The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 39, Milford, Kosciusko County, 11 November 1987 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., November 11,1987

Editorial

We shall not forget' Today is not just another day. It is Veterans Day! So what, you say! It doesn’t mean anything to me. Wrong! It means a lot to all of us and we should take a few minutes to reflect back ... The place: Versailles, France. The year: 1918. The day: November 11. The time: 11a.m. It was in Versailles on November 11, 1918, that papers were signed to end the war that was fought to “end all wars” — World War I. _ / Through the years the name of the day has been changed. It has been called Armistice Day, World War I Memorial Day, Victory Day and Remembrance Day. They even tried, for awhile, to move it to Monday, giving workers another three-day weekend. But Veterans Day has once again been returned to its rightful date — November 11 and, today, it is a day to honor all of the men and women who have served their country. It is “altogether fitting and proper” that we pause at 11 a.m. to give thanks for our country’s freedom and to the men and women who have helped to protect us. v * Celebrations are being planned at area Legion Posts and VFW’s and Indianapolis has again been designated as one of 11 sites for “official regional Veterans Day observances” by the National v Veterans Day Committee in Washington, D. C. This newspaper received a letter from Larry E. Bartlett, Commander, The American Legion Department of Indiana. We cannot improve on his words. His letter follows. Please take the time to read it and to join in the pledge that “We shall not forget.” In 1921, An American Soldier — his name “Known But To God” — was K buried on a Virginia hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington. The Arlington National Cemetery burial site for this unknown of World War One became the personification of dignity and reverence for America’s veterans. Unknowns were also laid to rest in Britain and France, each buried in a 'national place of honor. Memorial services were conducted on November 11th, giving universal recognition to the ending of World War One hostilities at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918. , The day soon became known as Armistice Day, and was noted as a national holiday by Congressional the endof World War Two, Representative Edwin K. Rees of Kansas proposed the name “Veterans Day, ” so that all veterans would be honored. Eventually Public Law 94-97 permanently established the commemoration of Veterans Day on November 11th of each year. Veterans Day brings the nation together to honor eHery soldier, sailor, airman and marine who has provided service to our nation. We honor the men and women who gave their time and energy to keep this country free. We honor the left their homes, jobs and families, to make it possible for the rest of society to enjoy the basic democratic principles tha t govern our nation. Few of America’s veterans glorify their service. Nearly all are proud that they served, and we are better for their sacrifice. Our Hoosier veterans are living proof that freedom does not come cheaply. They have shown by selfless dedication to their country, that there are some things worth protecting and fightingfor. Indiana veterans continue to servem 424 American Legion posts scattered throughout the state. Over 130,000 Hoosier Legionnaires, each one a veteran of war time service, continue to work on community projects, programs designed to benefit our children and youth, and sponsor meaningful ways to assist in the rehabilitation efforts made for our disabled and hospitalized veterans. We are proud that our veterans are working on projects to stamp out child abuse, missing children, crime prevention and drug abuse. They actively seek out ways to help their community, and they willingly offer whatever assistance they can give. The veterans of Indiana have not packed away their uniforms, and ceased service to their city, state or nation. They continue to serve because they have learned first hand exactly wha t life without personal freedom means. Those of us who have known war will maintain our vigil at home... working for an America that is strong in its quest for peace and security. We will reinforce the basic principles upon which this nation was founded by its first citizen soldiers, and we will pray, that those who serve our nation today will render their service in peace. Above all else... to the veterans of America, and to the families of those who grieve for loved ones lost, wepledgethat “We shall hot forget.” It wasn't good Some people may think that percentages of 62,53 and 44 aren’t bad. We don’t like pessimistic attitudes, but will be quick to say these percentages aren’t good. In fact, they are BAD! What are these figures ? They represent the percent of registered voters in North Webster, Milford and Syracuse who took the time to cast ballots in last Tuesday’s election. What happened to the rest of the people? In the words of the Prophet Elijah, maybe they were talking to someone. Maybe they were away on a trip. Maybe they were asleep. Whatever the excuses were, they weren’t good ones. What is disgusting is the fact that the 38 percent who did not vote in North Webster, the 47 percent who did not vote in Milford and the 56 percent who did not vote in Syracuse will be the first ones to issue complaints about what the town boards in their respective communities are doing. It is our opinion that if people don’t vote in an election they have lost their right to complain about the operations of the municipality involved. Harsh, yes, but what would be harsher would be a Communist take over because we Americans are too busy to vote. Think about it. If you aren’t registered, do so before the next election. If you live in Milford, North Webster or Syracuse and were registered but did not vote . . . shame on you! And, if you weren’t registered . . . shame on you. Voting is an American right. It is a privilege that should not be overlooked. It is also a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Let’s decide right now to do better next time. On reading The television age has added many hours to the time most Americans watch film and reduced the time some read. Newspapers and books have not been adversely affected; book publishing has enjoyed good health in recent years and newspapers continue to prosper. Reading remains, despite television, the greatest pleasure and source of information for many millions. It’s a pastime one can enjoy when and where he or she wishes. The selection of reading material, also, is practically unlimited. The reading public is encouraged to read newspapers and worthwhile books. Only by reading widely can one be well informed. TV alone won’t do it. f I *

