The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 20, Milford, Kosciusko County, 1 July 1987 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., July 1, 1987

Editorial

Two birthdays and a flotilla Residents-and visitors to the Syracuse community will have a busy weekend as the area observes two birthdays and hosts a flotilla on Lake Wawasee. The town of Syracuse will begin celebrating its 150th birthday on Friday, July 3, with the ribbon cutting ceremonies set to take place at Crosson Park at 6 p.m. The celebration will continue through the following week. On the Fourth of July area residents will join with other Americans in the celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America. Sunday, July 5, area residents are expecting to host the largest ever Wawasee Lake Flotilla. A tradition for the Fourth of July weekend, it is expected many of the decorated units will join in the observance of the sesquicentennial and use an historical theme. Weekend, activities include something for everyone. Events begin with the Lions club fish fry, square dancing and fireworks on Friday and include annual MJ Road Run, the bike race, fire department competition and the “Big Bang Boom” fireworks Saturday night on Lake Wawasee. Sunday will begin with an old fashioned revival service at the boat-in at Oakwood Park and end with the flotilla parade. No events are slated for Monday. A “Miss Syracuse Sesquicentennial” will be crowned on Tuesday and will preside throughout the festival along with the town’s “Mayor” Ernie Rogers. Wednesday’s activities will include the kiddie parade. Thursday be a day for the family with a kiddie pedal power pull and family contests. A band concert and the sesquicentennial ball are among the events set for Friday. Saturday, July 11, is parade day with the sesquicentennial parade set to move out at 11 a.m. National Power Boat Association Races will be held on Syracuse Lake at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 12, the final day of the celebration will give persons a chance to tour many of the historical buildings in Syracuse. All in all, it promises to be one big celebration — something the citizens of Syracuse can be proud of in the years to come as they look back to the town’s 150th anniversary. Fourth of July On the Fourth of July Americans take note of the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which ranks as one of the most important documents of history. In it Thomas Jefferson, the author, set forth the inalienable rights of man arid the theory that governments are instituted by men, not by God, and therefore, derive their powers from the consent of the governed. This was something Os a revolutionary doctrine in 1776. Moreover, the Declaration makes plain the right of the people to alter or abolish their government and to institute a new government in such a form as they may deem most likely to provide for their Safety and happiness. The historic Fourth has become identified as a day of leisure, marked by deaths, accidents, games and amusement. This constitutional celebration year we look back to the significance of the 1776 Declaration with added interest. What others say — Ist Amendment: 'Tough to get, easy to lose' On this 200th anniversary of the Constitutional Convention, which designed the Constitution we live under today, it shdtild be pointed out that the Bill of Rights, containing the First Amendment and protecting the free press, was literally forced into the Constitution. It did not come easily — the evidence shows. A bill guaranteeing press freedom was omitted from the original Constitution. The delegates fear the press. They felt, too, that a press guarantee had been provided for in nine of the 13 states’ constitutions already. Why repeat it? The delegates rejected a press safeguard over the urgent requests of some delegates. Then, history shows, when the Constitution failed to be ratified by the states, the framers changed their minds. Five states refused flatly to approve the document. They saw that the new government’s structure was made up of an executive, a legislature and a judicial branch. Each was balanced off against the other. There was no press to report the actions of these bodies. The five states rejected the undemocratic document. It would have failed! The framers then promised to place in the Constitution as the First Amendment a guarantee of press freedom. The states relented. Then the Constitution was passed —by narrow squeaks. The First Amendment was included in the Constitution. Thus the protection of a free press was guaranteed under the national law, whatever the states might or might not place in their own constitutions. The guarantee did not come easily, as it can be seen. Editors today, therefore, need to watch out for it. Guard it. It can be shaved down, weakened, or emasculated. A fight has to be put up every time some official or group tries to whittle it away! It was tough to get, easy to lose. ~ - SIDNEY KOBRE, PUBLISHERS’AUXILIARY A NEWSPAPER INDUSTRY TRADE PAPER Independence Day Independence Day is a time we Americans can celebrate with pride — it’s America’s birthday. Most important, this day is a triumphant echo of the pride and freedom we as Americans share. What we really celebrate on Independence Day is our right to self-destiny as free human beings governed by leaders we have freely chosen who must be responsive to “We, the People.” Americans set an example for the world on July 4, 1776. Our forefathers demonstrated that the will of the people is a powerful force, one which will inevitably overcome all obstacles. When that Star-Spangled Banner waves freelwiij the breeze and fireworks explode in the night sky it is a time to reflect orKwhat our forefathers have presented to us. The Declaration of Independence was the birth of our great nation. This year, we celebrate the 200th anniversary of our Constitution —a document that helped us chart this country’s destiny and makes it what it is today. Happy birthday, America! — American Legion News

WE’D LIKE TO REMIND YOU THAT THE UNCENSORED CONTENT OF THIS NEWSPAPER IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. THE CONSTITUTION The words we live by Fo Icam die Constitution write Constitution. Washington. IfWI _ I’ on the Bicentennial ofThc IS. Constitution. feS!

