The Mail-Journal, Volume 16, Number 7, Milford, Kosciusko County, 7 March 1979 — Page 4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., March 7,1979

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Editorials Speicher named at Milford Ned Speicher, a 30-year-old Milford junior high school teacher, was chosen as the ninth annual “Citizen of the Year.’’ Speicher was named at the annual banquet Saturday night. He is the youngest person ever chosen for the honor. He is, however, no less deserving. ’ . He was cited for the time and energy he spends each summer working with the youngsters of the community in the recreation program. Under Speicher’s guidance and enthusiasm the program has grown from 125 participants to 300 boys and girls who get healthful exercise and knowledge as they play T-ball, Little League and Softball. As the number of boys and girls have grown, so have the number of hours needed to organize and maintain the program. Speicher’s hours have grown from 350 in 1974 to 500 last year, plus the extra time this dedicated man spent in keeping statistics, setting up game times and traveling with the team. , Speicher also works with youngsters outside theftlassroom during the school year as he coaches the seventh and eighth grade girls track team, the sixth grade boys basketball team and the seventh and eighth grade football team. He is an active member of his church, the Apostolic Christian Church, where he is a Sunday School teacher. Speicher, married and the father of four youngsters, possesses a great love for Milford’s children. It is fitting he should be honored as the “Citizen of the Year.” Our hats are off to this man who is called “a terrific teacher,” “an ins tiller of good character, fair play and moral value,” “an honest and sincere person,” “one who really cares.” Businessmen, neighbors, friends Few people in the greater Lakeland area can say their were not touched in one way or another by John F. Augsburger or William Perry Both men died last Tuesday— Augsburger in Arizona, Perry in Hammond. Augsburger was a politician and a statesman. Perry was active in Masonic Circles. Both were successful businessmen. Augsburger served as a member of the Milford Town Board, was Van Buren Township Trustee, served on the county school reorganization committee and served two terms as an Indiana State Senator. He lived at Milford for a number of years, graduating from high school in that Lakeland town. He and his wife, the former Dorothy Bird, started the first Augsburger grocery store in Milford in 1936. Later a modem supermarket was built in Milford. The Augsburger’s moved to Lake Wawasee, where they had had a summer cottage for a number of years. A store was built in Syracuse in 1965 and a third store was built in North Webster in 1971. Perry moved to the Milford community when he retired as an officer of the Inland Steel Company in Gary. He made himself useful everywhere he could. He was always helping someone. He was always making new friends. He was a 50year Mason and proud of it. He took an active part in area Masonic lodges. He served as a patron of Kosciusko Chapter 160, Order of the Eastern Star and traveled extensively for a number of years in district 20, making friends wherever he went. Both men were businessmen. Both men were good neighbors. Both men left a host of friends. Both men served where they could. Both men will be missed. 'Mason money' an influence? Last November, after C. Alan Rovenstine was elected to the post of county sheriff, a substantial contribution was made to the Republican Central Committee by Jack Mason, an area resident who owns gambling establishments in Central America. It was thought at that time Mason was trying to influence the department in instituting gambling in Kosciusko County. Republicans said no. The Republicans may be right, if the gambling raids on five local taverns last Saturday are any indication. Various gambling devices such as stamp machines, tip boards and gambling cards were confiscated and charges rendered against tavern owners. Total worth of gambling equipment seized is $9 000 When asked if the “Mason money” and gambling raids were connected in any way, Rovenstine said nb. We wonder, however, if this is so. Our* new sheriff might be trying to tell his public he was not influenced in any way by the contribution and, in fact, is showing he wants to go all out to get gambling out of the C ° U Even if the “Mason money” helped lead to the gambling crackdown, the sheriff, his officers and other state and local officers should be commended. We would hope that no person wielding a substantial amount of money could influence any law officer from the proper enforcement of his duties in Kosciusko County.

