The Independent-News, Volume 120, Number 1, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 19 May 1994 — Page 4

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THE INDEPENDENT NEWS - MAY 19, 1994

EDITORIALS ■ - —————-—————

THE FIRST STEP Ever since Bill Clinton was elected as our president, he has pursued some of the issues he used in his campaigning for the presidency. Candidates always give plans for a lot of things and very often few of them are seriously considered. This is not just because of the President, as the leaders, regardless of who they are, must get their programs through Congress. A government set up as thoroughly as ours with protections built into the system, often now turns against progress as is the case a lot of times, everything becomes a “political” issue instead of the intended matter. Health care is the number one thing that has caused a lot of talk and controversary. As it was presented, we do not approve of Bill Clinton’s plan in several areas, but we must give the man all the credit in the world, he at least has Congress and almost everyone thinking and talking about health care reform. This is seriously needed. After years of nothing being done, as soon as Clinton announced his program, everyone else and their brother had things to say. This is very healthy for the country. It will not be a plan as submitted by anyone that will come out of this, but together the two sides surely will pound out some type of agreement that will be a step forward. President Clinton has taken a lot of flack . . . often more than deserved. Accusations have been made on a multitude of subjects. He has had problems in this country, overseas, in personal life and about everything else the public could throw at him and basically still stands behind his guns as he tries to lead this country. Regardless of one’s politics, or of their personal feelings in these matters, the average person knows very little, but hears all the trash talk and accusations made by a lot of finger pointing people. Mr. Clinton still is our president and should be treated and respected as such until he proves otherwise. A lot of years have come and gone without strong leadership in the white house and years when little was accomplished or even attempted to be done. Now that we have a leader who is trying, it is time the country gives him a chance. He is no more than a human being serving in the highest elected position in our land. He deserves consideration and respect for his position and the job he is attempting to do. Personally, I get a little tired of not just the case of the President, but people in the public eye who are constantly targets of the glory seekers, mud slingers, scandal sheet tabloids and many scandal-mouthed people who have no real goal other than to try for personal gain or fame by such tactics. Whether it be an athlete, a politician, an entertainer, etc., until they prove themselves wrong, let them live their own lives and go their own way. It is what we want in our lives, why not extend that courtesy to others? It really doesn’t hurt!

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE 'V Jib, * ^9 “ It ' ' "I#! « i UK. This tombstone at Porter Rea shows damage by lawnmowers. The stone was placed in 1874 on the grave of Friedrick Stieme, whose parents immigrated from Germany to Union Township in 1853. It is a beautifully carved 19th century stone. Further damage will cause the stone to break below the engraving. “Disappearing And Damaged Tombstone* At Peter Rea” To some member of the local community, the preservation of historic places is of great importance. To other, old places, such as historic cemeteries, seem un-

important. To the former group this is a sad state of affairs. I would like to bring public attention to a very speical place in our local community — the Porter Rea Cemetery. Porter Rea was originally a neighborhood cemetery, serving as a final resting place for many of the earliest pioneer families of Liberty and Union Townships. Today, this cemetery is found within the boundaries of Potato Creek State Park, but is an entirely separate entity, maintained by a cemetery association formed in 1888. The DNR has no jurisdiction over the cemetery, but has graciously cooperated with the families who own plots or who have ancestors buried there by allowing free access to the cemetery. Preservation of this site is obviously not of major importance to those making decisions there. The Board is not active. Efforts by one board member to bring the board together to discuss how the historic 19th century tombstones might be protected have failed. These stones are currently being damaged by lawnmowers and only efforts by a few others in the community have worked toward repair. The character of this cemetery is being forever lost as stones continue to be damaged. Members of the local community may not realize how significant this site is to the history of our community. Four generations of my family are buried there. Many of you also have ancestors buried there. Many of them came here in the 1830’s. This is a very special place for us. It is our heritage. Family members who own plots

