The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 38, Milford, Kosciusko County, 2 November 1988 — Page 4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., November 2,1988

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Editorial

Your vote does count

If anyone out there is wondering, just ask John Hiler or Tom Ward - YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT. While negative campaigning will sway some people away from the polls, the local race for two Wawasee School Board positions gives Syracuse, Milford and North Webster residents an added incentive to make that trip to the voting booths. One of the biggest questions facing the candidates and one that will face the future school board is the pressing issue of the new middle school, slated to be constructed on SR 13 between Syracuse and North Webster. While the middle school is now bounded, two of the candidates have reservations about the chosen location. The other two would like to see the progress toward the school uninterrupted with little, if any, changes made in the present plans. The senior member on the board, Bill Little, who currently serves as its president, notes that “To alter plans would be a failure to honor that expressed choice (made by Milford patrons who desire a small school setting).” He adds, “The direction that I support is to continue the' plans for the new middle school as currently developed.” However, Little’s opponent in the third district, Dennis Mikel, notes that a recent questionnaire returned by Milford parents may favor that the school be located closer to that town, with many middle school parents choosing to send their children to the new school. “Considering the response from the survey, the school board needs to go back to reconsider the middle school project as it now stands. We seem to be moving toward a central middle school and if we are I think we should look at the location (owned by the school corporation) behind the high school. This would lessen transportation problems, the utilities are readily available, and it is a more central location for all involved, ” he says. The current location would call for Jefferson Township students to take a 20+ mile trek to the new school each day. Mikel adds, “If we are going to proceed with the project as it is, we need to be willing to provide curriculum (at the Milford school) that is as equitable to the one at the new middle school as possible.” Syracuse District Two candidate Jeff Wells agrees the location needs to be reviewed, saying, “It (new middle school) needs to be built because of overcrowding, but based on the middle school survey, I believe the current board should reconsider the location.” His counterpart, incumbent Carol Swartzendruber contends, “I totally support the decisions that have been made (about the middle school location) and the route that was taken. A lot of sweat and input was made, while we had a lot of openness and much concern over the decision. It (current project) is the best that it can be with the input we’ve had.” Parents of school children and members of the community will have the opportunity to show what measures they support. Whatever your feelings on the issue — REMEMBER TO VOTE. 911 will save lives The Kosciusko Coupty Rural Numbering System is substantially completed. The system is essentiaLtothe installation of an enhanced 911 emergency service. Once installed, a caller in need of emergency services can dial 911 and his name, address and telephone number will be delivered to a radio dispatcher’s computer screen. That vital information will come from a data base of which the rural numbering system will be a part. In addition, the system will aid emergency and law enforcement services in finding the homes of those in need. In short, the rural numbering system and enhanced 911 will save lives. Although the rural numbering project has been financed by the county, the support and assistance provided by the Rural Numbering Committee as well as other groups and citizens has translated into a cost-saving bonanza for county taxpayers. At an October 25 meeting, Steve Maenhout, project director, told the county council that the “high ceiling” for the project would be $54,000. Maenhout added that without the support and assistance he had received, the project could easily have cost double that figure. Much is often said about the need for “grass roots” or “community level” efforts when important change is needed. Such action is rare. Those who have helped make the rural numbering project and the installation of the enhanced 911 a reality have proven that concerned citizens can make a difference, / even in the cost of improving the quality of life for Kosciusko County residents.

What others say

Not all fit stereotype

When most people think of a thief, they think of a shady-looking character dressed in casual clothes and armed with a knife or gun. Undoubtedly, some thieves fit that stereotype, but not all. For example, some of the biggest crooks are well-groomed men and women who wear stylish suits and use a pen or computer to make their haul. For those who need proof of that, we call their attention to a recent report by a U.S. House subcommittee on commerce, consumer and monetary affairs. That report reaches the astonishing conclusion that fraud is involved in 80 percent of the 210 failures of savings and loans in the nation and nearly one-third of the 354 bank failures. The committee also said the fraud was encouraged by insufficient federal laws and inadequate prosecution by law enforcement. That news is distressing for consumers, who up to now had been told that — particularly in Texas — had been caused by bad loans, unwise investments or economic downturns. But even if one takes those factors into account, it is becoming increasingly clear that embezzlement, fraud and outright theft played far too big a role in the epidemic of insolvency that swept across Texas and the nation. It’s too late now to resurrect the failed institutions, but it isn’t too late for authorities to seek out and prosecute the guilty parties. They stole from honest people just as surely as if they had burglarized their homes or mugged them on a street comer. If anything, their crimes are worse because their haul was so huge, sometimes totaling millions of dollars. The penalties for those convicted of fraud in the recent failures should be stiff to provide an effective deterrent for any other financial officials contemplating similar misdeeds. State and federal regulation of banks and S&Lbs also should be tightened to reduce these crimes in the future. It will be difficult enough for honest institutions, their customers and other taxpayers to pick up the tab for these gigantic swindles, but it never should happen again. - PORT ARTHUR NEWS, TEXAS

