The Independent-News, Volume 122, Number 19, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 19 September 1996 — Page 4

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- INDEPENDENT NEWS — SEPTEMBER 19, 1996

I VOICE OF THE PEOPLE I

A year ago this September 16th my daughter, Kimberly Dawn (Williams) Tripp and her husband, Dennis Tripp, were killed in a tragic car wreck in Koontz Lake. Kim was a beloved daughter, mother and sister. This tragedy orphaned three small children who will grow up without the benefit of their mother. It has also left myself and Kim’s two sisters with a feeling of loss that I know will never go away. What of the person accused of responsibility for this? Well, through legal maneuvering and delay, he has yet to see the inside of a courtroom let alone the inside of a jail cell. Thus far, several trial dates have been set, each have been answered at the last minute with some delay pushing it further into the future. On each occasion, it has left all of us who knew and loved Kim emotionally drained with our feelings of grief newly stirred. Surely, this is not justice. On this mournful anniversary it is my wish to elevate the thoughts of my daughter in the minds of those who knew her and bring her circumstances alive to those who didn’t. Through this, perhaps, justice may someday be served. Then my family and myself will have a sense of closure to accompany this sense of loss. Maybe then, once my grandchildren are older, I will be able to tell them that justice is alive in this land - it has not been

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forgotten. Kim will always be greatly missed by all who knew her, but her memory will always be with us. She will never be forgotten. Sincerely, Kathy Williams BOARD MEETINGS I like to attend the Town Board meetings, when there is an important issue at stake. Meaning, maybe I am going to see fireworks. Invaribly I miss the good ones and attend the quiet ones. Such was the case last Town Board meeting in Walkerton. I had been hearing grumbles and noise about’ the grant for the housing area and how the money was needed elsewhere. Wouldn’t you believe it, when all the presentations were given and the vote taken, the ayes outnumbered the nays and the question settled, quietly. The other Board meeting that I attended, North Liberty, on the other hand was more noisy. I felt sorry for the guests that were invited and not given the courtesy of listening by the audience. It seems that good manners are not followed if you are against something. The president of the Board did chide the audience, telling them that the speakers were invited to talk, and all would be given likewise, the opportunity. The opposition speaker, whom, very few in the audience knew, and does not live in North Liberty, was very vehement in pushing her moral views to

the audience. At times, I felt that I was attending a revival with all of the yelling and foot stomping and clapping. The Proponets were not as adequately prepared and so there were no fiery speakers extolling the benefits. The Town Board was very attentive and hopefully openminded. The political tirade given was totally a political speech, not a question. I like North Liberty and the majority of its’ people, but if I wanted to put a business in that area, and having attended a meeting of the populace like this one, I, wouldn’t even consider it. I’d take my chances on Walkerton. I don’t want any letters or telephone calls questioning my morals or thoughts. Nobody knows my views on this matter. My feelings are that we need to listen with the ears that God gave us and then use the mind also given us to decide. There are always two sides to every question, and I value that right to decide for myself. I do have a question for North Liberty, where do you get all the handsome young men to serve on your Board? Many of you know Keith Dipert, son of Louis and grandson of Floyd. Sonny stopped in the other day and said that Keith is improving and wanted to tell everyone “Hello.” The Great Pumpkin Festival is coming along quite nicely. Julie and her jaunty band are putting in many long hours getting everything ready. Last week we had our meeting at Grandma’s Attic. We ate our way through the meeting. We even had a

fight over the black gumdrops. I had to share. If you need a booth, give Mary a call at 586-3550. The next meeting is Thursday, Sept. 19th (tonight) at the Blue Lagoon. Maybe we’ll have black jelly beans. It is said that Cleanliness is next to Godliness, but I think that reasoning is. Sincerely Nedra Williams WHO ARE THEY? John Glenn Freshman Football Team — Who are they? We know your not recognized like the rest of the teams, but we, the parents know who you are. Over the last couple of years undefeated in 94, only two losses because of injuries in 95 and now 2-1 with the only loss against a North Judson Jr. Varsity. You showed us that the loss of one player doesn’t mean giving up. You came out with great courage in the second half and almost beat the oversized Judson team. We want you to know that we’re behind you 110% and we love each and every one of you. Freshman Football Parents

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PRO CASINO As a resident of St. Joseph County, I would like to voice my opinion. Beginning with the Sept. 11, 1996 North Liberty Town Board meeting. I and alot of St. Joseph Co. residents can’t believe the town council could turn an informational meeting into a one-sided vote. Not counting the way Mike from Pokagan Band of Indians and Brian from Harrah’s were treated. Not one North Liberty board member offered them a chair or welcomed them back to North Liberty and some of the residents treated them with no respect. If the people would look at the positive side towards the casino they would understand that our John Glenn School System, Town of North Liberty, County government and State would receive millions of dollars not counting the jobs in this area. So if the people of the community wouldn’t think so negative and put more positive towards the casino and let North Liberty grow. Just look at Walkerton and how it has grown and is still growing. Taxpayer