The Independent-News, Volume 114, Number 18, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 29 September 1988 — Page 4

- THE INDEPENDENT NEWS - SEPTEMBER 29, 1988

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| EDITORIALS!

« i • AMBULANCE SERVICE In the last week, much has been happening that affects the ambulance service for Walkerton, Lincoln, Polk and Johnson Townships. WEMSA, the organization furnishing the EMT’s and drivers for the service that serves the above named governmental bodies, has had mass resignations of personnel, forcing the closing down of the ambulance service we have at present. This came about due to the lack of funds to be paid the WEMSA group at this time. Ever since the change in ambulance service came about in the late 1970’5, services such as the one serving Walkerton and our surrounding area, has been staffed by volunteers. These people certainly deserve all the credit that can be given. Their dedication and time given is something that very few would do. After a period of time, burnout (or whatever you want to call it) took over. Many of those who have been so faithful in the past just choose not to continue this type of volunteer service when they are expected to be ready and willing to serve at their appointed times. They certainly were not being reimbursed sufficently for this responsibility and time necessary to fulfill this obligation. Earlier this year, it came down to a point of more money had to be made available to pay people to be on call around the clock to provide this service. This money was not such that it was a fulltime job, it was a supplemental pay for assuring that these individuals would be ready and able to answer the need when the call was made. However, coming in the middle of the year, money was not budgeted by the four governmental organizations being served by WEMSA. Emergency funds were scrapped up, but as of this time, the money for 1988 is depleted and WEMSA was informed that the last pay scheduled would have to be the last for this year. Thus the action taken on their part. As of midnight, Thursday, September 29, WEMSA will no longer be staffing our ambulance needs. It might be added that not all WEMSA members handed in resignations, but the majority did. In coping with this problem, when the 1989 budgets were made and published early in August, money was made available for shares of this cost in 1989. However, the money is not adequate under the present demands and also WEMSA was informed that they lost their insurance through the Town of Walkerton, being a separate entity, they did not fall under the Town’s insurance as informed by the carrier and this further complicated problems. What the immediate result is . . . this is not quite certain. People in Walkerton and Lincoln Township should continue to call the same number for ambulance service, 586-2011. Johnson Township had pulled out and the residents of Johnson Twp. will be covered by the LaPorte County Emergency Medical Service, telephone 1-362-7011. Polk Township’s plans are not known to us at this time, but we unofficially understand they have made contacts with one or two ambulance services in Marshall County. We will pass this information on as it becomes available. The situation in Walkerton and Lincoln Township is that we are currently paying a county tax for ambulance service. The current contract holder in St. Joseph County is Community EMS, who are based in the South Bend area. They have discussed the fact that they are based so far away that response time would be 20 to 23 minutes, certainly not what is desired in ambulance service. A meeting tonight (Wednesday) may help clear up some of the questions and problems that now remain unanswered. We will certainly pass any information along as soon as possible, but with all of this happening so quickly, it is impossible to give complete details now as they simply have not been worked out. Paula Turner, of Community EMS, will be present at the Wednesday night meeting and the County Commissioners, County Council, and surrounding ambulance groups are all being contacted with the problem that faces us currently. We would like to remind all residents of Walkerton and Lincoln Township once again, just follow the same pattern as before, call 586-2011. However, please, know and be ready to give your proper address. Five digit numbers for rural homes and proper street addresses for others as the personnel who may be answering your call will not know the area like the local people who have been serving so faithfully for years. These numbers should be clearly posted at your residence as well, so as little confusion as possible should result for those answering your call for help. Despite the fact the operation as we know it is stopped, we are simply not without ambulance service, it will not be the same, but until details and problems get worked out, you will be served, but patience may have to be a stronger virtue.

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE “Making It Happen" In Walkerton It has been most interested and informative to follow the ad ven tures of the “Bicycling Lady", as she visited the many businesses of

this area the past few weeks! The comprehensive coverage of the many profitable establishments located here, makes one realize there are many people in our Town that are truely “Making It Happen”! Many times there is much negative comment made, often phrased somewhat like this: “What are we getting in return

for our tax dollar? or “Why isn’t this or that ounv uke we did it 40 years ago?” When that type of comment is heard, it becomes quite apparent that those projects being undertaken and accomplished, need to be made known and some favorable publicity given to them. Only an informed public can continue to make the Town and Community a dynamic and progressive place in which to reside. Much has been accomplished in the Town of Walkerton this year. It has taken the efforts of many people from the entire community. Only some major projects can be here-in enumerated, due to space limitations. And, no significance should be assigned to the order of the deliniation. Each and every one has contributed to the improvement of the Town, as the tax dollars have been rather prudently expended. This discussion is to inform and improve the knowledge of some of the “good things” accomplished in the Walkerton community this year. In past summers many legitimate complaints were heard concerning the “foul odors” eminating from the sewage treatment plant. This summer there were none, or was that noticed? And this was in spite of protracted high temperatures and a greater sewage volumn processed. This “good thing” came about by the expenditure of approximately $36,000 (borrowed from the electrical department cash reserve fund) for aeration equipment that was installed in lagoon No. 1 by the Town utility employees. This allows the pretreatment of sewage as was advised by the Indiana Department of the EPA. This had to be done to meet a deadline set and standards made by both State and Federal regulations. The action was delayed to the last possible time (on advice of the town attorney) to allow the plant designers an opportunity to answer the question as to why, at various times, the plant was producing the unpleasant “foul odors”, leading to the many complaints. Also, the Town will soon have the results of the study of the sewer system that was authorized. From these recommendations proper sewerage rates will be set to provide the continuing upgrading of the system to meet the ever stricter standards imposed by the State and Federal regulations. The Walkerton Fire Department has improved their equipment this year by obtaining a completely new rescue unit. The new chasis has an all aluminum body and the unit was obtained for approximately $45,000. (Some bids were received for as high as $98,000.) This well equipped unit provides a safe and dependable vehicle for the dedicated men and women of this volunteer group, a group that provides a vital service to the Town and Community. Improvements by the street department of the Town were made this year, as is readily noticed in various parts of the area. The paving of Walkerton streets was made possible through the rebating of Indiana Fuel Tax money. The sum of $44,100 was expended on this project and represents the total rebated for the years 1987 and 1988. By combining the amounts, a large job could be put out for bid and more favorable terms realized. Have you noticed the new reflecting street signs, stop signs and restrictive parking signs? How about the new informational signs? Their installation was a part of the Street Department work this summer and was made possible through a state grant of $12,900 and $3,000 supplied by the Town. Completion of the sign installation brings the Town into legal compliance with state regulations and statutes. Also, the Street Department acquired a new diesel powered, automatic transmission driven dump truck with under chassis center mounted snow plow blade at

THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS Publication Number 261460 ROBERT E. URBIN, EDITOR A 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‘ Per Copy; $7.00 Per Year Mailed Out Os State)

a cost of approximately $46,000. It replaces a badly deteriorated 12 year old truck of questionable dependability. The new truck and snow blade will give more precise control and greater availability during the heavy snow periods that occur in the area. The truck may also be used in various other ways about the Town to help in the maintenance of Town properties. The Walkerton Electrical Department continued its work of upgrading the Walkerton electrical system. During this past year, the longest and most seriously deteriorated 4 KV “country line” serving the area north and west of Town, was rebuilt and changed to a 12 KV service. The increase in voltage will provide better voltage regulation for the customers in that area. The replacing of the rotting poles and deteriorated associated hardware, along with the installation of new transformers will insure dependable service for several years. It should be noted that this work was done by the electric department personnel without working overtime, and for a cost in the $20,000 to $30,000 range, well below the $70,000 and more quoted by contractors. To aid in this work and continuing future upgrading of the electrical system, the department acquired a new, well equipped highreach bucket truck. This truck, after careful research as to needs and costs, was purchased for $57,000, approximately SB,OOO less than had been budgeted. Its many features provide greater safety for the workmen and its flexibility increases the productivity of the department. It is a most valuable took in the on-going work of upgrading the aging electrical system serving the Town and Community. At a cost of approximately $9,500 the Electric Department has a set of complete and detailed maps of the entire Walkerton electrical service area. These maps provide the necessary information that would be needed should a natural disaster, such as a tornado occur. Using these maps, contractors could be brought in to expeditiously rebuild the system and restore electrical service. The maps are easily and readily modified to reflect changes as they occur. The information contained on them provides a “current inventory" of the distribution system components. This is something that the department has never had. In fact, the maps are also a first for the department. The painting of the outside and relining of the inside of the water tower is another project completed this summer. At the same time the water wells were cleaned and reconditioned. The water pumps were given special maintenance. All of this done to insure a clean, dependable, safe water supply. It cost $23,000 and come from the water department fund. An authorized study, also paid from the same fund, is now available. It will provide step by step plans to upgrade the entire water system and provides a rate structure to carry on this project. When this project is completed, insurance rates can be classified downward, thus providing lower insurance costs for ail property owners. A major improvement, using tax

dollars, was completed by the John Glenn School Corporation. The addition of five regular class rooms at the Walkerton Elementary School was a much needed improvement. While the total cost was a large amount, $1,200,000, savings to the taxpayer is being obtained through the 10 year financing plan adopted by the school board. This addition allowed the creation of a music room, art room and computer room in the existing building. A fire and intrusion alarm system was installed to protect the entire complex. The new 48 space parking facility, with the attendent nice landscaping adds to the serviceability and appearance of the school and the neighborhood! The school board and the school superintendent are to be complimented on this addition to the community’s fine school system! Finally, there was established a Senior Citizen’s Nutritional Center at the Lions Club Youth Building. The instantaneous acceptance and the goodly number of seniors served, emphasizes the need existing in the area. While it is not without cost to the taxpayer, it provides a service to deserving members of the community. The cost of fuel, electricity and janitorial and maintenance is provided through the Town's Park Board, which is supported through taxes. This incomplete list of “good things” done for and in the Town and Community by many, through prudent use of tax dollars is hoped to have provided knowledge and information. It should dispell some of the negative comment originally noted. Much of the enumerated projects have gone unnoticed, unpublicized and, if noted, criticized. Now that you know, wouldn't it be nice to give a big “thank you” and a pat on the back to all those who have made this a most progressive and productive year in the Town of Walkerton? To those who so diligently worked and contributed to these improvements, stand up and take a bow! Keep on "Making It Happen” in Walkerton! Roman Brehm, taxpayer "An Open Letter To The Merchants Os Walkerton" For many months, a committee, made up of your neighbors, friends and customers, have been planning a party. This is a party to sell Walkerton. Walkerton is a small town without large stores or businesses. What we have or should have is a willingness to serve, friendliness, love of community, enthusiasm, a getting up every morning with a “what new adventure awaits me today?" “What new friends am I going to make today?". Yes, this is a pep talk. There are many times that I’m grouchy, just ask my husband, he’ll tell you that I'm an old grouch all of the time, but by the time I reach town I’ve decided that nobody wants to hear my problems. Being an optimist is an asset that needs to be encouraged. What is being asked here is that we put on a happy face for our party, “The Great Pumpkin Festival". You will probably find that you are enjoying yourselves. Decorate your stores, dress up as (continued on Page 13)