The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 5, Milford, Kosciusko County, 29 January 1986 — Page 7

Community Corner

Bill Knowles: He wears many hats

By MARK HUFFMAN Staff Writer In what may be the only position other than politics where complaints are fielded at a record pace, this former softball shortstop is nearly flawless in execution. / “Since there are so many people to deal with you have to strive to being fair to all of them. I try to treat them equally, but you’re always going to get some that feel they’re being cheated,” commented Bill Knowles, tugging at a brown cap, affixed top his graying head. Profile It’s of little wonder that his locks are gray, considering all the hats he’s had to wear as Milford’s utilities supervisor for the past four years, spreading his time among the street, sewer, and water departments. “We don’t have the personnel to do everything at once and often have to change hats in the middle of one job to do another,” Knowles said. Pleasing citizens, while staying within state and federal regulations, is another “gray” area he has had to deal with. “There are certain fundamental laws which tell us (street-sewer-water department) how the water and wastewater treatment plants must be run and you have to make sure you don’t step out of bounds of the regulations while keeping from offending people at the same time,” the Milford resident remarked. A lack of communication with the public may be the main reason for some of the ill-ties, according to Knowles. “In a town of 1,200 people it just isn’t possible to talk to each person individually and explain the situation,” Knowles said, adding, “Many people just don’t understand that I, or the town board, don’t have all the say on how things are done.” Relationship Is Good That same town board that hired Knowles in November of 1982 has kept in close contact with the former Topeka resident since his initial step into town. “I have a close relationship with the town board and feel I can talk with them about problems within the department at any time of day, which is important,” Knowles said. That relationship has resulted in many projects being funded that may have otherwise been alloted to another town. “The year 1983 is when we really started working toward improving and expanding

loUisa's LETTER p£ J —=s

Dear Louisa, When my mother died she left a personal gift of furniture to each of four children — the rest of the things were divided among us as we saw fit. As it happened some of us would prefer to trade with another and get the things we think would be better in our homes. My eldest brother is opposed to this. He says the gift is what mother wished us to have and we should keep it. Mother never told us what she had planned but I am sure that she was leaving each of us what she thought we wanted. My gift was a beautiful set of dining room furniture which is much too large for my house but would be ideal in my sister’s home. She has Primary Moms plan couple's party The Primary Mothers Club of Syracuse, met Monday, Jan. 20, in the home of Terri Caldwell. Nancy Luensmann, president, opened the meeting with a prayer. Sue White read the minutes and took attendance. Georgia Lemburg gave a financial report. Cathy Shaw reported on her findings regarding a couple’s parties. All members agreed there will be a party on March 15, in a nearby restaurant. A date for the annual Easter Egg hunt was set for March 22. Refreshments were served to 15 members and one guest, Mary Francis, by co-hostesses, Kathy Yoder and Sylvia Gargett. The next meeting will be February 3 in the home of Cindi Baumgartner.

PIZZA DELIVERY SERVICE Starts Saturday bfeSsHS? Feb* 1; 1986 — Minimal Extra Fee — We Will Deliver In Milford And A 3-Mile Radius Sunday Thru Thursday, 4 To 10 P.M. Friday And Saturday 4-Midnight CALL 658*9795 For Your 10” To 16” Pizza UPPER CRUST

some odd pieces that I should like to own. What do you think about an exchange between the two of us? L-F- Colo. I feel sure that your mother would rather you have the things you want other than something inappropriate to your home. She probably made the will before she realized the kind of houses you would build and neglected to change her will after the years had passed. Louisa Deaf Louisa, I have a dear girl friend and we visit each other all the time. Just lately her father has tried to put his arm around me if we happen to be alone. It gives me the creeps, but I hate to say anything to her about it. Do you think I should stop going over there? J.F. —Tenn. Answer: If you visit your friend avoid being left in the room with her father. There is nothing as disgusting as a father with a dirty mind. The best plan would be for you to insist on her visiting you and for you to stay away from her house as much as possible. Louisa Address: Louisa, Box 532, Orangeburg, S.C. 29115 Biggest continent The biggest continent is Asia. At almost 17,000,000 square miles, it’s nearly 30 percent of the earth.

