The Mail-Journal, Volume 17, Number 40, Milford, Kosciusko County, 22 October 1980 — Page 4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL—Wed., October 22,1980

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Editorials

Fall is upon us Quite often those of us who live in the Greater Lakeland Area tell others how lucky we are to live here. There are the lakes for swimming and boating in the summer and ice skating and snowmobiling in the winter. One can always find something to do in June, July and August and in the winter when the snow is on the ground. However, we have noticed some of the residents of this area close up shop on Labor Day and start what almost seems like a hibernation season lasting through the fall, winter and well into spring. These people, in our opinion, are missing the full blessing God has given those of us who live in the greater Lakeland area the entire year. It is true, Labor Day brings changes. The lakes become to cool for swimming, golf clubs are slowly exchanged for football games and bowling balls. The roses fade as the cooler weather arrives on the scene, but the bright colors of the fall flowers and the vivid colors of the fall leaves, currently in full array, have a beauty of their own. Harvest is in full swing with pumpkins and com stalks throughout the country side. Temperatures are cooler but we have had a warm fall thus far and people are seen here and there raking leaves and doing other fall chores as winter approaches. All, in all, we are quite fortunate in this area to be able to see the handiworks of God, nbt only in the summer, but all year long. October 22 One of the tragic events of history was the betrayal of Protestants by the often-glorified French tyrant, Louis XIV. It occurred October 22,1685; the king revoked the Edict of Nantes, which had for a century allowed Protestants certain rights and freedom from persecution by the Catholic king and state. It’s estimated that up to 500,000 Protestants fled France, as a result, and that hundreds of thousands were murdered or executed in this splurge of bigotry, somewhat similar to Hitler’s persecution of the Jews in the 19405. Much nonsense is read, or seen on the screen and on television, pertaining to Louis XIV. He was a tyrant of absolute right, aggressive war and many mistresses — and the persecutor of Protestants. Since Protestants of that period were generally those with minds of their own, France lost many of its best The exodus of these independent Frenchmen (Huguenots) brought many to America. The silk and wool industry in France, at Lyons and Tours, never recovered after their migration. Louis and his lavish court survived until 1710. Before that century was over, such abuses and others led to the French revolution. Ironically, a descendant, Louis XVI, was to provide much aid to the American Colonies in their fight against England a century later (France was at war with England), He was the monarch overtaken by the trend toward democracy and the people rose in revolution during his reign and beheaded Louis XVI and many others in 1793. Gory, John, etc. Gary Cooper, John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart were America’s Big Three outdoor, he-men film stars for decades. Stewart may not have been quite as heman as Cooper and Wayne, but he’s the last surviving. Thus the nation was concerned recently when Stewart entered a hospital because of an irregular pulse. The concern was due, in part, to the fact that our modern crop of he-men are more city boys than outdoors types. For old-time Americans, the city type, the Newmans, Redfords and Hoffmans, come off poorly in comparison. Thus millions are hoping that Jimmy Stewart can hold back the clock, and also the grim reaper. After all, Wayne, Cooper and Stewart have won most of our wars! The people who smile often have more friends than the people who frown.

What others say —

New stresses in jail's future

Fulton County’s physically inadequate, and sometimes over-crowded and under-staffed jail is coming upon the possibility of additional hard times because of a state law that became effective this month. Passed by the State Legislature in 1979, the law requires that starting October 1, 1980, all prisoners sentenced to 180 days or less be held in county jails rather than the State Farm or other facilities. Some concerned people in the state see the change as leading to the public being victimized by criminals being released too soon, because of over-crowding. Others see the possibility of much greater expense to many Indiana counties because they will have to transfer some inmates to other jails to conform with federal regulations concerning segregation of inmates by sex, age and status. “Status” in this regard refers to whether a person is awaiting trial or has been convicted and is serving a term. The problem is complicated by the fact that Indiana’s new criminal code has done away with indeterminate sentences. Now, each category of crime carries a specific length of imprisonment. Unless suspension of a sentence is possible (for first offenders committing relatively minor offenses), or a plea bargain agreement is reached, a judge has little leeway in length of term ordered upon conviction. Fulton County is not alone in having a serious problem with its jail. According to “Benchmarks,” a quarterly publication of the Indiana Judicial Center which is a state agency serving Indiana’s judges and court personnel, many county jails are over-crowded or physically inadequate. “Many counties, already under threat of law suits for jails which are over-crowded and underfunded, may be pushed to the point of financial and political crisis by the new requirements,” the publication says. According to “Benchmark,” state Department of Correction (DOC) records indicate that on any given day, some 220 prisoners now in state facilities would be held in local jails under the new law. “This could be manageable if judges and sheriffs will cooperate to monitor any overloading” says John 0. Catey, Indiana Sheriff’s Association executive director. And that’s the sub, according to

