The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 10, Milford, Kosciusko County, 20 April 1988 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., April 20,1988

Editorial Special teachers Members of the class of 1988 were named to the Academic Hall of Fame last Saturday. In turn, they named teachers who have influenced them over the past 12 years. In this way, teachers who do outstanding jobs are recognized for their efforts. Current Wawasee High School teachers on this year’s list are Steve Bailey, Tim Caldwell, Ruthann Angle, Dale Brannock, Joe Trimboli, Phil Metcalf, Robert Kitson, Terry Iden, Vernon Zurcher, Karl Keiper, Beth Hursh, Ron Corson, Pat Huber, Donna Yargosz and Cyndi Thornburg. Several were named by more than one student. Corporation students on the list are Richard Roose of Milford Junior High; Tim Yeager, formerly at Milford Elementary, now at North Webster Elementary; Russell Sonafrank, Syracuse Junior High; and Jim Hite, North Webster Junior High. And, retired or out of the corporation teachers named were Elmira Turner, retired, North Webster; Paul Rush, retired, North Webster; Tony Vermillion, West Noble High School; Rick Mathews; West Noble High School; Adam Straszynski, Morris, Manitoba, Canada; Stan Grabowicz, retired, Wawasee High School; Ann Watts, retired, Milford; and Ruby Walker, Brentwood Elementary, Fort Wayne. All should be proud that they have been recognized by the brightest stars of the WHS class of 1988. We feel it fitting that we tip our hats to them for a job well done! ' The minimum wage Congress now has the “hots” to pass a new minimum wage bill. The thinking goes like this.: The minimum wage hasn’t been hiked since 1981. That’s too long. We must push the minimum wage up, since the cost of living has gone up. Maybe. But economics and ideals are different propositions. The question isn’t that simple. The minimum wage should be raised when it will help more Americans than it harms. In the six years since it hasn’t been hiked, the nation has enjoyed remarkable prosperity, business expansion has been steady, and unemployment has steadily declined. Will raising it from $3.35 to $5.05 in four stages by 1991 create more jobs or cause the number of jobs to decline? There are mixed views. And, despite the fact that those seeking to raise the minimum wage probably have the votes, it’s appropriate to look at the other side. For big corporations, raising the minimum may be no big deal. They simply will pass on increased costs. But that’s inflationary. We have kept inflation under control for six years now. There are those who believe high federal deficits have made it a threat. Increasing labor costs will increase the threat. And, as we saw just ten years ago, high inflation robs everyone, and hurts the little man most of all. The miniinum wage applies only to the unskilled, the uneducated and youth. Several studies have shown that hiking a wage simply for humanitarian purposes is not diways beneficial to those targeted. One study suggested that if the minimum wage was reduced, teenage employment would rise 36 percent! It’s easy for congressmen sitting in Washington studying charts and looking at big corporations to conclude that increasing labor costs is a vote-winning, fatherly gesture. It may be. But for many small businesses, many in rural areas and small towns, any major hike in the minimum could mean mean an id to profits. ' ! If Congress wants to help workers in the lowest job category,it would be better to supplement their pay in some form — insurance, or fringe benefits of some kind. Socking it to business — Congress playing Santa at someone else’s expense — could cripple the goose which has been laying a lot of golden eggs for six years. Smiles Smart salesmen long ago learned selling is easier when smiling. Public relations types realize smiling opens doors. Cute things use their smiles as come-ons. And some have learned one can sink a verbal dagger deeper while smiling. The cheerful smile is, thus, often abused. That doesn’t mean smiling isn’t still an asset. It’s pleasant and desirable — when genuine. The trick these days is to know whether a smile is professional or genuine. What others say — The march of Democracy When the Midwest fell into a deep recession in 1982, man people blamed a general decline in farm income for the economic blight which spread over small towns and rural areas in the region. But now that the farm economy is on the mend, it’s becoming obvious to many analysts that the decline in jobs, population and economic vitality in many rural areas was not entirely related to the downturn in agriculture. And total recovery of the farm sector will not cure the economic ills of many small Midwestern towns. The farm recession during this decade accelerated some trends that have been working against Midwestern small towns since the turn of the century. Analysts are only now rediscovering that the process of change in rural economies has been steady and continuing. The problems caused by national recession diverted attention for a time from structural changes in rural economies that have been in the works for decades. The structure of farming itself has changed steadily over the years. Farmers in Illinois are more specialized than they once were. There are far fewer of them. And while they remain family farmers, their farms are bigger. Farm size has grown steadily and farm numbers have fallen — in good times and bad — throughout this century. Fewer farms mean fewer families buying furniture, cars, food and other consumer goods. But this is not a new problem for rural merchants. In fact, the total population of many Illinois counties peaked at the turn of the century. A decline in the number of rural consumers is a long term problem. There is no doubt that changes in the business of farming have changed the face of rural America. But the structure of farming has not been the only force reshaping the countryside and redefining the small town economy. The face of rural Illinois has also been changed by the automobile, the interstate highway system, the development of regional shopping centers and the changing needs of the manufacturing sector. xl Why is this important? Because policy makers need to uhderstand that the future of rural areas is only partially affected by the fortunes of the family farm. Farm prosperity will go a long way toward improving the economic fortunes of many rural people but a healthier farm sector will not automatically guarantee a renewal of small town economies. . j , -FARM BUREAU COMMENTARY

