Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 61, Number 43, Decatur, Adams County, 20 February 1963 — Page 1

VOL. LXI NO. 43.

Property Owners March On Welsh, Legislature To Demand Tax Relief

Budget Action Again Delayed

INDIANAPOLIS (UPD—Absenteeism from illness forced the second postponement today of consideration of the $1 billion-plus biennial state operating budget bill in the Indiana House. Speaker Richard Guthrie, RIndianapolis, noted 5 Democratic and 4 Republican members missing at roll call, most of them presumably because of flu and allied ailments, and announced he would not call the budget bill down for second reading. The budget bill originally was scheduled for second reading Tuesday but the absence of nine House members, seven of them Republicans, forced a postponement Some of the representatives who have been ailing since Monday were expected back today, but there was the possibility others might become victims of influenza and other upper respiratory infections which have hit the House. ’ e 7 House Democrats were ready with a group of amendments to restore more of the $l6B million which the GOP-dominated Ways and Moans Committee cut from the spending program recommended by Governor Welsh. House Republicans restored s6l million of that amount last Friday when the bill was considered by the committee of the whole in a session which lasted well into the night. Roles Sospension Opposed However, the Republicans, led by majority leader Charles Edwards. systematically beat down the attempts by the Democrats to restore even more of the money. The GOP leaders had hoped to complete action on the budget at last Friday's session but the Democrats objected to suspension of rules to accomplish it. Their stand gave them another chance to try to amend the measure on second reading. Guthrie said Tuesday he had received some indications that the Democrats might consent to suspension of rules to allow both second and third readings today. (Continued on Page Six? Gives Certificates - To First Aid Class Gerald Durkin, first aid chairman for the Adams county chapter of the Red Cross, has presented certificates to the students at the St. Joseph grade school who completed the junior first aid course. These students are pupils of Sr. M. Joan of Arc, C. S. A. Receiving the certificates were: Barbara Keller, Donald Lengerich, Linda Lengerich, Mary Lichtle, Michael McGill, Leo Miller, Gerald Omlor, Sharon O’Shaughnessey, Leo Schurger, Mary Ann Spangler, Thomas Vian, Michael Wolpert, P. Michael Meyer, Gretchen Andrews, Daniel Baker, Patricia Braun, Lupe Briones, Brenda Cochran, Richard Deßolt, Nancy Ehinger, Ralph Geels, John Gerber, Daniel Hake, Nancy Heimann, Charles Jauregui, Daniel Kable. Charlotte Laurent, Ervin Lengerich, Mary Lou Lengerich, Marjorie Loshe, Gary Meyer, Thomas Miller, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Barbara Schultz. Virginia Snyder, Michael Ulman, Jeanine Wilder. Mary Ann Zintsmaster, David Alberding, Ronald Andrews, Joan Baker, Philip Braun, Patricia Brite, Dorothy Coyne, Frank Eguia, Marta Faurote, Kathleen Geimer, Barbara Grove, John Heimann. Darlene Hurst, Daniel Kane. The Mary’s Catholic Civics club, represented by John Heimann, Richard Deßolt, Donald Lengerich, Leo Miller and Tom Vian, presented 10 gift boxes to be sent to needy children wherever needed. These boxes contained gifts for five girls and five boys.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Water Depf. Os City Shows $33,000 Profit According to the financial statement of the water department for 1962. submitted to the city council Tuesday by city utilities auditor Ed Kauffman, the department showed a net profit of $33,199.25 during the year. Total assets beginning this year amounted to $1,267,089.08, and the surplus as of December 21, 1962, totaled $1,186,442.92. Assets were figured by totaling $826,049.91 listed under utility plant; $349,343.27 under invest- ■ meats and fund accounts; and $91,695.90, under current and accrued assets. Listed under liabilities and other credits were $37,000 on a longterm debt of bonds, $4,551.50 under current and accrued liabilities and $39,094.66 under contributions in aid of construction. Total surplus beginning 1962 was $1,209,167.93, with miscellaneous credits of $39,715.63 and miscellaneous debits of $95,639.89, for a total surplus of $1,153,243.67. Total operating revenues during the year amounted to $154,850.60. 4.2 up over 1961, while the utility operating income totaled $31,809.65, which is 7.1 per cent higher than in 1961. Gross Profit Loss The gross profit of $34,773.08 was 6.2 per cent under the 1961 figure, and the net profit of $33,199.25 was six per cent under 1961. Total income deductions amounted to sl,573.83, 8.8 per cent under the 1961 amount. Supply expenses during the year amounted to $4,689)87, 4.6 per cent more than in 1961, while pumping expense amounted to $12,595.16, 1.5 per cent higher. Water treatment expense totaled $43,711.40, which was 12.3 per cent higher and transmission and distribution expense totaled $22,649.31, 3.1 per cent less than in 1961. Customer accounts expenses were 1.4 per cent under 1961, totaling $12,817.46. Administrative and general expenses were 5.2 per cent higher, amounting to $9,184.13. Undistributed expense, or maintenance of office furniture and equipment, communication equipment, transportation equipment and miscellaneous property, amounted to $2,694.38, which was 25 per cent under 1961. Water Used A total of 336,220,800 gallons of water were pumped during the year, which is 13.5 per cent more than was pumped in 1961. Water pumped through the plant was 333.408,300 gallons, with 89,064,400 gallons used at the plant, meaning 26.7 per cent of the water was used at the plant. This was 19.2 per cent higher than in 1961. Some 2,812,500 gallons were pumped but not through the plant, and 3,116,089 gallons were used in the swimming pool. A per cent of 7.5 gallons less was used at the pool than in the previous year. Total water to mains amounted' to 247,083,911 gallons and 2,500,000 gallons were dumped from tanks. Water used from mains amounted to 244,583,911 gallons, with 202,581,217 gallons sold. According to the report, this amounted to a loss of 42,002,694 gallons, which was a 17.2 per cent water loss to mains, and 7,5. per cent more loss than in 1961. Also included in the report was that 1,897,60 tons of salt were purchased during the year for use, at a cost of $27,507.09, or a cost per ton of $14.49.