“Benchmark,” which says: “It is the judges, whose discretion in sentencing has been sharply curtailed by the legislature, who are nevertheless caught in the shifting pressures between the lack of local funds, the demand for public safety and the growing protests against violation of prisoners’ rights.” The publication continues: “The circuit judge is in the eye of the storm at the county level, having the statutory responsibility under both old and new law to order repairs of substandard county jails. He must absorb the tensions between the DOC which sets jail standards and makes annual inspections: the grand jury which is charged with monitoring the jail’s condition and capacity ; the sheriff who is responsible for daily administration; and the county commissioners who must authorize and pay for upkeep and repairs.” It’s understandable that “Benchmark” sees the problem from the judge’s viewpoint, and the point is well-taken — the county judge will be on the pan when the law takes effect. That will be another burden for Judge Douglas Morton of Fulton Circuit Court concerning the 87-year-old Fulton County jail, which the state jail inspector says is below state standards, is not worth remodeling, and should be replaced. As has been noted in previous “Betweens,” spending local money to house prisoners or persons accused of crimes is not popular. It was difficult enough for Fulton County to get a new hospital, let alone a new jail. The county appears to be at a standstill right now toward a solution of its jail problem. The county commissioners asked the Fulton County Council for $22,000 for site selection studies and other planning for a new jail. The Council refused, unanimously. The commissioners asked the Rochester City Council if it was interested in a joint countycity building. The City Council said “no.” And there certainly is no ground-swell of public demand for a new jail, at a cost of over $1 ’million, during these hard economic times. Time will tell what effect the new law will have upon our jail, and others around the state. And time will tell, also, how long Fulton County can continue to operate its jail as it stands now. William Freyberg, editor — ROCHESTER SENTINEL.

F wramn nJL i J Jlwih <

Troy and Tracy Warstler seem to enjoy the Fall season as they stand next to the corn stalks holding their pumpkins. Parents of the children are Wayne and Denna Warstler, US 6, Syracuse.

Voice of the people

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

QUESTION: "How important to you is the integrity of the presidential candidates?"

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DONNA L. WORKMAN Syracuse (clerk)

“Very important. Mainly because they run our country and decide everything for us.”

« rose mary If her\ vxdez JRI Milford

“It’s not important to me. It just doesn’t interest me.” WARREN EVANS Milford (retired) “I’m sure it is. If you can’t believe the guy, you just don’t have much respect for him. I'm kind of disappointed with things in Washington, because I just don’t believe anything they tell me anymore. ”

Do you want to make your political feelings known in this election year? Consider three possible courses of action. You can gripe and complain You can stay home on Election Day as kind of a Silent protest against things you don t agree with. Or you can do something constructive like work for a political party A growing tendency on the part of the American public is to claim independent" status to not join or associate with either of the two major political parties Yet. as parties have declined m popularity in recent years. I feel that the quality of government has suffered as a result The history books trace the origin of < parties to the earliest days of our Republic and demonstrate their constructive impact on our system The Federalists and Anti-federalists of those days have given way to today s Democrat and Republican parties The Whigs, the Populists, the Know Nothings. the Bull Moosers have come and gone, and for well over 100 years. America s two great parties have prevailed. The two-party system has provided the cement which has held our nation and our government together. They bind the President to Congress. They bind governors to state legislatures. In this way. consensus is reached on public problems and solutions to them. Conversely, when parties are weak, government flounders and sputters and all too often becomes the tool of special interest groups. Also, remember that parties, for the most part, select the candidates whose names will appear on general election'

BRENDA WEIMER Cromwell (keyline artist) “It would have to be pretty important or you wouldn’t want him to be president. You wouldn’t want someone who wouldn’t be honest.” VICKI WILSON Milford (homemaker) “It’s definetly important to me. It’s important for anybody, especially the President.” DALE ROBERTS Syracuse (retired) “Well I hadn’t thought much about it, it’s a toss up between the two.”

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STAN MARTIN Milford

“I think it is important, because I feel the President of the United States should be above any wrong doing or any wrong feelings.”

