Banner Graphic, Volume 14, Number 260, Greencastle, Putnam County, 10 July 1984 — Page 1

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Sheila Mae just a natural for spot in Little Nashville Opry By ERIC BERNSEE Banner-Graphic Managing Editor After eight years of singing “everywhere,” Sheila Mae is going somewhere. A self-described “nature nut” whose singing voice and stage presence are “pure country,” Sheila Mae will get the biggest break of her musical career Friday night when she takes her solo act to headline at the Little Nashville (Ind.) Opry. The 20-year-old daughter of Frank and Carol Baxter, State Road 240, Greencastle, Sheila Mae has been a local country music fixture the past few years, playing everywhere they fry fish and sell popcorn in the summer. She and her band, the Country Hy-Tones, have played benefits like their recent appearance for Putnam Project Youth and made numerous trips to area VA hospitals. BUT IT WILL PROBABLY always be an appearance at the recent Fillmore Frolics that sticks out in her mind. It was just before she was to go on before the local crowd that her agent Rose Brozenske, rural Cloverdale, received word that the Little Nashville Opry had booked Sheila Mae for its July 13 evening show. “You would have thought you were at a football game, the way the people cheered when the Lions Club announced that,” Mrs. Brozenske recalled Monday at her Rockhill Stone Quarry office-residence. “You’d have thought somebody scored a touchdown. But that’s the way people feel about Sheila Mae. This kid’s country all the way and they love her.” She certainly has a loyal following. To appear in a talent contest at Nashville last April, she had to be able to sell SIOO worth of tickets (that’s 20 tickets at $5 each). Sheila Mae had no trouble selling 80 to loyal fans who have listened to her since that first performance at the Belle Union Fish Fry eight years ago. THE 1982 SOUTH PUTNAM High School graduate started performing at age 13 with Bobby Lee and His Country Cousins. By the time she was a junior in high school (1981), she had her own band, the Hy-Tones, and her own following. But musical success has come naturally for the blue-eyed singer. In fact, she’s not only living her own dream and that of her agent, but the dream of her mother as well. “I was raised in it,” she says of her musical background. “It’s my whole background. My whole family was always involved in it, but I never really took it seriously until about 11 when my mother taught me to play the rhythm guitar.” Her mother, Carol Baxter, once had an opportunity to sign a contract with the famed Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn. She chose family life instead and now sees the youngest of her three children headed down the road to musical success. "I THINK SHE’S SEEING her dream come true through me,” Sheila Mae confides. “I know she’s proud of me and she’s always pushing me on. Mom has really helped in a lot of ways.” So has brother Larry, who taught Sheila Mae to play bass and lead guitar. But that shouldn’t be unexpected. Larry, his sister says, once picked up a fiddle and learned'-to play “Mountain Music” in five minutes. But Friday night it’ll be just Sheila Mae and the Little Nashville Express band on stage (tickets, at $3, are available

Heatwave Partly cloudy with a 30 per cent chance of thunderstorms developing overnight. Low in the mid 70s. Partly cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of thunderstorms on Wednesday. High Wednesday in the mid 90s. Indiana Extended Forecast Fair and warm in northern Indiana, and scattered thunderstorms, hot and humid in southern Indiana Thursday. Lows from the low to mid 60s in northern Indiana to the mid 70s in southern Indiana. Highs from the mid 80s in northern Indiana to the low 90s in southern Indiana. Fair and very warm statewide Friday and Saturday. Lows from the mid 60s in northern Indiana to the low 70s in southern Indiana Highs in upper 80s to low 90s. Abby A 4 Bridge A 8 Calendar A 4 Classifieds A 9 Comics A 5 Crossword A 9 Heloise A 4 AQ Horoscope . Ain Obituaries People A 5 _ A6.A7 T A 8 TV Theaters A, °

Banner Graphic Greencastle. Putnam County, Tuesday, July 10,1984, Vol. 14 No. 260 25 Cents

