Banner Graphic, Volume 11, Number 106, Greencastle, Putnam County, 6 January 1981 — Page 1

Hostage Roeder's dad says, 'Stay strong, America!'

ByERICBERNSEE Banner-Graphic Managing Editor The father of David M. Roeder, the 1961 DePauw University graduate held hostage in Iran, says the United States shouldn’t give in to the demands of terrorists who have kept his son captive along with 51 other Americans for more than 14 months. “They’re looking for monetary value,” Charles B. Roeder of Oshkosh, Wis., told the Banner-Graphic Sunday night. “They’re trying to milk us and they’ll keep milking us til we give in, which I hope we don’t. Stay strong, America." THE ELDER ROEDER, 71, himself a retired Army lieutenant colonel, characterized the Iranian militants as being “like the fellow selling the Persian rug. They’re not about to take the first offer. They’re not about to give in.” Communication with his hostage son has been sparse, Roeder said. He has received only one letter in the 14 months. The hostage’s wife, Susie (a 1962 DePauw graduate), has gotten three or four and Roeder’s daughter has received another. “The letter he sent me was dated in August and I received it about a month later,” he said in a telephone interview. “Mostly he was reminiscing about his early life. It was quite lengthy. He stayed away from anything of political nature. "BUT HE DID SAY. ‘l’m writing this with the hope that this one gets through ’ So apparently he had been writing. ” And apparently, his captors had not been permitting Roeder’s letters to reach their destination. But the father had gone 10 months without a letter, so the September mail helped ease parental concern as much as possible in an anguishing situation.

The culprit behind a fire Sunday afternoon in which a Cloverdale man barely avoided injury was a gasolinepowered wood-splitter, (below), which caught fire and exploded, setting fire to the barn in which it was housed. Pictured against a flame-blackened wall of that structure,

Cloverdale man escapes injury as his barn burns

CLOVERDALE--A Cloverdale man narrowly escaped injury Sunday afternoon when the machinery he was laboring over caught fire and exploded, destroying the building in which he was working. George Hipps, Route 2, had been working on the gasoline engine of a woodsplitter in a barn on his property northwest of Cloverdale, near Stardust Hills. WHEN THE FUEL TANK on the machine caught fire, Hipps ran from the building, just getting clear of the scene before the whole unit blew up and caught the building on fire. His wife, who was in the family’s home nearby, heard the explosion and reported the incident to the Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Department at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Late snow A 50 per cent chance of snow developing late overnight. Warmer, with low in the upper teens. A 60 per cent chance of snow Tuesday. High in the upper 20s. Indiana Extended Outlook Snow possible Wednesday or Thursday. Fair on Friday. Highs will be in the 50s. Lows in the upper teens and 20s. Index Abby A 3 Bridge A 9 Calendar A 3 Classifieds AB, A 9 Comics A 6 Crossword A 8 Heloise ,A 3 Horoscope A 9 Obituaries AlO Sports A7,AB Theaters AlO

Banner Graphic Putnam County, Tuesday, January JC 1981, Vol. 11 No. 106 ★ 20 Cents

The firemen fought the flames for quite some time, the Hipps said, staying on the scene until 6:30 p.m. The fire spread throughout the entire structure, completely gutting it, with part of the roof eventually collapsing inward. ALTHOUGH HIPPS wasn’t injured in the explosion, the building is said to be a total loss. Contents of the building included a tractor, the log-splitter, a leather saddle, and some bicycles which had been stored away for the winter, among many other items, according to the Hipps, who were attempting to inventory their losses Monday morning. Damage was estimated by Byron Snyder, fire chief with the Cloverdale department, at $5,000 to the building and $2,000 to its contents.

