Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 101, Number 31, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 5 January 1978 — Page 4

Nappanee Advance-News Thursday, January 5, 1978

Page 4

Editorial comment and opinion

Controversy continues In the first few days of the Now Yoar, a pioco of old business involving the Nappanoo Police Dept., and Board of Public Works and Safety remains to be resolved. Concerned citizens are wondering what further developments there might be if the dispute between Police Chief Thomas L. Rohr, and Patrolman Terrance E. Finnigan is allowfdio continue. Charges and counter-charges have been submitted and or filed by both men, in which each accuses the other of alleged disobedience of the Rules and Regulations governing the Nappanee Police Dept. All of the charges are a matter of public record, and as such are available for examination by the public. Police Chief Rohr first filed formal charges against Patrolman Finniaan in October of 1977, with the Board of Public Works & Safety, as is required by Indiana State Law. Rohr's original charges listed several sections of the police department's Rule 4 4 Regulations that Finnigan was to have allegedly violated. In a counter move, Finnigan, on Dec. 10, submitted a list of charges to the Board of Public Works & Safety, against Rohr, for also allegedly violating the departmental Rules & Regulations. In Finnigans charges, there were more specific incidents cited, giving dates and times when they presumably took place. He has claimed that there ore witnesses that will testify as to the truth of the allegations. The resulting publicity, from Finnigan's action, by the communication media, further embroiled Nappanee citizens and the Board in the controversy. Then, on Dec. 24, at the Board of Public Works & Safety meeting, Rohr submitted an amended list of his charges on Finnigan, in which he cited specific incidents, dates, times, and places. New proposed hearing dates for Finnigan have been set for Jan. 19, 20, and 23, subject to approval of the attorneys of records. At the time of the hearing, witnesses will be summoned to support Rohrs charges. it is doubtful that the Board will institute action on Finnigan's charges until after these hearings are finished, and a decision made. The Nappanee Board of Public Works & Safety, as the governing body, is caught in the middle of the entire controversy surrounding the Rohr vs Finnigan allegations. They have been bombarded by questions from residents who are demanding immediate action. Hearing dates have been set by the attorneys, and then postponed or rescheduled. In the meantime, the board is powerless to act, in accordance with Indiana Code No. 18-1-11-3, which requires that a hearing or trial be held before any action is taken involving the employee in question. Finnigan's status with the police department is still unclear; although he has not been on active duty for the past three months he remains on the department payroll. Tc fill in some background; Finnigan was hired by the Nappanee Board of Public Works & Safety, April 1, 1976, as a patrolman for the Nappanee Police Dept., pursuant to final approval of incoming police chief, Tom Rohr. Finnigan, is a graduate of LaSalle High School, father of four children, and at the time of his acceptance was studying for his associate degree in Criminal Justice at lUSB. A year later, a letter was received by the Nappanee AdvanceNews, and printed on April 21, 1977, in which Finnigan expressed his growing involvement with the community, the satisfaction he felt in helping people with their problems, and liking the diversification of his duties with the police dept. He had originally planned to specialize in Criminal Justice at some future date in a much larger city. According to Rohr's amended charges filed on Dec. 24, 1977 the date of the first incident where Finnigan was in violation, was approximqtely one month later. May 17, or until June 1. Indiana State Law, Indiana Code No. 18-1-11-3, revised 1971, concerning the disciplining, dismissing, or reinstatement of a public employee is complex and o more detailed explanation is needed. When an individual is employed by a private concern, business or industry, and does not live up to his employer's expectation, or his own potential, he is reprimanded, disciplined, and if after a period of time the situation,does not improve, he is dismissed. However, public employees are protected by an Indiana Law first enacted in 1905, that requires a hearing or trial be held before any action can be taken against the employee in question. The Indiana Law-lndiana Code 18-1-11-3, revised 1971, Disciplining firemen and policemen, complements certain provisions found in union contracts, and in many ways is patterned after the rules and regulations regarding union members. It states in part; "Every member of the fire and police forces, appointed by the mayor, the commissioners of public safety——shall hold office until they are removed by said board. They may be removed for any cause other than politics after written notice is served upon them in person or by copy left at his last place of residence notifying him or her of time and place of hearing, and after an opportunity for a hearing is given, if demanded, and the written reasons for such removal shall be entered upon the records of such board. On the conviction in any court of a member of the said—police force, (etc. etc.) of any criminal offense, or upon a finding and decision of the board that any such member has been or is guilty of (describes the various offenses), such commissioners shall have power to punish the offending party by reprimand, forfeiture, suspension without pay, dismissal or reducing him or her to a lower grade and pay." Police Chief Rohr, acting in his capacity as head of the police dept., and in accordance with due process of, law described in Indiana Code 18-1-11-3, revised 1971, filed charges with the Board of Public Works & Safety on Oct. 31, tor alleged violations committed by Finnigan over a period of six months. A preliminary hearing date for Nov. 29, was set at that time. . It was the unanimous decision of the board that until the time the public hearing was held, andJjie charges aired, Finnigan should be relieved from active duty wdjn the police dept. However, according to law until the results g/Ta public hearing are known he is still considered a member of the department, and as such is entitled to all departmental benefits. Referring again to Indiana Code 18-1-11-3, revised 1971, the second paragraph, the charges submitted by Finnigan against Rohr might possibly be premature. He is still considered a member of the police department, and will be until the findings of the board are concluded. .Quoting from the above code in part, "Any member of such force who is dismissed from such force or is suspended therefrom —shall have the right to appeal, but shall not have the right of appeal from any other decision." Whatever, the outcome of the Rohr vs Finnigan hearing, we earnestly hope a firm date is set soon, so that the matter be concluded. The publicity surrounding the allegations has put Nappanee in the spotlight in a manner which it neither desires or deserves. .The character assassination perpetrated by both of the men places the integrity of the entire police department in doubt. Persons in public service should exemplify a life style that can be emulated not maligned. Guest Editorial By Jo Michael