our street, sewer, and water services,” Knowles said. “The purchase of a new water tower, well site, and water mains to run to the well site, saved every Milford citizen more than $600,” Knowles explained, pointing toward government grants the town was able to secure after hours of donated time by town officials. “However, I can count on my hand the people who expressed gratitude for the new system while enumerable people complained,” he added. Many of the complaints also filter down to sources other than himself, according to Knowles. “A lot of this can be attributed to the fact that when I came over here (Milford) I was unknown to the community and so they went to people they felt more comfortable with when confronted with questions about the utilities department.” However, as Knowles becomes more familiar to the community, traits of patience and understanding can also be spotted when an explanation is required. “I’d like to think that when someone asks me a question they’re able to leave with a better understanding of the situation after our conversation is over, and I’d also like to think that people realize we’re making a bonafide effort to make things run smoothly,” Knowles mused. Avid Sports Fan ? When Knowles isn’t fielding questions or making certain “his departments” function correctly, he can often be found watching or participating in sports. The former Indiana High School Athletic Association basketball referee and baseball umpire played both sports in high school and developed an endless love for athletics, having nurtured two sons through years of sports and even playing shortstop for a church softball league through the summer of 1984. Both sons are now in the services, something that Knowles also waded through for three years — having been a flight crew member in a patrol squadron of the naval Air Force from 1956-1959. Taking a job in the recreational vehicle and mobile home business industry in Topeka, the Shipshewana native claims that nothing he did qualified him for his present position; although he did work for the town of Topeka for five years as a “temporary” replacement on the water department. “Mine was not a planned career,” Knowles admitted. “When I took the job in Topeka it was just to help the town through a rough time, but I ended up staying because I liked it.” The Milford job was another “unplanned” event, according to Knowles. “A friend of mine, who was in the insurance business and had clients in Milford, heard about the job opening and told me about it.”

.. - OBSERVES 50TH ANNIVERSARY — Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Yoder of Dewart Lake, formerly from Bremen, observed their 50th wedding anniversary on January 25 with a family get together and luncheon. Yoder and the former Wilma Hepler were married on January 25, 1936, in Bremen. He is a retired carpenter and she retired from Uniroyal in Warsaw. They have three children, Mrs. George (Sue) Marburger of Bremen, James of Bay St. Louis, Miss., and Dennis of Mishawaka. They also have five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

LOWEST PRICE TiqS SPRING SPECIAL • Price includes special options and custom features (Full name feature extra) •64.95 Applicable on Valadium Rings, 10K & 14K Gold Available at Higher Prices. Hi malamjm faud&lA 107 East Main St. Phone 457-4282 Syracuse, Ind. 46567 OFFERED EXCLUSIVELY BY R. JOHNS, LTD. CgJ HHs offer

Bl B ALL IN A DAY’S WORK? — Milford Utilities Supervisor Bill Knowles checks to make sure a street department truck is in proper operating condition. Three persons staff the street, sewer, and water departments, requiring all to be versatile in several fields. Knowles has headed the department since November, 1982. helping to set several expansion and improvement projects in motion. (Photo by Mark Huffman) After an interview with town board president Jean Treesh and a second meeting with the remaining board, Knowles brought his wife (Pat) of 26 years south to watch him form a second marriage — to the town of Milford. Memorable Moment There’s been quite a few memorable moments since taking the job, according to Knowles; however, one stands out in his mind. “Governor Robert Orr came to Milford in the spring of 1983 to recognize our efforts toward building the new water tower and well site — that was quite a day for me as well as the town.” Another memorable experience, that of receiving over two million dollars in state and federal monies for a storm-sewer project, will culminate tonight as the town board meets to hear citizen complaints about the project. “I’m willing to take the flak, I just hope the citizens realize how important this project is to Milford,” Knowles said in preparation of the meeting, realizing that even the best shortstops are prone to errors.

Spices The first record of the use of spices dates from the age of the pyramids of Egypt, approximately 4,600 years ago, when onions and garlic were fed to 100,000 laborers. Smith surnames . The reason there are so many surnames of Smith today is that during the Middle Ages the name was used for all metalworkers, or smiters, which means ‘to beat.’ Water About half as much hot water is used in the average shower as in the average bath.

Stay at Kenney Healthcare Center the Fj rs t week at No Charge HEALTHCARE CENTER During Our WELCOME PROGRAM “This is our special welcome from the Kenney » family to yours. The Kenney B CT ' ft ft ft W Healthcare Center in Ligonier 3 <4 W W is now open, and our staff is . > ft" ft PWW . eager to welcome you to the ' area's newest and finest < JF WV ' i'i healthcare center. During our * ♦' S Welcome Program, we're ? ~ Bb offering the first weeks stay BluJ| aft free of charge to introduce - RBWlhs \ Ifc 888888881 ■ A—M—yOU tO the warm, family i Front row. left to right Rhonda Smolek.Hgonier Patsy Rose. Ligonier: Marilyn Gloor. Ligonier: Barb Cook. Butler. atmosphere Ot Kenney Rose steinbarger. Ligonier. Marge Musselman. Ligonier Martha Howe. Ligonier and Geraldine Deßrular. Healthcare Center.” cmmweii. J Back row. left to right Joyce Gaft. Kimmell: Jack Gaby. Wawaka: Chris Vanderveer. Millersburg: Helen Peters. 4 Albion: Pat Kauffman. Goshen: Ada Mtller. Ligonier. Janet Rttenour. Syracuse: Jean Peterman. Ligonier. Mattie Grimm. Milford: Vickie Howard. Ligonier and Carol Reed. Cromwell. ■ - *• We’re proud of our beautiful, modem facilities, but what needs as well as providing physical therapy. The dedication really makes Kenney Healthcare Center a special place is our of the Kenney staff ensures the highest quality care to help people. Our highly skilled staff combines personal warmth residents achieve their maximum levels of health, happiand compassion with professional excellence. ness, and independence and speed recovery times. Kenney is the only healthcare center in Noble County Become a part of the Kenney Healthcare family during our licensed to provide both skilled and intermediate nursing Welcome Program, offered for a limited time only. For addicare for short and long term needs. We also emphasize per- tional information, send in the coupon below or call today at serialized care to meet residents’ social and recreational (219)894-7131. I a J Carol Glaser Reed. Executive Director KR 1704MJ • k S . R ” 2 J ! Kenney Retirement Community ToGosh *’ / K H- h « m i 200 Kenney Circle Drive / ™” hc * r ? 5 ; Ligonier. IN 46767 V I / j To LaGrang. g \ L-r | i Dear Carol. i | I would like additional information on your J □ Health Care Center □ Independent Living Cottages { ”1“ 8 \ ! Name 5 i Address — -1 II i City/State Zip -r.s™ t.c— phone —— •

