The Mail-Journal, Volume 20, Number 49, Milford, Kosciusko County, 21 December 1983 — Page 5

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE”

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(Continued from page 4) representatives from Greece and Italy. Questions came hard and fast, but no one ducked such touchy questions as the traditional ill-feelings between Greece and Turkey, both NATO members. “When push comes to shove,” we were told, “both Greece and Turkey will forget their differences and work toward preserving peace in their respective regions. ” The briefing ended on this high note: “Our aim is to serve peace by preventing war.” And it was noted that for 38 years there has been no war in Europe, just short of the peace period from 1871 to 1914. Incidentally, two aircraft carriers are attached to the NATO forces here, and one, the Eisenhower, was in Naples harbor at the time. Our day ended with a city tour, as darkness descended upon the city and the lights came on. We had dinner high over Naples Bay, providing one of the most breathtaking cities we had seen in a long time. We returned to Rome Tuesday night, thinking southern Europe is safe and resting in good hands. We only wish we could say the same for embattled Lebanon. The Biggest Show The AP bureau chief was absolutely right - the appearance of the Pope is the biggest show in town! We were to witness this this morning in Saint Peter’s Square. Each Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock Pope John Paul II makes his appearance at the head of the square where he holds what is termed a “general audience.” It was general, sure enough, as some 40,000 people were there to receive the blessings of this world leader. He first rode around the huge audience in an open conveyance (not glassed in), waving and making the sign of the cross. Then he took his seat on the canopied podium where he delivered his remarks in six languages - English, German, French, Italian, Polish and Portugese. His message on this Jubilee Year of the Redemption was from Paul’s letters to the Romans, and when he recognized the many different peoples in his audience and came to the members of the American National Newspaper Association, he said our burden to tell the truth was particularly heavy. Catholic or not, one cannot help but be impressed with the moral force of a faith that will bring so many people together once a week from so many diverse countries and cultures to a moment of common good will. Later Wednesday afternoon our group had conferences at the United States Embassy and the Italian Embassy here in Rome, as others began * making plans for their return trip to the United States, to windup a fruitful three-week visit to six North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries - England, Belgium. Germany, Luxembourg, France and Italy We wish you kids would have been along. We’d have had a good time like we did in the Caribbean in September. This is the last in the series of eight such articles on our trip to NATO and EEC countries. If they have been of modest interest to our friends and readers, we ll feel the entire effort has been well worth while. The articles were written as we made our journey, often at late night hours. But we felt this would give us a sponteniety that would have been lost, had we waited until we arrived home. We were the only ones in the group to lug our trusty portable typewriter along, and while we at times felt it an added burden, it served our purpose well. With this eventful European trip behind us, we are making plans for a February trip to China. This will be our second trip to the most populous and much-misunderstood country. Love Grandma and Grandpa

We Wish All Os The Fine People 1I V n Community A Very \J 1 Merry Christmas f iMM r frM.lv.rymAt... / 1 wSL®- if 1 ,i ß| three flags drive-in \\ w Wawasae VHloga 457-381 S Hwy. 13$, Syracma

nF I r z* J * I 9SI 4H POPE JOHN PAUL II ■ Wwl SaK i1 "JI < si IJH SISTINE CHAPEL - AT THE VATICAN —o—

LARRY AND Penny Heckaman of Lake Wawasee are pleased as punch over the national attention their Laundry Basket in Wawasee Village is getting. As an example, it was a cover feature in the November 1983 American Coin-Op, the “bible” of the coin-op and dry cleaning business. It features a large four-color photo on the front cover, and ten photos in a four-page inside spread, four of which are four-color. Penny says, “We’re very flattered to have been recognized for our first venture in this field.” The article is titled, “Luxury store succeeds in a small town,” and quickly points out Syracuse is

