The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 39, Milford, Kosciusko County, 24 September 1986 — Page 1

. '•, ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 1 Mail .M/ournal La I ? IMaaß I

Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 23

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HEAR DR. WEBSTER — Dr. Kenneth E. Webster, Wawasee left, school board attorney Robert E. Reed, board members Henry Community School Corp, superintendent, presented his case before Smith. Carol Swartzendruber, Marguerite Hoerr. board president Bilthe school board and about 150 school patrons in the aiiditorium last ly G. Little, and member David Carey. Thursday evening. Listening to Dr. Webster at the podium are. from

Public meeting Friday

Supt. Webster's contract status reviewed by board

Members of the Wawasee School board met in executive session last night (Tuesday) at 7 p.m. in the administrative office to discuss Dr. Webster’s future with the Wawasee Community School Corporation. . 4 « A public meeting has been set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26. at 7 p.m. in the administrative office. (ED ITOR' S NOTE The folio vying article was written after the public meeting held last Thursday. ) y A large crowd — estimated at approximately 150 — all presumed patrons of the Wawasee Community School Corporation, met at the high school auditorium at 7 p.m. last Thursday night at a called meeting of the school board to hear the board consider the credentials of Dr. Kenneth E. Webster, superintendent since January 1,1985. Only one item appeared on the agenda tor the meeting: A review of Superintendent Kenneth Webster's contract status. And it was to this point, and only to this point, that all remarks, both from legal counsel for Dr. Webster and from legal counsel of the school board and from patrons were addressed. Board President Billy G. Little moderated the meeting. What has been loosely termed as “other problems’’ by boaro members were not addressed What was earlier thought to be a lynch mob out for the scalp of Dr Webster turned out to be anything but that. There was no blood-letting. Would Not Resign

Following a number of school board meetings and some executive sessions. Dr. Webster had

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NEW CARNIVAL COORDINATOR — Get ready for a brand new year and a brand new SyracuseAVawasee Winter Carnival coordinator After seven years of leadership, Jeanne Gardiner has turned over the reins of the Winter Carnival to Stanley C. “Bud” Hursh. Hursh has been a part of the community most of his life and has recently opened his own business, S. C. Hursh Insurance Agency, 116 East Main St.. Syracuse. The first meeting of participating groups and organizations for the 1987 Winter Carnival is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m., in the Syracuse Scout Cabin. ( Photo by Deb Patterson)

made it public that he chose to resign his position as superintendent. and allow the board to name a successor, in the best interest of everyone concerned. This was thought to be the case until Wednesday afternoon of last week, when he sought legal counsel and reversed his decision to resign. Rather,, he chose not to go quietly into the night but to assert that his credentials were valid with Indidna licensing agencies. Dr. Webster appeared at last Thursday night's meeting with attorney Stephen R. Snyder of the law firm of Beckman. Lawson, Sandler, Snyder & Federoff. located in Pickwick Place in Syracuse, and the school board was represented by Syracuse, attorney Robert E. Reed, who serves the board on an annual retainer basis. The meeting throughout was low key. One member of the audience following the hour-long meeting termed it a twee-dle-dum twee-dle-dee session. The meeting was opened by Little, Dr. Webster read a prepared statement in which he listed his credentials arid noted some of his difficulties he ( had getting certification in the state of Indiana. He is certified in Illinois and Florida. He said he applied for an Indiana superintendent’s license August 29, 1984. before applying for the Wawasee post, and received a one-year’s reciprocal license, but would need to make up some deficiencies. His certificate ended July 31, 1986, his remarks noted. Dr. Philip E. Ballou of Ball State University informed Dr. Webster he would need to complete 30 quarter hours of work toward his license, and would need three courses for 12 quarter hours next year.

