The Independent-News, Volume 114, Number 17, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 22 September 1988 — Page 4

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- THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS - SEPTEMBER 22, 1988

EDITORIALS

NO TIME TO PANIC An announcement last week by the Federal Government that radon gas poses a health threat has raised much cause for conern. Indiana was one of seven states in which radon tests were conducted, showing various levels of concentrations statewide. Radon gas can be present in homes where it accumulates, posing a potential lung cancer risk to residents. However, this is no time to panic. Radon is a radioactive gas which occurs naturally from the natural breakdown of uranium. It is not recognizable by sight, smell or taste, so it often goes undetected. It is always present in the atmosphere in safely diluted amounts, but can accumulate when in an enclosed space. Only by testing one's home (or any enclosed structure) for the presence of radon gas can it be detected, measured and, if necessary, reduced. The gas can enter homes through small spaces in the soil and rock on which a house is built, and can seep into a home through basement floors, cracks in joints and walls, through floor drains, sump pumps and other tiny cracks and openings. The midwest is one geographical area in which high levels of radon gas may pose a threat. Since the announcement of this potential threat, one must be prepared to completely understand what may be done to check this situation. As is the case in so many things, there are those who will take advantage of the public in offering a “service” to detect and/or help eliminate this problem. Any individual or firm that may approach one about testing for such gas levels, should be carryfully checked out. In fact, there are a couple of common tests one can do themselves to find out about any threat to their health. The most common of these tests are Alpha Track Detection and Activated Charcoal Detectors. The cost of the Alpha Test ranges from $20.00 to $60.00. It comes with instructions on use and is simple to use. If you own a large home, more than one test container should be placed in the home. The container is placed in the lowest point of the home, and collects the radon on filter paper. This test should be left in the home for at least three months. At the end of the three-month period, the container is mailed to the laboratory for testing. The other test, Activated Charcoal Detectors, also measure for the presence of radon gas. This test consists of a small canister which contains activated charcoal. The small canisters are placed in several locations in the home for up to seven days. At the end of the time period, the containers are sealed and mailed to a laboratory for processing. This test costs between SIO.OO and $25.00 and is very easy to use. Both tests give accurate results. Other tests are available, and can cost from $50.00 to $400.00. If test results show radon gas is present in your home, homeowners should make careful decisions on how to solve the problem. If tests show a low level of radon gas, ventilation using windows and fans can alleviate as much as 90 percent of the gas. Sealing basement floors or walls would also alleviate the problem. Both of these remedies can be performed by the homeowner. If you decide to have the work performed by a contractor, be selective about the firm you hire. Avoid those who travel door-to-door and use their truck as an office. Despite the fact radon gas may be a problem locally, there still is no need to panic. This is not a problem that is going to infect or kill thousands of people at any time. It is something you may want to look into and take precautions against, but this still is no time to panic.

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE “Backtracking” I didn’t forget you Bo Bosel, my favorite house painter! I just didn’t know where to put you, in Walkerton or the Koontz Lake area. Well last week I said that I would return to Koontz Lake and finish up my trip out there. If I went around the lake 1 would come to Stanley Marina. Backtracking over the dam 1 pass Davidson’s Bed and Breakfast in the old Koontz House. Next I come to Lakeside Realty, Johnson Insurance, Al’s Bait Shop. Lyons Towing and Howard’s Standard Station, more air in my tires. While I'm washing my clothes at the Koontz Lake Laundromat, I could get a hair trim at Jim's Barber Shop, or some refreshment at Dolly & Mac's, Also Keepsake Kottage has some nice antiques. I already goofed and forgot to mention Collins’ Greens. They sell green shrubs, not vegetables. Mr. Porter has a vegetable stand down on Tippecanoe, and Ed and Fred Porter Construction, and there is also a gun shop and saw sharpening here. If you let me know your names I will mention them. The Koontz Lake Hardware is right on 23. The Wilson Car Sales is right across the street from the Koontz Lake Grocery. Dennis is an advisory member of our committee and should have tickets to sell. Before I leave the lake area, I want to say that there are many construction people in this area, including Bateman Construction, Henry Collins, Martis Builders, Ron Justice, Scott Clark also has a trucking business. On the south