Bainbridge board approves septic system

By BECKY IGO Banner-Graphic Area News Editor BAINBRIDGE-A facilities plan detailing the construction of a $2.87 million mound septic system for the Town of Bainbridge was unanimously approved Monday evening, via resolution, by the Bainbridge Town Board. Approximately 30-40 Bainbridge residents gathered at the Bainbridge Elementary School’s multipurpose room to attend the special town board session, which lasted approximately three hours. THE MEETING’S purpose was to allow Susan Cook, a representative of the Howard Needles Tammen and Bergendoff architectural-engineering firm, Purdue University’s Ed Miller and town board

Indiana Teen Institute under way at DePauw

With a congratulatory letter from First Lady Mrs. Nancy Reagan, the first ever Indiana Teen Institute opened Monday at DePauw University for a week-long exploration of drug and alcohol abuse among young people. The institute, with more than 160 high school juniors and seniors and adults registered, is sponsored by the Indiana Juvenile Justice Task Force. "THERE ARE 35,000 problem drinkers under the age of 18 in Indiana,” said Jim Miller, executive director of the Task Force who is on the DePauw campus for the

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SHEILA MAE: Big break Friday the 13th at the door). The singer sees the outing as a chance to “broaden my horizons.” “It excites me, it really does,” she adds. And Friday’s show is just the first in what could be a long line of successes for the rural Greencastle native. She and her agent are awaiting word on a demo tape sent to the producers of the country TV series “Hee-Haw" and a September booking has already been set for “one of the biggest nightclubs in Las Vegas.” It’s enough to make a young singer’s head spin. But not Sheila Mae. She vows to stay herself. "I DON’T COPY ANYONE’S style,” she says, adding that she can mimic Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Sylvia and other country greats. “But I doit like I do it-as Sheila Mae.” She will return for local engagements with Sheila Mae and the Hy-Tones. A busy summer schedule includes the Amo Fish Fry this Thursday evening, the Belle Union Fish Fry Aug. 16, the Putnam County Fair Aug. 3-4 and the Fillmore Barbecue. Preferring pure country, gospel and bluegrass, Sheila Mae says she can’t sing rock ‘n’ roll. It just doesn’t seem natural to her And this girl prefers natural. She practices at least two hours a day. And although Friday night’s performance will be the first time she will sing publicly with microphone in hand instead of accompanying herself on the guitar, she’s not worried. In fact, she won’t even resort to the old trick of singing into a mirror "THAT’S TOO FAKE,” she insists. “I don’t want to do that because it doesn’t look natural.” That reaction is a natural from a young woman who begs her companions to drive to Cataract Lake to watch the sun set and won’t leave until it’s completely out of sight. “You can’t fool the people,” agent Rose says out of respect for her singer’s approach to music and life. Even Rose’s Rockhill dogs respond to Sheila Mae’s singing. The agent tells of how a bird seemed charmed at the sound and hopped within arm’s reach of the singer until Rose’s husband Charles scared it away. Another time they watched a toad as it seemed to listen intently. “You can’t fool the people,” Mrs. Brozenske said again, “but you sure can’t fool animals.” That’s country. But that’s Sheila Mae.

members the opportunity to explain specifically how the mound system will work. Cook began the session by telling why the town’s present system is inadequate. ‘‘Basically, there are three main reasons,” she told the Banner-Graphic Tuesday morning. First, Cook explained, is the predominant “finger systems” in town are too small for the type of system now in Bainbridge. This is due to the land lots small size. A second reason for inadequacy with the present system is the high ground water present, especially during the spring rains. A THIRD PROBLEM was noted as a lack of maintenance with the present sep-

inaugural conference. “This means 35,000 young people who are drinking every day," he repeated for emphasis. During the conference at DePauw students will hear several nationally known speakers who are versed on the subject, including Bob Anasias, founder and director of SADD (Students against Drunken Driving), and Bill Essex, undercover narcotics agent who is well known for his highly successful work with young people. But the main thing the students will do is undergo training on alcohol and drug

