The Independent-News, Volume 112, Number 11, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 14 August 1986 — Page 4
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- THE INDEPENDENT NEWS - AUGUST 14, 1986
EDITORIALS
OUR POLICY Once again we feel a need to state our policy on submitted “Voice of the People” articles. We are always glad to receive your comments and let you express your feelings in this column and we feel it ads something to have people express their opinions on various subjects. Our policy is very similar to almost any newspaper, except that we do not necessarily restrict the length of the submitted article, but find that the most effective ones are net the extra long ones. If a point is to be made, it usually can be made in a reasonable number of words very effectively. We do reserve the right to edit and accept or reject any article we feel is not in the best interest or one that may be libelous in any way. Also, an article submitted must be signed or presented in person by the writer. We will, upon request, withhold the publishing of the name on the aritcle if requested. But remember, we must know the author of the same. In the past week, we received two pieces of mail that was of interest for one reason or another that we will mention here. First, we received a copy of the “LaPorte Herald-Argus” policy on submitted “Voice” articles, which is very similar to our policy except they state in their policy they will not publish the article without a signed name. Apparently the person who submitted this policy to us, we felt was trying to impress the signature on the article, as that is basically the only difference in policy. However, this person sent the letter to us unsigned, without a return address . . . just the opposite of what they were trying to express as a good policy. The second “Voice” article submitted is still in our possession but came without a proper signature. We will hold this and should the author care to identify it to us, we will gladly publish the article submitted. We have always made space available for public input. We have always offered the schools, the towns and individuals any space they desire for items of interest. In some cases, the lack of interest in expressing the views has been disappointing, but as has always been in the past and will be in the future, our columns are here for you to use also. We only ask a legible copy, preferrably typed and double-spaced. We appreciate your help and cooperation and we are glad to let you tell us your view or give us your news for publication in our paper. We hope both organizations and individuals continue to use “The Independent-News” to their best advantage.
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE “Thought Provoking” The information appearing on the Editorial Page of The Inde-pendent-News on August 7th was enlightening, educational and thought provoking! The editor of the News is to be commended for the timely presentation. This public service upholds the tradition of our free press and its vigilance in providing information on the issues that affect us all! Coupling the information concerning salary levels in other similar municipalities with those displayed in the Salary Ordinance 1987-1 of the Town of Walkerton, the taxpayers have an excellent opportunity to draw some well documented conclusions as to the expenditure of their tax dollars. Such information can be used to judge fairly, the performance of the duly elected Town Officials. Despite the considerable efforts of many public spirited forward thinking groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce, and the active interest of private individuals, the Town of Walkerton is not increasing its tax base. The commercial, industrial and new house building sectors are stagnant or very weak. The point is evident and must be made that added expenditures must come from increased levies on the existing tax base, increases beyond a certain critical point will drive business and people away, further eroding the tax base. The increases proposed by the Free Spending John Glenn Schoo) Corporation Board and the expenditures of the Town Board (of which a few are notably absent when important issues are to be acted upon) must be closely scrutinized by the electorate as election time draws near. Those who are to represent the taxpayers must be carefully selected to prudently ad-
minister the limited dollars available. The Referendum concerning withdrawal from the Public Service Commission's regulation of utility rates should also be given careful consideration. Without an “oversight” committee, composed .of those representing all segments of the community, IN PLACE BEFORE THE WITHDRAWAL, an even closer scrutiny of elected officials’ credentials and capabilities is an absolute must! Taxpayers and voters, let us make sure that our town and school boards, not only make Walkerton a “Good Place To Live”, but also, an “Affordable” one. Roman Brehm “Coming Election Time” Just read the editorial in the August 7th issue of The Independent, and I hope the Town of Walkerton people sure wake up come election time! People who will be willing to earn their salaries. When a Town Board member refuses to see one of us, it’s time for a change. After all we are the ones who put them there in the first place. So why don’t they start earning those fabulous salaries? I'm not condeming all of them, but one or two members can’t win over a majority who are looking out for their own benefits. I'm really ashamed about the way our town looks, the merchants don’t worry about the sidewalks in front of the establishments. You don’t dare look up or you could fall and really hurt yourself. It’s really a shame that we have no pride in our town. Plese members of the Town Board, quit worrying about the money you’re making and start earning it! Make us proud of Walkerton, a town I’ve always loved. Pretty baskets of flowers don’t help because you’re afraid to look up, as you might fall and end up in the hospital as I did. People
of Walkerton please wake up. Don’t be afraid to speak up as this is our town. Margaret E. Tracy SERVICE NOTES ARMY & AIR FORCE HOMETOWN NEWS — First Lt. Dale A. Blackburn, son of Jim A. and Donna M. Blackburn, of Rural Route 3, Walkerton, has participated in Global Shield 86, an exercise involving U. S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps units, and elements of the Canadian forces. The exercise, coordinated by the Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC), was designed to enhance readiness and the ability of SAC to carry out orders should deterrence fail. Blackburn is a missile combat crew commander with the 44th Strategic Missile Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dokata. ARMY & AIR FORCE HOMETOWN NEWS — Second Lt. Janet S. Anderson, daughter of Herbert E. and Dolores Anderson, of 29333 Quinn Road, North Liberty, has completed the U. S. Air Force mili-
