The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 44, Milford, Kosciusko County, 29 October 1986 — Page 2

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., October 29,1986

2

Election interest focuses on school board contest

(Continued from page 1) will motivate all students. I believe we must focus more on unserved and underserved students; and prepare for an ever changing technological society. We must not hold back gifted students — we must encourage the average student and find and implement programs that will make the slow student feel important to himself and his or her families. Pride in achieving is not measured in dollars! ” POLLEN: “I feel there is always room for improvement on all levels of education. I do not feel one program should be prioritized above another. I do feel the funding for each of these programs should be researched and equal distribution of these funds should follow. We have an exceptional gifted program and an excellent special education program as well. I would like to see more emphasis on higher education following high school graduation.” v * TROUP: “They have a program that seems to be working well for the gifted and slow students. Keeping the class size down through the upper grades would benefit the average student by giving more one on one between student and teacher.” Each candidate was given a chance to comment on the current situation: The void superintendent’s contract, the law suit, etc. Their comments follow: 3 — CAREY: “As an existing school board member, I will not elaborate on this, but to say it is too bad that our corporation has had to go through this ordeal. ” JORDAN: “I am not in a position to make a comment on the Dr. Webster dismissal. Based on the timetable of events and date of replacement it should not be a concern of the new board at this time.” ARNOLD: “Until this situation has been recorded, I know no more than what you have corn 1 mented on within your journal. At this writing (10-17) I find the situation bizarre, humiliating and a community embarrassment. A crisis has developed where one did not need to exist. The board’s energy is being consumed on this situation rather than the necessary items of education of our youngsters. I think it is time for a change in school board leadership. ” BECK: “A bad situation. It should be resolved as quickly and quietly as possible.” BLUE: “The entire series of events surrounding the dismissal of the superintendent is a source of unanswered questions in most people's minds. Though I have opinions about certain aspects of the situation, the ultimate decision will come from the courts. Hopefully there will be sufficient infonpation forth-coming to put people’s minds at ease about the decisions made and steps taken. Any further comment by me at this time would be inappropriate, since the hearing has not taken place as of this writing.” DEWART: “Until all the facts are known, I choose not to comment. I do not believe in playing games with our childrens’ future. However, I am a strong believer that boards change, attitudes change, public expectations . charige, perceptions change and change changes. It is not reasonable to assume that roles

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and responsibilities outlined five years ago or even last year will constantly stay the same! I hope our next superintendent and school board will be completely united in their efforts to work together and will produce the kind of school system our children deserve and the people of our community want.” POLLEN: “I feel this is the present board’s situation * It would not be appropriate for me to comment on any part of this situation at this time. ” TROUP: “The school corporation had a voidable contract with Dr. Webster. I feel they made a very difficult decision with the advice of their attorney. I agree with this decision and I see no grounds for a law suit. ” Each was asked why he was seeking to become a school board member. Those answers follow: CAREY: “I have had the privilege of serving on the school board for the past 7% years and during that tenure I feel that I have benefited more than I have given. Also, I have developed a sense of loyalty to our school corporation.” JORDAN: “A member of the board of school trustees must have an understanding of the ways in which he can help improve the Wawasee Community School System. I have listed five ways that I believe I can contribute toward this (if elected.) First, recognize that the education of the students is the primary objective of the schools. My experience with Scouts and youth activities has given me an understanding of needs of students. Serving as president, with student representation, on the North Webster School Advisory Committee has helped me gain insight on student viewpoints. Second, an awareness of the influence and dedication of the teachers is important in any good school system. My work with the personnel department of the Bell System in selection of most capable employees and in handling grievances will help me understand the teaching staff. Third, a member of the board of school trustees must work with the school adhiinistration to help provide the best environment for student learning. This involves budgets, building improvements, and approval for programs recommended by school administrators, principals, and supervisors. As a manager and supervisor in the telephone business I understand this responsibility. Fourth, a realization of the need for parent and community involvement in promoting better schools is vital for the best educational program. This is a goal which I, feel I can help the Wawasee Community School System achieve. Fifth, must be familiar with the work of support personnel such as bus drivers, custodians, food supervisors and maintenance workers. My goal is to help provide the environment that will best train students for life. I wish to assist the school corporation in its continuing effort to improve the total system and I genuinely care about our schools.” ARNOLD: “The Wawasee Corporation deals with $lO-sl3 million in funds annually. This is big business! As I look at those

