The Independent-News, Volume 117, Number 10, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 1 August 1991 — Page 4

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- THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS - AUGUST 1, I^l

I editorials!

; T. WHAT’S GOING ON INSIDE Two events are currently very newsworthy in our area. In Walkerton it is the start of a “Downtown” project that will have the old sidewalks remosed and new and decorative sidewalks to replace them. Included in these plans are tree plantings, decorative street lighting and eventually benches along with the decorative designs to enhance the looks of the downtown area. Also in the news for the entire John Glenn School Corporation is the continuing plans for a new middle school, a program that will cost taxpayers many millions of dollars in the coming years. Both of these programs have been in the works for some time and are now approaching reality. There is a definite need for changes in the school system. Several options were originally weighed and the Board is following the path they feel is most logical. It also is by far the most expensive. The downtown renovation in Walkerton is a little different. After working for several years on this project it is finally becoming a reality and the actual work has now begun. A target date of early October is set for the completion of the project. As much as cosmetic and brick and mortar projects enhance such programs, the real story of the success still lies on the inside. What is going on in the retail stores downtown is far more important to a business than the sprucing up of the outside. In the school situation, new buildings and facilities are not only nice, but often very needed, but it still depends on what goes on inside these buildings that really counts. Downtown Walkerton will be a mess for some time as the tearing out and rebuilding progresses. Access to businesses will be somewhat affected, but as little as possible. However, despite all the efforts, inconveniences will happen and it will have an effect at the time. At least in the case of a new school building, the building can be completed before occupancy occurs, thus eliminating problems of that nature which are present in a lot of building renovations. We hope both projects are very successful in the long run, but still think the important thing to be considered is what is going on inside. At a time when money is somewhat of a problem and taxes are stretched to the limit and more are anticipated, it is our hope that the priorities are in the proper places and that such major projects as this are beneficial to all concerned.

“Display of Old Glory Deserves Respect” After making many inquiries (from flag lovers to Legion members) regarding the proper way to display our flag. The answers were vague and unreliable. Then just last week 1 received a letter from my cousin in Minniesota (my last letter to him indicated my concern) and it gave me the answer I was looking for. Here it is in part.... “Dear L.: Got your letter today. Let me remind you that if people wish to display the American flag, it must be done with respect. The war is over, but

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many of the hastily displayed flags (by, I’ll call them, born again patriots) are still outside 24 hours a day, all tangled up, wrapped around roof gutters and downspouts being tom to shreds in the wind and rain. You don’t have to be a former boy scout or be knowledgeable of the flag code passed by Congress in 1942 to understand respect. The American flag is to be displayed out-of-doors from sunrise to sunset “in good weather.” The flag is displayed at night for special occasions, and preferably spotlighted for honor and respect. To me, it seems disrespectful to see flags that were hastily mounted in all manner of ways - even stapled to old mop handles - still out there and forgotten.

Improvised display of old glory might be dramatic and acceptable on the emotion-filled battlefield, but not on permanent homes and businesses .... Let me pass this part of his letter on to you. "The 27th edition of the American Legion officer’s guide (revised, July 1989), states: “It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.” The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an allweather flag is displayed. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water or merchandise. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily soiled, tom or damaged in any way. The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way—perferably by burning. Drive around our fair city and you will agree with his letter, and we are not alone. Our flag is a symbol of this great country of ours “The land of the free and the home of the brave.” The freedom we take for granted, it seems. No wonder so many people from so many other countries want to come here! Let’s show our respect and display our flag with pride, the proper way. The effort is minimal. Louis 0. Moreau Walkerton, IN “A Unique Area” The area around Walkerton is truly a unique area. The John Glenn school system is made up of two towns, two community areas (Tyner and Tee gar den) and rural areas. There is a strong need for the area to unite and back the school board's decision on the building or not of a new middle school. The school board should also be very sure of its decision. On my wanderings around the area I discovered something called the “Betty Burger and Merlie Fries”. There is only one place that you can buy these, Nancee’s Case in North Liberty. They also make very good cherry cobbler. When you are in the area stop in and buy. This week-end The Stuntz and Hochstetler Christmas Shop and Paraplane is going to be having an inside sidewalk sale. I understand that there will be a hog roast. I hope that I can get Roy to take me out there to see the goings on! 1 was very pleased to receive a letter from Leigh High in North Carolina. She said that she is adapting quite well to Southern food. She enclosed a recipe for collard greens. She is also an avid reader of the Walkerton Independent News. So, I’ll just say “it was nice to hear from you, Leigh, and I’ll try your recipe soon.” The garden is still producing peppers and tomatoes and okra. I have decided why it is called the good old summer time. I get good and older every summer. Sincerly, Nedra Williams HEAVY EMERGENCY ROOM INJURY TOLL More people went to hospital emergency rooms last year with injuries than for any other cause, reports Health News Network, the news service of the Indiana Association of Physicians & Surgeons, citing the latest data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Falls on stairs and steps injured nearly one-million persons; followed by bicycle injuries and sports injuries including informal football, baseball and basketball games. Careless use of power mowers is

