The Mail-Journal, Volume 20, Number 40, Milford, Kosciusko County, 19 October 1983 — Page 1

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VOLUME 20

From Lebanon to Israel — AP correspondents in Milford

By TOM CHARLES Staff Writer The “whos” and “whys” of the fighting in Lebanon are enough to confuse even the clearest of minds. However, making sense out of that confused situation is exactly what former Milford resident, Earleen (Fisher) Tatro, and her husband, Nick, have been doing for the past two and one-half years. The Tatros, veteran correspondents with the Associated Press, have just completed an assignment in Beirut, where Nick has been AP bureau chief since 1980. They are now headed for Tel Aviv, Israel, where Nick will be the new bureau chief. Nick and Earleen are in Milford this week visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Noble Fisher, and took some time to talk about the war-torn nation. Lebanon, which has been the site of religious strife for centuries, has been especially torn and crippled since the out break of civil war in 1975. Today, it is somewhat comparable to medieval Europe. “It’s a feudal state mentality,” Earleen said. “There are feudal leaders, there are. . .men that sit. . in their posh apartments and control people simply because they are the head of the family;” These feudal lords represent a patchwork of religious and ethnic groups, all of which are out to obtain political power. The struggle for political power in Lebanon is intensified by religious differences and the inequities of the past 40 years. Since independence in 1943, Maronite Christians, a religious minority,have held the majority of political power. Various Muslim groups now want their share of the political pie. “The Shiites (a Moslem Halloween festival set at Milford Dr. T. A. Miller, chairman of the Milford Community Halloween Festival, said plans have been completed for the annual parade of ghosts and goblins. The costume judging will take place in the elementary school gym on Saturday, Oct. 29, beginning at 6 p.m. Youngsters will be divided according to costumes into categories. There will also be an adult category. Cash prizes will be award to winners in individual catagories and to the grand prize winner. The grand prize winner will be an entrant who has not previously been awarded a prize during the evening’s contest. Margaret Ostendorf, Bob Groves and Gwendolyn Dewart will serve as judges for the event which is co-sponsored by the Lions, Kiwanis, Legion and Legion Auxiliary.

Corporation enrollment figures reverse trend

“Enrollment figures have reversed the downward trend,” commented Lakeland Community Schools Superintendent Don Arnold when the school board reviewed official enrollment figures for the corporation at their last week’s meeting. Enrollment for LCSC was at its highest at 3,269 during the 1974-75 school year, but figures decreased progressively to a low 2,974 during the 1981-82 school year. Last year, the enrollment increased by one student with 3,013 students enrolled for the 1983-84 school year. Milford Total enrollment at the Milford schools is 583 students with the following number in respective classes: Kindergarten, 53; first, 89; second 53; third, 70; fourth, 48; fifth, 53; special education, 11; sixth, 66; seventh, 58; and eighth, 82.

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Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) and THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907)

religious sect) have grown from refugee status to the largest single sect and they want their power,” Nick said. “If the Christians had to share power according to ‘one man, one vote’ they’d probably be out of power.., They fear that if they do that, they are going to set themselves up for anihilation. The Druse (another Moslem sect) feel the same way.” “The (factions) fear each other,” continued Nick. “They fear the other guy being the victor because they fear they are going to be wiped out, massacred.” The rivalry between Lebanese religious groups has only been intensified and further confused by the involvement of foreign

' M ‘ WI * fl < * jBK bRJLRJB fl -fl J fl ; K*ifl wB fl lEf * W |g| I MIDDLE EAST CORRESPONDENTS — Nick and Earleen (Fisher) Tatro, veteran Associated Press correspondents, will be moving from Beirut to Tel Aviv, where Nick is the new bureau chief. They are in Milford this week visiting Earleen’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Noble Fisher, r 2. (Photo by Tom Charles)

Corner stone laid, 100 years celebrated

Sunday, Oct. 23, will climax four weeks of special services at the Milford First Brethren Church, celebrating 100 years for the congregation. Speaking in the 10:30 a m. worship service will be Dr. Joseph R. Shultz, president of Ashland College and Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio. Dr. Shultz was host to President Ronald Reagan last May in a visit to Ashland College. He has been a pastor of several Brethren Churches and was director of the Board of Christian Education for the Brethren Church. Following the morning celebration of worship, there will be a carry-in meal at noon and an

North Webster The total enrollment figure for the North Webster schools is 622 with the following break-down: Kindergarten, 53; first, 74; second, 76; third, 61; fourth, 64; fifth, 70; sixth, 80; seventh, 76; eighth, 68. Syracuse The Syracuse schools have top enrollment figures for the corporation with 909 registered students. Respective enrollment figures are: Kindergarten, 97; first, 112; second, 84; third, 111; fourth, 87; fifth, 83; special education, 11; sixth, 90; seventh, 131; eighth, 103. Wawasee Wawasee has a total 887 students enrolled this year in the following respective classes : Freshmen, 240; sophomores, 226; juniors, 198; seniors, 223.