What others say — Opinions —for the opinion pages It occurs to us that if a newspaper truly does its job for the community it serves, it automatically opens itself to the accusation that it is “slanting the news” or has “sold out” to bigger interests. The job of a newspaper, among others, is to report the news as factually as possible — to leave the opinions for the opinion pages and report all sides of a given story. This responsibility, we believe, most newspapers take as a sacred trust. The quickest way to anger a true journalist is to accuse him or her of “selling out” or slanting the news. It’s just too bad that people in general don’t operate the same way. Human beings, when they are emotionally involved with a subject, often fail to look at newspaper coverage with objectivity. We’ve lost count of the times that regular Courier readers have told us: “Now, normally you do a fine, unbiased job of reporting the news, but, I m personally involved with this, and I know what the truth is ... You really blew it this time.” ; ' , . . The newspaper’s job is to report all sides of a story, but those who are personally involved with a story don’t want to hear about all sides. By and large, they just want to see their side in the newspaper. And, let’s be honest, newspaper people can become emotionally mvolved m some issues, too. And that emotionalism can impair a reporter s ability to do a completely unbiased job; reporters are human, too. That’s why the newspaper business has checks and balances built into it. First, we try not to assign reporters to stories in which they have a personal seltinterest. Secondly, almost everything written is edited by another person checks carefully to see that the reporting is journalistically sound and wellrounded ' • Therefore, persons who are tuned in enough to realize that a newspaper is trying to report all sides of a story when the story doesn’t personally involve them should, we believe, be broadminded enough to take newspaper stories at face value when they are involved personally with a story. We hear it all the time: “What I read into your story was ... That is a key point. A reader doesn’t need to infer, or read into, anything about a newspaper Stol ßeaders whofind accept should remember an important added protection ensuring that a story aims at the whole truth. If a reader thinks a story is biased, incorrect, or otherwise less than perfect, the newspaper provides a space to criticize it.

£ fH hmbhk Ned Speicher 1979 "Citizen of the Year" Can you imagine a grocery store providing floor space for those who don’t like their produce to try to convince customers not to buy? That is what the newspaper does. On our opinion page, we allow letters to the editor in which citizens can express their views. If one of those views is that our newspaper isn’t doing the job, then so be it. We’ll print it, as long as it is signed, with a return address. We think this system of checks and balances is fair. It given everyone a chance to state his case. And the interplay between newspaper and concerned reader is good for the community. — Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Letters to the editor

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This newspaper offers the letter’s to the editor column as a means for area residents to express their views. All letters submitted to this column must be 300 words or less and must be signed in ink by the author.)

I'm thankful

Dear Editor: About the letter concerning our drug store and hardware. Maybe some items are higher bqtthep, some are lower, same as any other places of business. John Perry and the other pharmacists have always been polite, kind and considerate to

A new era is beginning

Dear Editor: At long last the Wawasee Prep' property has a new owner. A new era is about to begin. Everyone will be pleased with the new owners and with their new’ plans for this historic site. The Crosier Fathers and Brothers wiah to thank all the people of tne area for your patience over these past three years. We also wish to congratulate everyone, especially the young people of the area, for the respect shown the Prep property while it stood empty and unattended. The amount of Vandalism -was minor and done by only a few. We would

Support needed

Dear Editor: We need support for the Unemployment Compensation Bill (House Bill 1473), which would exclude private schools, other than institutions of higher education, from coverage by the Unemployment Compensation Law. The committee chairman (Rep. Jeffrey K. Espich) is concerned that, if this bill passes, the state would lose as much as 270 million dollars in federal funds, because Indiana would not be in compliance with federal law. The bureaucracy could start closing Christian Schools tomorrow is they choose to start enforcing the existing law. These teachers, etc., are missionaries not hirelings. They are doing what the Lord called them to do. God tells the Christians to trust Him to supply their every need (Matt. 6:30-34; Phil. 4:19). These people are laying their treasures up in heaven, which we all should do more of. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:20-21). I’m sure they could go out tomorrow and

me. In fact all who' work there are. . You can no't go outof town, with the price of gasoline, and save. In fact, you couldn’t get out of town thiswinter. I am thankful we have such a fine drug store and hardware in our little town. Pauline Speicher

like to interpret this respect for the Prep property as a sign of respect by the people for the wonderful traditions of Our Lady of the Lake Seminary and Wawasee Preparatory. The memories of our alumni, the. challenges of the classroom over 27 years,'the many friends and supporters of our school, and the spirit of Brother Felix, who still lives in the hidden room of the large tower of the Prep, will insure that the treasures of the past are kept alive in the people who continue to come this way. Respectfully yours. Father Charlie Kunkel Administrator

get a much better paying job. Why do they need unemployment compensation? The true Christian Schools don’t get a penny from federal, state or local government in funds or service. Why should the bureaucracy tell them how to run their schools? Christ said, “No man can serve two masters" (Matt. 6:24). I feel even though Indiana could lose federal aid; •our freedom, children and lives come first! Consider all the millions of dollars the Christian schools save the taxpayers. Spiritual needs are more important than fleshly needs. People send their children to Christian Schools at their own expense because they don’t like the way the public schools are being run and their teachings (God is surely displeased with them). Some day you may want to send your children to a Christian school. Please write to Rep. Jeffrey K. Espich today. Apostle Paul appealed unto Caesar (Acts 25:11 government). I pray we can keep the Christian schools free until Christ returns: Chauncey L. Bennett

