The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 25, Milford, Kosciusko County, 5 August 1987 — Page 5

Letters to the editor

List Indiana's smallest junior high schools Dear Editor: At the July school board meeting many people understood Dr. Thornton and Board Chairman Bill Little to say that our school corporation had 3 of the 6 smallest middle schools in Indiana. It was also reported that way in two area newspapers, r Evidently we misunderstood. What they were actually saying was that 132 of the 305 school corporations in Indiana report junior high grades as 6 thru 8. In this category the statement our school officials made is correct. More information is necessary to determine the actual figures. As far as I can find out, the state does not require the individual school corporations to use any “across the board” standards in reporting enrollment figures. In the “School Directory” (published by each school bujlding is listed. Some figures in this book are for grades K-8. Some figures are for grades 6 thru 8 and some only 7 and 8, etc. • ■ I Our school system evidently reports our junior high enrollment as if they were in separate buildings from the elementary grades. This does not bother me, even though dur junior high buildings are attached to the elementary buildings. Obviously every school system has grades 6 thru 8. From the directory I determined that there are at least 58 public schools in Indiana who have smaller 6 thru 8 grade enrollment than our smallest middle school. They are as follows: # OF COUNTY SCHOOL NAME GRADES IN SCHOOL STUDENTS Adams Gevena K-8 400 Davies Raglesville 1-8 106 Dearborn Dillsboro K-8 322 Dearborn Manchester K-8 344 Dearborn Moores Hill K-8" ‘ 373 Delaware Burris K-12 750 Dubois Pine Ridge K-8 259 Elkhart Wakarusa K-8 492 Franklin Mount Carmel K-8 464 Gibson Barton Twp. K-8 213 Gibson Francisco K-8 223 Gibson Oakland K-8 478 S. Gibson » Haubstadt K-8 232 S. Gibson Ft. Branch «. K-8 448 S. Gibson _ Owensville K-8 366 Grant Upland 5-8 221 Grant Van Buren K-8 358 Grant Summitville K-8 357 Green Switz K-12 331 Green L & M K-12 424 Harrison New Middletown K-8 213 Harrison Heth-Washington K-8 203 Huntington Salamonie K-8 506 Jackson Medora K-12 344 LaPorte Wanatah K-8 321 LaPorte LaCrosse 1-12 225 Madison Leach K-8 491 Madison Frankton K-8 493 Montgomery Coal Creek K-8 276 Montgomery Waynetown K-8 340 Montgomery Darlington K-8 307 Morgan Eminence K-12 447 Noble Avilla , K-8 536 Noble Rosedale K-12 377 Parke Bridgeton 1-8 208 Parke Montezeuma K-12 388 Parke Mecca K-8 130 Porter Morgan Twp. K-12 464 Porter Washington K-12 441 Posey New Harmany K-12 242 Rush Milroy K-8 297 Rush New Salem K-8 122 Rush '* Arlington K-8 200 St. Joseph North Liberty N-8 375 Sullivan Farmsburg K-8 276 Sullivan... Shelburn K-8 220 Sullivan Fairbanks K-8 126 Sullivan Hymera K-8 283 Sullivan Carlisle K-8 358 Union Union K-8 384 Vigo University N-9 320 Whitley Columbia Twp. K-8 388 Whitley Etna Troy K-8 179 Whitley Jefferson Center K-8 240 Whitley Thorncreek K-8 450 Whitley Union Twp. K-8 296 Whitley Washington K-8 171 White Tri County 6-12 434 1 think it is important that the public understand this because some people are concerned about the seemingly small size of our schools within the corporation. Intentional or not, the figures reported by Dr. Thornton and Mr. Little, even though they are not untrue, are misleading. Respectfully, Ronald D. Smith

