The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 26, Milford, Kosciusko County, 12 August 1987 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., August 12,1987

Editorial

Now it's up to the school board The ball is now in the school board’s court. The decision of how to handle junior high school education in the Wawasee School Corporation for generations to come must weigh heavily on the minds of the five-member school board. These elected officials cannot escape a final, irrevocable decision. Perhaps no school board has been called upon during the brief years that we have been a three-community school corporation to face such a weighty decision. And it comes at a time when the board is faced with litigation over the dismissal of its previous superintendent, Dr. Kenneth Webster. Coming at the same time must make this decision-making period particularly vexing. The hearing for a summary judgment will be held on August 27 in Elkhart County Court. But. . . decide the school board members must, and they have given themselves until August 27 to announce their decision. All board members stated they have made no commitment on this most far-reaching decision. In the words of one, “I’m absolutely uncommitted at this time, and want to hear both sides out.” This “hearing-out” time came last night (Tuesday) when the devisive issue was aired. The pros and cons of how to handle junior high education in our corporation — what is best for the kids educationally — got a thorough airing from proponents of Dr. Roger Thornton’s two-school plan, and from those who favor keeping sixth, seventh and eighth graders in each of their three local communities — as their education is now handled. None of the other three options was given serious consideration. The importance of this ongoing debate was of sufficient significance to bring out a crowd that filled more than half of the 700-seat high school auditorium. And by no means was this crowd one-sided. There were plenty of proponents on hand for each argument, thus making the school board’s decision more difficult. After routine business was dispensed with, the board called on Connie Smith of Milford, who is co-chairman of the Citizens for Quality Education, for her remarks. CQE strongly favors keeping local autonomy, keeping the junior high schools in their separate communities. Mrs. Smith deferred to Syracuse attorney Steven Snyder, who spoke eloquently in CQE’s behalf. Among his ringing arguments, aside from the fact that small community environmental settings is the best way to reach the young minds we’re talking about, was, “If we take the schools out of the community, we’ll eliminate 75 percent of the spirit of community because 75 percent of the students’ time is spent at school locations during the school year;” Factual reports were presented on Characteristics of the Middle School Age Child, “STEPS” to consider, School survey which included leveling and enrollments, area plan commission report, student/teacher ratio and cost per student, letters from local persons, organizations and officials and petitions with over 950 signatures from area residents. He cited authorities who decry “bigness” as the best means of educating students, adding, “For every such opinion, there is another opposite opinion.” Dr. Thornton’s thrust for his new two-school countryside plan was well orchestrated. He had his proponents lined up like ducks in a row. After he spoke from a typed, red, loose-leaf notebook, attacking projected cost figures, he was followed by assistant superintendent for curriculum Dr. Howard Hull, also reading from a prepared text and giving the audience an Aesop fable to illustrate a point that appeared lost on tfneaudience. He was followed by business manager Roger Kryder — also reading from a notebook — as board members followed along with their copy. Teacher Larry Pletcher, Syracuse SAC members Rev. Mike Johnson, Carolyn Anderson and Courtney Blue spoke for two new schools. The Syracuse SAC members appeared to have brought their own cheering section along, for each speaker was followed by vigorous applause. Mike Umbaugh, Lake Wawasee, Milford motor home manufacturer, said he is co-chairman of a newly appointed Wawasee Property Owners’ Association committee to study the several school plans, and asked for additional time for their study. His petition was denied. Board President Bill Little pointed out that one delay had already been given, and that this was sufficient in the opinion of his caucused board. As the Tuesday night deadline to present arguments neared, it became increasingly apparent that Dr. Thornton did his homework well, and worked his considerable charm on the North Webster SAC members as well as others in that community. Lynn Griffith spoke in behalf of the North Webster SAC committee and said it supported Dr. Thornton’s plan. No such persuasive spade work was done in the Milford community. Meanwhile, the arguments for keeping three community schools intact were presented to the individual board members, Dr. Thornton and the press. Included in their file were letters from such prestigious industrialists as Dick Rice, manager of the big .Dana Corp, plant in Syracuse, which spoke to their competitive position in the world market; and from area farmers, Dean Cousins and Leon Tucker; businesses, Bruce’s Marathon, Denny’s 66, Milford Motors, Walter Drugs, Lehman’s Laundromat, Dave and Bobi Doll, John C. Weiss (Big Boulder Golf Course) and The Papers Incorporated; the Milford Firemen’s Organization and Northern District Commissioner Maurice Beer ; Rev. Rex Lindemood of North Webster, Rev. Paul Tinkel of Milford; Joe Todd, Syracuse Realtor; and Rich Stoller, Syracuse Builder. The Mail-Journal has not been bashful in presenting its opinion in this matter in this space over the past three weeks. We have decried what we called a “curtain of silence” among school personnel and this curtain continues to exist. There are teachers and administrators who will voice their opinions sotto voce

