The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 27, Milford, Kosciusko County, 19 August 1987 — Page 1

Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 26

Wawasee Property Owners' Assn, hearing —

Expanded to airing divergent views on middle schools' future

(By MARK WEINSTEIN Staff Writer A third middle school proposal was presented to the Wawasee Community School Board by the Wawasee Lake Property Owners’ Association. The proposal was given during a special meeting held Tuesday evening in the Wawasee High School auditorium. Mike Umbaugh, presenting the lake owners’ view, recommended the building of a new middle

One month remaining to register to vote Nov. 3

| Bv CARLA GAFF Staff Writer If you’re a procrastinator and have continuously put off registering to vote for this year’s November elections, the time is now at hand. Anyone wishing to vote in the Syracuse, Milford or North Webster area may register on the local level through Sept. 19 only. Persons from Syracuse may register at the assessor’s office five days a week from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. North Webster residents can register at the clerk’s office from 8 a m. to 4 p.m. Monday through

Overwhelming turnout for Milford EMS meeting

(By RICH RHODES Milford EMT The Monday night meeting of the Milford EMS brought great and welcomed surprise for all EMS crew members in attendance. There were 45 people who came to hear the presentation by Jeff Conney, EMS coordinator, and Pat Gaume, EMS classroom instructor and emergency room worker, both from Goshen Hospital. Among those present ’were 13 Milford EMS technicians

Troy Watson shows up on cover PARADE magazine as SEAL elite Edie Watson of Syracuse could be reconnaissance The PARADE article states fnrffiven if she didn’t recognize her are amon ß mo6t ferocious fighting lorgiven u sue uiont recognize ner men the United States can deploy on the water or son - along enemy coastlines.” Troy Watson appeared in full combat Captain Theodore E. Grabowsky, a topuniform, kneeling in mud and grime, along with ranking SEAL commander states, “You can be six other SEAL members on the front cover of sure that if the marines go in for a landing, the PARADE magazine tbit appeared in the Sunday SEALS were there first.” They are trained to issue of newspapers across the nation blow up ships, harbors, dams, bridges and power Troy was even (indistinguishable to iris stations, and to cut rail and supply lines Syracuse mother, and it wasn’t until she receiv- For six months, trainees drill endlessly, day ed a phone call from her son from San Diego and night. Five-mile swims against Pacific Monday night, that sent her scurrying for the Ocean currents, 14-mile overland runs and magazine fe, mountain-climbing exercises — often in full comThe single Mack and white photo of Troy bat gear—are routine. "walking” across a demolition pit, via a In 25 weeks, trainees learn how to sink a suspended rope, was more recognizable, Ms ship, kill a sentry and abduct someone. They go mother allowed. through the U.S. Army parachute jump school at IBs UK Navy SEAL unit was one of a group Fort Benning, Ga. These men aren’t necessarily of 1,500 who carry out military missions of the Rambo-types, but are chosen for their cooUnitMi Sfatre umter water on beaches and Into fidenceintheirabilitytoachieve.plusatremenharbors in enemy territory. dous determination to excel. Troy told Ms mother SO members par- The SEAL force was created in January 1962 ticipated in "Hell Week.” When the PARADE by President Kennedy. They were among the pnotos were taken and 72 failed to make the U.S. forces used in the Cuban Missile Crisis and grade. Troy was elated to be one of the eight win in the Dominican Republic in 1965, and they did make it played an important part in the Vietnam con A Wawasee Student Troy was on Wawasee’s baseball team, was TToy Watson went through Ms junior years No. 1 player in singles tennis at Wawasee and at Wawasee High School, taking Ms senior year Goshen. He has always been a gogetter, states at Goshen High School so he could take that his mother. school’s marine biology course. He graduated in Mrs. Watson founded SMpShape Health Chib 1986. inWawaseeVUlage,andisnowacomputerconHe joined the Navy July 1966 to be a medical suitant for Venture Engineering on West corpsman in the Navy. He is now active in the Brooklyn Street in Syracuse. His father, Ken Navy’s SEAL (acronym for Sea Air Land) team, Watson, of Fort Wayne, to chief juvenile probe stationed at Coronado Island, near San Diego, tion officer for Allen County. Calif. Troy plans to return to Syracuse Saturday SEALS are scuba-suited, hit-and-run raiders fora 15-day leave from Ms strenuous assignment trained for infiltration, demolition, sabotage and nearSanDiego.