In support of Dr. Thornton's proposal

Dear Editor: The recent negative media coverage of the middle school issue in the Wawasee Community School Corporation prompts us to write this letter. We would like to present a positive and supportive response to Dr. Thornton’s Middle School Proposal. Every intelligent projection, statistic, and factor points to the conclusion that the present middle school situation in our corporation cannot be allowed to continue. Syracuse and North Webster Middle Schools approach serious overcrowding. Curriculum, budget, and logistics problems make it unfeasible to continue with one middle school in each community, especially when one of them is of such disproportionately small size. By the same token, building one central middle school is unacceptable due to the many problems which would result from the large size of such a school. Dr. Thornton has presented the best option available to this school corporation for the education of its- middle school students. Equality of education for all students involved will be served best by this proposal. In addition, educational enhancements and opportunities for our students will be possible as a result of this proposal. These opportunities would not be available if we maintain the “status quo.” Some negative comments have been made regarding the additional cost of building these two middle schools. We strongly believe that the relatively minor additional cost is an extremely small price to pay for the better education of our children. Recent statistics cite Indiana public education as being among the lowest in overall quality in the nation, which prompts one to question what cost is “too much” to assure the positive educational future of our children. We believe improvement of this quality for our Corporation should start here, with the adoption of Dr. Thornton’s proposal. There has also bee some discussion regarding the specific location of these two proposed schools. It should be noted that, for consolidated school corpora-

tions approximating our size, it seems to be the rule more than the exception that middle schools are located between communities (in rural areas). In this respect, Dr. Thornton’s proposal hardly offers a frightening precedent. Finally, some concerns have been raised as to what townships these two schools will be located in. It is our strong opinion that township location should not be an issue, here. We all should

Other side of the story-

Dear Editor: After reading “Harass the Fishermen,” I feel I have to respond. I think it was very unfair and childish the way the bass fishermen were treated at Syracuse July 26, but I think there are a few things Mr. Wills is unaware of— and that’s the other side of the story. I live at the Kuhn Lake public boat ramp, and I can see why some people in Syracuse would be upset, but that doesn’t excuse bad manners. When there are bass tournaments, our weekends start out by being awakened from about 3:30 a.m. to about 5 a.m. It starts like this: They drive down the road with boats and trailers behind going "klunk klunk” as the boats bounce up and down on the trailers. Then you get slamming car doors and yelling back and forth. (We have counted over 30 fishermen at one time — Hi Joe, Hi Bill, etc.) Then move it to the left, mdve it to the right, a few obscenities and then pull it forward, then back it up again. We have yelled out and asked for peace and quiet, but they are talking so loudly we can’t be heard. Next, the boats are in the water — all with motors running. I guess it’s too early to start, so they pull the boats up on private property, which doesn’t have a seawall (but who cares about erosion?), stand on our property and continue their loud conversations. It might be about 4:30 a.m. now. Then it’s man your boats and gun the motors some more and some more. One by one, they go out into Kuhn Lake and wait. All of a sudden they’re off, not at

remember that this is a consolidated j school r corporation, dedicated to offering an equal education to all students within its boundaries. To draw community lines in this, or any educational issue, is to defeat the purpose of the consolidation. We thus urge the School Board of Trustees to support and approve Dr. Thornton's proposal. Sincerely, Ed and Sally Sorenson

10 miles an hour that restrictions on Kuhn Lake call for, but first like the guys on TV — wide open. A few hours later, it comes time for the weigh-in — boats and cars and trailers all over the place which is fine. Now here come the wives and kids, and it’s party time. Set up the tables, grills, lawn chairs and drop the tail gates. Chow’s ready — come and get it, guys. (I have pictures of this.) While taking their gear from boats to cars, etc., they block the roads and our driveways. After they leave, we get to clean up their pop cans, beer cans, papers, etc., but I’m sure the fishermen had a very nice day. Mr. Wills can understand the frustration and congestion, but says we’re taking it out on the wrong people; I doubt that. Granted, you purchase fishing licenses and boat registrations and have a right to use the public water ways, but I ask you, where are our rights? You think you were treated badly and I agree, but we are being abused by the bass fishermen. We re, just the poor folks over here on Kuhn Lake who didn’t even get a chance to remonstrate against the public access ramp. We don’t harass the fishermen, but in turn, you, don’t respect us or our property. You say you want a ramp on Wawasee. Well, maybe these are some of the reasons why the property owners over there don’t want one. Mr. Wills, if you read this, maybe you can pass it on to your fellow anglers and remember, respect works two ways. P. A.Johnson

p=* —» » ~ Sesquicentennial Memories ■■ i • vy* •, . ■ w-' W"- ' 1 -O' ■ J Hr XJr k w i i- . JI LwP w 1 1951 was 50th Anniversary of Wednesday Afternoon Club

