The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 47, Milford, Kosciusko County, 6 January 1988 — Page 1

Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 26

Thornton comments

Donn

I By CARLA GAFF Staff Writer A screeching halt to a nearly four-month investigation was realized Tuesday evening, Dec. 5, when Wawasee School Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Milford Elementary School teacher Donna Pollen. Pollen has been on paid suspension since September 10, 1987, because of sexual allegations made against her by a former student.. The matter was to be discussed during a public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 7, however, on Monday, Jan. 4, school board president Billy G. Little received Pollen’s resignation. In her resignation, she noted, as of Dec. 31, she had resigned from her position as Milford music teacher, a position she held for approximately 14 years. While on suspension she accrued 68 days of pay equal to $10,483.33 in salary and the school system contributed $592.30 on a pro-rated basis toward insurance coverage that cost the corporation $1,567.85 per year. In addition, retirement and social contributions were made by the state on her behalf. During the public meeting, school corporation attorney John Whiteleather stated, “I was notified on Dec. 28, by Mrs. Pollen’s attorney that a resignation would be made. I think that

■ V J.’' w® J| jr * g *■’ '' ”’ n -^ '“ | -?. ■ — ■ # >_. ■r*- ( ;:, 3 . ■ A ■V \W\&5/• cebßbm»- ■ JrF xjpr «*gME/£. r * < rtf'“"--w ■ *3«W w w ■ MW^^W' Ijk - ‘ / wit' > \; 4££ y|M :’Sf Jg’’ If . .BMHHHHHMHNHNRHHHBNHM BURRRRR IT’S COLD — If your car wouldn’t atart Tuesday or this morning (Wednesday), and you needed to get someplace, you probably did what Roy Goodsell, Syracuse, did. He bundled up and walked, something only the young and the well-dressed should do. Walking in sub-zero temperatures can be dangerous as exposed skin freezes fast. Not only did those walking bundle up, but so did those who were brave enough to venture out in the dangerous cold. Early morning temperatures reached the -10 degee mark breaking records set in 1042. They barely reached the zero mark before beginning to fall again, with the wind chill close to 40 degrees below zero oeTeesday. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

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a Pollen resigns

there ought not to be any misunderstandings in the community concerning this matter. The resignation was not made because the fight was believed to be too long and too costly.” He continued, explaining that the evidence was substantial and that “fortunately truth wins.” Throughout the investigation polygraph tests were taken, on Mrs. Pollen, and the student, Kevin Harney, long distance phone bills examined along with canceled checks and bank deposits. Additionally, information was gleaned from witnesses and persons involved, or having knowledge of the matter. The student’s father, Donald Harney, commented, “I think the truth came out and justice has been done.” He went on to explain that the family had thought that things were a little funny between the two, hut decided they were imagininfehings. However, in 1985, when the matter was brought to superintendent Kenneth Webster, Harney said he knew something was going on between his son and the teacher. “Webster told us there was nothing he could do about it at that time,” said Harney. He went on to say that he believed his son was involved for so many years because, “she kept telling him they were going to get married — she was going to divorce her husband.” Superintendent Roger Thornton gave a rather lengthy presen-

Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) andtHE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907) § i£k ST

tation on the matter, stating, he regretted the lack of a forum in which Mr. Webster could explain the basis and method of his completed thorough investigation, “there are no records in my office regarding his investigation,” he said. Continuing, Thornton conveyed, “I regret that public awareness is not such that the impact of sexual abuse is understood. Had this been a young female since grown to maturity and a male teacher, public concern might have been different. The impact on a young person is the same, regardless of gender.” Mrs. Pollen was not at the hearing and was unavailable for commentat the time of this printing. Although she did state during a press conference on Tuesday morning, Dec. 8, “Needless to say, this has been extremely stressful for me, my husband and my family.” She assured, “I only

Hootman given 60 years for Hulley murder

I By CARLA GAFF Staff Writer Robert Earl Hootman of Syracuse was sentenced last Thursday, Dec. 31, for the 1984 stabbing death of Barbara Hulley, and could get up to 40 years for murder one and 20 years for added aggravation. When handing the sentence down, Judge Richard Sands noted, “There’s something very strange in Mr. Hootman’s character. He had this woman down and out, and then went to the kitchen, got a knife and slashed her nine times.” Sands continued, stating that he felt Hootman could very well strike out again and was a threat to society. He stated he took into consideration past circumstances and history when making his decision. However, Hootman’s lawyer, Steven Hearn explained, “He’s (Hootman) been cooperative, cordial and has related the details to the officers. He’s certainly not an individual who’s gone out and tried to frustrate the

