The Mail-Journal, Volume 22, Number 9, Milford, Kosciusko County, 27 February 1985 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., February 27,1985

Editorials

A class act. . . y

It has been said before, but it is important to say it again . . . Dale Brannock and his Wawasee High School girls’ basketball team presented a class act in Indianapolis on Saturday. The entire Lakeland community is proud the Lady Warriors and their state runner-up efforts. But even more important than the fact they finished second in the state competition is the fact they finished first in the hearts of Hoosiers everywhere. Sandy, Belinda, Ann, Anita, Karla, Christy, Becca, Kelly, Michelle, Amy, Sheila and Lori have won the hearts of area residents during the 1985 season as they compiled an impressive 23-2 record with their “class act.” In the world today we are faced with news of teenagers who are hooked on drugs and alcohol ; teens who are robbing others of their possessions, quite often just for the fun of having something “different” to do; and teenagers in gangs, getting into all sorts of trouble. It has been refreshing to watch, and to write about, the Wawasee High School girls’ basketball team and the composure the team members showed during the season and in Indianapolis over the weekend Even when they lost the championship game and tears of disappointment filled their eyes, the girls kept their class act going. They went immediately to the Crown Point team members to congratulate them on their state championship crown. And, after receiving the runner-up trophy, the Lady Warriors applauded as Crown PoinPtook the floor to receive the championship honors. Coach Brannock has repeatedly been quoted as saying “these girls are a class act.” Truly they are. They are special people who proved once again what we’ve said many times — there is a great group of teenagers living in the Lakeland area. Good luck boys! With the close of the girls’ basketball tournament comes the opening of the boys’ sectional play. Many teams are already in tournament action with the Triton sectional opening tonight. Many of the Wawasee fans who were in Indianapolis last weekend will be in Bourbon on Friday as Wawasee meets the winner of the Rochester-Triton game. Those fans will be yelling just as hard for the Warriors as they have for the Lady Warriors in the past couple of weeks. A win on Friday would put the Warriors into the championship game on Saturday against the winner of the Warsaw-Tippe Valley game. And, needless to say, a win on Saturday would send the Wawasee boys on their second step down the road that could take Warrior fans back down the road to Indianapolis. We know the Warriors have the players and the coaches capable winning games. All they have to remember is they can do it but they must take it one step at a time . . . Spring garden ? It’s time to begin thinking of the spring garden. Many will begin planting in late February in the far southern states. Here are a few things to remember. If last year’s corn, leeks, onion, spinach and hybrid tomato seeds have been stored in a cool place, they’re still good. Use them. Seeds for beans, carrots and peas are usually good even if two years old. Many other seeds'are good for four or five years — beets, mustard, pepper, pumpkin, rutabaga, tomatoes (4 years) and Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, kale, lettuce, melons, radish, squash, turnips, etc. (syears). The test to determine whether seeds are still good follows: Moisten several paper towels. Put a dozen seeds on one half, fold the other half over to cover them and put paper and seeds in a plastic bag. Place in a warm place. You can do this now, and after the normal germination time, open the bag. If you have seventy percent germination, that’s good. Even fifty percent is all right — but then plant seeds more liberally. I Storing seeds, especially in the warm south, requires care. They should be sealed back in the package they came in, placed in a bottle, which should be sealed and taped to make it airtight. The bottles of seed should be stored in a cool cellar or refrigerator. Ideal storing conditiohs are forty to fifty degrees and a moisture content not above fifty percent. What others say — Crime Stoppers is here, / now the rest is up to you Law enforcement agencies and the judicial system in the U.S. are often criticized for an apparent ineffectiveness in being able to catch and punish the country’s criminals. Those likely to be apathetic about law enforcement and judicial systems are the same people who would look the other way when a crime is being committed, or remain silent about some knowledge they may have a crime, fearing reprisal from the criminal. While certain blame could be laid on all three groups named above, a new vehicle is emerging across the country to bridge the gap that se4ems to prevent locking up the criminals and protecting the citizenry. That vehicle is called Crime Stoppers and it has just rolled into Steuben County. Crime Stoppers, which is alive in many cities across the county, is a system that allows citizens to report details they may know about particular crimes to authorities, via a non-police board of directors, anonymously. In return, the tipsters are rewarded when a criminal is arrested and brought to justice. The key word to the success of Crime Stoppers seems to be anonymity. People are rewarded without fear of criminals seeking revenge because of a code system that safeguards identities. In Fort Wayne, whose Crime Stoppers program has affiliated the Steuben County unit, some 137 felonies were solved last year due to the program. There were 85 people arrested and thus far, the conviction rate is 100 percent. As with the Fort Wayne program and many others across the country, the ultimate goal in getting the program to work is getting the people to use it. Each week, the media of Steuben County will be publicizing a crime of the week. Through this information, it is hoped that the public will come through with bits and pieces that may lead to arrests and convictions. Your information should be called in to 1-800-237-STOP beginning Thursday. While Crime Stoppers can’t conceivably put an end to all crime or arrest and convict al! criminals, the success of the program rests very much upon you, the citizens of Steuben County. -ANGOLA HERALD-REPUBLICAN

