The Mail-Journal, Volume 17, Number 49, Milford, Kosciusko County, 24 December 1980 — Page 2

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. THE MAIL-JOURNAL—Wed., December 24,1980

Lakeland teachers expected to ratify contract today

By KIM HIEBER Lakeland teachers will gather this afternoon, Dec. 23, to ratify the teachers negotiations contract in paper ballot form at the Wawasee High School auditorium at 4 p.m. Lakeland Community Educators’ Association teaching members gathered Wednesday, Dec. 17, to hear contract offer presentations by LCEA spokesmen. According’ to LCEA rules, teachers are supplied six days to decide if a contract agreement will be reached. During this time, no contract information may be released to the general public on the media.

Tonight’s School Board The Lakeland Community School Board will gather in a private executive session tonight. Dec. £3, prior to the public meeting in the administration biiilding at 7 p.m. The board will discuss teacher negotiation and personnel concerns. Hie public meeting at 7 p.m. will consider bids for operating capital for 1981. appropriation from the Cumulative Building Fund and any other board business.

Negotiations Began Lakeland teachers and school board members began initial contact in February over teaching contract problems. In May, teachers and the board began negotiations. Since May. the school board and LCEA negotiators met in 16 meetings ranging from a 30minute session to six hours. Teachers urged negotiation progress on Thursday, Sept. 25. when they carried hand-printed signs in front of the Administration building after school. An estimated 92 teachers participated in the “nonpicketing/* - Inside the building, Indiana Education Employment Relations Board (IEERB) mediator Cat Simon listened for nine hours to the two negotiating sides. The LCEA negotiating team was composed of: Chairman Phil . Metcalf, Alan Zerkle. Daryle Cm bow er, Jody Pearl, Anne Watts. Dave Matz, Jim Alford. Cas Szynal and Lera Reinholt LCEA spokesman was Bob Rosinski. Indiana State Teachers’ Association.« Wabash office uni-serve director. The school board’s negotiating team was comprised of business manager George Gilbert, Wawasee High School principal Henry Smith and Syracuse Elementary principal Robert Hamman. During that time, Gilbert commented, “At this point we do not want to go public. We want to wait and see. We won’t go public until it can’t be impassed.” Contract Dispute The teachers requested several changes in their contracts to improve present status. Their negotiating committee asked for better salaries and extra duty pay. hour changes, better insurance, improved grievance procedures, better contract i terms and sick leave bank. At the October Lakeland School Board meeting over 132 persons were present and the gathering was moved to the Wawasee High School Annex that overflowed into the hallways. In the two-hour meeting, teachers offered a prepared speech. “Our needs, that are being spoken to at the negotiations table, reflect our desire for better contract language, increased insurance benefits and a salary schedule that commensurates the professional position that we hold ... It is time for a raise that will help us catch up with inflation and to help us be competitive,'' stated Metcalf. In Comparison Os 302 school corporations in the state, Lakeland was one of 43 with a contract dispute during the end of October. It was also one of 11 school systems a calendar year contract of January 1 through December 31 instead of a school year contract from July 1 through June 30. In comparison to surrounding

