Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 125, Number 43, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 23 October 2002 — Page 4

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Advance News • Wednesday, October 23, 2002

Thanks for support TO THE ADVANCE NEWS: Mr. Houser and the members of the North Wood High School Red Regiment wish to acknowledge and thank the following major sponsors and patrons for their support of the “March to Indy” and the 2002 Red Regiment marching band season. We could not have done it without you. Best In Class Sponsors: Stull Builders, Inc., Monaco Coach, Don, Chris and Mindy Abel, Kiwanis Club of Nappanee n, Sprint—Roger Fisher, Psi lota Xi Sorority, Bill German Agency and John and Jane Leavitt. Special Thanks: Nappanee Police Department, Nappanee Fire Department, LJ. Wagner Home Interiors, Park Pharmacy of Nappanee, Pep Auto Sales, Larry Thompson, Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce and Bill Fales. Distinguished Merit Sponsors: Martin Hardware, George and Martha Buckingham, American Legion Bowling Alley, Clifford and Devera Metzler, Doris Wavelene Yoder, Joe and Jeanne Focht, Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer & Buckingham, LLP, Cheryl Avery AALLB, Fales Marketing, Inc., Schrock Homes, Nappanee Public Library and Psi lota Kappa. Special thanks to our principal, Mr. Louis Bonacorsi, and to the Wa-Nee Community School Board, for their continued encouragement and support. North Wood High School Bands Barry L. Houser-Director of Bands Jessi Hutchinson, Assistant Director Jeanne Focht, Performing Arts Assistant Appreciates donations TO THE ADVANCE NEWS: The Nappanee Elementary School PTO would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make our Bulldog Bash a wonderful success. We greatly appreciate all of the help and support of the parents and staff members and the wonderful donations for the raffle from our local businesses. • Below is a list of all the businesses who were kind enough to donate to the raffle. Metzler Shoes, Country Table, John’s Butcher Shop, Martin Hardware, Radio Shack, Greenhouse Computer, Victorian Guest House, Rite Choice Foods, Christian Light Bookstore, George’s Service, Nappanee Emergency Services and Key Bank. Also: Newcomer Service, E. Newcomer & Sons Jewelry, LJ. Wagner, Ace Hardware, Hair Dimensions, Weaver Furniture Bam, Pizza Hut, Liz’s Furniture Shoppe, Curtis TV, Homestyle Furniture Shop, Linda Thompson, D&D Body Shop and Nappanee Country Store. And: Park Pharmacy, Jenkins Automotive, Holiday Roller Rink, Mindy Berger —Partylite, Balloon Express, New Image, Nang’s Chinese, Comer Case, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, Arby’s, Subway, Burger King, Mancino’s, Miller's Orchard, Food Star, McDonalds, Mary’s Pastries, My Place Too and Duane & Mary Weaver. Also: Nappanee PTO. Teakwood, Nappanee Theatre, Floral Concepts, Alco, Mayor Thompson, Froggie’s Toys & More, Kelly Kuhn—Creative Memories, Ascot, House of Clothes, Mary Banks—Avon and Mary Hochstetler—Tupperware. Thank you again for all of your support. Nappanee Elementary PTO Years Ago...

Disease cured by lightning?

120 YEARS AGO OCTOBER 26, 1882 Last Thursday Mr. H.L. Miller, Conductor on the Texas & Pacific Railway and Miss Rose Maggart. daughter of the hotel landlord in Nappanee were married. They left on the 3:32 train for their Texas home. Fact?? There are a dozen known instance where people have been cured of rheumatism by lighming striking their house. 100 YEARS AGO OCTOBER 29, 1902 There were several drunks in town last Saturday night. One boy taken to the calaboose to sober up said all he had was hard cider before leaving home., he had to clean up the calaboose and then was sent back to his home in the country. There is a case of smallpox at Wakarusa. Henry Seaman, who is employed in Mishawaka. 7SYEARS AGO OCTOBER 20, 1927 Clifford Parcell’s Chevrolet car was in gear Friday when he attempted to crank it and with no advance warning the car leaped forward.

comment & opinion The staff of the Advance-News welcomes the viewpoints of readers on its editorial page. Publication of any letter will be at the discretion of the editor—letters containing personal attacks on individuals, libelous statements, or profanity, will not be published. Editing will be held to a minimum. and will not alter the intent of the lettoir. Please include your name, address and telephone number, so that your letter may be verified. Publication of name is required.

