 1970 – Authorities are investigating the possibility of arson following a quarter-million-dollar blaze that gutted the posh Petro’s Restaurant at the north edge of Warsaw on Ind. 15 early today. Investigators speculate the fire could have been started as a cover-up for a possible burglary; however, this had not been confirmed by late this morning.

– Compiled by InkFreeNews reporter Lasca Randels