Banner Graphic, Volume 10, Number 91, Greencastle, Putnam County, 19 December 1979 — Page 1

Elementaries dear

Local schools remain possibility in South Putnam study

By LARRY GIBBS Banner-Graphic Publisher The South Putnam School Board, responding to strong public sentiment for keeping elementary schools in their respective communities, Tuesday ordered a feasibility study geared to the possibility of maintaining schools at Belle Union, Fillmore and Reeslville. ADOPTED DURING a special afternoon board meeting, the resolution authorizing the study also incorporates the board’s desire to separate seventh and eight grade students from the general high school population, either by removing junior high pupils to the elementaries or by creating a separate wing of classrooms at the high school. Acting on the recommendation of Supt. James Hammond, the board asked James

Yes, Greencastle... ...There is a Santa Claus all right, but is there an EPA?

ByERICBERNSEE Banner-Graphic Managing Editor The Environmental Protection Agency has its list. It’s been checking it twice (or maybe three or four times). . .and it’s time to find out whether Greencastle’s been naughty or nice. Santa Claus may be coming to town, but whether or not he has a big fat check from the federal government tucked into his bag remains a mystery. ONE SOURCE WILL tell you it’s a virtual certainty that by Jan. 1 Greencastle will receive a grant offer to fund a proposed new $4.2 million wastewater treatment plant that will be built with 75 per cent federal, 15 per cent local and 10 per cent state money. But another source tells a different story. Pete Campbell, a spokesman for EPA’s Midwest Office at Chicago, said via telephone this week the grant offer could be on its way... or then again. “IT’S HARD TO predict,” said Campbell. “We don’t anticipate any problems with our final review, but then again, we may change something and...” He didn’t need to finish the statement. City officials know the meaning he intends. The project is likely for approval, providing another ribbon of red tape isn’t wrapped around the package. “Normally we allow ourselves 90 days for review,” Campbell said. “Obviously the application from Greencastle has been here longer than that.” TRUE. IN FACT, city officials were led to believe the grant offer would come prior to July 1. An EPA spokesman told Mayor Clifford (Abie) Frazier his men would work into the weekend to see that approval was met by that date. But instead of approval, the city was asked to do another user charge and cost recovery survey. And once

Not looking like Christmas Fair and cold. Low in the mid to upper 20s. Sunny and mild Thursday. High in the mid to upper 40s. Indiana Extended Outlook Rainshowers possible on Friday or Saturday. Very mild Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with low temperatures from the mid 30s to the 40s and the highs in the 50s to the lower 60s. Index Abby A 4 Calendar A 5 Classified 86.87 Comics A 6 Crossword B 6 Family living A4.A5 Heloise A 5 Horoscope B 7 Obituaries Al 2 Sports 81,82.83,84,85 Supermarket Shopper A 9 Worry Clinic B 7

Banner Graphic Putnam County, Wednesday, December 19,1979, Vol. 10 No. 91 20 Cents

and Associates, an Indianapolis-based architectural and engineering firm, to develop two studies: --The feasibility of three elementary buildings designed for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. -The feasibility of three elementary facilities for pupils in kindergarten through sixth grade with an addition at the high school to house junior high students. HAMMOND. WHO SAID he had talked informally with representatives of the state’s Division of School House Planning, called the second study a “safety valve” in the event the state would not approve a proposal to move junior high students back to the elementary sites. “Officials at the Division of School House Planning said they wouldn’t look at anything without a feasibility study,”

that was completed, Greencastle was asked to submit a combined overflow study. That work signed, sealed and delivered, EPA asked the city to rework its existing sewer ordinance to strengthen its language and provide stipulations as to how the city controls what goes into the sanitary system and who is allowed to connect to it. That amended ordinance was passed on third and final reading Dec. 10. “WE’VE COMPLETED everything they’ve (EPA) asked us for,” City Engineer Cliff Northon said. “Basically, the ball is in their court.” Norton added that a spokesman for the State Board of Health said this week he understood the Greencastle grant approval would come through before the end of 1979. Your serve, EPA. “Well, actually, I’m still reviewing the project myself,” Campbell said, acknowledging he has indeed received all the paperwork and promises necessary from the Greencastle city administration. “Certainly Greencastle is on our priority list. But like I say, it’s hard to predict when these things are going to be approved. “AND ACTUALLY,’’ Campbell continued, getting down to semantics, “we’re (EPA) not authorized to make the grant offer. Your congressman will do that. I’ll do the review and make a recommendation to my boss.” Campbell’s boss, in turn, will make a recommendation to Congress. And one of these days, there will be a press release that begins: “Congressman John Myers (R-Ind.) today announced. . .” Then it’ll be game, set, match. BUT UNTIL THAT time, mum’s the word at EPA. And you better not pout, you better not cry. You better not shout, that’s telling you why...