Court news

County Court The following persons have paid fines in Kqsciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrette presiding: Failure to display registration numbers — Robert O. Pilcher, 37. Syracuse. S7O. I nsafe start from parked position — Louis G. Davis, 21, New Paris, $53. Speeding — Paying S6B were: William R. Walbridge, 31, Syracuse; Mitch Losee, Syracuse; Jay L. Krautin. Milford; Jason W. Hart, |6, Syracuse; David L. Herron, 32, Leesburg. Paying $53 were: James R. Howard, 42. Syracuse; Todd R. Koble, 25, Syracuse; Polly A. White. 23, Leesburg; Jack A. Conley. 25. Syracuse; Robert A. Williams, 18, Milford Paying S4B was: Cinda L. Kelly. 40, Leesburg. Disregarding stop sign — Paying $53 was: Kellie M. England. 52, Syracuse. Disregarding automatic signal — Paying $53 were: Ruth A. Hamman, 55, Leesburg. Skiing without observer — Todd L. Collins, 16, North Webster. S7O. No muffler — Jim D Brickey. 15, Syracuse. S4B Illegal consumption — Paying SB9 were: Benjamin A Beer. Milford; Michael Anthony Eastman, 18. Leesburg; Kent W Enyeart, 17,' North Webster: Dawn E. Harwood, 18. Syracuse. Elkhart Division The following fines plus court costs have levied and paid in Elkhart County Court, Goshen Division: Speeding — Steven K Richmond, 28. Syracuse. $52.50; Jeffery L. Spitler, 25, Syracuse. $52.50; April L. Newcomer. 34, Syracuse, $52.50 Expired interim plate — Karen S. Green, 35, Syracuse, $52.50 Driving while intoxicated — John G. Shock, 27, North Webster. SSOO plus costs with $350 suspended, 90 days in jail suspended on the condition the defendant be on probation for 180 days, pay user’s fees, obtain an alcohol assessment and follow recommendations, driver's license suspended 90 days Circuit Court The following petitions have been filed in Kosciusko'Circuit Court, Judge Richard Sand presiding: Complaint Dee Ann Friend versus James Friend, r 2 box 392, Syracuse. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendant in the amount of $16,500 for back sup port and attorney’s fees. Complaint First National Bank of Warsaw versus All Unknown Claimants The plaintiff is seeking an order determining plaintiff to be owner of a tri-axle 16-foot flat bed trailer with ramps. Trailer has never been titled in the State of Indiana and has no vehicle identification number. City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Speeding — Troy L Harney, 20, Milford, $55.50; Harley W. Smucker, 38, Milford, $50.50, plea bargain False and fictitious registration — Jess A. Howey, 21, Milford, $36; Douglas C. Gerstner, 19, Syracuse, $51.50 No valid fuel tax permit — Harley W. Smucker, 38, Milford, dismissed Improper passing — Jess A. Howey, 21, Milford, $36 Superior Court The following petitions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court, Judge Robert Burner presiding Complaint Springfield Steaks, Inc. versus Christina Van Ness, Blacks Ranch Trailer Park, North Webster. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendant in the amount of $1,885.25 plus all costs of action, for monies removed by the defendant from a safe while employed by plaintiff on Sept. 13,1986 Small Claims The following judgments have been awarded in Small Claim Division, Kosciusko County

