The Independent-News, Volume 115, Number 48, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 26 April 1990 — Page 4

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- THE INDEPENDENT NEWS - APRIL 26, 1990

| editorials]

HAD HER SAY ALSO Last Sunday was Earth Day. This is one of those davs set aside to call attention to a special type of event, but over the 20 years since the inception, the meaning of Earth Day has increased many fold due to the continued abuse of our land, air and earth in general. Last Sunday, with many activities planned at different places in remembrance of Earth Day, Mother Nature seemed to add her two cents worth also. A more beautiful day couldn’t have been ordered, thus adding to the many outdoor activities that unfolded around the country. The education of the young is so important in matters such as this. The battle against pollution and continued waste isn’t going to be won overnight. In fact, it will be a hard one to win, but by educating the youth and getting it strongly implanted in their minds is a positive step in the right direction. We all must help in the battle against pollution and disposing of unwanteds as we do now. It is going to take combined efforts of all, there is no way each small town and city can install and operate recycling plants, incinerators, etc. by themselves. This is going to have to be done on larger combined levels. And the quicker plans are implemented, the better for all. It is alarming to hear that the damage to the atmosphere that has been done by man over the past years took 20 years to do and if a complete halt to the various programs were to happen today, there would still be 20 years of damage to continue from what has already been done. We must support and work for an answer to these problems. Mother Nature evidently thought she would show her hand last Sunday and did and continues to since. Even she recognizes the importance of such a program.

A LETTERS EDnCH\I

“I’m Proud Os You’’ My son has been on the School Board for six years. In that time, he has discussed many things with me. We have discussed such topics as: Liberty township joining the corporation, adding on to the elementary building, building a nit Middle School, what to do with oil about Urey Middle School, mistakes made by contractors, hiring a new superintendent school bus costs and repairs, and a lot of other issues that I don't recall at this time. Sometimes, my son asked for my opinion. In these discussions, by the way the talks went. I’m sure all the School Board members that they have always .made decisions that were to better education and to improve the quality of our schools. I’m sure that the School Board members, themselves, did not always agree. During the most recent problem, the School Board members have received jeers, unpleasant phone calls, and “cold” looks. I feel that this problem has created a lot of pressure for my son and his family, (and perhaps they may deserve this). In the discussion that I had with my son. he knows that I would not have voted the same way he did on this issue. Because of all this turmoil, it has been hard to recognize the School Board for doing a job that gets little thanks for all the good things they do - all the things they do right. I have good reason to be proud of all my children (most of them live in this area). Remembering the long discussions and harsh words that have been said. I think I need to say to David and all the School Board members, I'm proud of you. Herald E. Hostetler. Jr. VIGILANTE? Debbie Klinedinst stated “We are already losing one (teacher) who has resigned to take a teaching position at Plymouth. Many teachers from neighboring schools are also appalled by what is happening here and are afraid it could happen at their school.” The only teachers appalled and afraid, are the teachers who have a guilty conscience about their mishandling of children’ If a teacher has nothing to hide

and is doing a proper job of teaching, that teacher will continue at their present place of employment. The school system will flourish, and not fade into oblivion. Ms. Klinedinst doesn't understand where the “vigilante” mentality is coming from. A vigilante is a member of a vigilance committee. A vigilance committee is a group of persons organized without legal authorization professedly to keep order and punish crime. --"rlbinkahaiHd Debbie,, Who are the people forming committees, putting up signs, wearing black arm bands and black buttons? Here “lies” your answer. Grandparent PRIORITIES? Are you aware there are kids who would like to attend John Glenn, but they can’t take the taunts and teasing from other students. These are kids who are not troublemakers or push-outs. Further, there are schools in Indiana where these kids would be tolerated by all. even made welcome by most of the other kids. Invariably, the drop-out rate is low. The people who accuse Mr. Kickbush of child abuse should rethink their priorities. A Taxpayer “Congratulations School Board!” I applaud the John Glenn School Board for their unanimous 6-0 vote to terminate Mr. Richard Kickbush. Considering the fact that Mr. Kickbush has been verbally abusing grade school children for the past 33 years, not to mention the physical abuse as well. As I follow this controversial topic, one thing becomes evident. Most, not all, of the Richard Kickbush supporters have not known the personality of this man for the past 33 years, however, only judge him on the few years which they have been associated with him. Have we ever heard a case of Richard Kickbush mistreating a high school student? No. Why? That’s easy, he cannot dominate them like he can a grade school stqdent. 1 remember dreading that I had to go to school, and have Mr. Kickbush for P.E. class. He would yell at the “kids” so loudly that they were terrified of him. Plainly, he enjoys dominating small children, not teaching them. Don’t get me wrong. I'm sure Mr. Kickbush does possess a wealth of

