The Independent-News, Volume 117, Number 52, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 21 May 1992 — Page 4

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- THE INDEPENDENT NEWS - MAY 21, 1992

EDITORIALS

A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME As we approach this first big holiday weekend of 1992, we pause to think of the past, but certainly look ahead as the Memorial Day holiday is just the start of things to come. It is hoped however, that the planning for the times ahead do not overshadow the real reason for this annual holiday. The remembering of those who gave their lives and bodies for our country. As always, veterans groups across the nation will lead the many Memorial Day services to honor our war dead and those who served in the many different wars to maintain our peaceful way of life. Their sacrifices cannot be measured in any way. But their memories and spirit can and should be remembered by all who profited from their willingness to serve. It only takes a short time to pay tribute to these people and in communities all over our nation, special services will be held on Monday to so honor these brave protectors of our country. Along with the traditional celebration however, comes the unofficial start of summer. Regardless of what the calendar might say, once the Memorial Day holiday has arrived, plans and activities are on a different course. Big events for many will happen immediately, as also all over the country high schools will be holding commencement exercises to move on their way, the many seniors who will have completed their basic school days. These many teenagers will now move on to the next step in their lives, whatever path they may follow at this time. As the school season ends, the summer vacation season begins. Along with summer weather, vacation plans vary for everyone. For the children of course, it is a time of vacation from school. For many families, it is a time for their vacations and travel is always heavy during the summer months. For the many who prosper by others vacations, it is a time of the year when they are their busiest. For those whose employment depends on good weather, it is a busy, hard working time. For many it is just a time of a little more realaxation and pleasure as activities are planned around the “summer vacation’’. With all the good things that approach, there are also some areas of concern. Traffic and traffic accidents increase, especially over the heavily traveled weekends. Water related accidents as well are certainly at their highest as many take to the nation’s lakes and beaches for these three months. Alcohol use is high during the summer months, adding to problems in many instances. And of course, extreme heat can be a problem for many as well, especially older adults who may have some health related problems. All in all though, summer is a fun time. Despite the regular routine of life for so many, this is still the true vacation time and a time of a much altered lifestyle for a few months. Be a part of it, but be a safe and happy part of it. Do not look past the good things that can happen, as we look forward look at the overall picture and it can be a much happier and safer time for all. Enjoy the summer again this year, it is a time of change for most Americans for a few months and a time to enjoy.

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE “A Compariaea” I am not a native of North Liberty. However, I moved to this area 52 years ago and have chosen to remain here. I, too, have owned a business here and have worked in this area most of my life. Some of you may also remember several years ago the Town Board had engineering estimates, etc., to put in our waste water treatment plant. Then, because of many “concerned citizens" and petitions, this was put on hold. A few years later it was mandated by the state and federal governments, to proceed immediately. By then the costs were multiplied by four. Now, the federal government is starting guidelines for all recy cling (which lam in favor of). At this time we are privileged to have a company interested in a small recycling plant here and without any tax abatement. Should we wait for a federal mandate before we accept this? As long as this company and its process have the blessing of our County Health Officer and our Town Council, Chamber of Com merce, etc., 1 think we should feel obligated to proceed. Since there will be no pollution, such as incineration or landfill. I am in favor of Stericyde. William Limerick

“Stericyde” To the people of North Liberty who are still undecided about voting for Stericyde ... I would like to refer them to the Tribune staff writer, Susan Dillman's comments and facts. “The market for infectious waste disposal businesses, such as Stericyde, was created at least in part by the new Federal Regulations that seriously affect how hospitals can dispose of their medical waste." The 1991 Clean Air Act forces hospitals, which now incinerate about 60 percent of their medical waste, to look to other alternatives. The law increases the cost of hospitals that bum waste. The Clean Air Act, as well as new regulations on medical waste incinerators are due out in January, 1993. Are you a supplier of medical waste? Everyone that lives and breathes and/or occupies a hospital bed at one time or another produces medical waste. What are your solutions to a big problem? Byron Hewett, vice president and general manager of Stericycle’s Great Lakes Region, said the Washington plant, which is the newest, is likened to the proposed North Liberty plant, has not landfilled any materials. The bi-pro-duct is called Sterifuel and is used as fuel by a firm that makes cement. Much less pollutent than coal that has been used in the kilns in the past. Also of interest is the Sharp’s Steritub. A plastic container re-

