The Mail-Journal, Volume 22, Number 51, Milford, Kosciusko County, 18 December 1985 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed.. December 18,1985

Editorials

The curse of tobacco advertising — After the recent recommendation by the American Medical Association that cigarette advertising be prohibited in newspapers, the print media raised a hue and cry that this would be an infringement on the coveted First Amendment to the Constitution. The same hue and cry was not heard from the print media when cigarette advertising was prohibited from television. Newspapers over the land are editorializing that “if the product is a legal product, they should have a right to advertise it.” No matter that 300,000 Americans die each year because of the use of tobacco. Fort Wayne’s morning Journal-Gazette editorialized on this right of free expression in Tuesday’s paper, and in the very next column respected Carl Rowan took up the cudgel for “free speech” right along with the rest. It all sounds so very self-serving. The fact is, the tobacco lobby is strong and well financed, and the U.S. Government does, indeed subsidize the tobacco industry, and they’ll fight the curtailment of advertising tooth and nail. And, moreover, they’ve found a useful ally in the big newspapers who profit from this advertising. Are the newspapers, then, one might ask, putting the profit motive above the health and welfare of the very people who read their newspapers? Advertising or not, people will continue to smoke, but statistics show adult men have cut down their smoking, women still consider it “in” in very large numbers. The disturbing thing, as we see it, is that young impressionable people (especially girls) read these ads, and want to emulate the slim figure in Virginia Slims. They want to join the crowd of women who have come a long way. But for newspapers to cry that, if this one little freedom of speech is denied us, that other freedoms will fall in its wake — something like the old time-worn domino theory. What we have to say to that is pure “Poppycock! ” Congress will not outlaw the use of tobacco, you can bank on that. Congressmen wouldn’t touch this with a 10-foot pole. And even if they did, it would be something like making alcohol illegal — it would be difficult to enforce. We would opt to join the forward-thinking of the AMA and eliminate cigarette ads in all the print media. A small step for man, but a giant step for mankind. Or did someone already say this? The Christmas spirit December/is the most exciting (and tiring) month of the year in many American homes because of the approach of Christmas and all associated with it. In the commercial scramble which Christmas has become, the real meaning of the day is lost to many of us. Christmas gets its name from the mass for Christ; and it is, of course, the birth of Jesus that we commemorate on the 25th. At one time it was more a religious observance than a general holiday with Santa Claus, gifts, family reunions, etc. It'should be remembered that about one in three Americans belong to no church. Millions of others, such as those of Jewish faith, do not believe Jesus was divine, though admiring him as a man. In addition, millions of others —of Chinese, Japanese, Middle East origin, etc., have a different deity altogether. Yet all can enjoy the Christmas spirit — which pertains ot all, of all faiths and origins, and is a message of love for one’s fellow man and peace on earth. Christmas giving Complaints grow louder each year that Christmas has become mostly a party binge and commercial bonanza. But those who wish to enjoy an old-time Christmas can do, with proper planning and determination.. Family members will enjoy helping mothers prepare special Christmas dishes and foods ahead of time. Some of these specialties can be the presents to be given family, friends and neighbors. All of us appreciate self-made remembrances — which also save money and shopping time. The secret to a relaxed Christmas is to plan ahead so that Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and one or two days after Christmas are not hectic. Imagination and perhaps sometimes discipline will be needed to keep the family together and calm during the holidays. Television can often be profitably disconnected, temptations of the highway resisted. Instead, family games, talks, sports, meals and home projects of pleasure can be enjoyed — good food, good company, and the meaning of Christmas. What others say — Magi number four A little book entitled The Story of the Other Wise Man is worth the reading, particularly during what has come to be called the Christmas Season. In the story, author Henry Van Syke tells of a fourth Magi who sells his possession, buys three jewels, and goes in search of the Christ Child. Unlike the other three, he is diverted from the journey by the needs of a dying man, a child in danger from Roman soldiers, the plight of the sorrowing, and finally in the rescue of a girl sold into slavery for her parent’s debts. All of this occupies some 30 years. The Fourth Wise man, now aged, penniless, and feeling that this his quest has failed, arrives at Jerusalem at the time of Christ’s crucifixion and in his dying moments hears the words recorded for us in the 25th chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew, ‘lnasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.’ The story is fictional, of course. There is no biblical basis for a fourth Magi. Still, its message is worth considering. All too often Christmas is a season which fades away like a summer tan. It becomes an activity rather than an attitude. Sometime between now and the final hours of December 24 each of us will give more thought to others than we may for the rest of the year. Finding the exact present for Uncle Joe or Aunt Susie requires that we focus on their needs and wishes. It forces us to crawl inside their skin as best we can to see things from their point of view. Call it empathy if you like, or just thoughtfulness, but what a world it would be if that attitude were the norm rather than the exception. One message in the story of a fourth Wise Man is that what’s done during the journey is more important than a mindless dash for the final destination. The Christ child grew to be a Man who spent most of His time on earth helping those who crossed His path, as most of us try to do for a few days each December. The other message is that wise men continue to seek Him, all year long. — DONALD E. WOOD, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER AUTOMATIC MACHINING, DECEMBER 1985