Putnam Patter When all else fails, try bitters

By DAVID BARR Banner-Graphic Civic Affairs Editor If Mishler’s Herb Bitters can’t cure it, then you don’t have it. This seems to be the central message in a patent medicine ad appearing in the 1867 Greencastle Republican Banner. In most reassuring terms, the maker of this curative potion claimed success in curing all diseases arising from an impure state of the blood or distressed stomach. AND JUST TO MAKE sure the bitters was nearly all the medicine anyone needed to take, the maker listed specific ailments the medicine was guaranteed to cure. The list included dyspepsia, liver complaints, fever and ague, intermittent, remittent and typhoid fevers, loss of appetite, nervous affections, general debility, or weakness caused by excess imprudence or exposure, coughs and colds. Other curable ills were Rheumatism, diarrhea, cholera morbus, stomach cramps, skin diseases, some forms of tuber-

Hammond told the board. “They did say, though, that if junior high students were to go back to the elementaries, there would be duplication of facilities. Three junior highs at three locations could involve teachers traveling between schools and duplication of classes. Instead of one shop, there would be three. Instead of one home economics room, there would be three.” “I don’t think they (state authorities) are going to let us move the junior high back to the elementaries,” offered board president David Landes. “I don’t think so either,” echoed board member Sherman Hacker. AFTER BOARD MEMBER Art Evans emphasized that the forthcoming studies should reflect the board’s “intent” to equalize student populations at the elementaries, the board agreed that

Police foil theft of drugs at apothecary

An attempt to steal a duffle bag full of dangerous drugs from Coan’s Apothecary in the medical complex on North Arlington Street was foiled by Greencastle City Police, and resulted in the arrest of an out-of-town couple. At 12:14 a.m. Wednesday, a burglar alarm at the apothecary sounded. City Officers Rodney Cline and Gerry Hoffa, Cloverdale town marshal, were sent to investigate. Cline went to the store, while Hoffa drove nearby. “I DROVE UP WITH my lights off,” Cline said in his police report, “and I noticed a car 500 to 1,000 feet from the

O'Neals sue city for SIOO,OOO

ByERICBERNSEE Banner-Graphic Managing Editor Citing negligence on the part of the City of Greencastle, Chet and Mildred O’Neal, 809 Gardenside Drive, owners of the B-K Root Beer Restaurant, filed a SIOO,OOO suit against the city Tuesday in Putnam Circuit Court. The O’Neals contend that their business, located at the intersection of Bloomington and Berry streets on Greencastle’s south side, sustained $75,000 damage in the aftermath of heavy rains July 13 and July 27 this year. THE STORM AND sanitary sewers near the B-K backed up and overflowed,

No quorum for city Zoning Board

By BECKY IGO Banner-Graphic Area News Editor In a month full of traditions, the Greencastle Zoning Board of Appeals did the untraditional. Lack of a quorum Tuesday evening caused the board to reschedule its December meeting to January, normally one of two months the board traditionally does not meet. BOARD MEMBERS present last evening were Bob Loring, president; Audrey Walton, vice president ; and board member Frank Knoll. Also present were Zoning Board attorney Larry Wilson and recording secretary Marvin Swanson. The three board members waited a little more than 20 minutes past the scheduled

culosis, ulcers and green sickness or chlorosia. We can assume that the bitters would also cure the seven-year itch. ALTHOUGH THERE were no pure food laws at the time requiring a medicine maker to tell what was in his product, the makers of Mishler’s Bitters thought the public had a right to know, so they listed them. Here are the ingredients just in case you want to stir up your own batch of bitters: Elecampane, burdock, spikenard, soapwart, Peruvian bark, buchu, spicewood, mullein, slippery Elm, sassafras, sarsaparilla, genetin root, juniper, spirits of nitre, balsam, copabia, cubebs, dandelion, pure spirits and barberry How much of each of the above ingredients was to be included was not spelled out in the advertisement. Note should be taken that pure spirits no doubt meant high proof alcohol. “ANYONE WHO IS at all acquainted with medicine will at once perceive what a

James and Associates should base its feasibility reports on a projected student population of 240 at each elementary building. Basing the studies on present enrollments would make the results invalid, Evans said. Asked by Hacker when the studies might be completed, Hammond said he anticipated they would be ready in time for review at a public meeting at the high school on Jan. 21. That date is subject to confirmation, however. Tuesday’s action by the board came in response to views expressed during a Dec. 5 meeting with the 18-member committee of parents and teachers the board had named to review school building needs within the corporation. The committee’s general consensus reflected a desire to Col. 5, back page, this section

apothecary headed north on Albin Pond Road.” Cline radioed Hoffa and told him to stop the car, describing it as having “rectangular headlights.” Hoffa chased the car, and the driver threw out a bag before Hoffa could pull him over. Police handcuffed and arrested Shari E. Laux, 31, Marietta, Ga., and William G. Rusk, 23, Indianapolis. LATER POLICE recovered a duffle bag full of drugs along Albin Pond Road which they believe to be what the driver of the car threw out. No dollar amount was set as to the value of the drugs.

