The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 31, Milford, Kosciusko County, 14 September 1988 — Page 5

LetterSlo the editor

All they are doing is making trouble

Dear Editor: I had the privilege of attending a Stichter meeting a while back. Well actually, you cannot call it a privilege to sit and listen. While listening, I kept looking around the room at all the Stichter faces. I expected to see a bunch of people committed to one cause. But in fact, I saw a bunch of faces of people who seemed to be hoping their dad would not ask them a question they could not answer. Talk about an intimidating father, and this was when an outsider was present. Can you im- ' agine what this “sin exposer” is like when an outsider is not present? It makes one wonder if he actually realizes that he is destroying lives. I made it a point to ask him what would happen if one of his children would leave his following. He responded that they would be banned front the family and would not be welcome in the Stichter home. This was what he told me. Who knows what “behind the scene” activity would take place. At least Christians have a choice as to what they believe in and are not forced into it. Another question that was asked was “why do you picket?” The response was to expbse sin in the

Under the . . . Courthouse rr® Dome ? By Ron Sharp |B || *Ji £J. bJS

COMMISSIONER’S SEAT IMPORTANT Republican Precinct Committeemen and women will meet soon to select a replacement for the late Fred Gilliam. Gilliam who served 26 years as Middle District County Commissioner was a real friend of the Kosciusko County taxpayer. He spent the county’s money as he would spend his own. Was a buffer between those who would involve the county taxpayer in all types of schemes and those who wished to have financial stability. He will be missed. His commendable service makes the Republican Party task of replacing him very difficult and very important. Republican Precinct Committeewomen and men must find a replacement to serve for the next few months and to fill the ticket for the November election. The Democrats failed to file a candidate for this position, so the Republican precinct officials will select a commissioner for the next four years. An estimated 50 precinct committeemen and women will select a replacement to serve September to January 1. (There were 13 precinct vacancies when Precinct Committee women and men posts were filled in the May primary election. ' » , A total of 100 persons (committeemen and women and their vice chairmen! will fill the Republican slot for the November election. One candidate for the position stands out. That is Marguerite Gilliam, widow of the late Fred Gilliam. Mrs. Gilliam has been Fred’s secretary and knows the county and its problems. She has a keen business sense. Furthermore, she stands for Republican principles. , She has held high offices in the Republican Women s Clubs, both local and state Mrs. Gilliam would give the commissioner’s position another dimension that has been missing for too long —a woman’s contribution. This segment of our population has been neglected. Mrs. Gilliam has the same philosophy as her late husband — financial responsibility to the county taxpayers. Some of the alternative candidates would be a disaster for property taxpayers in this county. Some in political Circles see that this as an opportunity to take what they cannot persuade the electorate -to swallow — their “takeover” of county government. I have labeled this group the “GODEMS” (The head of an elephant and the back end of the donkey) trying to seize a position on the county commissioners board and ultimately power over the county government. This group was able to elect a Warsaw mayor and three city councilmen. Some lay blarrie for the huge Warsaw Community School debt to board members this group was able to put on the school board. Gilliam was opposed to the practices advocated by this group. His oppositions was rewarded by having opponents in the last two primary elections. Politicians opposed to this power grab by the GODEMS point to what can happen if they are successful first in naming a Middle District Commissioner, then later the entire three-member County Board of Commissioners. Here is the “Christmas list” they would like to foist on to you county taxpayers. Your tax dollar for — the athletic complex (estimated cost somewhere between $500,000 to $1,000,000 per year). Your tax dollar —for the Warsaw airport (SIOO,OOO to $250,000). Your tax dollar for — a county manager (to be in charge of all of the above at an estimated cost of $50,000 to SIOO,OOO per year). A bureaucracy of 150 to 300 persons would be set up to administer county services — all these folks controlled by and paying homage to the county" manager. As you can see, Republican Precinct Committee women and men have an important decision to make. The county must proceed with an orderly plan and not throw your hard-earned cash after some hair-brained scheme that a few want — with you paying the bill. ARE SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS WORKING FOR WAWASEE SCHOOL VOTERS? If you use statistics from the 1986 election contest, the conclusion would be NO. In the general election of 1986,4,130 persons voted for school board positions. Each voter had three votes to cast. According to the records there was a possibility of a total of 12,390 votes being cast. However, only 8,354 —67 percent —of the votes cast were for all three positions. The school board is composed of five district representatives. The districts are formed along township lines — Van Buren and the east part of Jefferson Township is District Three; Turkey Creek is District Two and Tippecanoe is District One. A “kicker” is that no district can have more than two members. As to voting for all three members the best percentage was Van Buren — 73 percent of the voters voted for candidates in all three districts; Jefferson, 70 percent; Turkey Creek, 68 percent, and Tippecanoe, 63 percent. Precincts Two and Three in Tippecanoe registered only 61 percent. In fact, in Precinct Three where 591 persons voted (possible total vote of 1,773), 1,145 votes were cast for all district positions. In that district they cast 538 votes for their candidates, 332 for those in Turkey Creek and 275 for Van Buren. Wawasee School board procedures should be changed. The school board should do away with the outmoded district lines. It should form five districts with each district having a representative. All positions should be voted on as if at large. In other words, each voter would vote on each of the five districts board members.