troops. The presence of foreign troops, particualrly the Israelis, Syrians, and Lybians makes any sort of solution elusive. According to Earleen, the way to a solution is difficult because of the “.. .need to transcend the modern day political goals of other countries.” “Gemayel, the president, has said we need to get all the foreigners out of Lebanon and everything will be just wonderful,” she said. “There is some validity to that.” One group of foreigners who are there with the intent of bringing stability to the situation is the contingent of US Marines.

afternoon service at 1:30 p.m. Dr. Shultz will speak and have part in the laying of the corner stone on the new education and fellowship center. All former members and friends are encouraged to join in

Inside: Harriers to regional, spikers to sectional.... Page 8 Webster Junior High featured... Page 10 Augsburger's observe 47 years.... Page 5

Milford Lions to hold town meeting on 'Chemical People'

Members of the Milford Lions Club voted Monday night to sponsor a forum in connection with “The Chemical People,” two onehour programs to be broadcast over the public broadcasting service on November 2 and 9 at 8 p.m. The objective of these broadcasts is to point out the threat posed to young people by drug and alcohol abuse, and to outline the possible steps that can be taken to fight the problem. The programs will be hosted in part by Nancy Reagan. In conjunction with PBS, the

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19,1983

The Marines’ mission, as part of the multi-national peacekeeping force, was to show support for the Lebanese government and army until the army could opearte effectively on its own. Both Nick and Earleen commented that, despite being in a difficult situation, the Marines have been an influential force. “The presence of foreign troops has allowed the army to move in the western side of Beirut,” said Earleen. “The Lebanese army in taking on the militias up in the mountains over the past few weeks has done better than most people expected it to. I would say that is due in part to the presence of foreign troops (in Beirut). Even if they weren’t participating in the fighting certainly lends an air of legitimacy.” The American military did become involved in one battle between the Lebanese Army and Druse militia The Navy reigned shells down on Druse positions from guns located on board the USS Virginia in an attempt to aid Lebanese Army troops and protect Marines in Beirut. After that intervention, a bigger warship, the USS New Jersey, sailed into position off the coast of Lebanon. Nick sees this as an important move. “1 am convinced that the threat of the New Jersey with its longrange guns that can reach all the way to Syria, was what brought about the latest cease-fire,” he said. This latest cease-fire is nothing to get excited about, however. It is the 179th such truce since the civil war. Yet, despite the endless conflict, Earleen says there is hope for the future among the Lebanese people. “Hope springs eternal in Lebanon,” she said. “There is incredible amount of resiliency —a building gets bombed and you rebuild it.” The Tatros will return to the Middle East this week end to begin their new assignment in Tel Aviv.

the 100th anniversary celebration. Pastor Tinkel extends a special invitation to everyone, especially for the afternoon service and corner stone laying. School bus struck at railroad In an accident which occured early Monday morning at the intersection of South Main Street and Railroad Avenue, Syracuse, a 1971 Chevrolet van driven by John D. Kates, Claypool, turned the comer onto South Main and struck a school bus stopped at railroad crossing. The bus was driven by Joe Gray, Syracuse. The van, owned by Buzz Keck Motors, Syracuse, sustained S3OO damage to the left front corner in the collision. The bus, property of Lakeland School Corporation sustained $175 damage to its left rear bumper. No one was injured in the mishap.

Lions and other volunteer groups will be organizing town meetings to watch these programs and take action based on the suggestions which the programs provide. A panel discussion of resource persons to be chosen from the community is being planned by the Milford club. It is hoped a local task force will be formed to combat drug abuse in the community. More information on this program will be forthcoming as the club formulates plans for the program.

Still no progress in negotiations Lakeland Community Educators Association representatives met with the administration negotiating team last night (Tuesday) with no progress made in contract talks. Speaking for the k ’hers, Phil Metcalf, LCEA president, said the fact-finding report suggests a 5.2 per cent salary increase which would still place teachers* salaries below the state average. LCEA contends Lakeland teachers’ salaries should be at least equivalent to the state average. George Gilbert, assistant superintendent and spokesman for the administration, said the two groups would continue to meet until an agreement is reached.

