The Mail-Journal, Volume 21, Number 9, Milford, Kosciusko County, 14 March 1984 — Page 5

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE"

(Continued from page 4) bring the new message to the areas served by f their six stores. ' A camera crew was in their Syracuse store Tuesday of this week doing in-store shots they can tie in with a contemporary music theme. Doing the shots Tuesday was John Patrick Burns, an associate of James C. Etzler of the James Carlton Etzler Advertising Corporation,

Letter to the editor

Praises Sharp's financial ability

Dear Editor: The article in the Times-Union, Friday, Feb. 24, issue attacking, trying and condemning Ronald Sharp has to be one of the most irresponsible pieces of reporting it has been my misfortune to read. An out-and-out attack to assassinate a man’s reputation, character and credibility. A sorry situation, indeed, when we must resort to this type of thing for what appears to be someone’s personalreasons. The whole article lost all credibility in my eyes when I came to the paragraph concerning the town of Syracuse and the so-called information saying that ♦ Mr. Sharp created financial problems for the town while serving as clerk-treasurer. The article continued on with the claim that a “state official” said the town nearly ran out of money and it took three years to “bail out the town.” Os my own knowledge, I say this is not true. The state official is carefully unidentified — and I should think so — as he could not of his own knowledge make such a statement if he had read that state’s own audits. Those audits cover ing the time prior to Mr. Sharp's two and one-half years service to Syracuse, during his time in office and for the* years following that time tell a different story. To begin with, Mr. Sharp was brought into the town’s service at the request of the Syracuse town board because there was an existing "financial problem.” A bad one I might say, one that needed drastic measures to straighten out. With the state's permission, the town fathers were allowed to try, with Mr. Sharp’s help to “bail the town out.” Mr. Sharp was the one who did the bailing, but the article would have us believe that he was the cause of the problem. Not so. I followed Mr. Sharp in office as clerk-treasurer and served in that capacity a total of eight years, 1972 through 1979. The article by inference says that I spent the first three years of my service bailing the town out, and this is just not true. During the years that I held this position, the town did not “nearly run out of money,” nor did we even come close to doing so. However, we did live within our budgets and did not embark on a road of frivolous spending. During my two terms in office (eight years), I often consulted wfth Mr. Sharp with every confidence in his advice, and consequently when I left office the town enjoyed a healthy financial condition. This was accomplished while under the "tax-freeze" referred to in the article. When I first went into office I was told by our local town board members, several "state officials" and others that I had a hard act to follow - meaning Mr. Sharp. Knowing all of this from first hand information. I know that this part of the article is false and consequently assume that the

“I know every bolt and beam. Block knows every deduction tiUf and credit.” "There’s no room for mistakes when it comes to my taxes. That’s why Igo to H&R Block. They really stand behind their work , And they’re around all year if 1 need them. So when it comes to taking care of my taxes, I take them to H&R Block.” People who know their business go to BLOCK- § SRI3S Pbcn«4s7-2M5 APPOiNTMENTS AVAILABLE Master Card And VISA Accepted At Meet Area Locations

Fort Wayne. 0 J BILL AND Barb Beemer left this morning (Wednesday) for Orlando, Fla., where BUI will attend a kitchen cabinetry show several days, then go to their condo on Anna Marie Island at the> north end of Longboat Key, for two weeks. Several local couples, friends of the Beemers, wUI visit them during this brief sorjourn in the sun.

rest of it was no better researched and thus for me can carry no weight. The Syracuse reference could so easily have been verified or discredited simply by looking at the state audits, talking to various people such as the town attorney, the town board member still living in Syracuse, the reporter who covered the town board meetings at that time, the clerk-treasurer who followed Mr. Sharp in office, or as a last resort, interview Mr. Sharp himself. Obviously, none of this was done. Another point of interest to me is that the article would have us believe that we have a one-man «

ML .

FILES FOR REELECTION — State Representative Thames L. Mauzy (R-Warsaw) recently filed for reelection to the 18th District seat in the Indiana House of Representatives. Mauzy, now serving his ninth term in the House, is chairman of Insurance and Corporations, Financial Institutions, Natural Resources and chairman of Natural Resources Advisory Committee. He has also served on the following committees: Cities and Towns, Public Safety, Agriculture, Labor, County and Township, Transportation, Affairs of Lake County and he was chairman of Natural Resources for six years. In 1972, Gov. Whitcomb awarded Mauzy the high honor of being named a Sagamore of the Wabash for his dedicated work in the legislature which consistantly protected the taxpayer’s interests and rights. The graduate of Warsaw High School and Anthony Wayne College of Commerce-Business Administration and his wife Helen have two children, Landon and Sharon, andjthree grandchildren, Tracy, Johnny and Stacey.

