The Mail-Journal, Volume 17, Number 3, Milford, Kosciusko County, 6 February 1980 — Page 4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL—Wed., Fcoruary 6,1980

4

Editorials

Middle School issue dead at Lakeland The Lakeland school board acted wisely Monday night when it put the quietus to persistent rumors that they might be thinking of a Middle School to serve the junior high students of the school corporation. The rumors persisted in the Milford community, and no doubt were the result of a move within the high school’s athletic department to weld together the junior high football teams on a gradual basis to provide strength for the high school football team. In this matter, the school board voted Monday night to defer such action within the athletic department until its next Tuesday night meeting. Protests to what they considered hurried action came from James A. Redslob of the Dewart Lake community and from Bill Troup of the Waubee Lake community. Both men objected to taking action Monday night since it was previously announced the subject would come up next at a regular meeting Tuesday night, and that more people would want to give input into the matter. This protest group view the welding of the junior high athletic program as Step 1 in bringing the junior high schools under one roof. Board president Bill Little read a prepared statement at the beginning of the Monday night meeting in which he said, “I speak for all board members knowing that all are strongly in favor of the retention of junior high school facilities within our respective communities.” As near as we can determine there is strong public sentiment within the Lakeland School Corporation to keep the elementary and junior high schools in the three towns that make up the school corporation. We have always favored this —for educational, social and economic reasons * All of this would point to the upgrading or rebuilding of the Milford junior high facility, and from the results of the Monday night discussion it would appear a new junior high school will be built at Milford. A possible EMS assignment As the interest in physical exercise continues, as a means of warding off car-dio-vascular problems, there is a group with heart problems looking toward a less-strenuous form of exercise that will have life-extending effects. Goshen’s Emergency Medical Services unit recognized this and is monitoring a group from that community which is making use of its high school gym facilities for exercises. That community’s EMS is on a stand-by basis in the event of any problems, and to check blood pressure, heart rate, keep individual logs, things like that. Real preventive medicine. Bob Deahl, a resident of Sand Point (Lake Wawasee) and a heart patient himself, suggests a similar program could be undertaken in our community. For sure, we have the gym facilities right here at Wawasee High School, and school officials and instructors have been more than cooperative in opening the doors to anyone wanting physical exercise. A few are making use of the gym now, with wrestling instructor Rick Welborn on the job at 5:30 a.m. each day to open the gym doors. We would strongly suggest the Syracuse EMS look into such a program for the less active, heart problem-inclined of our community. It would prove a valued public service for anyone in need of such services. A winter’s vision Winter is the time of year we dream visions of grandeur looking through seed catalogues. The pictures of fruits or vegetables make the mouth water. We anticipate great things. Great expectations often come down to earth as the season gets underway and insects, weather and weeds do their thing. When we are amply rewarded with the fruits of our labor (and financial outlay), these are memorable years. *\ Growing flowers or vegetables is a science. The latest scientific knowledge and old-fashioned know-how are necessary. ( Gardens are, however, good exercise and fun, if not too large (on the basis of spring enthusiasm). Have a heart \ The American Heart Association carries on a national educational campaign to create public awareness and recognition of the early signs of heart attack. Heart attack is the greatest killer in the United States (more than 660,000 deaths annually). All should therefore be interested in the signs which give first indications of its approach. The AHA says the most common are (D-Prolonged oppressive pain or discomfort in the center of the chest; (2)-Pain radiation to the shoulder, arm, s neck or jaw; (3)-Sweating accompanying the pain, perhaps nausea, vomiting or shortness of breath. These symptoms, the AHA says, often subside and return at a later time. Those experiencing the symptoms should call,a doctor at once. The AHA specifies February as heart awareness month. Executives between 35 and 64 are most vulnerable. February, 1980 — Anne z .... Lawler. The Trees Stand Wistful iri the Square, Wearing a Half-Expectant Air; The name February derives from the Latin “Februare,” meaning to purify, and frpm Church custom and superstitions toward this end at this time of year. In the United States it is notable in containing the birthday anniversaries of the father of this country, George Washington (the 22nd), and Abraham Lincoln (the 12th). Candlemas, a purification feast, is observed by Roman, Anglican and Greek churches, and others, on the 2nd. Many in this country know it as Ground Hog Day. The Territory of Illimois was established on the 3rd, in 1809. Roger Williams, a famous defender of freedom of religion, arrived in Boston (from England) on the sth in 1631. Boy Scout Pay, commemorating its American chartering, is the Bth, dating from 1910. William Henry Harrison, 9th U.S. President, was born in Charles County, Virginia, on the 9th in 1773. Thomas Edison was born at Milan, Ohio, on the 11th in 1847. Abraham Lincoln was born in Harden County, Kentucky, on the 12th in 1809, his ancestors having first settled in Hingham, Massachusetts (from Norwich, England). He lived later in Indiana and (at 21) moved to Illinois. James Oglethorpe landed at Savannah on the 12th in 1733 and founded Georgia. St. Valentine’s Day falls on the 14th, as well as Arizona Admission Day — dating from 1912 when Arizona became a state. What others say — Americans, first Sports-loving Americans find themselves in a quandary since President Carter called for withdrawal from the summer Olympics in Russia. Americans love their sports, but they also recognize the need for political pressure on the Soviet Union because of the recent invasion of Afghanistan. In recent years, politics in the Olympics have become more and more apparent. Those who believe that sports and politics should be separated areliving in a dream world if they believe such a thing is possible today. In theory, the two should be separated. However, in practice it just doesn’t happen. Americans are being asked to make a decision. Are they going to be Americans first, or are they going to be purists for the sports. — DANVILLE GAZETTE