INDIANAPOLIS (UPI) — Hundreds of property owners marched on Governor Welsh and the Indiana Legislature today, demanding relief from rising taxes levied on a local level. An orderly line of neatlydressed homeowners walked four abreast into the Statehouse rotunda, carrying signs protesting local tax rates which have climbed to record heights, some more than $lO on each SIOO worth of property. ' They branched out to climb upstairs to the legislative chambers and enter the chief executive’s office. Welsh greeted one delegation in his outer office and congratulated them “for taking this interest” Offers His Sympathy “I am in complete sympathy with what you are protesting,” Welsh said. “The only effective way we can prevent high property taxes from spiraling higher is for the state to assume a much larger share of the cost of schools than it does now. “Two years ago upstairs, they decided to wait. Now the situation has gotten much worse. Take this up with your senators and representatives individually and let them know how strongly you feel.” The marchers paraded in front of Welsh's desk and shook hands with him. One shouted “We want home rule.” Signs carried by the marchers said “A Ceiling on Property Taxes," “Plug All Tax Loopholes,” “Spread Government and School Costs Among Everyone,” “Save Our Homes,” and “Our Taxes are Backbreaking—Help!” Sign On Window The group plastered a big sign on a window visible from the Senate chambers. It said “Property Owners Protest Tax March.” Lt. Gov. Richard O. Ristine admitted J. Perry Meek, former member of the House and a spokesman for the marchers, and Meek delivered two large boxes he said contained petitions signed by more than 35,000 persons. Meek spoke briefly from the Senate rostrum, saying “Property owners must have relief. Homeowners are depending on the legislators for property tax relief.” Spokesmen also appeared in the House chambers. The march touched off remarks and debate in both houses of the legislature. In the House, majority leader Charles Edwards, R-Spencer, said “if we’re going to relieve property taxes, we’re going to have to get the money first” “The only way is spreading the tax base,” Edwards said. “The Republicans have a tax program. The Democrats do not. But all we’ve heard is criticism?’ Minority leader Robert Rock, D-Anderson, said the GOP should “begin listening to the people and forget schemes for governing by caucus.” “These marchers should talk to the Republicans,” Rock said. (Continued on Fi.ge Six) Florence Sheets Dies Early Today Miss Florence Sheets, 65, of 312 John street, retired Decatur saleslady, died at I o’clock this morning at the Adams county memorial hospital following an extended illness. She was born in Adams county Aug. 15, 1897, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Sheets, and had never married. She was employed for many years as a saleslady at the former C. A. Douglas Co. department store in this city. Miss Sheets, a lifelong resident of the community, was a member . of St. Mary’s Catholic church, the Rosary society, the Women of the 1 Moose, and the Eagles auxiliary. Surviving are two brothers, Harold Sheets of Churubusco, and True Sheets of Fort Wayne, and several nieces and nephews. One brother, Donald, is deceased. Funeral services will be held at 9:15 a.m. Friday at the St. Mary’s Catholic church, the Rt. Rev. MsgrSimeon Schmitt officiating. Burial will be in the Catholic cemetery. Friends may call at the Gillig & Doan funeral home after 7 pan. today until time of the services. The rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Thursday.