Realtor scores Syracuse Town Board on being delinquent on street paving

Bv TOM CHARLES Staff Writer , The Syracuse Town Board staged a lengthy discussion over the proposed paving of Hillside Drive in the Wawasee Heights division at its monthly meeting last night. Lawrence Thwaits, owner' of several undeveloped properties along the street, and his attorney, Steve Snyder, brought before the board their concern that the town of Syracuse has been delinquint in its responsibility to pave the street. According to Snyder, who read from town board meeting minutes of December 26,1978, the town of Syracuse is obligated to pay for the cost of labor to pave Hillside Drive. Thwaits stated that twice in the past five years he has laid gravel base and prepared the street for paving, but the town has failed to come through with its end of the deal. “I think that one time is enough to request that a job be done," said Thwaits, indicating that runoff water has washed away the existing base. The board agreed that the town will pay for the labor cost to pave the street —a cost that Thwaits estimated at $9,300 — but failed to reach an agreement on how to handle the water drainage problems in the area. Thwaits and Snyder petitioned the board to deal with the drainage problem, stating that the town stands to gain increased tax revenues once the properties are sold. Board president Carl Myrick responded that the town is “in tight quarters right now" and that the board would do something if “we had storm sewer money." The board decided that further information is needed before any decision can be made with respect to the drainage problem. Thwaits and Snyder told the board that they would draw up a plan and present it for consideration to Joe Dock, street, water and wastewater superintendent, by the end of the week. Dock will study the plan and report back to the board with a cost estimate. In other business, Best Equipment, Inc. of Indainapolis submitted the low bid for a new street sweeper. The board voted to accept the bid of $40,100, but will wait for 30 days to decide on a payment plan. Alan Kitson, of the park department, reported to the board on the possibility of clearing the land behind the Calvary Church. The city-owned property is currently used as a dumping ground. Kitson reported that it would cost the town approximately S7OO to clear the land so that it could be filled and developed in the future. Board member Joe Morganthaler said that he thinks the

MU k' Flh v > £?■ iw* 1 HI I ■.A ONE WEEK LEFT — George Gilbert, vice chairman for the Kosciusko County United Way. is pictured with Mary McFarren and Sandy Baumgartner of Syracuse Rubber as he receives a donation for the current campaign from Syracuse Rubber employees. Only one week remains for the donations to be tabulated. (Photo by Jerry Kuhl)

town would be asking for trouble if the area was opened up for fill. He is concerned that the area simply return its present state. Board member James Hughes stated that he is in favor of selling the property if a buyer can be found. Kitson replied that the park department would raise no objections to the sale given the slim chance that the property will be developed in the future. The board decided to table any decision on the matter for 30 days. Joe Dock reported that street repairs should be completed by the end of the week or the beginning of next week at the latest. He said that work on Huntington Street is continuing with Minor accident in Syracuse In an accident which occured at 4:20 p.m. Thursday minor damage was sustained by the automobiles driven by Patricia J. Steel and Lucy F. Kroh. The Steel vehicle is registered to Cecil and Eleanor Steel. The mishap occured at the intersection of Main and Harrison Streets, Syracuse. The Steel vehicle was headed west on E. Main St. Kroh, who was traveling west on Harrison St., did not see the Steel vehicle and proceeded to cross Main St. Her auto was struck in the right front fender as the cars collided.

Donald Denney new president of Wawasee Kiwanis Club

Donald L. Denney was installed as president of the Wawasee Kiwanis Club recently during a ladies’ night dinner meeting held at the South Shore Country Club. Serving with Denney will be the following slate of officers: President-elect — Kenneth Bowton Vice president — Michael Tallon Secretary — Larry Jones Treasurer — Herschel Wells Members of the board of directors are Carl Freel, Larry Dull, Hub Wilkenson, Tom Hoover, DONALD DENNEY

residents expressing a lot of “pros and cons.” In other items the board: • Voted to reject a request that the Osborne estate be rezoned from residential to commercial. • Approved a Civil Defense request to spend $25.86 for the purchase of shingles and weather stripping. • Set the date for trick-or-treating as Monday, Oct. 31, bet-

What makes fall colors This week Lores Steury, Goshen College weather observer, discusses the requirements for the fall colors according to T. Davis Sydnor, ornamental specialist for Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. Sydnor states as the day’s length shortens in the fall chlorophyll production in plants slow down. Old chlorophyll slowly degrades, leaving only yellow or red pigments in leaves. Several reason why fall colors might be poor are: Plants growing in the shade usually don’t produce as much color as those growing in full sunlight. Although night temperatures drop below 45 degrees for good color, cold day time temperatures can severely reduce the amount ot tall color. Cloudy or rainy days result in low light levels and impede color production. Soils with low nutritional levels usually produce plants with below average foliage color. However, excessive amounts of nitrogen reduce the display. Also some trees are not genetically capable of producting necessary pigments. Steury stated with the bright sun shinny days and cool nights there will be some nice fall colors.

Buck Sanders, OA Lambert, Owen Cobbum and the immediate past president, Terry McDonald.

RECEIVE AWARDS — Buck Sanders, left, and Terry McDonald received awards at the recent Wawasee Kiwanfe Chib’s installation of officers meeting. Sanders received the 1982-83 Kiwanian of the Year award and McDonald was honored as the immediate past president.

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ween the hours of 6 and 8 p.m. • Approved Robert Reed’s request that the town hire the American Legal Publishing Company to codify the town ordinances. • Approved a police request to advertise for bids for a new police car. ; • Announced that the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals would meet on October 20 at 7 p.m. »*.

Awards were presented to club members in recognition df achievements during the past year.