The Mail-Journal, Volume 17, Number 52, Milford, Kosciusko County, 14 January 1981 — Page 4
THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed.. January 14,1981
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Editorials
Gay Dianne Grindle — 1959-1981 The Lakeland area was stunned last week by the tragic death of Gay Dianne Grindle, 21, Syracuse. She became the county’s first fatal traffic victim of 1981 when her car slid on an icy road and plunged into Turkey Creek on January 3. People ask why did this happen. Only God knows that answer. Gay was a young woman, just entering her years of promise. She was highly thought of by many. Gay was a happy, friendly girl who was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was a dedicated Christian, raised in a strong Christian home filled with love. She was one of five daughters of Theodore and Marilyn Grindle of Syracuse. Gay and her four sisters, Debbie (Koontz), her twin sister Kim and vounger twins Jan and Jill, were always willing to share their singing talent at the Syracuse Church of God where the family attended. As a teenager she was active in the church's youth group and was an active student at Wawasee High School °. Gay was full of love. She was full of life. She seemed to be happy in everything she was doing. She bubbled. She had a strong sense of humor. She was a joy to be around. Even those who didn't know’ her personally spoke highly of her. * Wawasee High School teachers Philip Fawley and Alan Zerkel both noted her kindness. Both felt deeply about her death. Fawley. head of the Wawasee English department, said she was a very lovely, shy (unpretentious) girl who was good and kind to evervone. She used to babysit for the Zerkels and participated in speech and drama. Zerkel said Gay was always there when she was needed, in fact, he said the whole family is likethat. A call to Star-Agri, where she had been employed, revealed more of the same comments about this young woman. Her supervisor Michael Kohls said she «was a hard, conscientious worker. She was a rare individual in as much as she didn't have a “hard bone in her body." always having a kind word for everyone. He by saying she never made an enemy and was more than an employee ; she was a fnend and would be missed by all who knew her . We can add nothing to these comments. We have no words of comfort except in the Bible verse. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God. to them who are called according to his purpose ’ Romans 8.28. A quiet presidency? Many Americans are hoping for a quiet presidency from Ronald Reagan. Among other things, they don't want to see special TV speeches on every major problem . ' , Thev recall President Carter s great concern, and special TV speech on the “brigade" in Cuba, about which nothing effective was done, and which was soon forgotten. They recall Carter's special “Moral equivalent of war" speech about the energy crisis, which produced 9o immediate action They recall naive speeches about domestic policies in foreign countries, which helped bring about the Shah's fall in Iran, among other things. They recall carefully prepared TV image-making, the walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, the* speech from the White House in a casual sweater, etc., ail contrived TV imagery. The outlook now is for a presidency of quiet style and dignity. Mr. Reagan, it’s said, is likely to continue periodically to get away from it all — no aides, no photographers, camera crews, “working" vacation staff, etc. There reportedly will be less effort to constantly exploit television and image-making A pollster won’t be, constantly following Reagan around, as a major advisor. All of which is something of a relief.
What others say — Snowmobiling requires responsibility Snow — and below freezing temperatures to keep it on the ground — have brought out the snowmobiles.in force around here. Most are responsible, law-abiding enthusiasts of the sport A few, however, are unmindful of the property rights of county residents and fail to heed the traffic laws which govern theoperation of the winter vehicles. The countv has opened the roads to the snowmobilers That carries with it the requirement that all traffic laws must be obeyed while the machines are running on those roads. Snowmobilers running on county roads also must have their drivers licenses onlheir person Sheriff s Department reports “four or five" snowmobile mishaps in recent days snowmobile — car accidents — and in a couple of those incidents, the snowmobiler has been an underaged driver. A snow-packed county road may be an invitation to some fast running for a snowmobile driver, but if also reduces the maneuverability and stopping power of trucks on the road When there is confrontation between car and snowmobile under these conditions, the driver of the car is at a distinct disadvantage. ... The tell-tale trails of snowmobiles across lawns and home-front road banks also attest to some snowmobilers' disregard for private property. The snowmobile is a marvelous winter recreation vehicle. In times of snow emergencies, it has become indispensable for reaching residents or travelers stranded by drifts Evervone who owns one should, however, keep in mind he or she is bound by the stated traffic law’s when out driving "for fun". Everyone should respect private property. too. In several instances last week neither of these responsibilities was observed. -LA GRANGE STANDARD
EDITOR S NOTE Davey is the former publisher of lhe International Foils (Minn.) Daily Journal and still writes a column for that paper as well as for the Pequot lakes Country Echo He is a post president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association. and this column appeared previously in MN As monthly tabloid. Minnesota Press ) By HARRY DAVEY The gabfest at the long table in the back room of the downtown case was going full tilt when I arrived the other morning, so I don’t know just how it started. It was immediately apparent, however, that the newspapers were catching hell. ‘I wouldn’t believe anything I saw in a paper on a bet.” one of the members announced with some heat — and no doubt for my benefit, as those coffee drinkers know I write editorials for The Country Echo at Pequot Lakes, Minn. ‘‘l’ve seen a lot of things I knew about myself reported in the papers, and I never knew them to get anything straight.”