ONLY DAILY NEWSPAPER IN ADAMS COUNTY

Decatur, Indiana, Wednesday, February 20, 1963.

i r”" ■■ 1,1,1 Council Discusses Police Station Site

I ; Several matters were discussed ' by the city council in the regular ’ meeting Tuesday night, including remodeling of city hall and the . new police station. ; Jerald Lobsiger, architectural designer, submitted revised plans , for construction of a new police [ station aind remodeling of city hall, which the council checked over. Also discussed on the matter of ' a police station was possible lo- : cation, and it now appears that the station will be built where the old steam plant was located. Much of the steam plant has station and remodeling of city street department is using what remains for a headquarters. The . council has been thinking strongly about locating the new station on that lot. Police chief James M. Borders explained that he thought a Monroe street location would be more accessible to the public, but that the site of the steam plant would be a “second choice.” Received Complaints The council had at first thought of locating the new station on the I city parking lot, on the west side of the St. Mary’s river along Monroe street. The council, has however, received some complaints on using this as it would take up considerable public parking space. The council passed a motion Tuesday evening to have work done cm the city’s parking meters by the company that originally installed them. The meters are about 15 years old and have been failing quite regularly. Parking meter officer Jim Cochran spends most of his time repairing the meters and is not able to check them regularly due to the excessive repairing. Mayor Donald Gage explained that he had talked with a representative of the company that had installed the meters, and the company would put in brand-new mechanisms in every meter, and (Continued On Page Three) Funeral Thursday For Tony A. Myers Toney A. Myers, 81, formerly of Convoy, 0., died Thursday at Palmetto, Fla., following along illness Among the survivors are a sister, Mrs. Lola Miller, and two brothers, Ralph Myers of Decatur and Bryan Myers of Wren, O. Two sisters and one brother are deceased. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the H. D. Smith funeral home in Convoy, with burial in the IOOF cemetery at Convoy. Friends may call at the funeral home until time of the services.

