The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 1, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 February 1988 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., February 17,1988

Editoria

Because they care A number of special programs are currently underway in the Lakeland area. All are being held because people care. An advertisement appears elsewhere in this issue telling of a Parent Awareness program which will be held for adults only at the Wawasee High School auditorium on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will focus on a new program provided by the police department on child exploitation. Sgt. Terry Hall of Indianapolis will be present to assist with Thursday’s meeting. Syracuse is only the second police department in the state to sponsor the program. Not only do the Syracuse police care, the Lakeland Eagles care, too, and have donated funds necessary to purchase four anatomically correct dolls for the new program. A number of area merchants cared enough to help sponsor an advertisement to tell parents about the meeting. And, parents should care enough to take the time to attend the meeting. All three Wawasee schools have “Just Say No” programs. There are people who care enough to teach youngsters to “Say No.” All three schools also have Lions-Quest program, Skills for Adolescence. The list of programs that have been implemented in this area, especially for the school-age children, goes on and on. They are being presented because people care. Teach tough courses Secretary of Education William Bennett is on target when he says most U.S. schools in the country’s recent permissive convulsion copped out and began allowing high school and college students to graduate without taking the traditional, difficult courses. Such courses as “enhanced out-of-school productivity studies” and “education for citizenship” and etc. have been substituted for history, science, math, English, etc. And students who pile up credits and graduate after such junk or crip courses have suffered a great disservice. Bennett says all American children deserve better — and rejects arguments of some that underprivileged children can’t pass standard courses. He cites examples in many of the nation’s inner cities where minority and under-privileged students are doing excellent work with traditional and classical curriculums. Os course they can; American children have been demonstrating that for generations. What is lacking in so many U.S. schools today is the necessary discipline and/or authority amongteachers and administrators. As Bennett and columnist Georgie Anne Guyer observe, schools should drop the idea that they are out to reform society (which they can’t do anyhow) and educate children. They haven’t been doing a good job of that for at least twenty years. The results are seen everywhere around us; other countries in which education remains classical and thorough are better disciplined societies. One is Japan, and there are many others. We are trying to digest the ill-conceived “me” generation, now on our hands ; reform of our permissive educational system is beginning, will sometimes be difficult and is of vital importance to the future of the nation. The key to reform is recognition of the hard fact that all children deserve a decent and classical education — very much in their own interest — and deserve the necessary disciplinary effort to fulfill that goal. Unto others Life moves fast and we are faced with many temptations. Thus we often fail to keep in mind the Golden Rule — do unto others as you would have them do unto you. We often join in gossip (usually speculative or half-true gossip), or judge others. How many who read this editorial can say they haven’t succumbed to this temptation often? If we seek the good in others, and talk about it, results are often astonishing. Faith in the goodness of a weary soul has often helped produce inspirational conduct and performance. For each of us has good in him, and none among us is perfect. What others say — Principals put to test Despite the controversy caused by last month’s Supreme Court decision on high school journalism, one result is clear. The nation’s high school principals find themselves de facto newspaper publishers, whether they like it or not. And it is up to state legislatures and school boards to help those principals do their job with distinction. The court ruled that a Missouri principal had the right to stop publication of two pages of his school paper. The court offered some weak guidelines on when principals wouldn’t have such power, but it essentially said they’ve got it. In high schools across the nation, then, the question is, how will the principals use it? Happily, as comments by high school journalists on the opposite page attest, there are strong high school newspaper traditions in and around Fort Wayne. And, so far, we’ve heard of no plans by local principals to disrupt those traditions. But the Feb. 10 edition of Education Week reports increased fears among high school journalists around the country that principals will stifle their work. The article quotes a young man from Michigan City, Ind., who is thinking about starting an “underground” paper because he finds his high school paper hopelesslytimid. Underground papers can give teens a quick, jolting lesson in the joys and terrors of running a newspaper. For lessons in researching, writing and editing solid news stories, however, professionally taught journalism programs can give much more. And those skills are increasingly important in a society that can’t function without able communicators. The first challenge, then, is for principals to make certain that every school newspaper is overseen by a teacher trained in journalism, which is often not the case. If no one is available, make certain the teacher gets trained — at school district cost. The next challenge is for the principals to act as most publishers act: Leave the news decisions up to the people who work with the news. School boards need to assure principals that the school districts want students to learn real journalism, not the insipid stuff for which too many school papers are infamous. State legislatures can contribute, as California’s has, by writing legal guidelines on when a principal can override student editors. And if legislators limit principals’ authority, they should also limit the principals’ and school districts’ legal responsibility for what is published. Just like adults, high school students need serious news and comment about the issues that affect their lives, from school to sex to drugs. And the adult society needs well-schooled future journalists. Student journalists will have little to fear from principals who understand the great educational value of real high school journalism. — FORT WAYNE JOURNAL-GAZETTE

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Anatomically correct dolls have been purchased for use by the Syracuse Police Dept, for use in a new program on child exploitation. Toby Cross and Officer Robert J. Houser are pictured with the dolls.