may not realize that stones are being hit by lawnmowers, fragments buried or removed, fallen stones over grown by grass, and efforts to preserve the stones simply ignored. This cemetery's historic tombstones reflect the genealogy of thousands of descendants, yet cemetery representatives have refused to allow the local genealogy society to microfilm records. Microfilm records allow descendants throughout the United States to research their family history. Why is this denied them? Attitudes such as these eventually lead to the devastation of stones and to the very character of such a fragile site. Change must focus on preservation. Damage must stop. Please help save our heritage by supporting efforts to protect and perserve tombstones and to increase awareness of how important this site is to our heritage. Interested persons may contact Becky Ross of North Liberty at P. 0. Boz 189. A “Good Gwy’a” Profound Impact Among us dwell many types; those that make loud noises and those that make the area in which they live the better for them having lived and worked there. Such a man, a quiet man, has lived and worked in Walkerton for many years and now has, characteristically, quietly retired with little notice from all of us who have benefited from his labors. Jollie Back’s short time in the superintendency of Town Utilities and Street Services speaks most forcefully when viewed in the light of accomplishments and advances made during the ’B7 to ’94 years! Did you know that: He served on the Town of Walkerton’s Utilities Advisory Board all during his superintendency? He served on the negotiating committee that negotiated the present contract for electric energy between Walkerton and NIPSCO? That contract reduced electric rates 23% for 10 years. Aided in establishing the first Electric Department’s budget, effective in ’B7. This made electric rate setting possible with more accuracy and provided a “review mechanism” to monitor department performance. (Later Water, Sewer & Street Departments budgets were produced using the experience gained from the Electric Department.) He initiated and completed the “cutover” of all the Town’s street lighting from mercury vapor to high pressure sodium lights. This provided an annual saving of 25-30% in electric energy charges, while providing at least 15% more illumination! He accomplished the upgrading and "cut-over” from 4KV to 12.5 KV of the Town’s "country” electric lines at a saving of in excess of SIOO,OOO as opposed to having it done by outside contractors. In addition, in a six-year period, he supervised the complete "cutover" of the Town’s electric service from 4 KV to 12.5 KV. This provided a more stable and dependable energy source and reduced "line losses” some 3% or more, a saving in dollars of approximately $27,000 annually! The service should remain serviceable for the next 15-20 years. He procurred circuit maps that can be updated annually. This provided information for plant inventory and evaluation, as well as a vital source of information in case of a catastrophy, such as a tornado. He supervised the extension of electrical service to the new Northeast Industrial Park, providing dual source provisions for a more dependable system. He has directed and overseen the installation of power factor meters at power service customers. This will allow the Town to bill the customer fully, as the electric rate schedule provides. He coordinated the study and meter installation for the experi-

mental special electric rate for a metal melting industry. This special rate utilized the customer’s generating capability to reduce the Town's demand charges from NIPSCO. During his superintendency, with major assistance from Jeff Zehner, the Sewage Treatment Plant was modified to provide better and less odorous treatment, while providing an approximate 50% saving in electrical energy charges. Also scheduled sewer inspection, clean-out, and maintenance was initiated. Use of a modem "suction” truck with equipment to perform these tasks was started. By the way, the truck and equipment was paid for from revenue generated from sewer charges. During his superintendency, the sewer system was extended to the Southwest Industrial Park and several sections in the area were upgraded to meet state mandated standards. His Street Department personnel aided in the restoration of street surfaces and grass areas damaged by the project. Under Jollie’s direction, the Town, in five years, completely requipped, upgraded and increased its mobile mechanical service equipment for the Electrical, Water, Sewer and Street Departments. It is imperitive to note, that this equipment was paid for when purchased, by planning and using revenues from intelligently set rate?, and supervision of the various departments by Jollie. Jollie directed the upgrading of streets annually. Both drainage and surfacing was addressed. Some street sweeping was also undertaken. Fall leaf pickup at curbside with vacuum equipment was initiated and continues to eliminate the leaf burning problems. A new service brought about during Jollie’s watch. Jollie, with the able assistance of David Bolze, obtained engineering studies of the water distribution system and the "projected” water flow during various use conditions. Additionally, updating of maps of the water system was undertaken. Jollie obtained a relining of the water treatment holding tank, eliminating the need for a most costly replacement. He provided supervision of several hundred manhours expended in "in kind” work during the Downtown Renovation along Roosevelt Road. Jollie has overseen, with the aid of Dave Bolze and Jeff Zehner, the updating of the routine tests mandated by the State on water and sewage treatment plants. With ever increasingly stringent requirements, the work load in these departments has greatly increased. Jollie was part of a task force charged with the creation of a "Jobs Description — Jobs Classification” recommended structure for the Town’s utility departments personnel. He was also instrumental in drawing up a recommended organizational chart for utility departments. He is again serving on the committee representing Walkerton in negotiations upcoming for a new contract for electrical energy when the present 10 year contract expires. That is but a few of the great number of services that this quiet man has provided we fellow citizens of the Walkerton area. It all has been done withnu* fanfare, with gentle persuasiveness and a desire to see the project done well and expeditiously. Jollie is a quiet man of action, providing a profound improvement in the quality of life about him. May he ever continue his contributions to keeping Walkerton “In touch with the future!” Well done, indeed, neighbor, friend and fellow citizen! We all salute you. Have a long, healthy and happy retirement. Roman Brehm 1159 Lake, 5.R.23 Walkerton, IN 46574 (219)586-3961