BSfciKi •- * 1 1T... - A V 'V In everything they did last Saturday, the Wawasee Lady Warriors proved they were a "class act" and made everyone proud to be from the Lakeland area. Above, Sandy Payne is shown shooting over the number one scorer in the state, Jodie Whitacker. Court news

City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Driving while intoxicated — Jack E. Dean, 52, Syracuse, slOl, 60 days in jail, suspended on condition defendant not commit another alcohol related or major traffic offense for one year, no alcohol while on probation, six months probation, license suspended for 180 days, ordered to attend alcohol countermeasures school Driving while suspended — Michael K. Waggoner, 21, Syracuse, slOl, 10 days in jail, suspended on condition defendant not commit a similar offense for one year, obtain, valid license while on probation, license suspended for 60 days, six months' non-reporting probation Marriage Licenses The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jeanne Weirick: Kappler-Clark Robert Kappler, 30, r 1 box 1948, Leesburg and Tammy J. Clark, 22, r 1 Leesburg Wagoner-Hatfield Terry Lee Wagoner, 37, r 1 box 453, North Webster and Norina Marie Hatfield, 28, r 1 box 453, North Webster Marriage Dissolutions The following couples have applied for marriage dissolutions in

Letters to the editor

Driver questions state highway department

Dear Editor: The following is a copy of a letter mailed to Mr. John P. Isenbarger, Indiana State Highway Department: Dear Mr. Isenbarger: I was traveling north on US 33 today from Ft. Wayne to my business in Syracuse. At 1:15 p.m., 1 mile south of Indiana 9 on US 33 in Whitley County I noticed a state highway truck (Truck #6520) plowing snow from the east berm into the CENTER of US33. The road at the time was perfectly dry and the berms had both been well plowed at least 5 or 6 feet back from the edge of the road. This was in an area that is quite hilly with a double yellow line in the area. The driver at the time was BACKING UP in the southbound lane with no flagman, no one else to warn oncoming cars at all.

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. Subscrptlon: slsper year in Kosciusko County; slßoutsidecounty. POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The Mail-Journal, P.O. Box 188, Milford, Indiana 46542

Kosciusko Superior and Circuit Courts: Buffer — Bonnie L. Buffer and Arthur L. Huffer, 518 S. Main St., Syracuse. The couple was married Aug. 11, 1984 and separated Jan. 16,1985. Welty — Lowell Welty and Lauralynn Welty, r 4 box 209, Syracuse. The couple was married June 7, 1957 and separated Feb. 12,1985. There is one minor child. Chapa — Virginia C. Chapa and Jose G. Chapa, S. Main St., Apt. 3, Milford. The couple was married April 3, 1969 and separated Feb. 12, 1985. There are four minor children. xArea residents involved in accidents Kathryn A. Aschliman, 54, of Leesburg ran off the shoulder of the road in her ’7B Volkswagen Rabbit on SR 15 because of the heavy snow. No damages were reported. In another accident, Marilyn K. Nash of r 1 box 151 Syracuse lost control of her ’Bl Plymouth on Warner Road due to the ice. She ran off the road way and struck a tree causing between $l,OOl and $2,500 worth of damages to her auto. Both accidents were investigated by the Kosciusko County Sheriff Department.