Consolidation o/THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) and THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE JOL RNAL (Est. 1907)

This being true, the school board has contended that Dr Webster has been serving as superintendent since that latter date without a valid Indiana superintendent’s license. Dr. Webster has applied for another year’s extension of his temporary superintendent’s license, but it will not be acted upon until October 2 by the state licensing board. His legal counsel. Mr Snyder, followed Dr. Webster and outlined the state's definition of requirements, stating that, "all licenses that are valid on the first day of the academic school year shall be considered valid for the duration of that academic school year.” Attorney Snyder told the group the matter facing the school board " is a legal issue and not an emotional issue.” He said on the basis of his research, the school board would have to determine this legal matter. He said there appears to be no question concerning Dr Webster’s ability as a superintendent. but only of the confusing nature of his contract. His recommendation to the school board members is that they "do nothing.” When board president Little asked for comments from the audience, three people spoke up in Dr. Webster’s behalf. Robert Cockbum, a fifth grade teacher at Milford, said, “Dr. Webster has done a good job for the corporation," adding, "my children will suffer if Dr. Webster is released of his responsibilities. Steve Gallager. whose son Steve was valedictorian in the recent graduating class, said he would lend his support to “our good superintendent.’’ Industrialist Robert McNary asked, “What will happen if we keep Dr. Webster on? Nothing." And Syracuse insurance agent David Cotton spoke up in Dr. Webster’s behalf. Attorney Snyder said if his interpretation of the law is incorrect Dr. Webster will pay back to the school corporation that portion of his salary during which he served without valid licensing. His Salary is $54,350.14 per year or $2,909.39 each 26-day pay period. Dr. Ken Beer spoke briefly and board member Marguerite Hoerr said her greatest concern is in educating the children. Dr. Howard J. Hull, director of curriculum studies, also commented. The superintendent’s ability never came under fire. In fact, three members of the school board, two of them sitting members, flew to Clearwater, Fla., where Dr. Webster was assistant superintendent at .the Pinellas County School System, to interview residents of that community concerning Dr. Webster. They returned with glowing reports and recommended to the board as a whole that he be appointed superintendent. Dr Webster has instituted a number of innovative ideas since coming to the Wawasee school system, among them the involvement of the entire community in , his quest for excellence in education. His thrust for better educa-

WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 24.1986

tion has been wellreceived. When board member Henry Smith finally made a motion that the board table the matter before the Thursday night meeting, seconded by member Marguerite Hoerr. it was approved three to one. The negative vote came from member David Carey Little. as board president, did not cast a vote. On Friday morning, when contacted about his negative vote. Carey said he was not ready to comment on it. but did make reference to "other problems. " Rumors For Rife Meanwhile, rumors are rife in the school system, making the educational process next to impossible. Teachers, secretaries and aides, to mention a few. cannot function when rumors mount’ and grow out of proportion. Among them is that Dr. Webster has made personal telephone calls to Illinois and Florida in the amount of S4OO. (Note: One rumor has it that these calls amount to $2,000). He has said he made business calls from his own home phone and that they would probably wash out At any rate. Dr Webster has said, that if this is found to be culpable, he would gladly reimburses the corporation for these calls. Trouble With The Secretaries Much of Dr. Webster s trouble stemmed from his arbitrary hiring of Mary Beth (Mrs. Richard) Lemen, r 3 Syracuse, as a secretary in the high school at $6.80 per hour. This figure recognized her eight years’ secretarial experience, and was part of Dr. Webster’s drive to bring more skills into the secretarial pool. School policy is that a superintendent can honor five years’ experience, but beyond that must have board approval. Karen Smith, wife of board member Henry Smith and a secretary at the administrative building, and her colleague Sue (Mrs. Stewart) Kraft, began contacting other secretaries, aides, cafeteria workers, custodians and bus drivers, to attend a meeting at the Lakeland Youth Center on Monday, Aug. 11. to protest the hiring of Mrs. Lemen at the $6.80 figure. That meeting led to another meeting at the same place a week later, on Monday, Aug. 18, at which a vote was taken to affiliate these support workers with some type of labor federation. They voted 31 to 1 to affiliate with the Indiana Supportive Personnel Association (ISP A). The group later voted to form a local union, but even this has been set aside. Even at this early date, the mounting supportive personnel protest appeared to be the tip of the iceberg to a much larger, much deeper protest to the Webster superintendency. All of this boded ill for the school administration, and spoke to an undercurrent of dissatisfaction in the schools administrative offices; It has led to the board’s calling for a closer accounting of the administration policies and practices, and finally to some ac(Continued on page 2)