“Finally” Goblette, the turkey, has finally hatched! While 1 was out hanging clothes, Goblette brought over her four babies for my inspection. One of the cats decided that a fresh baby turkey would be tasty. Momma had different ideas. I sure was glad that I wasn’t on the receiving end of that peck. Martha, our other gal turkey, was killed a couple of weeks ago, by a neighbor’s dog. Now that their job is done, Ichabod and Jeff are just loafing in the pasture. Roy found our little white hen setting on an overfull nest of eggs. Two geese and one duck are still setting. For right now that is all the news from the Fowl Farm. 1 think that I was honored by being elected to the Chamber of Commerce Board, but after attending my first meeting and coming out having being put on three committees, I don’t know about that. Mr. Gene Reese was elected as the Board chairman. His article in the paper stated that he was probably crazy to take the job. 1 agreed that he was crazy. That is probably why I am the chairman of the Pumpkin Festival. Ido want to say that the Chamber has some great things lined up for the coming year. The first thing is a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast to be held May 29th at the Koontz Lake Lions Park. Posters and flyers are being distributed. Serving will be from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Jan Davison, from the Koontz House Bed and Breakfast, is heading this event, so be sure and come eat with us. The Great Pumpkin committee will be selling raffle tickets shortly. The W.I.N. Coupon Book committee has had its first meeting. The coupon books will be sold for $5.00 each. Hopefully they will be on the market on the Fourth of July or sooner. The Chamber wants to do many things, but, like any other organizations. it take money to fulfill their projects. If any of you want to work on these committees, let us know. Workers are another item in short supply. It is Tuesday and my date with Phil is waiting. Sincerely, Nedra Williams MAJORITY FEARS CLINTON HEALTH REFORM BILL (HNN) — According to a recent New York Times poll, 57% of Americans surveyed feared the Cinton health reform bill will rasie their own health care costs, reports Health News Network, the news service of the Indiana Association of Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons. But only 10% said they had heard about another plan they liked better. And 83% said they felt it was very important that every American receives health insurance coverage. * The public’s biggest health care concern remains costs and what some of them described as "hospital rip-offs”. Many rural and small-town hospitals are operating at a deficit. LITTLE LEAGUE PITCHERS OFTEN HURT THEIR ARMS (HNN) — Many Little League baseball pitchers frequently hurt their arms, reports Health News Network, the news service of the Indiana Association of Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons. Too often the little pitchers practice too long and throw too hard. The so-called "Little League Elbow” is caused by the stress of throwing overhand. It is painful and often puts the youngsters out for 2 to 6 weeks (Physician & Sports Medicine — March 90). Experts recommend better warm-ups before throwing and urge coaches to limit their young players to 90 to 110 pitches per game to prevent injuries. Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age. —Victor Hugo