Your Party Needs You

By ED SIMCOX Secretary of State

ballots. So if you don t like the candidates running this year and if you haven t worked for your favorite candidate in the party's primary election process, you re nart of the problem, rather than the solution Parties develop positions on the issues. too They present platforms to the public for discussion and debate If you don't like a platform plank this year, volunteer for participation on the platform committee the next time around. You can air your views where it really counts And if I can t entice you with any of these arguments, please consider the alternatives if you and I are not involved We forfeit to others the right to set the nation s course

THE MAIL-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: $H per year in Kosciusko County,- sl3 outside county. POSTMASTERS: Send change of add ress forms to The Mail-Journal, P.O. Box 188, Milford, Indiana 44542.

taiziN AROUND CUstz

WORDS OF wisdom from three well known local citizens have graced this column during the past weeks while the fellow who usually sits at this desk was on one of his “sabbaticals.” Ron Roberts. Carl Meditch and Jim Plummer have each taken his turn and has poured out cogent thoughts that would have never seen the light of day, that we would have been denied were it not for this occasion. Each has proved expert at the typewriter, even though one, Carl Meditch, said, “I really sweat over that thing.” We are all the richer for it, and The M-J wants to use this occasion to properly thank these three local gentlemen for their cff arts. WISH WE D said that; The best bargain to be found anywhere right now are the words of a politician, for you can discount anything they say. WITH NIPPY weather approaching, some local residents with unguarded yards are already expressing concern that snowmobilers will not exercise caution with their “runs” and will do damage to their yards as in a number of occasions in years past. Watch it. snowmobilers; it’ll be appreciated. JERRY HERBISON was standing on the street corner in uptown Syracuse talking to Harry VanHemert. A passerby commented, “Why don’t you fellows get yourselves a senior citizens hang-out somewhere up town?” Herbison said, “We have one upstairs over there (and he was pointing toward Pickwick Place.) The only trouble is we can’t get up the steps.” —O'PHYLLIS (FIF1) Louden insists her real estate firm. Wawasee Realty, should have had credit in these columns for the sale of Wawasee Bowl. It was one of the largest sales in the area in some time, and so maybe she’s right. KEN AND Leia Harkless quietly observed their 60th wedding anniversary at their home at 300 East Main Street on Monday. They recall being married October 20, 1920 in Rushville, Ind., when they made the first leg of a 12-day trip to Florida in a Model T Ford. They were both 23 years of age. Ken fancied himself as an able young mechanic and machinist and easily won employment in Tampa and later at Daytona Beach. He recalls working on a racer owned by Ralph Mulford who drove in the Indianapolis races. They finally got his racer up to 103 miles per hour, Ken recalls. Ken and Leia, the former Leia Wertz and a native of Edinburg, Ind., returned to Syracuse and bought three lots on Syracuse Lake and built a house there. “People thought we were crazy to build so far out of town,” Ken remembers. Ken was born in a house on the lot where they now live. Some years ago they purchased the old family home, tore it down and built their present home. Ken started the Harkless Boat Co. in 1928 and kept it until 1968 when he sold the enterprise. Speaking of 60 years of marriage, Ken says “We used to get married for keeps, but they don’t do that any more.” The Harklesses declined to have their photo taken Monday morning. “Everyone knows what we look like,” Ken said. TALK ABOUT an unusual house pet. Larry and Helen Wozniak of Barbee Lake have a nine-year-old pet monkey

SALARY COMPARISON Adjoining School Corporations M.S. - 1980-81 0 Years 5 Years io Years 15 Years 20 Years Top Warsaw 512.6A1 W. Noble $14,219 WaNee 16,550 WaNee $19,190 WaNee $21,126 WaNee $21,126 W. Noble 12,350 WaNee 14,069 W. Noble 15,986 W. Noble 17,757 Falrf'd. 19,700 Lakel'd. 20,100 ‘Lakel'd. 12.100 Warsaw 13,882 Lakel'd. 15,820 , Falrf'd 17,750 Lakel'd. 19,650 Warsaw 20,098 Falrf'd. 11,930 Lakel'd. 13,875 Falrf'd. 15,690 Lakel'd. 17,735 W. Noble 19,525 W. Noble 20,093 WaNee 11,699 Falrf'd. 13,630 Warsaw 15,547 Whifko 17,420 Warsaw 19,321 Fairf'd 19,720 Whifko 11,120 Whifko 13,220 Whifko 15,320 Warsaw 17,323 Whifko 18,680 Whifko 18,680 Average $11,172 $13,804 $15,819 $17,788 $19,670 $19,943