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS OF TAX LEVIES Notice is hereby given the taxpayers of the John Glenn School Corporation, LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana, that the proper legal officers of said school corporation at their regular meeting place on the 19th day of August, 1986 will conduct a public hearing on the 1987 budget and on the 28th day of August, 1986 will consider the following budget, levies and tax rates for adoption: GENERAL FUND
11000: Instruction — Regular Programs .. 2,337,700 12000: Instruction — Special Programs 7,800 13000: Instruction — Adult/Continuing Education 8,000 14000: Instruction — Summer School 17,000 21000: Support Services — Pupils 96,000 22000: Support Services — Instruction Staff 112,200 23000: Support Services — General Administration 179,500 24000: Support Services — School Administration 281,000
ESTIMATE OF FUNDS TO BE RAISED Debt Trass- Cametadve Feeds Raqairod For Expenses To General Service portatfoo Building December 31 Os Incoming Year Faad Food Fond Fund 1. Total Budget Estimate for ensuing year, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 1987, inclusive 4,187,700 1,104,704 328,000 2. Necessary expenditures July 1 to Dec. 31 of present year to be made from appropriations unexpended 1,759,583 556,323 223,680 3. Additional appropriations necessary to be made July 1 to Dec. 31 of present year 4. Outstanding Temporary Loans to be paid before Dec. 31 of present year — not included in line 2 or 3 5. Total Estimated Expenditures (add lines 1,2, 3 and 4) 5,947,283 1,661,027 551,680 Fonda On Hand And To Be Received From Sources Other Than Proposed Tax Levy 6. Actual Cash Balance, June 30, of present year 7,365 60,774 111,117 183,684 7. Taxes to be collected present year (Dec. Settlement) 499,823 414,799 126,356 55,313 8. Miscellaneous revenue to be received July 1 of present year to Dec. 31 of incoming year (Schedule on file). a. Special Taxes 198,266 97,720 37,776 17,184 b. All Other Revenue 3,966,744 112,400 35,368 9. Total Funds (Add lines 6,7, 8a and 8b) 4,672,198 685,693 310,617 256,181 10. Net Amount Required To Be Raised For Expenses To Dec. 31 Os Earoing Year (Deduct Mm 9 from line 5) 1,275,085 975,334 241,063 —256,181 11. Operating balance (not in excess of expenses from Jan. 1 to June 30, less miscellaneous revenue for the same period) 8,937 368,681 12. Total (Add Line 10 and 11) 1,275,085 975,334 250,000 112,500 13. Replacement Credit from Local Option Tax 34,400 14. Total Less Replacement Credit (line 12 less line 13) 1,240,685 975,334 250,000 112,500 15- Levy Excess Funds applied to this budget 16. Net Amount To Be Raised (line 14 less line 15) 1,240,685 975,334 250,000 112,500 PROPOSED RATES AND LEVIES Net Taxable Property 45,000,000 Proposed Amount to FUNDS gate General 2.7571 1,240,685 Debt Service 2.1674 975,334 Cumulative Building 0.2500 112.500 Transportation 0.5556 250,000 TOTAL 5.7301 2,578,519 Comparative Statemeat Os Taxes Collected And To Be Collected (Tabulate below amount to be collected in current year and amounts collected in each of the previous three years). To Be Collected Collected Collected Collected FUNDS 1984 1985 1986 1987 General 597,390 712,761 1,023,192 1,240,685 Debt Service 929,834 851,243 849,780 975,334 Cumulative Building 44,775 116,923 113,316 112,500 Transportation 96,668 219,861 258,859 250,000 TOTALS 1,668,667 1,900,788 2,245,147 2,578,519 Taxpayers appearing shall have a right to be heard thereon. After the tax levies have been determined and presented to the county auditor not later than two days prior to the second Monday in September, and the levy fixed by the county tax adjustment board, or in their failure to do so, by the county auditor, ten or more taxpayers feeling themselves aggrieved by such levies, may appeal to the state board of tax commissioners for further and final hearing thereon by filing a petition with the county auditor on or before the tenth day after publication by the county auditor of tax rates charged and the state board of tax commissioners will fix a date for hearing in this county. Dated this sth day of August, 1986. BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES William W. Millar David W. Hostetler Jean Ann Beem Donald E. Ludwig Juanita M. Manuel Nilas L. Miller John H. Peddycord 2ta2l
tary indoctrination for medical service officers at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The course acquaints newly commissioned medical personnel with professional and administrative responsibilities as Air Force officers. ARMY & AIR FORCE HOMETOWN NEWS — Scott T. Dunkirk, son of Charles C. Dunkirk, of Rural Route 4, Walkerton, has been promoted in the U. S. Air Force to the rank of airman first class. Dunkirk is an aircraft maintenance crew chief with the 82nd Organizational Maintenance Squadron at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona. ARMY & AIR FORCE HOMETOWN NEWS — Pvt. Mark E. Wright, son of Charles A. and Diana K. Wright of 30838 Osborne Trail, North Liberty, has completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. During the training, students received instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, first aid, and Army history and traditions.
25000: Support Services — Business 766,500 26000: Support Services — Central 201,000 30000: Community Services 11,000 40000: Non-programmed Charges 170,000 TOTAL GENERAL FUND 4,187,700 DEBT SERVICE FUND 50000: Debt Services IJO4 704 TOTAL DEBT SERVICE FUND 1,104,704 TRANSPORTATION FUND 25000: Support Services — Business 322,000 26000: Support Services — Central 6,000 TOTAL TRANSPORTATION FUND ... 328,000
Low Fat/Low Salt Barbecue Sauce 1 12-ounce can no-salt-added tomato paste 1/2 cup dry white wine (helps replace the experience of salt) 1 tablespoon dry mustard 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Dash of Tabasco to taste 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon mild chili powder 2 tablespoons chopped yellow onion Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 1/2 cups water 2 teaspoons liquid smoke Blend all ingredients well in a small bowl using Black & Decker’s HandyMixer “ cordless beater. Simmer for 25 minutes. Careful, this sauce may bubble and splash on your clothing. Keep refrigerated for up to 1-1/2 weeks. MAKES ABOUT 1 QUART. The most densely populated country is Monaco with an average of over 41,000 people per square mile.