SAMPLE VOTING BALLOT DISTRICT 2 (TURKEY CREEK) □ CAROL SWARTZENDRUBER □ JEFF WELLS (REMEMBER — ONLY 1 VOTE IN EACH DISTRICT) DISTRICT 3 (VAN BUREN/JEFFERSON EAST) □ BILLY G. LITTLE □ DENNIS MIKEL (REMEMBER — ONLY 1 VOTE IN EACH DISTRICT) YOU HAVE ONLY 1 VOTE IN EACH DISTRICT VOTING FOR 2 IN THE SAME DISTRICT WILL NULLIFY YOUR VOTE

Court news

County Court The following persons have paid fines and costs in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrett presiding: Speeding — Shirley M. Bricker, 58, Leesburg, $80; Summer L. Bright, 21, North Webster, $80; Troy S. Boyer, 20, Leesburg, $65; Terry E. Powell, 24, Milford, $65. Expired Plates — Steve Sherer, 35, Milford, S6O. Disregarding Automatic Signal — Ronald L. Streby, 46, North Webster, S6O. Unsafe Start — Gregg A. Flory, 18, Leesburg, S6O. Superior Court The following petitions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court, Judge Robert Burner presiding: Complaint State Bank of Syracuse versus O.K. Marketing. Inc., 313 E. Benton, Syracuse. Plaintiff seeks $2,927.78 plus costs. Complaint State Bank of Syracuse versus Timothy C. Morganthaler, r 3 box 35, Syracuse. Plaintiff seeks $1,369.09 plus interest and costs. Complaint State Bank of Syracuse versus William Ciambella, Tuscembia, Ala. Plaintiff seeks $599.78 plus costs. Complaint State Bank of Syracuse versus Rita Harris, PO Box 228, North Webster. Plaintiff seeks $1,480.44 plus interest and costs. Marriage Licenses The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jeanne Weirick: Byland-Pippenger William Nelson Byland, 30, r 3 box 120, Syracuse, and Ronda Lynn Pippenger, 21, r 3 box 120, Syracuse. Rice-Wise Mark Alan Rice, 26, 406 N. Main, Milford, and Victoria Lynn Wise, 19, Box 403, Milford.

Letters to the editor

Vote 'no' on Proposition One

Dear Editor: Across the nation in fiscal 1987, there were some 800 persons who walked off with $1 million or more in state lottery winnings. How many readers would like to be one of them? The trouble is, those lucky ones, were a pitifully tiny percentage of the 97 million persons who play the state lotteries annually — 0.0008 percent, to be exact. The rest were losers, or won much smaller amounts. And, of course, the money pocketed by these few big winners came out of the pockets of the losers, many of whom couldn’t really afford such losses. As Money magazine notes in its November issue, for every big jackpot winner, “there are millions of losers who get nothing at all week after week. Furthermore, most of the so-called winners get back a free ticket to play again — in other words, a zero return on their lottery investment.” The odds of hitting the big jackpot in Illinois, for example, are one in 13 million, and in Ohio, one in seven million. Moreover, across the nation lottery payers overall get back less than half of the money they bet. In Michigan, the lottery commissioner estimates that each state resident would have to pay $l6O more in state taxes a year if there were no lottery there. One has to ask, how many Michigan residents spend twice that much, or even 10 times that much, each year on lottery tickets and get back little or nothing? Some of these, of course, are compulsive gamblers. One 32-year-old electrician in New York State lost over $50,000 playing the lottery, some of it borrowed from banks or charged io credit cards. “I went from wagering SSO a week to S2OO or S4OO a week,” he told the New