County officers submit 'BS salary suggestions

By BECKY IGO Banner-Graphic Area News Editor Salary forms, prepared by county officeholders to recommend 1985 wages for themselves and their employees, are complete and await review by the Putnam County Commissioners and County Council. On an average, increases are in the SBOO to SI,OOO range, according to Auditor Frances Harris. “That does depend on the individual budget,” Mrs. Harris added. “Some officeholders asked for no raise.” As required by state statute, the county auditor is to take the proposed “Statement of Salaries and Wages” and submit the same to the county commissioners. In turn, that board will make a review, later making its own recommendation to the County Council prior to Aug. 20. THE COUNTY COUNCIL establishes the final 1985 salaries, reviews and approves all county budgets, during a twoday meeting in September. Salaries for county personnel have been a touchy issue not only for the Council, but for the employees as well. In recent years, 1982 proved to be the most fruitful as fulltime county employees received SBOO across-the-board raises. No raises were given to full-time county employees in 1983, while S4OO across-the-board increases were awarded for 1984 But county employees seemed to gain last year in other ways besides the monetary route. It was during last year’s budget review that the Council realized it must make a change in the way increases are awarded TO THAT END, a special study committee on the reclassification of county employees was formed. On that panel were Chairman Robert Farber, the county

Greencastlemari charged in Brazil

BRAZIL--A 33-year-old Greencastle man will faces charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in connection with an April 30 double fatality at Brazil, the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office said. Charges were filed Monday in Clay Circuit Court against Jimmy Owen, Route 2,1 Greencastle, whose 1984 Dodge pick-up collided head-on with a 1972 Datsun, driven by Forrest G. Havey, 25, Route I, Reelsville, at 11:09 p.m. April 30. The accident occurred on North Murphy Avenue in Brazil, approximately IV2 miles north of U. 5.40. HAVEY WAS PRONOUNCED dead at Clay County Hospital immediately after the accident. Jerry Fox, Route 11, Brazil, a passenger in the Havey vehicle, died May 2 at Union Hospital, Terre Haute, of injuries sustained in the two-vehicle crash. Owen, meanwhile, was treated and released at Clay County Hospital. According to reports received by the Clay County Sheriff’s Department last week from the Indiana State Police Lab,

tic tanks in town. “A septic system has to be cleaned out every three to five years,” Cook pointed out. “A large majority of the homes have a system connected directly to tile. The effluent from the septic tank goes to a gravel trench. The effluent is treated and perculates through the trench and is carried directly to a ditch. “A person last night said they had not had their septic tank pumped out for 50 years and never had a problem,” Cook related. “They also said they did not have a finger system. That’s why it kept working because there was nothing there to cause it to back up. That’s why we’re having such a water quality problem now in the creek.”

abuse and then develop strategies for helping other young people cope with and resist peer pressure to use drugs and alcohol. Gaining community involvement will also be part of the strategy developed by the Institute’s leaders who will be working with adults who have come from around the state for the program. “Education will be a big part of the program,” Miller said. YOUNG PEOPLE SELECTED for the institute were chosen for their maturity, leadership and commitment to spend a minimum of one hour per week in their

highway department’s Joe Ash and Pat Sager, Treasurer Myrtle Cockrell, Recorder Rose Buis, Sheriff Gerry Hoffa, clerk’s deputy Marilyn Clearwaters and deputy auditor Carolyn Fowler. The group based its review of county employees and their positions on an earlier study conducted for Putnam County by Indiana University. The study committee on reclassification asked each county officeholder, or supervisor to rate each of their employees following a standardized point system. This information was compiled and given to the County Council last December. The Council conducted its own special study sessions on the subject during the earlier half of 1984. But Council President Jack Waldron indicated a means to equitably allot increases will not be ready to implement this year. “WE ARE ON HOLD,” Waldron told the Banner-Graphic late Monday. “I don’t know if we can give it really any thread of consideration until after Labor Day. I certainly know that we are not going to be in a position to talk of the job study as it relates to this year’s budgets.” With that, it appears the Council will once again find itself in the position of allowing flat across-the-board increases, if raises are approved for 1985. Meanwhile, Auditor Harris points out a new law prohibits county officials from giving any salary increases to township trustees and their deputies. “The county will have to pay out of the county general fund what they paid them last year,” she [Joints out. However, Mrs. Harris did add that the advisory board for the townships would be able to give the trustees and their deputies increases, if the township budgets can