Hijacked Freighter Anchors In Brazil

MACAPA, Brazil (UPI) — The eight-day saga of the Communist hijacked Venezuelan freighter Anzoategui was ended peacefully today in this remote Amazon River port. The Communist “pirates” who seized the 5,000 - ton freighter shortly after it sailed from La Guaira, Venezuela, en route to Houston, Tex., a week ago Tuesday formally surrendered to Brazilian authorities Tuesday night. Promised political asylum by Brazil, the Communist conspirators eluded pursuing Venezuelan destroyers and sailed into Brazilian territorial waters Sunday night. Then they moved along the northeast Brazilian coast until they worked the vessel into the mouth of the vast Amazon River and moved to a remote mining company loading area. Then, under direction of Brazilian officials who had boarded earlier, the Anzoategui anchored at Santana, 12 miles downriver from

Sewage Department Has $5,000 Profit The sewage department’s financial statement for 1962 was submitted to the city council Tuesday evening, showing total assets of $2,122,608.11, and a net profit of $5,085.28. Assets were broken down into three categories, $1,098,090.09 under property and plant; $1,004,089.53 under Investments and fund accounts; and $19,609.49 under current and accrued assets. Liabilities and other credits, amounting to $2,122,608.11 also, were listed as $905,000.00 under long-term debt (bonds); $26,215.51 under current and accrued liabilities and $1,191,392.60 for total surplus. The total surplus as of January 1.1962, amounted to $1,186,511.83, minus $204.51 for miscellaneous debits to surplus, for a total of $1,186,307.32. Added to the net profit of $5,085.28, this resulted in the total surplus figure. Profit 51.7% Less The net profit was 51.7 per cent under the 1961 figure, as shown by the. report’s statement of profit and loss for the year. Operating revenues totaled $90,486.22, 4.2 per cent over 1961, while the utility operating income amounted to $23,708.42, 13 per cent under the 1961 amount. Other income totaled $26,014.35, 8.5 per cent under 1961, for a gross profit of $49,722.78, or 10.7 per cent under the 1961 figure. Listed under the report’s analysis of operating expense for the year were the following: sewer expense-operation, $376.70, 8 per cent over 1961; sewer expensemaintenance, $640.61, 1,000 per cent over 1961; plant expense-op-eration, $29,514.95 , 25.3 higher; plant expense-maintenance, $2,472.95, 13.6 per cent higher; customers accounts, $6,126.81, .5 per cent under 1961; administrative and general expense, $4,969.51, five per cent under 1961; undistiibuted expense, $398.56, 4.3 per cent over 1961. DECATIR TEMPERATURES Local weather data for the 24 hour period ending at 11 a.m. today. 12 noon 50 12 midnight .. 38 1 p.m. 52 1 a.m. 37 2 p.m 54 2 a.m 36 3 p.m 54 3 a.m 34 4 p.m 52 4 a.m 34 5. p.m 50 5 a.m 32 6 p.m 48 6 a.m 32 7 p.m 46 7 a.m 34 8 p.m 40 8 a.m 34 9 p.m 38 9 a.m. — 38 10 p.m— 38 10 a.m 40 11 p.m 38 11 a.m 39 Preelpltntlon Total for the 24 hour period ending at 7 a.m,- today, .0 inches. The St. Mary’s river was at 2.22 feet.

Macapa, Tuesday night. Orlando Saboya, acting governor of Amapa territory in this isolated northeast section of Brazil to which the Reds brought their hijacked vessel after eluding pursuing Venezuelan destroyers, follwed marines aboard as the civilian representative of the Brazilian government. Saboya had orders to assume formal command of the freighter in the name of President Joao Goulart and take the rebels into custody, pending an investigation of Venezuelan charges of piracy for seizing the government-owned ship in the Caribbean last week. Venezuela has requested extradition of "ringleader Wismar Medina Rojas and eight accomplices, but Brazil has indicated it will grant them political asylum. The Brazilian government has agreed to return the freighter to Venezuela, and the Venezuelan Navigation Co. has flown a new second mate to replace Medina for the return trip.

