The Mail-Journal, Volume 22, Number 37, Milford, Kosciusko County, 11 September 1985 — Page 4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., September 11,1985

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Editorials

Kosciusko County still a leading ag producer When one thinks of the economy of the area we live in, one usually thinks of lakes, motor boats, snowmobiles, things like that that have to do with recreation. And in a sense this is as it should be, for Kosciusko County is blessed with some 100 lakes, the largest being our own Lake Wawasee, the largest natural lake in the state of Indiana. And the income the lakes generate for Kosciusko County in way of tourism is not to be underestimated or taken lightly. But we are not all lakes and summer recreation. Not everyone knows, for instance, that Kosciusko County ranks Number 1 in the state of Indiana in farm income — an estimated $l3O million per year, according to Victor Virgil, county extension agent. Virgil said this figure is down from S2OO million in the early 1980 s when corn was $3 per bushel. Com is down now from $2.60 to $2.70 per bushel and it can fall more yet this year, due in major part to a good yield. Our county was 10th in the nation in farm income, but has slipped from this impressive figure due in large part to large productive counties in California that are irrigated. Virgil said Kosciusko County has 1,340 farmers, two-thirds of whom farm under 80 acres. The county has 400 full time farmers with an average of from 400 to 500 acres. Fifty-one per cent of the county farmers work 300 days per year off the farm, and 74% have a supplemental income, many by having their wives hold down an off-farm job. The health of Kosciusko County farms was in evidence Saturday morning at the Arlen Bobeck farm on the County Line Road when 200 of them gathered to witness test plots of corn raised under the Pioneer Hi-bred Seed Com label. Bobeck is eastern sales manager for the seed company that holds 30 percent of the national market, and it was good to see enthusiastic farmers working together in America’s breadbasket. Porno rock * One of the good feature stories of late is the success of a group of wives and mothers in Washington D.C. who formed an organization known as the Parents’ Music Resource Center. Their aim was to force the music industry to label pornographic music for what it was. The wives were shocked at the detailed relating of acts such as incest, sadomasochism, thrill killing, oral sex with a gun, etc., being peddled to anyone of any age. This, of course, is the end result of the permissive sixties, when a rot began to take hold among many well meaning but misguided and misled young people. The PMRC recently warned stations across the country to ban such porn on the air. Hundreds of stations have done so and more are doing so. And most of the bigger record and tape recorders have agreed to print a warning on porno rock — including the words “parental guidance.” Some think the warning should be more specific — the labels should tell prospective buyers if the music promotes drug use, violence or sexual activity. The music industry, for the most part, is now hiding behind the free speech and anticensorship argument. PMRC isn’t insisting on specific warnings as to objectionable content for youngsters but it wants voluntary compliance from recording companies and broadcasters. So far broadcasters have responded rather well, many stations taking pron rock records off the air. The recording industry is seemingly content with the general labeling of parental guidance — which probably will sell more records!

What others say —

By William J. Bennett Dear Parent: EVERYTHING we know about educating children tells us that you are probably the most important teacher your child will have. And everything we know about running good schools tells us that the more you are involved in your child’s school, the better it’s likely to be. These considerations are especially important now, as your child begins the new school year. “We have to let parents know the tremendous effect their involvement will have on their children in school,” a principal said recently. “It’s a matter of a child’s achievement. When a parent gets involved, the child’s achievement goes up.” Report cards prove his point. Parents with children who earn top grades are almost always involved in their children’s success. One survey found that almost 9 out of 10 “A” students say their parents are closely involved in their activities. Eight out of 10 “B” students say the same. For “C” students, though, it’s 7 out of 10, and "D” students only 6 out of 10. The better the student, the more likely it is parents are involved. But that’s something schools have always known. It isn’t hard for a teacher working with a group of children every day to know whose parents try to make the classroom an extension of the home. It can show in the way a student takes a test, finishes homework, or treats classmates. Being' involved in your child’s education doesn’t require any particular “expertise.” It requires attention and common sense. Encouraging your child to read can make all the difference. American fifth graders spend their free time watching TV two hours a day and reading less than four minutes a day. Chances are good you can help your child be a better student by beating that record in your house.

