The Independent-News, Volume 117, Number 47, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 16 April 1992 — Page 4

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- THE INDEPENDENT NEWS - APRIL 16, 1992

I EDITORIALS

MORE BITS AND PIECES As we pass the middle of April and with a few interesting matters at hand, we would like to remind and comment very briefly on a few at this time. Here are a few of our “bits and pieces’’ for now. The Primary Election is rapidly approaching. Tuesday, May sis the day. Usually primary elections can come and go and not too much interest is shown by the general public. However, when a school board election is included, and there is a controversial subject at the time, great interest can be generated without much effort. It is just too bad that the general elections don’t generate the same feeling as a strictly local one such as the school board. Even a presidential election doesn’t create as much local interest. There are four townships in our school system and each one has a seat on the board up for election. In fact, all but one township has more than two candidates seeking their seat. Remember, all four townships vote for all four seats, not just the contest in their own township contest. This is one reason why “ Ihe Independent-News’’ has invited all 12 candidates to submit to us for publication, a brief sketch of themselves in an effort to help them reach out and identify themselves with the public. We did not submit any questions to be answered, did not request any one fact, but offered each candidate an opportunity to use our columns to tell whatever they want about themselves, their personal life, their goals or reasons for running, etc. We are leaving it strictly up to them. We at this time have still to hear from several of the candidates, but will still accept their letters for publication in the Thursday, April 30 edition. (Candidates, if you have not already submitted your article, we will extend the time to get those in so we can have as complete a list as possible. We feel it is important for you to take advantage of this situation.) Also on the minds of many right now is the situation in North Liberty concerning the possible location of Stericycle, Inc., a medical waste recycling plant, to build in the North Liberty Industrial Park. The first response by many upon hearing this was rather negative. There are two sides to every matter, and this is certainly one that needs to be investigated thoroughly before the final decision is made. It must be noted however, that no decision has yet been made and a lot will depend on the important meeting tonight (Thursday, April 16) at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center at which time representatives of the firm will explain their operation and field questions from the public. This is not only important to the public, but also the town officials and the group controlling the Industrial Park for both present and future growth. We hope everything can be worked out for the best of everyone, not just a select group. It will be an important step one way or the other for the North Liberty community. We see that St. Joseph County has joined the list of those who have enacted an open container law concerning alcoholic beverages in vehicles. This action is spreading around the state by local governments since the Indiana Legislature did not act on this in the past session. This is all an effort to restrict drinking and driving, but in Indiana with a great RV business, legislation and wording must be such that the industry is not damaged by the new laws. The lack of such a law does not have anything to do with the legal limit of blood alcohol, that remains the same, .10 in Indiana. The open container law simply will reduce the chances of reaching that level while driving. At present whether the alcohol was consumed in a car or any other place doesn’t matter, it is the amount and affect it has on the driver that is important.

“What b Missing” A new school, what a great idea! We can solve all of our space and educational problems and the project won’t raise my taxes! Could this really be true? Can all of our problems be solved and not raise my taxes? Proponents of this project say this is not only true but even more spectacular accomplishments will be achieved. But you might ask, what is wrong with this picture? What is missing? Will this project truly be our educational salvation? Not! This project will cost just over $3,000 per day, 365 days per year for 20 years. Here’s what it does not indude! 1. Loose equipment (furniture and furnishings). 2. Computers to put in the computer labs. 3. Other technology (TV, AV equipment, industrial tech and homeec). 4. Cost for parking facilities. 5. Cost for replacing and/or

building adequate athletic fields and tennis courts. 6. Cost of increased staff (certified and non-certified). 7. Cost of maintaining and use of old Urey building after construction. 8. And much more! Where will these funds come from? There are only two possible choices, capital projects and general fund. Proponents say no nroblem. We are not at the maximum levy in either of these two funds. We can raise taxes in these two funds and still maintain our sham story that this project won’t raise the debt service levy and if we don’t tell anyone, they’ll never know. How much are we willing to take before we stand up and say “Who are you kidding?’’ Folks, we are talking millions of dollars in currently unbudgeted funds. We will be committed to this and more without any recourse if we let this project happen the way it is being handled. Only you can change the direction of this runaway school board. Os the 12 candidates vying for school board positions only four