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Letters to the editor

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WAWASEE HIGH SCHOOL GLEE CLUB

The other side of the coin

Dear Editor: It seems like all we hear about these days is the trouble our yolinger generation is getting into Another thing to do at Syracuse Dear Editor: The article in the November 3 Mail-Journal describing 101 things to do in Syracuse failed to name one important thing for concerned persons to do. Encourage the Boy Scouts to feed the ducks at the railroad park where they are stranded and can not phend for themselves during the winter. There are other groups such as sportsmen, farmers would contribute corn and other interested organizations that would assist them. Corn or donations could be left at the Youth Center and fed daily at their discretion. If we love God, we should love all his creatures. Thanks for your cooperation. Everett Ketering Syracuse

J.D. Geiger seeks State Representative post

In something less than a surprise move, Kosciusko County Auditor J.D. Geiger announced his intentions to throw his hat in the ring for the office of State Representative from the 18th District. He said former Republican County Chairman Ed Pratt would serve as his campaign chairman and Eugene Brumfield as campaign treasurer. The position has been held for the past 22 /years by Thames Mauzy, Warsaw furniture retailer. I Former Trooper Geiger was a state trooper,

! ■ •. Bfe > By - Ibß'.iA J# 1 I I 11 J. D. GEIGER

— assault, drug and alcohol abuse, and so forth. Believe me, last week we Rotarians saw the other side of the coin. We were entertained at our Christmas dinner by Steve Bailey and the High School Glee Club. Such an upbeat group of youngsters they were! They sang with all their hearts; they joked; they laughed; they seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. The Rotarians and their wives were caught up in the spirit of these young people and had a most enjoyable evening. Bad? Trouble makers? Bad news for the future? Don’t you believe it. What do we see? Semifinals in girls’ basketball, semifinals in football, and a group of singers who are going to New York to compete in the national competition. These are young people on the move. They are great and we appreciate them. So, on behalf of the SyracuseWawasee Rotary Club, I want to thank these young people for an outstanding evening. With youngsters like these the future is assured. Thank you, young men and women, for being what you are! Col . Joe Gray Rotarian

resigning in 1958 to run for county sheriff. He was defeated by Democrat Sam Holbrook. He was appointed Warsaw License Branch manager in January 1981, and held this office until 1983 when he became auditor. He was general manager of Lyall Electric’s Cromwell and Washington Products plants. Geiger married Bonita McLallin of rural Cromwell in 1948, and they have three children: Dawn (Mrs. Lanny) Fisher, Jill (Mrs. Dean) Miner, and Brian, all of the Warsaw area. He is past master of the Square and Compass Lodge 747, F. & A.M., North Webster, where he received a 25-year pin in 1984. He is also a member of Valley of Fort Wayne Scottish Rite.