a summer vacattea area whew 4.869 pepelatiw bteewms to 35.669 te the summertime. The article calls the Laundry Basket “one of the nation's prettiest and most luxurious cote-op laundries in a small town In Northern Indiana." Larry told the visiting reporter from the magazine, "I kept thinking during the time we were putting the store together that we may be overdoing it, but as Penny and I traveled around the Indiana, Ohio and Michigan area, we’d visited coin-ops to see how they were set up, and it soon became obvious to us that if a store is going to be in the business of cleaning clothes, then the store itself ought to be clean." And clean the Laundry Basket is. Larry said, further, that his store cost from 815.990 to 820,000 more to put together than the typical laundromat, but it is worth it “Customers have been very receptive to it.” Penny asserts. Their theme has been “Let us do your laundry while you spend time in the sun,” noting that 20% of the store’s gross income is derived from drop-off laundry. The article is a flattering piece on what a laundromat can look like. It's a high tribute to the vision and energy for Larry and Penny Heckaman put into their Laundry Basket. —O—NEW PARIS realtor Larry Thwaits will never have another birthday observance quite like his 50th - which occurred on Monday, Nov. 28. Son Jim, who happens to be a local chiropractor, thought he’d take dad to the Ivy Hut for breakfast. He had Larry set up, but good. He was met there by a host of Larry's friends, and they gathered around to wish him well and congratulate him on reaching the half-century mark with equanimity. But it wasn’t long before the cat was out of the bag. Who shows up but Laverne Laverne, a.k.a. Jan Linville of Nappanee. She appeared in the most god-awful get-up, sat beside Larry and sang her happy birthdays in her inimitable off-key manner that would be difficult if not impossible to duplicate. Larry was “got,” you can rest assured. He remembers his host of friends, including Bill Cutter and Paul Levernier among them, to quietly move to other tables to allow Larry to bask in the tell glory of the occasion. He said. “I'm sure glad I'm only 50 once!” —oEVERETT KETRING, who keeps an eye on the duck population and their general welfare (particularly during the winter months when the ground is snow-covered) in the channel area of South Huntington Street, lists five more names - two out-of-towners, to boot - who have taken to feeding the ducks: they are Catherine Herrold, M.D., and Betty Hathaway, both of Angola; plus Georgia Buster, Three Flags and Chris Koher Insurance. -o1N THIS season of giving, the spirit touched the hearts of the women who have made such a success of the Methodist Thrift Shop at 219 South Huntington Street. They contributed 82,000 to the renovation and rehabilitation of the Syracuse Boy Scout Cabin on Henry Street, making the largest single contribution to this local cause. Jeanne Jones, treasurer of the Thrift Shop Committee, said “the community has been good to us, so we’d like to return some of our money to the community." (Note: See photo on page 1.) The Thrift Shop has been in existence since February 16, 1962 and is located at 219 South Huntington Street. Its present members, besides Mrs. Jones, include: Theda Cutter, chairman; Thelma Brinkman, vice chairman; Barbara Caple, secretary; and Lucille Peffley, Lois Allen, Gloria Frew, Marjorie Thornburg, Mary Fisher, Roberta Pittman, Edith Brice, Eleanor Bates, Alice Stefanski, Mary Prescott and Lois Schleeter. —o— A LOCAL lady (whose identity shall remain anonymous) went into an area store and asked a clerk if they had any Hanukkah cards. Her reply, “No, but we have some very nice Hallmark cards.” —o— I , BILL BEEMER would qualify as one of the Wawasee Warriors’ most ardent fans. So much so, in fact, that he felt qualified to take exception to

Explain state bid procedure

The Department of Administration of the State of Indiana provides central services for all state agencies, including the correctional and mental health facilities and special institutions in the state. The department’s Procurement Division is responsible for procuring sup-

the colors of the school’s cheerleaders’ dress garb. “The school's colors are eld gold and forrest green, and these uniforms are nothing but yellow and green.” Bill protests. He has even offered athletic director Hal Traviola to dig deep into his own pocket to outfit the cheerleaders in proper uniforms. That’s loyalty, man. —o— ROGER GROTHAUS, a veteran volunteer fireman and likewise a veteran employed at Dana Corp, plant in Syracuse, has been appointed to an area manager's post at the local plant. The area of responsibility consists of carriers, cases, knuckles, steering arms, sub-assembly, spindles and IHC miscellaneous brackets, pins and spears. Roger’s strong background in manufacturing and quality control suits him for his new assignment. Rog is a 1969 graduate of Purdue where he received his BS degree in industrial supervision. —o— TOMORROW (THURSDAY) will be the last day in a long history of service to the area's school system for Lois (Mrs. Maurice) Koher. Lois is retiring as food service director at Wawasee High School where she has headed a corps of 11 since the new, consolidated high school opened for classes in the fall of 1968. (Note: See feature story on page 2.) Lois headed the kitchen staff at Syracuse High School before going to the kitchen at WHS. In all, she is ending a 28-year service with the school systems. She will be honored at a teacher and staff banquet when all supplementary staff is similarly honored. Assistant superintendent George Gilbert says of Lois, “She’s one/neat lady.” and notes that Diane Kennedy of th4tßourbon area will take over her responsibilities. She is a Purdue University graduate in nutrition. —o— V j—: a < . ■ 7 AN AIR of gratitude and cooperation surrounds most of the Retail Division meetings of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce. For example, at the December 13 meeting, Jeanne Gardiner (right), president, presented a certificate of appreciation to Mim Speicher for assuming Christmas Shop Syracuse responsibilities in the president’s absence. A constant plea that is voiced by the few chamber members who attend the meetings is for greater participation. The group’s decisions affect all merchants, but only a handful seem to show up for the meetings. In an effort to become more accessible, the chamber will meet January 9 at 6 p.m. at Das Keller instead of the regular Tuesday 8 a m. meeting at the State Bank of Syracuse. But the following month’s meeting will be held at 8 a.m. on the second Tuesday. The meeting times will rotate from the second Monday at 6 p.m. to the second Tuesday at 8 a.m. so a majority of the merchants should be able to attend at least one meeting every two months. —o— THIS COLUMN is grateful to its many local readers and contributors, and wants to wish them all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