have been willing to commit much time and effort to follow and in some way inpact the direction of this project. These four have been vocal and not afraid to defend their positions which is more than we can say for our opponents. If you don’t want the proposed middle school oroiect YOU MUST VOTE TUESDAY, MAY 5. Vote Shirley Anderson, Tom Bradford, Robbie Keck and John McGee.. Shirley Anderson Tom Bradford Robbie Keck John McGee “Open Minded” 1 would like to take this opportunity to welcome Stericycle to our community. I think that you will find that the majority of us are fair and open-minded. We will wait until we have all of the facts before making any decision. There will always be a few amongst good people that will choose to run scared and make hasty opinions before hearing all of the facts. This is to be expected. Scare tactics should not be tolerated by the public as a means for public persuasion. I do not see Stericycle as a threat to our community. A community hospital would certainly pose a much greater threat. And let’s not forget that we currently have two medical offices and a dentist office located in North Liberty, all of which handle body tissues and fluids. How are these currently disposed of? Stericycle will not be handling these. Stericycle should be a welcomed addition to our community. They have already shown that they want public support before they even come into North Liberty. They also will provide growth to which North Liberty is in desperate need of. They will be offering good paying jobs and tax dollars to the community. Let’s clean up the "campaign’’ and hear all of the facts first. Your Neighbor “Easter” Well it’s finally getting to be spring, sun today and snow tomorrow. Easter is our first spring day of celebration. Hopefully, it will be a peaceful holiday. While you are doing your spring cleaning, save anything that is saleable for the Friends of the Fourth’s Auction Sale on April 25th. If you wish to donate your goodies, please call Betty King, 586-2435. The pick-up team of Barb and Nedra will arrive and take them off your hands. Morris Searfoss is still out collecting ads for the placemat. If you are missed, give him a call. The merchants are more than generous. Most people do not realize that our local establishments support a large number of both dub and school activities. This is a definite reason for shopping locally. The 1.0.0. F. Lodge is selling raffle tickets. The drawing will be held on July 4th. The prizes are 100,50 or 25 lottery tickets. If you can't find a member to buy from, I’ll be there. Happy Easter. Sincerely, Nedra Williams NORTH LIBERTY TOWN BOARD MINUTES The North Liberty Town Council meeting was held at the North Liberty Community Center on April 8 and called to order at 7:07 p.m. by Ronald Kin as, president. Other council members present were Thomas Daughterly, David Sheaks, Dennis Fisher and Richard Warner. Attorney John H. Peddycord, Town Marshal Delmas Burch and Park Board President Cindy Holtz were also present. The press was represented by Pauline Laskowski and Anne Watson from the LaPorte Herald

