The Mail-Journal, Volume 20, Number 51, Milford, Kosciusko County, 4 January 1984 — Page 4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL - Wed., January 4,1984

4

Editorials

Don't count the young folks out It’s too early to count the young folks out. Anyone with kids of his own is able to see the good qualities of teenagers, not just the part they are not so proud of. We submit that we think we have a bunch of good kids out there — always have had, for that matter. And this feeling was supremely bolstered recently with the forming of SADD - Students Against Drunk Drivers. It’s an outcropping of MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. Two high school students appeared before the Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club Tuesday to explain SADD, and said they planned to approach other service clubs in the area to outline its goals. Which are: To help eliminate the drunk driver and save lives, to alert high school students of the dangers of drinking and driving, to conduct community alcohol awareness programs, to organize peer counseling programs, to help students who may have concerns about alcohol. The youths offer a Contract for Life, which a teenager and his or her parents can both sign. By it, the student would agree to call for advice and/or transportation at any hour, from any place if he or she has had too much to drink. V And the parent would agree to come to his or her aid in any such situation, no questions, no argument. Dad agrees to pay the taxi fare. Discussion can come later. Who could knock SADD? The organizers of this movement at Wawasee High School are to be commended for their efforts. It could do wonders. Like we said, don’t count the young folks out. Religions gain " , _ " I • * The latest figures on church membership in the United States show that the long-term decline in membership (and activity) has been at least temporarily interrupted. ■ i' ° * The decline is still striking, if one compares figures of today with those of the fifties. For example, in 1955 almost half (49 per cent) of all Americans attended church services. Today the figure is 41 per cent. But in 1975 it was 40 per cent, so in the past seven years the decline has at least been checked. , The influence, or impact of churches, has declined more. In 1957,69 per cent believed the church was increasing its influence in American life. Today, only 38 per cent believe that. But five years ago, only 36 per cent were of that opinion. So the long decline in public opinion rating has also been checked. What has halted the decline?' Some Mainline Protestant churches have lost membership, among them the United Phesbyterian Church (in which there is controversy over predestination), whose membership total is down 21 per cent in the past decade. Another mainline church which has lost membership in the last ten years, the United Methodist Church, is down by 10 per cent. Its membership today, which only a few decades ago was about 11,000,000 is 9,584,711. Some believe leadership in the Methodist church and certain others has become so idealistic, on current issues, members have been turned off. The Episcopal Church has also suffered a membership decline — 15 per cent in the last decade. Y.et total Protestant Church membership has risen in the last decade, mainly because of evangelistic or fundamentalist membership gains. Big gainers have been the Southern Baptists (up 20 per cent), Assemblies of God (up 62 per cent) and Seventh Day Adventists (up 36 per/cent). The Southern Baptists now number over 13 million members, while the other two listed gainers claim 1,732,371 and 571,141 members respectively. The Catholic Church, while losing members in some areas, has gained through an influx of Latins and other new arrivals, and from other sources. Total Protestant membership today is estimated to be 73.4 million, total Catholic membership 51.2 million and Jewish memberhip 5.8 million. Catholic membership increased in the past decade by something over 3 million while net Protestant gains were about one million. Jewish gains were about a third of a million. < The question confronting the leadership of the Protestant Church today is whether the church’s future lies in less stress on current issues and far-away causes and more on local activity and fundamental worship and prayer. Some believe only the latter course will enable Protestant churches to continue to gain members. - What others say — Stick it to 'em For the seventh time since Congress reorganized the Postal Service in 1971, its governors want to increase rates for all classes of mail. The proposal would raise postage for first-class letters from 20 to 23 cents. That will mean a 400 per cent rise since the change to a public corporation and a boost of nearly 50 per cent over the past four years. The mail agency has operated at a surplus for the last two years, but Postmaster William F. Bolger says it is running at a deficit likely to hit SBOO million for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30,1984. Because the red ink could jump to $2.3 billion next year without a raise in rates, Bolger probably will get his way. But Congress and the Postal Rate Commission should thoroughly scrutinize the request. They should ask: — Will the increase cause large and small users of first-class mail to switch to increasingly practical electronic delivery and bill-paying systems? A few years ago, increases in parcel post rates made it non-competitive with the private United Parcel Service. The Postal Service may be pricing itself out of customers. — Are other postal services, which are in direct competition with the private sector, being subsidized by first-class profits? * The proposed third class, carrier-presort rate would increase from 7.4 cents to 9.5 cents, but the weight allowed would increase from 3.91 ounces to 4 ounces. The relatively low, third-class rates have created marriage mail, in which two or more advertising circulars are united in a single package ahd mailed. Postcard-like pieces, called detached mailing labels, accompany the packages. They carry the address, but no extra postage. J Marriage mail is having a substantial impact on private businesses. Newspapers pay higher second-class postage to mail their product to subscribers. The charge is based on weight and per cent of advertising. In marriage mail, companies can combine their product in one package and split the cost. - Does the system’s sudden fiscal woes suggest more automation and attrition are necessary? Productivity has been on the increase, but the 600,000 employees are paid more than comparable workers in private industry. Postal Service rates are still better than most government-run mails, but they won’t be if they keep increasing to subsidize services that are in direct competition with the private sector. t - THE KOKOMO TRIBUNE

