The Independent-News, Volume 104, Number 3, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 22 June 1978 — Page 4

JUNE 22, 1978 — THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS

EDITORIALS

THEY DON’T “JUST HAPPEN” Fourth of July celebrations don't “just happen". The celebration activities of the many towns and cities, especially the small towns, has been a long-time favorite of people and the crouds that are drawn to these events truly prove their popularity. Both Walkerton and North l iberty have big celebrations. For many years Walkerton's was a real popular event with a couple of real highlights. Year after year a hot air balloon ascension and parachute drop in the early evening used to pull people from miles around to see the old-time daredevil go up beneath the big black balloon belching the black smoke from the kerosene fed fire. Then at the right moment, the free fall and as many as three parachutes were used in the drop, cutting one away to use a second, in later years, a; single chute drop was made, but with the daredevil floating down gracefully beneath his chute of white was the contrasting big balloon, finally turning over and then usually beating the chutist back to earth. A gang in a truck followed, along with many kids and even adults to watch the descent and also to retrive not only the man. but the balloon as well. The day's activities included ball games, kiddies contests, an eat'ng stand run by the sponsoring organizations and of course, for years, a midway for all to enjoy. This was capped off with the giant fireworks display. In North Liberty the events varied slightly. A big day of activities centered around the park with many events for young and old alike to participate in. Refreshments were always present and likewise, at the fall of night, the big fireworks display. In later years the North Liberty celebration has grown to include a parade, now a regular part of the celebration. This offers a lot for all from early afternoon on w ith activities in the park following, leading up to the fireworks climax. However, despite the fact that many places still have planned programs, fireworks displays, parades, midways, etc., the continued activities of the 4th of July don’t “just happen". It takes a lot of work by either a group of individuals or by one or more organizations working together, again depending on that faithful members of their group. Times have changed to the point that many people don’t want to get involved. They don’t care to give of their spare time the way they used to or maybe it is someone who has put in years on this celebration and just simply feels it is time for someone else to carry the ball. Add to this the increasing expense of putting on such a program each year and you find that many celebrations have started to slip a little. In Walkerton additional problems have developed in recent years that added to the headaches of putting on such a program. An incident involving some “outsiders” who were feeling a little too much “spirit” or else just out-and-out trouble makers, forced the early exit of the midway, the Drago Shows, who had been a part of the Walkerton Fourth of July celebration for years. When extra police protection was not promised and threats had been made on their equipment and tents, etc., they simply folded up and pulled out a couple days prior to the fourth. They were within their rights as they did not choose to loose the livelihood to some very unnecessary individuals that really put the damper on thousands of people's holiday plans. In an effort to “rebuild” the program, another midway group was contracted and did put on a decent attraction last year. However, this group is now out of business and low and behold, the committee, which has slipped in enthusiasm to where a couple of individuals are try ing to carry the ball that several organizations used to carry, problems of putting on a first-class program has been a hard job. The same is true in North Liberty to an extent. A few people are working very hard to make it enjoyable for all and to continue to give North Liberty a first class parade and program afterwards. The cost of fireworks for both towns has skyrocketed and continued success in raising the funds and putting on the program has become a much harder job. Both North Liberty and Walkerton will again have their programs . . . and both North Liberty and Walkerton will attract thousands of persons, many for ail day. many just for the high spots, the parade, the fireworks, the rides, or to let their children participate in the different events. Most of the people will take this for granted . . . even to the extent of feeling that the two towns “owe” this to them. Well, they don't. And without the very hard work and tireless efforts of a few very interested people who still give up their time and pleasures so that many others may have fun, these programs would not be possible. They are the real success stories behind the gala Fourth of July celebrations . . . both here and other places, donating of their time and talents so all can enjoy the programs. when... SjgM (TAKEN FROM THE FILES OF “THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS)

1973 I he Koontz Lake Lions Cub w ill sponsor free swimming lessons with Jennifer Marshall as the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. In the Little League standings for this week the Dodgers are leading the major leagues and the Yankees are leading the minor league. A June special featured three geraniums for $1.00; and at the market pork chops were 99 cents a

pound; country style ribs at 89 cents a pound: pork loin, 16-18 pound average, 89 cents a pound; ocean perch at 69 cents a pound; 7-Up at 66 cents for eight 16-ounce bottles; Folgers instant coffee at $1.19 for 10 ounces; and Friskies cat food. 4 pounds for 99 cents. A total of 65 boys and girls participated in the Cub Scout Bike Rodeo at North Liberty on June 9 sponsored by Pack 141. 1963

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■ Hardly anyone in public political life can mount a platform today and not consider the importance of California's passage of Proposition 13 — and well we should I imagine that political analysts and public policy strategists will be scratching their heads over the various aspects of Proposition 13 s message for weeks, months — or perhaps even years I hope that those who stand before the voter don t take such a long time though — because I believe that the taxpayer believes quite clearly what he or she is trying to accomplish by their support for this action. To me, the clear message of Proposition 13 is that governments who operate their programs with near total disregard of the taxpayer's burden are headed the route of the Dodo and the Passenger Pigeon — only without the public regret. remorse, or repentence that accompanies these two extinct birds. California voters, through Proposition 13. wielded a political meataxe in a fashion without precedent or peer. Even if their target ultimately proves to be poorly chosen the reason it was selected must be clearly understood by local, state and federal elected and appointed officials of both political parties. I would hope that Congress gets the message — though past performances would tend to indicate that their response might be more politically cosmetic than sincere. If we