Local resident part of touring company

Clay Bowman, son of Darell and Elizabeth Bowman, r 4 Syracuse, is part of the Chancel Players, a four-member touring company from Manchester College. Bowman is a 1980 graduate of Wawasee High School and a junior at Manchester, majoring in speech communication. Manchester’s Chancel Players are beginning their fifth year of

county council. All these years I thought there were seven men serving, thus requiring four votes to carry a motion. Am I wrong? At various points the article refers to “county officials” having said things regarding the county finances. Again, the officials are unidentified. Since I am a county official, I would like to go on record as not having said anything having to do with or about the so-called county financial problem, if in fact there is one. Sincerely, Betty J. Dust 107 W . North Street Syracuse, IN 46567

Lenten season touring, presenting A.W. Turner’s “Watch at the World’s End,” a sequel to “Christ in the Concrete City.” The presentation is a dramatic meditation which attempts to put into visual form the mystery at the heart of the Gospel: How can life and death of an obscure carpenter 2,000 years ago be relevant to our lives today? The college faculty-student touring company, under the direction of Dr. Scott Strode, director of theatre, will travel to churches and other gatherings during Lent, March 7-April 21. Icy road blamed for accident Icy road conditions are blamed for a chain reaction accident on the Milford-Syracuse Road, near Dana Corporation, at 3:25 p.m. Monday afternoon, March 12. Terry E. Bailey, 18, West First St., Milford; Randy Murphy, 28, Ligonier; and Michael G. Kissane, 60, r 6 Warsaw, were involved in the mishap. Damage was estimated at $25 to Bailey’s auto, SIOO to Murphy’s and $25 to Kissane’s vehicles. Syracuse Police Officer William Fisher investigated.

AGRICULTURAL. COMMERCIAL. INDUSTRIAL R t BoxA -y No Webster. IN CLEAR SPAN BUILDINGS NORTH WEBSTER CONST. WC. :

Letters indicate split in ranks among Kosciusko Republicans

(Continued from page 1/ foUows in its entirety. Dear Committeemen: I want to cover some points with you my fellow precinct people before you read it in the paper or get information second hand. There is a large number of our Republican workers that believe the Republican organization is splitting apart. They have asked me to run for Republican County Chairman. I accept under the provision that if elected, Pauline Jordan would accept the Vice Chairman position. Pauline now' has agreed to serve if elected. This took a lot of talking on the part of many Republicans; she finally gave in. Do you believe as I do, that we need to rebuild the Republican party organization? I believe in recognizing all of the precinct workers as being important, in fact the backbone of any organization. Then you will know

Zoning change granted for proposed industrial park

By CATHY BRILL Staff Writer The Kosciusko Area Plan Commission approved a zoning change for a proposed industrial park near North Webster. The 33.26 acres located west of SR 13 and 1,750 feet north of CR 800 N in I Turkey Creek Township was zoned agricultural. The petition requested the property be rezoned to light industrial. The APC met Wednesday afternoon, March 7, and reviewed a rezoning petition, a petition for preliminary plat approval and one petition for .final plat <■ approval. Steve Snyder represented the Syracuse-Wawasee Area Development Company in a request to rezone agricultural property to light industrial. The case involved property the company will exercise an option to purchase from Harold and Maxine Stoffel as buyers come along. The intent of the company is to sell the 33.26 acres in one to ten acre parcels for use as an industrial park. With remonstrance from Arnold Carr, a representative from Tri-County Conservation, it was determined that the types of industry allowable under the zoning restrictions of a light industrial district would not produce waste harmful to the water

Milford Town Board presses railroad crossing light issue

By MARK WEINSTEIN Staff Writer Milford’s Town Board discussed several topics; including the installation of street lights and railroad crossing signals during the regular monthly meeting, Thursday, March 8. A Milford Town Marshal David Hobbs suggested traffic lights be installed at the intersection of Higbee Street (SR 15) and Syracuse Road. According to Hobbs and the town board, traffic is extremely heavy in this area when factories change shifts Hobbs has reported several accidents at the intersection. Representatives from the state highway department surveyed the intersection a year ago, but no lights seemed necessary at that time. Several accidents have occurred since, causing the board to take action. The board decided to urge residents to write to Sen. John Augsburger and State Rep. Thamas Mauzy requesting the installation of lights. Although the current traffic problem took up the majority of time at the meeting, board members also discussed the problem of railroad crossing protection in Milford. Clerk-Treasurer Monica Bice has received a letter from Carl Baxmeyer, assistant to Sen. John Hiler, regarding an effort to get the project completed. The letter came to Mrs. Bice two days after the tragic death of Ronn Beer. In other business, Hobbs and deputy Rich Schnieder explained the process for licensing the old

