The Mail-Journal, Volume 19, Number 46, Milford, Kosciusko County, 1 December 1982 — Page 4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., December 1,1982

4

Editorials

Christmas Shop at home this year The Christmas shopping season is upon us and lists have been made as to what to give or make for Aunt Susie and Uncle Henry. Now it’s time for each of us to give serious thought to where we are going to do our holiday shopping. . Our suggestion: The Lakeland area. Here are the merchants who support our community projects. They are our'neighbors, our friends, our fellow club members. These merchants are the people who employ others who live in the Lakeland area. They need our loyalty and support. The Christmas season is very special and a very busy time of year. Most people are already finding their schedules are about as full as they can be during December with parties, church activities, school activities, family gatherings and the like. It’s time to give serious thought to our priorities. Some people have their shopping, completed. Others still have quite a few gifts to purchase. Still others will be rushing around on Christmas Eve trying to buy one more gift. Shopping at home can be (un and will save time as well. Stores in the Lakeland area feature everything from clothing and accessories for the women on your list to toys for the youngsters. Shoppers can also find such items as televisions and appliances; fishing equipment, lanterns and other items for the sportsman or woman; hair care items; beautiful floral arrangements and fresh flowers; and an almost endless variety of othe? items, all at stores in the area. With so many people out of work simple gifts and handmade gifts and homemade goodies are on many lists this year. Many of the stores in the area feature craft items and supermarkets are well supplied with items for making something special in the kitchen. The area also has many fine restaurants where a tired homemaker or weary shopper can dine or be treated to a night out during the holiday season by her loved ones wanting to give mom a break All in all, the Lakeland area is well blessed with a variety of stores and shoppers should take advantage of them . . . shop at home this year! You’ll be glad you did. Read good books Despite the availability of non-stop television, and the sex and spice in novels, readers are encouraged to read a good book once a month — non-fiction. The key to development of this helpful habit is finding a good library, or utilizing the wisdom of someone who can recommend both interesting and worthwhile books. Books, like newspapers, have advantages over TV fare. One can read them whenever it’s convenient, wherever he or she takes them. No wires, no electronics are needed, and no commercials are included. Further, good books are more relaxing than TV because the reader sets his own restful (not hectic) pace in enjoying them. They build knowledge, not fantasy and dreams? December, 1982 Hail To December soy they oil It gave to the earth our Christ, the Lord I — J K Hoyt The last month of the year, the end of 1982, is at hand. (The years seem to pass faster and faster.) On the 2nd, in 1823, President James Monroe promulgated the Monroe Doctrine (now largely abandoned); on the 4th, in 1783, only days after British troops had evacuated New York city, General Washington made his farewell address to his officers. On the sth, in 1782, the eighth president of the United States, Martin Van Buren, was born at Kinderhook, N.Y., descended from Dutch immigrants. The 6th is the feast of St. Nicholas — in Greek and Latin churches. Little is known about him but the Germans identified him as Santa Claus and this has made the name well known in all countries. On the morning of the 7th, 1941, Japan sneak-attacked Pearl Harbor and brought the United States into World War 11. The 7th is also Delaware Day and on the 10th, in 1817, Mississippi was admitted to the Union. The 10th is Wyoming Day and the 11th Indiana Day. On the 12th, in 1799, George Washington died at Mount Vernon. On the 15th, 1791, the first 10 amendments were ratified, to become part of the Constitution. Winter arrives on the 21st, at 11:39 p.m. EST. What others say — Too early to tell Yuri V. Andropov, new leader of the Soviet Union, emerged suddenly on the world scene and it is yet too early to predict the kind of adversary he may prove to be. But with the world in such turmoil, it shouldn’t take us long to find out. President Reagan is putting him to an immediate test on the nuclear missile issue. Andropov's rhetoric has been firm in the face of U. S. arms escalation plans. But it has matched our President’s on the subject of peace. Andropov seems a cut above his predecessor, the late Leonid I. Brezhnev. He appears smarter, more shrewd, and at the same time more open to new ideas. Andropov evidently is more resolved than was his predecessor to do something about the persistent agricultural failures of the Soviet Union. A justpublished decree offers production incentives, unorthodox under communism but not unheard of. Travel vouchers are offered (probably to East Europe) as bonuses for good work. Andropov's movements in foreign policy would indicate a less truculent posture than that of Brezhnev. The tone of his speech early this week to the Soviet Central Committee lacked the belligerence of Brezhnev, when he cautioned that the arms race must not get out of control and indicated the importance he places on the arms reduction talks in Geneva. His ability to maneuver for his own advantage is becoming more clear. In practically no time, following Brezhnev’s death, he seemed to have consolidated almost complete power. This would seem to indicate a good deal of preparatory work, and that he accomplished it with Brezhnev still alive is a proof of his shrewdness. We long for a leader with a world view. But it would be naive to expect Andropov would make things that easy. If it looks as if we may be in for some kind of a thaw, it more likely would be a temporary thing while the Soviets try to patch relations with China. The Soviet formula for world manipulation is too set to expect any long term comfort from the new Russian regime. — SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