remaining on the board, I see no one who has been an active participant in the critical situations which arise in managing a large business. The current leadership crisis is a case in point. I feel my background in personnel, labor, and finance is an excellent stepping stone for active board participation. I am running because I care... I want quick resolve of the leadership crisis, more participation by board members with administration officials, and a continued search for academic excellence.” BECK: “With 38 years experience in the field of education I would hope to make some constructive contributions to the school systems. ” BLUE: “I became interested in the position of school board member from Turkey Creek Township last winter while serving on the Syracuse Advisory Committee, and the Syracuse PTO. Many concerns were brought to our committee and organization regarding needs and problems within our school system, that were subsequently brought before the school board. “Certainly the most pressing concern at this time is the Middle School project for Syracuse. Our advisory committee was successful in convincing the board of the need for further consideration in this matter, and in restructuring the timetable previously established for this project. Although current plans call for a decision on the project by the end of this year, I am nonetheless deeply committed to doing what I can to see that the course chosen by the board is in the best interest of all three communities. “With the present vacancy in the superintendent’s office, and the need to permanently fill that position very soon, it seems possible that a decision on the Syracuse Middle School Project may not be reached before the present board terms expires. Should that happen, I believe my extensive studies with the advisory committee would be of considerable benefit in making decisions on this project.” DEWART: “For one thing, I have the time. I also have 25 years experience on the national level in working in close association with such organizations as: Amer. Ass’n. School Adm., National School Bd. Ass’n., Amer. Vocational Ass’n., Amer. Home Economics Ass’n., Music Educ. National Conference, School Facilities Laboratories, many other.” POLLEN: “I feel that it is time for a change in our school board. The best way I know to do that is to see new faces on the board with fresh ideas and open minds. I feel my contact with the schools on many levels for the past 14 years combined with my business background, make me a good choice for this position. I make decisions based on research, observation, listening to other people’s viewpoints and honesty” TROUP: “I see a need to serve my community, hoping I can make some decisions to benefit future generations. ’ ’ Board candidates were given a chance to make additional comments. Not all the candidates chose to do so. Those comments follow: JORDAN: “If elected it would be my goal to help provide the environment that encourages each

segment of the school family; parents, administrators, teachers and students to perform to the limit of their potential. ” BECK: “If elected, I will keep an open mind to comments from the citizens of the Wawasee Community Schools.” DEWART: “For a number of years, I worked directly with and for one of our nation’s largest and most respected school architects The services of our firm, The Shaver Partnership, was much sought after due to their unique design concepts. We worked in 42 states and in a number of foreign countries. Our firm was responsible for the architectural design

Candidates air views

(Continued from page 1) All candidates recognized this problem and said it must be approached. None favored mandatory drug testing. Another light moment was provided when Randy Pollen said the only people favoring mandatory drug testing are those people who manufacture specimen bottles. Vocational training is important in high school curriculum, all agreed, but said it should point to modern technologies. When the discussion got back to the crowded condition at the Syracuse school, Dewart said, “schools should not be built to outlast the pyramids,” but should be flexible. At which Blue said the goal should be to handle growth in the area for the next 10 to 20 years. . Questions From Audience Written questions were gathered from the audience, and some proved Catch 22 questions that brought some levity, but one concerned the need for a union by the supportive staff. The idea of a union received little support from candidates, and Beck even claimed, “I do not like the word ‘union’.” Troup said unions are misunderstood, that his company (NIPSCO) makes him belong to a union. He said they provide avenues to thresh out grievances and settle problems. The WCTA fulfilled a unique responsibility in giving the public a chance to see and hear the eight candidates for the school board. Before the meeting closed, David Stookey showed a sample ballot and explained how to vote. He said District I (Tippecanoe Township) has two candidates that a voter can vote for, District II (Turkey Creek Township) has three candidates a voter can vote for, and District 111 (Van Buren and the east half of Jefferson townships) has three candidates a voter can vote for. A voter can vote for three candidates or less. Each district must have one member on the school board, but cannot have more than two, to make up the

Myrick-Blue race highlights Syracuse town election Nov. 4

(Continued from page 1) “I am’ interested in the wellbeing of Syracuse,” said Myrick. “I have lived and worked here since 1947, when I was discharged from the army.” Myrick said the reason he wanted to run for another term was to see the sewer update and some other projects through to completion. He said he is pleased that the current board has put enough money into the streets so they are now in good shape. The candidate said he is very well pleased with the police operation now in Syracuse and that the town government has pretty well learned how to handle the influx of summer people. He added that the board members would be glad to help bring about a public boat ramp location on Wawasee Lake to relieve pressures on the Syracuse Lake ramp if they knew how to make it happen. f Myrick said the town has a good active board and he wants to continue to contribute to its efforts for Syracuse citizens. Hughes Hughes, unopposed in his quest