- hi Rich Stoller, Milford resident, presents the Lakeland School Board with petition bearing 180 names of Milford residents protesting the Middle School concept for the school corporation at the Monday night meeting. From left are business manager George Gilbert, board members Marguerite Hoerr, Dave Carey, Phil Payne, Bill Little and John Kroh.

Voice of the people

A column on the opinions of the people of the Lakeland area...

QUESTION: "Do you feel the Lakeland School Corp, should have a separate junior high school facility in each community as we do at present or should we have a.central junior high school located at the area of Wawasee High School. Why?"

Bl ' / ** Il El J Barbara Richards Milford “I feel they should have the separate junior highs instead of busing the kids. It makes it more convenient for the parents.” B <■ a **?***' jES&x/' Doug Jordan Milford “Yes, because instead of busing kids everywhere they’d all go to one place.” > Penny Lamb North Webster “I think it should be like it is now. I think it would be too much confusion. You get all those kids together and it causes a lot of problems.” Scherrie Brower North Webster “No. I like it right the way it is. Mostly because it’s more convenient and close to home and if there’s any problems I’m close. ” Sharleen Miller Milford “I’d prefer the separate junior highs. There’s enough transportation involved with the high school. I don’t want to start that any sooner than I have to.” Jr ™ ■Bl Barbara Matney r 3 Syracuse (loan teller) “Yes, there should be one school in each community. I think it’s better not to bus so many kids this far.”

Jim Salisbury North Webster “I think it’s beneficial to the parents and the students to have the junior highs in the three separate communities. It’s easier for students to be involved in school activities. You get more participation from the students. That’s part of what an education is all about.” Mrs. Roy Russel North Webster “I like it just as it is. I think that being in the community and going to school with the kids they’ve grown up with is good. ” Elsie Nyikos Syracuse (cashier) “I think we should have it the way we are now. Because it’s the busing factor. I only live five to six miles away from the schools and it takes my kids longer to get to the schools now. I don’t think their accomplishing anything unless they change the busing.” Richard Smith Milford (painter and Carpenter) “I think we ought to have them in each community. One thing for transportation costs and I think we should keep some things in our communities. I don’t like to see everything at Wawasee. It’s good for the community to have a school. I’m against the move of everything to Wawasee. ’ ’ Jt. J - KI Don Hayden Syracuse (retired ISP) “Well, I think they should have it as they do right now. I objected to them building the new facility for the girls. Well I don’t think they should bus anymore than they have to and there are probably more living in the city than the country. If they have a junior high building established, leave it as is.” To prevent scratching your fine china when storing, intersperse each plate with a paper plate.