TERRIFIC TEETH It. r Hk 3b■!%

On April 6, Dr. Kerry Knape, a dentist in North Liberty, visited with a group of second, third and fourth graders to discuss dental health. The students had just finished studying about their wonderful teeth and how important it is to really take care of them. As a finale to their unit, the students were given a handful of dough to shape their favorite tooth. Argus, Diane Stephen and Ron Ryback of the South Bend Tribune, Kevin Freeman of WSJV-TV (28), andd Heather Richards of WNDUTV (16). Approximately 85 others in attendance. Previous minutes were approved as follows: March 10, 1992 regular meeting, motion by Thomas Daughterly seconded bv Dennis Fisher - 5 aye and 0 nay. March 25, 1992 special meeting, motion by Thomas Daugherty seconded by Richard Warner, 5 aye and 0 nay. April 1, 1992 wort; night on drafting utility rules and regulations, motion by Richard Warner, seconded by David Sheaks - 5 aye and 0 nay. Town Marshal Delmas Burch read monthly police report (copy filed with minutes). Marshal Burch requested to promote Sgt. Kelly Bussie to rank of captain effective April 11. After discussion, Thomas Daugherty made the motion to promote Kelly Bussie to the rank of captain, seconded by Dennis Fisher with 5 aye and 0 nay. Also to congratulate Captain Bussie on the birth of a new baby girlPark board president Cindy Holtz advised the next part; board meeting would be Tuesday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m. That they held a 4th of July meeting and that Kerry Walbert would be leading the committee. Al Heim advised the park is used a lot and should have more patrol. Cindy advised they are working on installing more night lights. Clerk-treasurer Paul Williams, Jr. advised that a motion was needed to send a letter of request to the Indiana Dept, of Transportation for direction signs for the Community Center. Motion by Thomas Daugherty, seconded by David Sheaks to send a letter of request, 5 aye and 0 nay. Williams also reported that a refund of $827.53 was received from Acordia Local Government Benefits, Inc. for the year 1991, as each city or town that contributed to the underwriting gains is receiving a refund. Claims for approval: NLPH 92-03-01 & 92-03-02, $27,695.00; Town 16223 - 16258, $38,104.56; Water 9897 - 9928, $15,062.09; Sewer 5151 -5181, $13,411.72. Motion to approve claims by Dennis Fisher, seconded by Thomas Daugherty with 5 aye and 0 nay. President Kinas then opened die meeting for discussion on Steri-

The majority of them chose the multi-purpose molar and the incredible incisors. Dr. Knape helped each student put finishing touches on each "tooth.’’ At the end of the visit, Dr. Knape gave each student a tooth certificate and a brand new toothbrush. He was very impressed with the knowledge the students had learned about their terrific teeth. cycle, Inc. Numerous questions were asked and citizens were advised to attend the April 16, 1992 meeting when Stericycle representatives would be here to make a presentation and answer their questions. Kinas stated that no decision had been made by the Town Council and would not be made until all questions and concerns were answered. Meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m. GLENN GOLF NEWS The John Glenn golf team has 13 team members this year competing for five varsity and junior varsity positions. Letterman returning from last years’ team include senior Adam Jacob an sophomore Brent Hostrawser. Adam and Brent will be at the number one an two positions to start off the season, followed by freshman Landon Wiegand. The two remaining varsity positions are still up for grabs among a variety of teammates. Senior Eric Taylor and junior Aaron Williams are two upper classmen battling for a varsity position, along with a large crop of sophomores and freshmen. Sophomores include Dan Schmeltz, Jason Groves, Rickey Scott and Jayson Kincaid. Freshman indude Rocky Plummer, Nathan Cripe, Mike Gensinger and J.C. Blosser. The golf team plays their home matches at Whispering Pines Golf Course and are coached by Randy Schmeltz. Glenn hosted Knox, April Bth and were defeated 175 to 186. Keith Brendt of Knox shot a nine hole round of 38 to take the medalist honor. For Glenn, Hostrawser led the team with a 43, followed by Jacob at 44, Wiegand 45, Rickey Scott 65, and Jason Groves with a 54. The junior varsity members were also defeated by the score of 182 to 231. Nathan Cripe led the team with a 56. Others scoring in the J.V. match were Taylor 57, Kincaid andUlousser 59s and Gensinger 68. On April 13, Glenn travelled to Fountain Head to compete against Triton. Triton defeated Glenn by 10 strokes, 192 to 202. Brent Hostrawser was medalist with a 44. Other varsity scores for Glenn were Jacob 49, Wiegand 50, Groves 59 and Schmeltz 60. The Junior Varsity won their match 224 to 249. Scoring for the J.V. were Williams 53, Scott 56, Plummer 58, Kincaid 59 and Cripe 57. The average pencil can draw a line 35 miles long.