A journalism school for readers .
‘Yeah,” chimed in another one of the schoffers. “Everybody knows they slant the news to suit their own purposes. Most newspapers are downright unreliable.” “They’re always squawking about attempts to gag or censor them,” another one said. “Maybe it would be a good thing. There ought to be some way to make ’em tell the truth.” So it went around the table. I was mentally arming myself in defense of newspapers, when I saw a glint in the eye of a friend, a wise old gentleman whom I shall call the Jackpine philosopher. He glanced over at me to see how I was taking it. The light of battle was beginning to glow in his eye. “If it were up to me,” he began, “I’d establish courses in journalism in every school and institution of learning in the country.” “There’s a helluva lot of journalism schools now,” one of the guys interrupted, “but that doesn’t seem to have improved the papers any .” “The courses in journalism I plan,” resumed the Philosopher, “would not be for the training of newspaper men — their purpose would be to teach the
/■ ’ Last week we ran an editorial on snowmobilers, praising owners for the good they do and reminding them to stay off, of private property. This week's guest editorial shows the problem is not unique to this area.
Voice of the people A column on the opinions of the people of the Lakeland area ...
QUESTION: "There is a bill that would preserve the 'wetlands' in Indiana, would give compensation to owners of the land, and would require the 'wetlands' to be recorded in the county courthouses. Do you favor such a bill?"
■- 1,
JOELLEN MILLER Milford (activities director)
"Yes, I would like to see that happen I would like to see some of our land preserved for generations to come. ”
Court news
The following claims have been filed in Kosciusko County Court. James Jarrette, judge: SMALL CLAIMS , Complaint Grace Betes has filed claims against the Tollowing people: Marvin Coy. Syracuse. $30.42. defendant could not be located at last address known; Jo Ann Hornback. Syracuse. $39.58. defendant could not be located at last address known; Alice Twait Ruff. Goshen. $3589; Steven Culler. Syracuse, S4O 78; and Mrs MeribeUe Koontz. $171.13 and costs THE MAIL-JOURNAL CU S P S »5 M 0 Pvbliilted Th* Mail Jevrnal ev«ry W*dn*sd*> »nf*r*d Second CUM matter at ft* Post Otfec* at Syracuse. Indiana MM) Second class posta«e pate at E Mam Street Syracvse Indiana UMt end at additional entry oHscos Sofrscripfton til tor »*»r m Kosctusko County SI J outside county POSTMASTERS Send change oi add rets terms to Th* Mail Journal. PO Boa IM Mtlterd. Indiana MM2
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GLENNIS . STUMP Milford (administrator
”1 have very mixed feelings I feel a man should be able to sell his land and yet if we’ve got to preserve some of this land for future generations ”
Wawasee Lakeside Dental Clinic. Inc., has filed claims against the following people: Martha Dunnuck, Bourbon. s4l; and Jack Weaver. Syracuse. S3O MARRIAGE LICENSES The following couples have filed for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County clerk Jean Messmore: Sim cox-Mattox Phillip L. Simcox. 42, r 6 Warsaw and Linda S. Mattox. 39, r 4 box 371 Syracuse Northrop-Pearson Roger L Northrup. 23, r 1 Leesburg and Tammy S Pearson, 19. r 1 Leesburg Shear-Breeden Anthony W Shear. 21, r 4 box 33 Syracuse and Michelle L Breeden. 19. CR 33 Syracuse WUsoo-SeUes Steve A Wilson, 21. 70710 Maple St.. Edwardsburg. Mich., and Tina M Selles. 17 PO. Box 625 Milford VIOLATIONS The following violations have had fines assessed and paid in Kosciusko County Court. James Jarrette, judge:. Speeding — Gary E. Miller. 35. North Webster. S4O; Estel D Hurley. 23. Milford. S4O; Rodney C. Scott, 33, Syracuse. S4O; Brent R Bower. 18, North Webster. S4O. Terry L. Stump. 23. Milford. $56; Maria G Cruz. 23, Milford. S4O
public how to read newspapers, how to understand newspapers and how to cooperate with them. ” The old boy was getting warmed up. “Newspapers are the greatest and best source of public education in this country, but the public’s only expression of approval or disapproval is in reading or not reading them. Public schools get the benefit of Parent-Teacher Association and cooperation, counsel and support . “People write to newspapers to express their feelings, but there is no organized public effort to raise newspapers standards, except for those farsighted newspapers that consult with their readers through surveys and questionnaires. Perhaps if the public knew more about how the newspapers function and how they are constituted, it would know what to do about it. This I would include in my courses in journalism. “The men and women who prepare and publish the newspapers are no better or worse than the rest of us. As a business proposition, they give us what they think we want. They are mighty sensitive to the rise
