The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 44, Milford, Kosciusko County, 29 October 1986 — Page 4

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

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Editorial

Political campaigning has changed People who watch political trends and the biennial elections are constantly concerned with public apathy at the polls, especially in off-year elections such as the one coming up November 4. Both parties are anticipating an exceptionally light vote at the polls. Much goes into this apathy. For one thing, campaigning has changed, and this in no small part is due to the presence of the electronic media. It’s effective, it reaches a lot of people quickly, but it’s also expensive. Imagine a man running for congress spending up to a half million dollars for a job that pays something like $65,000! This points to the big contributors — essentially the Political Action Committees (PAC) — and it is to be expected they will lean heavily on their favorite candidate if and when he gets elected. As a result, the candidates don’t get out among the voters nearly as much as they used to. Our congressman, John Hiler, for example, has made only a few forays into Kosciusko County, held no rallies where his faithful could gather around and hear his views. He considers Kosciusko County a “safe” county, so why bother? A political rally to such candidates are three or four people around a television set! Maybe the British aren’t so dumb after all. They limit the time for campaigning and the amount of money that they can spend in a campaign, thus giving all candidates an equal shot at the election prize. Is there any wonder there’s a political apathy at the polls? . Ban beer ads? Sentiment is growing in this country to ban beer and wine commercials on television. With most states having raised the legal drinking age to 21, why should teenagers continue to be tempted with those glorious color pictures about beer and wine? Accident statistics show drunk driving is the number-one killer of those between the ages of 18 and 24. Obviously, anything which can be done to prevent youngsters from turning to alcohol will save lives. Just as certain is the fact that television commercials promoting beer and wine persuade millions to begin drinking it. The big losers, if beer and wine commercials are banned, would be TV stations and the television networks. They were the only losers when cigarette advertising — another invitation to addiction — was banned. Yet that ban helped reduce the number of cigarette smokers and new addicts and has saved lives. A similar ban on alcoholic beverage advertising would likewise save lives. When it comes to balancing profits with saving lives, there is only one choice. Gorbachev the key After the recent meeting between President Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev many Americans were relieved that the president hadn t abandoned SDI; many others believed he passed up a unique opportunity because of a theoretical program which may never work. Those who believe the president was, in effect, set up for a public relations defeat by the Russians think Soviet policy and tactics remain unchanged. Those who believe the president missed a great chance believe Gorbachev was and is serious about reaching mutually beneficial agreements. In the end, the final verdict on the Iceland meeting hinges on whether Gorbachev is indeed more flexible than other Russian leaders have been, whether he was primarily maneuvering for advantages or propaganda purposes in Iceland or primarily seeking arms reductions. It may be too early to be sure of the answer to that question. . Gorbachev certainly seems and acts differently from Russian leaders who have preceded him. That he may have succeeded in misleading Reagan somewhat, about chances for a monumental agreement of historic proportions, is likely. That Reagan was disappointed at the last minute seems certain. If Gorbachev was as disappointed, he didn’t show it. . ... - Doors remain open and Mr. Reagan has come a long way from his position of a few years ago — in not being too interested in meeting with the Russians. Also, the. historic reductions in nuclear weapons tentatively agreed on in Iceland will be a good basis from which negotiations can continue at Geneva and elsewhere. Perhaps only time will tell how sincere Gorbachev is in calling for fair arms reduction.

What others say — c Leaves something to be desired A Federal tax reform 'rhe President has called the new tax reform bill, which he signed this week, the “World Series” of tax assistance to Americans. * But is it? True, some of the abuses that have gone on for years have been abolished. For the average American it has been pointed out that the average cut in taxes will average about $194 a year. Just a little figuring will show that this averages out to less than 55 cents a day, and you can bet inflation will eat that amount up before you can say “tax credit.” / One of the most drastic changes in the new tax code seems to be the deductions which the average taxpayer is accustomed to claiming on his annual return ... deductions that no longer will be allowed. No longer will taxpayers be allowed to deduct from their taxable incomes those monies paid to state and local governments in the form of sales taxes... interest on consumer loans... and medical expenses. The interest paid on consumer loans, not including real estate loans, poses this problem . . . individuals who are considering the purchase of high-priced items such as an automobile or large home appliance, may reconsider their purchase since the interest paid on any loan for this purpose will not longer be deductible from individual taxable interest. Any why medical expenses? Those deductions hardly seem a luxury, and the tax reform writers should never have treated them as such. The whole reform seems to be aimed at reducing the sale of “big ticket” items by the householder. The fallout of this provision — in terms of our national economy — probably won’t be known until it is almost too late. We certainly are in favor of legislation to prevent large corporations and wealthy individuals from creating tax shelters at the expense of the average taxpayer. We think more thought should have been given to the effects the new law will have on industry, and hence, employment. — LAGRANGE NEWS

How much doos one vote count? It could be a lot The narrowest recorded percentage win in an election would seem to be for the office of Southern District Highway Commissioner in Mississippi in 1979. The winner got 133,587 votes; the loser, 133,582; a difference of .0001 percent.