'O’

VETERAN’S DAY November 11th

Court news

City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Public intoxication — Stephen C. Reed, 29, Milford, $303, 180 days in jail suspended on condition defendant not commit another alcohol or drug-related offense for one year, attend GAP and follow through with program and aftercare and pay for program, pay user’s fees, one year probation Speeding — Albert L. Stricklin, 19, Syracuse, S6B, license impounded for 90 days; Howard W. Cross, 36, Milford, S6B Disregarding automatic signal — William H. Hutchinson Sr., 43, Syracuse, $63 County Court The following persons have paid fines and costs in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarette, presiding: Speeding— Jack B. Myers, 24, Syracuse, S6O; Brian Neibert, 29, Leesburg, $65 Disobey Stop Sign — Bruce Jackson, 18, Syracuse, S6O. Improper Passing — William Signorelli, 20, North Webster, S6O. Operating W/O Financial Responsibility — Joseph A. Jenkins, 21, Syracuse, $153. Goshen Division The following fines plus court costs have been levied and paid in Elkhart County Court, Goshen Division: Speeding — Philip E. Slabach, 30, Milford, $63; Alane M. Flanagan, 19, Syracuse, $63 Driving left of center — Max S. Stahly, 47, Syracuse, dismissed upon the motion of the deputy prosecuting attorney pursuant to plea agreement; Jay G. Heinrich, 41, Milford, dismissed upon the motion of the deputy prosecuting attorney pursuant to plea agreement Violation of restricted driver's license — Max S. Stahly, 48, Syracuse, dismissed upon the motion of the deputy prosecuting attorney pursuant to plea agreement Driving while intoxicated — Max S. Stahly, 48, Syracuse, $750 plus costs, two years at the Indiana Department of Corrections, with all except five days suspended to be served at the Elkhart County Security Center, the suspension on the condition the defendant be on probation for one year, follow standard probation terms, pay user’s fees, begin in-patient treatment as recommended, driver’s license suspended two years Driving while license suspended — Jay G. Heirich, 42, Milford, $250 plus costs, 180 days in jail with all except five days suspended on the condition the defendant be on probation for one year, follow standard probation terms, obtain an alcohol assessment within 30 days and follow recommendations, submit to drug/alcohol surveillance, driver’s license suspended one year Small Claims The following judgments have been awarded in small claims division, Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarette presiding: Debra J. Nelson vs Cheryl Biltz. Judgment for plaintiff S2B plus costs. DeWayne E. Busz vs Edward Cook. Judgment for plaintiff $317.33 plus costs. William T. Davis and Margaret A. Davis vs Vieginia Villalobos. Judgment for plaintiff SSOO plus costs. Lakeland Animal Clinic vs Donald Burnett. Judgment for plaintiff $317.45 plus costs. Desmond Jackson vs Marvin Miller. Judgment for plaintiff $649 plus costs. Desmond Jackson vs Jeff Hurley. Judgment for plaintiff $l4O plus costs. Cheryl Ogden vs Waunita Young. Judgment for plaintiff $213.42 plus costs. Marriage Licenses The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jeanne Weirick: Stoddard-Scarbeary Gregory M. Stoddard, 30, r 1, box 263-10, Leesburg, arid Sabrina Lue Scarbeary, 26,