church. Why didn’t this so-called “prophet” just say to make trouble? That is all they are doing — making trouble. Why is it that I never see a Stichter walk down Main Street? Could it be that they think they are not welcome during the week after making trouble for their friends and neighbors on Sunday morning? I sure am glad that I can walk down Main Street and say “hi” to my friends and neighbors. Well, what this all boils down to is a family out west of town who

Majority should rule lake

Dear Editor: As the dark cloud of personal threats roll over Papakeechie Lake, spread by the president of the present board, I think that some light needs to be shed upon some subjects. Let me start with latest threat to members of the association and the inconsistency allowed by the board. In The Mail-Journal, Sept. 7 issue Ron Corson, the president of the' board, is noted as saying, “The last point I have is this — this group is costing the

thinks that they do not sin anymore. When in fact, every time they pick up one of their very “well-crafted” signs, they are sinning. Yes, I am sorry to break the sad news to the Stichter family, but you all sin every day — just like everyone else. One family led by a head trouble-maker against their own community and surrounding communities. I just wonder who will win. Respectfully yours, Richard Michael Rhodes

lake (association) a considerable amount of money in terms o legal defense and I’m sure ac countability towards the pay ment of that defense is going to be discussed in great-detail.” This is a threatening statement by Cor son to members of the associatior for taking action as they see fit. When corson and his group oi followers wanted to take on s local auto junkyard that was nol affecting the lake other than the property value of a small sectior of homes. There was no problerr with using association money foi that lawsuit, with little regard as ,to who would be accountable foi the payment other than the entin lake association. Ironically this is also the same area where Corsor presently lives. Maybe Corsor and the remainder 1 of the boarc had better discuss in great detail who really is responsible for past legal expenses, that was chargee the association in protecting his and the few others property values that did not affect the en tire lake. Now let’s talk about the in timidation by the present group in power and the fact that they are willing to have all these pro blems resolved within their organization, it has been tirec several times to get changes This is met by heckles arid com ments that as long as one of their is still aroupti nothing is going t( be changed^Being told that it wil take 100 percent of the members to change conditions of ths covenants. With the fact that 7( percent or more of the members would like some change to occur that means that a small group oi members can threaten and keep the association from moving for ward. I would prefer to keep this lake private, but if it takes ths State to declare this lake publid tc remove the outdated convenants so that the majority of the take people can once again rule, so be it. Tired of the Dictatorship, Roy D. Slaymaker A response Dear Editor: In response to a recent picketing of the Milford area churches, I have decided to answer Robert Stichter and his followers with the only appropriate response... Sincerely, Dean L. Culbertson Three from area booked at jail The following persons have been booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on various charges: Bruce Lynn Avery, 28, r 2 box 392 11C, Syracuse, was charged with non-sufficient funds, checks and released on SSOO bond. Willie Grant Baldridge, 19, Leesburg, was released on $250 bond after being charged with public intoxication, illegal possession and consumption of alcohol and flight to avoid prosecution. Thomas Leslie Welker, 23, r 1 box 523, North Webster, was charged with public intoxication and released on $175 bond. Agencies seek help WASHINGTON — The Interior Department has launched an effort to enlist employees and users of its public lands as “eyes and ears” in a campaign against illegal drugs. Con rt news (Continued from page 4) Milford, vs Don Steffen, president, d/b/a IBS Sign Crafters, 60858 CR 17, Goshen. Plaintiff seeks $573.68 plus costs and interest. County Court Goshen Division ,»< The following fines plus cour costs have been levied and paid ir the Elkhart County Court Goshen Division: Speeding — Ronald K. Cox, 28 Syracuse, $63; Tricia S. Shepler 19, Syracuse, $67; Tracy J. Shear 20, Syracuse, SSB

Seven vie for commissioner's seat

| By KATE WOLFORD I Staff Writer Seven county residents feel they have what it takes to fill the Kosciusko County Commissioner’s seat left vacant by the late Fred Gilliam. Gilliam was popular with county voters and had been a commissioner for 26 years. The seven would-be commissioners are John Weyler, Thomas Church, Ed Creighton, Marguerite Gilliam, Robert Bell, John McDaniel and George Klinger. Following are comments from each of the candidates:

w z j/JI; ■ j - WsHfe? John Weyler John Weyler of Pierceton says he is running because “Basically, I’m environment and conservation oriented.” He strongly feels

