The Independent-News, Volume 119, Number 34, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 6 January 1994 — Page 8

8

- THE INDEPENDENT NEWS - JANUARY 6, 1994

Voice Os The People “In Response To Letter" A response to the letter from Neil Downey in the December 23. 1993 “Voice of the People" column of The Independent-News. 1 offer a few facts that render Mr. Downey's opinions misleading if not false. Fact 1. Mr. Patrick has never publicly said he was "in favor of retaining Urey school" as an educational facility. On June 1. 1993, he voted with Mr. Knowlton. Mr. Miller and Mr. McCormick to eliminate Urey Middle School building as an option. ON February 19, 1991 he voted to spend $12,169 million to move the middle school students to North Liberty. On June 15. 1993, he proposed the "JG" plan which spends $4.29 million, moving the middle school students to North Liberty. It is my opinion that his consistency seems to be evident, to spend the money and move the middle school students to North Liberty regardless of transportation costs or educational requirements. Fact 2. Mr. Knowlton, Mr. McCormick and Mr. Miller have never publicly said they "want to abandon Urey". They have consistently said the Urey building would have many possible uses to the school corporation and the community. They have said the builing should not be used as an educational facility given the current and anticipated future demand of the middle school students. Please, if you feel the need for further explanation, of my last sentence, ask questions, go to board meeting. The School Board has considered and budgeted $165,000 towards purchasing or building a new administration office in 1993 which would not have to be spent if the Urey building were available. A previous "Nedra Williams" Voice of the People article concerning the Urey building gives us another possility for the Urey building as a community center. The building has great potential, but was not built to meet the changing needs of our students in the 90s and into the next century. Just a few people who agree with this philosophy are: Middle School Program and Grade Organization committee, part of the John Glenn School Corporation Task Force report dated February 2, 1993; Skillman Corporation report dated October 5, 1993; Board of School Trustees John Glenn School Corporation Position Statement dated February 3, 1987; Indiana Department of Education, Dennis C. Skeens, director School Facility Planning letter dated May 6, 1992. In my opinion pretty overwhelming. Fact 3. Your statement "spending 14 to 20 million for a new structure" is at least misleading if not false. The current Option C, as per the Skillman report dated October 5, 1993 states the building cost at $7.6 million, equipment cost of $.9 million, site cost of $.5 million, for a total construction cost of $9 million. They also project an additional soft cost (architectural, finance, i.e. closing costs) of $2.7 million, (30% construction cost) bringing our total to $11.7 million. I feel it is important not to mislead people by stating your "20 million" figure which could only be true if you add the interest throughout the entire length of the ' JOHNSON INS. AGENCY DON R JOHNSON CtrMted imuranct Ceunitlor DONNA L RAUSCH DIANE JOHNSON We Sell Service Along With Our Product Call 1219)586-2580 Koont? Like

bonds or notes or a combination thereof. The previous dollar amounts 1 used in this article are based on an apples to apples approach and are not intended to mislead by confusing different figures. Fact 4. Your statement, “in an atmosphere of a declining school population” is totally false. If you had attended a few more board meetings you would have found an increase in JGSC student population of 38 in 93-94, 39 in 92-93, and 63 in 91-92. In closing, the facts and my opinions stated in this article were gathered by a farmer who along with his wife have attended countless school board and task force meetings. My wife and 1 have spent hours upon days upon weeks trying to stay informed since the August, 1991, 1028 meeting and 1 could only guess that we have only touched upon the tip of the iceberg. 1 agree that the school board members "are hard working, dedicated people doing a thankless job at great personal cost". It boggles my mind to think of the information at their disposal, but I do believe that if the public wants to take “corrective measures" in May, they need to have those measures on the facts, not on hearsay, as it may not be true. Go to board meetings, ask questions. The school board and the superintendent are there to if not answer our questions then find the answers to our questions. Only after your questions are answered can we expose the rumors as true or false. Please be involved. Jeffrey L. Johnson

MAPLE LAWN GROUP HOME, INC. the ALTERNATIVE To Nursing Home Placement • LPN plus CERTIFIED STAFF • 24 Hour Quality Care • Large Private Rooms • Home Cooked Meals • Social and Religious Activities CALL MADELYN HOLDEMAN, LPN 586-3071

JGSC ENROLLMENT 1650 00-X 160° °° - X 1550 00 - / ' STUDENTS 1500 00 1450 00- / 1400 00 Y 89-90 90^1 91-92 92-93 9^94 YEARS The enrollment in JGSC has increased by 138.5 students during the last four years or an average of 2-3/4 per cent each year. The above numbers are for resident students only and kindergarten students are counted at one-half There additional transfer students. ’

DOREEN BOGARD CHOSEN "EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR"

Pictured above is Doreen Bogard receiving her award for Employee of the Year at Miller’s Merry Manor, Walkerton. Presenting the award is Mark Gephart, administrator. Doreen is the Assistant Office Manager and has been with Miller's for three years. This award is voted on by all employees and is given for outstanding service at Miller's Merry Manor. Richard and Vi Masterman were Sunday dinner guests of Tammy Masterman and son, of Valparaiso.

R.E.A.L. SERVICES NEWS WALKERTON On Monday we had a day of visiting with one another. We need days like that once in a while. E-Z STUMP REMOVAL REASONABLE RATES Bill Elhnger 586-2167 Walkerton FULLY INSURED t

heating special Clean, Check & Adjust Controls & Blower Unit 83995 Also We Maintain And Repair HEAT PUMPS HOT WATER SYSTEMS PLUMBING REPAIRS HOT WATER HEATERS Liberty Electric 656 8888

Tuesday was another quiet day chit chatting with on another. Wednesday Vi Wolff and her gang from the LaPorte area, were here to entertain us with music and singing. Other were Maxine Worthington, Gerald Kauffman, Bernice Joanas, Herbie Hannaman and Dorothy Saylor. Everyone enjoyed the day. Juice winners were Virgil Gwin and Elinore Leming. On Thursday Mr. Gwin had the program and talked to us about the "Big News of 1993". Soldiers in Somalia, also about the big floods, the year of the woman, six women took office in the Senate, 47 in the House of Representatives, seven in the president’s cabinet. In Indiana four state offices are filled by women, 12 women in the Senate and 18 in the House of Representatives. Then he read a poem called "The Good Old United States of America". Friday we had our regular sing-a-long with Verice Walz at the piano and Evadene Platz leading the singing. Betty Gapper has been ill the last few days. Get well, Betty! HESTERS CABIN BED & BREAKFAST f 8. -. 7 J nr Martig Peaceful Night Or Weekend In Our 1830 Restored Log House (Resen/alions Only) 71880 St. Rd. 23. Walkerton