why I wanted Pauline Jordan as vice-chairman. I believe we can rebuild the Republican Women’s Organization. I remember when that organization had 1,500 members and did a lot of grass root work to elect Republicans. I do not believe a party can be effective if it does not include all factions. It cannot run long if controlled by one person. I remember when we had a steering committee, which did a fine job. I believe we can once again have fun being Republicans, all working together so we again will be known as the County that can deliver the votes. If you believe as I do, I will appreciate your support. I also want your ideas on how best to rebuild this County Republican organization, so it includes all Republicans. As a precinct committeeman, you are the Republican leader of your neighborhood and a

quality of nearby Shock Lake. Further remonstrance came in the form of a letter from neighboring Mrs. Mock and neighbor Douglas Jernigan, who was present to voice his concerns over drainage and types of buildings to be allowed in the pro--1 posed industrial park. Snyder responded assuring him that building structures would be policed by the company when selling off parcels. Drainage requirements, he said, would be worked out in the preliminary plat. Snyder further stated that the company would be willing to <■ perform all necessary measures to insure proper drainage. After some discussion of road•ways and traffic involved, it was determined that passing blisters should be included for SR 13 in any plattings. The APC approved a motion to recommend the rezoning to the county commissioners for their approval in an unanimous vote. A second section of land located on the north side of 500 N (Armstrong Rd.) and 892 feet west of Grassy Creek, in Tippecanoe Township, came before the board. Lewis Neibert, represented by Richard Helm, prestented a petition for preliminary plat approval on the two sections composing a 29.42 acre tract.

police radios, which have been given to the street department. Along with the licensing information, the board approved the repair of the crystals in the radio. An estimated S2OO will take care of the needed work on the units. Schnieder also suggested that Milford residents have numerals on their house for display. Too many new residents in town do not know their house number, Schnieder noted. In addition, this would also make it easier for law enforcement and medical services to find locations of residents. Bill Knowles, although absent, had a proposal to purchase a 1983 Case back hoe from McDonald Machinery, Fort Wayne. But the $25,500 price was more than board member Dennis Wuthrich thought the town should spend. The subject was tabled for further investigation. Discussion of the Richard Widup and Ron Davidhizar properties were held. In a telephone conversation with town board members, Building Commissioner Harry Doty reported there were no improvements at the Davidhizar house. The landlord of several homes in Milford was supposed to be working on the home improvement, but he has failed to start the project. The protective boards around the house are laying on the ground. Doty recommended the board begin legal proceedings against Davidhizar. Similiar to the Davidhizar pro-

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member of the County Republican Central Committee. As a precinct committeeman, you are the most vital link in the success of our Party and its Candidates. Yours truly, George Klinger Wayne 6 Precinct Committeeman R. 5, Box 10, Warsaw, Ind. 267-6640 (NOTE: Both the Republican and Democratic parties will hold their caucuses on Saturday following the May primary election to elect new officers.) Besides Mrs. Northerner as chairman of the county Republican party, other officers include: Rex Reed, vice chairman,; Barbara Eastlund, secretary; Charles Purdum, treasurer; and Rath Hoppus, assistant treasurer.

After review of the technical committee’s report, remonstrance by Barbara Earnhart, for Tippecanoe Lake Property Owners Association, and the determination that the restrictive convenants from a prior case involving Neibert’s Lakeview Terrace be included in the preliminary plat, the APC members unanimously approved the petition. The restrictive conenants involve seawalls, sewage systems, drainage systems and structures and roads and access. The final plat approval in this case was granted in a motion which held the stipulation that it first be reviewed by Plan Director Dan Richard and that it be properly signed by APC Chairman Ron Baumgartner after run off concerns be checked. The business portion of the Wednesday meeting concluded with a discussion of standardizing final plat presentation and procedures for approval. A motion carried unanimously to make a recommendation that final plats be presented in the plan office 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting time. The next meeting of the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission will ue, Wednesday, April 4, at 1 p.m. in the basement meeting room of the Justice Building in Warsaw.

blem, the town has contacted Widup to improve his property on James Street. When Doty attempted to inspect the property, Widup would not admit him in the house. A search warrant is needed to inspect the property. Bob Kirsch, Milford’s Town Attorney, said the special project, referring to the search war rant, would cost the town additicnal money for him to work on the papers. A resolution from the Indiana Cities and Towns Association was approved. The town’s signing supports the association’s stand against the Martie Hill decision. Mrs. Rice reported the town will receive quarterly payments from its revenue sharing of $10,423. She requested an ordinance be adopted to allow her to pay certain sills when they become due. Without such an ordinance, any check issued before the board’s approval, is illegal. Finally, Darrell Orn scheduled a meeting with Bob Noble and himself, Thursday, March 15. The 1 p.m. meeting was planned so Orn could sign the new water tower contract with the South Bend engineer. Town Board President Jean Treesh, Mrs. Bice and Wuthrich announced thej will attend a financial management workshop in Plymouth, March 27. The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting is set for April 10. The board will meet with Paris Miller at 6:30 p.m. on March 22 to discuss increased sewer rates.

