The Mail-Journal, Volume 22, Number 36, Milford, Kosciusko County, 4 September 1985 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., September 4,1985

Editorials

Grands' Day

A new “day” is Grandparents’ Day, which falls this year on September 8. The observance was the idea of Mrs. Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia. President Carter signed a proclamation making it official. Grandparents very often play a major role in the development of children, sometimes even the decisive or dominant role. Sages have written that grandparents recognize mistakes and needs that failed to understand as young parents. Grandparents can, also, soil children, if they utilize them primarily for enjoyment and self-indulgence. It’s certain, however, that children who enjoy the benefit of loving grandparents have an advantage. Certainly mothers who have them nearby are blessed.

Answer to an upset mother

An unsigned letter by “A Truly Upset Mother” of Syracuse concerning the movement of school buses last Tuesday, Aug. 27, in a dense morning fog was of sufficient sincerity to cause this paper to call the school corporation s s assistant superintendent for business to ascertain school policy in such matters. The letter asks questions many of us are concerned about. They have to do with who makes these important decisions and how are they made. Fog is one concern; ice and snow are another. . Mr. Kryder was most cooperative in trying to answer our questions. He said the decision-making rests with him and Roy Stiffler,’director of buildings and grounds for the school corporation. In the morning in question, he added both he and Mr. Stiffler were out from 5:30 to 6 a.m. testing country roads, and fog conditions in general. This particular morning, when the “all clear” was given, the fog got worse about 7:15 and 7 ‘ 30 a m ' The administration building is in constant radio contact with all bus drivers, and urges individual drivers to exercise their personal judgment whether to move or not, adding that if individual buses are late for class, that they would be excused. Fog can be patchy, he said, but that normal visibility of 200 to 300 feet is acceptable. Checks are also made with neighboring school officials with local, county and state police to ascertain driving conditions. “We feel we do a fairly good job of checking conditions,” Mr. Kryder said. A cut-off time is normally 6:40 a.m. Mr. Kryder said this decision-making has been his lot for 10 years, and that he readily admitted to an accident in the Wolfe Lake area on March 19, 1984, where weather conditions played a part. Mr. Kryder and Mr. Stiffler would be the last people to “play God” as the letter suggests, and we figure the responsibility of making the correct decision for the safety of all students who ride a school bus weighs heavily on both these men. The caution of all motorists under fog, snow and ice conditions can make their job easier.

What others say —

Is Johnny lost? Remember a few years ago when Americans were told, “Johnny can’t read.”? Well, maybe he can read now, but according to a recent survey by the United Nations, our Johnny may be lost. Apparently doesn’t know where he is, or how to find someplace else if he had to go there. In a United Nations-sponsored testing of some 30,000 children, aged 10-14 in nine countries to judge their comprehension of foreign culture, American students placed next to last. The alarming results are reported to have educators wondering if the United States is becoming a nation of “dumb kids.” “Geographic ignorance prevails,” according to Frederick L. Bein, Department of Geography chairman at IUPUI. Bein said the reason for the geographic ignorance “reflects the quality of pre-college education in this country.” He adds that no geography is included in Indiana high schools and only one year is required in middle schools. Also, he says very few teachers who teach geography in the secondary schools have had adequate instruction in how to teach it.” If you don’t believe that Hoosiers, too, are geographically ignorant, consider the results of a test given to 2,276 students taking entrance-level geography in Indiana colleges and universities: — 19 percent could not locate the Pacific Ocean. — 79 percent could not locate the Persian Gulf. — 70 percent could not point out the Falkland Islands. — 41 percent could not find Fort Wayne, that state’s second largest city. — 59 percent knew the location of the U.S. Capital. — 87 percent knew the location of Lake Michigan. Bein said the geographic ignorance problem in this country began when geography became a part of social studies in the late 1950 s and 19605. “It happened over the years. It reflects the american attitude toward the world — very little global interest.” We should not limit this geographic ignorance to students ... it also exists among adults. Many Americans suddenly become aware of a country because it is thrust into the headlines. Think back. Did you know the location of Iran prior to the hostage crisis some five years ago? Or where to find Beirut on the map prior to the more recent TWA hijacking and hostage holding? And, how about Nicaragua and South Africa? Could you find them prior to their headline-making roles? Be honest. Schools and families involved with hosting exchange students from other countries are sometimes amazed to learn that their foreign guests know more about the geography in other countries. It is no wonder that the phrase “Ugly American” was the label attached to some of our travelers and foreign service personnal a few years back. They come from a nation that places a poor priority on learning about the rest of the world. Experience with students in Hendricks County have revealed there is a lack of knowledge about the geography of their home county of residence, even to the extent of not knowing in which township they reside. Bein says, “Geography provides people with a geographic point-of-view that is quite lacking among Americans in general . . . The heart of the study of geography is understanding why things are located in specific sites.” “The United States is the only developed country in the world without an extensive geography program throughout the educational system,” Bein said. With all the current call to “return to the basics,” we would hope that educators of today remember when geography was a part of the educational curriculum when they passed through the educational system. Let’s give Johnny a chance to learn where he is on this planet that resides in this universe. We can send men to the moon, but Johnny doesn’t know how to get to Fort Wayne. < — HENDRICKS COUNTY GUIDE-GAZETTE