tiaiziN AROUND CUSf
YEAR’S END always provides speculation as to what were the top news stories of the year, and everyone gets into the act. We were slow in making our own survey this year, and inasmuch as it is now midJanuary, we plan to forego the rigors. Anyone wishing to submit their private opinions of what the ten major stories of the Lakeland area were may do so. and we'll duly record them in this column. Meanwhile, the two major wire services agreed in year-end polls that the nation s top news stories of 1980 were the continuing plight of the hostages in Iran and the election that gave Republicans control of the Senate and sent Ronald Reagan to the White House Associated Press’ top 10 stories: 1. The elections. 2. Iran hostages. 3. U.S. economy. 4. Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. 5. Mount St. Helens eruption. 6. Events in Poland. 7. John Lennon's slaying. 8. Earthquakes in Southern Italy. 9. Iran-Iraq war. 10. (tie) Cuban boatlift and MGM Grand Hotel fire in Las Vegas. United Press International s list: 1. Iran hostages 2. Reagan s election 3 Inflation and economy. 4. Mount St. Helens. 5. Iran : lraq war. 6. Cubans flee to U.S. 7. U.S. boycott of Moscow Olympics after Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. 8. Polish wokers’ strikes. 9. Abscam. Brilab political corruption charges. 10. U.S. racial unrest. 11. Italian earthquakes 12. John Lennon’s slaying. ( —o— JACK AND son Jeff Wells, decided against converting the big bank barn on the Searfoss property they purchased some time back, located on the SyraWeb road just south of WHS. into a duplex, and sold the structure to John Nemeth of 701 Medusa Street. John is a striking NIPSCo man and has beaucoup time on his hands, plans to tear the bam down for the lumber in it. —o— ERNIE ROGERS is no longer associated with Fry. Wells & Rogers Realtors, but is still selling real es’ate out of his North Shore Drive home. —OSYRACUSES NEW postmaster. Tony Rudasics. has an eye for public relations, and in his own words, he is attempting to operate the local post office in the public interest insofar as postal rulesand regulations will allow Good news along this line is the fact that he plans to ‘‘quietly remove” the two remaining parking bumpers along the south side of the PO’s parking lot. At first there were four bumpers, and Avon Bushong, when he was postmaster, had two of them removed. They have been a nuisance and a point of contention to patrons using the parking lot. Postmaster Rudasics has stated they failed to serve their intended purpose Ab the present time they are buried in the snow, but it's almost certain they will be removed as soon as weather permits —o—“LET’S GET that date straight.” says Kip Schumm. now serving as acting president of the Syracuse Park Board. Os course, he's referring to the forthcoming second annual Syracuse Winter Carnival The date: Saturday. Feb 7. An in-
correct date has been floating around, so Kip wants it known that Sat., Feb. 7, is the correct date, for the day-long event. Last year the Carnival was sponsored by the Syracuse merchants and some of it didn’t go off to well, states Kip. This year it will begin with a 7 to 10 a.m. breakfast at the Legion Hall on SR 13 south, sponsored by the Legion Auxiliary. A full day of events, centered around City Park, is being planned (Note: See schedule in a page 1 article.) Kip says next year’s Winter Carnival should be even greater, with out-of-state sled dog races being promised. Kip's term as Park Board president expired Jan. 1. and the post has not been filled yet. so he is serving as general chairman of the Carnival If enthusiasm counts, we have a right to expect a good show, come Feb. 7. —o— THERE’S NO concealing the fact that the fellow behind the mustache is Ric Schaekel. . —o—’’HANK" WEHLAN, the big man at VyLactos. and his wife. Ruby, are looking forward to Sunday. Feb. 1, when they will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary The handsome Nappanee couple were married in Columbia City “just before the war started.” to hear Hank tell it. -o— TODAY IS January 14, and about time the Christmas lights come down. Credit goes to Joe Gray. Bill Beemer. Bob Mauzy, Joe Hughes and others for getting