Skrumelak-Harris Nicholas Skrumelak, 41, r 1, Milford, and H. Rita Harris, 33, r 1 box 2408, Milford. Circuit Court The following petitions have been filed in Kosciusko Circuit Court, Judge Richard Sand presiding. Complaint Elder Real Estate, no address given, versus Hugh Dunithan and Five-D-Boise, Inc., both located at Dunnico, Inc., Palm Drive, Syracuse. Plaintiff seeks performance of contract or compensation and costs. City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Driving while intoxicated — Clark J. Hostetler, 26, Milford, $453, one year in jail suspended on condition defendant abide by all court orders and not commit another alcohol-related or major traffic offense for one year, no alcohol while on probation, urinalysis testing at anytime while on probation, attend Substance Abuse Classes, pay user’s fee, one year probation; Patrick M. Medley, 40, Milford, dismissed County Court Goshen Division The following fines have been levied and paid in the Elkhart County Court, Goshen Division: Speeding — Kimberly K. Evans, 32, Syracuse, SSB; Michael T. Benning, 23, Milford, $56; Benjamin A. Glaser, 36, Syracuse, $63 New Claims Goshen Division The following new claims have been filed in Elkhart County Court, Goshen Division: R.M. Long vs Terry L. Senders, r 2 box 392, Syracuse. Plaintiff seeks $1,290.57 plus interest and costs. Kenneth R. Martin, 121 North Third Street, Goshen vs Richard Hanshew, r 1 15402 CR 50, Syracuse. Plaintiff seeks S2OO plus interest and costs.

York Times. It wasn’t until his wife threatened to leave him and take their daughter with her that he sought help from Gamblers Anonymous. For this man, the lottery became nothing but a monstrous rip-off. And this rip-off is compounded by the fact that once a state gets into the gambling business via the lottery, it gets hooked on gambling revenues, and there is great pressure to get as many people playing as possible and betting as much as possible. In other words, the state becomes a pusher, which we can easily argue is morally a very uncomfortable role for a state government. One has to ask, what is the use of the state trying to discourage and prosecute the use of destructive drugs like crack and marijuana on the one hand, while actively pushing the practice of addictive gambling on the other? If that doesn’t make sense to you, join the club — and vote “no” on Proposition One in the November 8 election. Donald Mcßride

THE MAIL-JOURNAL 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: $17.50 per year In Kosciusko County; $23.50 outside county. POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The Mall-Journal, P.O. Box 188, Milford, Indiana 46542

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE"

Thirty days hath November ... the 11th month of 1988 —a time of hard frosts, football, raking eaves and Thanksgiving. Halloween is behind, turkey time is a coming; school is in session, and choirs are a humming. The veggies are processed, the flowers are picked. We’re getting in the mood for a visit from St. Nick. Shoppers are out in abundance already, balancing their purchases and checkbooks quite steady. But before we get ourselves in a stew, let’s remember that November’s when our real estate taxes are due. And this special year, on November 8 we go out, to vote for our candidates whom we back without doubt! THERE ARE some mighty nice people living in Syracuse, reports Vera Hall. While she was snuggled into her home, thinking about how she ought to get out and rake her leaves, two of her neighbors, Bob Knudsen and Bob Nelson, zipped their leaf clean-up machines over her yard and did the job for her! MORE RED ribbons were spotted this week, supporting the national campaign for a drug free environment. These were on the G.L. Perry store on Pickwick Road. AN OPEN gym/after school program is being planned by the Lakeland Youth Center, according to its director, Pam Howatt. This will be directed toward those children who have parents at home or are old enough to not qualify as latchkey kids — it is to complement the latchkey program, not compete with it. Beginning Monday, Nov. 7, from 4-5:30 p.m., children who qualify may spend an afternoon each week playing ping pong, board games, or basketball. A small fee will be charged. This is another step towards giving local youth a central focus point. DOES THIS county have couth? You bet it has! We understand that plans are underway to unify several cultural groups so that a sharing of resources can come about — and perhaps a permanent home for the arts? G.L. PERRY store’s manager has been working in the Syracuse community since May. Dino Piraccini (a good “Irish” name) came here from the Niles, Mich. G.L. Perry. He continues to live at his Michigan lake home, (about five miles from Bristol) while checking out local properties. Dino started with G.L. Perry as a stock boy 10 years ago when he was 16 and speaks eloquently about the Perry philosophy of maintaining a family store — no cigarettes, alcohol or racy items are sold. He reports that Mr. Perry started in the business under Mr. Kreske, opening his own store for the first time in 1939 in Elkhart. The store buys in large quantities so that they can offer items at discount, rather than at the suggested retail price. Having been involved with merchant groups in Elkhart and Niles, Dino has already become active in the local retail merchants organization. According to him, the Syracuse merchants work together rather than feuding, and he appreciates that. Dino feels that the people in Syracuse are friendly and he’s glad to be here. We did find out that Dino had spent several summers at the former seminary attending summer camp when he was in 6th and 7th grades. He felt that the area was so nice, and when he had to choose between a store in Battle Creek, Mich., and Syracuse — Syracuse was the preferred choice! 800 BEAR a hit with adults and children. Each branch of the State Bank of Syracuse held a drawing during its Halloween Open House last Friday for a stuffed bear dressed in a witch’s hat and nestled in a treat bag. The drawing was “for kids only” but adults could enter children’s names — and did they ever! The 800 was so popular that after the drawing was held at each branch, callers asked if they could buy one for their children. and the winner are: Brittany Skevington, age 3; Taylon Wait, 4 months old (Dick Waterson’s grandson); Tara Ridenour, 17 months; Michael Farris, 7 months; and Kyle Alcock, 3 years.