a leading cause of summer accidents. Every year, thousands of Americans are badly mutilated. The blades can whirl around at 200 miles an hour and in just a fraction of a second the blade tip can slash through a shoe, removing toes, even feet. Yet adults will leave a mower running and go into the kitchen for a cold drink leaving little children playing around that slashing blade. About two-thirds of all powermower accidents involve toes and fingers. One of the most foolish practices is reaching into a grass chute to unclog it with the mower running. Some time such a careless person is going to remove his own fingers! Another foolish and downright irresponsible practice, say safety experts, is letting a child operate a power mower. Never allow a child to even ride on a mower with you! Adults court disaster when they ride one on the side of a hill. Many have rolled over with hideous injuries. Every summer, hospital emergency rooms see the results of failure to use good sense with mowers, pushing or riding. POISON IVY AND OAK — SUMMER MISERIES Every year an estimated 50 million Americans get in contact with either poison ivy, oak or sumac. Any of the three can make you very miserable, reports Health News Network, the news service of the Indiana Association of Physicians and Surgeons. There are many misconceptions about these malicious plants. For one thing, what you suffer is an allergic reaction, not a disease or an ailment. Your reaction is to a chemical called urushioi which is in the sap-like resin found in the leaves, stems, roots and berries of all three plants. What you get is contact dermatitis. Poison ivy and oak are the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Poison ivy is found in most of the United States. It’s very common. Poison oak is found in the South and along the Pacific coast. Poison sumac is not found in this part of the country. Both poison ivy and poison oak have leaflets which usually grow in groups of three, but they can occur in clusters of five, seven or nine. So, the old saying “leaves of three, leave them be,” is not meticulously correct, however it is most of the time. Just brushing against one of the plants may not cause the resulting misery. The resin, containing a very potent substance called urushioi, must be released and get on your skin, where it can be spread inadvertently by scratching or rubbing. The rash usually apprears two or three days after exposure and can last for up to about 2 weeks. Scratching will not spread it if you washed yourself carefully after initial exposure. But scratching the rash can lead to infection. The resin can remain active for months on objects such as gardening tools, golf clubs, baseball bats, shoes, jackets, gloves and even pets. Good ol’ Fido could give you poison ivy! While going to a physician may be desirable to you, there are some good over-the-counter remedies which can be purchased without a perscription. One of the best is a product called Rhuli Gel. However, if the rash becomes infected, you should see a physician. The best way to advoid getting poison ivy or oak, is by covering carefully exposed skin areas before going into the woods or wherever it grows. SUMMER PICNICS AND FOOD POISONING Summer picnics are now going full-blast. And before summer is over about 1 in 6 Americans will have suffered food poisoning. Few foods are completely free of bacteria. But some picnic fare is

particularly susceptible to bacteria that can cause a lot of misery: potato, deviled eggs, milk and milk products, cold fried chicken, seafood, cream desserts, you know, the good stuff! On picnics or other outings it is best to take food with low susceptibility, such as scrubbed whole fruit, processed cold cuts, raw veggies, etc. Steak, hot dogs and hamburgers should be grilled at the scene and served hot. There are several kinds of bacteria that cause food poisoning: salmonella, staphyloccus and clostridial organisms. The most dangerous is botulism. While outbreaks are rare, they have been increasing, and botulism is lifethreatening! To guard against botulism, bent, broken or bulging cans should be thrown out. Never taste the contents of a suspicious container. Salmonella, which is the most common food poisoning, can make adults very sick; it can be fatal to little children. SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS HONORED AT LAPORTE HOSPITAL The 1991 recipients of the LaPorte Hospital, the LaPorte Hospital Foundation, and the LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary scholarships were honored at an evening reception and dinner on Thursday, June 20 in the hospital cafeteria. Nine scholarships sponsored by the LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary, included Kathryn Jacob, Walkerton; Erin Ruff, Walkerton; Lynette Kile, Walkerton; and Aaron Van Wechel, Walkerton. The hospital awarded one scholarship for Critical Occupations to Michael Beach of Hamlet. The purpose of the scholarship program is to augment the supply of well trained, productive personnel in health science occupations by encouraging area residents to pursue such careers and by assisting them financially as appropriate. Residents of the LaPorte Hospital service area, hospital employees, their children, and others enrolled in training programs directly related to or affiliated with LaPorte Hospital are eligible to receive the scholarships. INDIANA FESTIVAL GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE AT IDOC Hoosiers can learn about such attractions as the Indianapolis Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes and the Versailles October Bluegrass Festival in the 1991-92 Fall/Winter Festival Guide, available now through the Indiana Dept, of Commerce (IDOC). Indiana lesidents may obtain a free copy of the new festivals guide by calling 1-800-289-6646. The booklet lists 300 events scheduled between September 1991 and February 1992 in various Hoosier communities. “It s a convenient way to keep track of Indiana’s variety of festivals,” said Lieutenant Governor Frank O’Bannon. “This month-by-month listing of events runs the gamut from Oktoberfests to gift and hobby shows to historic attractions. The Fall/Winter Festivals Guide can help Indiana families plan unique weekends around the state.” The guide also features state parks and local convention and visitors bureaus, as well as “Hoosier Artists,” a special listing of events during which artists may exhibit, perform, sell, demonstrate or compete in their art form. 55 Saves Lives ENVELOPES Variety Os Sizes And Styles Available CHECK OUR PRICES! liHpißHit-News 601 Roosevelt Rd., Walkerton