I stopped to ask what he could possibly be doing and he informed me that it was none of my damned business and to get moving because I was blocking traffic. I must admit that I lost my temper and we had an exchange of words, anyway, he was bigger than I am and I’m a coward, so I left. Now I can’t possibly imagine why he was plowing the snow INTO the middle of the road, I simply could not believe what I was seeing. There are a number of questions that I would like to see answered: 1. There was a very definite risk of a serious injury from a southbound car hitting the State truck in the rear. I wonder how large a lawsuit against the State that would have caused or how many people could have been kill-

Conservationists question boat ramp's installation

Dear Editor: Following is a copy of a letter mailed this week to James M. Ridenour, Director, Department of Natural Resources: Dear Mr. Ridenour: The Board of Directors of the Barbee Lakes C.onservation Association question the installation of the public boat ramp on Kuhn Lake in Kosciusko County. 1. What effect will this have on the ecology of this area? 2. How will this affect the environment of the area? Unless you can indicate a positive benefit to our community

"CRUZIN

AROUND 'CUSE"

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This week’s column was written by Charlene Knispel. She was appointed Turkey Creek Township Assessor in 1980 when Harry VanHemert retired. She ran for election in 1982 and is now serving her third year as assessor. She worked under Van Hemeri from 1974 thru 1980.) CHARLENE / 1 KNISPEL S* j i , VB k < IN INDIANA, March 1 is not necessarily a popular date, but it certainly is well known. I think now is a perfect time to explain to you the responsibilities of the township assessor’s office and the obligation of the taxpayer. Most of you have received the Personal Property Assessment Form 101. Any items owned or possessed on March 1 is subject to assessment. Those items include boats (sail and paddle boats, also), motors, boat, utility and snowmobile trailers, camping trailers, motor homes, snowmobiles, ATVs, trucks over 11,000 pounds and truck bodies. After you have reported what you have on the Form 101, it must be returned to this office by May 15. We then establish values from the state approved publications. This represents the true cash value. The total value is then divided by 33>/ 3 percent and that figure becomes the assessed value. Multiplying the assessed value by the tax rate results in the taxes due. Tax statements will be sent by the treasurer the following year (usually sometime in April). Remember, that Indiana taxes are due and payable in one year for values of the previous year. I would urge all taxpayers to be aware of due dates, as required by law, because of the penalties involved by late filings. Farms are to be reported on Forms 102 and 104; business tangible property on Forms 103 and 104 and they, also, are due by May 15. Business and farm returns are figured differently than an individual return .. . dollar value is based on the federal depreciation schedule. However, the end result is the same. Total true cash divided by 33*/s percent and multiplied by the tax rate. The law determines the what and how of taxation; this office must implement the law and the taxpayer must obey the law. The fairness of the law will result if everyone assesses all of their property fully and honestly. Those who try to circumvent their obligation will only increase the burden on those who are conforming to the law. With complete returns from everyone, the assessed value increases and the tax rate goes down. Although the tax rate for 1984 pay 1985 has not actually gone down, the increase is only 12 to 14 cents. In past years, the increase has averaged about 30 cents. This is because we have tried very hard to establish a fair and uniform method of assessing. Everyone shares the load. This year the General Assembly is faced with two of many bills regarding automobile dealer in-

ed or seriously injured. 2. What possible reason could there be for such a ridiculous process. 3. What does it cost the taxpayer for such nonsense and how many times is this being repeated elsewhere in the state. 4. Who makes this type of decision, is it up to the driver or does his superior make such ridiculous decisions. , I have seen numerous other incidents that were cause for much comment by the taxpayers regarding the State Highway Department, but this was so stupid as to defy explanation that I was compelled to write this letter. I only wish that I had had my camera along, it would have been the basis for a great editorial cartoon. Sincerely, Robert C. McNary

and state, we, as representatives of the Barbee Lakes Conservation Association, strongly oppose this project. We also feel the monies allocated towards a boat ramp at this time could be used for a more beneficial purpose, such as flood control in the county. One last question: Was this boat ramp project open for bid by private contractors? If so, how, when, and where? Thank you. Sincerely, Gene Pettit Barbee Lakes Conservation Association

