The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 26, Milford, Kosciusko County, 25 June 1986 — Page 6
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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., .tune 25,1986
Community Corner
Duane Wiggs: A band member 'before his time'
By Mark Huffman Staff Writer From the time Duane Wiggs was four years old people would look at him with eyebrows raised, wondering what eccentric escapade he would be trying next. “I remember when he made a batman costume and wore it to school,” recalled a former schoolmate, adding, “He wasn’t weird — he was just before his time. ”
Profile
Such accounts would follow the Fort Wayne native throughout his life, something that doesn’t seem to bother the 50-year-old singer and craftsman. “When I was a kid the others called me Durango,” he says with a gruff laugh, explaining, “I was the only one in school who always wore cowboy boots. ” Moving to the town where his mother was bom and his grandfather farmed land. Cowboys and Indians was a popular game played in Milford from the time Wiggs was eight years old. Playing the Indian a bulk of the time, Wiggs’ interest in the red man’s culture still exists. “I enjoy studying the Miami Indians and trying to preserve some of the crafts that are being lost,” he says, noting that beads and moccasins are just some of the crafts he enjoys making. Teaching himself the French language, Wiggs’ became familiar with the Miami Indian dialect, speaking the French-English mix at Indian councils in Fort Wayne. However, his talents aren’t reserved vfor the Indians, as self-made rifles, paintings, and guitars can be seen placed haphazardly in his “junk” room, where everything but junk can be found. “My dad and I made my first guitar,” he explains. noting that his ability to work with wood was enhanced by his father's position as a cabinet maker. That first guitar also helped the Oswego resident to practice his real love — that of singing. “When I was about eight years old we would go to my uncle Bill’s every Thanksgiving, where the men would eat, nap, and then get out their instruments. My relatives would get together and ‘pick up a storm,”' he recalled, adding, “When they layed down their instruments I’d just start ‘banging’ on them . ” That “banging” has persisted, with Wiggs learning to play the guitar, piano, and banjo by ear. “I’m also learning to play the fiddle,” he says, adding in a sober tone, “I’ll stick with it until I do learny’
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Served in Navy, Air Force Performing in minstrel shows at the age of 16, Wiggs went on to become a member of several area bands, meeting knowns and unknowns throughout his musical days. Even a stint in the services couldn’t keep the talented musician from performing. “I went into the Navy after high school, serving for four years, and sang with a group called the Satellites,” Wiggs says. After a six-month layoff, the 21-year old vacated the civilian life once again, joining the Air Force for another four-year term. “All the kids I graduated with were either in the service or married when I got home from the Navy,” he explains of his reason for re-entering the services. “I had planned to go for 20 years but after I was in the Air Force for four years I was a staff sergeant and would have had to wait for several years to get a higher rank.” Moving to Texas for three years after the services, Wiggs developed an interest in swing music, adding the style of jazz to a menagerie of melodies, including country, pop, and rock. Performing throughout the midwest and west, the versatile singer has performed shows with such crooners as Smiley Burnett and Box Car Willie, while giving a benefit show at the Grand Old Opry with “Gunsmoke” regulars Melbourne Stone and
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4 PICKING AND GRINNING? — Oswego resident Duane Wiggs picks away at one of the guitars he’s made throughout his 50 years. A member of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, the member of the band “Dark Horse” enjoys constructing rifles and various Indian crafts as well. (Photo by Mark Huffman)
The June meeting of the Women’s Christian Service Council of the Syracuse Church of God was held in the fellowship hall of the church with nine members and one guest present. President Jackie Plikard opened the meeting by asking prayer requests from the ladies and Joella Johnson led in prayer. Due to the absence of secretary and previous meeting notes, no minutes were read. Penny Plikard was appointed as acting secretary for the remaining WCSC year. The treasurer’s report was given by Mrs. Johnson. Since this was the first regular business meeting held since March, the highly successful events held in April and May
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TODD REALTY ANNOUNCES CONTEST WINNER — A contest was held within Todd Realty, Syracuse, to create a company motto. The winning entry was submitted by Audrey Bishop, who is shown receiving a SIOO check from company owner Joe Todd. Her winning entry was “Todd Realty — A Class Act! ”
WCSC holds June meeting
were discussed. The motherdaughter banquet held at the church was well attended and Connie Smith’s program on flower arranging was well received. . For the first time in the history of the WCSC group, the Syracuse church hosted the state WCSC spring rally with approximately 100 in attendance. Highlights of the day were discussed. Os special interest was the election of Brenda Vanlaningham to the state vice presidency. Roll call was answered with “My favorite flower.” Committee reports included the stewardship committee reminding the group of the bake sale to be held in August during Side Walk Days. Also this committee will select a