Wed., March 14,1984 - THE MAIL-JOURNAL

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

IN THIS election year, the discontent with party leadership within the Republican ranks seems to be widening, with little hope of immediate improvement. The discontent boiled over during the past week when county councilman Ronald L. Sharp of Syracuse came back vehemently against GOP county chairman Jean Northerner, charging her with droppirig the 1,000-pl us-member county women’s organization, along with the highly-touted steering committee. Sharp considers Mrs. Northerner the catalyst behind newspaper articles charging him with financial ineptness. And so the battle is joined — and the party split widens. In a political statement this week, Sharp said, “Under her (Mrs. Northemor’s) leadership the 1,000-plus women’s club, the bulwark of the party, has not held a meeting for more than a year. This group was the working force of the party. Also, the 50- to 70-man steering committee no longer exists. These two organizations involved more than 1,000 Republicans in county politics.” He went on, “I supported Mrs. Northerner for county chairman in 1980. At the time I believed we needed new leadership; we had some wounds that needed healing. “Just the opposite occurred. We now have a*wider split in the party. And for the first time since the 1950 s we will have a contest for the chairmanship. “Mrs. Northerner as county chairman has by all indications used the party to promote herself. This is evident by the state committee appointments she has secured for herself. “With the split that is apparent in the party, it’s time for a change. We need someone who works with precinct committeemen and -women to rebuild our party and heal the wounds — and get us worka ing together again.” -oA PROPOSED Syracuse Town Hall that would include office space for the Turkey Creek Township Trustee and the Turkey Creek Township Assessor moved a step closer to fruition Monday afternoon as the members of the Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners heard a presentation in this regard and voiced their approval. Their approval, and that of the Kosciusko County Council, would be necessary for the inclusion of the assessor’s office inasmuch as that office is funded with county monies. The commissioners, to the man, liked the idea of moving the assessor’s office from its present location in the Village to a central town government location, even though it would increase costs for funding that office. The Council will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday to consider the move, since it is the Council that votes the funds. No opposition from Council members has been voiced publicly. At the Monday meeting Syracuse Town Attorney Robert Reed was present, along with Syracuse Town Board President Carl Myrick and board member Joe Thornburg. Township assessor Charlene Knispel was also present. All four stated* their case favoring the inclusion of the assessor’s office in town hall plans. One of the objections to the present location of the assessor’s office is its lack of space (about 650 square feet) and its cramped parking. The proposed office would have about 1,080 square feet. The assessor’s office now pays S3OO per month rent, and has other minor costs such as utilities that raises total costs to about $4,300 per year to operate that office. Under the new town hall plan costs would be approximately SIO,OOO, it was estimated.

'No financial crisis in Kosciusko Count/: Sharp

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Ronald L. Sharp. 406 North Huntington Street, Syracuse. and a candidate for county commissioner from the northern district, has been singled out for criticism in several newspaper articles as being responsible for the sagging finances of Kosciusko County. He has been a member of the Kosciusko County Council for the past 10 years and os such has been the watchdog insofar as county spending is concerned. We asked Sharp for his response to criticism he has termed "vicious," "untrue." even "character assassination." Following is his reply.) There is no financial crisis in Kosciusko County. At the time the tax rate was set Mrs. Northerner, who was then county auditor, insisted on putting an extra dime on the proposed tax rate being considered by the county. I put my foot down and said that there would be no increase just for the sake of having the money in our treasury. I believe that each and every taxpayer should have the money and be able to draw interest at the bank rather than have the county put the funds in the bank to draw the interest. My role as a watchdog for the taxpayers in my mind extends beyond seeing that we get our money’s worth in services; it also extends into the financial field where the money comes from. I have for years pushed to retain the state fees that we collect in this county. These are somewhere between $500,000 and $750,000 per year. As for the county being broke,

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we are not. We had more money in our general fund than was necessary to operate the county for the first six months of the year. Even under the present conditions, the county will have no financial problems until 1986. If the council grabs the reigns of budget and tax rates, the financial problems will be corrected. I am appalled that one who worked for years to build a reputation for being a watchdog for the county taxpayer, then with a stroke of the pen, his credibility is destroyed and his character assassinated. This apparently happens to one who insists on getting one's money’s worth. I am also heightened to think that this can happen to anyone who runs for public office or serves as a public servant. — Ronald Sharp Aviation Club makes plans Members of the Nappanee Aviation Club held their monthly meeting February 9 at the airport. President Jack Keener presided over the meeting, as plans for the organization’s annual party were undertaken. Shawn Yoder, assisted Ned Hoover is conducting party ticket sales and finalizing arrangements for the dinner. The chib also designated the April meeting as guest night with the membership drive under the direction of Chuck Carnes.

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