Court, Judge James Jarrette presiding: North Webster Marine, Inc. versus Sonny Plotkus; defendant ordered to pay $1,081.19 plus costs. Collection Bureau of Warsaw versus Bob A. Bartley; defendant ordered to pay $125.30 plus costs. Walter L. King, 111, doing business as AAA Home Improvements, versus Gast Fuel and Service-, defendant ordered to pay $450 plus costs. Len R. Breidert versus David Lee Marshall; defendant ordered to pay $28.40 plus costs. Rockhill. Pinnick, Pequignot. Helm, and Landis versus Donald and Ron Hobbs; defendants ordered to pay $229.55 plus costs. Cheryl Brunjes versus Theresa Fenimore; defendant ordered to pay $72.50 plus cdsts. Roberta E. Rose, M.D. versus Steven Heckaman; defendant ordered to pay $336 plus costs. John P. Geberin versus Thomas and Christina Van Ness; defendants ordered to pay $650 plus costs. Donald and Judy Sparks versus Charles Szala; defendant ordered to pay $325.24 plus costs. Debra Michael versus Charles L Tucker; defendant ordered to pay $64.93 plus costs. RYKS, Nancy Jo Smith, agent, versus CMS Company, Inc., Richard Calhan, agent; defendant ordered to pay $327.63 plus costs. Charles L. Stone versus Randy Ogiesbee; defendant ordered to pay $648 plus costs. Collection Bureau of Warsaw versus Michael Reese; defendant ordered to pay $27.34 plus costs. Mavron, Inc. versus Keith Cales; defendant ordered to pay $603.34 plus costs. RYKS, Nancy Jo Smith, agent, versus FM Lock & Key, Mark Fuller, agent; defendant ordered to pay $256.65 plus costs. Betty J. Smith versus Phillip Walker, doing business as Creative Productions, Publications Division; defendant ordered to pay $579.33 plus costs. Mary Ellen Katte versus Don Copien, also known as Donald K. Coplen; defendant ordered to pay $1,181.81 plus costs. Lavendar Law Offices versus Rick Owens; defendant ordered to pay SSO plus costs. Lavendar Law Offices versus Roger Gregg; defendant ordered to pay s2ll plus costs. Roger J Gregg versus Troy Giant; defendant ordered to pay $1,372 plus costs. Robert W. Reneker has received judgments against the following persons: Annette Blosser, $1,104.35; Tammy R. May, $2,226.71; Martin Hernandez, $826.54; Michael D. Walters, $964. Morris Folk, doing busines as Snap-On-Tools, versus Dennis Kuhl; defendant ordered to pay $595 plus costs. Karen L. Hummel versus Terry Yeiter; defendant ordered to pay $38.02 plus costs. Karen L. Hummel versus Leola Raphael; defendant ordered to pay $27.16 plus costs. Rob'-rta E. Rose, M.D., Inc. versus Frank Zinn; defendant ordered to pay $239 plus costs. Ed’s Foreign Car Repair versus Tim Garris; defendant ordered to pay $202.20 plus costs. Floraflax International Inc. versus Steve and Sue Ward, doing business as Sue’s Creations; defendants ordered to pay $3,000. Balanced diet is best Try to include some of the high fiber foods such as found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and legumes in your diet each day. A balanced diet is best. THE MAIL-JOURNAL MU.S.P.S. 3258 4000) Published by the Mail Journal every Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Otfice at Syracuse, Indiana 46567. 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 «=

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE"

, IT’S NOT at all too early to tout the Syracuse Sesquicentennial Schedule of Events; which should absorb most all fazes of localinterest from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 12. The sesquicentennial committee has worked hard at putting together a package that is bound not to be duplicated for another 150 years — when our greatgrandchildren will be in charge of any such local celebration! Hats off to this committee, and hats off to those who put together the mayor’s race, that found Syracuse native Ernie Rogers easily walking off with the title of Syracuse's one and only honorary mayor. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. In this issue of The Mail-Journal you’ll find a 48-page. two-section tabloid highlighting the week's events, with a Schedule of Events on Page 2. We urge you to give this supplement your attention; it's a piece or a momento you'll probably want to keep around for years to come. While there was all kinds of help on preparing the special interest items in the special section, one stands out: Jack Elam. While not exactly a native, Jack has had a special interest in the community's history. His work has been thorough, well done, and obviously consumed a lot of time and research. We've attempted to give all contributors a by-line for their efforts. We can’t help paying tribute to the host of advertisers who supported this special section, and who have put their time and money on the line to make this once-in-a-lifetime event possible and important. The kick-off comes with the Lions Club fish fry at Crosson Park from 4:30 to 7:30 p m. Friday. July 3, with a ribbon-cutting in the park at 6 pm. Fifty-odd people have been invited, including: the sesquicentennial executive committee. town board and department heads, chamber of commerce directors, county Commissioners. "Mayor” Ernie R.. Gov. Robert I). Orr, Lt. Gov. John M. Mutz. U.S. Senators Dick Lugar and Danforth Quayle. Second District Congressman John Hiler, State Senator John B. Augsburger, State Representative Thames Mauzy. Also, Mrs. John (Donna) Gosey of Goshen, a direct descendant of Samuel’Crosson, one of the town’s founders, and Mrs. John (Naomi) McFarland, who write the song "Syracuse. ” The committee hopes to get her to sing the song. The next day, the 4th. is the M-J Road Run at Lakeside Park at 8:30 a.m.. the Flotilla bike race at 10 a.m.. and the Big Bang Boom on Lake Wawasee at 10 p.m. ■ . o Sunday, July 5. at 8:30 a m. an old-fashioned Revival Service will be held at Oakwood park by the S-W Ministerial Association. At 1 p.m. Sunday the big parade will start at the Village, go to the uptown stoplight and end up at the high school. Deb Patterson, who has put in an untold amount of time on scheduling the various events, said over 100 entries have been logged so far. She has lined up Dan Caskey and Dan Hart to MC the parade from a stand at Crosson Park, with Chris Roberts MC for the Queen Pageant at the high school at 7 p.m. Tuesday. July 7. Wednesday. July 9, a luncheon from 12 to 2 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, and at 8 that night an old-fashioned band concert at lakeside Park by a Fort Wayne; area band. Friday, July 10, will feature an art show at the Lakeland Youth Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a band concert at Smith-Walbridge Camp at 2:30 p.m. You won't want to miss the auction at 5 p.m. Friday at the Youth Center which will include paintings of the late Ken Harkless. t The Enchanted Hills Playhouse Guild will host the Sesquicentennial Ball at the American Legion hall from 9 p.m. till 12 a.m. On Saturday, July 11, firemen will sponsor a 11 a.m. pork chop BBQ at the fire station, with an Indiana Mini-Grand Prix Championship at Lakeside Park at 1 p.m. A National Guard Band Concert at the park at 3 p.m. This is only a highlight of the week’s events, and we would urge our readers to consult the entire schedule for further details.