/■Am 1 II Christmas shop at home this year — support your local merchants. Court news

CIRCUIT COURT The following claims have been filed in Kosciusko County Circuit Court. Richard Sand, judge: Ellenora Pischke vs NIPSCo. 216 W. Center St., Warsaw. Plaintiff seeks a judgment against defendant for the sum of $500,000 in punitive damages as the result of the firm's refusal to supply her with utilities in the winter. Plaintiff further charges the firm pried into her personal life when they questioned her in regards to who was living in her household State Bank of Syracuse vs Aaron D. Hinesley, Jupiter, Fla Plaintiff seeks a judgment against defendant for the sum of $16,201.14 plus interest, attorney's fees and costs as the result of failure to pay loan. Plaintiff seeks the mortgage be foreclosed and that plaintiff be empowered to bid on the property should it be sold John C. Mason has filed claims against the following people: Robert Wildman. 9240 N. Meridan. Indianapolis. Plaintiff

Unsung heroes —

s J/ j I

Kenny Johnson is former fire chief

“The need of helping someone, good friends you have within the department itself lasts a lifetime and fellowship.” These are the reasons why Kenny Johnson. Syracuse, has been a volunteer fireman for Syracuse the past 13 years. Johnson has held offices within the fire department since 1975. resigning as chief in August 1981, due to a job change. In 1975 and 1977 he was elected as second assistant chief and in 1976 and 1978 be was first assistant chief. From 1979 to August 1981 he served as the fire department's chief. It all started when a fellow fireman. Forrest Plank, asked Johnson to join the department. “1 didn't belong to any organizations at the time." stated Johnson, who indicated he hasn’t regretted becoming a fireman For three years, prior to becoming chief. Johnson was a member of the emergency medical service as an emergency medical technician. During his 13 years as a Fireman, the incident which stands out in Johnson’s memory is the New Year's day Fire in 1971 at Pickwick Block. He stated this was his first day as a probationary Fireman and it was also the day five men automatically became members. Johnson stated this occasion set the way for the fire department to have 25 members instead of 20. He stated there are other

seeks a judgment against defendant for the sum of SIOO,OOO in compensatory’ damages and $200,000 punitive damages in a libel suit in which he states he suffered extreme mental anguish, humiliation and loss of standing in the community as the result of defendant's false allegations written in a letter to the Kosciusko County Area Planning Department Allen W. Jones, 6060 College Ave., Indianapolis. Plaintiff seeks a judgment against defendant for the sum of SIOO,OOO in compensatory damages and $200,000 punitive damages as the result of libel

O.A. Lambert vs KCB Construction, Inc., r 1 box 253 Milford. Gordon and Phyllis Sheline of r 3 Syracuse. Plaintiff seeks a judgment against defendant for the amount of $20,000 plus attorney’s fees and costs for damages resulting in the wrongful acts of defendant. In Count II of the claim for monies owed and equitable lien an* additional $7,500 in punitive damages are sought

KENNYJOHNSON

happenings which he remembers but this fire stands out in his mind the most. Johnson, who grew up in Milford and attended Milford High School, has lived in Syracuse for 21 years with his wife, Shirley The Johnsons have two children. Scott. 22, Goshen; and Kristi, 19, Miami. Fla., where she is attending International Fine Arts College. He spent 20 years as an employee for Weatherhead and Dana Corporations until July 1, 1981, when he became a sales representative for Hoosier Fire Equipment. Inc. His hobbies include fishing and boating when he gets a chance. THE MAIL JOURNAL tuses Pudhshod by The Mail Journal teary Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter al We Pest OHtea at Syracuse. Indiana aasat. Second class pea tan paW at IU E. Mam Strati. Syracuse. indtana aasat and at additional entry aMtctt Subscription: per year ia Kooctusho County SIS outside county POSTMASTERS Send chan«e ei address terms to The Matt Journo I. PO Baa IM. Mdiord. Indiana aasai

