Several kettles were boiling at once during the final obstetrics of Municipal airport. The original committee, impoverished and begging was proceeding carefully. Meanwhile the city was trying to get an air-board established to adopt the baby.

Our county highway came to the rescue, early, did some fine work in grading runways, moving dirt. Don Lessig drew master plans. George Nye contributed contour drawings. Everybody got at least one foot wet.

About two years ago a city airport board became a reality. Present members are John Widaman, Chairman; Tony Mathia, Bill Chinworth and Kenneth Stokes.

They hired, begged and cajoled enough work and material to at least make the airport usable. Nothing could be done, however, that did not conform to a master plan. This was required by the state and federal governments, if any outside aid was to be expected.

Frederick Strauss, Jr., did the first commercial flying off Municipal, spent a bad winter there with little reward. This spring Strauss moved to Smith Field and former Smith operator, Joe Carlin, leased municipal. Carlin paid the highest rental I have ever heard of for a municipal airport. It's a good deal for both Carlin and the city. All money paid as rent, goes back into the field for improvements.

Our aeronautics board was learning fast. At the present time, an item of $11,000 has been placed in the city budget for airport improvement. A bigger chunk than anyone wanted in one year, but necessary to secure federal funds now available. It's spending a dollar today to get two free.

Federal funds have been lumped into a pool in Indiana. A portion has been earmarked for Warsaw. The heat from other cities is becoming so intense, the money may go to a bigger city, ready to spend it first. You know the old theory, the wheel squeaking loudest gets the grease.

With $11,000 in the new budget, $4,000 carefully hoarded from last year's appropriation, plus the board's evaluation of the field as it now stands Warsaw is in line for about $32,000 federal money immediately.

Desired at present, is one paved runway, to insure year-round operation at the field. If there is money left, an administration building is in the picture. A hangar is now under construction. A temporary, though very nice office building, has already been constructed by Carlin.

No longer a dream, two airports now serve the city. One built by private money, one constructed with public funds, aviation is destined to play an important part in the economy of our town and county in the coming years.

More than half-million dollars in airport property can be found in Kosciusko county and adjacent cities. When I went to high school, the ability to drive an automobile was a question: Now it's "Can you fly an airplane?"

Many do and like it. (Next, Barn-Storming)

Rumor has it. Application for approval of Victory Field near Chapman lake recommended for disapproval by state aeronautics board until several hazards are removed. Field is operated by Rev. Paul Hartford, flying minister. Field is new, no doubt owners have not had time to remove trees, grade high banks, etc.

Smith Field cutting wood. Trees in northwest corner coming out.

Municipal received a heavy frown from state board inspector because of a hazardous condition at intersection of run-ways. Inspection now finds it in pretty good shape.
Plans for sea-plane base at Lake Tippecanoe, eligible for G. I. training, postponed for this season.

Two new private pilots: Art Bayne and Bob Johnson. Joe Miller and Lawrence Fife flying solo now.

Warsaw Daily Times Wed. Aug. 6, 1947