P.O. Box 474, Syracuse Ruddell-Farnham David John Ruddell, 44 , r 2, box 570, Syracuse, and Cathy Susan Farnham, 37, r 4, box 222, Warsaw. Marriage Dissolutions The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Kosciusko Superior and Circuit Courts: Hoover — Steven D. Hoover, Syracuse, and Donna L. Hoover, North Webster. The couple was married September 13, 1986, and separated September 24,1987. Reed — Brenda Leigh Reed, 425 W and 900 N, Milford, and Franklin R. Reed, P.0.80x 93, Nappanee. The couple was married March 28, 1980, and separated July 15, 1987. Petitioner requests her former name of Cronin be restored. Stoner — Wanda Stoner, r 2, box 108, North Webster, and Kelvin R . Stoner, address unknown. The couple was married December 12, 1965, and separated Oct 2,1987. Superior Court The following petitions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court, Judge Robert Burner presiding: Complaint For Permanent Injunction, Declaratory Judgment, And Damages Harry R. Schwartz vs Robert Mulhall, r 2, box 281, Syracuse; Kay Gibson and James Gibson, r 2, box 280, Syracuse; Elizabeth Kuhn, r 2, box 280 or 281, Syracuse; Jay E . Nicolson, r 2, Box 282A, Syracuse; Anthony Siri, r 2, box 2828, Syracuse; Randi Lea Siri, r 2, box 2828, Syracuse; George H. Manahan, Lake Co. Trust Co., 220 N. Main St., P.O. Box 110, Crown Point; and other presently unknown and unnamed individuals herein designated collectively as John Doe. Count I - Plaintiff seeks judgment requiring defendants to remove the pier'~and raft, and permanently enjoin them from placing pier, raft or any similar structure at the end of the. real estate, and for costs of this action, plus all other relief just and proper. Count II - Plaintiff seeks a declaratory judgment concerning defendant’s alleged right-of-passage over the aforedescribed real estate, for costs nd all other relief proper. Complaint State Bank of Syracuse vs Deborah Cravens, a/k/a/ Deborah Craves. Plaintiff seeks $2,711.62 plus prejudgment interest, costs and all relief just and proper. Complaint Beckman, Lawson, Sandler, Snyder, and Federoff, a partnership vs Terri Sanders, 200 Mill St., Syracuse. Plaintiff seeks $1,125, plus interest from and after August 12,1987, plus costs. Complaint Beekman, Lawson, Sandler, Snyder and Federoff, a partnership vs Lisa Renier ( ), r 4, box 66, Syracuse. Plaintiff seeks $2,201.50, plus interest from and after August 12,1987, plus costs. Complaint Wawasee Service Center vs Debra L. Cassidy, 959 Starryeyed Lane, Enchanted Hills, Cromwell. Plaintiff seeks $245 plus $55 court costs.

THE MAIL-JOURNAL (U.S.P.S. 3258-4000) Published by the Mall Journal every Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office at Syracuse, Indiana 44567. Second class postage paid at 103 E. Main Street, Syracuse, Indiana 46567 and at additional entry offices. Subscription: SI7 per year In Kosciusko County; 523 outside county. POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The Mall Journal, P.O. Box IM, Milford, Indiana 46542

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE"

