The Mail-Journal, Volume 19, Number 32, Milford, Kosciusko County, 25 August 1982 — Page 4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL—Wed., August 25,1982 v

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Editorials

Points to ponder The Lakeland School Board will have a hard decision to face when it comes to the disposal of the block-square of land on which the old Milford High School is located. Once the old building is removed, the school board plans to dispose of the land —and here is where the uncertainty comes in. g There are those in Milford who think the school board should give thifrvaluable land to the town of Milford for a park, for a small consideration, perhaps sl. The need for another park in Milford comes into question, and raises, these questions and more: 1. Will a town park generate taxes to help with the necessary costs of maintaining the town of Milford, or will it be a drain on the already limited income needed for town services? 2. Will the township help pay the cost of the park or will Milford residents pay the cost foray to use? j 3. Will Milford residents really use a park inasmuch as most youth activities are centered about the school? 4. Do the people who own real estate around the school site want a park across the street from their homes? 5. Will the area be properly patrolled and supervised or will it become a hang-out for drug pushers and garbage dumpers? 6. Are lighted tennis and basketball courts planned that will generate noise at all hours of the night when people need their rest, or will the park close with the arrival of darkness? 7. Will campers be permitted to park around the area and leave their trash for the town to get rid of, using tax money needed elsewhere? 8. Can Milford really afford to maintain two parks — the other being at Lakeside Park on Waubee Lake? 9. The Town Board speaks of using revenue funds for improving the site but makes no mention of where funds will come from if revenue funds are eliminated in the future. 10. And, that the school site belongs to the school corporation. Should consideration be given to selling the site for development and the money applied to helping the school corporation pay off the $3 million-plus debt generated by the building of a new junior high school? (Note: Taxes generated from developing the tract would most certainly help in funding the town’s many public services.) These may be only a few of the questions that should be asked at this time. There may be many others. Whether or not to give the old school site to the town of Milford should be weighted carefully. The decision of the Board of School Trustees should notoe made in haste but rather given a great deal of study before action is taken. If the school board should decide to give the land for a park, an agreement should include certain requirements that will insure proper maintenance and supervision with the area reverting to the school corporation if the town falters in its agreement with the board. This would insure that proper money would be budgeted by the present and future town boards so that the park would be considered an asset to the community rather than a degrading liability. Schooltime Millions of American youngsters are returning to school, a major social, emotional, educational and athletic event in their lives (and of parents). American schools suffered serious lapses in the sixties and early seventies but a return to common sense and discipline seems to be returning in many areas. The hope is that the heavy burden on society —of children schooled in the sixties and seventies unable to read or do math, and undisciplined — will not be continued. (Some of today's unemployment is a result of our schools overpermissiveness in recent years, which produced graduates unqualified for jobs.) With improvement in learning, discipline and in general atmosphere, many are feeling better about public schools, though many in recent years have also fled to private ones, and may not return. With less emphasis too, on long-distance busing, parents are more mollified. Above all problems, parents can usually make school a positive, happy experience. They can participate in school affairs, speak positively about school's vital importance, stress the friendships and scholarship to be attained. In short, parents can do much to make school's opening a happy, positive affair that children will look forward to. One can’t overstress the psychological importance of this approach.

What others say — Lou Grant's final edition . . . Journalism schools across the country have lost one of their prime learning tools: CBS cancelled “Lou Grant." Reporters can now join the ranks of the paramedics injured a few years ago by the demise of “Emergency!”; the disk jockeys who requested that “WKRP” be left on the air; and the hassled detectives who found the cancellation of “Barney Miller’’a crime. “Lou Grant’’ — that mixture of Hollywood fantasy and bits of real-life drama — was cancelled by the network because, as Ed Asner and syndicated critics have alleged, the outspoken actor’s opinions were in question. Asner had been heavilv involved in Hollvwood protests in favor of El Salvador; he also committed the cardinal sin of calling the venerable Charlton Heston a “sleeze.” Politics or not. CBS left reporters with nothing to do on Monday nights. Journalism instructors will not be able to use the previous night’s episode in their Tuesday morning lectures. There is the sudden feeling that the death of the Philadelphia Bulletin, the troubles at the New York Daily News and the death of “Lou Grant” are somehow related. Journalism students in introductory courses won’t be told — as we used to bear at the University of South Florida — that “being a Rossi” isn’t ethical. The caricature of the eager and obnoxious reporter played by Robert Walden was a constant source of material for instructors who wanted to illustrate to their students how to go about getting a story the right way. Billie, the token newsroom female, was a heroine of sorts to women in the news. Mrs. Pynchon was the very image of benevolent but firm management. And Animal proved that flashbulbs in the face destroyed brain cells. The fact that these fictional characters had personalities that were essentially dramatic, yet like so many peqpie we knew, made them special. “Lou Grant’s” brand of TV journalism will be missed. Especially by journalism teachers who will have to find another method of illustrating ideas now that the perfect morality play of the mythical newsroom is gone. “Lou Grant’s” final edition has made television duller. We’ll have to get back to our newspapers and books on Monday nights instead of watching whatever the cowardly network finds to fill its time slot. Most importantly, we ve lost a group of friends. -THE NEIGHBOR-TAMPA, FLA.