HAVE VOU HUGGED VOUR 1 GRAAD- Jr PfIREATS ■ IRTEIV ■ Court news

Superior Court The following complaints have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court, Judge Robert Burner presiding: Complaint Miller Furniture Co., Inc. versus J. Woodrow Drook and Connie Drook, r 1 Leesburg. The plaintiff is seeking judgment in the amount of $5,683.59 plus interest, attorney’s fees and costs of action, for a past due account. Breach Os Contract Kenneth E. Miller versus Terry Schrock, P.O. Box 381, Syracuse. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendant for the sum of $50,000 for damages and loss of income for breach of plaintiffs five-year contract as an escort driver for the defendant. Circuit Court The following complaints have been filed in Kosciusko Circuit Court, Judge Richard Sand presiding: Support Linda Kingrey versus Kane Kingrey, r 2 box 10, Leesburg, for support. Complaint On Note Peoples State Bank versus Henry Hernandez and Irma Hernandez, 1816 Hepler Dr., Warsaw, and First Nationwide Savings of New York City. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendants for the sum of $7,355.46 plus interest, attorney’s fees and costs of action for a promissory note. County Court The following persons have been assessed fines and have paid those fines in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrette presiding: Disorderly conduct — Brian K. Deßatty, 26, Leesburg, $136 and 30 days KCJ, suspended Furnishing alcohol to minors — Goldie Shepherd, 20, Syracuse, SB6 and 6 days KCJ with good time credit Illegal possession of alcohol — Paying SB6 fines and costs were: Ronda Lyn Kinsey, 19, North Webster; Todd M. Yeager, 18, North Webster; Tonya K. Kuhn, 19, North Webster; Christopher W. Hare, 20, Syracuse Illegal consumption of alcohol — Paying SB6 fines and costs was: Christopher W. Hare, 20, Syracuse

Letters to the editor

Opposition to Party Pack

Dear Editor: We support the efforts of those involved in the Students Against Drunk Drivers and the Mothers Against Drunk Drivers organizations that fortunately are alive and benefitting our national standards. For this reason we must register our opposition to the efforts of those who would bring the WHO KNOWS? 1. The eighth president of the U.S. was born on December 5, 1782; name him. 2. Two other presidents were born in December; name them. 3. Name the flower and . the stone for December. 4. Winter will arrive on what date? 5. What is the motto of the Marine Corps? 6. For whom was Louisi* ana named? 7. When did George Washington die? 8. What is the shape of an obelisk? Answers To Who Knows f I uenid pajuioj g 66Z.1 >1 JaquiaosQ £ 93UBJJ JO AIX s ! no l ‘9 (injqjißj sAbm(v) sippij jaduiag -g U jaquiaoag > asionbjnx jo Aqnj si auojs aqj pue Aj|oq jo snsspjßU si jdMoy aqj £ *uos[!M pue uosuqof Majpuy j uajng u«a j

Public intoxication *— Jerry Lee Gerber, 43, Syracuse, SB6 City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Speeding — Gary W. Meir, 28, Syracuse, SSO; Douglas S. Plummer, 26, Syracuse, S6O; Cara L. Wagoner, 26, Syracuse, SSO Driving while suspended — Jesse A. Howey, 21, Milford, dismissed Marriage Dissolutions The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Kosciusko Circuit and Superior Courts: Andrews — Marlene L. Andrews, r 3 box 488, Syracuse, and Lee F. Andrews, P.O. Box 295 Syracuse. The couple was married April 19,1958, and separated Sept. 14, 1984. Crowl — Lisa Gay Crowl, r 5 box 295A, Syracuse, and Gerald Lamar Crowl, r 5 box 295A, Syracuse. The couple was married Oct. 28, 1979, and separated Aug. 20, 1985. There is one minor child. Housouer — Christine R. Housouer, r 5 box 408, Syracuse, and David J. Housouer, r 5 box 408, Syracuse. The couple was married June 5, 1981, and separated Aug. 27, 1985. Marriage Licenses The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jeanne Weirick: Biberstine-Hogan David Edward Biberstine, 22, box 114 Cromwell, and Crystal Kay Hogan, 24, box 114 Cromwell Dowell-Potts Stanley K. Dowell, 31, P.O. Box 245 Syracuse, and Lori Dee Potts, 28, P.O. Box 245 Syracuse Auer-White Jay Alan Auer, 22, r 2 box 40-C, Milford, and Killie White, 27, 724 Baltimore St., Syracuse . Friend-Kirchner James Allen Friend, 45, r 1 box 226, North Webster, and Sonia Sue Kirchner, 24, r 1 box 226, North Webster Sand-Berger Philip Gerard Sand, 24, Oakwood Circle Apartments, Pierceton, and Lori Gaye Berger, 21, box 9 North Webster