causing the restaurant to become flooded with storm water and sanitary sewage. The O’Neals state that the sewage flooded every part of their building and contaminated food, supplies, furnishings, fixtures and equipment. Included in the $75,000 figure are the costs of cleaning up, restocking and refurbishing the B-K. The O’Neals cite negligence on the part of the city in allowing the new Putnam County Hospital and several other sewer users to connect into the sewer system “when the City of Greencastle knew or should have known that the existing sewer system lacked sufficient capacity to properly contain storm and sanitary

7:30 p.m. starting time in hopes another member would arrive to constitute a quorum. At 7:53 p.m., Loring announced the meeting would be canceled following the advice of Wilson who stated the board would have no official jurisdiction without a quorum present. Loring said the board will meet at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 to consider items originally scheduled to be heard Tuesday and would also hear any new business. Not in attendance were board secretary Mike Tzouanakis and member Mabel Vermillion. A newly appointed member of the. board, Evan Crawley, was unable to attend because of commitments out of town. SCHEDULED TO BE considered on the January agenda are:

powerful combination of curative powers is embraced in the above list of medicinal agents,” the bitters’ maker wrote. “It is impossible for diseases to withstand this formidable phalanx and when once it is attacked by Mishler’s Bitters, it is forced to leave the system. The original recipe was brought to this country from Germany about 1824. It had been known in the old country since the 16 th century. THE FORMULA WAS bought by John Mishler after he had been assured that the medicine would cure certain diseases considered incurable by medical works and physicians. It worked so well that the family decided to go into the manufacturing business and produce bitters on a mass scale. One of the early patients was the hostler at Cross Keys Hotel, Lancaster, Pa., who ordered 11 gallons of the bitters. After taking nine gallons, he was evidently so cured and healthy that he gave the

. mr

What Do You Do when you can't tie a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree in December? You do the next best thing, just like Greg and Lisa Larkin and present neighbors

sewage under heavy rainfall and runoff conditions.” The plaintiffs noted that for many years the existing sewers functioned without affecting the B-K, regardless of weather conditions. But the increased flow from the addition of the hospital, a nursing home and mobile home park, among others, created the problem. REPRESENTED BY LOCAL attorneys Delbert Brewer and Stephen Pierson, the O’Neals are seeking an additional $25,000 because they believe the result of the damage has caused their real estate to decline in value that much since last July. Because of the sewage back-up, the

♦Carole Penturf-to use a present building for a real estate office in the C-l district which is not allowable useage at 117 Indianapolis Rd., Greencastle, zoned C-l. ♦Kent Mecum-to erect a garage and a utility shed within five feet of the property line which is not allowable useage in the R--3 district located at 114 Bloomington St., Greencastle, zoned R-3. ♦J.D. Calbert, attorney for R & H Realty--to erect a skilled care nursing home on three acres of land in the R-l district which is not allowable useage. located south of the Putnam County Hospital and north of Jones Road. Greencastle, zoned R-l.

remaining two gallons to friends, who were likewise cured of whatever they had. To fortify his claims, Mishler testified that he had testimonials from more than a 1,000 satisfied persons, some of whom had previously tried everything the doctor had to offer. ONE SAMPLE READS in part. “My wife and five children and myself composed as sick a family as I think could possibly be found during the past winter and spring.” The wife of the family, according to the letter, had been bedfast with what the doctor called “galloping consumption.” She grew continually worse and then someone recommended Mishler’s Bitters, much against the wishes of her doctor who forbade her to use the stuff. Eventually, she defied the doctor’s orders, threw his medicine out and went full scale on bitters. At the time of the testimonial letter, the lady was out of bed and doing her full stint of housework.

with the biggest Merry Christmas in Putnam County. This unique setup can be spotted at 300 Hightail Ave., Greencastle. (Banner-Graphic photo by Becky Igo).

O’Neals said they also suffered a loss of trade during clean-up and their employees also sustained a loss of income during the period the restaurant was closed. The suit comes on the heels of another recent development in the B-K story. The city had cut a bypass into the storm sewer directly across Bloomington Street from the B-K to help alleviate any future backup Into the restaurant. HOWEVER, ACCORDING to O’Neal, permission wasn’t obtained from Frank Hutcheson, whose property is at the other Col. 5. back page, this section

v- - < jjgj|.

WILL PRATHER To be Chamber president Chamber sets Jan. 22 dinner, installation Will Prather, local Public Service Indiana area manager, has been elected 1980 president of the Chamber of Commerce to succeed Mrs. June Parent. Annual meeting of the Chamber will be held Jan. 22 in the DePauw Union with R. K. Shull, television columnist for the Indianapolis News, as guest speaker. Officers will be installed at that time. NEW VICE PRESIDENT will be Mike Harmless and hold-over treasurer will be Mrs Jean Rossok. The five new directors will be Jinsie Bingham. Ken Current. Mike Harmless, Rich Nance and Gary Pershing Directors who will be leaving the board at the expiration of their terms are James Grimes. Terry Bitties. Dale Jessup. Bill Marley and Mrs. Dorothy Stringer.