Legislators seek to put teeth in state's Open Door Law

By LARRY GIBBS Banner-Graphic Publisher The public’s right to greater access to police and governmental records and to attend open court proceedings in criminal actions is the thrust of three bills scheduled for introduction this week as the 1981 Indiana General Assembly convenes in Indianapolis. All three pieces of legislation were prepared by Richard W Cardwell, general counsel for the Hoosier State Press Association. The Banner-Graphic is an active HSPA member. PATTERNED AFTER THE state’s 1977 Oper Door Law, which defined the public’s right to be present at governmental meetings where official business is conducted, the HSPA proposals would counter the state’s weak 1953 public records law and a 1980 Indiana Supreme Court ruling that upholds the closing of some pre-trial criminal hearings without public challenge. “It has been a thinly disguised fact for years that Indiana has one of the worst -- if

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“We had a feeling he was being held at the (U.S.) embassy in Tehran. At that time all we could do was assume that. But the letter was written on teletype paper and the address of the embassy (on the envelop) had been scratched out.” THE HOLIDAYS SEEMINGLY would be among the most difficult times for families of the hostages, but Roeder has been able to at least hear from his son or see him on television during holiday periods. At Thanksgiving he went east to see daughter-in-law Susie (the former Susan Ardery whom David met at DePauw) and their two children. “We went on into Washington to talk with Gen Goodman who is in charge of the military attaches,” he added, “and the next operation was seeing him on TV time by the Iranians. Hostage Roeder, sporting a graying beard, spoke for perhaps the longest of the Americans allowed TV time by the Iranians.

the splitter was among those items damaged or lost in the flames that gutted the interior of the building (above), and resulted in the roof's collapse. (Banner-Graphic photos).

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not the worst - public records laws in the nation,’’ Cardwell said, pointing to an Indiana Court of Appeals decision last March which held that police incident reports are not records accessible to the public if the police arbitrarily decide to withhold them. But the deficiencies of the state’s current public records law - the Hugest Anti-Secrecy Act of 1953 - go beyond law enforcement agencies. Because of the law’s restrictive definition of “public record,” Cardwell notes, there exist a multitude of records compiled and kept by numerous state-level agencies which are released or withheld at the complete discretion of those individual agencies. “THE RESTRICTIVE DEFINITION of public records has shifted the burden to the public to prove an inspection right,” Cardwell emphasized. “That turns on its head the supposed presumption that governmental records are publicly accessible unless government meets the burden of proof of showing some specific legal reason for non-accessibility. “These restrictions place the public, in-

Daze work

His father, who was shocked by the TV announcement of the Nov. 4, 1979 capture of the hostages while watching a football game in his Oshkosh home, nearly missed his son’s message. “I only got word of it because a friend in Omaha had seen it (on the news) and called. Because of the time difference I was able to see it later and record it.” LAST EASTER ROEDER SAW his son on the TV news, a fact that went unnoticed by most of the media. “I was in Florida at the time,” the widower said. “I missed it, but we went down to the local TV station and they played it back for me. “Did you see him? Oh, he looked terrible! He had a full beard that time, clear down to his knees.” This year’s Christmas message found the DPU grad 50 pounds lighter, his father said. Some of that weight may have come in whiskers. “His beard looks better too,” he added. “I don’t know whether it (the beard) is a sign of rebellion or what. You know, he’s spent his whole career in the military in clean-shaven, short-haired routine.” ROEDER HAS BEEN IN the Air Force since joining ROTC at DePauw. His father and late mother envisioned a different profession for their son when he first set foot in Greencastle. “At the time, we thought he’d end up as a Methodist minister,” his father recalled. “But that first year he flunked his Greek and everything sort of changed.” But since his son joined the Air Force and served as combat pilot in Vietnam, his father’s life hasn’t really changed. The hostage situation isn’t much different for the elder Roeder than