mb I * q. y | | Retired teacher Ann Watts is now a busy volunteer. She was one of several teachers and former teachers honored by WHS seniors Saturday. Court news

County Court The following persons have paid fines and costs in Kosicusko County Court, Judge James Jarrett presiding: Speeding — Tara S. Denney, 35, Leesburg, $65; Harold E. Mickley, 49, North Webster, SBO., Driving Left Os Center — Matthew J. Henry, 18, Leesburg, S6O. Expired Plates — Mark S. Minnick, 38, North Webster, S6O. No Seatbelt — Steve R. Miller, 18, Milford, S2O. Operating While Intoxicated Douglas M. Smith, 30, Milford, $453, driver’s license suspended 180 days, K.C.J. 12 days. Driving While Suspended — Mark A. Grisby, 25, Syracuse, $lO5, driver’s license supspended 90 days. Public Intoxication — Gregory Dale Bills, 31, Milford, $153. Reckless Driving — Jimmie Hamby, 39, Syracuse, $l2B. Marriage Licenses The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jeanne Weirick: Craig-Stewart Jarrell W. Craig, 34, r 1 box 173, Leesburg, and Cathy E. Stewart, 33, r 1 box 173, Leesburg. Herrick-Smith Ken Allen Herrick, 35, r 2, Leesburg, and Vickie Lenee Smith, 24, 257 N. Main, Nap- < panee. Adkins-Richcreek Timothy Keith Adkins, 21, Anderson, and Janet Sue Richcreek, 25, r 2 box 260, Milford. The following couple has filed for a 1 marriage license in Elkhart County Circuitebbrt: Chapman-Schuh K Allen Lee Chapman, 23, R. 5 Box 448A, Syracuse and MerrieNoel Schuh, 17, 207 E. Indiana, Nappanee Small Claims The following judgements have been awarded in Small Claims Division, Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrett presiding: Otis R. Bowen Center vs Lowell Rupert and Jan Rupert. Plaintiff awarded $1,090 plus costs. Cheryl L. Kincaid vs Carl M. Siler, Jr. Plaintiff awarded $275.20 plus costs. Janice S. May vs Debbie Reinhardt. Plaintiff awarded $33.54 plus costs. Montgomery Ward vs Howard J. Bright. Plaintiff awarded $427.38 plus costs. Jack Hicks vs John Clevenger and Margaret Clevenger. Plaintiff awarded $481.35 plus costs. Kathy S. Prater vs Elwood Hall, Jr. Plaintiff awarded $194.43. John P. Geberin vs Larry D. Bush. Plaintiff awarded $383.75 plus costs. Mason Health Care Facility, Inc. vs Mary K. Huffer. Plaintiff awarded $866.66 plus costs. Milo Lightfoot vs Elliot Enders. Plaintiff awarded $431.13 plus costs. James C. Silveus vs Wilford Prater. Plaintiff awarded $482.73 plus costs. Claude Wood vs Craig W. Neal. Plaintiff awarded SIOO. Circuit Court The following petitions have,, been filed in Kosciusko Circuit, Court, Judge Richard Sand presiding. 7.?Complaint For Breach Os Real Estate Lease Agreement Penguin Point Franchise Systems, Inc., no address given, versus Burger Plus, Inc., and Thomas O. Misner. Plaintiff seeks judgement against defendent jointly and severally in the sum of $41,303 plus interest, attorney fees in the sum of $1,500 and costs. Complaint On Account Sears Roebuck & Company ver* sus Rick J. Sonner. Plaintiff seeks judgement in the sum of $1,727.69 plus costs. '■■■ 1 City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Speeding — Mitch D. Jones, 17, Syracuse, SIOB, ordered to attend; Defensive Drivers School; Eliseo Roa, 18, Milford, $63; Crispin D. Hermosillo, 31, Milford, S6B; Bret F. Stahly, 27, Syracuse, S6B Improper passing — Harry J. Lemberg, 63, Syracuse, $63