— but “not for attribution.” This has to tell one something. We have also called the two-school plan “expensive, unwise,” stating each new school would cost over $lO million. Dr. Thornton says this figure is unrealistic. But, really now, no one can state these costs for sure — Dr. Thornton nor us — until the plans for such schools are laid before bidders. We’d fike to bet Dr. Thornton a small wager that we’re nearer the mark than he is. And all this in face of board litigation and an increase in its current advertised budget of over $1 million. Is spending more money on bricks and mortar the solution to our problem? We think not. And we’ve said so loud and clear. In case you haven’t been listening, here it is again: We favor keeping the very fine, six-year-old Milford Junior High School, build a new Syracuse Junior High School on ground the corporation now owns, and bring Syracuse students back home from North Webster. And when the time is propitious rebuild the North Webster school in that community, or build them a new school. This appears the sensible plan. It appears a plan to best educate our 11-, 12-, 13- and 14-year-old youngsters in their home communities at the least cost. If we are indeed flush with money, as Dr. Thornton contends, let’s put it into first-rate teaching personnel. There is where it will do the most good. We rest our case. —A.E.B.

Court news

City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Speeding — Kerry M. Murphy. 25, Syracuse, S6B; Harry A. Albright, 39, Syracuse, $63 Criminal conversion — Larry A. Rice, 19, Syracuse, $253, 180 days in jail suspended on condition defendant abide by all court orders and not commit a theft related offense for one year, make apology and show proof to court, pay fine and costs by July 24,1987 County Court The following persons have paid fines and costs in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrette presiding: Speeding — Paying SBO were: Robert E. Toupence, 52, Syracuse; Brian E. Rich, 26, Leesburg; Timothy Crabtree, 21, Milford. Paying S6B were: Todd A Stump, 18, Milford; Boyd Doll, 24, Leesburg; Ronald Ringle, 34, North Webster ; Paying $65 were: Paul A. Fulp, 40, Milford; Amy E. O’Shaughnessey, 17, Leesburg; Francisco Delafuente, 24, North Webster; Michael Sandifer, 36, Syracuse. Paying S6O were: Tammy M. Pauwels, 16, Syracuse; Carl H. Winnebald, 16, Leesburg; Lance Lantz, 18, Syracuse. Paying $53 were: Brent C. Weisenauer, 17, Syracuse; Richard E. Bellman, 16, Leesburg; Tyna A. Hunnicutt, 16, Syracuse; James Barker, 52, Syracuse. Also fined were: Rose M. Pamer, 24, Milfojd, S4B; Christine L. Leamon, 17, Syracuse, S7O. Operating watercraft without registration — Paying S6O were: Craig S. Neibert, 27, Leesburg; Jerry A. Hapner, 47, Syracuse. Disregarding stop sign — Paying S6O were: Barbara P. Medlock, 62, Syracuse; Joseph J. DeWitt, 22, Syracuse. Passing violation — Dave King, 17, Leesburg, $53; Nancy Meyer, 43, Leesburg, $65. Disregarding train signal — Andrew M. Wysong, 22, Syracuse, S6O. Unsafe start — William F. McMahan, North Webster, S6O. No operator’s license — James L. Zack, 34, Syracuse, $65. Disregarding automatic signal — Phillip A. Lund, 32, Syracuse, $53. False registration — Gaylord Sammons, North Webster, $65. No headlight — Jerry S. Slone, 19, Milford, S4B. Operating motor vehicle while intoxicated — Bethanie Walker, 22, Syracuse, $314, license probation 180 days, 6 days KCJ; Patrick J. Morr, 25, Leesburg, $453, license suspended one year, 240 days KCJ. Public intoxication — Mark J. Thorn, 28, Cromwell, SB9. Reckless driving — Scott L. Vanscoit, 15, Leesburg, $128; Randy A. Maggart, 17, North Webster, $96.50. County Court Goshen Division The following fines plus court costs have levied and paid in Elkhart County Court, Goshen Division: Driving while suspended — Joan R. Dickerson, 26, Syracuse,