"CRUZIN AROUND Z CUSE"

OPPONENTS OF the new Syracuse Town Hall, at least as it has been proposed at a cost of considerably over $600,000, are circulating a petition designed to influence the Syracuse Town Board to spend not over $300,000 for the proposed town hall. The proposed town hall would be built on the southeast corner of South Huntington and Henry Streets, the former site of the Syracuse Rubber Co. The petition, which is available at a number of locations for signature, reads as follows: “The undersigned, being owners of real estate located within the corporate limits of the Town of Syracuse, Indiana, hereby petition the Board of Trustees of Syracuse. Indiana NOT to contract for or construct the ‘Syracuse Town Hall* as it has been proposed by the currentlyretained architects, at an expense in excess of $390,990. The undersigned further petition the Board of Trustees of the Town of Syracuse. Indiana, to further investigate the possibility of construction of a town hall for a lesser sum than presently proposed.** APPARENTLY THIS opposition group has won an ally of sorts in Syracuse Town Board President Carl L. Myrick, who also thinks the cost of the proposed building is too high. Myrick. a thoughtful fellow, made his opinions public at a recent town board meeting, opinions that gained little currency in the local press. It's Myrick's opinion that the new town hall can be built for about $485,000 with a total project figure of about $580,000. a figure considerably less than the $650,000 figure originally advanced. In the interest of fairness, we felt we should publish the significant part of Myrick's remarks that pertain to building costs It follows: “1 have sat here and listened to discussion by some of the town's people and local businessmen. In these discussions 1 have heard all kinds of figures of what a town hall should cost and how it should be built. “In all these discussions I do not believe I've heard a realistic figure on what a new town hall should cost, nor did I hear any good reasons not to proceed with plans to build a town hall for the people of Syracuse. “However, after a careful study of the estimated cost of this new town hall 1 find the price too high. “Two good examples of today’s construction cost on office buildings are Liberty Coach’s office building and the junior high school at Milford. Both of these buildings are being built for approximately $59.00 per square foot. “In my opinion, using this same figure per square foot then the new town hall should cost about $485,000 with a total project figure of about 1580.000.” L. JAMES Butt, father of town board member Steve Butt and resident of 455 Medusa Street, has provided a petition counterpoint of sorts when he tells friends emphatically he is “for” the new town hall — even proposing spending “a million dollars” for it. Not really. But the lifelong Syracuse resident thinks the town board should spend what it takes for an appropriate town hall for this community. One questions how much “clout” he has with his free-thinking son Steve, nor that he has even tried to exercise any clout for that matter. Jim says, “I get around to other communities a lot” and he’s seen how other progressive towns have handled this matter. It'll be interesting to see how much support his proposed petition will have, if indeed he does choose to come out with one. ANOTHER MAN. fairly new to the general area who is exercising some positive influence is Wayne Brockett, formerly a Fort Wayne city lettercarrier but a resident of Enchanted Hills since 1979. A thing that has bothered Brockett is the response time of the Syracuse and Cromwell fire departments to the south and southeastern part of the Big Lake. “It takes about 12 minutes for the Cromwell department and about 20 minutes for the Syracuse department to respond to a fire call, depending upon just where the fire is,” Brockett says. He met on Wednesday. Nov. 19. with Ron Corson, president of the Papakeechie Lake Assn.: Jane Nearing, executive secretary of the Wawasee Property Owners' Assn.: and Walter Stein, president of the Marineland Gardens Assn., to consider the possible erection of a fire station for their area. The group will meet again tonight (Wednesday) and claims it knows where a second hand Fire truck can be purchased in the area. Right now all ideas of such a building and truck are in the talking stages, Brockett allows, “but we have to begin somewhere, ” he adds. The Papakeechie Lake Assn, has four acres of ground on the east side of Old Road 8 which passes the old fish hatcheries where it has been proposed the group build a town hall. A town hall and fire station are not completely out of the question. Brockett says he can see the eventual purchasing of an EMS unit and training its own volunteer workers. “If they make the old fish hatchery site a public access area as they propose, the necessity of an EMS unit is not altogether out of the question.” he states. Brockett thinks there is plenty of volunteer help in the area to make a fire department and EMS unit a real viable possibility. AU it takes is an idea and some enthusiasm; the volunteer help and money seem to follow.