@4 Drinking and driving don't mix—Don’t do it says SADD! Mi p) | 457-3666 Or -J Pulse Ca 11658-4111, Ext. 17

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How do you plan on staying warm when it’s below freezing outside? Results of last week’s question: How would you spend a million bucks? On all the Christmas gifts that I bought, and then put the remaining $1.25 in the bank ... I would buy a home, car and anything else I could think 0f... I would buy the Chicago Cubs . . . that’s about all they are worth ... I would probably take an extended trip to Europe, give away some to the “Winona Lake penguin,” and buy a word processor . . .I’d travel all throughout Michigan, what a fascinating state! . . . Give myself a raise . . . Oh, I don’t know, maybe I would go to Florida for vacation .. . One truck load of Puff tissues .. I’d cry so much if I had that much money. I would need something to wipe all my tears away ... I would buy a new pair of shoes ... I’d buy a plane ticket to anyplace where it’s warm . . Buying groceries so I could always be eating and not leave the house in the cold . . I’d buy my family more gifts ... I don’t know . . . Purchasing a season ticket to all Wawasee Athletic Events year after year ... By buying a new car with, all the extra’s you could imagine ... I’d buy a diamond ring . I’d buy stocks and make a fortune .. . Warm clothes . . I'd spend the money on my daughter’s college education . . .

Letter to the editor

Alcohol abusers need treatment

Dear Editor: The letter by Ken Getner published in The Mail-Journal on Dec. 20, 1983, is the most exact answer to drinking drivers or those who ctfmmit crimes while under the influence of alcohol or drugs I have ever read. As one who had a drinking problem until I was 47 years old and as one who had many brushes . with the law because of my drinking, I too speak from experience. Never in my experience with Slippery road causes accident Resa K. Stewart, 16, r 4 box 398 Syracuse, suffered a lacerated lip and a chipped tooth in a one-vehi-cle accident Saturday, Dec. 31, at 9:57 p. m. The mishap occurred at the intersection of Chicago Street and Seventh Street in Syracuse. According to Syracuse Police, Rex C. Lewallen, 19, r 5 box 151 Syracuse, was southbound on Seventh Street and because of the ice and snow did not stop for the stop sign at the intersection, traveling onto Chicago Street. Miss Stewart was westbound on Chicago Street and lost control of her vehicle while trying to avoid hitting the Lewallen vehicle. Her auto went into a skid and struck a NIPSCo pole. Damage was estimated at up to $5,000. There was no damage to Lewallen’s vehicle or to the NIPSCo pole. Syracuse Police Officer Robert Houser, assisted by Officer Corky Wong, investigated. Attempted break-ins reported Charlie Stafford, of the Windjammer Restaurant, SR 13S Syracuse, reported to Syracuse Police four subjects attempted to break into vehicles parked at the business on several occasions. Stafford notified police at 9:54 p.m Friday evening, Dec. 30. According to the Syracuse Police report, Stafford scared the subjects off both times. Syracuse Police Officer Corky Wong investigated. Backs intc traveling vehicle A 1974 Chevrolet truck driven by Stephen R. Minnich, 30, 505 Center St., Goshen, struck the right rear fender of a 1981 Pontiac driven by Sharon J. Foss, 40, r 2 box 499 Syracuse. The accident was at 3:42 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, at Syracuse Val-U-Buy, SRI3S. Syracuse Police Officer Robert Houser reported Sharon Foss was traveling north on the access road when the Minnich vehicle backed from the parking space. Damage was estimated at up to $350 to the Foss auto.