side there is Kathy’s Beauty Shop and on the east side we have Camp Awareness. On heading north on 23, 1 come to David’s Christmas Trees, Mattocks Drainage and Hydro-Fab, they wash anything! Next we come to Morris Tool and Dye. Turning by the Clark hay farm, where a local artist, Jim Clark lives, we come to Doris’ Beauty Shop, we then pass the B & B Lawn Mower Service. Turning east we come to the Little Barn Produce. Mr. Hill has a white wall business along this road. Heading north on County Line Road, I pass Lou Ann’s Beauty place. To the southeast on the Plymouth Trail is Drew’s Christmas Trees. To the north, we have Northern Wood Products. Heading back towards Walkerton, I pass the Ronnie Drake heavy equipment. Would you loan us a flatbed trailer for the festival Ron? On Georgia Street we have Stevens Services and Tri-City Housing. We find Myrna’s Hair Studio on Virginia Street. Jim Budd said that I forget to mention Budd’s Bargarin Barn. Just follow the red barn signs. On Washington Street we come to Bob Taylor, locksmith, and Elsie’s Beauty Shop. Back onto Ohio Street we find D & R Construction. Now I had better stop writing or Sue will have put in an extra page. Next week we mention the factories and places where we earn our money to Buy Walkerton. Also if 1 have missed any of you, please give me a call. Sincerely, Nedra Williams MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAMS SPLIT TWO GAMES The Urey 7th and Bth Grade

football teams played at Bremen on Thursday, September 15. The 7th grade team defeated Bremen 14-0. Scoring for Urey were Jason Bare for a touchdown and Jason Groves for a touchdown and extra points. The defense held Bremen scoreless the whole game. The 7th grade record is now 2-0. The Bth Grade was defeated by Bremen 20-6. Scoring for Urey was Aaron Casteel with an intercepted pass. The Falcons held Bremen to only 6 points in the first half. The next game will be on September 22 when the Urey Falcons meet Plymouth at the North Liberty field at 4:30. If anyone can help work at the game, please call Kevin Russell at North Liberty School. NORTH LIBERTY TOWN BOARD NEWS Town Board meeting was held at the Town Hall on August 17, 1988 and called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Scott King, president. Other Board members present were Jo Jaworski, Ron Kinas and George Jackson. The press was represented by Pauline Laskowski. Attorney John Peddycord and 10 citizens present. Motion to approve previous minutes by Jo Jawroski, second Ron Kinas with a unanimous aye. John Gouker advised that two electric poles were needed to replace rotted ones at the East Center and North Lafayette Lift Stations. He is to check on prices. Maddox removed media from two filters today. Around the bottom paint worn off, were sanding it and painting with epoxy paint tonight. Gouker questioned what was needed if additional work above Maddox contract price was required. Was advised to contact Board and special meeting would be called. John Gouker reported that only a few signs were left to be put up on the north side of State Road 4. Scott King thanked the employees for the mowing done before the Potato Creek Festival. Jerry Gorby advised that the Water Department pick-up needed some repairs and he scheduled it at R/T Service next Wednesday. Rich Warner presented a petition from his neighbors requesting that the unfinished portion of William Street either be completed or closed off until completed as vehicles are using it creating either dust or mud. That a car had knocked off the manhole cover last week. John Peddycord advised that money was available for the curb and base and would check with Mr. McGwin to see when it could be done. Scott King to have Street Department to check on grading mud holes and Police to check. Price Street discussed and John Gouker to get quotes on surveying. Attorney Peddycord advised he still did not have anything on the railroad property, but would contact the bank holding it again. Drought ordinance discussed. Attorney Peddycord advised model ordinance did not have specifics in it and Board would have to decide what items to be covered. Furnished Board members copy of letter sent to Dr. Smith in regards to the property at 113 S. Main St., and also copy of letter sent to North Liberty Farm Center requesting them to furnish the Board a time schedule of when they anticipate installing the dust collector and/or com cob building. Attorney Peddycord advised the Board not to accept the deed of dedication from the Industrial Corp, at this time as it should be done as part of the final site plan. Discussion of installing street, water and sewer into the Industrial Park. Board to meet with Industrial Development Corp, members after budget adoption meeting on August 22, 1988 at 7:30 p.m. Attorney Peddycord to check on

THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS Publication Number 261460 ROBERT E. URBIN, EDITOR & PUBLISHER SUSAN R. URBIN, ASSISTANT EDITOR INDEPENDENT-NEWS CO., INC., PUBLISHING CO. 601-03 Roosevelt Road, Walkerton, Indiana 46574-1294 Telephone (219) 586-3139 PUBLICATION TIME: Thursday of Each Week COPY DEADLINE: Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. Second Class Postage Paid At Walkerton, Indiana 46574 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 20 c Per Copy; $7.00 Per Year (SI.OO Extra If Mailed Out Os State)