■ Federal health care guidelines published as the result of a federal law threaten both the quality of health care in Indiana and the ability of Hoosiers to have a voice in decisions which 'affect their lives Congress, in reordering health care priorities through the National Health Planning and Resources Developme'nt Act. places the goal of putting a lid on costs as the number one ob|ective It does so through a planning process that excludes state government and prevents citizens from having any real role in molding policies Two groups would control health care planning On the one hand would be the federal bureaucracy and on the other would be regional health planning boards who are not accountable to the voters. Based upon the guidelines published in September by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. more than one-half of the pediatTTtr hospitals would be closed Now 112 hospitals'jn Indiana offer obstetric services Under the new rules, only 13 would qualify as having occupancy levels deemed necessary by so-called federal

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by U.S. Senator Birch Bayh

“When tillage begins,” American statesman Daniel Webster said more than 130 years ago, “other arts follow. Farmers, therefore, are the founders of human civilization.” Daniel Webster and other past great American leaders understood the importance of agriculture in a growing, vibrant natiefi. Agriculture is the basis of civilization and is recognized as a naturally important part of human existence. Yet, we are facing a crisis in American agriculture today. This year’s hard work and reasonably good weather have produced record crops, but net farm income will total, in constant dollars, the lowest figure since the 19305, and the outlook is much the same for 1978. The paradox is that bumper crops produce low prices unless an outlet or outlets can be found for the sale of abundant harvests. Farmers need to find new markets for extra food being produced across the country. There are several important efforts underway to expand agricultural markets, which would use up surpluses and increase farm incomes. The increased demand through new markets could pave the way fqr more stable and adequate incomes for' farmers without complicated government intervention. The past administration has led American farmers to believe in ever increasing demands for products. It would be dishonest and misleading to suggest this is true. We cannot have fence row to fence row production on American farms and generate the demand, under all and each year, to use that supply at a reasonable return to the farmer. Yet it is the greatest responsibility of our federal farm policy to encourage the development of new farm products and new markets that will permit full production at a good income. I believe there are three rrtajor options open to American agriculture: expanding our sales of agricultural commodities to foreign markets, using

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thanks for support

Dear Editor: The Kiwanis Club of Nappanee would like to take this to say THANK YOU to all area citizens who purchased their Christmas tree at the Kiwanis lot this year. Your support of this fund-raising project was instrumental in earning funds that will be used throughout the year for youth and