In a few short months the old Milford High School building is slated to be torn down. What should happen to this property? Should It be sold? Should it be turned back to the town of Milford for a community park?

Court news

1 CIRCUIT COURT The following claims have been filed in Kosciusko County Circuit Court, Richard Sand, judge: Complaints Kosciusko County REMC vs Richard and Laurie Losee, 113 E Brooklyn St., Syracuse. Plaintiff seeks a judgment agaiast defendant for the sum of $12,955.95 phis attorney's fees and costs as the result of the defendants auto damaging REMC meters, poles and equipment Northern Indiana Public Service Company vs Richard LoSee and Laurie Losee. 113 E. Brooklyn St., Syracuse. Plaintiff seeks judgment against the defendant in the sum of $8,506.19 plus attorney’s fees and costs resulting in the defendants negligence in an auto accident damaging meters, poles and equipment First National Bank of Warsaw vs Joyce Lorraine Stilwell and Maple Leaf Farms, Inc, as the garnishee defendant. Plaintiff asks for court order to be issued to garnishee defendant requiring same be present in court to answer questions regarding certain property owned or owed to defendant that could satisfy a debt held by plaintiff against defendant Equilease Corporation vs Ronald L. Roberts, r 2 Syracuse. Plaintiff seeks the immediate possession of personal property totaling $40,000 owned by plaintiff and held unlawfully by defendant in Kosciusko County Warsaw Federal Savings and Loan vs Harold and Lucille Huyghe, r 1 Leesburg. Plaintiff seeks the foreclosure of real estate and the court to order it sold to satisfy plaintiff’s claim

Unsung heroes — BAM BAUMGARTNER

Sam Baumgartner wants to help the community

For third-year fireman Sam Baumgartner, the Milford community has done a good job in supporting the volunteer fire department “They treat us real good. They always have a lot of appreciation, and they have a healthy respect for us. They always seem to think we doa good job,” he said. Since Baumgartner has been a member of the fire department, he has noticed that Milford always seems to come up with good equipment and a good crew. A mechanic at Bruce’s Marathon, he and his wife Marcia have a six-month-old daughter, Margaret His job with the department varies from fire toftre. Because he works so dore to the station, he has found himself doing a lot of the driving. His major reason for joining

against defendant for the sum of $51,224.93 plus interests and late charges, attorney’s fees and costs Reciprocal Tanya Gagnon vs Steven Gagnon, Milford. Plaintiff seeks judgment against defendant for the sum of $1,325 plus attorney’s fees and costs to meet his court ordered obligations of support for the plaintiff and one minor child SUPERIOR COURT The following complaint was filed in Kosciusko County Superior Court, Robert Burner, judge: Change Os Name Michael Scott Weaver of r 1 Milford has filed a change of name from Michael Scott Weaver, legal name, to Michael Scott LeCount, the name that appears on his school records and social security file MARRIAGE LICENSES The following couples have filed for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jean Messmore: Kuhn-Kussmaul Roger Kuhn, 31. r 1 Cromwell and Mary Jane Kussmaul, 26, r 5 Warsaw Cook-Bowling Michael Cook, 20, r 2 Milford and Tammy Bowling, 18, r 3 Syracuse COUNTY COURT The following area residents of Kosciusko County have had fines assessed and have paid those fines in Kosciusko County Court, Jim Jarrett, judge: Speeding — Stephen R. White, 16, North Webster, S4O No valid operator’s license — Gerald W. Mabie. 71, North Webster. SSO

the department is to “do my part of helping out the community,'* said Baumgartner.

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"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE"