i4C ‘ NORTH SENATE AVE f

school between Syracuse and North Webster. The school would combine students from both communities. “In looking at the facts,” said Umbaugh, “we found, primarily, that Dr. Thornton’s views were very sound. The Citizen’s for Quality Education proposal is sound. Still, Umbaugh felt his presentation wasn’t without flaws. “We do not want to say our proposal is perfect,” said Umbaugh, “but we believe it solves more problems than any of the other proposals.” Included in the proposal were

Thursday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday. Milford residents may register at the town hall five days a week from 9 a m. to 5 p.m. However, Milford residents are advised to call 658-4519 in order to assure that someone will be present to register them. For anyone who procrastinates one day too long, there’s still hope, as voters are to be able to register in the county justice building through Oct. 5. Deputy clerk Lilia Christner pointed out that the county clerk’s office is open on Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Friday 8 a.m. through 6 p.m. She also explained that persons

and drivers and two doctors, Dr. Floyd Rheinheimer and Dr. Douglas Strycker, who showed their support. Cooney covered such topics as what exactly is an EMT, what are the responsibilities of an EMT and explained an overall view of the emergency medical service. Mrs. Gaume then informed those present what the classroom situation would be like. She also passed around the text book that her class would be using. As instructor of the class, Mrs. Gaume went over what the new EMTs would be studying and some of the requirements to pass the class. She

Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) and THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19,1987 —

P** See editorial — “Three schools still make sense” — on Page 4. four guidelines on how the plan would work. The first two guidelines involve enrollment. The organization wants the new school built for 600 students, then expanded when enrollments reach 800. Presently there are 507 middle school students in North Webster and Syracuse. Thirdly, Umbaugh suggested a study be performed between the second and fourth year of the

need not take anything with them to register and really don’t even need to know which township they live in or where they normally vote. . *■ “We have maps and they can just point out to us where they live, and we’ll let them know what precinct they’ll be voting in,” commented Christner. She also stated that persons don’t necessarily need to know if they plan to vote on the Democratic or Republican ticket, but that they must come in and personally fill out the form. Rules for registering to vote are relatively simple but must be obeyed by all, as there are no exceptions. To begin with a person

relayed also that 97 percent of the people pass After Mrs. Gaume’s presentation, a question session was held. After about 45 minutes of questions and answers, the meeting adjourned. EMS members were on hand after the meeting to answer all additional questions. Fourteen Signed Up .« There was a total of 14 people who signed up before they left and there were quite a few others who are still thinking about it. Mrs. Gaume stated that if one more person would have signed up to make it 15, that Milford could have had a class of its own

school structure. The study would give administration a better understanding of population growth. Finally, the allowance of student transfers between the North Webster-Syracuse School and Milford School. “We propose that you consider our alternative,” said Umbaugh. “This might satisfy the majority of residents in all three communities.” Thornton agreed with Umbaugh, that it could satisfy the majority of residents in the three communities. However, the superintendent questioned the

must be at least 18 years of age before Nov. 3, and must live in a specific precinct 30 days prior to the election. Additionally, voters must be American citizens or be naturalized, and cannot be registered in another county. Anyone who has been registered but hasn't voted for more than two years will be purged. This is to say, they will receive a notice in the mail which will instruct them to re-register. They will not be required to pay a fee or any other such thing, though their name will be removed from the register until they have been registered again.