judges or probation officers did they suggest that I might have a drinking problem, they only wanted to punish me for my crime. You cannot punish the alcoholic into sobriety. It is possible to scare the alcohol abusers into not driving and drinking or to control their drinking. There is a difference between these two 7 types of drinkers. I am not against sending anyone to jail for breaking the law. I would simply make treatment for alcoholism a part of the sentence and probation. There is plenty of proof that alcoholism is know my father was and I have just recently seen my son go to the State Farm at Putnamville for an alcohol related crime. I really wish the judge had imposed on him compensory A A (Alcoholic Anonymous) meetings while at the farm and also during his probation. If anyone wishes to verify what Mr. Getner or I have said, they should attend open AA meetings and listen to recovering alcoholics criticize judges, doctors and others for patronizing their problems while allowing the disease to progress. The judges are-better today than when I was drinking. At the AA meetings that I attend, I have seen many people there that had been sent by the judge as part of their sentence. However, I have seen these people sit in the back of the room and not pay any attention to what is said. They get their card signed by the chairman of that AA meeting to verify they attended. This is not getting the job done. Supervised treatment is the only sure way to ascertain if that person is responding to treatment. Jesse from Indianapolis CITY COURT The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Speeding — Chester D. Elder, 52, Syracuse, $46, plea bargain No trailer registration plate — Kirk A. Gilbert, 26, Syracuse, dismissed

TNI MAJL-JOUMAL (U.S.P.S 3258-4000) Published by The Mell-Journal every Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office at Syracuse. Indiana 44547. Second class postage paid at 103 E. Main Street. Syracuse. Indiana 44567 and at additional entry offices. Subscription: tu per year in Kosciusko County.- 14.50 outside county. POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The Mail-Journal. P.O. Box IM Milford. Indiana 44542

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE"

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THE DAY before Christmas, 1983, was a sad day for a number of people of the North Webster community. Sad, for it saw the closing of the old landmark, the White Front Grocery. “We hope the closing is only temporary,” said John W. BiJckman, who has worked at the family store for 67 years, excluding the four years he served in the China, India, Burma Theater of Action during World War 11. “I began working with dad when I was 10 years old," he said. Health entered the picture, causing the store closing. John said he will try to sell the store as a going business, and if this isn't accomplished, he may re-open the store in May. The old style store’building, located in uptown North Webster, on the northwest corner of the only corner that commands a stop light in the tiny town of less than 500 people, but the summertime shopping center for many p hundreds (or thousands) more, is a true landmark. No one knows for sure when the building was built, but it certainly qualifies as one of the oldest buildings in Kosciusko County. Martha E. Bockman, sister of John’s who has taken her turn aLworking at the family store most of her long lifetime, said the history of the old building is obscure, but that she did know it was built from hewn logs from native timber. Martha said she started to work in the store "when I was 10 or 11 years of age.” She worked for “dad and uncle Carl” all her life, and taught the first and second grades for six years. She later worked for her brother John. The Bockman family has a long history in the grocery business in North Webster. According to John’s sister Martha, their grandfather, the late John W. Bockman, an Evangelical minister, operated a grocery and general store in North Webster “well over 100 years ago.” They are not certain of the date. His church where he ministered is now the Church of the Brethren, located on State Road 13 in North Webster. John W. was also an accomplished carpenter. His son, William H. Bockman (the grandfather of John and Martha), took the store over and ran it for a good many years. Then William’s son, Howard R. Bockman ( the father of John and Martha), took the store over and successfully operated it for 78 years. He died September 18, 1982 at 90 years of age. Working with Howard Bockman for a number of years was his brother Carl, who eventually “went up the street and opened a variety store,” according to Martha. The family store was known for years as White Front Store, for its gleaming white facade, but was later changed to White Front Grocery. The store specialized in meats, and was known far and wide for its choice meat cuts. In the summer, lake traffic crowded the tiny store where John stood behind the meat counter. He became widely known among his local and summer trade. 11l fortune struck the Bockman family in recent years, said John last week when commenting on the store closing. He said his wife, Martha A. Bockman. died in February 1982, then his father, Howard R. Bockman, died September 18, 1982, at 90, followed by the death of his brother, Verland, owner of the Bock man Nursery and Greenhouse on the Armstrong Road southwest of North Webster, on February 12,1983. John said the crowning blow fell last July when he underwent major surgery, only to be followed by similar surgery two weeks ago. “And you know how tough it is to hire a meat cutter in a small store,” queried John All of this has lead to the closing - hopefully the temporary closing —of the popular White Front Grocery in North Webster. The store.observed its hundredth anniversary several years ago. The Bockmans own the store building and the building next door that houses Ron Gillum’s barber shop. —o— ALSO IN North Webster, Barbara Eastlund assumed her new responsibilities last Thursday as manager of the Warsaw License Branch, when (at 2 p.m.) J. D. Geiger (also of North Webster) was sworn in as Kosciusko County Auditor, and moved to that office in the Court House. Geiger had been license branch manager. —o— LELANI AND John Nemeth of TOI Medusa Street were literally jumping for joy over the week end as they anticipated their trip to the Caribbean, sponsored by The M-J’s sister publication, the. paper.’ This being their first such excursion, the Nemeths have been looking forward to “boarding time” since they signed up for the trip during the summer. .Lelani sends this note back: “To all our