I ifc; ll' y LUMBER YARD DESTROYED—Pictured here are the still smoldering ruins of the Willshire Lumber Co., Willshire, 0., which was completely destroyed by fire this morning.—(Photo by Mac Lean)

Tourney Draw i Is Announced

(Pairings on Page 7) , The Berne Bears and Monmouth . Eagles, season-long favorites to . battle it out for the Adams Central I sectional championship, were • drawn in opposite brackets of the tourney, which opens one week from tonight at the Adams Central 1 gy m. The Bears, sectional champions ■ for the past three years, were ’ drawn to meet the Geneva Card- ’ inals in the tourney opener at 7 p.m. Feb. 27, while the Eagles were drawn to play the second game Thursday night, meeting ; the Hartford Gorillas. t Geneva was the fist name drawn i in the annual task of the Indiana high athletic association at Indianapolis this morning. The t Geneva-Berne game Wednesday r will be followed by the Pleasant t Mills Spartans against the Decatur Commodores. The Decatur Yellow Jackets will ■ tangle with the Adams Central ' Greyhounds in the 7 p.m. opener Thursday, followed by the Hartford Gorillas and the Monmouth Eagles. No Games Friday Under the two-bracket setup in vogue for several years at the ' local sectional, there will be no games Friday. The Wednesday night winners will meet in the ’ jfirst semi-final Saturday afternoon, March 2, with the Thursday night winners clashing in the second semi-final. The championship game will get underway at 8:15 p.m. March 2. The two-bracket plan was devisPhotographer Speaks At Jaycees Meeting The various fields of photography and their sub-divisions were explained by Dave McClean, local photographer, at the Tuesday night meeting of the Decatur Junior of Commerce. Various aspe ctsofthe photography field were detailed to the Jaycees, and McClean explained that photography has advanced more in the last 15 years than in the previous 150 years. A J ay c e e member, Mac Lean stated that he was one of only about two photographers who handled camera repair equipment, and also one of a few who takes pictures for reuse on postcards. He said that presently he has layouts for postcards for Indiana and Illnois Universities and Ball State, just to name some. Plans for the Music Man production were discussed at the meeting, and it was reported that enthusiasm remains very high. Many of the Jaycees are growing beards in connection with the production. Costumes Needed It was also reported that old costumes are still needed for the Jaycee-sponsored production, and the organization is hoping to receive some more costumes to use in “The Music Man.” The date of the state convention was announced as May 16, 17 and 18, and will beheld at Indianapolis. Four members of the local club will be selected to attend. In keeping with the national physical fitness program, the next Jaycee meetng, scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, will be held in the Lincoln school gymnasium where the members will “indulge” in basketball. All members are urged to attend, with a 7 o’clock starting time.

ed to permit more fans to see their i own teams play. For example, > the big bulk of the tickets for the L Wednesday session will go Ito ■ fans of Geneva, Berne, Pleasant • Mills and Decatur Catholic. Simi- : larly, most Thursday tickets will I go to fans of Decatur, Adams Central, Hartford and Monmouth The final distribution of tickets will be made following the Thursday games. The bulk of the tickets for the semi-final and final sessions will go to the fans of the four schools still in the running for the championship. Philip Souder, principal of the Adams Central high school, will be the tourney manager. Ref- • erees for the sectional are assigned ; by the IHSAA. Fort Wayne Regional The winner of the Adams Central sectional will advance to regional play at Fort Wayne Saturday, March 9. The winner of the Adams Central tourney will meet the Fort Wayne sectional champion in the first game of the regional. The second game will match the Angola and Kendallville winners. The Fort Wayne regional winner will carry on to the Fort Wayne semi-state Saturday, March 16. The Elkhart and Fort Wayne regional winners clash in the first semi-state, followed by the Marian and Kokomo victors. Pairings for the state final tour ney at Butler Fieldhouse, Indiana(Continued on Page Six) Historical Society, Meets February 26 The Adams county Historical society will meet Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Decatur public library at 8 p.m., president Gerald R. Durkin announced today. A special program has been prepared on the history of the Presbyterian church. Rev. Elbert A. Smith, Jr., pastor of the Decatur church. wiR speak on the origin of Presbyterianism, tracing the church down through the ages. Rev. Smith was born in New York state, and received his A. B. degree from Centre College at Danville, Ky., and was graduated from Louisville seminary. Mrs. David Langston will give the history of the Presbyterian church in Adams county. This organization took place 123 years ago in the courthouse. The men’s quartet from the First Presbyterian church will present several numbers at Tuesday’s meeting. Photos of early members of the church and other items of interest will be on display at the meetingl Those wishing to bring special objects for display are requested to do so. Guests are invited. INDIANA WEATHER Cold wave warning tonight. Cloudy and turning colder with occasional snow this afternoon. One to locally around 4 inches likely. Cold wave tonight with snow flurries, strong northwesterly winds and temperatures falling, to 2 to 8 above by morning. Thursday partly cloudy and cold with some snow flurries mainly near Lake Michigan. Low tonight 2 to 8 above north, 8 to 16 south. High Thursday 8 to 15 above north. 25 to 32 south. Sunset today 6:27 p. m. Sunrise Thursday 7:30 a. m. Outlook for Friday: Fair and cold.