[ The Wednesday Afternoon Club celebrated its Golden Anniversary in September 1951 with a buffet luncheon at the Johnson Hotel. Among the guests present was Mrs. Joe Miller an active charter member who reminisced about the early years of the club. During the luncheon Mrs. Fred Clark sang an an- ’ niversary parody written by Mrs. E. L. Fosbrink. The club was started on September 19. 1900. by six Syracuse ladies, feeling the ened of both mental and social contact, met to organize a literary club, the , first organization of its kind in Syracuse. The charter members were: Mrs. D. S. Coontz, Mrs. Joe Miller. Mrs. Estich, Mrs. A. A. Norris, Mrs. Charles Knorr and Mrs. Joe Dolan. The Wednesday Afternoon Club was an independent club, generally study- > ing literature, history, current events and music until 1934 when it joined the Federation. In 1983 the club members voted to withdraw from the federation so it is now an independent club again. There are presently 20 active members, seven associate members and two Honorary Members: Ruth Rapp and Lucy

Letters to the editor We welcome readers’ letters. Our requirements are as follows. Letters must be written to the editor, not the public. Thby must be signed with a full name in ink. However, upon request we will withhold the name from print. Letters must include an address which will be used for verification, but will not be published. We ask that letters be limited to 400 words. Letters longer than 400 words may be edited for brevity. Writers may be limited to one published letter < ( per month. Readers with lengthy comments should contact editors about possible guest columns. Send letters to: The Mail-Journal, P.O. Box 188, Milford, Ind. 46542.

It must not happen Dear Editor: Your headline news regarding the possible cessation of the EMTs in Milford was very distressing news. The importance of their presence in our community is so great that it must not happen. I can not commend them enough for the work they have done unselfishly for the good of this community. There must be some way that some of our citizens could be encouraged to take the training and join them. I want to be part of whatever it takes to help so that our very important EMTs do not disappear. It could be any of us who needs them for a sudden illness or accident. In addition, they do some needed transporting to a number of institutions whenever they are called. Would some wise citizens help in organizing some program so that we can have enough of these very important people? I want to help.! Sincerely, Floyd L. Rheinheimer, MD Col. North deserves medal Dear Editor: Thomas Jefferson said, “A strick observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the highest virtues of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. The laws of necessity, of self preservation, of saving our country when in danger are of higher obligation.' ’ I believe that Col. North deserves a medal of honor. If you agree, express yourself to your congressmen in no uncertain tones. RuthClindaniel

Overstepped journalistic bounds Dear Editor: It appears that you have overstepped your journalistic bounds in your last two editorials. Yes, the position of newspaper editor does give you the right to freely express your opinion on an editorial page. However, when this opinion is so pointedly for or against a controversial local issue such as the new middle school proposal, your responsibilities as editor seem to have been abandoned in favor of community political grandstanding. The purpose of a local paper is to inform the readers in an unbiased manner, not to incite them to the action you feel is appropriate. Please, Mr. Baumgartner, in the future present both sides of an issue, and give your readers some credit for being able to digest the waried information and proceed from there. Nancy Logan Syracuse

ral Im By JULIE BOWER Q — It seem* like I pay a lot into Social Security every year. The amount keeps going up. Will

Miles. ; This photo, loaned to us by Mrs. E. L. Fosbrink, was taken during the 50th anniversary and shows those members who were present. All members have been identified and are: Seated in front are Mrs. Arnold (Birdella) Pfingst, Mrs. Stephen « (Josephine) Freeman, Mrs. Will (Eva) Gants, Mrs. J. H. (Adah) Miller, Mrs. Warren T. (Elnora) Colwell, Mrs. Lulu Seider Francis, Mrs. Russell (Grace) Fenstermacher, Mrs. Sol (Georgia) Miller, and Mrs. Clifford R. (Mary) Hoy. . Standing in back are Mrs. James B. (Nora) Kirkwood, Mrs. E. L. (Mary Lib) Fosbrink, Mrs. L. (Ethel) Lougheed, Mrs. Wales (Grace) Macy, Mrs. Effie Emerson, Mrs. O. C. (Esther) Stoelting, Mrs. Melville (Dorothy) Smith, Mrs. Fred (Alice) Clark, Mrs. Grover Smith. Mrs. Vern (Thelma) Brinkman, j (Mrs. Sidney (Maude) Hooper is hidden) Mrs. Ralph W. (Marjorie) Thornburg, Mrs. Paul O. (Clara) Warner, Mrs. Robert (Lucille) Searfoss, Priscilla J. Rhode, Mrs. Clifford (Martha) Kinder, and Mrs. Horace (Dorothy) Gottschalk