them up. and to Jean Rogers for supplying the incentive for getting them lighted, but now is the time for them to come dow n _ o _ u MRS. E. F. Hawkins of 275 Park Lane. Cromwell, sends this column this poetic effort: We both live in Enchanted Hills, She owns the house and I pay the bills She raises flowers for all to see. And I catch my fish in Wa Wa Raising flowers for her is play. While I go fishing most every day We like seeing the birds and squirrels It’s much more fun than watching girls. There are girls we would like to see. And Ell name three There’s Lorrie. Lisa and Mary, too. And with this I'll say adieu. -o■rtlE REMAINING WHS wrestling season will be diminished following the suspension of 14 members of the team. The disciplinary action resulted when these, team members “borrowed” a number of P.E. T-shirts at Lakeland High School (LaGrange) following a meet there last Thursday. The athletic code calls for their suspension for a third of the remaining season, which means they will be out the rest of this year’s w restling season. So far this year the wrestling team has five wins, four losses, a so-so record. Athletic director Cart Meditch said this week. “Rick (Welborn, the wrestling coach) handled the situation well.. in a professional manner ’ Mr. Meditch also said, “We’re enforcing our rules and we’re going to continue to do so.”
and fall of their circulations. When we condemn newspapers, we are really condemning the reading public. “I’ve read a lot of books I didn’t believe; I’ve heard radio reports that I know did not give truthful pictures; some television news should be classified as~ entertainment, or pure fiction. A friend of mine was once a police reporter on a big city paper, and he told me it was his experience when he arrived at the scene of an accident or a crime that no two of the eyewitnesses saw the event or told the story, alike. The reporter had to winnow the truth from some mighty conflicting stories. “Nothing in the world is so hard to pin down as the truth. But because it is their business to do so, the newspapers come closer to it than most other human institutions.” After the Philosopher delivered himself of this surprising oration, the rest of the boys sat there strangely silent. The philosopher got up, put on his hat, handed me the tab for his coffee, and walked out. I happily paid for his coffee.
Remaining this season are three events: A Northern Lakes Conference tournament at Goshen this week end; a sectional meet January 24 at East Noble; and a dual meet with Fairfield here January 27. MARK ALAN Crum, above, a Wawasee High School senior, is one of 21 persons nominated by Indiana Second District Congressman Floyd J. Fithian, D-Lafayette. for appointment to the United States service academies, it was learned on Tuesday., * Mark is the son of Mr. and Mrs Jack Crum, of 137 East Shore Drive, has been nominated for the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colo. His school records reveal he is a B student and in the top 20 per cent of his class. Mark excells in golf, swimming, football, is on the PRIDE committee. Fellowship of Christian Athletes and s Letterman’s Club. It will be necessary for him and others to pass stringent physical and academic tests to qualify for appointment. Also nominated were Hal Smith. Warsaw High School senior, for the U.S. i Naval Academy, and James Walker, also a Warsaw senior, for the Merchant Marine, Air Force and Military’ Academies. —o— Y ANN DAY. a WHS sophomore, was coming down the ball Tuesday morning, sorting and frowning in turn, preparatory to going into the girls’ gy m to give blood for her first time at the Red Cross blood bank. —oTHE SIGN in teacher Dale Brannock’s office is a cartoon of a bald-headed youngster under the words Bald Is “My students gave me that," he pri defull y confessed —o— OUR GOOD friend. Walt Corbin of North Webster, upon reading in the paper’, our sister publication that his community would soon have a CPA office open, reminded us that he is a CPA and has had an office—- — C. Corbin. Inc. — in North Webster for eight years. -ol - ■ SOMETIMES PUBLIC (servants are taken for granted, so when something extra nice beyond the call of duty is performed. it’s nice to receive more than a pdt on the back and a distant congratulations Last week. Syracuse fire and police dispatcher Deborah Dull was full of smiles. Mrs. Dull received a telephone call one morning from a woman explaining her husband could not receive his hospital treatments because their street was unplowed. «Continued on page 5)