Court news

City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Speeding — Merlyn J. Lehman, 47, Syracuse, $63 Correction In court news of January 20, William L. Medley, North Webster, was incorrectly listed as having paid a fine of S6O for disregarding a stop sign. This was incorrect as charges were dismissed. County Court The following persons have paid fines and costs in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrett presiding: Meeting and Passing School Bus — Linda Eastman, Leesburg, $153. Failure to Yield —David Jackson, 54, North Webster, dismissed. Allowing Dog to Stray — Larry Germanprez, North $lO3. Speeding — Drake Sladky, 17, North Webster, $80; Essie Griffen, 40, Nappanee, $65; Robin Wynn, 37, Leesburg, $65. County Court Goshen Division The following fines plus court costs have been levied and paid in Elkhart County Court, Goshen Division: Speeding — Barbara Jane Morgan, 24, Syracuse, $56 Expired driver’s license — Todd M. Folker, 21, Milford, $54 Driving while intoxicated — Fredrica J. Ping, 33, Syracuse, S3OO plus costs, two years at the Indiana Department of Corrections, with all except 10 days in jail suspended, defendant was given the option of completing 80 hours of community service instead of the days in jail, and defendant chose to perform the community service, the suspension is on the condition the defendant be on probation for two years, follow standard probation terms, pay user’s fees, obtain an ECADAP assessment within 30 days and follow recommendations, submit to drug/alcohol surveillance, driver’s license suspended one year Marriage Licenses . The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jeanne Weirick: Allan-Glon Brian Allan, 27, 2207 S. Main St., Elkhart, and Dawn E. Glon, 30, r 1, lot 20, Cromwell. Dorsey-Marsh William E. Dorsey, 47,16500 CR 38, Goshen, and Jean E. Marsh, 46, r 4, box 65, Warsaw. Stoliker-Jones Donald Chester Stoliker, 36, r 3, box 633, Syracuse, and Connie Lou Jones, 30, r 3, box 633, Syracuse. Marriage Dissolution The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Kosciusko Circuit Court: Hanna — Debra Sue Hanna, Kos. Co. and John B. Hanna, Kos. Co. The couple was married October 6, 1973 and separated February 1, 1988. There are two minor children. Goon — Randy Jay Goon, r 2, Leesburg, and Lisa Renee Goon, r 1, Leesburg. The couple was married October 3, 1981 and separated January 10, 1988; There are two minor children. Smith — Betty R. Smith, Warsaw, and Donald E. Smith, North Webster. The couple was married April 13, 1963 and separated January 22, 1988. There is one minor child. Petitioner seeks custody and child support.

Circuit Court The following petitions have been filed in Kosciusko Circuit Court, Judge Richard Sand presiding: Complaint Cheryl L. Brule, Napoleon, Ohio vs Darrell John Pelto, Milford. Plaintiff prays for an order for support and further relief as law provided. Complaint For Replevin Todd Allen Clouse, no address given, vs Darla Moore, C/O Larry Vanlaningham, Milford. Plaintiff prays for possession of property, or value thereof if delivery cannot be had; for prejudgment interest; costs of action and all other relief. Petition For Support Provisional Orders Kosciusko County Department of Public Welfare; Cindy J. Cooley, no address given, vs Gerry J. Winebrenner, C/O Gage Bros., r 1, box 167, Albion. Plaintiff demands the court enter orders for support, orders for reimbersement of The Indiana State Department of Public Welfare; for costs of this action, and for all other relief proper in the premises. Affiant moves the court enter provisional orders upon obligated parent for support and all other relief. Superior Court The following petition has been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court, Judge Robert Burner presiding: Complaint Harold L. Hershberger and Dorthula M. Hershberger, no address given, vs Richard A. Dull Jr. and Patricia Dull, r 5, Syracuse. Plaintiff prays for judgment of $20,969.24; for the principal in sum of $17,216.43 plus interest of $752.81, and additional interest of $5.66 per day; attorney fees and other expenses; for costs; forclosure of the mortgage contract; sale of the real estate and for all other relief. Area residents are released after posting bonds The following persons were booked recently, into the Kosciusko County Jail. Those released after posting bond include: Richard John Wagoner, 35, r 1 box 70P, Leesburg, arrested on a charge of check deception; Lisa Ann Holdeman, 23, 730 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated; Sharron Lynn Lantz, 43, r 1 103 Cherokee, Syracuse, arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol; and Willis Dale (“Bud”) Heck, 36, r 1 Lot 103, Cromwell, arrested for driving while intoxicated. Michael Ray Fishbaugh, 18, r 2 box 1988, North Webster, is serving a 10-day sentence handed down by the Kosciusko County Court. 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 46567. Second class postage paid at 103 E. Main Street, Syracuse, Indiana 46567 and at additional entry offices. Subscription: sl7 per year In Kosciusko County; $23 outside county. POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The Mall-Journal, P.O. BOx 188, Milford, Indiana 46542 ; l‘i. .. ' ■