taiziN AROUND dJJStz

(EDITOR'S*NOTE: Our column for this week was written by Mrs. Robert (Mary Jane) Knudsen. Mrs. Knudsen is a housewife and the mother of six children. Site graduated from Madison College. Harrisonburg, Va., and taught English in an Ohio junior high school. She is associated with the Enchanted Hills Playhouse Guild and the Lakeland Youth Center.) AS THE snows begin to melt, we’ll soon be welcoming back to town those who have spent their winter basking in the sun. This column frequently brings us reports of what these sun lovers have been doing, but what about those of us who have spent our winter here in the frozen North. What do the women in our area do to shorten the long, cold winter? SINCE WE are blessed with so many inches of that white stuff on the ground, many people are finding ways to enjoy it. The number of snowmobiles seems to increase each year with many homes sporting “his and hers” now. I recently heard of a group of gals who made their way to a Primary Mothers’ Club meeting via snowmobiles — starting on the south shore of Wawasee and traveling around the north shore of Syracuse Lake as they added members to their caravan. I understand the dessert was a little crushed, but a good time was had by all. CROSS COUNTRY skiing is said to be one of the fastest growing sporty in the country right now and Syracuse is no exception. There have always been a few cross country skiers around, but this winter a number of new devotees of the sport have appeared. The Lakeland Youth Center was approached by Jeanne Reed, a new skier, Ao offer a class in cross country skiing. With only a week of telephone calls and word-of-mouth advertising over 20 people had signed up for this

Needs special attention

Dear Editor: As an interested citizen, I feel that special attention needs to be drawn to the actions of Second District U.S. Congressman, Floyd Fithian, who on Thursday. March 1, joined with a majority of his fellow Democrats in the United States House of Representatives to refuse to consider an amendment for a balanced budget and then having done that, made thejneaningless. symbolic gesture of rejecting a public debt increase. Such a rejection of a public debt increase is absolutely meaningless because Congress will be forced to raise the debt limit by next week regardless, or the government will not be able to function legally. Second District Congressman Fithian voted not to consider the amendment, which would have required Congress to initiate a means to balance the budget before they could vote any further increases in the temporary public debt. Republicans voted almost unanimously to bring up the

Appreciation expressed

Dear Editor: I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your recent editorial saluting the Future Farmers of America; and for the many articles, a bout our local FFA that you print each year. Many opportunities exist in the FFA organization. We here at Wawasee. High School have been fortunate to have had many district, state and even national winners in FFA competition. And even though not all of our teams or individuals have been first; the experiences gained and the leadership developed will last a lifetime. The FFA has offered many THE MAH.-JOURNAL (U.S.P.S. 325-840) Published by The Mail Journal every Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office at Syracuse, Indiana 44547. Second class postage paid at 103 E. Main street, Syracuse, Indiana 44547 and at additional entry offices. Subscription: $lO per year in Kosciusko County; sl2 outside county. POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The Mail-Journal, P.O. Box IM, Milford. Indiana 44542. % 1

class. Unfortunately, when the appointed morning arrived, Maxwelton Golf Course was shrouded in fog and the snow was melting, so the disappointed would-be skiers returned home. Should there be another snowfall the lesson will be held. In any event, plans are for a series of lessons early next winter and maybe even a trail around the golf course. Put this on your list of things to do next winter. Great exercise and lots of fun! SPEAKING OF exercise, many women do just that twice weekly under the guidance of Donna Johnson at the Youth Center. These classes find women of all ages bending and stretching, running and jumping, all to music. While there is frequent moaning and groaning, they all profess to feeling much better for their efforts and most return for session after session. Dancercising also provides a weekly work out for a number of women. Not only are these gals getting lots of exercise, but they’re becoming pretty good at the dances Donna is teaching. This class will surely find many new members next winter. Donna has to be one of the busiest gals in town. In addition to these two classes, she also teaches another ladies’ exercise class in Ligonier,, two pre-school motor development classes and a class in puppetry for elementary school children at the Youth Center. She still finds time to take some classes herself, go skiing with her family, play some bridge, and participate in other community activities. ALSO REAPING the rewards of passing her talents along to youngsters is Kay Franke who directs the efforts of a group of fourth through eighth graders in the Youth Center’s drama program. Kay’s group has already had two very successful presen-

