The Mail-Journal, Volume 20, Number 13, Milford, Kosciusko County, 13 April 1983 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., April 13,1983

Editorials

"One man's junk... Anyone who has never been to an auction, antique store or flea market should take the opportunity to attend the Wawasee High School Music Booster’s auction this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at the high school. There’s something intriguing about another person’s “junk” and the Music Boosters and members of the high school band and choir have been working long, hard hours to prepare for the fund-raiser. According to Jerry Dain, Music Booster president, the group is designed to help members of the high school music department raise money so they can expand their experiences and knowledge. This year, the funds raised will help band students visiting Washington, D.C., in May where they will participate in marching competition against other bands from across the nation. Next year, the major money-making project will benefit the high school choir. Unique to small towns is the residents’ willingness to support local groups whether they are school or community based. Unique to auctions is away of supporting an effort without spending much money. End tables that are only good for collecting dust and catching toes as you walk by; a tarnished picture frame; or items that are being saved for something special, even though nothing special ever seems to come along, are ail jewels for the auction goer. This auction is unique in another way, too. Not only is it being supported by local residents, but businesses from the three towns have donated new items making the event even more eye appealing. According to Dain, items are still being collected and will be collected up until Saturday morning. So remember, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” Fast-growing states Which are the fastest growing states? The Census Bureau has released figures for 1982 Which show that since 1980 the fastest growing states, in order, are Nevada, Alaska, Texas and Florida. California has slipped to 10th place, behind Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and Oklahoma, in that order. The other states growing faster than the national average in this period — 2.2 per cent — are New Mexico, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Georgia, Hawaii, Virginia, Washington, South Carolina, North Dakota, North Carolina and Idaho. Five states and the District of Columbia lost population — Michigan (the most), Indiana, lowa, Ohio and West Virginia, in that order. Two states registered no gain or loss — Pennsylvania and South Dakota. The others showed population gains from 1.9 per cent (Kansas) down to 0.2 per cent (Arkansas). Biggest population gains among the top states (as apart from percentages) were in Texas, California and Florida — as expected. The Census Bureau says the national population increase for the two-year period was about 5,000,000 —a very rapid rate of increase. Thomas Jefferson : Thomas Jefferson, one of the nation’s founding fathers, was born April 13 in 1743 at Shadwell, Va. His democratic ideas were far ahead of those of other men and his innovations in architecture, education, farming and other fields continue to impress historians. (Kenneth Clark in The Romantic Revolution devotes more space to Jefferson than practically any other American.) Jefferson, whose mother was a Randolph, graduated from William and Mary and practiced law several years before entering politics. His ideas were remarkably developed for one his age. \ At 26, he was elected to the Virginia House, and tp the Continental Congress in 1775. As a member of the latter body, he was the main drafter of the Declaration of Independence, one of the great documents in the history of western civilization. He was elected governor of Virginia in 1779. In 1784, he, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were sent to France to represent this country in vital peace negotiations. He returned to become secretary of state under President Washington and, after Washington had vacated the presidency, he served as vice president under John Adams, the second president. In 1800, and again in 1804, he served his country as president. A humanitarian philosophy, the belief that all men deserve a chance to rise to the top, was his legacy and one of his many contributions to his country. Few people study to discover the truth; most of us seek to confirm our errors and perpetuate our prejudices. What others say— Trouble on the farm, in town j ■ ' ■ Farmers are in trouble. As USDA endeavors to dispose of huge buildups of stored grain in the Commodity Credit and PIK programs, prices on the farm have forced thousands into sales and bankruptcy. In 1982, nearly 45,000 farmers went out of business. The farmer has some differences from his city cousin. When a business fails in town, a new one can be started or another job can be sought. The family can still live in the same house. But, when a farmer loses his business, he also loses his home. Adequate farm income is a necessity for smaller communities. When the farmer’s cash flow is good, he will spend money. Because the farmer has faced a financial crisis for several years, he has been forced to find supplemental work. Farmers, while living on the farm, have taken about 2.4 million jobs away from city people. Plus, 33 per cent of the farm population fled to the cities in the 1970’5. When added together, they represent more than 50 per cent of the unemployment in the U.S. today. Results of farm economy can be traced along country roads... vacant, run down buildings; farming ditches, no fences for livestock. The domino effect is evident in our towns and cities where businesses have locked doors and employees laid off. The farmer and his friends in communities must stand together if they are to survive. Too often in the past, farmers have been scoffed at when they were in financial trouble. Too often farmers have been too proud to make a last ditch stand to save their farms and homes. Depressed, broke and hurt, they have left the land for a different life in the city. There is hope. Farmers, small businessmen and individuals are finding that they have rights. The founding fathers wrote into the Constitution protection for people in economic trouble. This protection is there so that we can be a free country, a country that can remain strong because we have legal protection from those who would make economic slaves of its citizens. We need to work together. — CARROLL COUNTY COMET