THE MAIL-JOURNAL (U.S.P.S. 3258-4000) Published by the Mall-Journal every Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office at Syracuse, Indiana 46547 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"

IT APPEARS almost certain that there will be some changes in the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles that will affect in some way, large or small, the local license branch offices. This has been a hot topic since the last election campaign when Democratic candidate for Governor Wayne Townsend made an issue of the slipshod manner in which the license branches have been operating. Several large shortages of funds at license branches, notably at Mishawaka, have focused attention on the branches and called for reform. State Senator Townsend gave the Governor a run for his money on this one single issue. Now we find State Representative Dan Stephan of Huntington entering a reform bill that is bound to prick the conscience of pols in both parties. Opposition to Dan’s reform measures cites that his proposed reforms would cost Indiana taxpayers an additional SSO million, that all employees would have to be brought into the same program that now covers all state employees, e. g., insurance, benefits, and soon. Moreover, there is certainly a need to upgrade most branch physical facilities, and this means higher rent. Os concern to many people in this northeastern part of the county is the fact that the Syracuse License Branch might be closed, since the additional expense of operating the branch would not be justified. Rep. Stephan (who operated Beaty Associates, Inc., in Syracuse, a local realty firm, now Century 21, from 1973 to 1977) claims his proposed legislation would not eliminate any local branch offices. This is a real concern for local people, who would be forced to get their plates and driver’s licenses at Warsaw, should the Syracuse branch be closed. Barbara Eastlund of North Webster, branch manager at Warsaw, now does about three times the business the Syracuse branch does, according to Roxanne Hadley, Syracuse branch manager, and for the Warsaw office to work the entire county would place an undue burden on that office. Mrs. Hadley, who will begin her ninth year as branch manager today (Dec. 18), said this week that she has had no word, one way or the other, concerning any changes in the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles. “It will all depend on the outcome of the legislature,’’ she said. IF ROXANNE finds herself out of a job due to this realignment of the license branches, it will make two in the Hadley family out of work. " Her hubby, Carl, who has done custodial work in the school systems for 26 years, retired in August 1984, and is keeping busy with his shop at home and with his bees. That’s right — bees! The counter at the license branch displays some of the honey Carl produces and offers it for sale “at nominal prices.” Carl was hired on at the old Syracuse High School by trustee Cal Beck, and following school consolidation, he went to work doing custodial chores at the new high school, to end up as head custodian over the entire Wawasee School Corporation. LORI BOLDRY, the dental hygienist in Dr. Randall S. Cory’s office in Pickwick Place and native of Rochester, has away of taking the mind of her patients off the serious side of dentistry. She pasted a full-sized likeness of a smiling Santa Claus on the ceiling above her dental chair, so patients could relax a little more. “And it usually works,” she said. THE S-W Chamber of Commerce has come out with some attractive decals for its members, which are being displayed in member organizations’ front windows, usually at eye height. SPEAKING OF the Chamber of Commerce, several officers of the local Chamber were at Indianapolis last Monday to attend the meeting of the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce. Making the trip from here were S-W Chamber President Robert Westfall and Executive Director Nancy Myers. Os local note also is the fact that Mike Umbaugh, President of Barth, Inc., at Milford and a resident of Lake Wawasee, was one of 16 new directors named. And so was lan Rolland, president and chief executive officer of Lincoln National Corp., Fort Wayne. Rolland is a Fort Wayne resident and summer resident on Lake Wawasee. He’s also a NIPSCO director. U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar spoke on

Court news

Circuit Court The following complaints have been filed in Kosciusko Circuit Court, Judge Richard Sand presiding: Complaint Vanessa S. Kindall and Terry Bodkins versus Larry D. Boggs, r 7 Columbia City, and the State of Indiana. The plaintiffs are seeking judgment in an unspecified amount for damages and injuries incurred in an automobile accident June 24,1984. Complaint On Note And Foreclosure D.A. Brown and Company versus Turtle Bay Development Corp., also known as Shamrock Turtle Bay Development Corp., Bristol. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendant for the sale of defendant’s property to satisfy judgment in the amount of $409,000 plus at-