A letter to parents

Some schools can be intimidating places for parents. But they shouldn’t be, and you shouldn’t aHow them to be. The important thing to remember is that your chdd's school is your school too; it can’t do a good job without you. So as the school year begins, I offer a list of questions to ask yourself about helping your child and school: How much time does my child devote to reading? If my child is very young, how much time do we spend reading together? Do I personally know my child’s teachers? How often do I talk to them? Do I keep up with what my child is doing in class, what texts and lessons are being studied? How often do I talk to my child about his or her day at school? Have I ever sat in on any of my child’s classes? Do I keep up with my child’s homework every day? Do I check it for spelling, neatness, and thoroughness? How much time does my child spend doing homework every day? Do I belong to my school’s PTA or other parents group? How often does my school bring teachers and parents together to talk with each other? How often do I volunteer to help with special projects like chaperoning on field trips or improving the school grounds? Have I ever asked my school’s principal or teachers to describe their ideas of an educated child? What is my school’s vision of an educated child? Can the principal and teachers articulate it to me, and am I satisfied with it? As these questions clearly show, the best kind of education involves cooperation and communication between parents, teachers, and principals. Your child’s education takes place inside the home as surely as it does inside the school. Your efforts are indispensable to that education. Fbr you are the indispensable teacher. Sincerely, William J. Bennett Secretary of Education

1 JI > iMh'i mF w EHEBMBEV These two groups of farmers gathered Saturday morning at the Arlen Bobeck farm to view hybrid seed test plots and to discuss the farm problem as it affects farmers throughout the country. High yields appears to have had a reverse affect, that of causing farm prices to plummet. Solutions to the vexing problem are not easy to come by, and is causing farmers to scratch their heads for an answer to a problem that seems to have ho immediate end.

Court news

County Court The following persons have been assessed fines and have paid those fines in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrette presiding: Permitting unlicensed driver — Keith Enyeart, 22, Syracuse, SSO Speeding — Paying $65 fines and costs were: Todd F. Harris, 23, Leesburg; David K. Schacht, 19, Leesburg; Daniel K. Tracy, 23, North Webster; Rose J. Willits, 52, Syracuse; Boyd Doll, Leesburg No operator’s license — Bruce E. Bushong, 25, Syracuse, SSO Expired registration plates — Paying SSO fines and costs were: Nancee A. Feaster, 34, Syracuse; Linda S. Wine, 36, Syracuse No motorcycle endorsement — Todd F. Harris, 23, Leesburg, SSO False registration — Daniel V. Gillespie, 27, Leesburg, SSO No muffler — David W. Pontius, 17, Leesburg, S4O City Court The following fines were levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Speeding — Michael A. Hann, 19, Syracuse, $55, ordered to attend Defensive Drivers School; Alan S. Abrams, 27, Syracuse, SSO; Brenda L. Long, 18, New Speaker and Program Directory Indiana University at South Bend has published a new “Speaker and Program Directory” which lists more than a hundred speeches and programs that can be given by IUSB faculty and staff. The directory is designed for use by members of program planning committees, officers of clubs and persons planning educational meetings. Several hundred copies of the directory have already been sent to members of the news media, schools, libraries, businesses, social service organizations and clubs in the Michiana area. Persons who wish to make use of the directory may request one free of charge by writing or calling the IUSB Office of Community Relations at 237-4345 or toll free from Elkhart County at 674-5905, ext. 4345. No. 10 School reunion Sept. 15 The annual reunion of the Number 10 School will be held Sept.ls, at the home of John and Ida Everest, 58179 CRI9, Goshen. Participants should take a basket dinner to the event. All former students, teachers and community members of the Number 10 School are encouraged to attend. Presentation on trip to Ethiopia Clifford Wieland of Goshen will be showing a slide presentation of his recent trip to Ethiopia at the Wawasee Community Church of the Nazarene in Syracuse on Sunday night, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m. Wieland was a member of the group that went to see that the supplies were distributed to the needy. The public is invited to attend this special service. A freewill offering will be taken which will be sent through “compassionate ministries” of the Church of the Nazarene, earmarked especially for the countries of Ethiopia and Mozambique, two countries hit hard by famine. For more information, call 457-2062.