SEVEN CENTS

Willshire Lumber Destroyed By Fire The Willshire Lumber Co., owned by two Berne men, was completely destroyed by fire this morning, with an initial loss estimated at $150,000 to $200,000. The fire, was first discovered at 6:25 o’clock this morning and three fire departments battled the blaze a good portion of the morning, before getting the huge fire under control. No other buildings were damaged, with the wind assisting by from other buildings when the fire was at its hottest. The lumber company is owned by Charles and Samuel Habegger of Berne, who also own Habegger Builders in Berne. An initial estimate gave the toss from the fire at $150,000 or over. The fire started in the area of the furnace, according to firemen I at the scene, and it is believed the large blaze started from the furnace. Willshire, Wren and Rockford fire departments battled the blaze, but were unable to save any por- ! tion of the building which collapsed within an hour after firemen received the first report. A 130 by 84 foot one-story frame building, the lumber company is located on the northeast edge of the business district in Willshire, along the edge of the St, Mary’s river, on state roads 81, 33 and 49. Some lumber in the rear was being salvaged at noon today, plus a few hardware items and a few other items. Most of the records were in a fire-resistant safe and were saved from the fire. A 1955 model truck which was in the building was also destroyed. Mrs. Gregg Knittie Is Taken By Death Mrs. Dortha Knittie, 55, wife of Greg Knittie, of Union township, died suddenly of a heart attack at 12 noon Tuesday while visiting at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Michael Cole, in this city. Mrs. Knittie had been under a physician’s care for a heart condition for some time, but her death was unexpected. Born in Harrison township, Van Wert county, 0., Aug. 11, 1907, she was a daughter of Carey and Cleona Miller-Brittson, and was married to Greg R. Knittie Dec. 24, 1924. Mrs. Knittie was highly active in the Mt. Victory United Brethren church, and was a church class leader. She was also a member of the Ladies Aid of the church. Surviving are her husband; three sons, the Rev. Carey G. Knittie of Decatur, Max Knittie of Chicago, and Lisle Knittie of Convoy, 0., route 2; two daughters, Mrs. Dean (Rosanna) Plumley of Monroeville route 2, and Mrs. Michael (Lucille) Cole of Decatur: 19 grandchildren; her stepmother, Mrs. Carey (Anna) Brittson of Fort Wayne; a grandmother, Mrs. Lulu Miller of Van Wert, 0.. and two stepsisters, Mrs. Beulah BuriD of Cromwell, and Mrs. Victor (Josephine) Trim of Fort Wayne. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p. m. Friday at the Mt. Victory U. B. church, the Rev. Stanley Neuenschwander officiating. Burial will be in the Decatur cemetery. Friends may call at the Zwick funeral home after 7 p. m. today until 11:30 a. m. Friday. The body will lie in state at the church from 12:30 p. m. Friday until time of the services. TWO SECTIONS