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school corporations. Lakeland teachers salaries ranked the lowest during 1979-80. Statewide, Lakeland corporation ranked 227. Fact-Finding A large gap remained between the LCEA and the school board on Thursday. Oct. 16. when the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board provided factfinder Robert Weiss to dictate impartial recommendations. Weiss recommended a 9.5 per cent pay increase without increment and other benefits on a calendar year contract. If a school year contract was adopted, which the teachers wanted, Weiss suggested a 9.5 per cent increase through June and another five per cent increase through July 30,1982. Teacher*Wants Lakeland teachers wanted a cost of living increase with a five per cent salary increase based on a proposed new index. The index has a reduction from 22 years to 20 years to reach the top pay scale of teacher service. During the fact-finding Rosinski stated, “If you take the whole package of the consumer price index you can see that this is not a cheap area to live in. We re behind in buying power ” The association also asked for a change in the extra duty pay schedule. In the current contract, the boys’ varsity football and basketball coaches have 10 additional days in their contract. They instead want pay to reflect their total pay witljj>3.2Bo for the coaching positions. The LCEA also requested some extra duty assignments by voluntary instead of assigned. Teachers presently involved in supervising assignments such as ticket-taking, timer and scorekeeper are paid $5 per hour. The group asked for sls per hour per school activity for three hours or less, $25 for three to five hours and SSO for all functions over five hours. No one hurt in rear end collision An accident involving no injuries occurred at North Huntington Street and SR 13 in Syracuse December 20. Ruby Dean Worth, 72, 40 South Main Street. Syracuse, had S7O damage to her car when she stopped for the Huntington Street stop sign She proceeded across SR 13. but stopped again. Jill E. George. 18, reportedly hit the Worth car in the rear. Year end business meeting of Syracuse Town Board The Syracuse Town Board will be meeting Tuesday evening, Dec. 30, at 6 p.m. to clear up year end business. Following the regular meeting the board will be meeting in an executive session. NIRSCo may settle soon Northern Indiana Public Service Company may soon cease the. strike that' began earlier this year. In a marathon bargaining session lasting from 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, until 3 a.m. Tuesday, Decx23, the company made a rtumber of comprehensive modifications in its contract proposals. The company offered union negotiators what they consider an “uncommonly generous package of wage and fringe benefits.’’ Negotiations resumed later today, Dec. 24, in Washington at 12 noon.

Area people win in Milfora drawings

Milford Merchants and Milford Area Development Inc., sponsored drawings in nine Milford businesses. Winners were drawn recently and below are the following names and prizes. Barbara Sorensen, Milford, won a SSO savings bond from

Guidance, bank and audiovisual directors requested to be paid their regular daily rate for additional days immediately prior to or immediately following the regular school year. Problems in hours extended into the elementary schools. Teachers requested a guaranteed minimum of 30 duty free and uninterrupted minutes for a lunch period between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Some preparation time for teachers are used for transport instead of a true preparation time. The LCEA asked for help in this area too. Teachers also requested a corporation activities pass for teachers only to corporation events. The association wanted a 200 day sick leave due to illness for a period longer than 15 consecutive school days would apply. These days would only be available to those exhausting their sick leaves and prior to long term disability date of commencement. The board found the sick leave request not one of a true sick leave bank. According to the board, a bank takes in and gives out, not just takes. The LCEA wanted a group medical plan including health and major medical costs. They asked the corporation to pay 100 per cent for single and family with $1 cost to the teacher. In term life insurance the LCEA wanted a $20,000 policy with accidental death and dismemberment less sl. The board would provide full payment on long term disability. Teachers also looked for binding arbitration on grievances. According to the teachers team, the present system places faculty in an awkward position appealing to the school principal and school board. The LCEA wanted fees and expenses shared by the board and association with any grievant released from duty not suspended from pay or benefits. Striking Teachers By the end of November, both negotiating teams were questioned about the possibility of a strike. Although it is illegal for teachers to strike in the State of Indiana, according to Reinholt, the possibility existed. During the previous week until the present, teachers displayed lapel pins stating “Ask us why we’re upset,” and “Teachers warrt^aXeontract now.” In one school, teachers wore black arm bands while some teachers unaffiliated with the LCEA were reportedly threatened. 21 Days When 21 days remained for teacher contract settlement, on December 10, the LCEA was running media advertisements in an attempt to inform the public. “We’re hoping the public understands that taxes will not be increased because we want a pay increase. We have teachers who are eligible for reduced lunches and food stamps under the current terms,” told Metcalf. According to a spokesman from the Kosciusko County Welfare Food Stamp Office, Warsaw, several Koscuisko County teachers have applied for food skimps but were denied. Large Crowd Shows Teacher Support At the December 10 school a board meeting a large audience of over 175 people gathered to show Lakeland teacher support. Many wore large white tags declaring “I support Lakelandteachers’’ At the meeting, Reinholt stated one Lakeland Community School Board problem is budget priorities. The school board seemed unable to answer many negotiating team questions. “The money has to be there to give it; it just depends on