plies and services. The Public Works Division is responsible for contracts involving the construction, alteration or enlargement of state buildings, structures and other improvements. Information concerning bidding procedures and procedures for qualifying as a vendor to do business with the State of Indiana is available upon request from the Department of Administration. This information may be obtained in the following manner: Infromation regarding vendor qualifications and the purchase of supplies and/or services can be obtained by contacting Thomas M. Popcheff, Director of the Procurement Division, Indiana Department of Administration, Room 507 State Office Building, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204, (317) 232-3032. Information on notice and bidding procedures and vendor qualifications for construction projects can be obtained by contacting Edward E. Simmons, Director of the Public Works

NOTICCH < The State Bank Os Syracuse Will 8e... [ Closed Moo., Dec. 2« ! M»«DDMHoriMMrodtoSnsm fl TJ state bank of OMA H m Syracuse iT/lw I I ■ I * FtM«MMKMITMSU*AMCf COCKMATIOW

Division, Indiana Department of Administaration, Room 510 State Office Building, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204, (317) 232-3001. Repairing man hole Syracuse Street, Water and Sewer Department employees have been busy repairing a collapsed man hole on Main Street near Portland Street. Joe Dock, superintendent of the utilities, stated the problem was caused from the excess traffic during the SR 13 detour. The man hole is currently barrieded to allow the cement to cure. It is expected it will be opened up this afternoon. In addition during this past week the town employees cleaned out a section of the storm sewer on Main Street preparing for the spring.

Wed., December a. 1983 - THE MAIL-JOURNAL

At Large... “A view of the political scene in Kosciusko County”