Dedicated People Dear Editor: I wish to express my appreciation to the dedicated people of our community, who give their time and talents, in the services of the EMS, Firemen, Sheriff’s department and all others. I especially wish to thank the North Webster EMS, the North Webster Firemen, the Warsaw EMT, and the Sheriff’s department for the quick response to our call for help on the night of the terrible accident in our front yard. Their care, concern and efficiency was very evident that night. We usually do not appreciate all the things these people do until we are in need ourselves. So tof each and every one I say "Thank You” very much! A gratefulcitizen, .. Sara Rhodes Stop Bork proceedings Dear Editor: Remember: Bork led Nixon’s Saturday night massacre at the Justice Department to fire the special prosecutor investigating Nixon’s crimes! Bork cannot be objective about Reagan's corruption and crimes. Bork will wipe out our personal rights and freedoms of speech, assembly and religion! We will then have no privacy or legal resource. Write your senators soon. They have the right and duty to clear all charges of misconduct in office before any hearings on nominations for the Supreme Court. We dare not permit the Reagan-Meese-North-Bork team to ruin our freedoms and civilization to plunge US into a secret “holy-for-the-rich” war anywhere! A Syracuse resident

I ever get it all back? A — Yes. People normally get back all they’ve paid in plus a substantial amount more. The projections into the 21st century show a continued full return on your contributions. Q — What determine* how much Social Security I’ll receive at retirement? A— Your date of birth determines how many years we need to use in figuring your benefit and your average earnings over your working lifetime. For example, if you turn 62 this year, we will use your 31 highest years of earnings to figure your payment.

Wed., August 5,1987 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL

Dr. Webster suit to be heard in Elkhart court

(Continued from page 1) dants taken on September 26, determining his contract void, to be null and void as violative of Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-5 (notice of meetings not property given). Declaring the action of the defendants taken on September 26, to be null and void as violative of plaintiff’s right of due process as set forth in I.C. 20-6.1-4-1 et seq. (right to due process and opportunity to request a hearing after receipt of notice of termination). Declaring his contract dated June 13,1986, to be valid and bin-

11 l&k. 1 w wOnr ICE CREAM CAKES COME TO DQ — Dairy Queen’s first special order ice cream cake was presented to Adam Thwaits on his seventh birthday by Syracuse Dairy Queen's decorator, Tonda Hewitt. The new line of ice cream cakes is something new that has been added to the menu at the Syracuse Dairy Queen. The cakes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The ingredients for the cakes are vanilla and chocolate ice cream, fudge and cake crunch. The log rolls come in two varieties. One consists of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, fudge and cake crunch. The second variety is much the same but cherries are used in place of the fudge. The logs can also be coated with chopped nuts. The cakes can be purchased with or without decoration*. Custom designing can be put onto the cake. Ready-made cakes are already on display at the Syracuse DQ, both decorated and undecorated. Personalization is available. (Photo by Dennis Jones)

Well defined Some folks are like blisters — they don’t show up until the work is done. — Tribune, Chicago Can't be The trouble with being a leader to day is that you can’t be sure the people are following or chasing you. — Gosport.

ding' Declaring him to have been validly licensed by the state to serve the school as a superintendent from July 31, 1985, through the date of hearing and thereafter as provided by the current licenses. Declaring the plaintiff’s contract to have been breached by the defendants on September 26. The remainder of the suit calls for such other remedies, equitable and legal, to which the court would determine plaintiff is entitled after hearing and for all other relief just and proper.

► IF YOU WANT TO RETAIN < ► HOMETOWN MIDDLE SCHOOLS < ► ATTEND ! ► SCHOOL BOARD MEETING * ► TUESDAY, AUG. 11,1»B7< ► 7:00 P.M. < t Sova our kid*, commun- ( ► itio* and toxa*. < ► Sign o patltlon bafora you 4 ’ go. Coll 658-4235 oftar 7:00 pm. 4 it you hava not hod accost to 'jopatition <

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