"CRUZIN l„ AROUND 'CUSE"

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UCH FUN! Darrell Bales had such fun with his 50th birthday announcement in this column last week that

ie decided to share the wealth and “tattle on his tattler” by informing us that Elsie Nyikos will be 50 on Thursday, Feb. 25. Can we expect Darrell to bake some tasty sheet cakes to serve up to customers as Elsie did for him? ACCORDING TO Big Wheel’s Rick Noca, if all goes well at the variance hearing Thursday we can expect to see construction to begin on the new Syracuse store sometime in May, with an opening scheduled for the end of the year. This store will make their third in Indiana (the other two being in Goshen and Warsaw). They also have stores in Michigan and Ohio. The Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce sent Noca a letter of support on the variance request, with a copy to Dan Richards of the County Plan Commission. MAIN STREET Video is the name of the new uptown store, which wiD be located between Lil’s and Bushong Barber Shop on West Main Street. The owners are Michael and Louisa Murray of Syracuse — they also own and operate Impressions, which creates oak products for van conversions. Louisa, who will operate the new store, says she gave Mike her two weeks’ notice several weeks ago and plans to do some remodeling prior to the early March opening. Main Street Video will carry movie videos for rent and purchase as well as VCR’s, TV’s, cleaning equipment, and video cameras. ANYONE GOT room for a sleigh? The sleigh that Jack and Helen Alfrey gave to the Winter Carnival Committee several years ago has been stored by Bob Pilcher since that time; however, it needs a new home. Lately, it comes out of storage each December as a part of Santa’s visit to Syracuse as his “throne”. Children love to climb up onto the sleigh and then onto his lap. Great for picture-taking, too. The Carnival has been unable to locate a willing horse to make the sleigh usable during the winter event — perhaps it’s time to secure it in the new museum? SPEAKING OF the Winter Carnival, I wish I had a nickel for every one who said, “This would be a great weekend for the Carnival!” last week after all the dumping of snow and chilly temperatures! There doesn’t seem to be an accurate formula for determining the perfect winter weekend — probably the best suggestion that I’ve heard so far is to put the 1989 calendar on the wall, stand back and take aim, then let fly with a dart to select the date! THE SYRACUSE community is fortunate to have “Community Dialysis Services” at Kosciusko Community Hospital. This is made available through an affiliation with The Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne, Ind. and is located at 1000 Med Park Drive (Healthnet -Plaza, just north of KCH). IS GEORGE Bushong promoting Mutz for Governor? Or is Mutz promoting George for something? Remember the photo of our lieutenant governor in George’s barber chair this summer, taken during the acknowledgement of the Bushong Barber Shop as being in business for over 100 years? Well, that photo is reappearing in the “John Mutz for Governor of Indiana” newsletter! * —<oIF YOU notice a stranger driving slowly through town, and stopping now and then to stare up at light poles, it’s only the representative from Bronner’s in Frankenmuth, Mich., evaluating the town’s existing Christmas decorations and locations so that he can develop a proposal for the Chamber’s planned new Christmas lights. An additional bonus is that Bronners is offering local businesses an opportunity to order Christmas decorations for themselves at discounted prices if placed with the Chamber’s order later this year. SEEING EYE to eye. The thundering footsteps across our roof turned out to be a galavanting squirrel who had been enjoying himself at the bird feeder, then running across the roof to munch down in peace. He slipped up (literally) on one trip to the feeder and with a scramble wound up dangling by one clenched paw from a very skinny tree branch before my eyes as I stood at the window to admire the birds feeding. Don’t know who was more startled, but his little eyes were big and round! I WONDER how many countries penalize their citizens for saving money??? It’s tax preparation time and if you haven’t paid out anything in interest or service charges, you are out of luck. If you have managed to put aside some funds into savings, you’re penalized . ...it would appear that our government encourages a t debt-laden constituency! ■ ■ ■ ACCORDING TO Purdue’s “Environmental Engineering News”: “Os those cities in the U.S. whose landfills will reach capacity within five years, a study has found that 80 percent have yet to identify a new landfill site.” Wonder if that applies to Syracuse? -o— THE PERSON who is always blowing a fuse is usually in the dark. THE FIRST written references to a Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce began In 1951, when C. C. Etter was its president. During the 37 years of existence, the Chamber has had 30 presidents, with seven years (1961-1968) having no written records at all.