Letters to the editor

God knows there's a place called Milford

Dear Editor: Isn’t it great that God knows that there is a place called Milford, Ind.? Isn’t it nice that He has provided away for forgiveness of most any “mistake?” And doesn’t it seem that the greater the “mistake,” greater will be the forgiveness? Scriptures tells us not to hide our “light” under a bushel. If forgiveness is so great a “light” shouldn’t Milford’s “mistakes” be taken from under the bushel so that much forgiveness can be seen? After all, isn’t forgiveness about all that there is to Christianity? And Milford wants to be known as a Christian community. Without forgiveness could this Christian community be recognized by God as being one of His desirable shining “lights?” Can one imagine what this community would be like if the Lord’s name were not reverenced? Can one imagine what it would be like if the bird’s House were not observed? Can one imagine what it would be like if the Lord’s Book were not read? So why be so disturbed about one “mistake” that brings out God’s great act of forgiveness? If only one man could forgive such “mistakes” then would there by any need to be disturbed? If only all could see how they need that same forgiveness

Thank you Dear Editor. I would like to thank you for picking me as the grand prize winner in the coloring contest and for the savings bond. I was really surprised and pleased. Thank you Mike Ferverda

Unsung hero —

■lls • ■ ■Hu t. - JBf tillP SCOTT WALLACE

Scott Wallace wants to help

He was a welder and fireman in the US Navy and Scott Wallace, a member of the Syracuse Fire Department, wanted to learn more and as much as he could about being a fireman. “It’s not as much as for my benefit as those I have to help,’’ remarked Wallace, who has a goal to be a full time fireman. “That’s why I came here, a volunteer fireman is just as good.’’ Wallace has passed his probationary period as a trainee and has been on the department for the past 10 months. One of the things he will remember will be the first accident he went to, a double fatality and one injury on US 6. He moved to Syracuse 15 months ago from Norwalk, Ohio, and is interested in fishing and hunting. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

for their own “mistakes” there would he no need to be so concerned about other’s seemingly greater “mistakes.” (That produce so much greater forgiveness!) And if there were no “mistakes” by God’s people what would a risen Christ have to do? Isn’t forgiving people all that he has to do? Wouldn’t he be about “bored to death” if all of Milford walked as he had when he was on this’earth? Why should we not be thankful for God’s shining light that He knows as Milford, Ind.? Even when there are a few seemingly disturbing elements in Milford occasionally shouldn’t we be as proud of Milford (and all that is there) as God must be? Cordially, Robert Stichter Expresses feelings Dear Editor: I would like to express my feelings concerning the Lakeland Loving Care Center. We are sure fortunate to have a facility like this in the Milford area. It is very professionally run, kept so very clean, and the care that the people receive is outstanding. My hat’s off to John and Fritz and all the staff at the Lakeland Loving Care Center. It’s just not another place for aging people, but alot more than that. Thank you Lakeland Loving Care for your “tender loving care,” to the people there! Sincerely, Bob Auer

Wallace’s wife, Jodi, is the former Jodi Linville from Milford. THE MAIL-JOURNAL IUSPS 325 8401 Published by The Mail-Journal every Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office at Syracuse, Indiana 46567. Second class postage paid at 103 E. Main Street, Syracuse, Indiana 66567 and at additional entry offices. Subscription: 814 per year in Kosciusko County; 516.50 outside county. POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The Mail-Journal, P.O. Box 188- Milford, Indiana 46542.