False and fictitious registration — Richard W. Wilson, 25, Milford, $54 Driving left of center — Richard W. Wilson, 25, Milford, dismissed Illegal consumption of alcohol — Brian L. Kitchen, 19, Milford, $203, 30 days in jail suspended on condition defendant abide by all court orders, participate in drug and alcohol program and show proof, and not commit an alcohol or drug-related offense for six months, pay fine and costs Driving while intoxicated — Richard W. Wilson, 26, Milford, $253, 60 days in jail suspended on condition defendant abide by all court orders and not commit another alcohol-related or major traffic offense for one year, probationary license for 180 days following 30-day license suspension, pay S2O to BMV, attend and pay for DWI classes, pay user’s fees, one year probation County Court Goshen Division Speeding — Shari L. Klenke, 26, Syracuse, $56; Scerita A. Melendez, 35, Milford, SSB; Rudi J. Alcott, 19, Syracuse, SSB; Andrew B. Roach, 33, Syracuse, $63 Driving while intoxicated — John A. Haskins, 35, Milford, $l5O, sentenced to jail one year, suspended on condition that the defendent be placed on probation for one year. Defendent must follow recommendations made by Renaissance Center. Driver’s license suspension for 90 days Four accidents investigated - AI • -i .... ■ Four accidents were reported recently in the Lakeland area. The first one happened on Saturday, April 9, at 5:40 p.m. on Old Rd. 15, 500 feet north of CR 100 N. A Ford, driven by Castellon Escobedo Porfirio, no age or town given, struck a sign post and landed in a ditch. No other information was available. At 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 16, Robin R. Wayne, 37, r 3 box 601, Leesburg, was driving a 1987 Toyota when the right wheel dropped off the pavement. She over-reacted and the next thing she knew, she was in a spin and the vehicle flipped. Damage was estimated at between $5,001-SIO,OOO. Feme V. Lau, 69, r 2 box 227 H-2, Leesburg, was driving a 1977 Oldsmobile which collided with a 1977 Oldsmobile driven by Mark D. Yotter, r 1 box 74, Larwill. The cars collided on Armstrong Rd., 100 feet east of CR 350E at 6:35 p.m. Saturday, April 16. No other information was available. At 1:12 a.m. Sunday, April 17, Chad D. Cotton, 16, PO Box 336, Syracuse, lost control of the 1987 Chevrolet he was driving when he tried to avoid hitting an animal. The car went off the road and rolled over. Damage was listed at between $2,501-$5,000. Car wash brush taken at Syracuse Hie theft of a car wash brush was reported to Syracuse Police at2:osp.m. Friday, April 15. James Reinholt of the Village Car Wash, SR 13, told police someone had broken a pipe that connected the brush to a water hose and took the brush, which was valued at SSO. Just SO Propaganda is baloney so artfully disguised that it passes as food for thought.