At Syracuse 7Longer hours at clerk's office

I ByGLEN LONG Staff Writer Mark Tatman, new Syracuse clerk-treasurer, has announced that the hours the clerktreasurer’s office will be ‘ open have been increased for the convenience of residents who visit there to pay their water and sewage bills or for other business. The office will be open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each weekday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Tatman, who for the present will be working part--3 time, will be in the office from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. qn weekdays and

Milford residents look to the future

I By JEAN TREESH Outgoing President Milford Town Board The year 1987 is a year that wiD be remembered by many in Milford for its consideration for the future, with many projects being started that will have a direct effect on 1968 and beyond. After much work by the town board and clerk-treasurer, a grant wag obtained and directedtoward use for a Syracuse Street project and storm-sewer improvements. Work on both was

WEDNESDAY, JANUARYS,I9BB

had Kevin one semester in the fifth grade, that’s all I ever had him as a student — I haven’t seen him in years.” Also, at that time it was brought out that the incident was to have been started when Kevin Harney was 13 years old and continued for seven years. He was a student, a neighbor and a frequent passenger to and from school in her car. Harney is now 24 years old and lives in the Columbia City area. He also was not available for comment and hasn’t appeared at any time for a public statement. Thornton summed his thoughts up with, “I take hope in the fact that the vast majority of my experiences to date in this district and others, demonstrates that 99 percent of the persons working with students care deeply about those students and do an excellent job. I’d like to see that become 100 percent. To that end, I urge you to accept this resignation.”

system, and I think that should be taken into consideration here today.” Hootman has incarcerated in the Kosciusko County Jail since January of 1987. He was placed there to serve out a misdemeanor conversion charge. However, on May 7,1987, it was announced that he had confessed to the murder of Mrs. Hulley after periodic questioning on the matter. On Tuesday, Nov. 24, a suppression hearing was held, at which time Hearn attempted to show just cause as to why the confession should not be allowed as evidence. He stated, “The whole plan was to befriend Hootman and to see and talk to him.” ,f Hearn also brought out the mental and educational capacities of Hootman, stating that Hootman may not have understood the waiver of rights statement he had signed, nor have totally comprehended the implications of his confession. A few days after the suppression hearing, Hootman reinstated his confession to the murder, plea bargaining was started and a sentencing date set. On November 30 he pled guilty

all day on Saturdays. Tatman said his part-time hour arrangement was worked out with town board members. He plans to continue his employment at Chore-Time Equipment Company, Inc., in Milford until it is determined if he can be covered under the Syracuse group health insurance program, a concern which relates to his past medical history of a kidney ailment. To allow him to work these part-time hours, town board members created a new pay scale which allows the paying of a part-time clerk-treasurer 1110 per week, or $5,720 annually. Tatman’s mother, Elgie Tatman, who is a licensed public ac-

started in 1987 and is expected to be completed this year. We also saw-improvements in our water pipe-rust dilemma and our utilities department is continually gaining ground, using new technology and equipment to serve the Milford public better. Our police department continues to provide us with care that is necessary for a progressive town, while it has taken an interest in aesthetics with the enforcement of a revamped junk car ordinance. The fire department had a year which saw a new chief elected and new officers prepared to move it into 1988. While we lost a fine worker

The resignation was accepted unanimously by the board and comments were not made publicly by any of the board members. Thornton concluded, “In closing, I extend to Kevin Harney and his family my sincere regrets for the happenings of the past. Through no fault of his were these matters made public. However, Kevin’s honesty, integrity and good sense will serve him and his family well in the years to come.” 1 The drawn out procedure of investigating a teacher, the many allegations made against her, public meetings, her resignation, and possibly the whispers and rumors that go with it; have been put to rest now by the Wawasee School Board of Trustees. And the consensus of all, seemed to be summed up by one anonymous official, “It’s been a nightmare! I’m glad it’s over — but we’re not going to give up when a kid’s at stake here.”