Seven injured in crash near North Webster Friday

Seven people were treated at area hospitals after a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of CR 675E and CR 650 N, North Webster, at 10:10 p.m. last Friday evening. David Mitchell, 19, Camp Pendleton, Calif., was driving a pickup truck north on CR 675E and failed to yield at the intersection. Dale Grady, 20, r 2 box 543, Syracuse, driving a car east on CR 650 N, saw Mitchell apply his brakes. Mitchell’s truck skidded 125 feet before hitting Grady’s auto head-on which forced the truck back into a utility pole. Grady’s auto then overturned. Mitchell received a fractured right leg and bruises. He was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital. His passenger, Allen Sneed, 19, r 2, North Webster, received head injuries and lacerations and bruises. He refus-

♦ WHfl* •**.' Bank employees were costumed and had' decorated pumpkins to set the Halloween scene as they served up cider, donut holes and caramel corn to customers. Darlene Peck warmed Sesquicentennial Mayor Ernie Roger’s heart by wearing his campaign sweatshirt as part of her costume (see photo). The employee costume winners were Cindi Flynn, first; Darlene Peck and A.J. Eubank, tied for second; and Kathy Lantz and Donna Thornhill, tied for third. Decorated pumpkin winners were Crystal Foley, first; Carol Smith, second; and Kim Weisser, third. NEED A ride to the polls next Tuesday? If you can’t reach your precinct person, you may call 457-2631. Susan Myrick has volunteered to coordinate rides for those who need them. ONLY DONNA Condor could go to Atlantic City on a “gambling junket” and return with her pockets jingling! She and husband, Jim, flew out last Wednesday along with her mother, Maxine Ritter, and friend, Jack Alshouse, on a Sun Country one-day trip to the East Coast casinos. Donna reports that she was playing the dollar slots when all of a sudden the machine began making noises, then dumping coins at her! iff » aS — fl fl .<' . f „ -WO fl ‘ * ■ • jp*- ■ 4 FRIENDS AND co-workers said farewell to Miriam Ridings Monday before she embarked on retirement. For the past 15 years, Miriam has worked in the Turkey Creek Township Assessor’s office. She left her job as first deputy assessor. An open house, complete with punch and cake in the afternoon, was given by her coworkers at the assessor’s office. “It’s been a nice job, and it’s been a lot of fun and enjoyment. They are wonderful people,” commented Miriam. Like others who retire, Miriam plans to do all the things she has always wanted to do before. Her husband, Jack, retired two years ago from Syracuse Rubber. The Ridings are planning to take trips, when they can, and she plans on doing a lot of reading, gardening and enjoying their family. Shown in the photo with Miriam are Charlene Knispel, township assessor; Pat Gammiere; and in the back are Susan Myrick and Charlene Hefty. HERE’S YOUR chance to assist the Syracuse Civil Defense obtain needed equipment. The group is sponsoring a bake sale on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. until sold out. The event will take place in the Civil Defense Building on Dolan Drive. ’ Phyllis Kuhn, civil defense director, stated the proceeds will be used to purchase needed equipment, instead of seeking funds from the town board.

ed treatment. Grady received bruises and lacerations to his body. He was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital where he was treated and released. His passenger in the front seat, Mike VanDiepenbos, 19,724 E. Chicago, Syracuse, received bruises and lacerations to his head. Staci Ostendorf, 20, box 285, Milford, who was sitting behind Grady, received cuts and bruises and a jammed finger. Denise Berkeypile, 20, Syracuse, who was sitting in the back in the middle, received lacerations to her right eye and eyebrow which required nine stitches and a puncture wound to her right leg which required three stitches. The third passenger in the back on the right was Jack McDaniels, 21, r 2, Syracuse. He received a bruised knee. All were treated at Goshen General Hospital and released.

All were transported by North Webster EMS. Sgt. Neil Beck of Indiana State Police investigated. The case remains under investigation and charges may be filed. Syracuse teen arrested for DWI Troy L. Thornburg, 18, 735 N. Huntington St., Syracuse, was arrested Monday afternoon, Oct. 24, for driving while intoxicated. He was driving east on CR 56, near CR 13, in Elkhart County at 4 p.m. when he lost control of his car and struck a concrete bridge support. Damage was minor. He was taken to the Elkhart County jail where he failed a blood-alcohol test.