requirement of curbing in the Industrial Park. Town wide trash pick-up discussed and was recommended it be put on a referendum vote. Attorney Peddycord to check procedure. Debbie Brown reported on the Park, that three juveniles had been caught throwing benches in the creek. After discussing it was decided that they be contacted in regards to raking leaves or other community service. Park Board to make decision at their September 6, 1988 meeting. Burning ordinance discussed, attorney Peddycord to get copy of St. Joseph County ordinance. Purchase of doors for Fire Station discussed. Only quotes received were from Overhead Door Co. and Ron Kinas recommended that the middle R factor doors be purchased for the two smaller doors. Ron Kinas made motion to purchase middle R factor doors and to have the old doors and track removed for a not to exceed SI,OOO. George Jackson seconded with a unanimous aye. Motion by Ron Kinas to pay Marshal Bliley’s registration for Street Survival School in Indianapolis Sept. 7 to 9 in the amount of SIIO.OO. Second Jo Jaworski with a unanimous aye. Withdrawal from P.S.C.I. or Indiana Regulatory Commission on water rates discussed. Attorney Peddycord to check procedures. Bonar wants to schedule meeting on September 21, 1988 to finalize plans on sewer project, to advertise September 26, 1988 and October 4, 1988 with a bid opening of October 26, 1988. Gaims to approve 14,616 to 14,629 Town; 8,221 to 8,234 Water; and 3,888 to 3,891 Sewer. Motion to approve by Jo Jaworski, second by George Jackson, with unanimous aye. Meeting adjourned 8:48. Motion George Jackson, second Jo Jaworski with unanimous aye. BOWLING NEWS Monday Night Ladies Shady Lanes Hi-De-Ho 4 0 The O.K. Gals 3 1 Mama Jama’s 3 1 Hidden Bu-Tee 2 2 G & G Mobile Homes 2 2 Team No. 6 1 3 Farmers State Bank 1 3 Allen’s Furniture 0 4 High team series: Hi-De-Ho 2060, Allen’s Furniture 1865, Mama Jama’s 1798. High team game: Hi-De-Ho 701, Allen’s Furniture 676, Mama Jama’s 629. High individual series: Ruth Howard 512, Cindy Seaman 499, Ching Seaman 485. High individual game: Cindy Seaman 199, Ruth Howard 185, Ching Seaman 174. Suburban League Shady Lanes Larry’s Quick Mart 9 3 Jack’s Citgo 7 5 DeJoss Pharmacy 6 6 Shady Lanes 6 6 The Better Half 6 6 Brass Lion 5 7 Custom Honing 5 7 Bolze Marathon 4 8 High team series: Bolze Marathon 2556, Jack's Citgo 2550, DeJoss Pharmacy 2516.

High team game: Shady Lanes 892, Bolze Marathon 878, Jack’s Citgo 874. High individual series: Jeff DeMetz 597, John Singleton 591, Jerry Knowlton 591, Allan Eddinger 584. High individual game: Jerry Knowlton 252, Jeff DeMetz 240, Tom Miller 239. Friday Morning Coffee League Shady Lanes Nedra & Eleanor’s 13 7 Miller's Merry Manor 12 8 Johnson's Dairy Farm 11 9 Ray’s Radiator Service 9 11 Waldrop's Fancy Fruits 8 12 Ray & Kenny's Super Valu 7 13 High team series: Nedra & Eleanor’s 2200, Johnson Dairy Farm 2035, Miller’s Merry Manor 1981. High team game: Nedra & Eleanor’s 762, Miller’s Merry Manor 719, Johnson's Dairy Farm 717. High individual series: Gare Martin 472, Brenda Calhoon 457, Karen Johnson 443. High individual game: Gare Martin 211, Karen Johnson 180, Laura Brovoid 168, Dee Hostetler 168, Joan Niles 168. Thursday Night Ladies Liberty Lanes Eberly’s Orchard 4 0 Ist Source Bank 4 0 Liberty Drugs 4 0 AFI 4 0 Elaine's Beauty Shop 0 4 Crumstown Tavern 0 4 Pit Stop Diner 0 4 High team series: Eberly’s Orchard 2265, Ist Source Bank 2231, Liberty Drugs 2225. High team game: Liberty Drugs 829, Eberly's Orchard 789, 776. High individual series: Joan Shafer 586, Miki Meyer 532, Marcia Eddinger 512. High individual game: Anna Krick 218, Joan Shafer 213, Miki Meyer 199. Sunday Night Mixed Doubles Liberty Lanes Three & One 3 1 Ups & Downs 3 1 F.D.P.s 3 1 ISS 3 1 Flumduckers 2 2 Alley Cats 2 2 Confused 1 3 Team No. 3 1 3 Nice & Easy 1 3 Lite Strikes 1 3 High team series handicap: Three & One 2309, Ups & Downs 2301. Confused 2293. High team game handicap: ISS 821, Ups & Downs 818, Nice & Easy 805. High individual series men: Bill Doan 555, Jack Jackson 550, Jerry Singleton 544. High individual game men: Jerry Singleton 227, Dave Gensinger 213, D.C. Martin 206. High individual series women: Joan Shafer 557, Sheila Scott 498, Judy Gensinger 481. High individual game women: Joan Shafer 200, 192, Judy Gensinger 188. Save a life. Learn CPR.