Continuous Publication Since 1879 Advance News Serving the Wa-See Community 158 W. Market St. Regional Publisher—Tetri Dearth P.O. Box 230 Editor—Barb Reiser Nappanee, IN 46550 Reporter/Photograher—Mindy Abel 574-773-3127 Ad Rep—Bruce Hecklinski Fax: 574-773-3512 Regional News Dir.—Stacey Creasy Email: [email protected] Circulation Mgr—Chuck Eaton USPS 370960 Periodical Postage Paid Is Nappanee, IN. 46550 PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS • Classified ads • Call Michiana Media Network at 1-800-660-5580 to place an ad, or for classified billing questions, between Ba.m. and 5p.m., Monday through Friday. Deadline is Friday at noon. • Advertising • Call Bruce Hecklinski at 1-800-933-0356 for rate information or to place an ad. Deadline is Thursday at 3p.m. • Subscriptions • Annual subscription price (52 issues) is S2O in state and $25 out of state. To renew or start a new subscription mail payment to Advance News P.O. Box 230 Nappanee, IN. 46550. For delivery problems or billing questions call the Circulation Department at 1-800-933-0356. • News Items • Submit news items and photos via email or drop them off at the Advance News office. Deadline is Monday noon. • For possible story ideas, contact Barb Keiser or Mindy Abel at 773-3127. following publications: Pilot News (Plymouth), Bourbon News-Mirror, Culver Citizen. The Bremen Enquirer, The Leader (Knox) and the Penny Saver.

pinning his leg beneath the wheel, breaking the bone between ankle and knee. He lives on the George Freese Sons farm NE of town. 50 YEARS AGO OCTOBER 23, 1952 Annual Muck Crop Show here next week at Community Building. Booths, County Agents, etc. regarding products grown on muck land. Ed Golden, well known farmer had arm caught in compicker, taken to Elkhart General. 20 YEARS AGO OCTOBER 27, 1982 Over 200 senior citizens in Nappanee area take advantage of flu shots offered by County Health Dept., at United Methodist Church. Rep. John Hiler is guest of Nappanee Early Bird Kiwanis. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Kemp, son. bom October 23, EGH. Mt. Tabor to celebrate 100 years of service. Darin Bemiller sets school record, rambling 76 yards for TD. to secure 12-0 win over Rochester.

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They both love to see you smile

by Barb Keiser Editor Libraries outnumber McDonald's Restaurants in the country. Can you believe it? I read recently that there are 16,180 public library branches located throughout the United States—more than the number of McDonald’s. In a time when we are hearing more than we want to hear about terrorists, shootings, kidnappings. family disputes that lead to violence, drugs, alcohol, stock market swindles and negative political advertising, I felt a need to dwell on a positive. WTat could be more positive than libraries — or McDonald’s, for that matter. When I was in school, our local library was a place that we all enjoyed—especially on days when, as a school class, we got out of our daily routine to walk downtown to the library. Once (here, we could spend an hour or so browsing and listening to Evelyn Culp, or one of the other

Impressed with ‘Regiment’

Guest Commentary by Connie Slouder Can anyone tell me what a “band geek" is? I looked up the words n the dictionary, and they are truly separate words. According to The American Heritage Dictionary, a band is “a group of players who perform as an ensemble" and geek (which is slang) is defined as "an odd or ridicui •> ! 'i v. on lous person. I have heard this term being used along with “nerd” replacing the “geek.” Again, I referred to the dictionary, to help me understand what this term meant that is so loosely used. A nerd (which is also slang) is defined as “a person regarded as stupid, inept or unattractive.” What I do not understand is how anyone could put those words together and use them to refer to the North Wood Red Regiment Marching Band. I