friends. Having a great time. Miss you, but glad • you’re not here. See you soon.” . -oTHE POLITICAL fur is beginning to fly in Kosciusko County and the Third Congressional District. In the district, St. Joseph-County prosecuting attorney Michael Barnes w as in Warsaw Tuesday night to present himself for the district’s congressional seat on the Democratic ticket. On that ticket, he is opposed by Steve Ross of Mishawaka, who ran for the office four years ago and was defeated by Republican Dick Bodine. Both Barnes and Ross are out for Hiler’s -hide, think him vulnerable, especially on the arms issue. Political pyrotechnics are assured in this primary and fall race. ' < Locally, you’re reading it first right here. Ronald Sharp, of 406 North Huntington Street, has let it be known that he is interested in running for Kosciusko CouQty Commissioner from the northern district. He is the first to make his intentions known. Jerry Grady, local cattleman, has flatly disavowed any interest in the commissiorter race, and David Robinson, school psychologist, said he ' * is "testing the winds,” noting that, yes, indeed, he does have an interest in running for the office. "But we’ll see,” he added. Sharp has roots in northeastern Kosciusko County, having been born and reared ‘in the Syracuse community. He graduated from Syracuse High School in 1939, attended Goshen and Grace colleges, and served four years in the U.S. Air Force, doing a stint in the China, India, Burma Theater. On December 31, 1984, he will complete his 10th year on the Kosciusko County Council. Ron admits, "I’ll have a tough time of it, since I'm on tht ’outs’ with the county chairman right now.” He also served as past president of the Kosciusko County Historica 1 Society and Syracuse clerk-treasurer for three years. A retired purchasing representative for Whitley Products, Inc., in Pierceton, he says the job will take four days a week “plus a lot of home work, and I have the time for this.” P -O- - ■ s AS IF the American Telephone and Telegraph , (AT&T) didn’t have enough troubles, what with the federal government decentralizing and re-organizing the giant tele-communications corporation. • * - V* . Added to all this was a foul-up right here in our own back yard that cut communications from the Midwest to the East Coast involving some 43,000 individual telephone lines. It all happened at 3:30 p.m. last Wednesday when Don Rumfelt of the contracting firm of Rumfelt & Sons cut a large four-inch, multi-pur-pose telephone line on the Sam Bushong farm a mile north of Syracuse on County Road 133. Rumfelt was doing some needed field tile work for i Bushong when his backhoe snapped the important communications line. Needless to say, Ma Bell was found scratching her head. Rumfelt said the line was four feet deep and went from one coast to the other. He said he knew he cut the line, but had no idea it was of such importance. It carried data circuits and military circuitry, he was to learn. He said there were “well -1 over 35,000 circuits” in the cable he cut. When Rumfelt reported the incident to AT&T via their toll-free line, it was a very short time until repairmen arrived from South Bend, Culver, Crown Point and West Unity. Ohio, to make repairs. Nine trucks were soon on the site, and service was partially repaired in four hours. Within 24 hoars, the cable was completely repaired and service was back to normal. Dan Smith, telephone company servicemart for United Telephone Co. working .out of their Nappanee office, was called to the scene, but said he was not qualified to do this type of repair work. x He did say cost of such “down time” is astronomical, “running into the millions of dollars.” One estimate was that down time for the important cable service like this ran over $3,000 per minute. —o—‘WHITEY’ (NO one calls him Wilburn K.) Bell, his wife Judy and children, Amy, 15, Neal, 10, • and James, 8, arrived home early Saturday from Fort Myers Beach, Fla., where they spent a short winter’s vacation. Whitey, of r 2 and owner of Quality Carpet Cleaning, is a runner of considerable note, and practiced this routine with uninterrupted consistency along Estero Boulevard, the main (and (Continuedon pages)