Syracuse, SSO; Paris S. Miller, 26, Milford, $55 Failure to obtain Indiana driver’s license — Gene A. Cornell, 22, Syracuse, $36 No registration plate — Max A. Beer, 37, Milford, $36 Circuit Court The following complaints have been filed in Kosciusko Circuit Court, Judge Richard Sand presiding: Complaint For Possession Os Real Estate And Damages Mutual Federal Savings Bank versus Garry Sorensen and Donna Sorensen, r 2 box 91, Milford. The plaintiffs are seeking judgment against the defendants for possession of rental property occupied by the defendants, plus the sum of $5,000 for past due rent and damages to rental property. Complaint Shipshewana State Bank versus United Ice International; Reimers Lee Service, Inc.; Stephen H. Born man, r 2 box 390, Syracuse; Raymond Reiner, box 13 North VVebster; Small Business Administration, and the State Bank of Syracuse. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendants for foreclosure of real estate and personal property to satisfy judgment in the amount of $222,192.28 plus interest, attorney’s fees and costs of action, for a past due account. Verified Petition Hardship Driver’s License Dennis R. Polk versus Michael L. Miner, Prosecuting Attorney for 54th Judicial Circuit, and Michael M; Packard, Commissioner of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The plaintiff is seeking issuance pf a restricted driver’s license due to hardship. Superior Court The following complaints have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court, Judge Robert Burner presiding: ( Complaint On Account Miller’s Merry Manor versus George Cuyler and Violet Cuyler, P.O. Box 31 Syracuse. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendants for the sum of $10,012.28 plus interest, attorney’s fees and costs of action, for a past due account. Marriage Dissolutions The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Kosciusko Superior and Circuit Courts: Mitchell — Suzanne Marie Mit-’ chell, r 1 box 157-S, Milford, and Bruce Allen Mitchell, r 1 box 157-S, Milford. The couple was married July 6, 1974, and separated July 14,1985. There are two minor children. Bartman — Sheryl Ann Bartman, 72833 CR 29, Syracuse, and Rodney Eugene Bartman, Elkhart County. The couple was married July 18, 1981, and separated Aug. 30,1985. There is one minor child. i THE MAIL-JOURNAL (U.S.P.S. 3258-4000) Published by the Mail-Journal every 1 Wednesday and entered as Second Class ] matter at the Post Office at Syracuse, Indiana 46567. ' I Second class postage paid at 103 E. 1 Main Street, Syracuse, Indiana 46567 and at additional entry offices. Subscription: sls per year In Kosciusko County; s2l outside county: ( POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The Mail Journal, P.O. Box 188, Milford, Indiana 46542 ! I