Concerns with registry upgrade

By Stacey Creasy I have concerns regarding the update that will likely take place on the Indiana Sex Offender Registry. The Indiana General Assembly passed a law last year that requires the state to upgrade the Indiana Sex Offender Registry. The upgrade will consist of adding a picture and address of the offender. I agree with the concept of the registry in order to track habitual child molesters, rapists, ect. The rehabilitation rate for pedophiles and habitual rapists is very low. I would want to know if a pedophile were living in my neighborhood. The concerns I have may outweigh the need for the upgrade. There are other states that have upgraded their registries that had problems with vigilantism. vandalism and confrontations with offenders who moved into their neighborhood. In one state a group of people found out a convicted child molester was about to move into

Governor proclaims World Population

Indiana Gov. Frank O’Bannon has proclaimed October 20-26 as World Population Awareness Week in the state. The proclamation states that more than one billion people, one sixth of the world’s population, are between the ages of 15-24, the largest generation ever in this age bracket. In addition, nearly half of the world’s population, and 63 percent in the least developed countries, is under age 25. This year’s theme “Population and the Next Generation,’’ emphasizes that “The choic& young people make today regarding their sexual

The Last Word By Laurie Lechlitner My husband Brian and I have worked with special-needs people for over 20 years. Some of them have benefited from our intervention. Yet other times, instead of helping, we’ve done more harm than good. However, I believe experience is the best teacher. That’s why we have come up with ten guidelines to consider before you begin to get involved in the lives of those needy folks around you. 1. Do they request your assistance? I have helped people who no more wanted my assistance than they wanted a hole in their head. Let people come to you. That’s the first indication they will cooperate with

Opinion

librarians, tell an interesting story and recommend another great book. There were complete sets of Nancy Drew adventures, all the Little House books, a set of biographies about famous persons like Betsy Ross, Daniel Boone, Ben Franklin and more. We loved those “time-outs” from our regular routine, and didn’t even mind the walks back and forth from our school on N. Main Street. Now our old school is being “recycled.” It presently houses the Boys & Girls Club of Nappanee, the chamber and redevelopment offices, a church group meets there, and coming up are plans for senior housing and the relocation of Elder Haus. And the library—my goodness! It’s not just a place for books anymore. They are there in great numbers, of course. But stop in and see for yourself. In addition to the computers, copiers and elaborate filing systems, there are hundreds of maga-

had the privilege of attending the band’s performance in Carmel on Saturday, October 19, and, as the kids would say, “they rocked.” I did not see "geeks." Those kids were far from odd or ridiculous. Nor did I see “nerds.” They were not unattractive and definitely not stupid. Could you do those moves, play an instrument atthesdmetime. or twirl those flags around in the wind? Could you do all this and at the same time stay in step and tune with the entire band? Inept? Hardly. But let me tell you what I did see. Kids who put in a lot of dedication, time and hard who gave a performance that I thought was outstanding. After their performance, I went to the buses while the kids grabbed a bite to eat, before heading back out to watch the competition. Again I saw amazing things. The kids were complimenting each other, encouraging each other and sup-

their neighborhood once he was released from prison. The day before he moved in, they touched the house, thinking that would force him to move elsewhere. They succeeded, and then some. The house was a rental so an innocent landlord had his property burned. Two firefighters were injured battling the blaze and three neighbors were arrested for arson. Since firefighters were hurt, those neighbors faced 20 to 50 years in prison for burning the home of a man who just spent two years behind bars for child molestation. The biggest problem I have is with the variety of crimes on the registry. If you are convicted of anything between sexual battery to child molestation and all sex crimes in between, you are required to submit your name and information on the registry. Sex crimes are among the most heinous crimes in society, but you cannot paint all these people with a broad brush. Someone convicted of forcing his girlfriend to

and reproductive lives, will determine whether world population stabilizes at eight billion or less or nine billion or more," Gov. O’Bannon said. The proclamation further notes that 17 million young women between the ages of 15-19 give birth every year, including some 13 million who live in less developed countries. Early pregnancy and childbearing are associated with serious health risks, as well as less education and lower future income potential for young mothers. In addition, the proclamation states that approximately half of the five million people infected with HIV last year were young people