August 1 hits 99 degrees

Loren Steury, weather observer at Goshen College, reports that the warmest day of the year was on August 1 when the temperature reached 99 degrees. The normal for August is 71.2 degrees. The average for August was 74.6 with 45 being the coolest day on August 30. We received 6.12 inches of rain, 2.81 above normal for the month. From January 1 to September 1, the normal precipitation is 23.28 inches; we received 22.68. There were 10 clear days in August, 14 partly cloudy, and seven cloudy. For September, 64 degrees is the average temperature. The warmest temperature of 69.2 was reached in 1978 with the coolest of 56.7 in 1975. The warmest day ever in September was on the fifth in 1959 when temperatures reached 101 degrees. The coolest was 25 degrees on September 28,1942. Average precipitation for September is 3.22 inches. The wettest September was in 1972 when we had 9.97 inches of precipitation. The driest September was in 1979 when we received no rain. In 1942, we received .25 inch of snow. • .1-i<-. ».

Three from area are in Elkhart County accidents

Three area residents were uninjured in separate accidents occurring in Elkhart County last week. On Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 11:19 a.m. James A. Bay, 87, r 1, Syracuse, was driving from Riverside Boulevard onto Elkhart Road when his 1987 AMC Eagle collided with a 1977 Chevrolet Camaro, which was driven by Anita K. Metzger, 18, 30291 North Shore Drive, Elkhart. No one was injured and damage was set at more than S4OO by Elkhart County Lt. Edward Dunithan. Three vehicles were involved in a collision at Eighth and Purl Streets in Elkhart at 4:09 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9. Eleanor J. Steele, 225 North Lake St., Syracuse, driver of a 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass, was struck by a 1984 Nissan Sentra, driven by Robin W. Bartell, 19, 1520 Birch St., Elkhart. She was northbound on Eighth Street and attempted a left turn at Purl. Her car collided with an oncoming 1985 Chevrolet Celebrity, driven by Jane N. Mayse, 70, 414 GraRoy Drive, Goshen, which caused her auto to continue in a southeasterly direction striking Steele’s vehicle. Bartell received minor cuts to her head and Mayse complained Civil Defense collecting aluminum The Syracuse Civil Defense is collecting aluminum for recycling on October 1. There will be someone at the Civil Defense Building from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to Accept donations on Dolan Drive. '

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that environmental issues must be addressed in the county. He says he can fill Gilliam’s shoes because they shared similar ideas. “Basically, he had a lot of good programs. Some need a little more attention like solid waste.” Weyler adds that if elected, he would work at his job by “just addressing the issues or problems as they come up.” Weyler, a Comfortemp, Inc., employee who has been active in many community organizations, promises he would attend the Kosciusko County Commissioner’s meetings faithfully. “When I take a job on I know what the responsibilities are and I meet them,” he explains. “I just don’t miss meetings.”

B/ 1 ■ .. ?. ’ .’Jy /J Thomas Church Thomas Church, a contractor

of a neck injury. Steele was unhurt. Bartell was cited for failure to' yield the right of way and failure to wear a safety seat belt. Damage was set at more than $3,500. At 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, a 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, driven by Kathy J. Hougey, 24, r 2, North Webster, was struck by a 1982 Oldsmobile 98, driven by Peter D. Carpenter, 17, 66766 CR 31, Goshen, as he attempted a left turn into a private driveway. No one was injured and damage was set at more than S4OO to both cars. The accident happened on CR 29 south of CR 142 in Jackson Township. Elkhart Sheriff’s PtJ. Gerald C. Webb investigated. Gun Theft Brian L. Kehr, 72833 CR 29, Syracuse, reported to Elkhart County Sheriff’s offices Tuesday, Sept. 6, that someone stole a 16 gauge Stevens double-barreled shotgun. He stated that his brother had been using the gun and placed it by a bush when he went inside the house for a few minutes. When he returned the gun was gone. Restitution being made for vandalism Restitution is being made by a 12-year-old and 13-year-old following vandalism at the Milford Sewage Plant on CR 1250 N at CR 60W. Damage was estimated up to S3OO to a window and the building. Milford Marshal David Hobbs reported the juveniles were hunting doves recently on town property and accidently hit a window and building at the plant.

and a Chapman Lake resident, also feels he has what it takes to be the new county commissioner. He says he’s running because “There’s a vacancy. I don’t have any pet projects. I just want to get in there and pass laws that are for the people. If they aren’t for the people, then I won’t pass them.” If chosen, Church says he will not follow any particular path that was cleared by Gilliam. “I know what he’s done,” Church states. “I’ll just work on* whatever Maurice Beer and Chgrlie Lynch are working on. You don’t go back and do something he’s (Gilliam’s) done. He’s gone.” Calling himself a principled person Church adds, “l am not going to go against the majority of the people. I want to hear from them. I am a honest fellow.”

