The Mail-Journal, Volume 22, Number 8, Milford, Kosciusko County, 20 February 1985 — Page 4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., February 20,1985

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Editorials

On to Indianapolis The dream of every high school athlete is that some day he or she will be outstanding enough to compete in the state finals at Indianapolis. This dream has come true for a number of Wawasee High School athletes this week. On Saturday the girls’ basketball team will participate in the finals and two wrestlers will seek state crowns. In addition, it is possible that five members of the boys’ swim team will also be participating in the state swim meet. The girls made it past Kokomo and Bishop Dwenger of Fort Wayne last week. The wrestlers, who were scheduled for state finals last weekend, were sidelined because of the weather. This has caused a spark of excitement in the Lakeland area over the past week. Fans are behind athletes in all three sports and wish them well in their individual events. Last week we stated in these editorial columns that we knew the girls could win the semi-state. We noted they needed to take one step at a time. They took some giant steps and landed in Indianapolis. It is again time to remind them that they must defeat Austin in order to play in the final game. Austin has an impressive record but so does Wawasee and the wave of green and gold fans who are planning on making the trip to Indianapolis on Saturday will agree that “our girls” are just as capable as any team going to state. It’s time for another state championship at Wawasee and we feel the people going to Indianapolis on Saturday have the capability of doing the job. Good luck Warriors! 55 M.P.H.? Sentiment has been building for some years now to ease the 55 iq.p.h. speed limit on parts of the federal interstate highway system. The argument for change is helped by today’s adequate petroleum supplies and falling gasoline prices. (Lower speeds reduce gasoline consumption.) And for the first time in years, Congress is scheduled to consider rising the 55 m.p.h. limit. One reason is that in many states the 55 m.p.h. limit is not being enforced. ; ’ 4 A drive on almost any interstate today reveals cars and trucks moving at 60 and 65 miles per hour. Safety experts say, nevertheless, that the lower speed limit saves from 2,000 to 4,000 lives a year. R’s hard to argue with this impressive saving of life. But are their parts of the interstate system, long stretches of straight road, where an increase in the limit would not produce increased fatalities? That is the question Congress seeks to answer. The federal government penalizes (by withholding highway funds) states in which at least fifty percent of the motorists are not complying with present limits. As of the moment, Arizona, Maryland, Vermont and possibly Oklahoma seem likely to be penalized — according to one estimate. In February the House begins hearings of a report of the National Research Council, which has just completed a congressionally-mandated study. The NRC report suggests limits could be raised — if heavier penalties are ordered for states in which drivers average excessive speeds. Another suggestion is that the limit be raised on most interstates, but penalties for violations of more liberal limits be increased. Proponents of change say much time can be saved with more liberal speed limits — one estimate that 100 years of travel time would be saved for every added fatality. But opponents say a Change would result in the use of an additional 10 million barrels of fuel a year. Sentiment for change is strongest in the west, where there are so many open stretches of straight road. Since the limit isn’t being enforced in most states anyhow, western change proponents say, the limit should be raised, and then enforced. That may be the strongest argument in favor of change. A recent survey indicates the American motorist today averages about 60 m.p.h. on the highways. The question is whether, if the limit is raised, the average will immediately rise about five miles — which in most states is generally tolerated.

What others say— What do you know about it? Did you know that in 1984 more than 9,000 students from Latin America alone were enrolled in Soviet institutions of higher learning? Do you realize that nearly half of them were frorh Mexico? And, do you realize that a lot of those students are from poor families and couldn’t afford higher education without help from someone. It goes this way. That young man from Mexico City receives a letter one day from the Soviet Embassy’s cultural attache and a scholarship is available. Let us think about this. Juan is an above-average high school student with no means of getting additional education. So what will he do if the opportunity is provided. You know the answer. All in all, the Soviets support an estimated 80,000 to 90,000 foreign students at their universities. Mexico seems to come into a special category when the Russians provide education opportunity. Once they have sent the student to get a higher degree, they send them home where they do have Marxist-Leninist leanings. Naturally their influence is felt in their teaching at Mexican schools and wherever they may be day-to-day. By the way, Moscow graduates included influential journalists and politicians. Although Mexico is the example used here, the same thing can be applied to other developing countries and the effort in this direction is constantly increased by the Soviets while that of the U.S. is decreasing. Latin American scholarships were increased by 105 percent from 1977 to 1982 by the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe as U.S. programs declined 19 percent. Let us quote directly from the February 1985 issue of The American Legion Magazine: “U.S. educators believe the United States should do more. Support is growing in Congress ... the Fulbright educational exchange program has been boosted from S7O to SIOO million. And as part of the administration’s Caribbean Basin Initiative, $6.5 million has been appropriated for student scholarships in that vital area.” At least one scholarship expert said recently that there is a strong feeling that we have not paid enough attention to students in poorer countries. He thinks we have a lot to gain by educating the people who will be the future leaders of countries around the world. It seems to be a simple solution, but we all know it isn’t. The real answer is that the Soviets are working hard to conquer the U.S. and most certainly they are slowly accomplishing their goal. It’s time we do something as individuals and a country or we are going to be gone before we know it. \ —CARROLL COUNTYCOMET