amendment. Without some measure requiring a balanced budget, votes against the debt limit have no meaning, but Congressman Fithian voted that way anyhow. The federal debt is a serious economic problem and in fact Congressman Fithian even promised to work for a constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget during his last campaign and to this day Congressman Fithian claims to be working hard on such a constitutional amendment. However, in Congress on March Ist, when put to the actual test, Congressman Fithian flunked. He voted against considering an amendment to require a balanced budget. His balanced budget amendment promise has become just more campaign rhetoric. Congressman Fithian has again done, as he has so many times before, voted the opposite of the way he tells the folks back home that he does. Sincerely, Phil Oppenheim

students, both past and present, the chance to participate and to feel a sense of accomplishment. Speaking for myself and the members of the Wawasee FFA. we are proud to be a part of our agricultural communities. Sincerely. Randy Warren Vo-ag instructor and FFA advisor Wawasee High School Mike Douglas says:“lfyou know CPR*,you never know when you’ll save a life? ‘Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training is available through your local Red Cross Chapter. Call. + CTI

tations for the public and they are preparing now to present “The Wizard of Oz” in May at Wawasee High School. TUESDAY AFTERNOON finds about 60 women at the bowling alley hoping that today may be their day to bowl a 200 game, a 500 series, or something spectacular. This event is repeated in a couple of evening leagues also. Weekly sessions at the racquet clubs in Goshen and Warsaw find many Syracuse gals on the tennis courts. <- Volleyball is popular with men and wdmen alike.and is offered each Tuesday evening by the Youth Center. Physical fitness is definitely “in”. MANY LONG winter days are passed in this community around the bridge table. The Bridge-a-Rama groups not only provide hours of pleasure, but also raise some money which is contributed to worthy projects in our area. Bridge playing is not confined to this organized group though. Wherever four devoted bridge players can gather, cards are dealt for many hours. In fact. I understand players only get to eat when they are dummy. ■ —o— MOST OF you probably had someone ringing your doorbell recently collecting for the Heart Fund. Dot Stiver was the one who tramped down North Shore Drive for this worthy cause. Rose Willits, Turkey Creek Chairman, |ound many women willing to give their time to help her with this task. Volunteer work fulfills the needs of area women whether it is a fund raising campaign, a position on the board of the Lakeland Day Care Center or the Youth Center, a weekly stint at the hospital, or time given to local churches.

NEEDLEWORK, KNITTING, crocheting, quilting, macrame — all sorts of beautiful handwork is turned out on long winter evenings by those whose hands cannot stay idle. I've watched with interest as Arlene Berkey has created some most original needlepoint projects. Ceramics offers another outlet for creativity — whether painting greenware from poured molds or producing original work in the adult classes at Wawasee. Many other evening classes keep minds and hands busy. —o— MOTHERS’ CLUBS, sororities. BPW homemakers clubs,' Eastern Star, Wednesday Afternoon Club, Round Table, parent-teacher groups — the list of women’s organizations is long. Many of these groups meet purely for the fellowship, while others support various worthwhile projects. Money raised, by the sale of Junior Mothers’ Club calendars has gone to help purchase equipment for the EMS and to help send children to the Special Olympics. —o— ONE ORGANIZATION that begins its activities each February is the Enchanted Hills Playhouse Guild. The first meeting of this year found members wondering about the status of the playhouse. Bob Zehr and Doug Stark and their wives have found that running their dinner theater in Louisville is too time consuming right now to allow them to also operate at Enchanted Hills. At this writing Bob and Doug are discussing the possibility of leasing the theater to a group for this summer. Perhaps by the time this is printed, we will know the outcome of this discussion. In any event. Guild members have decided to maintain their organization for the promotion of family theater in our community. If the theater is leased for this season, the GuilfT will support their operation. If this season finds the theater dark, this group will work to see theater return to Enchanted Hills as soon as this is possible. From the large number of people attending the Playhouse in past seasons Guild members feel certain that others , feel as strongly as they do about seeing the Playhouse open its doors once more. Again this year the Guild will offer its annual style show featuring fashions from Marise’s. Tom Socks and Little People’s Shoppe. This event will be held on April 19 at Saint Andrew’s Methodist Church. Models paraded before a standing room only crowd last spring, so be sure to get your tickets early this year.