ICRJZIN around CU£

(EDITOR'S NOTE One of the best known (and best liked) men in the Syracuse community is Jay Pefffey. manager of the Northern Indiana Public Service Company office in Syracuse. His brother Dale was editor of The Goshen News for over 20 years and "news" has always run deep in the Peffley family. Given this, we thought Jay would be a good candidate to fill this space this week We weren't disappointed.) FOR THE past 18 years, it seems I have bought Arch a good share of the coffee he drinks, but I never thought he’d expect me to write a column for him in The-Mail Journal. I will endeavor to keep my remarks from irritating anyone, who might otherwise consider canceling their subscription to same. DID YOU know that NIPSCo generates 98 per cent of their electricity with coal? As recent as 1974 we paid 111.42 per ton and as of September 1, 1979. the current price was >32.25. Nearly a 200 per cent raise. Each year we purchase some five million tons of fuel. ’ Did you know that there are 13 federal, state and local agencies that regulate varied aspects of NIPSCo’s operations? Ask at the office if interested. For those working out of the Syracuse office. I give my special thanks for their help and my apologies for having to endure the rigors of our trade, which have multiplied during the last several years. I do not want anyone to think this is a NIPSCo advertisement, so will refrain from mentioning the subject again, but forgive me, it’s been a part of my lifefor over 40 years, the last 18 in Syracuse, which I’ve enjoyed immeqgely. HARRY KOONTZ, owner and operator of the Dairy Queen (and recently a new Rotary member), has a large reminder for his employees, placed behind the counter out of the sight of customers. The sign has one word. “SMILE.” JAMES C. Tranter, ex-town board president, now doing double duty as president of Lions and recently elected president of the newly formed University Club, informs us that the latter has now reached a membership of 60 with the ultimate goal set at 100. We wish them success. WITH BASKETBALL now in full swing' we would bet most have almost forgotten one of the greatest sportsmen in Indiana history. He played basketball at Martinsville High School and became an All-Stater. He became a threetime All-American at Purdue University and the only man to make the Hall of Fame both as All-American player and AllAmerican coach. He coached two years at Dayton High in Kentucky, nine years at South Bend Central, two years at Indiana State and 27 years at UCLA; and in those 40 years of coaching never had a losing season. Remarkable, isn’t it? Yes. it’s John Wooden. And one of the things about this remarkable man is that he was never a “win-at-any-cost fanatic.” He was fond of quoting George Moriarty, “Who can ask more of a man than giving all within his span? Giving all, it seems to me, is not so far from victory.” John Wooden, you’ll remember, won 38 straight NCAA tournament games at one point and 88 games in a row from 1971 thru 1974. He also, in his career, had four perfect 30-0 seasons. Here’s a couple of quotable quotes from his book “They Call Me Coach.” ‘‘Be more concerned with your character, than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are — While your reputation is merely what others think you are.” “It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit.” “The true athlete should have character, not be a character.” John C. Hagen has his “Bobbie Knight.” Robert Jones has his “Digger Phelps.” Jack Vanderford has his “Lee Rose,” but I think most would agree they have a long way to go to be a John R. Wooden. TO. THOSE hundreds of library patrons who use the facility each year, we give you thanks, and each of those, I’m sure, would

want us to thank the dedicated personnel, namely Rosalyn Jones and Bonnie Bjella, for their many hours of labor and without whom our library probably would not operate. PET PEEVE: Last month there seemed to be more concern for Bert Parks and his job with the Miss America Pageant than there was for the hostages being held in Iran; at least Johnnie Carson seemed to make more of it. SINCE JOGGERS have .become so popular, it isn’t unusual to see several each day to and from work. Two of my favorites (really pep steppers instead of jdggers) are Marilyn Moore (wife of Paul) and Jeanne Reed (wife of Attorney Robert) who are getting slimmer and trimmer every day. ■ HAROLD “CAP” Johnson and wife. Lucy, of East Shore Drive. Syracuse, were recently in South Bend to be with daughter. Judy, who works in the public relations department of the Chicago White Sox organization. “Bill” Veeck was the featured speaker at the event and Judy helped lay out the details for his appearance. IT WAS with sorrow that I received word of the deaths of Nelson Miles and Joseph Shewmon while a patient at Goshen Hospital. Nelson was paid the respect due him by the Rotarians he loved to be with when they donated a sum of money to Rotary International in his name to be used for scholarships and by exchange students to promote ttetter world understanding and

Letters to the editor

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Beginning this week we are changing our policy on letters to the editor from a limit of 300 words to a limit of 500 words. We encourage all area residents to take advantage of this column to express views on issues of the day or other items of concern )