to count one murder, and count two felony murder was dismissed, however, this does not pertain

to the death sentence as earlier stipulated. , “These essentially cover the

Commemorative poster program to be implemented by C of C

i I By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer A commemorative poster program will be implemented following a presentation to members of the SyracuseWawasee Chamber of Com4nerce’s Board of Directors this morning (Wednesday). Jim McAndrews of Four Coins Company, Elkhart, will be given a letter indicating the chamber’s approval. It is hoped the poster will be available by the town’s July

countant, will be working in the office full time. She is experienced, having worked in the Wakarusa clerk-treasurer’s office for over a year. She said the Syracuse office hours last year were 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, a schedule which was inconvenient for some residents. When asked about his part-time schedule, the new clerk-treasurer said, “During my campaign for the office I honestly felt that I would be eligible for coverage under the town’s medical insurance. Further investigation has shown that I may not be eligible due to my medical history. We’re awaiting a reply from Blue Cross-Blue Shield. ”

from the park department, we continue to be proud of park board efforts, with Lakeside Park providing the town’s residents with a quality place to relax with their families. A race for town board seats saw both political parties fill their slates, proving that this town of 1,200 refuses to promote apathy when it comes to selecting its town leaders. We look for those leaders to guide us into 1968 with an open mind and hopeful ideals. To achieve those ideals, board members and the public alike must work together. Let’s make 1988 another year to remember I

>5? ' w MM|| ■bhmmmmmMH ■i TIME TO GO PUBLIC — After nearly four months of not making public statements on the matter of Milford School teacher Donna Pollen’s paid suspension, school officials finally came forward. The matter was discussed in depth during a public meeting, Tuesday evening, Jan. 5, at which time Pollen’s resignation was accepted by the school board. Wawasee School Board of Trustees President Billy G. Little on the left, read Pollen’s signed resignation; and superintendent Roger Thornton, on the right, gave a public statement. (Photo by Carla Gaff)

same charge and are essentially alternate forms of the same thing,” explained Kosciusko County Prosecutor Michael Miner. “And, once he pled guilty to (me, the second, then became a

Fourth Hoosier Celebration ’BB event. The program is away to capture the spirit, history and business community of a town through an artistic interpretation. The map is not to scale, but is developed from an aerial point of view. Each edifice is drawn by a staff artist in miniature and placed in its respective location. Desired logos and colors are used to designate respective businesses. Numerous posters from other communities were provided. McAndrews stated the program is funded by businesses who contribute a one-time art and production fee of $195, thus appearing on the poster. Those businesses participating will receive five four-color posters. The sponsoring organization is guaranteed 1,000 copies, if 35 ads are sold. Additional posters can be obtained at approximately 63 cents per copy. This would be the only cost to the chamber.

....~ ■ . . 7 ? i ■' r | Ml i - — * DRIVER INJURED IN FREAK ACCIDENT—Sharon Haines, r 3, Warsaw, was following a northbound truck on SR 15 on Tuesday, Jan. 5, when a piece of steel about the sise of a brick fell from the truck, went through her windshield and struck her in the face. She was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital by Milford EMS ambulance, where she was treated and released. Her 17-year-old son, Brian, who was a passenger in the car, was not injured. \ The accident occurred just north of CR 900 N at 3:50 p.m. Haines lost control of her car and stopped in a field on the east side of the highway. The truck, owner unknown, proceeded north. Damage to the Haines vehicle was estimated at SI,OOO by investigating county officer, Al Rovenstine. (Photo by > Linda Musselman) x 4 I JF* ■ 4xj *

a duplication and was dismissed,” concluded Miner. Miner stated earlier that “dogged determination” by local officials is what brought the case together. They were responsible

McAndrews commented the size of the poster will be based on the number of participating businesses, however it wants it to appear nice and as close to scale as it can. It was noted that a proof of the poster would be shown to the chamber board for approval before it is printed. It was also noted that when selling the posters, McAndrews would have proper credentials, and state he is representing the chamber, and not that he is from the chamber. Christmas Decorations The board voted to contact service clubs to start a fund raiser for Christmas decorations. Jeanne Gardiner reported a number of the existing decorations are in bad shape and the two knocked down from strong winds have been cracked. She noted the chamber will need to look at adding decorations as weU as replacing old decorations. Bill Beemer, beautification chairman, will be meeting this

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for “piecing together most'of the pieces of the puzzle? ’ It appears that Hootman was surprised while inthe middle of a on page 5)

month with Kip Schumm, park board /nember, concerning results of the park department’s questionnaire. The questionnaire results indicated the beautification of the SR 13 Corridor was number two on the list of what people Want to see improved, the parks being at the top. January Luncheon Mrs. Gardiner announced the next chamber luncheon will be Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 12 noon in the Beacon Restaurant. Reservations are required and the speaker will be Bob Decker, one of the new owners of the Enchanted Hills Playhouse. All are invited to attend. A schedule of activities for the chamber was distributed. This schedule included known chamber meetings and events throughout the year. The next board meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 7:45 a.m. in the State Bank of Syracuse.