Commissioners hear plenty of comment on zoning possibilities

By BECKY IGO Banner-Graphic Area News Editor Just the tip of the pros and cons of county zoning was discussed during the Monday morning session of the Putnam County commissioners at the county courthouse. County Extension Agent Jim Baird got a less than hopeful response when he questioned the board about meeting with the County Planning Commission to share ideas about zoning. “WE HAVEN’T GIVEN IT any more thought,” Commissioner Don Walton said. “We’ve just reorganized and need time to think about it and get our own heads together” Hubert Clodfelter, Clinton Township, said, “I think the time has come when this county does need zoning. I have heard that Russell Township and Floyd Township are thinking of taking on zoning with other counties. I think it is the businesslike thing to do to have an ordinance that would not have that interest stretched out. “I’m not here to argue the specifics of a zoning ordinance,” Clodfelter continued. “Hendricks and Parke counties have zoning and I don’t know where you’d find two more conservative areas. “WHAT DO THESE GUYS have?” he questioned. “You (Putnam County commissioners) have access to that information. I’m not sure you guys are doing what you’re suppose to do. You have a responsibility to get that information and bring it back. “Scare tactics may have been used in the past, I don’t know,” Clodfelter said of earlier attempts to authorize county zoning. “I don’t think we looked at zoning realistically. I hope the commissioners haven’t made up their minds already that Putnam County shouldn’t have zoning.” Irwin noted he believes the Russellville landfill had caused a “great deal of sentiment for zoning.” “But zoning can’t stop the landfill. As far as zoning goes, I’ve said I am willing to learn and listen and I would sanction some points if it would be beneficial. We need a period of informing people.” “WHAT DO YOU AS the Board of Com-

cluding the press, in Indiana in a position where the right to inspect governmental records in 1980 is inferior to the right of the original Jamestown settlers to inspect governmental records in 1607,” the HSPA attorney added. Justice Eugene Chipman, who dissented in the Appeals Court ruling on police records last March, warned, “I feel compelled to issue a word of warning. The majority has left the right of public access to routine police records to the nearly unfettered discretion of the police department. The implications of this decision are alarming. “ALTHOUGH I HEARTILY endorse the exercise of reasonable discretion as a necessary aid to the efficient operation of a municipal law enforcement agency, I am equally convinced of the need for control of that discretion.” Legislation proposed by the HSPA would create a new public records law governing the same “public agencies,” units of local and state government, as are covered by the Open Door Law. If enacted, any person would have the right to inspect and copy

worrying about his son’s whereabouts in the jungles of Southeast Asia. “I CAN’T SLEEP, OR GET up in the morning or go about anything routine without thinking about it. It’s a day-by-day thing. You get ready to wait. He’s been on combat duty, but then you at least knew where he was. “I always said he had a lot of luck,” Roeder flew more than 100 combat missions during the Vietnam War, a fact the Iranians know all too well They have threatened to have the Wisconsin native tried as a spy before Vietnamese representatives. But Roeder says his son’s luck ran out when he left for Tehran in late October 1979. “Good grief.” he sighed, “he was there only 11 days. It was only to be a fill-in post (as Air Force attache) for a year.” His son’s DePauw training -- he was a psychology major - certainly hasn’t hurt him in this ordeal, Roeder said. He has, judging by the few statements received, remained rational and if anything has become more patriotic and spiritual. The father mailed a letter to his 41-year-old hostage son Sunday, keeping the faith that he will soon be notified when and where to go to greet the ex-hostage. Roeder will be leaving rural Oshkosh for Florida this week to escape the rage of a Wisconsin winter. “WHAT‘S THE TEMPERATURE in Greencastle?” he asked. Informed that it was six degrees above, he laughed. “I was greeted by 15 below this morning.” Reason enough for any man to keep the home fires burning.