Court news

City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Violation of learner’s permit — Paul J. Miller, 16, Milford, $42.50 Speeding — Rose L. Haab, 17, Syracuse, $52.50; Merlyn J. Lehman, 45, Syracuse, $47.50 County Court The following persons have been assessed fines and costs and have paid those fines and costs in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrette presiding: No brake lights — Sarah Appenzeller, 19, Syracuse, $45 Expired license plates — Paying SSO fines and costs were: Arnie Fischer, 16, Syracuse; Rick L. Troxel, 31, Milford; Eric Freeman, 26, Leesburg Speeding — Paying $65 fines and costs were: Athene G. Gawthrop, 66, Leesburg; Theodore Sautter, 32, North Webster; Tracy Minnix, 23, Syracuse; Tammie B. Bartley, 17, Syracuse Paying SSO fines and costs were: Jorge Barrera, 25, Milford; Troy Bornman, 21, Syracuse; Brian Carr, 30, Leesburg False registration — Suzanne L. Mendenhall, 40, North Webster, SSO Following too closely — Janice Wright, 38, Syracuse, SSO Circuit Court The following petitions have been filed in Kosciusko Circuit Court, Judge Richard Sand presiding: Complaint On Account NIPSCO versus Sherry L. Poe, 5 Midlakes Trailer Court, North Webster. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendant for the sum of $438.68 plus interest, attoimey’s fees and all costs of action, on account. Superior Court The following petitions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court, Judge Robert Burner presiding: Complaint Wawasee Service Center versus Sandra K. Brown, r 2 box 392, Syracuse. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendant for the sum of $651.52 for a check returned for non-sufficient funds. Complaint Angsburger’s SuperValu versus Beverly H. Annen, Merrionette Park, 111. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendant for the sum of $331.37 for a check returned for nonsufficient funds. Complaint Angsburger’s SuperValu versus Mike Boyle, Speedway. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendant for the sum of $326.56 for a check returned for non-sufficient funds. Complaint Angsburger’s SuperValu versus Tammy J. Savant, Leesburg. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendant for the sum of $224.20 for a check returned for non-sufficient funds. Complaint Angsburger’s SuperValu versus Michael Greeno, r 2 The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendant ror the sum of $248.26 for a check returned for non-sufficient funds. Complaint ? Angsburger’s SuperValu versus George E. Gibson, 324 Dolan Drive, Syracuse. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendant for the sum of $286 for a check returned for nonsufficient funds. Complaint Angsburger’s SuperValu versus Patricia S. Ashton, r 5 Anderson. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendant for the sum of $272.89 for a check returned for non-sufficient funds. Complaint On Note Credithrift of America, Inc. versus Ricky L. Williams and Kathy A. Williams, r 1 box 6448, Leesburg. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendants for the sum of $2,653.21 plus interest to date of judgment, attorney’s fees and all costs of action, for a past due promissory note. Marriage Licenses The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jeanne Weirick: Lechlitner-MitcheU Dennis Lee Lechlitner, 28, r 3 box 662, Syracuse, and Suzanne Marie Mitchell, 29, r 3 box 662, Syracuse Brunton-Bilderback Robert Michael Brunton, 22, r 2 box 1948, Leesburg, and Leslee D. Bilderback, 21, r 2 box 1948,