1111 M 111111 ... Kiiw THE LEGENDARY DELTA QUEEN, QUEEN OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

ByDELLAAND ARCH BAUMGARTNER “Upthelazy river...” Well, you know how the song goes. It has something to do about a boat ride up the river, the nostalgia of It all, that sort of thing. The thought is captivating and the actual experience can be as exhilarating, even more so, as a group of us were to learn by means of a tripup the granddaddy of them all, the Mississippi River. It proved to be a trip from St. Louis to Hannibal, Missouri, and Mark Twain country, sponsored by the Illinois Press Association, with a goodly group, running into several hundreds aboard. / 1 * • J 1 THE GATEWAY ARCH FADES INTO THE DISTANCE Briefly, it was four days well spent, and we found ourselves in the pleasant company of our two granddaughters, Criss and Jeny, and Al and Joan Moss, publishers of the Carroll County Comet, their son, David, and grandson. Drew. The kids kept it all lively. We arrived in St Louis the day before our departure on the Delta Queen, giving us sufficient time to take in the famous St. Louis Zoo. It is here where Marlin Perkins, the host on the highly successful television show WBd Kingdom, was head honcho and learned all about animals. The St. Louis Zoo and the San Diego, Calif., zoos are supposed to be the best this country has to offer. It was a delight for the kids, even the miniature train ride around the zoo. But to the Delta Queen and the ride up the Mississippi. We packed ourselves aboard the big paddle boat at 4 p.m on Thursday, Aug. 12, situated in front of the giant Gateway Arch which is now St Louis’ landmark. Before going aboard (actually the previous night), we visited the absolutely marvelous Thomas Jefferson Memorial Museum, situated underground at the base of the imposing Arch. Jefferson was President of the United States in 1803 when the Northwest Territory was purchased from France, and this museum is away of recognizing this important expansion of American territory to the west. There is plenty of memorabilia in the museum, including original paintings by the western painter Russell, to let one know he is a living heir of the opening of this vast territory. Abo, a ride up into the 630-foot Arch (at a coat of $1.50 each) is a “must” We saw a 22-minute film on the construction of the Arch, and it has to be listed as something incredible in the field of architecture When we boarded the Delta Queen we were quickly informed that there are two big river boats, the Delta Queen and the Mississippi Queen. All the hurrying around to make us comfortable gave one the feeling that this ride was to be something special. A shocker came when we were shown our cabin. It was on the top deck and small beyond description, with a double-deck bunk bed, shower and bathroom facilities where one could barely turn around, a little dresser and sink in the corner. "But. who cares!** was our quick assessment, for no one spends any time in his cabin, ether than Io sleep. There’s too much to do to stay locked away in a cabin. We were on the side of the even-numbered cabins, and ours was No. 330. Just five cabins ’president jinny garter cabin ; Hfl IffiC fWPD ULblircL Irab Wofi FHM ST. PMI. IMNESOTA < ; BRONZE PLAQUE ON DOOR OF CABIN THE CARTERS OCCUPIED

down and on the corner was cabin No. 320, the one President Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter occupied from July 17-24,1979, on their well-publicized trip from St. Paul to St. Louis. Nice thing about this top deck, anyone as important as the President of the United States could be lifted off easily. The Delta Queen finally pulled away from the shore and we could see the giant Gateway Arch and the St Louis skyline fade into the hazy background. The river took over. And we hopped into comfortable "river boat” clothes and began - to explore the old girl. And everywhere we turned we were surprised. The main floors are richly appointed with dark, well polished mahogany, and inside plush carpet flows from one floor to another. Our literature tells us the Delta Queen is a fullyrestored masterpiece listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It has fine European upholstery, burnished brass railings and tiffany-stained glass windows, to make one think he is stepping into the pages of a Mark Twain novel. We were told the Queen was built in 1927 in Scotland, and that its huge engines were built in 1925. The two engines powered the two main drive shafts, one on each side of the huge paddle wheel. Cams came off the main drivdto activate a host of valves and eccentrics. We were welcomed to the lower deck to witness the workings of the big power plant, and given the “tour” by a fellow with a well-used rag extended from his hip pocket. He called himself "the boats oiler." Everything looked clean, and well painted. And he told us ho4v the Delta Queen was used up and down the West Coast during World War II to transport troops and vital war materials. We quickly discovered the boats Dixieland Band, featuring Vic Tooker, a musician from the top of his bead to the tips of his toes. He could (and did) play some 13 different instruments. His mother was on the base fiddle and a tall Black on the trumpet made one think the old Satchmo had come back to life. By now Vic has been on the Delta Queen so long he has become widely known. With the five-piece band was (are your ready for this?) Billy Sunday Ashley. He told us his dad was a minister who thought Billy Sunday of ■tSWIr j VIC TOOKER. A REAL VIRTUOSO, STEAMDRIVEN ON THE CALLIOPE Winona Lake was “the greatest” and named his son after the legendary evangelist. Billy didn’t follow his dad into the ministry, but for a man who “could not read a note of muisc” be played a mean set of drums. This tittle band took ns through aB the stqges of Dixieland music, from the birth of the bines in New Orleans to present day stuff. And they conducted sing-alongs where everybody became his own virtuoso. Vic donned his straw hat and took his tarn at the steam-driven calliope, located at the end of the boat on the top deck. • But surprise of surprises, come Sunday morning the dining room that could seat 200 at one setting, was set up for church services. Who was on the organ playing the hymns but band leader Vfic Tooker, and it was he who delivered the morning sermon — and good a sermon as anyone would want to bear. gawking, of the dining room, everyone was assigned tea specific table and this remained bb table throughout the trip. The waiter, matre *de and bus buy each came up, introduced himself and was at our service throughout the jounfey. Service was excellent and the food very good. And food there was, up to and including a late night snack following an evening dance. If anyone earned his; money, it would have to be this small band, for they were set up and playing all the time, with never a repetition in its repertoire. The trip was net without its work session, however. Publishers were fortnnate to have nalionally-recagnlzed newspoper critic Ed Arnold aboard to lectnre ns on the fine art of newspaper page sMke-up, as weH as other points of the profession. Arnold has been appearing at (Continued on page 5)