IT IS only natural to expect that last week’s announcement by Maurice W. Dorsey of North Webster that he would not be a candidate for re-election as the northern district’s representative to the Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners would stir up a beehive of speculation as to his replacement might be. And, on schedule, it came. And it is likely to continue for some time. Dorsey, in making the announcement that he was taking himself out of any future race for that office, said he wanted to make the announcement early to open the field as wide as possible for anyone wishing to make a bid for the post he has filled so well and faithfully. Dorsey, completing his fourth term as commissioner, said, “It’s time for me to bow out.” His father, the late William M. Dorsey, also of near North Webster, served as commissioner for three three-year terms. Two names surfaced this week, one passive who would acquiesel to a draft, and the other offering a flat denial. The first was that of David W. Robinson of r 5 Syracuse. Dr. Robinson has a long history of residency in the lakes area and is currently psychologist/psychomotrist for the Northwest Indiana Special Education Co-Operative (NCI) involving several area schools, including the Lakeland School Corporation. Dr. Robinson said, “Yes, several of my friends have asked me to consider running for the office, but we’ll just have to wait and see. ” He will begin his seventh year with the Lakeland School Corporation and NCI January 2, and he allowed any interest he would have in the commissioner’s race would have to have an accommodation uith his present employers - and this he hasn’t sought as yet. “It’s all very speculative,” Dr. Robinson added. The other name is that of Jerry Grady, a well known r 2 Syracuse cattleman. He was more unequivocal in saying flatly that he was flattered at the prospect of seeking the commissioner’s office, but thanks, no thanks, he would definitely not be a candidate. He, too, allowed that a number of his friends had mentioned the possibility to him, and he milled the prospects over in his mind. “Who wouldn’t?” he said. The Grady family feeds out from 1,200 to 1,800 head of cattle the year around and bears out his statement, “I’ve got a good sized farm to run here.” “No, I’m not a candidate for commissioner,” he said in the voice of a man who plans to stand on his convictions. Grady is a member of the Kosciusko Area Plan Commission and plans to keep this job which he claims to have found meaningful. All this is speculative to date, but one may rest assured more will be heard in this regard. Keep tuned. -o- j ’ In an interview with this reporter on Monday afternoon, Warsaw mayor-elect Jeff Plank announced the names of persons who will be heading up departments under his administration and said the basis of his administration would be “strength, experience and honesty.” Plank put an end to speculation and rumors concerning key spots in his administration with his appointment of 20-year veteran Ted Ward as police chief, and Russell Fifer, Jr. as fire chief. Plank said both men were well-liked and respected by their peers and he felt the choices would be popular ones. Ward currently holds the rank of captain with the Warsaw Police Department, but has held several positions throughout his police career. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va , and has received training in many areas of police work. Ward’s current duties as captain include the responsibility for departmental officer training for the Warsaw Police Department. He is the father of four daughters and currently resides in Warsaw with his wife Pam, the current Warsaw clerk-treasurer. Warsaw native Russell Fifer, Jr., began as a volunteer fireman in 1953 and became a paid driver in 1956. He served as assistant fire chief in Warsaw from 1967 until his retirement in 1977 and Plank said he feels this is the type of experience “other firefighters can respect.” Another key appointment was that of Michael L. Valentine as Warsaw city attorney. A graduate of Warsaw High School in 1963, Valentine attended Indiana University and graduated from I.U. Law School in 1974. The new city attorney has been in general practice in Warsaw since 1974 and has also served as a city judge, prosecutor and deputy prosecutor. Valentine lives in Warsaw with his wife Pam and their three children. Pat H. Ragan will be heading up the puolic works department He served as the city’s first superintendent of public works under mayor Joe Johnson and has worked for three other administrations. Ragan comes back to Warsaw city service from Wabash, where he has acted as superintendent of public works. Royce Cox, currently employed by Bertsch Vending Co., has been chosen by Ragan to serve as assistant superintendent of public works; while David Van Dyke will retain his position as manager of the wastewater treatment plant. As was previously announced in this column, Patrick N. Watkins is the mayor-elect’s choice for city planner. Plank emphasized in Monday’s interview that the position has not yet been funded. The city council will decide soon whether or not to appropriate the funds necessary to create this position. Other appointments include Everette Dunkleberger as building commissioner. He is the current superintendent of public works and Plank says Dunkleberger knows the city of Warsaw “inside and out.” Retaining their present positions with the city are Mario Sahagun, Oakwood Cemetery Sexton; Dick Hammond, superintendent of parks; and Jane Clem, sewage sanitation cleric. Jeri Newton, presently a deputy clerk in the city cleric-treasurer’s office, will be moving to the sewage collection office as a cleric. Plank added he would like to see two additional full-time clerks added to the department in the near future. Plank continued saying one of the major goals of his administration will be to establish “written policies clearly addressing such matters as the use of city property by city employees; offenses which would result in immediate termination; and grievance procedures relating to personnel policies.” When asked if the recent audit conducted by the State Board of Accounts would make his job more difficult, Plank said, “It (the audit) only points out more strongly, the need for clearly defined written policy.” He added that the audit can be used as a valuable “how-to tool” by his administration and should, in the long run, make his job easier. Plank said he feels the audit will more than pay for itself in the near future when procedures outlined in the audit are put into effect and he emphasized that not all the funding for the audit is coming from Warsaw monies. “Part of that cost is the regular salaries of those persons conducting the audit,” he said. “They were only doing what they are paid to do ” According to Plank, under his administration the city of Warsaw will be “run like a business, beginning with the implementation of a centralized purchasing system.” Plank said he will look for help from the private business sector in organizing the system. Another change will be to establish a standing finance committee to, in Plank’s words, “Act as a watchdog committee and insure that whatever we do is fiscally responsible.” The standing committee will be a subcommittee of the city council, working directly with the mayor and clerk-treasurer. The new members of the administration will be sworn in sometime after the first of the year, but Plank is planning to hold his organizational meeting on Monday, Jan. 2, despite the fact many businesses consider the day a legal holiday. Plank says he has been in touch with Indianapolis, and according to state law, the meeting is to be held the first Monday in January. The law makes no allowances for holidays. We congratulate Jeff Plank on his decision to cross party lines and choose the person he feels is best qualified for the job. Perhaps now city officials will be able to spend more time efficiently running the city of Warsaw, and less time taking aim at each other. DJ

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