Meals for Older Americans

Meals for Older Americans are served each day at the following locations: The Scout Cabin, Syracuse; the Pierceton Community Ruilding; Mentone Community Room in the fire Station; the Retired Tigers Center, 320 W. Main, Warsaw, and Packerton Community Building. Meals for Older Americans is for persons 60 years or older and is a chance to meet new friends . - / J TO WED IN JUNE — Mr. and Mrs. Rex Hathaway announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter, Beth Hathaway, to Michael Patty, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Patty of Syracuse. The future bride is a 1983 graduate of Wawasee High School and attended Ivy Tech in v Warsaw for a year of study in word processing. She is now employed at Manchester College. North Manchester, as a word processing operator. The bridegroom-to-be is a 1983 graduate of Wawasee High School. He is attending Manchester College in his third year of study in business, marketing and management. The couple has chosen June 7 for the wedding day. Mockingbird An American naturalist once reported a mockingbird in South Carolina that imitated the songs of 32 different kinds of birds in 10 minutes.

NOW SHOWING... Young Sherlock Homes pgu STARTS FRIDAY! Chevy Chase & Dan AykroycHn "Spies Like Us" fc CUAMf TIMKC. & Sat 7 & 9 Sun 5 & 7 >NUW IIMK3. Mof> Thu(s 7 Only , Village Video VHS Tape RentalIn Oui Lobby No Membership Fee

Wed., January 29, IMS—THE MAIL-JOURNAL

and enjoy hot, nutritional meals. The sites are opened several hours each day including noon for programs. Meals for Older Americans is not associated with welfare but is for the promotion for better health for the older population. Donations are accepted for the meals. The site directors request all persons planning on attending the meals to make reservations by 1 p.m. the day prior to attending. Phone 457-2631 for Syracuse transportation and reservations. January 30-February 5 THURSDAY — Cranberry juice, liver and onions w/gravy, Spanish rice, spinach and lettuce salad w/blue cheese dressing, dinner roll, margarine, pound

■nt: 65TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY — Mr. and Mrs. Curtis (Ruth) Irwin, r 1 box 492 North Webster, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Saturday, Jan. 25. Curtis Irwin and the former Ruth Huxhold-LeMay were married on January 25, 1921, in Rockville. They have 13 children — John LeMay, Curtis Irwin. Jr., Mrs. David (Louise) Evans, and Dari Irwin, all of Muncie; Paul Irwin and Larry Irwin of North Webster; Rex Irwin and Danny Irwin of Eaton; Mrs. Wanda Leeper of Syracuse; Mrs. Glen (Marjorie) Dunlap of Gaston; Wayne Irwin of Warsaw; Mrs. Ralph (Caroline) Neal of Yorktown; and Mrs. Forrest Inskeep, deceased. In addition to their 13 children, the Irwins have 36 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.

r HONESTLY fe- NOW... Would you sell your home for the » amount you hove it insured? Z' L® -~~7 Don't wait'until it’s too late! / / / Increase your property insurance \ / AWW / now. Be sure you're adequately X • ~ ni ll W \ \ covered. -- ■-— _, Little 1 Clark i V ' "V—" Insurance Agency [ J ' F~~ — Don Arnold — 658-9468

cake, milk, tea, and coffee FRIDAY — Orange juice, baked fish w/tartar sauce, au gratin potatoes, buttered beets, rye bread, margarine, pear halves, milk, tea, and coffee MONDAY — Orange juice, beef barbecue on bun, macaroni salad, apricot half, chocolate chip cookies, milk, tea and coffee TUESDAY — Pineapple juice, baked ham patty, corn bread dressing and gravy, marinaded vegetable salad, snowflake dinner roll, margarine, raspberry mousse, milk, tea, and coffee WEDNESDAY — Apple juice, meatloaf and gravy, mashed potatoes, spinach w/vinegar on side, rye bread, margarine, banana, milk, tea, and coffee

7