with just Milford residents. It was also reported that Milford Area Development (MAD) will underwrite anyone with financial difficulty who wants to take the class. The class itself, which will be held at Goshen Hospital, is $155 per person, but the person taking this class gets all their money back. At the completion of the class, the EMT will get back $75 and at the end of one year of service with Milford, this individual will get the rest of his/her $155 back. So remember. MAD will pay for anyone's class with financial difficulty. Then after the individual has completed one year with Milford, the Milford EMS will reimburse the MAD organization. It was also reported by Donald Boggs, Plain Township trustee, that anyone taking the class from Leesburg, out of the Milford organization, will be underwritten by his organization since Milford covers all of Leesburg. Till September 20 Anyone who is still thinking about taking the class has until September 20 to decide. If anyone has any questions about the Milford EMS or wants to sign up. please call me at 658-4082 or Cheryl Brunjes at 658-4726. Last night’s meeting has definitely shown how much spirit and community involvement that all Milford residents really have. Milford residents, as shown by this meeting, really care about their town and what goes on here. The Milford Emergency Medical Service applauds the whole town of Milford for its outcrying of support in this desperate time of need. Not only did support come from Milford residents but also from five different organizations: MAD, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Plain Township trustees, and Milford Family Physicians. So, as you can see, our need was responded to 10 times more than expected. As Mrs. Gaume explained, it is not just being on a town EMS crew. “You develop a sense of family. You know the doctors and nurses when you go on a run to the hospital and they know you. You can chat with old classmates from other EMS crews. Everyone wants to serve for the same cause — to help people in need. And that my friend, is what community service is all about. ”

ability to equalize education in the two sites. James Stucky echoed Thornton’s concerns. The representative for the Syracuse School Advisory Council developed six concerns with the latest proposal. Highlighting his list was the development of the finest curriculum for 80 percent of the corporation middle school students. The remaining 20 percent would attend Milford Middle School. Because of size and cost per student, the same curriculum could not be developed at both schools. The consolidated school would have between 600-700 students, Milford 180. Since Syracuse and North Webster students would have a superior education,'according to Stucky, Milford students must have the opportunity to attend the new school. Students in the new school need the same opportunity to attend Milford. Stucky also noted when Milford’s enrollment dips below 150, the school should be closed. His last remark focused on township boundaries. ‘ These six items are presented for the purpose of avoiding any future hassles concerning our middle school philosophy,” said Stucky from a prepared statement." The devisive action which we have been experiencing must not be permitted to happen again The personal attacks that have been tolerated have a very crippling effect on our school system. It is time that arguments cease, and positive, permanent action betaken.” Lynda Eastman, representing the Citizen's for Quality Education, attacked Thornton's validity of support from North Webster's School Advisory Council. She reported that Thornton had little support, five-of-13 SAC members in a June 30 letter written to Thornton. After the letter was given to the superintendent, Thornton sent a letter to area businesses. In the statement, Thornton confidently said he had total support from North Webster’s SAC group. Eastman suggested Thornton painted a wrong picture, that he did not have 100 percent backing on the middle school issue. However, in a letter from North Webster’s SAC — dated August 4 Diving mishap leaves man in critical condition Dale Hagberg, 20, P.O. Box 43, r 1, Ligonier, was listed in critical condition and partially paralyzed in Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne, earlier this week following a diving accident, Saturday, Aug. 15, on Lake Wawasee. The incident occurred at7:o6p.m.at Pier 14. According to information received, Hagberg dove off of Pier 14 into shallow water and apparently struck his head on the lake bottom. He suffered a fractured neck. Bystanders at the scene reportedly began cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Hagberg, who had been without a pulse for five to six minutes. Syracuse Emergency Medical Service responded to the call and contacted Multi-Township EMS and their paramedics for transportation to Kosciusko Community Hospital. He was then transferred to Fort Wayne. Wawasee HS Registration Wawasee Community School Corporation students return to classrooms in the district Tuesday, Aug. 25. Registration at Wawasee High School started this week. Today students may sign up until 4 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Students can pick up their 1986 yearbook and parking stickers during registration. It is the first year for parking stickers at the high school. Teachers return to Wawasee Monday. Aug. 24. for an in-ser-vice day.