your efforts. 2. Will they work to help themselves with a little boost from you? When you find yourself doing all the work for them, a red flag should immediately rise in your consciousness. 3. Are they reliable —true to their word? In order to successfully work with people, we must hold them accountable. If they are lying to us in the beginning, it’s time to cut the apron strings. 4. Is there a bigger picture here, for example: children suffering, a recent marriage breakup, or a spouse disabled? If that’s the case, help the family stand on their own. Don’t cripple them by taking away their dignity. 5. Are they part of an organized church or other assembly? If so, you will not be responsible for carrying

the whole load. If their home organization is not standing behind them, there’s definitely something wrong. Beware! 6. How many times have you helped them in the past? If there are two many times to number, you have created a dependent monster. 7. Do you see fruit from your labors? If this needy individual or family is struggling with the same problems they’ve had for the past 15 years, you’re spinning your wheels. 8. Are they progressing in character because of your involvement, eventually having the desire to help others? The helpee sooner or later needs to become the helper. If that’s not happening, you are dealing with a leech. 9. Has the good Lord provided you with the financial and physical resources and strength to help them?

zines and newspapers, videos, CDs and DVDs, paintings on loan, stamp club, poetry club, American Girls Club, craft and other learning classes, “golden oldies” movies shown, story times—you name your favorite, and it is probably offered. If not, make a suggestion, and Director Linda Yoder and her staff will probably be able to make it work for you. They are amazing in the variety of interests that they continue to serve and satisfy. i % . Such a positive thing—in such a scary ume. We need that. r If you get a chance to take advantage of some of the many library services that are offered in our small community, or, if you are reading this in your community other than Nappanee—take time to say thank you to those working hard to make your library a positive place to be. But remember, kids —no Big Macs allowed on the playground!

porting each other. I watched as they were given a Division 1 award, and I watched faces fall as the final five were announced. There were tears, but not anger. Defeated? Not at all. Just disappointed at not moving on to the next competition. I wish I could say that I had a child in this spectacular ensemble, but I didn’t. I came along to watch the daughter of a friend. To the North Wood Red Regiment Marching Band and Guard—you ALL performed beautifully. You were loud and you were proud. You never missed a beat or step. The effort that you have put forth by early morning and late evening practices (yes, you were noticed!), balancing a job, along with responsibilities at home, and not to mention maintaining your grades—made you a BAND, a dedicated group of players who perform as an ensemble.

have sex with him once does not belong in the same category as a lifelong pedophile or a rapist who brutally beats his victims. Under the upgrade of the registry, they will all be forced to play by the same rules. They will all have to have their pictures taken and provide address information. The Indiana Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit trying to stop the upgrade. I believe an upgrade is warranted, but if a lawsuit is filed, that may provide.the opportunity to fine tune the upgrade where certain offenders will be required to provide a photo and information while others will be on the registry with less information. Our goal is to rehabilitate the offenders so they never commit the crimes again. There is ample room for compromise and still come out with an upgraded, more efficient registry for those Hoosiers the law is obligated to protect and serve. « 1

Awareness Week

ages 15-24, almost 12 million young people.now live with HIV. and about 6,000 more beeome infected every day. *• Gov. O’Bannon urges all citizens to taki due note of this special observance of iforld Population Awareness Week. Last year. 31 U.S. governors, 288 mayors 266 organizations and 77 countries proclaimed \yorld Population Awareness Week, which celebrates its 18th anniversary in 2002. It was developed Ify the Population Institute, to alert the public of the{consequences of rapid world population growth and the need for immediate action.

Are other people and organizations jumping on board to assist yoii? If you find yourself working alone, even seeing family members j,teer clear of these needy individuals, that's a sign that they have! had many chances before. 10. Is their attitude one of thankfulness or resentment? Many; con artists sneer at those who help them and may even work hard tohurt their benefactors. As Jesus said. “Don’t cast pearls to swine. They will turn and attack you.” A wise sage once remarked, “Those who are growing in character will not need help from others on the long haul. Instead, they will gather strength from the Almighty.” There are needy people that only God can help. We need to stand clear and give Him the responsibility