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE"

ROTTEN WEATHER in the last several weeks has halted the annual return of several of the area’s snowbirds and unless there’s a big break, Syracuse residents shouldn’t expect an upbeat until mid-May. The lack of traffic is evidenced best on the area’s golf courses where fairways are primed for big crowds. According to South Shore’s Keith Perry, manager, unless the weather breaks the courses will be lonely. “The weather is killing us,” said Perry. “It’s been raining nearly everyday for the last two weeks and cloudy for the past three so the weather has been keeping them away.” At first guess, South Shore officials believed spring break may have been the reason for the low return. It’s been the weather, though, that’s been getting the most credit for keeping everyone away. “Some have not even been back to clten their cottages yet,” Perry said. At Maxwelton, pro shop assistant Darrell Kirugman says much of the same has postponed any plans for an early spring on the golf course. “The play has not been up mainly because of the weather,” he said. Good weather last month increased play on certain days, but for the most part the snowbirds have yet to make their appearance. “Right now, a lot of our members have showed up and we’ve picked up pretty good when the weather is okay,” he explained. “We’re hoping that people will show up for the first of May and continue to be strong in the second week of May,” Kirugman said. Wawasee Golf Course owner Don Byrd agrees weather will be the big factor in the return of the summer residents to the area. His traffic has been “just like the weather,” although he has had a few drop-ins. Tuesday’s sunny conditions makes Byrd optimistic that things will pick up. “If it is like today, then we’ll have a bunch of people out this week end,” Byrd said Tuesday morning. Like always, the big boost will be after Memorial Day but any hopes of an early spring turnout hinges on improving weather conditions. “We always have a few diehards. If it weren't for them it would be awful lonely out here,” he added. “I’ve seen other springs like this one before, so I’m not worried about this summer. ” SALLY RLAKELEY won’t be seen around the Crystal Flash Service Station, located at the north edge of North Webster, nearly as much as she has been. For Sally has chosen to retire to her nearby Mid-Lakes Trailer Court home to give more time to household pursuits of her choice. She will be at the station part time, however, assisting her husband Roland, better known as “Buck”, who plans to carry on at the popular selfservice station and convenience store. Sally moved from South Bend to the Syracuse area in 1956 with her young family and in more recent years has made her home at North Webster. Her family includes daughters Barbara (Mrs. Gary) Eastlund of North Webster, Marjorie Leach of Goshen and Rosetta Pore of Jacksonville, Fla., and two sons, Charles Edgar of North Webster and John Edgar of Syracuse. ALSO AT North Webster, there will be new faces around the Dixie Haven, the popular little short order restaurant on the north edge of Lake Webster. Jack Baker of Milford and Bill Gooding of North Webster have leased the Dixie Haven from Waite- E. and Eileen Nellessen, who have operated it for the past several years. The manager will be Ilene Wilson. Baker is owner of the Pickwick Theater in Syracuse and has had considerable business experience. The Nellessens will continue the operation of their charter trips on Lake Webster with the paddle boat, the Dixie Haven, one of the few remaining paddle boats in operation outside the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. THE WAWASEE Drive-In Theater, located between Syracuse and North Webster, popular among some of the young for its “colorful” movies and less popular among others for the same reason, opened last week end, with Dave Batta of Warsaw the new owner-operator. Batta is reported to have considerable theater experience, and will also operate Center Cinema Theaters I and II at the east edge of Warsaw. The three theaters mentioned above, phis others, were operated by Roger Vote, who filed bankruptcy some time ago. On the heels of considerable public complaints, this newspaper chose to discontinue advertisements for the Wawasee Drive-In Theater some time ago, and has elected to follow the same policy as long as X-rated movies are shown there. MARJORIE MELBOURN, former two-term recorder in Elkhart County, is working as a volunteer in the gift shop at the Goshen General Hospital. She moved with her husband David, a retired state police detective, to 406 Front Street, Syracuse, from Goshen, several years ago. DARRELL BALES, owner-operator of Bales Butcher Shop in uptown Syracuse, is pleased to have his 26-year-old son Dan come to work in his market May 1. Dan wUI hold that job for the summer months only. He is an LU. graduate and has been doing student teaching at Fairfield High School. While he has also held down a job at Middlebury Church Furniture, his eventual aim is to get into full time teaching. His wife Becky has been working behind the counter at Bales Butcher Shop and has become well known in the community. The young Bales couple lives at 67493 US 33, across the highway from Fairfield High School. JEFF AND Cindy Wells are being kept busy these days with routine chores plus their building