Rummaging through the old files was entertaining and enlightening. Here’s a rundown of past chamber presidents: 1951- C.C. Etter 1952- Edward E. Stephenson 1953- B. Lee Fischer 1954- B. Lee Fischer 1955- Hubert Anglemeyer 1956- Woodrow Robertson 1957- Bob Janney ' 1958- Bob Byler 1959- Wendel Shank ’* 1960- Tom Socks 1961- — no records — 1968- Bill Brammer (the minutes speak of “reorganization”) 1969- Jay Peffley 1970- John Walker 1971- Joe Todd 1972- Chet Elder ' 1973- Ev Gans 1974- Jerry Ganshorn 1975- Charles “Jim” Kroh 1976- Ted Rogers 1977- Larry Baumgardt 1978- Bob McNary 1979- Barbara Mort 1980- Barbara Mort 1981- Phyllis Gerstner 1982- Henry Smith 1983- Bill Beemer 1984- Bob Troutman 1985- Bob Westfall 1986- Jim Evans Many of them are not resting on their laurels, either; they’re still actively involved in the community behind the scenes! -JOG ONE OF the most gripping and compassionate stories ever to appear in The MailJournal appeared last week over the signature of Bart and Cinda Culver and their three children, Breesa, Alexis and Audim. It concerned the robbery and subsequent burning down of their home on Backwater Road, southeast of North Webster. The letter was actually a “thank you” note to the valiant men of the North Webster Fire Department for their efforts to save the Culver home, and to the friends and neighbors who rallied to their cause in providing accommodations for them on a temporary basis. Anyone familiar with the Culvers are mindful that they built a small ski business into an international business, employing a number of local people to ship their products world-wide. The wanton burning of their home took with it memorabilia of a lifetime — “hundreds of pictures of our trips with the children, chronicling their development from the delivery room to the third grade — the growth marks etched on the dining room door trim, the seven Christmases spent with family, employees, neighbors, friends, and exchange students from all over the world.” The loss of their home and all its possessions, valued at $360,000, took with it the old, ornate doors of the long-gone Yellow Banks Hotel, beams, bricks and memorabilia from many local landmarks. All of this irreplacable! One can only guess at the torment the Culvers experienced when they were called in Florida where they were vacationing, and told their home was on fire! They made a 24-hour, non-stop trip home, and since then have been trying to get their lives back to normal. Others found the Culver story as gripping as we did, for it was made the Crime of the Week by Crime Stoppers. 1 A full account of the fire, the Crime Stoppers story, and the Culver letter appeared in these columns last week. —o— THE FEBRUARY issue of Indiana Business features Indiana as the boat-building capital of the country, with an article by Marcia M. Gruver entitled Hoosier Boat Builders. The article points to Hoosier boat builders reporting record sales over the past five years with no slowdown predicted for 1988. Doug Smoker of New Paris-based SmokerCraft, Inc., says, “We’ve had our best fall ever.' We’re 38 percent ahead of fiscal 1987 and 1987 was our best year ever.” The article hones in on Sea Nymph and Rinker Boat Company, too. Sea Nymph got into the pontoon business two years ago with its Suncruiser line. “Since it was an aluminum boat, we felt it was a natural for us,” said company treasurer Steve Vogel. He added, “It’s been successful way beyond our wildest imagination.” Rinker builds the popular Rinkerbuilt line in Syracuse and has become a mainline local employer. Meantime, buy-out offers abound. Sea Nymph is now considering several offers, the ar- * tide states, but company officials insist they are interested only in adding investors and not in selling out. Both Smoker-Craft and Rinker Boat Co. report a succession of unsuccessful suitors. “We’ve been approached many times, but we like the boat business,” says Lori Egolf, Rinker’s secretary-treasurer. The article touches on boat-builders in a number of other Indiana locations, most of them in northern Indiana. The boat-building boom seems to parallel the RV boom, making northern Indiana one of the hottest employment areas in the country. TERRY SKAGGS has fun with his Purdue University graduate friends by referring to their (Continued on page 5) mswms^^—MMmmswmmMWMM