SYRACUSE MERCHANTS are looking forward to a good holiday season, if postThanksgiving sales are any indication. In spite of a Friday rain, which should have hampered sales, the local merchants we spoke to said things were “off to a good start.” And this was true the country over. The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally the best shopping day of the year. Bob Marion, manager of the Ben Franklin store on Pickwick Road. says. “Our sales have been very good.** He noted that “Syracuse has two Christmases: The three-month summer season and regular Christmas.” He said sales at his store have been very good. - Jeannie Gardiner, head of the chamber of commerce’s retail division, said this week, “Syracuse has good stores, well stocked, with competitively priced merchandise.” There's no reason we shouldn't have good Christmas sales. Syracuse merchants have banned together in advertising their wares, with the prospects of doing more of it Is a means of countering out-of-town merchants who are flooding this area with high-powered advertising. The holiday season was officially kicked off Sunday with the appearance of Santa Claus at the Boy Scout Cabin. JIM HAMMON took his brother Ivan E. Hammon of South Bend to REAL Meals at the Scout Cabin for lunch Monday. Ivan is a handsome dude, a widower, some years younger than octogenarian Jim. and is a security guard for several South Bend firms. He said, if he ever decides to get married again, he will make a list of all the eligible women, widows, divorcees, like that, then strike off the list of those he wouldn't have, then strike off the list of those who wouldn't have him. What is left, if any. he'd consider. BILL AND Barbara Beemer of Lake Wawasee left Saturday for Acapulco, Mexico, to spend this week in the sunshine. Bill will be a conventioneer with the Wood-Mode Cabinetry people, a well known national firm Bill represents in the midwest. HOW OFTEN has this writer heard the question, “Just what do you do anyway?” Let me count the times... oh. well. Perry White, editor of the Stamford (N.Y.) Mirror-Recorder, wrote a piece for National Newspaper Week, which was reprinted in the Publishers* Auxiliary, a trade journal, and we would like to reprint it here to put many minds to rest. Under the heading. “A Reader's Guide to the Newspaper. ” White writes — The newspaper business is often more complex and specialised than many people realise. And it is rife with specialised terminology and special phrases not used by the general public. As a service to our readers, we’d like to provide some definitions that may increase your understanding of our business. Publisher: usually the owner, but occasionally an employee of such tenure as to remember the first motorized company vehicle. His duties are somewhat ephemeral, but include such things as getting political party designations for the paper, and going to conventions in Hawaii and Las Vegas. Managing Editor: the man who has gone too far up the ladder to still be writing, and not far enough to be doing whatever it is publishers do; often the owner ’s son; also, second in the chain of complaints. Editor: the man to whom the first line of complaints comes: his duty is to see that all the news gets into the paper, as well as to write editorials, front page stories, weddings, and sparkling obituaries. Has very little authority despite his demeanor. Advertising manager: a crack salesman, especially on golf courses and in fine restaurants; this person has control over the advertising end of the newspaper, and has the responsibility of directing the rest of the advertising staff (some weeklies actually do have more than one person in advertising); another duty of the advertising manager is to call up the editor just before the paper hits the street and remind him of the three stories that absolutely must be in the paper “if we want to keep those accounts.” Pressman: the individual who runs the press and who has the responsibility to make Uncle Harry and Aunt Jane’s anniversary picture look like a cup of black coffee lightly sprinkled with Cremora. He has complete control over the newspaper press, and usually has an assistant who does most of the dirty pressroom jobs. Darkroom Technician: the individual whose responsibility it is to inform the news department they have once again screwed up a roll of Film, preferably for pictures that are impossible to reconstruct; he/she also must be able to turn good negatives into fair prints, develop page negatives without noticing the headline on the front page is upside down, and tell the pressroom the pages are too dirty. Job pressman: the individual who spells your name wrong on your letterheads, or puts the wrong phone number on your business cards, he strives to get to your job “Just as soon as I get these funeral cards done.” Other than the people, there are some other terms that should be defined to the general public, that deal with other aspects of the business. Tombstones: headlines that are on adjoining stories that combine to make a single headline reading “Mr. Smith. Youth Group Weds Ms. Jones at Horse Show.*' (Continued on page 5)