a new home in the Kanata Manayunk addition, just off Lake Wawasee. Their neatly remodeled farmhouse, the old Searfoss home just south of Wawasee High School on Syra-Web Road, was completely gutted by fire in the early morning hours of Monday, Dec. 27. They have chosen to sell the old house and build a new one, which will be the first Wells home for daughter Cassandra who was born several weeks following the disastrous fire. The Wells’ other child is Layton. A SIGN of the pick-up in the local economy can be seen at the Syracuse License Branch, according to branch manager Roxanne Hadley. “There’s a big change (in title registrations), definitely a pick-up,” says Mrs. Hadley. More cars are being sold and more people are getting registrations and license plates. She adds that during the current year her branch has sold 49 individualized plates — at >46 each. She notes that >ls of this amount comes back into Kosciusko County, into the coffers of each political party, >7 goes to the Department of Motor Vehicles, and >3 goes to the local branch manager. Mrs. Hadley became branch manager January 1, 1978, and is now in her sixth year. “Hardly seems possible,” she sighs. A LITTLE asking seems to go a long way with Wawasee principal Howard Hull. Last month, members of the Wawasee Music Boosters attended the monthly meeting of the Syracuse Retail Merchants Division asking for support for their public auction slated for this Saturday. But the merchants, after giving their support for the auction, quickly informed Dick McDaniel and Mrs. Jerry Dain about their displeasure with , the high school’s involvement with the community. It seems a few years ago the merchants scheduled an activity requiring some music, but the group’s request for help was snubbed by the music department. After hearing about this from McDaniel, Hull got on the phone that afternoon with president Jeanne Gardiner to set up a “joint session” this week with the merchants and all of the Wawasee department heads. The meeting was a constructive one, centering around the high school’s involvement in future activities. With Hull at the helm, it seems improving relations between the high school and the community is a high priority. WE SHOULD say more about the Wawasee High School Music Boosters, in that they are sponsoring a public auction on the south side of the high school on Saturday, April 16, beginning at 10 a.m. All proceeds will be donated to the Wawasee High School Music Department to be used in needed avenues. One of the beneficiaries will be a group of students who will be traveling to Washington, D.C., to compete in a band contest. Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Dain. president and vice president of the Music, Boosters, have been working on the auction for well over a month, collecting items and making arrangements for the sale which was planned by the entire Music Boosters earlier in the school year. “A lot of work has gone into this auction,” said Dain who further complemented the students and parents who have helped collect items for the last three week ends. Among items available at the sale are: a new refrigerator, a new barbecue grill, a new pine coffee table, used bicycles, a baby bed, old school desks, animal food and many more items for everyone. More donations are being received every day, and anyone interested in donating an item or obtaining more information on the sale should contact the Dains at 834-4193. IF THE spring weather returns to the Lakeland area, many people will begin their good weather activities including mowing lawns, playing baseball and tennis. However, few Lakeland tennis players have received the attention that 19-year-old Chinese player, Hu Na, has received recently. While in the United States for competition play, the promising young woman defected from her native China and requested political asylum from the US. Last week, she was granted asylum and later in the same week, the Chinese government retaliated by cancelling all cultural and sport exchanges between the two countries. In Goshen, an exchange program between Goshen College and China could have been threatened by the governmental decision. Currently, nine Chinese students are studying at GC along with two professors who are teaching classes. In exchange, approximately 20 Goshen * students studied in China for three months in the fall. J. Lawrence Burkholder, college president.; feels remorse over the situation, but is grateful the current exchange will not be affected. “Screntiflc. and educational exchanges will not be affected, particularly those which were developed on a; person to person basis like our program. ” Dr. Burkholder himself traveled to China to; develop the exchange program between Goshen and the Sichuan Teachers’ College, a programnow in its third year. A fourth year is planned for this fall, but may alter due to the current con-; troversy While Burkholder is “sympathetic to those who wish to stay in this country,” he suggested another type of status be given the tennis star to avoid any confrontation. < This writer graduated from Goshen College and had the opportunity to study under several Chinese professors, and the true value of such a program is hard to put into words, she states. One has to wonder how valuable one tennis player’s political status is when it could severely alter a relationship between two whole countries which was on the way up. —G.W.