Marriage Dissolutions The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Kosciusko Superior and Circuit Courts: Laughton — Rita Kay Laughton, r 1 box 555, North Webster, and Glenn Allen Laughton, r 5 box 555, North Webster. The couple was married July 20, 1974, and separated Oct. 10,1986. There is one minor child. Musselman — Terry W. Musselman, r 1 Milford, and Linda A. Musselman, r 1 Milford. The couple was married Sept. 2, 1966, and separated Sept. 15,1986. There is one minor child. Four accidents investigated at Syracuse Four accidents were investigated by Syracuse Police last week, with one incident resulting in an arrest. No injuries were reported in any of the mishaps. Floyd Reed Jr., 66.137 S. North St., Syracuse, was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated after colliding with a 1982 AMC Concord, driven by Shireen D. Davis, 26, r 4 box 418A, Syracuse, at 8:51 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Davis stated that she was attempting a left hand turn from SR 13 onto Palm Drive when Reed pulled from the east-west street and collided with the front of the Davis vehicle before fleeing. Davis claimed to follow Reed to the Lakeland Youth Center, where she called police. Up to S2OO in damages was caused to the Davis vehicle, while the 1975 Mercury Reed was driving had an unestimated amount of damage. Up to SI,OOO in damages was caused to two vehicles when Daniel K. Smith, 17, P. O. Box 432, Syracuse, collided with a 1977 Chevrolet Camaro, driven by Richard K. Barnum, 17, 413 S. Main St., Syracuse at the Crow Roofing Co. parking lot, East Access Road. Barnum claimed he was turning onto the lot when Smith attempted to pass him and struck the left side of his vehicle with the right front fender of a 1979 AMC. Smith claimed that Barnum didn’t have a turning signal operating, while the investigating officer deemed driver inattention as the cause of the 12:10 a.m. accident, Sunday, Oct. 26. In a two-car collision at 10:25 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, up to $2,500 damage was caused to a 1980 Ford, driven by Eric P. Schang, 29, 225 North St., Syracuse, and a 1983 Chevrolet, driven by Barbara Lantzer, 49, 65730 CR 33, Goshen. Lantzer was stopped on SR 13, waiting to turn left onto Henry Street, when Schang collided with the rear end of her car, after attempting to veer to the right to avoid the collision. Schang claimed he didn’t see the stationary Lantzer vehicle. An obstructed view resulted in minor damages to two vehicles at 3:27 p.m. last Wednesday, Oct. 22, when Tuesday A. Parkison, 24, r 7 box 198-5, Warsaw, collided with a 1985 Chevrolet, driven by L.T. Fulton, 58, r 2, Cambridge City, in the Dana Corp, parking lot, off of Syracuse-Webster Road. Up to SI,OOO damage was caused to the Fulton vehicle, while the 1980 Chevrolet Chevette, driven by Parkison, suffered up to S2OO in damages. Will stand trial MANAGUA, NICARAGUA - Presidept Daniel Ortega said recently that the American captured after Nicaraguan troops shot down an airplane flying supplies too the Contra rebels will be tried in a Sandinista court.

THE MAIL-JOURNAL (U.S. PS. 3258-4000) Published by the Mail-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: sl6 per year in Kosciusko County; $22 outside county, POSTMASTERS: Send change of ad dress forms to The Mail Journal. P O. Box 188, Milford. Indiana 46542

"GRUZIN. AROUND 'CUSE"

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SYRACUSE POSTMASTER Tony Rudasics is proud of the new stamp machine installed last week at the local post office. And he wants to get as much public awareness of the new service the postal department is offering as possible. Tony said the electronic ally-controlled machine has already had considerable use, and he expects more as patrons become aware of it. The biggest service will come when the office is closed, but when the lobby is still open. Monday through Friday the window is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but the lobby is open 7 to 5, giving a patron an extra hour in the morning and 30 minutes in the late p.m. On Saturdays the window closes at noon, but the lobby remains open until 4:30 p.m. Rudasics states Syracuse is one of the smaller post offices to have the new stamp machine, and he emphasizes there is no “profit” for the postal service built into the sale of stamps. Stamps can be purchased on an individual basis or in quantities. LOCAL ARTIST Marilyn Moore, 222 North Shore Drive, is pleased that one of her two paintings was accepted on Friday at the Bth Elkhart juried regional show of the Midwest Museum of American Art. Hers figured among the 118 works accepted, from 460 paintings entered for judging. The judge was Mark Gillman of Gillman Gallery in Chicago, and the show was sponsored by Coachman Industries, Middlebury. Her painting that was accepted was a water color of a row of hats, called “Hats, Hats, Hats.” She was the only local artist to enter the show. | Incidentally, Marilyn recently became a’ representative for The Art Barn of Valparaiso, which leases paintings from some 80 Indiana artists to banks, offices, places like that. THE FUTURE of the overcrowded Syracuse Elementary/Junior High School situation rests pretty heavily with the 20-member Syracuse School Advisory Committee, as alluded to in this column a week ago. Last Thursday the committee visited four schools (one in Goshen and three in the Concord area) to gain a broader vision of what can be done by remodeling an old school, and what one can expect with a completely new school structure. The advisory committee has spent a long time in research, and it is to be expected that the school board will lean heavily on the committee’s recommendations in reaching a solution to this vexing and long-standing problem. A 200-page report by the advisory committee points to the fact that considerable research has gone into their study. The work of the committee and feelings of its individual members has been kept pretty much under wraps, but don’t be too surprised if it recommends to the school board that a completely new middle school be erected at the high school site, to accommodate both the Syracuse and North Webster communities. James C. Stucky, former Lakeland school board president, is chairman of the committee. Others are: Citizens, Arlene Berkey, Cpurtney Blue, Carolyn Anderson, Dean Pittman, Mike Johnson and Susan Hulley, Students, David Schmahl, Shadow Newcomer, Ingrid Stuckman and Mike Acton; Teachers, Jo Butler, Galen Herschberger, Janet Lant and Philip Mock; Exofficio, John A. Naab and Roy Stiffler; Administrative, Kenneth E. Webster, Roger Kryder and Howard J. Hull. WE’VE HEARD so much whispered comment throughout the summer about easements and roadways around Syracuse Lake that we were surprised it hasn’t become a topic of debate in the town election campaign. The concern seems to be that private citizens living next to or near these easements have appropriated the public access areas for their own use, to the point that the general public cannot make use of them if they wished to do so. Private piers have been installed, and later stored in the easements, and weeds have been allowed to grow up to a point where most people do not recognize the areas as easements. The Syracuse Town Board has taken a hard line against closing the easements, but, according to one complainant, “they might as well have closed them as to let private citizens appropriate them for their own use. ”