SIOO plus costs with $75 suspended on the condition the defendant show proof by August 28, 1987, that the underlying ticket has been paid, driver’s license suspended 60 days Vehicle theh — David L. Diamond, 33, Milford, dismissed upon the motion of the deputy prosecuting attorney Superior Court The following petitions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court, Judge Robert Burner presiding: Complaint Upon Open Account Collection Bureau of Warsaw versus Timothy D. Collins and Geneva Collins, r 1 box 336, North Webster. The plaintiff is seeking judgment against the defendants for the sum of $2,799.35 plus all costs of action, for an account assigned for collection by Kosciusko Community Hospital. Small Claims The following judgments have been awarded in Small Claims Division, Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrette presiding: Robert Lashley, Jr. versus Thomas Feher, Jr.; defendant ordered to pay $2,234 plus costs. Richard A. Green versus Janet Sue Ream ; defendant ordered to pay $473.14 plus costs. Ted A. Rondeau versus James Black and Debra Black; defendants ordered to pay $405 plus costs. Lester R. Stanley versus Paul Irwin; defendant ordered to pay SBOO plus costs. Betty J. Smith versus Marianne Hatfield; defendant ordered to pay $2,450.29 plus costs. Suzuki of Virginia Beach, Inc. versus David A. Melton; defendant ordered to pay $2,413.39 plus costs. Jack Ward Imports, Inc. versus Jo Reed; defendant ordered to pay $1,040.34 plus costs. Robert W. Reneker versus Rick Coon and Rita Coon; defendants ordered to pay $125.87 plus costs. Robert W. Reneker versus Tim Kaufman; defendant ordered to pay $367.91 plus costs. Robert W. Reneker versus Charlie Felder; defendant ordered to pay $996.83 plus costs. Robert W. Reneker versus James A. Maxwell; defendant ordered to pay $1,797.63 plus costs. Gast Fuel and Service versus Stephen R. Senff; defendant ordered to pay $1,268.73 plus costs.

THE MAIL-JOURNAL (U.S.P.S. 3258-4000) Published by the Mail Journal every Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office 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 Mall Journal, P.O. Box IM, Milford, Indiana 46542