running around their house — his name is "Toby” — and they love him. Even daughter Christine, 18. and Jennifer, 16. have a time with Toby. They kept him in the basement, but want to keep him in the kitchen. Recently they purchased several aluminum sheets to put on the kitchen walls so Toby won’t scratch up the walls. THE YEAR 1980 seems to be the year for labor unrest. It was so with the Northern Indiana Public Service Company, and more recently between the teachers of the Lakeland School Corporation and the corporation’s administrative board of trustees. In the case of NIPSCo, what began as a projected three- or four-month strike is now in its fifth month with few signs of a settlement. Some even project the strike to last throughout the cold winter months. Grabbing attention away from the NIPSCo strike in recent days has been several meetings between members of the Lakeland Community Educators’ Association and the school board of trustees, in which a wide difference in settlement terms appears apparent. What’s worse, is that at this early stage the teacher-school board differences appear fraught with acrimony which is unworthy of the two groups that have heretofore worked together to make the Lakeland school system one that is envied throughout the state of Indiana. The local school corporation has been a leader in experimenting with pilot programs, later to be incorporated in programs in other far-flung school corporations. A real show of teacher strength was apparent in a meeting of the two groups last Tuesday evening, and at a meeting with the stateappointed fact-finder at the school late last Thursday afternoon. It was apparent at this latter meeting that the two groups remain far apart on their negotiating positions. The 134-member teachers’ union, headed by Phil Metcalf, a Milford Junior High teacher, began its bargaining for terms of a new 1981 calendar-year contract requesting an increase in benefits, salaries and fringes of 38 per cent. To date, this figure has been reduced to 17.5 per cent, for a period of six months, during which time the LCEA wants to negotiate a new school contract to coincide with the school year. The school board, on the other hand, has offered a salary increase of eight per cent, plus a one per cent fringe benefit package —for a total of nine per cent. Neither side appears to want to budge from its respective positions. At the Thursday fact-finding session. Lakeland’s business manager George Gilbert pointed out that the current budget began as a balanced budget, but went out of balance when the school corporation was informed it would receive less money in excise tax than was projected when the budget was prepared. This information indicates a drop of some >17,000 this year in excise tax revenues. The drop in these revenues is expected to be >27,000 next year. Last year the 170-odd full time teachers received an increase in salaries and benefits of $215,000; if their demands are met this time around (17.5 per cent increase), another $437,500 will have to be plugged into the budget. LCEA’S original proposal (38 per cent increase) amounted to a >1,043,059 increase in salary and benefits, according to Mr. Gilbert’s statement before the fact-finder. The teachers are presently asking for: Salary, >445,299: insurance benefits (group medical, 20,000 term, LTD), >7,437; extended contracts (3ass’t. football coaches). >2,418; miscellaneous (mileage, meals, etc.), >1,000; and extended programs, >BOO, for an increase of >486,555.

This amounts to 19.5 per cent new money based on last year’s salary schedule, Mr. Gilbert contended. The new money from the state is >445,299. This must provide raises and fringe benefits for all custodians, secretaries, administrators. maintenance people and aides. In addition, the corporation must provide for inflation with the increase of cost of utilities, supplies, repair of equipment, etc., his statement read. This does not take into consideration the instructions from the county auditor to figure 10 per cent less than last year on excise tax. ($277,199 — 10 per cent) _ LCEA spokesmen contend teachers in the Lakeland School Corporation are underpaid in comparison to other school corporations. According to information presented before the fact-finder Thursday the following salary comparisons are made with school corporations immediately surrounding the Lakeland community schools, based on the Master Degree schedule and the school corporation s last offer. A reader must determine for himself where Lakeland teachers fall in this comparison. (Note: The schedule as presented Thursday is in its complete form below.) Superintendent Don Arnold has pointed out that the school administration has practiced a program of broad educational programs at Wawasee High School, and that a good teacherpupil ratio has been maintained. He pointed out that 80 per cent of the annual school budget is expended for certified and noncertified staff salaries. He said major changes in any pay schedule would need to be accompanied by a reduction in staff. Asked what this would mean in practical terms, superintendent Arnold said, “It could mean as much as the reduction of 22 teachers.” LCEA members seem determined in their desires for pay and benefit increases, perhaps strident, hardly militant. But all this could change in the two and a half months remaining until the current contract expires. . The fact-finder’s report is expected back in several weeks. Perhaps this will lead to a common ground that both sides of the conflict can live with, that both sides can get along in the business of continuing good quality education in the Lakeland School Corporation. Let’s hope so.

Court news COUNTY COURT Violations The following residents of Kosicusko County have had fines assessed and have paid those fines in Kosicusko County Court, James Jarrette, judge: Speeding — Daniel Godfrey, 17, Leesburg, $45; Scott Mickley, 20, North Webster. $35; Jim Slocum, 26, Syracuse, S4O Investigation shows tractor not to blame Investigation by Milford Town Marshal David Hobbs last Friday showed a Milford-owned tractor was not to blame for SIOO in damages caused to a 1977 Pontiac owned by George Castro of 205 North Main Street, Milford. Castro reported the townowned tractor had bumped the parked car at 10:50 a.m. A witness said he saw the tractor close to the car and the car moved. Hobbs talked with three town employees who were working at the scene at the time of the accident. All said they watched the tractor and it did not cause any damage to the parked car, nor did it hit the vehicle.