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, 1nd1ana44547. Second class postage paid at 103 E. Main Street, Syracuse, Indiana 46567 and at additional entry offices. Subscription: $17.50 per year In Kosciusko County; $23.50 outside county. POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The Mall-Journal, P.O. Box IN, Milford, Indiana 46542 ■eoMMMSMMMSMbLsseeeMseeeni

"CRUZIN AROUND CUSE" jz ' -J,

SPRING IN SYRACUSE . . . where the sunrises are breathtaking and the magnolia trees add a riot of color and soft scent to the senses! While the chill of winter is increasingly hard to bear, the reward of spring is well worth the wait. Expectations begin when the first sign of green starts creeping towards the house from the edge of the woods and grows as the trees begin swelling their leaf buds, and culminates in the vivid blotches of color found in forsythia, hyacinths, daffodils, tulips, early iris and blossoming trees! Experiencing spring in northern Indiana is like working in an office where the air conditioning and the furnace are in competition and you never know from one moment to the next whether you’re going to be warm — or chilled to the bone! But, the southern climes * cannot produce the wonderous variety that we find right here in our home town! The glorious magnolia tree shown in the photo can be found at the home immediately behind the Syracuse Fire Department’s parking lot. OthdF lovely versions are at the Turkey Creek Bridge, behind the Civil Defense building, at the fpnper Ken Harkless home on Syracuse Lake, ahaencirclingSyracuse’s Lakeside Park. SPEAKING OF spring. Some businesses are starting their spruce-up campaign early — the town will hold it’s “official” spring clean-up from May 16 to 20. We have noticed that The Liquor Locker has done some repairs and sprucing; Chet Elder is adding some “beautification” to the Huntington Street side of his building, located next to the town hall; and Love Furniture has pulled out all the stops by installing siding, new windows and a door, and will continue with restoration of the second story and addition of new carpeting to the store. It’s wonderful to see these local business owners reaffirm their commitment to our community. GONE BUT he hasn’t been forgotten. Bob Westfall, NIPSCO, is still actively involved with Kosciusko County and especially the United Way. His hours of dedication have resulted in being appointed to a three-year term on the United Way Board, although he now works in Goshen, his home is still in Syracuse and that’s where his heart is also. Congratulations, Bob! “JUST SAY No” clubs are all around us, but there is none in Syracuse. Anyone interested in organizing one may find help by calling 457-5422 after 8 p.m. INTERESTED IN the latest styles? On Wednesday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. the Syracuse BPW will hold its first annual style show in Calvary United Church’s new community room. Several local stores have been working against the clock to get their spring clothing in time to show . . . Anchor Man, Country Mouse, Leisure Pool, Marises, Maxwelton Pro Shop, and Your Village Boutique will provide models and spring fashions. Tickets can be obtained from any BPW member, participating store or at the State Bank of Syracuse — and the price includes a salad bar! THE CHALLENGE is out! Dennis Jones, our biking enthusiast from last week’s column is guaranteeing a 100-mile ride during the Rotary’s May Bike-a-Thon if he can obtain enough substantial dollar/mile commitments from the community. He will return the monies to whichever charity the sponsor specifies — Syracuse park gazebo replacement, town Christmas lights... According to Jones, he will begin his 100-mile ride around 6:30 a.m., using his wrist computer to calculate and record the mileage, in order to complete the ride at approximately the same time as the rest of the riders that day. Got a favorite charity??? Get ready to sign up for $5-$lO/mile with Mr. Jones! TIME FOR Syracuse alumnas again. This year’s Syracuse High School Alumni Association consists of Warren Benson, president; Betty (Henwood) Witmer, vice president; Willodean (Mock) Tytler, treasurer; Priscilla Rhode, decorations; Marsha (Crow) Fisher, recording secretary; and Jean Insley, membership secretary. The group is making plans for the May 28th banquet at the “old” gym at the former high school. Announcements have been sent out . and reservations would be very helpful. Dinner,