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE

THIS YEAR is what is known in government circles as a mid-term election year, when cities elect mayors and other city officials, and when small towns elect town boards and clerk-treasurers. With the election set for Tuesday, Nov. 3, Syracuse promises to enter the year 1988 with a new lineup of town officials. Jennifer Lewis, for example, Syracuse clerk-treasurer for the past four years, is declining to seek re-election. Asked why, she says she’s opting to “be a full time mother.” Her deputy, Darlene Hine, has expressed an interested in seeking that office. Sharon Batsela, a resident of 212 East Pearl Street, has also expressed an interest in running for clerk-treasurer. (Note: During the summer Ann Vitaniemi has been assisting in that office, but will be leaving soon to pursue studies in elementary education at Purdue University.) Another who is declining to seek re-election is Steve Butt, a member of the Syracuse Town Board from ward 3. Steve has been a diligent board member since January 1,1980. Asked why he is not going for it again, Steve says, “It’s time to let somebody else have some fun I ” Bill Hess, board member from ward 4, and Joe Morganthaler, the ward 5 board member, have expressed themselves as favoring seeking re-election. Board president James Hughes, of ward 1, and Carl Myrick, of ward 2, were elected to the board in the fall of 1986 and will have until the fall of 1990 to make up their minds if they want to seek re-election. A large number of cities and towns are having difficulty getting people to seek public office, as witness a story in this paper last week that Nappanee Mayor Robert Callander, the council members, city judge and clerk-treasurer will be without opposition in the fall election from either political party. —o— NEITHER SIDE in the tempestuous school issue — whether the Wawasee School Corporation should build two countryside junior high schools or make better utilization of their Milford and North Webster plant and build a new school for Syracuse — has given real consideration to what this could do to the industrial base of the area. This was vividly brought to light this week in a letter to school board president Bill Little by Dick Rice, general manager of the huge Dana Corp, plant at Syracuse. Dana employs over 500 people at Syracuse, with hourly rates ranging as high as $22, giving it an annual payroll of $lB to S2O million. Rice states Dana Corp, is building 30 to 40 new, modern and efficient plants in the Sunbelt, and when it no longer becomes economically profitable to do business here, it’s no big deal to transfer its business to one or more of these new, more efficient southern plants. Rice states his company is facing customers who continue driving prices of his product down, and on the other hand he is facing rising production costs. The cost of new schools here could make a big difference to those who call the final shots for Dana, Rice contends. Dana ranks among Kosciusko County’s top three employers, the other two being Zimmer Mfg. Co. and DePuys both of Warsaw. SIMILAR COMMENTS are heard from Paul Phillabaum. manager of Sea Nymph, Inc., of East Chicago Avenue, another major manufacturer and employer in the corporation. His boatbuilding firm faces similar cost-conscious customers on an international market. Phillabaum says he has been tracking plans of the school board in solving its middle school dilemma, with an eye on “how much will it cost us in additional taxes.” He said he, and Mike Umbaugh, owner/operator of Barth, Inc., at Milford, accompanied by Tom Tuttle, owner/operator of the South Shore Country Club, have met with School Superintendent Roger Thornton, and separately with school board president Bill Little to air their concerns over taxes. —o— ON FRIDAY night the annual Wawasee Property Owners’ Association dinner/meeting was held at the South Shore Pavilion at which proposed school building costs was a major topic of discussion. These people for the most part are residents of the area without children in the local school system, and are deeply concerned with school building costs. Bill Beemer, a WPOA member, who has taken an adamant stand against the superintend dent’s two-school plan, appeared to discuss a petition being circulated against what he termed an unduly costly middle school proposal. c? Appearing with Beemer were Connie Smith of Milford and Linda Eastman of North Webster, both of whom are spearheading a citizens’ protest movement within their respective communities. Beemer explained that the two proposed middle schools would cost an estimated $lO million plus, each, and with a 20-year payoff could run as much as $35 to $37 million for the taxpayers to shoulder. There appeared no shortage of signers on a petition Beemer offered, to be presented to the school board. It-was noted, also, that the six-year-old junior high school at Milford which would go half-used if the two-school plan goes through, didn’t cost $4.5 as stated in these columns on several occasions — but with the final pay-off, interest included, cost taxpayers $7.2 million!