■■V |r fl HL 3 V ir 1 —fl The Wawasee Lady Warrior coaches and Mrs. Dale Brannock celebrate after the semi-state win on Saturday I

Court news

Circuit Court The following complaints have been filed in Kosciusko Circuit Court, Judge Richard Sand presiding: | Reciprocal Support Valarie L. Pangburn versus James Gail Pangburn, 137 North West Street, Syracuse, for support. Complaint On Promissory Note Foreclosure Os Real Estate Mutual Federal Savings Bank versus Bruce Stephens, 202 E. Van Buren, Leesburg; Lake City Builders, Inc., and First National Bank of Warsaw. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendant to have real estate foreclosed and sold to satisfy a judgment in the amount of $22,432.94 plus interest, attorney’s fees and costs of action. City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Driving while intoxicated — Timothy R. Schmucker, 17. Milford, slOl, 90 days in jail, suspended on condition defendant not commit an alcohol related or major traffic offense for one year, license suspended for 60 days, in-patient alcohol program at Oak Lawn Center and follow

Syracuse business burglarized

ALPERS

Crime Stoppers, a non-profit organization involving the police,' the media and the public in the fight against crime, offers anonymity and cash rewards to persons who furnish information leading to the arrest and the filing of criminal charges against felony offenders and to the capture of fugitives. The following Crime of the Week was furnished by the Kosciusko County Crime Stoppers organization:

Severe winter weather hampers reading of NIPSCo meters

HAMMOND — Recent heavy snowfall and severe drifting are hampering the reading of Northern Indiana Public Service Company gas and electric meters, particularly in suburban and rural areas. Jack W. Stine, NIPSCO vice president, division operations, said Friday, Feb. 15, that company personnel have been and are doing all they can to read the meters, but access to meters in much of the utility’s sendee area has been virtually impossible. “As a result, many customers will be receiving estimated bills for NIPSCO service until meters can be read,” he said. Estimated bills are issued to help keep budgets in line, and are the result of a calculation which includes changes in energy consumption patterns,- weather conditions and other local factors which make the estimate as close as possible to actual usage. “Usage will be adjusted in the next billing period after we have

recommendations for after-care program, no alcohol while on probation, six months probation Evading traffic control signs and signals — Timothy E. Crabtree, 18, Milford, $36 Speeding — Paula S. McLean, 42, Syracuse, S4O; Neil M. Donahoe, 25, Syracuse, $45 County Court The following persons were assessed fines and costs and have paid those fines in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrette presiding: Expired license plates — John G. Riggs, Syracuse, SSO Improper tires — John G. Riggs, Syracuse. SSO False registration — Pete A. O’Connell, North Webster, SSO Disregarding automatic signal — Karen E. Page, Syracuse, SSO Disregarding stop sign — James R. Bradley, Leesburg, SSO Expired driver's license — Dawn C. Carter, Leesburg, SSO Violating no passing signs — Matthew J. Brandenburg, Leesburg, SSO Improper turn — Jeffre R. Young, Leesburg, SSO Speeding — Gary L. Polk, Leesburg, SSO; Craig S. Hardy, Syracuse, $65; David R. Oaks, Leesburg, SSO; Richard R. Oaks. Leesburg, S4O; Kathleen K. Nove, Syracuse, SSO; Robert L. Bell, Leesburg, $65

The burglary of as van conversion business near Syracuse is our Crime of the Week. Between February 12 and 14, unknown persons entered the ABE Corporation at Dewart Lake by cutting a lock on a gate and breaking out a window on the south side of the building. Once inside, they took six Panasonic AM-FM stereo players, four Panasonic AM-FM cassette players, two Escort radar detectors, and four Goodyear tires mounted on chrome ralley rims. If you have information concerning this burglary, Crime Stoppers wants to hear from you. They will pay up to SI,OOO if your information leads to an arrest or indictment. Call toll free, 1-800-342-STOP. They only want your information, not your name.

an opportunity to read the meters,” he said. “In any event, customers receiving estimated bills will ultimately pay for only the energy used.