NAPPANEE ADVANCE NEWS USW. Market St., Nappanee, IN. 44SS0 Pit. 77J-JII7 Published Thursday—Entered at the Post Office at Nappanee, Indiana, as Second Class Matter under the Act df March 3, 1177. Dale A. Tobias *4.JO per yai—lndiana General Manaper *7.00 per year—Outside Indiana Ki ATI f C Pictures for publication are welcome, but no picture will be returned by mail IN \J I IV- C unless e self-addressed stamped envelope Is sent with It. No charpo tor pobllohliid pictures, news stories or announcements. ■ ctTCDC Letters to the Editor ora always opproclotod. Letters must be stfned Lt I I Cl\ J (handwritten) end doted. Letters may be mailed to: Advance Nows, 1M West Market St., Nappanee, Indiana 44SM. r.r a ni IKI C C Classified advertisina deadlines ere Friday at noon. DtnULIINCd Too Lotos ere due on Monday at live o'clock. Olsploy advertising deadlines are Friday at noon.

Capitol Commentary Governor Otis R. Bowen

wjsdom to merit continued existence. There would be a substantial impact upon the services offered by four out of every five Hoosier hospitals Much of that impact would dilute the variety of services provided Yet. the whole process was supposed to improve health services. I have urged the Secretary of Health. Education and Welfare to scrap those guidelines and come forth with something more sensible Aside from the fact' that the federal plan is just plain bad policy, it is a dangerous approach because the citizens and states have no voice in an issue so fundamental as health care. Instead, the decisions would be m the hands of organizations that are creatures and captives of the federal government. They are not accountable to you or -anyonp elsp ___ ' Americans want quality health services at a reasonable cost This plan won't achieve that aim It is another assault on the democratic process and it ought to be a matter of deep concern to every one of us

BAYH - lines From Washington

more of our crops here at home and pursuing the use of agricultural and forestry products as renewable energy sources so we can grow crops for fuel as well as for feed and food. Because farmers depend on exports for 20 per cent of their income, it is essential we take action to improve our foreign agricultural trade position. We need to develop an aggressive foreign trade that respects the rights of foreign farmers and serves world humanitarian needs as well as American business and farm ends. We can do this through existing programs, opening new markets and establishing grain reserves. In the private market area, we need to seek new customers and reduce trade barriers, an effective policy only if we have thorough information on new potential world demands. We also must expand uses and outlets for crops here at home. The new sugar program, if regulated carefully, could provide such an opportunity. At the same time, thi§ program improves the competitiveness of corn sweeteners, which account for the use of tens of millions of bushels of Indiana corn each year. Indiana is the center of this new industry and I have been consistently working with my Senate colleagues and the Administration to encourage its continued growth. Nationwide, the expansion of livestock and poultry production will be healthy if coupled with an aggressive export policy and will increase feed demands. It is now predicted that wheat feeding may double and soybean meal increase by eight per cent in the coming year. One example of a renewable resource for energy is alcohol fuels, derived from products of our nation’s farms and forests and through reclamation of wastes. Alcohol fuels are the most apparent and exploitable renewable energy sources available today.

community service projects. In addition, the Kiwanis Club of Nappanee expresses their gratitude to the numerous individuals and business agencies who contributed equipment or services that enabled this project to be a huge success. Sincerely, * THE KIWANIS CLUB OF NAPPANEE

Lugar, Staff complete tour (

U.S. Senator Dick Lugar announced recently that he and his staff have fulfilled a campaign promise to make personal visits to each of the state's 92 counties during Lugar's first year in office. A trip earlier this week by staff members to Ohio and Switzerland counties completed the circuit. Lugar personally traveled through 44 counties during 1977, 15 of them more than once. Lake County and Tippecanoe County, with five separate visits each, topped the list. "Our commitrtient to this aggressive outreach program is an extension of the 1976 campaign, with its emphasis on personal campaigning and grass roots organization," Lugar observed. "In learning how to be effective on behalf of Indiana, we have found no substitute for first-hand acquaintance with a county, its people, its elected officials, and its particular problems." In between visits to a county, Lugar continues to be advised about local issues and problems by volunteer County Coordinators, many but not all of whom are veterans of the 1976 campaign. Each Coordinator hdads a committee of volunteer citizens who represents Lugar at Community meetings, provide transportation, housing, and schedule assistance when Lugar or the staff come into a county, and file regular reports on (peal developments. "This ongoing volunteer network has been invaluable in insuring that our time in each county is productively spent, and that I am kept well aware of citizen opinion and of opportunities to be of service," Lugar commented. Lugar said that, given she success of the outreach effort, reaching every county every year will remain an objective of his office in the future.