Playing at the theatres in the area this week is “40 Pounds Os Trouble” with Tony Curtis; “1 Could Go On Singing” with Judy Garland, at the Rialto. At the Rees is “Miracle Os The White Stallions” and “Gypsy”. At the Knox Theatre is “The Raven” and “Days of Wine and Roses”. Specials that ran on Friday nights in Walkerton from 6 to 8 p.m. include percale sheets at $2.00; large eggs at 29 cents a dozen; get one package of hamburger buns free when you buy one for 25 cents; and SI.OO off on a gallon of Mautz house paint, regular $7.38. 1958 The Postal Department will issue the following items on July 31 to meet the increase in postage rates which becomes effective August 1. 7-cent Airmail stamp; 4cent first class stamp; and 6-cent reply postal card. A new map of Koontz Lake has just been released for distribution to the people of Koontz Lake and this area. The map itself was furnished by Harold G. Durkee, and shows all the lots and roads at the lake. The merchants of both Koontz. Lake and Walkerton paid for the printing of these maps and area available in their stores. The private use of fireworks is prohibited in the State of Indiana and the Walkerton Police Department is issuing this warning against violators of this law. Anyone caught with firecrackers and fireworks of a possible harmful variety. will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Sandy Karn, of Tyner, twirled her way into first place honor in the talent contest at the North Webster Mermaid Festival Saturdav evening. She won over 13 final acts which were chosen from 40 contestants throughout the festival week. Sue Clark ranked first in the Junior Demonstration contest to be held in St. Joseph County. Others from this club participating were Ann Clark, Sue Eggleston. Kay Powell, Sandra Schmeltz, Nancy Shores and Sharon Ullery.

Capitol Commentary Governor Otis R Bowen

see a widely-trumped federal taxcut — without corresponding spending costs of an equal or greater amount, we will know that Congress again has successfully misread the intentions of the American public, and has attempted to buy them off But. if we understand California s Proposition 13 for the extreme approach to a grotesque problem that it is. we can begin to put the public s mood in perspective. Those who are familiar with state, individual and corporate tax structures know that Indiana beat California to the property tax punch by five full years We Hoosiers did it without all of the hubbub and hoopla of Californians — and we corralled property taxes in a fashion that doesn t upset local finance applecarts or throw public employees into the ranks of the unemployed In fact, after five years of operation. total Indiana property tax collections — in gross dollars — are lower today than they were in 1972, the last uncontrolled year I doubt that any state in the nation could claim such an achievement Furthermore. I believe that because of our property tax relief programs, employment remains high m Indiana, public services continue strong and improving and our public and private economies have gained new vitality and strength

1948 A new factory will locate in Walkerton within the next few weeks, according to Harold C. Chaney, president of the Chamber of Commerce, in charge of commerce and industry. The new plant will be housed in the former Walkerton cut glass factory building. located at the junction of Walkerton’s three railroads. They plan to make uniforms such as baseball, football and basketball as well as track suits and gym suits. Balloon ascension is one of the most unusual features of the Walkerton 4th of July Celebration to be held again this year at Place Park with the balloon to go up on Monday. Julv 5 around 7:30 p.m. 1943 Miss Helen Goppert. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Goppert. of

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4. Equal 5. Elaborate dance 6. God of war 7. Land barrier 8. Ruhr city 11. Respond 13. Large worm 15. Brain membrane 17. Naively 20. Compass point (abbr.) 21. Chinese pagoda

ACROSS 1. At the top 5. Barroom 9 Ice cream drink 10. Metallic rocks 11. King, for one 12 Tight 14. Stops 15. Zodiac sign 16. Sale notice 17. Trouble 18. Half ems 19 Telephone operators 23. Cause of joy 24. Othello s adviser (poss.) 28. Distribute 30. Genus of grass 33. Even (poet.) 34. Tantalum (sym.) 35. Resist 37. Box scientifically 39. Misters (Ger.) 40. Talons 41. Coin of Iran 42. hoops 43. A confederate 44. Grows old DOWN 1. Into pieces 2. Narrated 3. Poems

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Walkerton, who has taught mathematics at Washington High School, Southßend, since 1930, and has served as head counsellor, was appointed assistant principal at Washington by the South Bend Board of Education. Technical Sergeant Woodrow Boone, North Liberty's war hero, w ho came home last Thursday evening on a short furlough, will speak at the North Liberty Park at 8:30 p.m. in response to popular demand. An interview will be conducted by Charles Filnch, editor, asking the questions. Camp Uhlick, boys and girls camp at Koontz Lake, established for the children of the Uhlrich Home, Chicago, will be formally opened for the season next Mnday when 45 children arrive for the first 5-weck session of the camp.

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22. American Indian 25. Georgia (abbr 1 26. Capital of Canada (poss.) i 27. Scorches

32. Month 36 Spoken 37. Bullet 38. Wan 40. Mandarin tea

29 Confederate general 30. Exclamation 31. Music drama