THE MAIL-JOURNAL (U.S.P.S. 3258-4000) 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 46567 and at additional entry offices. Subscrption: slsper year in Kosciusko County; *lB outside county POSTMASTERS: Send change of ad dress forms to The Mail-Journal, P.O. Box 188, Milford. Indiana 46542

"CRUZIN AROUND ' CUSE"

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Kenneth E. Webster, the new superintendent of the Lakeland Community School Corporation is the author of this week’s column.) _ ' - DR. KENNETH WEBSTER As the new superintendent of schools, it is my responsibility to provide the necessary leadership for us to attain educational excellence. A strong foundation has been laid by my predecessors, and now 1 must build upon that basic foundation a new design and dimension that will lead this corporation properly into the 21st century. My responsibility, along with the Board of School Trustees, is to provide the best possible educational program within the corporation's financial limitations. Our concern for excellence in education and the need for instructional reform will necessitate the development of a comprehensive long range plan. Developing a long range plan may, at first, appear to be a difficult task. However, as a school system we must be organized to provide the best possible education for our youth. Therefore, we must begin to look at our organizational structure and identify some common goals. Establishing corporate goals is an important first step in striving toward achieving excellence in our schools. As I develop a set of goals over the next few months, I will attempt to answer such questions as: What are we doing now? Where do we want to be five years from now? How will we get there? What needs to be done during the next year? As these goals are established, the main focus must be on the reasons for our schools existence — the education of our students. • In the process of getting our corporation goals, we will need to look at seven basic elements necessary in organizing an effective plan of action. 1. Goals and program priorities. Goals reflect the purposes of the educational activities and define the targets toward which the program is directed. 2. Standards, expectations, and requirements. Standards and requirements determine under what conditions students receive credit for their achievements and become eligible for promotion through the system. These will affect student credits earned, eligibility, placement, promotion, and graduation. Instructional content and process. This includes the specifics of what we want our students to learn and how we assist them in the learning process. Effective instruction must be built around a curriculum that provides for learning needs and styles of the students. 4. School organization and instructional presentation. School organization is determined by how, when, and where we group students and assign teachers to work with them. This pattern of assignments also determines where, and from whom students receive instruction. 5. Instructional time. Time assists us in organizing our instructional program while also serving as a resource in the delivery of that instruction. The important issue here is to develop programs and directions that provide for the quality of instruction within the given parameters of time.

It happened. . . in North Webster

10 YEARS AGO, FEB. 19, 1975 The North Webster TrojariS emerged victorious 30-28 in the Cemelot Invitational basketball tourney last week at North Webster, as Mark Lantz sank a 15-foot jump shot with five seconds remaining on the clock. Attending the parent’s week end at the University of Evansville were Mr. and Mrs. N. R. Niles of North Webster visiting their daughter, Susan. Karen J. Rowe, North Webster, a senior at Augustana College, Rock Island, is a member of the nationally know Augustana Choir. The 70-voice choir will leave February 28 for a 12-day tour through midwestern and eastern states, including a concert at Lincoln Center, New York city on March 9. The choir will present a concert in Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Notre Dame, on Saturday, March 1. at 8:15 p.m. Miss Rowe is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Rowe, r 1 North Webster. Rev. A. C. Underwood, North Webster United Methodist church will be teaching the “Prayer In My Life” classes on February 19, 20 and March 5 in the church Fellowship room. 20 YEARS AGO, FEB. 18,1965 Miss Kathy Kline and Tom Grubb were supper guests of Reverend and Mrs. J. L. Kline Sunday night. Mr. and Mrs Greg Ilnicki of Goshen called later in the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph McKown of Big Lake called on Mrs.'Dorothy