Chief of Police Bob Ziller claims there is an ordinance against closing easements or using them for one’s private use, but that he needs a bonafide complaint in order to act on the ordinance. SYRACUSE BARBER George and Beth Bushong have been home a little over a week from a tour they took through several European countries, barely missing the famous Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. George was. with the Ninth Air Force in Europe in World War 11, and this trip held special , significance for him. Among the countries visited besides Germany, were Austria. France and England. SYRACUSE CHIROPRACTOR James R. Thwaits recently attended the fall convention of the Indiana Chiropractic Association at Indy for eight hours of continuing education on “Imaging and Clinical Management of the Lumbar Spine and Radiographic Quality Controls.” Dr. Jim’s office is at 312 South Huntington Street. PERHAPS THIS column is not the right place for an obituary notice but the death by gunshot wound of Don Riddle in his Artesia, New Mexico, home, will stir many memories of older folks in the Syracuse area. At 77 years of age. Riddle took his own life and that of his wife, the former Edith Leona Bibb, who suffered a lengthy illness. Riddle suffered from depression due to his wife’s illness. Their deaths took place Monday, Sept. 22. A number of people apprised this column of Don Riddle’s death, among them a nephew George Riddle, of New York, who remembers “Uncle Don” as a kind and gentle man. He wrote, “All knew him will misshim.” Another who remembers Riddle is Emery L. Druckamiller of Angola, who played basketball at Syracuse with the deceased. Druckamiller wrote, “Don played on my 1926-27 team, which won 20 games and won the sectional tourney at Milford. Don and Dale Shock were selected on the allsectional team, both later going to New Mexico on scholarships. Both were selected on the allconference team on the Silver City Teachers’ College team. Dale’s son coached his high school team to the state championship.” Donovan Machey Riddle was bom to Leßoy Ellsworth and Winnie (Holloway) Riddle December 11,1908 in Syracuse. He married Edith Leona Bibb at Las Cruces, New Mexico, August 25, 1929. Riddle received his bachelor’s degree from Silver City State Teachers’ College and later earned his master’s from the University of New Mexico. He was a school teacher and basketball coach with the Hope school. He taught in the Artesia, N. M., schoot system for five years before becoming principal, a position he held until 1956. He retired from teaching in 1964. Riddle was a Mason, past patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Kiwanis past president, and member of the Artesia Country Club. Surviving are a son, John Lee Riddle, who resides at Lubbock. Texas, and a grandsdh, Jason John Riddle. Another son, Donovan Stanley Riddle, born December 4,1930. died August 20,1934. ANOTHER SYRACUSE basketball “great” of the same heydey era, Eugene A. Snavely, died Friday, Sept. 19, at Cleburne, Texas. Snavely is also remembered by his co-player, Emery Druckamiller. “Drucky” writes. “Eugene played on the 1927-28 team that won 22 games and won the county tournament played in the Leesburg gym.” He was born in Syracuse on March 16, 1910, the son of Arthur and Kathryn Snavely. He and his brother, Alden, were members of the Syracuse basketball team. On February 7,1946, he married the former Margaret Ball in Cleburne. She survives. Snavely retired in 1974 from Sears-Roebuck Co., Midwest Division. He and his wife resided most of their married life in Newtown County and in 1975 moved to Cleburne. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Cleburne, a former member of the Lions Club and a Mason. He was also a World War 11 veteran. Surviving in addition to his wife, who resides in Cleburne, are one daughter, Carolyn Cutrona of Baxter, Calif.; one brother, Stephen Snavely of Toledo, Ohio; one sister, Mary Sakowicz, Fort Wayne; and five grandchildren. (Continued on page 5)