Prices established for

Sesquicentenniafitems

A number of items were discussed during the September 15 meeting of the Syracuse Sesquicentennial Committee including setting prices for the pewter items which will be delivered in the near future. It was announced samples of the items are on display at the State Bank of Syracuse and at Leisure Pools and orders are being taken. Bill Beemer, chairman, announced the items were delivered on Monday. Sept. 8, however, a mistake on the die resulted in the merchandise being returned. A 21-day turnaround is expected. Deb Patterson presented the suggested selling price of the items which are: keyholder, $6.50; dinner bell. $8; miniature plate, $7; money clips. $5; letter openers. $6.50; marble paperweight. $5; business card holder, $10; Christmas ornament. $6; beer

One killed, one in accident on

Heavy rain, darkness and a curve- on SR 15 south of Milford were ingredients which led to the death last Wednesday night of a Claypool area man who was employed by Brock Manufacturing Inc . Milford, and serious injury to a Milford resident. Randall Ray Shepherd, 22. r 1. Claypool, died of multiple injuries sustained in the accident in which his car was struck head-on I I ' QUEEN CONTESTANT — Jill Patty. 1984 Wawasee High School graduate, has been chosen to run for Purdue' University’s 1986 Homecoming Queen. Homecoming activities will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4. when the Boilermakers meet Minnesota. Patty is a junior majoring in public relations and advertising. She is a resident of the Co-op House Shoemaker; her sponsor. She is the daughter of Bill and Nancy Patty, r 5, Syracuse. Her address at school is 149 Andrew Place (Shoemaker), West Lafayette. Ind.. 47906. Organizational meeting to be held October 6 ■ £ ■ An organizational meeting of the Wawasee Area business owners will be Monday, Oct. 6, at 5:30 p.m., in Fisher’s Lawn and Garden, SR 13S Syracuse. Area business owners are asked to attend. For further information contact Peg Halsey, 457-4973, or Bill Fisher, 457-4043. Dispatching to be topic of Webster board A special meeting of the North Webster Town Board has been called for Thursday, Sept. 25. at 7 p.m., in the town hall/fire station. The special meeting will deal with police dispatching for the Town of North Webster. All interested citizens are urged and encouraged to

stein, $10; and mini glass tankard, $6. Jeanne Gardiner announced she has the original three dozen Christmas ornaments sold and suggested additional ornaments be ordered. She also stated she would coordinate the orders from persons wanting the items. Beemer was asked to call the company and order additional ornaments and beer steins. Discussion concerning a large china plate was conducted in which the price has increased since the committee discussed purchasing the plate. It was decided to hold off on ordering the plates. Mrs. Gardiner also announced that approximately 172 T-shirts have been sold and are still going strong. She is expected to reorder more. It was also announced the remainder of the souvenir items would be ordered in the spring.

injured SR 15

by a vehicle driven by Ortie G. Manns, r 2, Milford. Manns was transported to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne with massive head and internal injuries. He is currently listed in stable condition. The southbound Shepherd vehicle struck at 11:24 p.m. by the northbound Manns car which county police said was left of the highway’s centerline. The crash was very near the location of the August 24 milk tanker accident which destroyed or damaged several cars at Milford Motors. Shepherd was the son of Raymond and Jayne (Railsback l Shepherd and was a lifetime resident of the Claypool area. A 1983 graduate of Tippecanoe Valley High School, and was a member of the Community Grace Brethren Church in Warsaw In addition to his parents, survivors include one sister. Jody Shepherd, Claypool; two brothers, Rick Shepherd. Wabash, and Charles Shepherd. Claypool; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Ed (Velma) Railsback, Silver Lake and paternal grandparents. Otis and Ethel Shepherd. Claypool. Services were last Saturday at the Burket United Methodist Church, with Rev Don Poyser, pastor, and Rev. David Guiles officiating. Burial was at Graceland Cemetary in Claypool. rOIIOCKS aTTOnu Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pollock. Syracuse, attended their son s graduation, Douglas, and com -. missioning from officers training \ school at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, recently. Douglas is now a second lieutenant.