| T CTIVISTS OF both political parties — IAA Republican and Democrat | A A— are still trying to unravel what went wrong — or right, as the case may be — in last Tuesday’s Syracuse town election. It was an almost unprecedented case of the Democrats sweeping the field. In Syracuse and Turkey Creek Township, when a Republican makes it on the ticket, it is almost a certainty that he is “in” come election day. But this was not the case last Tuesday. The two candidates the Democrats fielded, won going awfay. It proved a stunner to the Republicans as well as the Democrats. \Jack Elam, the Democratic city chairman, had\a tough time getting the two candidates he finally fielded — Mark Tatman for clerktreasurer and Ken Johnson for the town board. He thought for a time he would not muster the legally, required number of interested Democrats (20) to hold a city Democratic caucus. Needless to say, Elam was delighted with the turnout to support his two candidates. “If I had known this sentiment for the Democrats was in the air,” he commented when the results were made known last Tuesday evening, “I would have worked harder to fill out the slate.” Republicans are still licking their wounds, and rethinking the whole thing to see whatreally went wrong. ” There are all kinds of speculation: For example, that the Republicans were too selfassured and had little need to turn out at the polls, and that the Democrats looked at this election as a chance to “show ’em” we’re still alive and kicking. And this might be true, for the record shows that of 864 registered voters in the town of Syracuse, only 384 bothered to vote — this from both parties. That tallies out at 44 percent voter turn-out. And this is a disgrace, if not obscene. Compare that figure with voter turn-out in European cities and towns where turn-out is in the high 90 percentile. Sharon Batesla tied Mark Tatman in Precinct 1 with 20 votes each, while Morganthaler defeated Ken Johnson by 1 vote, 20-19. Tatman defeated Batesla in her home precinct (Pre. 2) resoundingly, 71-43, while Johnson defeated Morganthaler there, 69-48. Democrats also did well in Precinct 3, with Tatman defeating Batesla 74-47, and Johnson defeated Morganthaler, 68-52. The margin for Tatman was slimmer in Precinct 4, with his 37 votes to 35 for Batesla, but widened for Johnson, with his 44 votes to Morganthaler’s 28. Batesla was a two-to-one victor over Tatman in Precinct 5/7-14), and Morganthaler easily won over Johnson there, 13-8. Precinct 5 is the home precinct for both Morganthaler and Johnson. What did go wrong then, if not Republican apathy? Ken Johnson is a long time fireman in Syracuse, and served as fire chief for a time. He stepped down from that position after taking a job with Hoosier Fife Equipment, Inc. of Valparaiso, but remained a fireman. Morganthaler, on the other hand, was the town board’s laison member to the firemen and EMTs and enjoyed an amicable relationship. It was generally thought that the firemen and EMT members supported Johnson. But then so was Sharon Batesla, who is an EMT and whose husband Ed is a Syracuse fireman and EMS member? It should be noted that board president Jim Hughes and Carl L. Myrick were not up for reelection, and board member William R. Hess ran unopposed. Carol F. Koble ran for the Precinct 3 seat on the board-without opposition. Ail of the above is fraught with speculation, of course. But this much remains Wue: The new town board, taking office January 1,1988, will be as follows: Precinct 1, James Hughes; Precinct 2, Carl L. Myrick; Precinct 3, Carol F. Koble; Precinct 4, William R. Hess; and Precinct 5, Kenneth Johnson. At the same time Mark Tatman will be seated as the new clerk-treasurer. IF INDIANA Lt. Governor John Mutz is still looking for businesses in the Syracuse area that have long, continuing family ties, he might do well to talk to painter Bob Dust. Bob notes that his grandfather, Fred Dust, Sr., who died in 1952, painted in Chicago’s South Side for 50 years. Then Fred, Jr. — Bob’s dad — continued the family painting business for 55 years, first in Chicago with his dad, then in Syracuse. The Dusts moved to Syracuse in 1940, and the father-son team (Fred, Jr. and Bob) wielded their paint brushes until Fred, Jr. was on the job for 75% years. He died December 7, 1984 and was buried on his 83rd birthday. Bob states he has been painting for 40 years, the last 11 years by himself. No Geezer, he. A SYRACUSE-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce committee voted last Thursday to begin late this week issuing a quarterly B%xll newsletter. The first issue will go to all businesses in the S-W area, thereafter to chamber members only. Ideas are needed, the committee states. Who is this committee: Dick McDaniels, president, Jeanne Gardiner and Deb Patterson. WE’RE TOLD that townsman Jack Elam qualifies as a Geezer, for his walking around town, head high in the air, and whistling, “Happy Days Are Here Again.” For anyone old enough to know, this was FDR’s theme song when the Democrats swept the country in 1932. Jack did a mini version of this when he got two local Democrats (Mark Tat-