teaching and administrative experience. however, cannot be allowed to work with small children. I have no objections to the “Kicker Can.” however, do feel there are much more “needy” families within the Walkerton area who struggle to make a living. Does he? I can remember incidents of Mr. Kickbush excessively paddling kids, and handling them a bit to physically for their actions. The Kickbush supporters at this point are probably thinking “what about discipline for those who need it?” That's fine. But not in the manner which Mr. Kickbush would choose. Did he ever think of sitting down with kids with behavior problems and discussing it with them? What about kids who come from troubled homes who need guidance. not mistreatment. Wouldn't a few nice words of encouragement to a kid work better than acting like a drill sergeant? He needed to keep in mind teachers don’t have the freedom to discipline kids at school in the same manner parents can discipline their own kids at home. Do you think children should “fear” their teacher? How about mutual respect instead? Possibly, Mr. Kickbush should have been a football coach at the high school level. He seems to take the same personality into the grade school classroom. I’m sure there have been many incidents of child abuse by Mr. Kickbush over the years, however, the kids were probably afraid to tell their parents thinking it might result in worst treatment from this man. I’m sure this letter will only fuel the fire concerning this matter. Hopefully, those of you who feel as I do will speak up. You have nothing to lose. 1 regret the fact this letter may anger many people, however, the previous articles were mostly in favor of Richard Kickbush which is deceiving to the unbiased reader. Once again, the school board, and Mrs. Lightfoot made a difficult decision in the best interest of the community, and saved many children the harrassment which Mr. Kickbush would have eventully given them. Lastly, all of us are familiar with the teaching abilities of Mr. Robert Mulligan who was voted “teach of the year” in the state of Indiana a few years ago. How many characteristics did Mr. Kickbush and Mr. Mulligan have in common. I think Mr. Mulligan got the job done without using the approach that Mr. Kickbush chose to take. Good job 6-0. Stick to your guns! J.G.H.S. Graduate Joe Harness WE’RE SORRY! We are sorry that all the news that was submitted to “The Inde-pendent-News was not in the paper this week. We have it all set up but ran out of room to place your articles. Look for your news in next weeks paper. NOTICE When submitting an article to “The Independent-News’’ we would appreciate the news release to be typed (upper and lower case) and double spaced. If you do not have a typewriter, good legible writting or printing will be accepted. Thank you for your cooperation in submitting articles for publication. Alio if a voice of the people is liable, we will not print these letters. Thanks to you... it works... for ALL OF US

UNITED IN MARRIAGE di 1 J■ l ■ MF Bi// r nB

At a candlelight nupital Mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, in Walkerton. Miss Jill Savoie became the bride of Mr. Rodncv Cross. The mass was performed bv the Rev. Father Yast. on March 10. at 3:00 p.m. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Savoie, of Walkerton and the groom is the son of Mrs. Sandra Howell, of Yorktown. Ind. and Mr. Glen Cross, of Bluefield, Virginia. At the processional played by Mrs. Sharon Klinedinst. organist, the bride who was given in marriage by her father wore a white satin dress with a cathedral train trimmed in Venice lace with opalescent sequins and pearls. Her fingertip veil was of Venice lace in a bouffant held by a diamond and pearl headpiece with a side spray of flowers and simulated pearls. She carried a bouquet of white and red roses with baby's breath. Matrons of honor were Mrs. Cynthia Capron, sister of the bride and Mrs. Mary Hoover. Bridesmaids were Lisa Savoie, niece of the bride, Lori Green and Laura Beal. Cathy Capron, niece of the bride, was junior bridesmaid. They wore floor length gowns to teal green taffeta. They carried arm bouquets of red and white roses. Flower girls were Amy Loucks. Jennifer and Jessica Traub, nieces of the bride. They carried white baskets with rose petals and they were dressed in floor length gowns of pink rose taffeta. They wore circular headpieces of pink and white rose made by the bride. Best man was Trent Cross, brother of the groom and groomsmen were Jeff Traub, nephew of

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the bride. David Edwards, Jeff Beal and Steve Williams. Junior groomsman was Andv Lcchien, nephew of the groom. Ring bearer was Joshua Earner. nephew of the bride. Ushers were Clark Beal and David Broyles. At the beginning of the nupital ceremony Dr. Thomas Savoie, cousin of the bride, sang. "True Love.” at the offertory the “Our Father” and at the presentation to the blessed mother and to the bride and grooms mothers, he sang “The Ave Marie”. Lisa Savoie sang “Evergreen” and at the lighting of the unity candle she sang “Endless Love." accompanied by Bryan Craft at the synthizer. The dinner-dance reception was held at the Occasion, in LaPaz, where the couple greeted their guests. Music was provided by Sugar and Spice, from Indianapolis. The guests were registered by Miss Lori Loucks. After a short honeymoon in southern Indiana the couple are making their home in Louisville, Kentucky. The bride a graduate of John Glenn High School and Ball State University with a bachelor of science degree in nursing, is employed at St. Anthony’s Medical Center, in Louisville. KY. The groom graduated from Delta High School, in Muncie and Bali State University with a bachelor of science degree in marketing and is employed at Dun & Bradstreet as a customer support representative in Louisville. KY. Out of town guests came from Michigan. Florida. Mississippi. California. Ohio. Kentucky. Texas. Virginia and Kansas.