Health tip Almost everyone agrees today that smoking is bad for your health. Almost all smokers agree that they ought to quit. But quitting isn't all that easy. There are all sorts of gimmicks, medications, clinics, and other aids to help you quit smoking. Most of them will work for some people. None of them will work for all people. Over 30 million Americans have found a successful way to quit smoking. Including most doctors. Physicians see the brutal effects of smoking on their patients' bodies.and decide for themselves to quit. The decision to quit smoking is a personal one. Many people quit because they wish to get rid of the effects tobacco ali'Sady has had on them, like a chronic cough, or to prevent future health problems, like lung cancer. Others quit in hope their children will never take up the habit, or because they can think of better ways to spend their money. The American Medical Association's pamphlet: Smoking: Facts You Should Know, offers some hints that have worked for other ex-smokers. Some people do gain weight when they quit smoking. They have a fresher and stronger taste for food, and they may use food as a substitute for smoking. But there is no actual relationship to weight gain and apifHng smoking. Your doctor cannfuggest a diet to hold down the extra pounds.

FUNNY BUSINESS

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The Salt Shaker

By Al Shifflett

We've moved into anew year 1978. But are we sure? In 46 B.C. the Roman calendar was 80 days behind the sun. Julius Caesar decided to put an end to such nonsense. He called for a reputable Egyptian astronomer and they decided to allow the year 46 B.C. to run 445 days in order to clear up the calendar (365-80). So 46 B.C. became known as the longest year, and the year of confusion. It certainly hasn't been the last year of confusion. In 45 B.C. the Romans adopted a modified Egyptian calendar in which five extra days at the end of the year were distributed throughout the year, giving us months of uneven length. We should have seven 30 day months, and five 31 day months, but the Romans considered February an unlucky month so they stuck us with one 28 day month. Caesar and his astronomer established every 4th year as one of 366 days. This is the "Julian year" after Julius, of course. The Council of Nicaea in 325 B.C. adopted the Julian calendar for the Christian Church. Unfortunately, the Julidtryear, is on the average, 11 minutes and V 4 seconds too long. So by 1 263 A.D. the Julian year had actually gained eight days on the sun. This would eventually put Easter in midsummer, and Christmas in the spring, if allowed to continue. Roger Bacon took note of the problem and sent a letter to the Pope in 1263. The Pope referred the complicated matter to a committee. Three centuries later in 1582 Pope Gregory XIII pulled it out of a committee and took action! He dropped 10 days from the calendar, changing Oct. 5, 1582 to Oct, 15, 1582. And to keep the calendar from doing such a thing to us again, Gregory figured out a new calendar—the Gregorian calendar. But the problem remained. Every 3400 years the Gregorian cqlendar gains a full day on the sun. The problem was further complicated by the Protestant movement in Northern Europe. By 1582 A.D. the nations would far sooner be out of step with the sun in accordance with the dictates of the pagan Caesar, then consent to be corrected by the Pope. So they stubbornly kept to the Julian year. It was bound to happen. The Julian calendar had 1700 as a leap year, and the Gregorian calendar did not. By March 1, 1700 the Julian calendar was a full day ahead of the sun (11 days altogether). Denmark, the Netherlands, and Protestant Germany gave in and adopted the Gregorian calendar. Great Britain and the American colonies held out until 1752. Finally, they gave in. Sept. 2, 1752, was changed to Sept: 13, 1752 to make up the discrepancy. People were fit to be tied. Legislation had made them 11 days older. Although the third quarter of 1752 was 11 days short, landlords calmly charged a full quarters rent! George Washington showed remarkable poise for a man with wooden false teeth-and he accepted the change. He was born Feb. 22, 1732 on the Gregorian calendar, but the date recorded in the family Bible had to be the Julian date of Feb. 11, 17321 Now let’s see-what is the date again?

ly Roger Bollen