People not aware of SAFE

Dear Editor: I have been concerned recently to learn that many of our elderly and disabled citizens are not aware of Indiana’s Project SAFE. This is a program to provide assistance in paying for home heating fuel and electric bills during the winter months. With electric and fuel bills higher than ever, this aid could be vital to some residents of our area. A person is eligible for Project SAFE assistance if 65 years or

Parents concerned

Dear Editor: In recent weeks many rumors liave come and gone concerning the future of junior high school football in the Lakeland School system. These rumors have included such things as, the total elimination of the present three junior high school football programs, to a partial junior high school schedule along with a combined schools team. Plus others too numerous to mention. In contacting many concerned parents I have found that, First, any changes that may have occured, why have we not been told, and secondly, why have we not been told why these changes were needed. After all, we as parents should have some say into the present and future plans of our own children.. Presently in each junior high school there is a coach and staff tliat organize 40 to 45 young inexperienced boys and mold them into a football team. This has helped to build character, sixrtsmanship, teamwork, pride aind last but not least stronger physical brings. The coaches and their staffs are dedicated yovng men who give of their time, love, and knowledge to a boy who wants only the chance to put a helmet on, have fun, and say “I did Now that boy can develop himself in many ways. Let him be the judge, how far he wants to take his own goal, with the sport. Take these 40 to 45 boys, times the three schools we have and logic shows better than 120 young men are now getting playing time. Statistics show that few if any are “cut” from any of the three schools. Under the hew plan or proposed one, (we don’t know) these figures will change drastically, either way. First the proposed new plan. The 40 best players from the combined three schools will form one team and play other corporations. What happens to the 80 plus kids? Fact to look at — They are finished with the game of football!! The second proposed plan. There are currently six games played by each junior high school (they used to play each

also to help find peace for our troubled world. Joe, who served our area in many capacities, has to be remembered best for his conscientious and forthright attitude in dispensing tax funds while township trustee. Each will be missed by a grateful community. . JIMMY DURANTE said it best: “Be nice to people on the way up. They’re the same people you’ll pass on the way down,” That is a nice line to live by. WORTH REMEMBERING - If everybody would only — Laugh more and whine less Hustle more and crab less Work more and loaf less Boost more and beef less Give more and grab less Business might get better — DO YOU think, as 1 do, of the good people whose homes you drive by on the way to and from work each day? Some of the very best families are those I pass on East and North Shore Drive and in Syracuse on my trips to the office; and I’m sure it is the same in your neighborhood. IF,WE would live by the Creed; instead of by Greed, what a wonderful world it would be. THINGS ARE almost back to normal. Arch and Della arrived back from their vacation in Florida and Arch made his usual rounds in Syracuse on Tuesday. We matched for coffee as is our custom in the past and, as usual, I Irat. Hopefully. I’ll get him tomorrow.

older, blind or disabled and has an income of under specified amounts. Also, eligible if receiving SSI or SSDI payments. I would urge anyone who thinks they might qualify to contact their local utility, or call Project SAFE toll free in Indianapolis at 1-800-622-4973. If these agencies cannot give the information needed, please contact me at the State House. Sincerely, John B. Augsburger State Senator

other but that has been dropped). This fall, only four games will be played as a team, then the best 40 again will be pulled, as a unit, to play the last two games. I ask, what will that accomplish? How can four games give 40 boys experience as a team? How can starting from scratch, with the best 40, for two games, do anything for any program? There goes those 80 boys again! This idea is good, if it is done for charity, as it is done in the big leagues. Unless these programs are an ego trip for one individual, I cannot see, nor have I been shown how it will be a beneficial program for young men. And let us not forget, it is a program for 12 to 18 year olds. James B. Redslob R 5, Syracuse i I Free American newspapers numbering 1,100 have a combined circulation of 18 million and reach nearly 50 million Americans, says the National Assn, of Advertising Publishers. THE MAIL-JOURNAL (U S P S 325 8401 Published by The Mail Journal every Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office at Syracuse, Indiana 46567. ’’ Second class postage paid at 103 E. Main street. Syracuse, Indiana 46567 and at additional entry offices Subscription: $lO per year in Kosciusko County; sl2 outside county. POSTMASTERS: Send change of add ress forms to The Mail Journal, P O Box 188, Milford, Indiana 46542.