entertainment, and a business meeting will be a part of the evening’s get-together. OPEN HOUSE at Leisure Pools on April 21-24. Folks stopping by will find refreshments and all kinds of specials. KEEP AN eye on the state’s proposed residential septic regulations. As presented, they will force the price of new homes up by approximately |8,000; increase the maximum square footage of land required, thereby increasing the price of land to build upon; require a county inspector to do on-site inspection of new and/or replacement septic systems, as well as inspecting each time a home is sold, slowing down the process of finalizing or closing jobs (how many county inspectors are available, after all?). Now these may appear to be small irritations on the surface, but if land requirements are greater and the cost of building is increased, how many middle-class residents are we going to see coming into our county? If housing becomes out of reach cost-wise, what happens to businesses and industries who need to replace or add to their labor forces? ■* * The repercussions will be felt at not only the business and industry levels (affecting Chambers of Commerce), but also by town boards and city councils when those affected appeal to them for annexation and sewer hookups. If you want to know more about this situation, ask your local builder. They are very aware of the issue and are addressing it through appropriate channels. 1 - ! s X f GOLF, DINNER. Gamma Sigma chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority is sponsoring a benefit golf tournament for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at Maxwelton Golf Club on Saturday, April 23 (rain date April 30). This community-oriented sorority has been actively involved with the Winter Carnival since its inception 9 years ago — handling the responsibilities of the food trailer. They provide “Letters from Santa” as another fundraiser, and are known for their mouth-watering “elephant ears” cooked up for special events. Last year’s accumulated proceeds provided in excess of $2,000 towards St. Jude’s. -JOG A KOSCIUSKO County soldier was instrumental in one of the greatest escape plans in the Civil War. He was one of 15 Union officers who tunneled their way out of a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp. These 15 led the way for a total of 109 Union officers to escape from Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., February 9,1864. ' !** In 1863 —125 years ago — our soldiers fought in some of the most important battles in the War Between the States: Vicksburg, Chickamauga, Gettysburg, and the Siege of Chattanooga. Their experiences are retold in the book, Kosciusko County Men in the Civil War, Vol. One: Men in Battle 1861-1865. These accounts make it possible for the reader to relive this period of our history. The book culminates more than a 20-year search of official records, service records, individual diaries, and regimental records. The book covers Kosciusko County’s participation in the Civil War from first enlistments in April 1861 through the Battle of Richmond, Ky., Stone River, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Shiloh, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and Atlanta. It concludes with one of the county soldiers dying in the West in 1866. Additional information includes those who were captured, wounded, and died during the war. , This book is part of a three-volume set being ■ written by Ronald and Joan Sharp, 406 N. Huntington St., Syracuse. They have compiled almost 3,000 names of men who served in the Civil War and have recently completed a fivevolume history of Syracuse. Ronald Sharp is a past president of the Kosciusko County Historical Society and former newspaper editor. Mrs. Sharp is a graduate of Indiana University School of Journalism and edited “Writers and Writings of Kosciusko County,” an annotated bibliography, published by the Warsaw branch of the American Association of University Women. Plans include Volume II of the Civil War history to deal with the more than 100 units in which the Kosciusko County soldiers were enrolled. Volume 111 will give individual information on the 3,000 men involved. —o— FLOTATION SPAS, Inc., located on (Continued on page 5)

-JOG