Owen had a blood-alcohol coptent of 0.20 per cent at the time of the fatal accident. Under Indiana law a blood-alcohol level of 0.10 per cent or more is considered excessive. THE STATE POLICE LAB reports also indicate that Havey had a blood-alcohol level that exceeded state limits prior to the crash that claimed his life. According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, Havey’s blood-alcohol level was 0.35 per cent at the time of the accident. A Clay County Sheriff’s Department spokesman said that although Owen apparently didn’t cause the accident, he was still in violation of the law that prohibits driving while intoxicated. The charge filed against the rural Greencastle man is a Class A misdemeanor and carries a maximum $5,000 fine and up to a year in jail. A Clay County Prosecutor’s Office spokesman told the Banner-Graphic Tuesday that an arraignment date of Mon- ' day, July 16 at 9 a m. has been set for Owen. . _ j . U Ml. i As

Miller headed the next portion of the presentation, explaining how the proposed mound systems are constructed and how they operate. Putnam County Sanitarian Vernie Zeiner was also in attendance to answer questions and concerns. WITH THE BAINBRIDGE Town Board’s approval Monday evening, Cook said the next step will be to prepare a final version of the facilities plan with the minor revisions suggested by board members. The final report is expected to be delivered to the State Board of Health on Wednesday for its own review. Cook, along with other officials, were in Bainbridge Tuesday morning completing archaeological surveys at the project site Col. 3, back page, this section

school and community in programs designed to prevent drinking and drug abuse. The Indiana Juvenile Justice Task Force was created to become involved in the total juvenile justice system in a monitoring and support role. Miller said about 17,000 young people go through the juvenile justice system in Indiana each year. The Task Force looks at prevention, police work, probation and the courts. He said the Task Force felt there was such a need for youth education on alcohol and Col. 3, back page, this section

meet the expense. ONE OF THE BIGGEST focal points of county salary reviews this year will be the budget at the Putnam County Highway Department. Operating funds for the department’s personnel is provided by gasoline tax money and federal revenue sharing funds and not property taxes. Last year, full-time county highway workers were suggested to receive a 40-cent-per-hour increase as the department’s own budget could afford that action. However, the Council’s final action resulted in full-time highway workers receiving a 19-cent-per-hour increase. For 1985, it has been recommended that fulltime highway workers receive a 50-cent raise on the hour. As far as county law enforcement is concerned, Sheriff Gerry Hoffa is requesting no salary increase for himself in 1985. His current salary is $15,183.94. However, the sheriff is seeking approval from the Council to have the chief deputy’s salary raised from a 1984 level of $13,644.42 to $15,008.86 next year. Three deputies at the sheriff’s departments are requested by Hoffa to receive $13,994.05 for 1985. The deputies’ current salary is $12,721.87. FOR THE PUTNAM County Jail, Hoffa is requesting the matron be paid $13,994.05 for 1985, which is identical to the deputy sheriff pay scale request. For 1984, the matron’s salary is $12,721.88. Rounding out the jail staff are an assistant matron, for whom Hoffa is seeking a 1985 salary of $8,036.60 and four jailers, who are recommended to make $10,100.64 each next year. Current salaries are $7,360 and $9,182.50, respecitvely. SALARIES FOR 1985, as sought by counCol. 5, back page, this section

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CINDI WEST Fair queen candidate

Cindi West follows her sister's lead By BARBARA CARHART Banner-Graphic Staff Writer Putnam County newcomer, Cindi West, 18,125 Wood St., Greencastle, is getting a taste of her new home in a big way. The Hendricks County native is one of 17 girls competing in the Putnam County Fair Queen contest July 28. An athlete par excellence, Cindi enjoys weightlifting and participated on the gymnastics, track and swim teams while attending Greencastle High School. The 1983 Greencastle High School graduate was also involved in powderpuff football. Choir, French Club and theatrics were also on Cindi’s social calendar. Attending Ball State University for one year, she decided on a different career direction determined to pursue her love of fashion. “I WAS ALWAYS involved in art and 1 have an interest in fashion design,” Cindi explained. “I just recently decided I really would like to design clothes." A member of the Delta Theta Tau sorority, she decided to follow in sister Annette’s footsteps and enter her bid for the fair queen title. “My sister was in the pageant last year and she enjoyed herself," Cindi offered. “My Junior Miss experience (in Hendricks County) was good so I thought I would have fun here making new friends." Residing in Putnam County for 24 Col. l, back page, this section