First National Bank of Warsaw, Milford Branch. Jay Haab, son of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Haab, Syracuse, won a “Becky” and “Pete” doll from Doll’s Decorating Center. Rita Vanlaningham’s name was drawn for a $25 gift certificate at Jenkins Automotive. She also won free service, oil, filter and lube at Bailey’s Service Station. She is from Milford. Rodney McCreary, Milford, won the free service, oil, filter, and lube at Denny’s Phillips 66. Oliver “Bud” Reptogle’s name was drawn for a fresh Christmas arrangement at Smith’s Flower and Gift Shop. Anecito Lopez, Milford, and Larry Dewit, Dewart Lake, won Thermos Kits from Sharp Hardware Co. Mrs. Ralph Biller, Milford, was the recipient of the Flav-O-Rite Turkey from Schwartz’s Super Valu. Results from the drawing at JW’s Drive-In was Bud and Annie Replogle, Milford, received a dinner for two.

priorities,” stated Superintendent of Schools Don Arnold. “The In School Suspension program that is now federally funded will not be refunded Because of this it will either have to be diminted or come from the general fund. Maybe we offer too many services to the community. The summer activities are paid for but perhaps the expense will have to be extended to the parents like other corporations. ” During the meeting tempers flared with audience members responding that they did not want la strike and wondering why the contract was yet to be solved Tentative Settlement Finally, after more than seven months of bargaining, the Lakeland Community School Board and the Lakeland Community Educators’ Association reached a tentative agreement on the teachers’ contract. The two groups merged after an 11-hour negotiating session that “jockeyed back and forth,” according to Metcalf. Last Offer The Lakeland School Board last offered teachers an 11.6 per cent pay increase including increment. Both sides now feel confident an agreement has been reached and are grateful for a settlement prior to the holiday season. The teachers may ratify the contract this afternoon. Tuesday, Dec. 23. No alien addresses Syracuse Postmaster Anthony J. Rudasics reports the Syracuse Post Office will not handle alien address reports this year. Normally aliens must register between January 1 to 31 with the Immigration and Naturalization Service through the post office. Now, area aliens are to contact the Immigration and Naturalization field office at: Commissioner, 219 South Dearborn St., Chicago, 111. 60604. and ask for Form 1-53.

LEAVE WATER RUN WHEN TEMPERATURES DROP Residents in Milford and Syracuse are encouraged to leave a small amount of water running within their homes, this winter. Town officials from both Syracuse and Milford stated leaving water running somewhere in the home will prevent water pipes from freezing.

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CHRISTS BIRTH — Now that Christmas is almost upon us and the hv tie and bustle of buying Christmas gifts and holiday preparations is nearly complete, many in the Lakeland area reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and Christ’s birth: The nativity scene above stands in front of the People’s State Bank in Leesburg and communicates Christ’s birth to those who pass by. (Photo by Arch Baumgartner) „

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JUNIOR HIGH PENNY PITCH — North Webster Junior High cheerleaders collected money through a penny pitch Friday morning, Dec. 19, for the youth at Warsaw Nursing Home. Sponsors helping the cheerleaders were Josette Abrams and Glen Byers. A total of $82.63 * was collected. Shown above seventh grade cheerleaders. Wendy Hite. Shelly Martindale. Kay Stackhouse, Sharßee Hensler, Shaila Fraser and their sponsor. Mrs. Abrams, collect pennies from a first grade class. <Photo by Deb Fox)

