The Independent-News, Volume 122, Number 8, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 4 July 1996 — Page 1

VOLUME 122; NUMBER 8

New State Laws Take Effect Monday, July Ist Several new state laws adopted by the 1996 Indiana General Assembly became effective July Ist touch on a variety of issues, including: tougher crime penalties, health care and government deregulation. New laws taking effect include: * Maximum Maternity Benefits. Doctors, not insurance companies, will now have the final say on the length of hospital stays for newborns and mothers. This new law will put an end to the practice of insurance companies mandating that women be released from the hospital 24 hours after a natural birth or 48 hours after a Cesarean. * Government Deregulation. Most state agencies will be required to review existing rules every seven years. This new law will aid Indiana’s departments, such as the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Environmental Management, in eliminating burdensome, outdated and unnecessary laws. * Automated BMV. Hoosiers can now see more efficient service from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Drivers will soon be able to renew their license plates via automated self-service machines and will be able to register their car at auto dealerships. * Child Molestation. Juveniles age 14 and older will be required to register with local police if they are convicted of child molestation. (Prior to this' law, only adults convicted of child molestation were required to register on a statewide, public list.) ♦ Felons Working on Riverboats. The Indiana Gaming Commission will be prohibited from allowing a convicted felon to work in a riverboat gaming facility if he or she has been convicted of certain felonies related to gambling. * Campaign Finance Reform. Gambling interests, including riverboat casinos and pari-mutuel horse

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tracks, will be prohibited from making political contributions. * Trafficking With An Inmate. Anyone caught trafficking an illegal substance with an inmate will be committing a Class C felony (previously a Class A misdemeanor), punishable by two to eight years in prison or a maximum SIO,OOO fine. This new law will help stem the flow of drugs into our correctional facilities and should make them safer for correction officers and prisoners. * Insurance for Domestic Abuse Victims. Insurance companies cannot discriminate against victims of domestic abuse. Too often, someone who has been a victim of domestic abuse is further victimized by an insurance company upon the purchase of a new accident or life insurance policy. Insurance companies cannot deem domestic abuse victims “high risk,” without other cause. ♦ Firearms. For the first time, judges can sentence felons to an additional five years in prison if they use a firearm in the commission of a felony causing serious bodily injury or death. This new law penalizes violent criminals who use firearms illegally and protects those who choose to own a gun and use it lawfully. * Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident causing death will be committing a Class C felony (previously a Class D felony), punishable by two to eight years imprisonment.

Nichole Jean Laßere was born' on June 27 to Tina Bragg and David Laßere at Memorial Hospital, South Bend. She weighed in at six pounds and 11 ounces and measured 19'/2 inches long. She was welcomed home by brother Patrick. Grandparents are Marilyn and Dick Brantley, Ron and Shirley Laßere and James and Thursa Personette, all of Walkerton.

WALKERTON, INDIANA

Summer Recreation To Begin July Bth In Walkerton Ofc Beginning Monday, July Bth, the Walkerton Park and Recreation Department will be holding a six-week summer recreation program. Any child age eight to 14 is invited to attend. The summer recreation program will be held Monday thru Friday, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Place Park. Join the fun for the entire six weeks or for a couple of days a week. A variety of activities are being planned for your summer enjoyment. If you wish to participate include your name, address, phone and ago on a slip of paper and drop it off at the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, 510 Roosevelt Road, Walkerton or at the Walkerton Public Library, 607 Roosevelt Road. Float-A-Rama At Koontz Lake Sunday, July 7th The Koontz Lake Association has chosen B--100 (WBYT) as their main media outlet for this years Float-A-Rama, set for Sunday, July 7th, on Koontz Lake. The new format for this years event will be the judging and awarding of prize money. For the “Best Os Show” entry the prize is $125.00; first runner-up, SIOO cash; 2nd place, SSO and for third place $25.00 will be awarded. Line-up will be at 2:30 p.m. on July 7th at Dockside Restaurant, on the west shore of Koontz Lake with the parade to begin at 3:00 p.m.

BIRTH

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 1996

Please Make A Wish Come True For A 7 Year Old A little seven-year-old boy is dying from a brain tumor and has asked the Children’s Wish Foundation for a “Special Wish To Come True.” This wish is one that you can help • with as he has asked to receive a million get well cards by August 15, 1996 so he can make the Guiness Book of Records before he dies. Cards may be made or bought, but please help by sending them to: Craig Shirgold, in care of the Children’s Wish Foundation, 32 Perimeter Center East, Atlanta, GA 30346. They have sent this request to churches, Scouting organizations, Youth Centers and is passed along here in the Walkerton area by the Orville Easterday American Legion Post 189. Won’t you help! Benefit Planned For Military Honor Park The Michiana Regional Airport Authority, in total support for a Military Honor Park, has donated four-acres of prime real estate, located on Lincolnway West, South Bend for said park. The plans for the honor park will be in five phases and will take the next two years to complete. The goal of this unique park is to recognize, acknowledge and honor all veterans from the Michiana area, both living and deceased. A benefit for the park has been set for Sunday, July 21 at the Crumstown Conservation Club with an Elvis Look-Alike, Irv Cass, to be on hand. Gates will open at 12 noon until 6 p.m. The Elvis show will be at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the Walkerton American Legion Post 189 or from any veteran organization or Martins Supermarkets and they are $7 in advance and will be $8 at the gate. Editor’s Note: More on the Military Honor Park to

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County Option Tax Defeated In Court Monday The lawsuit brought forth by the Citizens for Common Sense, Inc. against St. Joseph County in reference to the county’s new option income tax was defeated Monday, July Ist •by a decision handed down by Marshall Circuit Judge Michael D. Cook. Judge Cook was the special judge to rule in the case which was filed in April by the Citizens for Common Sense Inc. challenging the proposed tax due to the county’s failure to legally advertise the public hearing ten days prior to the February 20th hearing and vote by the County Council. The failure by the County Council to comply with the legal notice requirement made the tax ordinance void and unenforceable. The case was filed against the county, the cities of South Bend and Mishawaka and the State Department of Revenue, since all are involved with the tax. Options by the county are to do nothing and try again next year or to file an appeal within 30 days. Meanwhile the tax is being collected through withholding on payroll checks and a credit will be provided on next year’s state taxes to those who are affected by said tax. *** From 1791 to 1802 the U.S. Government was supported by internal taxes on distilled spirits, carriages, refined sugar, tobacco and snuff, property sold at auction, corporate bonds and slaves. **♦ On July 30, 1956, “In God We Trust” became the national motto of all currency printed in the United States. NOTICE Jim’s Barber Shop, Koontz Lake, will close July 20th and will re-open on July 30th. 3tjylßp come to you in future issues of your “Hometown” paper.