The Independent-News, Volume 110, Number 9, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 2 August 1984 — Page 1

THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS

VOLUME 110; NUMBER 9

SATURDAY MORNING FIRE IN DOWNTOWN WALKERTON a l 'J! y* sk al * JL|

A four-alarm fire, believed of electrical origin, was discovered at 12:30 a.m. Saturday morning, July 28, in downtown Walkerton engulfing the Stook’s Burger Dairy Store and igniting Ridge Walkerton Automotive’s roof. Fire departments from Walkerton, North Liberty, Koontz Lake and Polk Township responded to the call. The firemen battled the blaze for several hours bringing it under control at approximately 3:30 a.m. and finally striking it out some time later. The Walkerton Fire Department remained on the scene for most of Saturday morning, cleaning up the debris and continually checking the buildings and the surrounding businesses for any dam-

BIG SHOW ON STAGE AT THE POTATO CREEK FESTIVAL Ari Ai ®M» W R

The giant 60-foot stage on the parking lot of Community State Bank in North Liberty will be the setting for two days of diversified entertainment during the eighth annual "Potato Creek Festival", Friday and Saturday, August 10 and 11. Featuring music, puppets, hynoptism and children's contests, festival people remind the public that it’s all free! The committee has booked some of the area’s finest musical groups and entertainers. Lead singer Doug Maehler, of New Carlisle, brings the "Blue Sage Band" to North Liberty for the first time. Featured recently at Firefly Theater at St.

age. Hardest hit was the Burger Dairy Store, owned by Doug and Jill Stooks. The entire contents of the store were lost in the fire and the second story roof caved in during the blaze. It is not known at this time what the future of the business will be. An extensive remodeling of the store had been completed last year and the business expanded at that time. The other businesses affected included Walkerton Ridge Automotive, who had substantial damage on the unoccupied second floor and roof as well as a lot of smoke and water damage in the main business area. The contents in the rear of the building were saved by

Patrick’s Park as one of four bands in a Bluegrass Concert, these five musicians and singers handle the country music spectrum, as well as as the new "cross-over" music. "Blue Sage” earned a standing ovation at the Elkhart County Fair last year when it opened the Brenda Lee show. Members beside Maehler are Doug Tyler, John Harley, Tommy Schlarb and Greg Exner. "Blue Sage" will be in concert Friday evening, August 10, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Other Friday entertainment on the stage include a "Bubble gum Blowing Contest" at 12:00 noon with “Daisy The Gown”, Stevens

WALKERTON, INDIANA 46574

— photo by Julie Cline the firemen’s efforts which include some combustible materials and vehicles. The Ridge Company is still open for business. Kam’s TV & Appliance main store, had smoke and water damage as well. Kam’s are now operating out of their other building at 612 Roosevelt Road (two doors west) for the present. Smoke and some water damage was done at the Three Aces Bar and also at Dad & Lad's. These businesses remained in business following the fire. Puppets, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.; Gene Van’s Accordian Orchestra and Entertainment Showcase from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.; and “Little Roger’s Dixieland Giants" from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday’s stage review opens again at 12:00 noon with “Daisy The Gown and the bubble gum blowing contest; “Stevens Puppets", 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.; "Family Tradition" bluegrass music, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.; "The Great Swami" hypnotist, Ellis Swihart, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.; and "Family Affair", the Futa family polka band, closing the festival from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Children’s train rides will be offered both days from 9:00 a.m. to dusk; helicopter rides over the area both days from 10:00 a.m. to dusk; "Brothers of the Wind" muzzle loaders at City Park Friday evening and all day Saturday. The competitive runs, the “Spud Run" and the "Fun Run" will be held on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., respectively. The 6.2 "Spud Run" will have first place winners in each of five age divisions. The 1-mile "Fun Run” will have one overall winner. A bike safety clinic will be held at North Liberty School on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and lasting to 6:00 p.m. Conducted by Charles Vardeman as an Eagle Scout service project, he invites all bikers to enter. Troop 316 of the Boy Scouts will sell refreshments. Booth chairperson, Barbara Zimmerle, announces that all booth areas have been filled and no more entries will be accepted. These approximately 80 booths will sea(continued on Page 2)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2i, 1984

LOCAL PLAYWRIGHT PREMIERES AUGUST 2-11 IN INDIANAPOLIS ■-1 •’ &It WKmEi- v MS W --Ji I? ■ wll HT* wa ■ W f K Playwrights David Stooks, left, originally from Walkerton, now residing in South Bend, and John Sarno, of Indianapolis, • will have world premieres of their works presented in the Phoenix Threatre’s 1984 Indiana New Plays Festival, August 211, downtown Indianapolis.

i David Stooks, local playwright, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Stooks, Walkerton, now residing in South Bend, has been chosen from over 100 entries to have his work premiered in the 1984 Indiana New Plays Festival, sponsored by the Phoenix Theatre, Indianapolis. The festival is being supported in part by the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the arts. The play "Escapes” is a gambling man’s comedy. According to 1 Stooks, a plumber and his son make a wager concerning a college ’ education, a "Houdini style” water tank and the affection of a high ’ powered business woman. "Escapes" is his first script to be pro--1 duced and he recently finished a full-length romantic farce entitled "George In Wonderland". 1 Stooks is a 1978 graduate of John Glenn High School and recently 1 earned his M.F.A. in playwritting from U.C.L.A. He holds an undergraduate degree in English from Indiana University where he studied playwriting under Dr. Sam * Smiley, whose script "Summer 1 Lights" opened the 1984 festival. Originally interested in math and science, Mr. Stooks attributres his I interest in theatre and writing to high school teacher, Bob Mulligan, and Dr. Smiley of I.U. Stooks is also a newlywed and comes from a family of three brothers and four sisters whose chosen careers include corporate business, law and nursing. “Escapes", by David Stooks, can be seen August 2-11 at the Phoenix Theatre, 37 E. 9th Street, downtown Indianapolis. Performances are held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and on Sundays at 6:00 p.m. For reservation to guarantee seats, call 635PLAY. "Escapes" is part of three one acts that will be featured, others include "Junkett”, by Jim Poyser which is an unusual escape from an institution and "The Legs On Giarlie’s Car", by John Sarno, beer, pizza, Joe DiMaggio and death row.

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GLENN VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS There will be an organizational meeting and try-outs for all girls interested in playing volleyball at the John Glenn gym on Monday, August 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Each player needs the following: a completed physical form, $12.00 for school athletic insurance, volleyball shoes (or indoor lightweight gym shoes), knee pads and outdoor running shoes. For further information contact coach Osowski, 586-3377. NORTH LIBERTY/UREY FOOTBALL PRACTICES TO BEGIN MONDAY The North Liberty/Urey Middle School football team will begin practice on Monday, August 6, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Any sixth, seventh or eighth grader is encouraged to attend. There will be a bus to pick up any Walkerton players in the Urey School parking lot at 3:30 p.m. and will return at approximately 6:00 p.m. If you have any questions contact coach Davis at 656-8521. FELLOWSHIP CLUB PICNIC SET The Senior Fellowship Gub will meet at Stanley’s Marina, on the south side of Koontz Lake, on Monday, August 6, for their picnic luncheon and meeting. It is suggested that members bring chairs as seating is limited for a large crowd. If the weather is unfavorable the club will meet at the Community Building as usual. We hope the weatherman cooperates as the picnic at the Marina is one everyone enjoys. Hosts for the day will be Mary Jane Beaty and Rose and Charles Minter. VOTER REGISTRATION You may register to vote in the fall election until September 22, 1984. Phone 586-3756 for an appointment.