man and Kenny Johnson) elected in Syracuse last week. WANNA MAKE 50 bucks fast? Here’s how. Kathy Bartman, of 801 S. 7th St., Syracuse, is missing one dog, a large Collie-mix, 11 years old, about 100 lbs., tan and white, who answers to the name of Toby. Kathy says someone apparently unleashed her dog and it is nowhere to be found. Kathy ran a display ad last week in this paper asking for the return of Toby. It means a lot to Kathy to get Toby back. And it means a lot to The M-J, too, since Kathy is a typesetter at The M-J, and a happy Kathy makes for a more pleasant employee. THE GENTLE persuasion on the Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners last Thursday for a Rural Numbering System was sufficient to receive a tongue-in-cheek 2-1 approval of the plan as proposed by several county chambers of commerce. The plan received broad backing of a number of prestigious people and organizations: Including the Greater Warsaw Chamber of Commerce, the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, the North Webster Chamber of Commerce, Northern and Middle District Kosciusko County Commissioners, Maurice Beer and Fred Gilliam, respectively, Kosciusko County Sheriff Ron Robinson, Leonard Baugher of MultiTownship Emergency Medical Services, the Etna Green Fire Department, Kosciusko County Assessor, Silver Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, the Kosciusko Area Plan Commission, Warsaw Postmaster Bob Douglas, and others. •• The plan is subject to approval of the county council. Charles Lynch, commissioner from the southern district, adopted a wait-and-see attitude and would not vote on the proposal. Fred Gilliam of Warsaw, middle district commissioner, made the motion for approval, and Maurice Beer of Milford, northern district commissioner, broke the tie, and the plan walked away with a so-so approval: Commissioner Beer called this “a big move,” and thought it would cost more than the $109,078 estimate. He said he wanted to see a contract where the “in kind” money in the amount of $59,078 was pledged. He said there were a number of people in the district he represents that have reservations about the new numbering plan. He looks at the $50,000 commitment as a one-time expenditure by the commissioners, with no chance for a return for more county money. THERE ARE a whole lot of Geezers on SR 13 south of Syracuse, especially on Friday afternoons, crowding the law-abiding motorists who adhere closely to the 45 mph speed limit as far out as the Harris Funeral Home HAVE YOU noticed how life-like the mannequins in the modern shopping centers appear to be? This has appeared to be a real puzzle to a local man, who recently walked up to what he thought was a well-dressed mannequin, felt the material in his coat, only to have him turn around and stare him in the eye! Embarrassing? You bet. There’s a Geezer. A LOCAL businessman —a prominent one at that — made an unwitting attempt recently to pass a fifty dollar bill in a local supermarket. His face was red when the sharp-eyed check-out girl called the bogus bill to his attention. Our guess is that he took the bill in unknowingly, and as a result is now out of pocket for the entire L-note. Another sure-fire Geezer. THE LONG-awaited Collector’s Edition of the Syracuse Sesquicentennial book is scheduled to go on sale in selected local stores, as well at the several offices of The Mail-Journal, just before Thanksgiving. The book’s cover is handsomely designed in a blue Morocco finish (leatherette) with gold embossed letters and carries the title "Together We Made It Work. ” The 116-page book will carry sesquicentennial news stories, beginning with planning meetings as early as 1985, and going through the week-long celebration, including the ribboncutting and parade, and finally through the formal burial of the time capsule in the Syracuse Cemetery. The publishers have announced the book will also contain photos taken during the sesquicentennial, along with limited complimentary advertising. Only 2,000 copies will be issued for sale at a price of $7.50 each. The sesquicentennial was held July 3 through July 12,1987. WHEN KOSCIUSKO County Democrats met at the Shrine Building in Warsaw Monday night in a “Keep The Faith” gathering where state chairman John Livengood and potential Third District congressional candidate Tom Ward were important speakers, another bombshell exploded. Warsaw attorney Jay A. Rigdon said he would announce his candidacy for the state senate from District 13 about December 1. Rigdon, the grandson of Billie Rigdon of r 4 Syracuse, is associated with the Warsaw law firm of Rockhill, Pinnick, Pequignot, Helm and Landis. He will align himself against Gregory Mishler, a state representative who recently moved from Bremen to Lake Wawasee to run for the senate seat being vacated by John B. Augsburger, who has held that post for the past 12 years.