Amanda Blake. The services also put Wiggs in contact with other performers, as he mingled backstage in Norfolk, Va., with a nervous singer who later became known as “The King” of rock and roll — Elvis Presley. “Most of the people I met were super nice, but some were jerks,” Wiggs noted of the well known. “Everyone has an ego, but the ones at the top stay on top because of their personality, you have to remember who buys the records and comes to see you.” Versatile Performer Recording records of his own while he was with the band “Special Blend,” a fan club also followed the Wiggs troupe. Currently with a group called “Dark Horse,” which he and three other performers formed one year ago, Wiggs strives to be a member of “one of the best bands in the area. ” “We’re versatile, playing music for those aged 15 to 60,” he says, adding, “We argue and bicker like little kids, but we’re like a family.” With another family at home, Wiggs often has to sacrifice family outings for his singing career. “It takes a special type of woman to be married to an entertainer because they get a lot of attention from others.” “I have to be willing to share him (Duane),” echoes Wiggs wife of four years, Cheryl. “I met her after a show in Warsaw through a friend of hers,” Wiggs recalls, adding, “We dated for 10 months before I went to New Mexico to live.” After a short time in the southwestern state Wiggs telephoned Indiana to propose to Cheryl, something that has him living in the Hoosier state lyFour step-children also share the Wiggs household, while three children from a former marriage live in Florida and North Webster. While he has no doubts “Dark Horse” could perform “every day of the week,” Wiggs admits that full-time jobs limit the time the other three band members are able to perform. “Maybe in a few years we’ll go ‘all out,”’ he adds with a shrug. In the meantime the group would like to do more original material, according to Wiggs. “We’d like to get to the point where we play our own songs and go on the road a bit more.” J' Claiming that he’d “rather sing than eat,” the 50-year-old will admittedly have to settle for a snack before he attains the full-course meal evident of a big time band, meanwhile he enjoys seeing people have a good time while listening to Dark Horse and their singer/guitarist who was “before his time.”
David Roberts to be honored
A total of 15 Hoosier Future Farmers of America members will receive their American Farmer/Agribusiness Degree at the national convention this fall in Kansas City, Mo. Recognition of the 15 degree candidates was held during the Tuesday, June 17, evening session of the 57th annual Indiana FFA state convention at Purdue University. Among those receiving the degree will be David Roberts of Wawasee High School. To become an American Farmer/Agribusiness award winner, an FFA member must productively earn and invest $5,000 of his or her supervised occupational experience program and be an active FFA member for the past 36 months. Applications are submitted to the state association and 15 members are selected from the applications to become American Farmers. The American Farmer/Agribusiness degree is the highest degree that can be bestowed upon any FFA member. One-tenth of one percent of the national membership receives the degree each year.
gift for Leora Small who is a patient in Kosciusko Community Hospital. Nancy Coy and Cindy Robertson were appointed the nominating committee for the election of officers to be held in July. Pauline Firestone and Penny Plikard of the stewardship committee gave the program showing “Your, faith through words.” Scripture passages used were from James 2:14-18, Mark 10:45 and verse I Corinthians 3. Following the checking of workbooks, Kate Hibschman closed the meeting with prayer and a white elephant sale was held.
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SALES REPRESENTATIVE — Kirk A. Lek man has joined the staff at The Image Group, Syracuse, as sales representative for the printi ig and advertising specialties division, according to J. E. Plumm< r. corporate president. Lehman was employed by “RV Lifestyle” magazine prior to joining The Image Group, in the sales and typesetting departments. Lehman is a graduate of Concord High School a id attended Purdue University where he majored in computer science. A native of the Goshen-Dunlap area, he currently resides in G oshen.
PRODUCT MANAGER — Rebecca Eyer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Eyer, Syracuse, has recently joined Rich-SeaPak Corporation as product manager, consumer products division. She will be marketing frozen food products for SeaPak, Wakefield and Farm Rich brands. SeaPak is the leading breaded shrimp brand in the United States. Miss Eyer is a graduate of Wawasee High School, Purdue University and Indiana University. She was most recently employed as manager of special projects for the Mayflower Corporation, STS Division, Indianapolis. She is now residing on St. Simons Island, Ga.
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TO WET IN 1987 — Mr. and Mrs. Richrd Lenon, r 1, Converse, announce the engagement of their daughter, Nancy Sue, to James Edward Thompson. The prospective bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Thompson, r 1. Leesburg. Miss Lenon graduated from Oak Hill H gh School in 1982 and Ball State University in 1986. She is employed at Open Door Community Services, Muncie. Her fiance is a 1983 graduate of Wawasee ligh School and will graduate from Ball State University in Febuary 1987. The connple is planning to marry Ma ch 7, 1987, at the Converse United Methodist Church. LAKELAND LOCAL Col. (Ret.) and Mrs. James Myers, Waynesville, N.C., and Mr. and Mrs. Kurt W Myers and son, Kyle, Yerington, Nev., spent the past week visiting Mrs. Noble D. Myers of the Syracuse Condominiums. Mrs. Steven D. LeCount and sons, Doug and Matt, Hooksett, N.H., and Mrs. Tom Guhl and daughter, Toni, of Huntington, were callers.