THE 758-MEMBER WPOA has been an active force in keeping Lake Wawasee the beautiful lake it is today. Their report reveals WPOA had expenditures during the past year of $25,697.69 and ended the year — as of May 31, 1967 with $4,803.30 in the bank. President Bill Spurgeon conducted a lengthy business meeting, followed by a showing of historic Syracuse scenes by Syracuse native and local historian John Sudlow. SEEMED SLIGHTLY unusual at midmorning Saturday to see officer Bob Hauser, assisted by bearded “Butch” Plikerd, with coat hanger in hand, trying to enter a Lima, 0., 1977 Cadillac convertible (with 7,000 miles on its speedometer) in.front of Leisure Pools, Inc. LIZ WALTZ, the 21-year-old beauty who walked away with Mermaid Festival Queen honors at North Webster on June 27, repeated her feat at the Fort Wayne Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, July 26, when she was named “Miss Allen County Pageant.” She was competing with 11 other girls for the honor. She was sponsored by the North Webster Theta Sigma Chapter, Psi lota Xi Sorority, and received a crown, SIOO from Archway Cookies, a specially designed queen’s ring, plus many gifts and gift certificates.--. m Liz (real name Elizabeth Ann) is the daughter of Mary and Gilbert Waltz of r 1 Leesburg and is a 1984 graduate of Wawasee High School. She attended Indiana University for one year and now works for Associates Financial Services in Fort Wayne. She plans to enter the Miss Indiana State Fair beauty contest, the run-off and crowning to be televised on Sunday, August 16. LEWIS IMMEL, former school corporation superintendent and longtime member of the S/W Rotary Club, finds himself with another job — to take up some of the slack in his retirement years. Lew is now public relations man for the Rotary Club and they’ve furnished him with a Minolta camera to duly record the club’s activities on film. He’s learning to operate “that contraption,” but we’re betting he’ll make the club a first rate replacement for the late Joe Gray, who had that job for years. DICK AND Mary Prescott and 13-year-old son Mike, of 300 Front Street, were home Sunday from the ‘pleasure” trip of their lifetime. Dick, an American Airline pilot who is used to all sorts of thrills, got another when the trio joined a party of 17 on a seven-day pontoon trip down the Colorado River, from Lees Ferry, Ariz., to Pierce Ferry, Ariz. —a distance of 280 miles! The pontoon is about 30 feet long — and is replete with all sorts of “accommodations,” to hear Dick tell it — and took the group over all sorts of rough rapids. We’ve heard of people going to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, riding a mule, but not byway of a pontoon. Sounds like a real thriller! THE BURIAL on Sunday of the time capsule in the Syracuse Cemetery, in which was buried all sorts of memorabilia marking this community’s sesquicentennial, may have settled some questions, but it also raised a few. One question it brought to mind was: What on earth ever happened to the 1937 time capsule that marked the town’s 100th anniversary? It may surprise some, but no one seems to know. Jeanne Gardiner, State Bank of Syracuse’s marketing officer and a prime mover in this summer’s sesquicentennial celebration, confirms that no one is sure what happened to the 1937 time capsule. But most everyone is convinced there was such a capsule. Some think that capsule was buried in the cornerstone of the old uptown high school building; others say not, that the uptown school was built many years before 1937. Be that as it may, no one is sure where the 1937 capsule is. Mrs. Gardiner says most everyone was so tied up with making this year’s celebration a success that they overlooked the 1937 capsule. Seth Ward, the legendary Lake Wawasee attorney, bought the large concrete columns from the uptown school when it was razed, and used them to build his lake front “library”. Could it be that he took the cornerstone with him and it remains around his lake property? Ward is dead and his home is in other hands, but this possibility remains with us. It makes one think the whereabouts of the 1937 time capsule could turn into an ongoing saga — sort of a legend in itself. (Note: See story on the Sunday burial of the time capsule on page 1 under the byline of Deb Patterson.) NOW COMES “unbeliever” Ron Sharp, who states there never was a 1937 capsule in the first place. Ron is a true Syracuse native and should know what he’s talking about. He added, however, that the Syracuse Public Library has the cornerstone and capsule from the old uptown high school, which was built in 1908-1909 and razed in 1955. Librarian Rosalyn Jones is stumped as to the cornerstone and its contents, stating she cannot locate it in the library. This could develop into an ongoing story. Stay tuned. (Continued on page 5)