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Marguerite Gilliam Gilliam’s widow, Marguerite Gilliam is also seeking the seat and says she’s running in order to carry on with her husband’s mission. “I’m running to try and carry out the differ ent projects that Fred thoight were necessary and see those through,” she states However, despite her devotion to the causes important to the late commissioner, Mrs. Gilliam says she’s her own person. “I’ve always been able to think for myself and have an opinion on things. I’ve always had a positive outlook and a progressive outlook. If someone can show me a better idea, I’llalv'ays listen, as long as If eel it’s bet :er as a whole for the county,” sti ted the Warsawresident.

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Ed Creighton

Ed Creighton, a Crystal Lake resident who works at Creighton Brothers, says he’s running in order to give something back to the county. “I fe?l that it is something I owe the community,” Creighton stated. “It is an opportunity to help with the county government. We have a very good government; it has been over the years. I’d I ke to see that continue.”

[ YOU'RE RIGHT!) Dale Tucker has the I I'm Voting For Tucker J experience. —s He gets things done. As mayor of Warsaw he... • Remodeled Center Lake I Pavilion for Senior J|| J lilil Citizens \SlIi * Created Retired Tiger Apartments ** W® • Acquired Levin Park W-M 1 ’ * Purchased Camp Lucerne - • Built Day Care Center, Jtl I il Boys' Club, Girls' Club, Home For United Way At Camp Lucerne • Got3’/a Million Airport Expansion VOTE FOR H. DALE TUCKER FOR 1 STH DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRAT i . ■ ■ tIRN Buffalo Warsaw Paid Pol. Adv. Dy Mtk. Chairman Os El.ct Tuck* ComnMtt«

Wed., September 14,1988 —THE MAIL-JOURNAL

Creighton says he is concerned about solid waste treatment, county roads and zoning. “All will be challenges,” he states. Although he says he knows of no specific issues on which he and Gilliam shared an opinion, they did share a philosophy of fiscal restraint. “I think (he and Gilliam shared) the general philosophy of the conservative use of tax dollars and giving the people as much for a dollar as you can.”

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George Klinger County Councilman George Klinger is running because “I feel that I’ve got the qualifications and the background for the commissioner’s job.” Klinger, a Warsaw resident who is selfemployed as an accountant, cites his county council experience as good preparation for the commissioner’s job. “Being a councilman,” he explains, “you have to know what every department is doing to balance the money correctly.” Klinger believes that he has a similar outlook to the late Gilliam’s. “He had a lot of good ideas that have not been completed.” He adds, however, . “We’re not going to fill his shoes right off.”

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Robert Bell Robert Bell, a Warsaw resident who works for Biomet, has thrown his hat into the ring because “There’s a lot of growth in Kosciusko County. I would like to be a part of it and make sure it grows properly, and protect the environment at the same time.” Bell would like to see through to completion Gilliam’s work on solid waste and landfill solutions. “He was working actively with solid waste disposal and landfill problems which I would like to

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follow through on,” he states. He adds that if chosen for the job, he’d deal with county problems as they came up. “You never know what’s going to come up. You just have to be prepared for anything.”

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John McDaniel When asked why he’s running, John McDaniel of Warsaw, an executive with United Telephone, says “To offer the voters an opportunity to have a business person represent them in county government.” McDaniel went on to list his youth (he’s 45), county business contacts and his interest in people as good qualifications for the commissioner’s post. McDaniel, who was defeated by Gilliam in the 1984 and 1988 primaries (he did receive 35 to 40 percent of the Republican vote, however), says the late commissioner “Continuously addressed the majority of the people’s needs. I would do that very well also. I think that’s why I received that percentage of the vote.” He adds, “You have to have the people’s best interests at heart and I guess that’s what you ought to ' do.” The candidate who will fill the j empty spot on the Republican ballot in the November election \ will be choseneat a September 19 caucus. Precinct commiteemen, along with vice committeemen, will choose the candidate. Michael Valentine, a precinct commiteeman, says he will look for “Independence and a person who will question things. I think that’s important. That would be a cornerstone of what I’d be looking for.” Valentine says he does not expect that the three-minute pf'speecbeseach would-be commissioner can give at the caucus will have much bearing on his decision. “That won’t change my mind one way or the other. I think everyone will have made up their minds one way or the other by the time they arrive.” George Applegate,' another precinct committeeman, agrees that the speeches probably won’t alter or confirm any caucus voter’s decision. “I have a feeling that most of us will have a pretty good idea of who we want by the time we get there.” Applegate did say, however, that he would listen attentively to each speech. In choosing his ideal candidate, Applegate says, “I shall be especially observant of knowledge of the county, which I suppose relates to residence here. I shall look to see who has experience in governmental affairs.” Community involvement and executive experience will also influence his decision.

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