CALENDAR Week Os June 25 To July 2 WEDNESDAY Al-Anon 9 a.m., in North Webster Church of God AA 12 noon, in Syracuse Church of God North Webster Park Board 7 p.m., in the North Webster Town Hall/Fire Station Syracuse Fire Department Regular Meeting 7 p.m., in the Fire Station Eagles Auxiliary Meeting Aerie 3760 7 p.m., Lakeland Eagles, 404 Sycamore St., Syracuse Alcoholics Anonymous 7:30 Wawasee Episcopal Center, All Saints Episcopal Church, south shore of Lake Wawasee, one-half mile east of South Shore Golf Club on Vernon Road Al-Anon 7:30 p.m., at Sacred Heart Church, Warsaw Al-Anon 7:30 p.m., at Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse THURSDAY Wawasee Community Toughlove 7 p.m., in Lakeland Youth Center, Syracuse. Parent support group for parents troubled by their teenager’s behavior North Webster Lions Club 7 p.m., in Ward’s Family Restaurant Adult-Children of Alcoholics 7:30 p.m., in North Webster United Methodist Church Lakeside VFW Post 1342 8 p.m. Friday Milford Kiwanis 6:45 a. m., in Milford Community Building Alcoholics Anonymous 7:30 p.m., at Wawasee Episcopal Center (All Saints Episcopal Church) south shore of Lake Wawasee, one-half mile east of South Shore Golf Club on Vernon Road Alcoholics Anonymous 8 p.m., at Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse Heart of Lakes Squares 8-10:30 p.m., in Syracuse Elementary SATURDAY r Wawasee Kiwanis 7 a.m., at Gropp’s Syracuse SUNDAY Alcoholics Anonymous 10 a.m., in North Webster Fire Station AA, Al-Anon, Aloteen 8 p.m., in North Webster United Methodist Church MONDAY Lakeland Kiwanis 6:45 a.m., in North Webster Church of God meeting room Al-Anon 7:30 p.m., in Milford United Methodist Church Milford Jayceettes KincauM 7:30 p.m., in Jaycee Clubhouse TUESDAYV Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary 12 noon in Beacon Restaurant Milford Library Board 4:30 p.m., in Milford Public Library Women’s Fellowship 7 p.m., in Syracuse Church of the Brethren Kosciusko County Photo Philes Camera Club 7 p.m., in Kiwanis Room above Hull House and Hull Hardware, South Buffalo St., Warsaw Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club 7:30 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary, Ancil Geiger Unit 226, Milford 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY i Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce 7:45 a.m., in South Shore Golf Club Al-Anon 9 a.m., in North Webster Church of God 12 noon, in Syracuse Church of God /CgSjgH. Syracuse Lions Club 6:30 p.m., in the Beacon Restaurant Al-Anon 7:30 p.m., in Sacred Heart Church, Warsaw Order Os The Eastern Star 7:30 p.m., in Milford Masonic Lodge Alcoholics Anonymous 7:30 p.m., in Wawasee Episcopal Center, All Saints Episcopal Church, south shore of Lake Wawasee, one-half mile east of South Shore Golf Club on Vernon Road Al-Anon 7:30 p.m., in St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse Syracuse Jaycees 7:30 p.m., in Lakeland Eagles NOTICE LOT OWMtIB AMD FAMILY MUIIBfKS OF DKUSfD LOT OWHFRS IN THt MOUTH HKBSTHL CFMFTIItItS The cemetery board, in order to facilitate mowing and trimming, while keeping costs to a minimum, have set forth new regulations as necessary to correct conditions that are not in the best interests of the cemeteries. At present many plantings are out of control and too large. These will be removed by action of the board. After July 1, 1986 planting of trees or shrubs on cemetery lots will be prohibited. Areas for decorative improvement will be set aside for trees, shrubs or flowering plants that are given as memorials. The board shall oversee the planting. The planting of flowers and placing of urns on individual graves shall be at either end of the monument or headstone. All burials shall be in an outer burial enclosure constructed of concrete, steel, fiberglass or similar material capable of withstanding the required 24 inches of earth on top. We ask your cooperation in this manner. BOARD OF DIRECTORS NORTH WEBSTER CEMETERY ASSOCIATION