— Thornton gained overwhelming support. Twelve-of-13 members supported the two middle school proposal. One member was not present when the letter was written. Eastman also addressed the present educational system, focusing on curriculum and cost effectiveness. She stated that school enrollment among the three schools would be very close by the year 2000. The North Webster resident informed board members that 210 students will be enrolled at Milford, while 410 students will be at North Webster and 330 at Syracuse. “Is there really that much desparity in the three schools,” asked Eastman “I don’t think so.” School board president Bill Little intervened just after Thornton made his closing statement. “My deep conviction is, until we get to the point that we believe each other — even when we disagree — we can't reach our ultimate potential,” said Thornton. following a heated exchange of views. The school board will close this issue Thursday. Aug. 27, when a final decision is made. The meeting will be held in the high school auditorium.

North Webster Legion dedicates new flag pole

| By GLEN LONG Staff Writer American Legion Post 253 at North Webster has moved to its new location south of North Webster. Legionnaires and friends gathered at 7:30 p.m. on August 17 at the new post location, the former Classic Restaurant on SR 13, for the ceremony of raising the American flag on the lofty new flagpole which now stands in front of the building. After Commander John Noble called for the national colors, they were advanced by the color guard and Chaplain Bouterse offered prayer. He then presented a reading to sum up the purpose of the ceremony. The reading follows: I am your flag. I was bom on June 14,1777.1 am more than just cloth shaped into a design. I am the refuge of the world’s oppressed people. I am the silent sentinel of freedom. I am the emblem of the greatest sovereign nation on earth. I am the inspiration for which American patriots gave their lives and fortunes. I have led your sons into the battle from Valley Forge to the bloody ridges of Viet Nam. I walk in silence with each of your honored dead to their final resting place beneath the silent white crosses, row upon row. I have flown through peace and war, strife and prosperity and amidst it all, I have been respected. My red stripes symbolize the blood spilled in defense of this glorious nation. My white stripes signify the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons. My blue field is indicative of God’s heaven under which I fly. My stars, clustered together, unify 50 states as one, for God and country. r—“Old Glory” is my nickname and proudly I wave on high. Honor me, respect me, defend me with your lives and fortunes. Never let my enemies tear me down from my lofty position, lest I never return. Keep alight the fires of patriotism, strive earnestly for the spirit of your republic. Worship Eternal God and keep His commandments and I shall remain the bulwark of peace and freedom for all mankind. I am your flag.

gglvi A GUEST SPEAKER FOR KIWANIANS — Robert Gephart. center, Warsaw, trust officer for Lake City Bank, described the work of the trust department for Kiwanis Club of Lakeland, North Webster, on Monday morning. Aug. 17. Program chairman Jack Maule, left, is showing two brochures entitled "Who Will Settle Your Estate” and "Why You Need a Will." President Curt Jordan, right, presided during the meeting. Gephart pointed out the three important areas in which a trust officer works include scholarships for educational planning, guardianships and wills. The trust officer described several things that need to be kept in mind regarding wills. , Wills need to be kept up-to-date and reviewed every seven or eight years. In case there is no will, procedures are regulated by state law. It is w ise to keep a household inventory in connection with a will. A will can list exactly how all property will be distributed, and it should show who the executor will be. Gephart mentioned there are certain advantages for having an impartial person as executor. A bank may serve as executor and special trusts may be set up through a bank for handicapped.

After the flag was prepared for raising, bugler Bernie Haskins sounded “To the Colors" as it was slowly raised aloft. After those

f— ‘ - - 1 l w & tip l AMERICAN FLAG GOES UP — The national colors were ratoetl on Monday evening, Aug. 17, for the first time on the tall, shiny flagpole at the new location of North Webster American Legion Post 253. The post is now in the old Classic Restaurant building on SR 13 in North Webster. & From the left are Doug Pinkerton. John Noble (back to camera) and Kerry Koontz. A large gathering of legionnaires and other citizens was on hand for the ceremony. (Photo by Glen Long)

INDIANA kit

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assembled saluted the colors the color guard saluted with one volley of rifle fire to end the ceremony.