Party Pack store into our community. Sincerely, Arlie and Naomi Waggy P.S. We appreciate the fact that your newspaper does not sell liquor ads that encourage its cpurchase and do more harm economically and socially than it would do good. Alcohol is number 1 drug Dear Editor: Lakeland School Superintendent Webster recently reported that the consumption of alcohol is the number 1 drug problem in our schools. In light of this, it is difficult to understand how some in our community can justify an additional outlet for its sale. If one considers carefully the far-reaching implications of this issue, he can only conclude that our community would be better off without Party-Pack. Berniece H. Dwyer

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 Oft ice at Syracuse, Indiana 44567. Second class postage paid at 103 E. Main Street, Syracuse, Indiana 46567 and at additional entry offices. Subscription: sls per year In Kosciusko County; s2l outside county. POSTMASTERS: Send change of ad dress forms to The Mall-Journal, P.O. Box 188, Milford, Indiana 46542

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE"

/ -wl - r 1 Ji H ■ *■' r <4 -- x ~ UP!

RESIDENTS OF this area who have an interest in the annual “Miss America Contest”, held at Atlantic City, N.J., will have a special reason to watch the program this year. The reason: Chris Schenkel, well known ABC sportscaster and promoter of events around the area lakes, will be one of the judges. Schenkel and his wife Fran make their home on Tippecanoe Lake, rural route 2 Leesburg. “I’ve always wanted to be a Miss America judge,” Schenkel confides, adding, “I guess I just like girls.” He allowed that no one should fault him for this. The big beauty and talent contest is viewed by millions each year and has become something of an icon in American lore. This year the event will be held this month, with the final television run-off on Saturday, Sept. 14. Schenkel must be there from the 9th until the 14th. Trying to hide his enthusiasm for the assignment, Schenkel said this week, “It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.” He said the judges will be sequesterd during this five-day period, “sort of like a jury.” - Fran is trying to decide whether or not she should go along to Atlantic City, stating, “I don’t know about all those pretty girls.” The Saturday night show will be viewed over NBC, not Schenkel’s home network, ABC. “I think they sort of pass hat around among the networks,” he said. The “Miss America Contest” has a long history, with the first one being held in 1921 — making this year’s contest he 64th! , Gary Collins, well known for his “Hour Magazine” television show and husband of former Miss America, Mary Ann Mobley, will MC the event. Other judges, besides Schenkel, are: Glen Osser, well known music director formerly with ABC, whom Schenkel calls “a good friend of mine;” Vivian Blaine, Brq|dway star and Marilyn Monroe look-alike; Georgia Gibbs, jazz singer and entertainer; Jerome Hines, Metropolitan Opera base singer; John Zerbe, designer of the Baltimore Waterfront Plaza; Gilbert Mitchell American Air Force band director; Marion (McKnight) Conway, a former Miss America, and; Ms. Taylor Miller of New York City. ALL OF this is to Schenkel’s credit, but on Saturday he received about as much thrill out of being Grand Marshal/Distinguished Guest at the centennial of his hometown, Bippus, Indiana, in Huntington county, population 300. Chris said he’d do it under one condition: that the town fathers rig up a hay wagon filled with his old buddies. He said there were 11 in his high school class of 1939. (Note: Schenkel is now 62.) He met with Ritt The Barber — “the town’s unofficial mayor” — who is actually Glen Rittenhaus, who helped him rig up his first broadcast at age 16 by putting a loudspeaker in the drug store and several other places in the little town. Schenkel remembers it as a four-way high school basketball tournament — “quite an event.” But a broadcast of this nature in tiny Bippus predates broadcasting of local sports events by many years. < Schenkel also remembers his grandfather, the late Christopher (“after whom I was named”) Stath, who lived to be 100 years of age. He recalls “grandpa” telling him how he cleared an acre of virgin Indiana land for SB.OO per acre. The senior Mr. Stath maintained “a shack” on Barbee Lake, Schenkel remembers, and also recalls taking him fishing on the lake as a 10-year-old lad. It was on his grandpa’s 100th birthday. “That little shack was not on the lake,” Schenkel remembers, adding, “maybe that’s why I’m so interested in the proposed beach for North Webster.” He’s interested, all right. Schenkel and his wife Fran have lent their considerable talents an influence to the town’s effort to raise SIOO,OOO in matching funds for a public beach, and the effort is so near that it’s reasonable to expect the drive to go over the top very soon. But back to the Bippus Centennial. It began Saturday with a 10 a.m. parade, and all-day activities of concessions and merchandise booths, gas engine exhibit, pioneer exhibit and children’s games.