Residence burglarized

Srime |PERS crime Stoppers, a non-profit organization involving the police, the media and the public in the fight against crime, offers anonymity and cash rewards to persons who furnish information leading to the arrest and the filing of criminal charges against felony offenders and to the capture of fugitives. The following “Crime of the Week” was furnished by the Kosciusko County Crime Stoppers organization: The burglary of a residence

and construction of more than 600 school facilities. As director of marketing, I was privileged to gain much data as the results of manyamtacts.” POLLEN: “It is time to decide whether or not you, the voters, want a change in the school board. This is your chance to make that change. ” TROUP: “I feel I am qualified for this job because I have regularly attended school board meetings and maintained an interest in our schools. Raising four children has given me vast knowledge of what kinds of problems kids are facing. ”

five-member board. state, but for higher grades some classes could have as many as 30 students. This was the opinion of Charles Beck, a former teacher and coach, and principal at Ligonier. Beck said testing of Prime Time is inconclusive. Dewwart said dollars available can be a determining factor in setting class size. Dewart also said special attention should be given to overand under-privileged students, and pointed to the ever-changing technological world. Courtney Blue has been serving on the special committee to resolve the overcrowding of the Syracuse school, and said this is of immediate concern to him. He said he favored a new middle school for Syracuse, and a return of the Syracuse area students who are being taken to the North Webster school. And Bill Troup said, “We need a permanent solution to the over-crowding of the Syracuse and North Webster schools,” stating, a 3 to 5 year — or even 10-year — program to alleviate over crowding at Syracuse and North Webster schools should be undertaken. Beck said he favored a new middle school at Syracuse, while Arnold said Milford and North Webster are good for the short term, but Syracuse needs a new middle school. When candidates discussed criteria for selecting administrative personnel, candidate Carey, who has been in the center of the ongoing storm with its most recent administrator, said, “We must check (credentials) then check again.” It provided one of the few light moments. Drugs, Alcohol A relatively new problem in public schools is that of drug and alcohol abuse, and it did not escape the podium. Praise was given the QUEST program sponsored by the Milford, North Webster and Syracuse Lions clubs, which is an attempt to teach the evils of drug and alcohol use.

for another term in ward one, cited as one of his goals that he would like to “stick around” until the new sewer plant is in place. He sees this as a new growth threshold for his town and stated, “That’s the big challenge for the town now.” The president said he is pleased with the new town hall and is glad it is being used by other groups, not just the town board. He said he is definitely in favor of controlled growth for Syracuse, but feels that near future major expansion of the town may be delayed due to some adjacent farms being unavailable. “I think Town Marshal Ziller is doing a good job,” added Hughes. “He continues to work on clearing out loiterers in town parking lots.” He added that he is concerned about the drug problem and said Syracuse does have its share of this problem as does the entire county. Hughes said he is pleased that the current board has been able to hold the line on the town’s tax rate. He commented that he hopes citizens will exercise their voting right and cast their ballots on November 4.

southwest of Pierceton is the “Crime of the Week.” During the night of October 14, entry was made to a residence near the intersection of CR 525E and CR 500 S, by prying open a sliding glass door. Items taken in this burglary included a Smith Corona typewriter, a Zenith VCR, KMart and Sears tv’s, several cameras and accessories, along with some jewelry, including an antique black sapphire woman’s ring. Other items were video games, binoculars, and a phone answering machine with a GTE phone. Persons with information concerning this burglary are asked to contact Crime Stoppers, tollfree, at 1-800-342-STOP. Crime Stoppers will pay up to SI,OOO if the information leads to an arrest or indictment. Caller will be assigned a code number and not asked to reveal their names. -

1 •■ Ml 'i ' 1 ' It HONOR GENE KITSON — Syracuse postmaster Tony Rudasics honored city postal carrier Gene Kitson Tuesday morning by presenting him with an award certificate from the U.S. Postal Service for 31 years of dedicated service. Kitson’s last day of serving his 537 patrons will be Friday. ?