cycled from the plastic waste and used for transporting waste materials. As was pointed out in a recent meeting, several doctors in the South Bend area have been using this process to dispose of their hazardous waste for the past year. Dr. Sharp pointed out that the firm does process discarded surgical gowns, masks, bandages, syringes, medicine vials, scapels and operating room supplies. These are ground up, steriized by passing through a giant electronic radio wave oven, sorted and packaged. “I wanted this company to be a very environmentally conscious company", said Sharp. And disposal of this waste is very severely regulated. Thus the need for more companies like Stericyde in the immediate future. Citizen For Stericyde “Pruning Time” As I was walking down Roosevelt Road the other day, one of the sidewalk trees grabbed me. Maybe it was only the wind, but I was sure that it said that it was pruning time. I rushed to the local hardware and bought a pair of pruning snippers. I rushed home and proceeded to trim. I actually got two trimmed. We have planted four new trees, three peach and one shade tree, for a total of $25.00 this spring. They are all doing fine. The Friends of the Fourth’s auction netted us several hundred dollars for the fireworks. We would like to thank all of you who donated goods or services. The leftovers were donated to the Thrift Shop. We could have used a bigger crowd, but the ones present were very generous. Roy bought a big net to catch the ducks and chickens. The animals are still in the yard, and so is the net. The area is in need of volunteers to work for the good of the area. There are many projects that need to be done. The Great Pumpkin Festival is in need of helpers. If a person would like to volunteer for almost any function by any organization, I’m sure that you would be welcomed with open arms. Sometimes it seems that we only work together when we are ousting the Ins, or trying to stop something from being built. I’m sure that each and everyone could spare at least an hour a week to help. The garden needs plowing I have to get the plow tire fixed. We have onion sets for sale, just give us a call. Sincerely, Nedra Williams COMMANDER’S CORNER Memorial Day 1992 is a time for Americans to reflect on the past as we look to the future. It is a time for us to remember and honor those Americans who died in service to our nation. If makes no difference when or where these gallant men and women served, but that they served when called. Since the beginning of our nation, more than 200 years ago, Americans have answered the call to service. Service to the nation is the highest form of praise and honor we can make to the Constitution and our freedoms. As Americans, we have honored our servicemen and women on Memorial Day since 1868. We know the price of freedom is high and we understand that to honor those who died in service to the country is not only proper, but much deserved. Without the unselfish service of millions of Americans since the Revolutionary War we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on those freedoms and on the * sacrifices of the men and women who fought, and died, to keep the torch of liberty burning bright. As a nation we asked them to serve. As a nation we must honor their service. As a nation we must re-

member their sacrifices. It is our duty as Americans to insure their service does not go unnoticed. it is our duty to honor these men and women by carrying on the traditions of service to this nation. This Memorial Day must be a special time to honor those gallant heroes of our military who sacrificed their lives so all Americans could be free. We can pay no greater tribute to their service than that of honoring their memory and sacrifices while at the same time rekindling a sense of pride that, as Americans, we live in the greatest nation on the face of the earth. Memorial Day is the day for all Americans to honor those men and women who paid the ultimate price to preserve our freedom. After the services at the cemetery on May 25th, which begin at 11:00 a.m., there will be free hot dogs and pop for all who attended and participated in the parade. Refreshments will be located between Jack's Service Station and The American Legion. WHO WILL WEAR A POPPY (Author Unknown) Who will wear a pappy On our Pappy Day? “I will’’, says a mother. “For five boys who went away”. Who will wear a Poppy To honor those who fell? “I will”, says the doctor. “I’ve some memories of that hell "I will”, the welfare worker says, “I know what poppies do For widows of our veterans And their helpless children, too”. “I will”, each World War veteran says. * ’There are close ties that bind Each one of us to help the rest The crippled and the blind”. “I will”, says the preacher, “I don’t believe in war, But I do believe in healin wounds. That’s what the poppy is for”. No single one replies, "I won’t” Instead, each with a thrill, We hear each good American say When asked to buy, "I will”. WHO — The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 189, Walkerton. WHAT — Volunteer distribution of veteran-made, hand-crafted memorial poppies in exchange for a free-will contribution. WHEN — Saturday, May 23. WHERE — On the sidewalks and shopping areas in and around Walkerton. WHY — To remind America-at-peace of the price of war and the sacrifice of millions of lives. At the same time, the Poppy Day distribution honors all of America's veterans of all wars. Orville Easterday Unit 189 American Legion Auxiliary SCHOOL MENUES Oregon-Davto Schools MAY 25 - 29 MONDAY No school, Memorial Day TUESDAY Fish sandwich on bun Oven fries Cole slaw Spice cake Milk WEDNESDAY High school Mcßib on bun Lettuce Tomato Peaches Milk Elementary Tacos with cheese Lettuce Tomato Peaches Milk THURSDAY Pizza Chips Corn Apricots Milk

FRIDAY Hamburger on bun Curley fries Green beans Peaches Pickle spear Milk Urey Middle School MAY 25 - 29 MONDAY No school, Memorial Day TUESDAY Taco with lettuce and cheese Sour cream Corn Fruit Milk WEDNESDAY Cook’s choice THURSDAY Cook out Hot dog on bun Banana Potato chips Fruit juice Ice cream cup Milk FRIDAY No school Walkerton Elementary School MAY 25 - 29 MONDAY No school, Memorial Day TUESDAY Hot dog on bun Buttered com Applesauce Rice krispie bar Milk WEDNESDAY Taco with lettuce and cheese French fries Fruit Milk THURSDAY Cook’s choice FRIDAY No school North Liberty Elementary School MAY 25 - 29 MONDAY No school, Memorial Dav TUESDAY Spaghetti Lettuce salad Garlic bread No bake cookie Fruit Milk WEDNESDAY Pizza Vegetable Carrots and raisins Fruit Chocolate milk THURSDAY Grilled cheese Vegetable Fruit Cookie Milk FRIDAY No school St. Patrick School MAY 25 - 26 MONDAY No school TUESDAY Pizza casserole Hot roll Green beans Fruit Milk RAILROAD CROSSING WORK ON STATE ROAD 4 AT WEST EDGE OF WALKERTON Work on the CSX Railroad crossing on State Road 104, 0.12 mile north of U. S. Route 6 in St. Joseph County, has been postponed. The closure will begin at 7:30 a.m. today (Wednesday, May 20) and continue for three days, or less. The work had previously been announced as starting May 18. A posted detour will route traffic over U.S. 6, State Road 23 and State Road 4 to S. R. 104 near Stillwell, adding 8.0 miles to the traveling distance. The crossing is the property of CSX Railroad who may provide a more detailed description of the type of work being done. INDOT provides only the traffic control support to help the railroad get the work done.