Other events were breakfast from 6:30 to 9 a.m. at Calvary Church; garden tractor pull, weigh-in at 12:30 p.m. and pull at 1:30 p.iri.; big wheel race at 2 p.m. at Bippus State Bank; fish and tenderloin supper from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at he Bippus Community Building; dance from 9 p.m. to midnight. The Bippus Museum was open all day. A gospel concert was from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday on the lawn of Calvary Church. ONE OF the newest and prettiest sights in the community is the flower bed at the Syracuse Lakeside Park. Ron Cripe, summertime park employee shown in the above photo, is responsible for the park’s excellent care and for the flowers he so tenderly cares for. Credit is due the SyracuseWawasee Garden Club, whose members purchase and plant the flowers each year. Ron is an Indiana University senior majoring in forrestry and is the son of John and Diane Cripe. He shares the responsibilities for the parks with Bob Hickaman, a Ball State U. student. In the flower bed are geraniums, zenias, marigolds, petunias and salvia. In the background is the new gazebo and shelter house, which have found considerable use by families using the park. SYRACUSE REALTOR Ernie Rogers notes that the lakes area no longer has the abrupt dropoff of traffic following Labor Day, that more people are spending their weekends here, either at their summer homes or as weekend boaters. He says his experience in the real estate business leads him to believe more people are also making the area their permanent residence and commuting to jobs as far away as Fort Wayne and South Bend. The automobile has shortened these distances and made the area a suitable bedroom community for many out-of-towners. SOME THOUGHT it was an earthquake hitting Syracuse last Wednesday, but no need to worry because as it turned out workers installing a new tower at United Telephone were causing the rumble. It seems UTS is installing an additional tower and the company drilling the holes for the base caused quite a vibration, at least on the north side of Syracuse’s Main Street. Somewhat of a tremor was felt across the street, and employees at the State Bank of Syracuse said they watched the windows of businesses across the street vibrate. At Byland Jewelers they watched the dishes and other breakable items shake and rattle each time a tremor came. WE KNEW all along that Nancy Glon was no longer an employee of the Wawasee school system, yet we made that association when we credited her with drawing up the initial school corporation logo which was reproduced in this column recently. Talented Nancy left the school March 16 of last year, and has been associated with Country Corners Gift Shop since March 20,1984. FOUR-DAY-OLD Brittany Laine is the new daughter of Debbie and Mike Skevington of 512 South Harrison Street, Syracuse. The little lady’s mother is a computer operator at The Papers Incorporated at Milford and her dad is an advertising space salesman for the same firm. If we know anything about her mother, it’ll be only a matter of time before Brittany is sitting on her mother’s lap and punching out her own computer codes. K. IF JACK Oswald is seen more and more around the Three Flags it’s probably due to the fact that he’s gradually working his way out of retirement. He calls it semi-retirement. Anyway, son Byron and his wife Tammie plan to leave October 6 for two weeks’ vacation in Hawaii and Jack will fill their shoes during this brief period. A real come-on at the popular bistro is the fact that coffee refills are free. In order to go out for all the new business he can muster while in control of his former domain, Jack is going to offer refills on ice tea! That should do it. FOR A fellow who likes to eat at McDonald’s, John Connolly, of 500 South Lake Street, got his wish on Saturday, Aug. 17. His mother, Catharine Sims, had plenty of help in luring John to the Nappanee McDonald’s for breakfast. The occasion: John’s 50th birthday anniversary. John’s wife, Shirley, said, “John is a terrific McDonald’s fan.” ’ « • Besides his mother and wife, John was greeted by Barb and Jack Wells, Cass and Don Cowan, Carol and Jack Darr and son Gary Connolly. - / ■ ‘ ■■■'!( It was the first adult party at the Nappanee McDonald’s, replete wtyh hats, balloons, noise makers, a sack full of goodies, cake and ice cream — “just like the little folks have,” says mother Catherine. It even had a photo session.