Honor city carrier Gene Kitson

Syracuse postal patrons might want to step up and shake hands with Gene Kitson Friday as he makes his final round of delivering mail to 537 households and businesses in the community. Friday will be retirement day for Raymond Eugene Kitson, who walks 10 miles per day, five days a week — and who estimated he has walked one and three-quarter times around the earth at the equator! On Friday he is completing 31 years of service with the U.S. Postal Service. His quick step and unerring delivery has almost made him a legend in his own time in his home town. Syracuse postmaster Tony Rudasics recognized this fact Tuesday morning when he presented a postal service commendation to Kitson before his fellow postal workers and called him “a very dedicated postal carrier ... a difficult man to replace.” He added, “Gene is leaving big shoes to fill. We can always place a man in that job, but to really replace Gene Kitson is going to be a difficult job.” Kitson called it, “a good job, but a lot of work.” Letter Os Commendation Postmaster Rudasics presented Kitson with a handsome award certificate and letter of appreciation and commendation, both signed by Anthony J. Schiavone, Indianapolis Divisional Manager. The certificate read, “In grateful appreciation for dedicated service during an honorable career of 31 years’ service to the Government of the United States.” Kitson’s route number is 6701 with its 537 patrons, and there is an auxiliary city route, making 735 stops in all, Rudasics states. And if walking 10 miles a day five days a week isn’t enough to keep Kitson fit physically, perhaps his hobby helps a little. He has served as a junior high football referee and a high school basketball and football umpire. Kitson graduated from Syracuse High School in 1949, and has always held an interest in sports. He even refereed a number of sectional basketball tournaments, but doesn’t remember how many. What does he plan to do now? “Gear down a little,” is the only comment he has for his new life. At 55 years of age, Kitson, a slight, modest man, has a lot of good years left. He said, “I’ll be looking around for something to do. You know of anything? ’ ’ he joked. Kitson and his wife, the former Peggy Sue Elliott of Ridgeville, Ind., make their home at 418 Parkway Drive in Syracuse, and they have three children: Alan, a resident of Bonar Lake, and twin daughters, Marie, with the U.S. Navy at Key West, Fla., and Mary, also with the U.S. Navy at Diego Garcia, in the middle of the Indian Ocean; and two grandchildren. Kitson began as a postal carrier when the late Ernest E. Bushong was postmaster and the post office was located on South Huntington Street. He also worked under postmaster Avon J. Bushong and now under postmaster Rudasics. All this time he has kept a clean, friendly appearance as he made his appointed rounds. Kitson is well respected by his fellow workers at the Syracuse Post Office. On Monday night his colleagues at the post office and their spouses turned out 29 strong to enjoy a dinner at Das Dutchman Essenhaus near Middlebury and to honor Kitson. Honor Frank Nyikos Just prior to recognizing Gene Kitson’s years of service with the Postal Service at the post office Tuesday morning, postmaster Rudasics recognized the service of another postal employee. He presented Frank E. Nyikos with a handsome pin bearing the

U.S. Postal Service emblem for his 25 years as a rural carrier. Nyikos began as a route 1 carrier October 15,1961. His route is 51.22 miles in length and covers the northeast section of Lake Wawasee and extends into Elkhart County. Nyikos thanked postmaster

1 Ijl'4Bfllffiß — ', F> I Ml"” ■iw IMF: > . .UMf . IMMdxAwW -wJkJI I -3bM; 2 .< IL ■■■ll H• ’ '"■ L™ %> -1 ■!■< x 1 igr jl 1 » 1< dßr 'x I * F S ' " ■« W -It " 1 ’MJbI f* ■ * ■-■ ¥fL r BB%\ t > LIMIP 25 YEARS FOR FRANK NYIKOS — Frank Nyikos has been a rural carrier out of the Syracuse post Office since October 15,1961, and was honored Tuesday morning when postmaster Tony Rudasics presented him with a handsome pin.

Seminary missions conference

The annual missions conference at Grace Theological Seminary begins October 28, with the emphasis on taking the good news of Christ to the ends of the earth. Featured speaker for the fourday conference is Dr. Russell Ebersole, Jr., executive administrator for the Far East with the Association of Baptists for Worthwhile work No ray of sunlight is ever lost, but the green which it awakens into existence needs time to sprout, and it is not always granted to the sower, and it is not always granted to the sower to see the harvest. All work that is worth anything is done in faith. — Albert Schweitzer

? ■F- *'Wl :' ’ ■h- f J| Mur PRESENTS FIRE PREVENTION PROGRAM — Richard Mitchell, left, described some of the work of fire prevention for Kiwanis Club of Lakeland, North Webster, on Monday morning, Oct. 27. He assists the, EMS and has been a volunteer fireman with the North Webster Fire Department for 27 years. He is showing a “Tot Finder”, which is attached to the bedroom door of small children to help firemen locate them in case of fire. Shown with the speaker is program chairman Jack Maule. Mitchell pointed out that the problems of fire prevention today are the result of carelessness, the use of faster burning materials, the improper use of wood burning stoves, lack of smoke alarms, and improper information to help firefighters find a burning home. Information cards which can be attached to the telephone or door of the refrigerator are available at the trustee’s office and these will help members of a family in reporting a fire. Pre-planning by a family regarding escape routes and getting together in case of fire is important. He emphasized the importance of CPR training.

Rudasics then said, jokingly, “I feel a little like John Hausman (the television pitchman) — I feel like I got this (pin,) the hard way, I earned it.” Route 5 rural carrier Ruby Bell presented Nyikos with a cake, which was shared with fellow employees.

World Evangelism (ABWE). Dr. Ebersole is a former missionary to the Philippines. About 40 representatives from 26 mission agencies will be on campus to conduct student seminars and provide information about the work of their agencies. The public is invited to the general assembly sessions, which will take place at 9:20 a.m. daily at Rodeheaver Auditorium on Park Avenue in Winona Lake. Mission agency displays on campus also are open to the public. What it was? Gazing into the breakfast bowl of cereal and wondering what the stuff was originally. — Tribune, Winnipeg.