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CUB SCOUTS INVOLVED — A large group of Syracuse Cub Scouts, ages 7to 10* 2 . got into the act Saturday morning of tidying up the business district for sesquicentennial week. They were working under the guidance of the Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club as part of the United Telephone Company’s Clean-Up Day. After the clean-up work, they painted the town’s trash barrels.

One can be sure, however, that there's something for everyone. Syracuse can be genuinely proud of the spirit of togetherness displayed during events leading up to this 150th year celebration. It’s a spirit the community should keep alive the entire year — and beyond! APPROPRIATELY TIMED is the issuance of the 1987 Wawasee Directory that is being issued free of charge to members of the Wawasee Property Owners’ Association. At 94 pages, cover included, it is easily the largest and most comprehensive directory ever issued by the association’s directors. It contains a 32-page supplement with its 64 old time photos depicting the Syracuse community’s history over much of its 150 years’ existence. The piece should prove to be a collector’s item. One page in the forefront is a reproduction of covers of eight previous directories: 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986. Looking at these covers alone tells quite a story. Much credit for this 1987 Wawasee Directory goes to Wiley W. (“Bill”) Spurgeon, Jr., president of the WPOA, and to Jack DeHalven, its vice president, and to Robert Hampton, secretarytreasurer and executive director. Serving with the above are Charles Beck, Richard Boerger, Cynthia Brumbaugh, David Culp, Harold Goebel, David Grandstaff, L.G. Hayner, Jane Irmscher, Robert King. V. Logan Love and Robert Myers. It was Spurgeon, however, who pulled together the special section of old photos and who wrote the copy to go along with each photo. A LITTLE aside is the fact that the abovementioned directory contains 1,500 addresses of Lake Wawasee residents, and besides going free of charge to its membership, which range somewhere between 700 and 800, it goes to residents of condos and many who live on channels funneling into the Big Lake. Another aside is the fact that John Quatman, when out distributing the directories, was chased and bitten by a dog. Asked if the dog was one of the vicious pit bulls, John said, “No, but it might just as well have been." THERE’S A "mystery sign” in the Village. Particulars are not all known as yet, but the truth will out on July 3rd, so we’ve been informed. The sign was originally a 35 MPH road sign for motorists approaching the town. It has been covered up recently, so we’re urging readers to keep an eye on the sign as a clue to a forthcoming event. —o— A NUMBER of local residents have gotten into the act of decorating their homes with bunting, in keeping with the business houses that have been similarly decorated. One home is that of Lois Schleeter, on South Huntington Street. Lois is a Syracuse promoter without parallel, so it's little wonder that she’d get into the sesquicentennial spirit. KAY HARE is proud of her large photo album, of pictures she took on a recent trip to Japan, China, Korea and Hong Kong. It includes many color photos she took on the trip she made with her mother. Joan Spurgeon, of Muncie and Lake Wawasee, and of unusual picture postal cards. Kay and her mother left the area on April 17 and returned home May 9. (Note: Kay is busy' making plans for her wedding this weekend to Jim Young of Goshen.) JUDY WARNER, administrator for the newly opened Miller Merry Manor nursing home in Syracuse, said they were pleased that they have five residents so early after their opening. The 66-bed facility opened June 5. Judy was administrator of the Wakarusa Miller Merry Manor prior to coming to Syracuse. She is a former Pierceton resident. STAN INSLEY, who resides at the corner of Carroll Street and Dolan Drive, reports that a balloon landed in their yard on June 5, at 3:50 (Continued on page 5)