6. Using available. resources. Our schools have available a broad range of resources that can be used in addressing the priority needs of students. These resources include teachers, support staff, volunteers, parents, organizations, textbooks, other instructional materials and library materials. Our task is to encourage creativity in the use of these materials. 7. Staff roles, responsibilities, and rewards. Staff roles are determined by the responsibilities they are assigned. Those responsibilities are very largely determined by the major goals and purposes of the school. Therefore, staff training, evaluation and professional rewards all depend on the kind of roles and responsibilities we expect staff members to assume. The desire to achieve excellence must be the • goal of every staff member, student, parent, and resident in our communities. We must all strive to instill that spirit in others within our community. We need to inspire their committment to this worthy cause. My definition of excellence would be as ’ follows: Excellence occurs when the educational system is able to provide each individual student with an appropriate level of challenge and realistic opportunity to succeed on a frequent and continual basis. There are some things about this definition of excellence that should assist us in taking a fresh ' ■ look at our educational programs. 1. It focuses attention on the achievements of each individual student, not just on the entire class or group. 2. It implies that conditions of both challenge and opportunity should be focused on enhancing each student’s success, not failure. 3. It suggests that adjustments in the program of instruction be made frequently in an effort to challenge individual students to be successful. 4. It implies that the curriculum should be organized around clear and visable goals and that instruction should be targeted toward these goals. 5. It requires that we think of the educational process as one requiring the continuous coordination of important elements across all grade levels. An important ingredient to the success of this venture toward excellence is our committment to teamwork. We want to make every student feel needed, wanted, and important in the pursuit of our goals toward educational excellence. When people work together for something beyond their own personal goals, they can be motivated to excel beyond their imagination. * Part of this process will be to develop a constant desire for improvement. Since we live in a constantly changing world, today’s accomplishments will not be enough to meet tomorrow’s challenges. While it is easy to become satisfied with past performance levels, we must set our goals toward growth and the continued development of new challenges. Excellence occurs when we encourage exploration, innovation and unique ideas. ■■■ ■ * > During these initial weeks of my tenure as superintendent, I have been most impressed with the spirit of pride that prevails in this school corporation and the communities we serve. People are proud of our schools and ready to support new ventures and direction. You can all be proud of this committment to provide the best educational programs and facilities. As your school corporation leader, I will strive for excellency by creating a working environment in which students and staff are challenged to do their best, encouraged to strive toward higher achievement, recognized for teamwork and accomplishments. and rewarded for quality performance. While developing a new design for achieving excellence in our schools, we can all assume the job of educating our students for that world of tomorrow. Working together, we can prepare our children to face that world armed with the knowledge, the . skills, and the courage they will need. Working together, we can give our children the future — and it will be bright, indeed!

Blanchard and visited with Mrs. Ermal Vanator at the Kilgore nursing home Sunday. Mrs. Vanator is an employee at the home and a sister of Mrs KcKown. Mr. and Mrs. Keith Kelsey and family of South Whitley were Sunday night supper guests of Mrs. Roxie Shoemaker. Sunday afternoon callers at the home of Mrs. Ermal Vanator were Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Fruchey of Larwill. Mr. and Mrs. Orva Miller and * daughter Sally and Reverend and Mrs. J. L. Kline visited relatives in Elkhart and South,Bend Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bosstick and family and Mr. and Mrs.* David Payne attended the Shrine circus in Fort Wayne Friday night. Mrs. Ralph Coy was a luncheon guest of Mrs. Orva Miller Friday and spent the afternoon visiting there. Mr. and Mrs. Rova Miller and daughter, Sally observed St. Valentine's day by dinning at Miller’s restaurant in Goshen. 50 YEARS AGO, FEB. 21,1985 Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kuhn called at the Gordy home Sunday. Clarence Mock and family took Sunday dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Grover Penn. Mrs. Allen Gordy was in Warsaw Saturday. Link Kline called at the J. L. Kline home Wednesday. Royal Kline and wife visited at the James Gilbert home Wednesday.

Jacob Eberly called on Mrs. J. L. Kline Friday. ; Mrs. J. Garber called on Mrs.Allen Gordy Friday. Mr. and Mrs. Emory Guy spent: Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Joseph; Smith and family. I Mrs. Eldred Mabie spent Sun-Z day with Mr. and Mrs. Mark Lan-* dis. * Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Miller anddaughter Marilyn spent one day I last week with Mr. and Mrs.; Harry Nicolai. Mr. and Mrs. John Swenson' and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hart of Ep- Z worth Forest spent last Thursday in Andrews, Ind. • Mr. and Mrs. Wayne White of- - Webster spent Wednesday Z evening last week with Mr. and ; Mrs. Jack Weimer. Mr. and Mrs. • Weimer spent Thursday with her mother at North Webster. 5 License branch i to be open on j February 28 I ‘ ? Syracuse License Branch will * be open on Thursday, Feb. 28, Z from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ac-; cording to Roxanna Hadley, » branch manager. All persons purchasing license • plates are reminded to take the 4 name of the insurance company and policy number handling vehi- ~ cle coverage.