Water dept, has Read-A-Matics Residents of Milford may now have their water meters read from outside their home. All they need to do is contact the Milford Water Department and ask to have their name put on the Read-A-Matic waiting listX-/ Ron Conley stated that Read-A-Matic will be installed in homes on the list for an installation charge. He added this new meter allows the meter readers to read water usage at each home from the outside Syracuse firemen 'Bl officers The Syracuse Fire Department recently re-elected officers at their regular monthly meeting. The top three positions remained the same with Kenny Johnson elected fire chief; John Connolly, first assistant chief, and Ken Oswald, second assistant chief. Roger Grothaus. past secretary-treasurer, was voted captain in charge of the Emergency Medical Service and Jerry Byrd is secretarytreasurer. Joe Anderson is the newly elected lieutenant. The new officers began their duties immediately.

Syracuse Winter Carnival plans begin to take shape

The Syracuse Park Board made plans for the February 8 Syracuse Winter Carnival when they met Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Syracuse Town Hall. The following organizations accepted responsibility for the listed events. Sleigh rides, dog sled rides and races, snowmobile rides and races, sponsored by the Lakeland Snowmobile Club; cross country skiing at Maxwelton Golf Course sponsored by the Warsaw Free Wheeling Bicycle Club (lessons are given); ice fishing contest sponsored by

Harkiesses tell Scouts about yule

The Syracuse Junior Girl Scout Troop 91 heard about Christmas during the 1900 s by Mr. and Mrs. Ken Harkless. Syracuse,. December 17, during their Christmas party. Following the there was a gift exchange/refreshments and songs. For the past several months activities for the troop has included completing the Folk Arts, Fix it and Do-It-Yourself badges. For the Folk Arts badge they collected recipes of bread, handmade decorations, dried apple dolls and herb teas. They plan on trying some of the recipes

Syracuse Lions Club; portable ski slope with skis sponsored byMount Wawasee; hot air balloon rides and tug of war on the ice; beard and mustache contest sponsored by a local sorority. The concession stand will be open all day in the park preceded by a pancake breakfast with the location to be announced at a later date.. Also planned, but with more information later, is a chili supper by the Syracuse Retail Merchants. / There are other local

in the future. The girls also learned a variety of dances. For the Fix-it and do-it-yourself badges. Patrol two invited a gentleman to teach them how to make simple car repairs and patrol three visited' a home workshop to learn about tools and tool safety. Other activities have included a tour of a marshmallow

Augsburger sponsors tax relief for shoppers

State Senator John B Augsburger, R-Milford, has introduced a bill before the 1981 Indiana General Assembly that would exempt the sales of property from the state sales and use taxes for use in the production or publication of free distribution newspapers. Free distribution newspapers are also referred to as community papers or shoppers. With passage of the Wil. free distribution newspapers would be

■ state bank of Syracuse Each Deposit Insured: SIOO,OOO FDK Federal Deposit Insurance Company NOTICE The State Bank Os Syracuse Will Close At Noon Christmas Eve And Remain Closed All Day Christmas "Marry Christmas To Too And Tear loved Ones!"

[4/ is? Happy holidays, * friends and neighbors. Thanks for letting us serve you. HENSCHEN OIL, INC. Syracuse — Milfora Gene Henschen 457-2872

organizations volunteering to help with other assignments. A bon fire will help conclude the day at the town park parking lot followed by the grand finale fire works on ice? The park board wants organizations, clubs or individuals overlooked willing to contribute in any form to contact Kip Schumm or Mrs. Stuart i Diana) Walker’, both after 6p.m It was agreed leftover funds from the 1980 budget will purchase new picnic tables for the parks.

factory in Ligonier and the Syracuse Dairy Queen. They also joined other city girl scouts for a roller skating party in November. The next meeting will be January 7 when they will learn about Girl Scouts in other countries for their Girl Scouting Everywhere badge

allowed the same tax status as paid distribution papers. To qualify, the free paper would have to be published at least once a month, be distributed on a community-wide basis and contain news of general or community interest. Happ> Holidays To One And All!