ventories. H.B. 1401 and H.B. 1871 deal specifically with exempting dealer cars from personal property taxes. The subject of removing all business inventory from property taxes is being investigated and should be handled as one issue, with total economic impact considered, rather than a piecemeal approach, such as removing just auto dealers. If they are removed from taxes, why not farm implement dealers, grain storage, appliance stores, etc.? These bills intimate the lost revenue will be replaced by a new tax based on the number of dealer plates purchased by that dealer. However, there is no requirement as to how many plates the dealer must purchase. As an example, the dealer could have a million dollars worth of inventory, but he is not required to purchase any given number of S2OO dealer plates. The dealer may elect to purchase very few such plabs and the revenue collected on a million dollars worth of inventory would be nil. The statewide fiscal impact from the loss of this revenue throughout many counties and townships would severely effect local tax rates on homeowners and other businesses. The dealer plate fee is based on an average statewide tax rate of $7. Even if the dealers were required to — which they are not — acquire a dealer plate for every automobile in inventory, they would still be taxed at an equivalent lesser rate than other property owners. This raises a serious constitutional question. One tax cannot be eliminated without replacing it with another. Governing bodies depend on that source of income to function. Real estate is another source of revenue and the procedure of assessments is set forth by the state. There are manuals and charts to determine pricing for improvements, and land values are established by a land committee comprised of local people who are familiar with the area. The county assessor is now working toward assigning another committee to establish values for the upcoming reassessment to begin in 1987. Before any values of land are established we must be sure that sizes of land or lots are correct. In order to be equitable, the assessor must always remember to assess “things” and not “people.” It doesn’t matter if a brand new three story home is on one lot and a small cottage is on the lot next to it, particularily around lake areas. If the lots are equal in every way, the assessment on the land should be the same. There should be no politics, no favoritism and no variation. Simply put, the assessor must be fair and honest with all people. Hopefully, with the new computers in Kosciusko County, the reassessment program should go smoothly. It’s exciting to see the changes in our county in the last 10 years or so. We must always be far sighted enough to keep current with updated facilities in order to function efficiently. I am certain that the county commissioners and the council will continue to provide the funds and support to the various departments so that good government can expand and grow. I think the Town of Syracuse is also showing farsightedness in the planning of a new town hall. It will be convenient to the town to have all government offices in the same building, ? and it will stand as a tribute to good planning. ij . Even though I firmly believe that politics should never play a part in performing my duties as an assessor, I am, nevertheless, caught up in the excitement of elections and working within my chosen party. Young people, old people and all those in between are extremely important to a political system. We can learn from all of them. Working together can create change, it can correct mistakes and it can establish a united front. Only when “we” becomes “I” can a political system fail. We cannot allow that to happen. I thank The Mail-Journal for allowing me to remark on this government office. Assessing and taxation touches all of us; and there must be understanding between elected officials and taxpayers. I am extremely proud of my staff; and together, we are committed to serve you . . . the public. \

Market oriented agriculture Dear Editor: Market oriented agriculture — a great idea for whom? Not for our family farmers. Not our grain or livestock farmers. Not our dairymen or honey producers. Grain embargoes helped the international cartels. They simply sold U.S.S.R. grain from their overseas storages. This forced the U.S. grain prices down and, of course, cheapened food prices ... and pushed U.S. family farmers closer to bankruptcy. Our breweries import foreign grain up the Mississippi. It is cheaper. Our huge beef, pork, dairy, and honey imports all have the same effect as above. We keep in cold storage, normally, the equivalent of our dairy imports. Yes, all of this gives U.S. the world’s cheapest food bill (17 cents of the “take-home” dollar) over the years! This is great for the comsumer, rich and poor alike, as long as the family farmer produces big surplus cheap! But this was all below the net cost of production. After the banks, etc., have our family farms, then what about our food costs? Agri-business only operates for profit! Farm communities, suppliers, and processors, the whole “chain” will also be “depressed” as never before in the generation! This includes one third of the U.S. labor force who depend on supplying or processing our farms’ needs. Remember, the farmers

followed the advice of he government and their financial “advisers,” “Get bigger and more efficient.” Thirty years ago it took 3,000 bushels of wheat to buy a combine. Today it is 30,000 bushels! Wheat price has increased only a pittance per bushel. . When were we told the farmers’ inflation rate jumped 1,000 percent? Rome fell when its farmers lost all and were peons and slaves! Isn’t now the time for banks to share their bit in this depression so farm communities can continue to produce food and fiber for all? We do need rural America for stability! Finally, world trade can work two ways: all may gain a bit so all may live and work! George D. Weybright Syracuse Red flashing lights Dear Editor: When you see red flashing lights, what do you do? Recently I followed an ambulance to the hospital and observed that most people don’t do anything. I took my injured child directly to the fire station one Sunday. I know how fast and qualified those EMTs are. The first one was there it seemed in less than a minute. I was very grateful for this because it was truly an emergency sitation. He immediately began checking my child over. He was also taking time to make him feel comfor(Continued on page 5)