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ALLEY IMPROVEMENT — A part of the ongoing program to upgrade Syracuse streets and alleys is work being done this week between the Syracuse Dry Cleaners and Sportsman’s Bar. According to Ron Conley of the Syracuse Street Department, a new catch basin is being installed to take care of excess alley water, prior to blacktopping the alley.

Committee Report Col. Joe Gray reported he still had seven businesses to contact concerning the Sesquicentennial Brochure and he would be completed with the advertising. A meeting was set up for the brochure committee on Wednesday, Sept. 17, to finalize the project. , Bob De Voss, parade committee member, stated he feels confident there will be some type of a fly over and showing of helicopters at the sesquicentennial and that he is still working w ith various Color Guard units to participate in the parade and has 24 units already. He introduced Loree Mench. whom he asked to assist on the committee. DeVoss asked Deb Patterson, parade chairwoman. if»a category could be added for color guards, which will be listed as category nine. De Voss stated there would be no problems with getting trophies for this category Beemer announced he wrote a letter to the Shrtne organization asking for the Mizpah Shrine units to participate in the Sesquicentennial Parade. If a positive reply is received from the shrine, a meeting between the organization and the parade committee will be called to discuss the parade route. Mrs. Gardiner reported she is still searching for a museum site with several areas in mind for making a permanent museum. Jerry Wright announced the decorations committee met and is looking into various types of decorations and costs.

Property owners may register sites

Bv DEBORAH A. WIGGINS Greater Warsaw Chamber of ( om merce/KDI The KDI/Greater WarsawChamber of Commerce is inviting all Kosciusko County property owners to register their available industrial buildings and Sites with KDI. The registering or listing of the available industrial buildings and sites does not mean that will be acting as a realtor for the propertv. It does mean that all industrial inquiries that contact the Chamber. KDI, or) other municipalities in the county will be given a list which woujd include the properties registered at the office. Additionally, this building and site register for Kosciusko County will be submitted monthly to the State Department of Com<rnerce. The Indiana Department of Commerce uses this list in determining whether or not Kosciusko County may have a structure or land suitable to the

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NUMBER 39

Bob Hampton, reported on the historical walk, which will be renamed the historical tour He also was given the approval to get additional details on Shows of Tomorrow, the carnival which comes to the Mermaid Festival. He stated it is a no lose situation with no complaints being heard from the Mermaid Festival committee. Pageant Planned Penny Heckaman. chairwoman of the “Miss Syracuse Sesquicentennial Pageant" presented copies of the pageant events and requirements. Events for the prestigious event will begin June 28 with an orientation tea. followed by personal interviews and rehearsals on July 6, with the pageant at 7 p.m. on July 7 in WHS auditorium. The requirements for the pageant, according to Mrs. Heckaman, were formulated after the “Miss USA Pageant.” Requirements include: The contestants must be at least 18 years of age and not more than 30 years of age on July 7; must be presently unmarried but may be divorced or widowed; each girl must reside in Syracuse. Turkey Creek Township, be a summer resident, or have ties or activities in the Syracuse area; no professional model is eligible , each contestant must have a sponsor; entries must be in the committee’s hands .no later than June 15 accompanied by the SSO entry fee, a photo, and short biographical summary. The contestants will be judged on the basis of beauty in four divi(Continued on page 2)

industrial orospects that contact the state Office. If you, as/i property owner, have your industrial property listed with a realtor, you should contact your realtor and have them contact our office to register your property. Should you, decide to take advantage of this offer, you will receive a telephone call from the Chamber of Commerce bi-monthly so that we can update our building/site listings to make sure that the information that is registered is still current and accurate. If there are any changes, these will be made accordingly. This new list then will be forwarded to the state so they may update their records. The objective in the Chamber/KDI office acting as the central clearing house is to provide a resource center for local industries Wishing to expand and new businesses wishing to locate here. (Continued on page 2)