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ANYONE WHO has an interest in the preservation of uptown Syracuse as a viable business shopping center — especially as the town approaches its sesquicentennial — should raise his voice loud and clear. The concern is the apparent determination of the First Indiana Bancorp of Elkhart, now the major stockholder in the State Bank of Syracuse, to raze a double front building on East Main Street to make room for a parking lot. At the present time, the east room?next to the alley, houses Pilcher Shoes athletic store and the west room houses its warehouse. The year 1901 is imprinted high on the coping of the building. It easily ranks as a landmark in the community. One person commented this week that “it’s the only building with character in uptown Syracuse.” Originally the First Indiana Bancorp had asked Pilcher Shoes to vacate the building by September 15, that they intended to begin their demolition of the building the following day. When Bob Pilcher told the owners he couldn’t possibly relocate in this brief time, he was granted a stay until February 1 of the new year. Pilcher Shoes has been in uptown Syracuse for 40 years, comments Bob Pilcher, noting that his dad, the late Douglas Pilcher, began the store in 1945, right after World War 11. Doug was also a numismatic, a person interested in coins, where he often said, “I have a lot of fun and occasionally make a buck.” Bob is a 1967 graduate of Syracuse High School and a 1971 graduate of Anderson College. He returned to Syracuse in 1978 to work with his dad, and when the latter’s health began to fail, Bob took over the business with the help of his mother, Goldie Pilcher. Bob says, “I like it in uptown Syracuse,” noting also that the costs of moving the well established business would be costly and timeconsuming. In recent years, the store has enlarged its shoe stock to the point where they have the basements full of odd sized shoes for all members of the family. Bob states he has 35,000 pair of shoes in stock. Several years ago the firm began a broad advertising campaign, in newspapers, radio and television, and it has apparently paid off. They bring customers to Syracuse from many miles around, and have become easily the best single traffic-booster for the uptown area. The rapid flow of customers forced the shoe retailer to expand, and it was five years ago that they leased the Main Street double front building. The First Indiana Bancorp of Elkhart also owns the double front building just west of the above-mentioned building. It houses Bales Butcher Shop in the east room and the bank’s loan offices in the west room. On the second floor are executive offices. There is no mention of removing this building. It was built in 1902, according to markings on its coping. There are those who think the building the bank proposes to remove would make a poor parking lot, inasmuch as it sits on the side of a hill, but this is a determination that only the bank’s new owners can decide. The Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce has become interested in saving the landmark building in uptown Syracuse. It is likely that the chamber and its ambitious president Bob Westfall will make a sincere effort to do what it can to save the building from the wrecker’s ball, and in the process save one of the area’s largest traffic builders. FRED PERSONNETTE of 612 First Street, Syracuse, has a vested interest in high waters. He resides just below the gates that head off the water coming from the lakes* channel into Turkey Creek, and when high waters come, more than likely his yard will be flooded. Flooding is one of his main concerns. When it rained heavily Friday morning, Fred could be seen walking the area to “test the waters”, so to speak. ERNESTINE URSCHEL, Apartment 76 of Greenhaus Apartments, called our attention to two large sunflower stalks with their golden sunburst sunflowers. She said they are the pride and joy of Eldon (“Steve”) Bartholomew, age 85, also of the Greenhaus village. The sunflower is the state Lower of Kansas, and we can see why.

1 EKH ■fi -Xf■W THE SYRACUSE community will miss the bold openness and great good humor of Gaylord Jones, who passed away at 2:15 a.m. last Thursday at the Goshen General Hospital following a prolonged illness. His legion of friends had a lot of good things to say about Gaylord: “He was his own man,” “he was a pioneer (in the mobile home industry) ”, “he was a fighter.” And a fighter he was, for he was plagued with ill health for a long time, but it was difficult to count him out. He just kept coming back. A nasty stroke kept him from circulating as was his custom. Well known he was. When anyone said “Gaylord” there was no question about whom they spoke. He was known for his early entry into the mobile home manufacturing business, and it was here he made his fortune. He began an apple orchard on a small farm he owned north of town after a hospital roommate said he had turned some otherwise unproductive land into a successful apple business. Pretty good for a boy born in Mentone and schooled in Beaver Dam! The Joneses sold their North Shore Drive home some time ago and moved permanently to Naples, Florida, where they built a nice home some years ago. But they kept summering in the Syracuse area. Anyone who celebrates the American free enterprise system found a champion in Gaylord Jones. He was a fighter and a winner. THIS COLUMN seldom prints poetry.. No reason why, except that its readership is low. But when North Webster garden supply store owner Eldon Clayton sent this piece along, we couldn’t resist. We never thought of Eldon as a poet,, but where the heart is, so goes the spirit and the rhythm of life. It’s for his wife Louise and marks their 50th wedding anniversary: August 31,1985: OUR GOLDEN WEDDING DAY Written By Eldon Clayton August, 1985 In my memory, I go back to the old County Fair. Little did I know that a special lady would be there! My friend said, “I know that it is late, But why not ask my cousin there for a date?” To a friend, you never say no, not now or ever; But how was I to know that lady would be my sweetheart forever? The games that we played And the plans that we made Seemed like dreams that could never come true. But time has away For our lives every day To fulfill all God promises you. She could sew, and she could cook, keep house and even bake; < With all this, I knew what a wonderful wife she would make. So I did the right thing, andl bought her a ring. We could hardly wait, for the time and the date. We thought it would never arrive — August 31,1935! Those days passed too, as they always do, so quickly in life. Soon the preacher said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” (Continued on page 5)