Tot's Time to resume

Frances Hickman, coordinator for Tots’ Time Center, has announced that Tots’ Time is continuing to meet each Wednesday, starting Jan. 7 from 9 a m. to noon. Tots’ Time is a free baby-sitting service for children under six years old whose parents find it difficult to obtain sitters. If you need a ride, you can be picked up one Wednesday every month. THE SCHEDULE IS: Greencastle

missioners intend to do about the zoning problem?” Clodfelter asked. “I feel we’ve really been hearing only one side,” Walton commented. “We heard very little from the people who are against zoning. Right now, we’ve heard very little from the county as a whole, but just only from the people with problems with the landfill.” “But that’s normal,” Clodfelter maintained. “It’s unfortunate when there has to be a crisis situation to get that kind of input. We should have something to forestall these crises. “I’M NOT ACCUSING anyone,” Clodfelter continued, “but this does have politics involved and that will have an impact on your decision. But there comes a time when you have to decide what’s good for the whole county, than what’s just good politically. It might be an unpopular situation, but it may be what’s better for the county.” Walton pointed out one example of zoning possibly restricting control is with the sale of the old Putnam County Hospital. “I’m sure the county could use the money from the sale, but we’ve got our hands tied. That is just one example of zoning.” “I don’t think I would let that example stop me,” Clodfelter said. “I agree that one aspect does put a hardship on the coun-

public records during regular business hours. The only exceptions would be records declared confidential by state or federal statute, rule or regulation if an agency has been granted specific legislative authority to classufy material. Certain other “restricted” materials could be withheld under narrowly defined guidelines. IN REGARD TO LAW enforcement agencies, the bill would require public disclosure of information pertaining to arrests, including the name and address of the individual arrested, the nature of the offense and the circumstances immediately surrounding the arrest. In addition, HSPA’s proposed legislation would require police to disclose information regarding: - Incidents in which investigations are conducted which don’t result in arrests, such as unsolved crimes; - Detailed information about these kept in jail; -- Issuance of uniform traffic tickets;

every week: first Wednesday of every month, Cloverdale, Mt Meridian and Belle Union area: second Wednesday of every month, Roachdale and Russellville area; third Wednesday of every month. Bainbridge and Fillmore area; fourth Wednesday of every month, Reels ville area. Persons may phone (collect) by Tuesday: 653-2645 (CONTACT. Tots’ Time is located in First Baptist Church on Judson Drive.

ty, but to use that for an example for the whole county is unfair.” COUNTY AUDITOR Jewel Blue, also in attendance, agreed as he said, “That seems to be an example of why we need zoning. There are two sides to that. I don’t think you should sell the old hospital under any circumstances because you don’t have zoning. I think that’s wrong.” “Well. I’m not for comprehensive zoning,” Irwin commented, reaffirming his earlier stand. “I’m for some zoning, but you’ve got to be very careful not to cause more problems than you cure. If you begin passing laws, you begin to restrict your liberties.” “But it can also enhance,” Clodfelter added. COMMISSIONER IRWIN said the board is not ready to decide on the issue, until all the information is at hand. “It needs to be studied and you can’t be scared into it.” “Well, does a group have to bring in the information?” Clodfelter asked. “As I read it, I doubt whether you’re too much interested in zoning because there’s not a crisis down here yet. ” Roachdale resident Joe Crosby also related his thoughts by saying, “I’m a very conservative individual and I don’t want to lose my freedoms. But I think everyone has come to realize that we need some kind Col. 3, back page, this section

- Disciplinary proceedings involving employees of law enforcement agencies. THE BILL PROVIDES THAT in formation concerning criminal intelligence activities conducted by police would remain confidential. If adopted, the new public records bill would become law next July 4. The HSPA’s open courtroom bill provides that “No court may order the exclusion of the general public from any proceeding, or part of a proceeding, in criminal actions unless it first affords the parties and the general public a meaningful opportunity to be heard on the issue of any proposed exclusion." THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL stems from recent incidents in which Indiana judges order pre-trial criminal proceedings closed to the press and public without giving the press a chance to argue against the closings. The right of judges to close courtrooms without hearing preliminary arguments was upheld by the state supreme court last May. Col. 3. back page, this section