foreign and domestic affairs and pending legislation, and Lt. Governor John M. Mutz spoke on the state’s economic outlook. COPIES OF the December 1985 issue of The Rotarian is making the rounds, both because it’s a good service club publication and because it features an article on travel by Rex R. Yentes, a former Syracuse travel agent and member of the S-W Rotary Club. Rex is now assistant professor of travel and tourism at Webber College, Babson Park, Florida. Babson Park is near Winter Haven. Title of his fine article is “Have a good trip, ” with a how your travel agent should do his job.” Rex is remembered in Syracuse as heading up the Gulliver Travel Agency in Pickwick Place from December 1973 until 1978, along with Margaret Freeman. He left here to work for Capital Airlines in St. Louis and later at Chicago for three or four years, then went with the Univer-’ sity of Florida at Gainsville for two years. All this time he has kept up his interest in the growing world of travel. In a recent letter to Margaret Freeman, Yentes said the article was written 16 months earlier and that there have been many changes since that time. MARY HUDSON, of r 1 Pierceton, is a greatgrandmother who is very proud of the fact that she received her high school diploma at Peru High School in 1972, with the help of a correspondence course after she had her four children raised. Her husband, William R., said-he has always regretted not finishing high school, but went into a factory and learned the machine tool trade where he obviously earned a comfortable living. DARRELL BALES, the uptown Syracuse butcher shop owner/operator, has strong feelings about the nuclear arms race and the development of the so-called Star Wars nuclear defense system as proposed by President Reagan. * So strong, in fact, that he shot off a letter to the president several weeks before his November meeting in Geneva with the Russian chief of state, Mikhail Gorbechov, expressing his concerns. “This (arms race) could lead to the destructiorfdf the world as we know it today,” he said this week. His comment came after he was surprised by the arrival of a letter from The White House in answer to his letter, signed by Anne Higgins, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Correspondence. It thanked Bales for writing, then went on: “Throughout his time in office, the President has enjoyed receiving mail from the American people on the issues our country faces. He believes that his Administration cannot succeed without the continuous and active participation of our citizens in the daily business of public life. The views, comments, and suggestions of concerned Americans like you help him make decisions in the best interest of our nation and its future, and he is pleased that you took the time to let him know where you stand.” Bales said he’s going to frame the letter and hang it in a prominent place in his uptown butcher shop. THE NEW Syracuse Town Hall is gradually being occupied. The township assessor’s office was the first to make the move into the new quarters, followed by the S-W Chamber of Commerce. The clerk-treasurer’s office was the next to make the move. This was enough to allow the town board to hold its December meeting last night (Tuesday) in the new facility. It was their first meeting there. AS DIFFICULT as it has been for the parties involved to reach a firm agreement, it appears everything is on track for Bob Pilcher of Pilcher’s Shoes in uptown Syracuse to purchase what is known as the Klink Market building in the Village from its owners, Tim and Brooks Pinnick and Tai Smith. A boundary agreement had to be worked out, according to Pilcher, who expects to sign papers for the building’s purchase in the very near future. He said this week there are some repairs needed to be made before he could move from his uptown location. Pilcher had considered building a new building, but gave this up when the Klink building came on the market. Its present owners purchased the building, the very first building in Wawasee Village, from Bernice Klink. Bob joined his late father, Doug Pilcher, in the store in 1978. tie claims this year has been the store’s best year, due in large part to his wider advertising program and his large stock of oddsize shoes.

torney’s fees, interest, and costs of action. * County Court The following fines plus court costs have been levied and paid in the Elkhart County Court, Goshen Division: Speeding — Richard R. Long, 48, Leesburg, $47.50; Paul E. Fink, 18, Syracuse, $49.50 Marriage Licenses The following persons have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jeanne Weirick: Oradat-Foss Daniel Raymond Oradat, 40, r 1 box 330, Warsaw, and Sharon Jean Foss, 42, r 2 box 499, Syracuse Wright-Wimmer Dan Ray Wright, 31, P.O. Box 610 Milford, and Teresa Ann

Wimmer, 24, P.O. Box 610 Milford Weise-Dwight Charles Earl Weise, 29,313t0 S. Harrison, Syracuse, and Connie Sue Dwight, 24,313% S. Harrison, Syracuse < Spearman-Burnworth Dennis Eugene Spearman, 27, 306 S. Huntington, Syracuse, and Janet Sue Burnworth, 29, 306 S. Huntington, Syracuse Marriage Dissolutions The following couple has filed for marriage dissolutiotTln Kosciusko Superior and Circuit Courts: Conley — Wanda A. Conley r 2 box 448, Leesburg, and Michael K. Conley, Leesburg. The couple was married Jan. 3, 1976, and separated Nov. 20, 1985. There are three minor children.