The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 9, Milford, Kosciusko County, 12 April 1989 — Page 5

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GOP MUDDLE The GOP (Grand Old Party?) had a time organizing. A coalition (those who were in and those who were out) met and tried to hammer out a middle-of-the-road course for the party and select a chairman and vice-chairman to lead the party. The coalition settled on Mike Valentine, local Warsaw attorney, who had served as Young Republican chairman a few years ago. After discussing a number of possibilities for vice chairwoman, the group agreed that Mazie Alexander, former county recorder and long-time vice-committeewoman, would fill the bill. Valentine told the group that if Mrs. Alexander were vice, he would serve as chairman. However a short time later, Valentine was informed that Alexander was not acceptable, and if he persisted, a floor fight would occur and that Katherine Teel, former treasurer, would oppose Mrs. Alexander. Valentine’s reply was that he would withdraw rather than participate in a party fight. They could have the chairmanship. Former Auditor J. D. Geiger was selected chairman and Barbara Eastlund, Warsaw Auto License Branch manager, as vice-chairman. Only 46 precinct officials (out of 100+) showed up for the selection. —o— EDITORIAL COMMENT — The County GOP had better get its act together. No more cover-up of incompetent officeholders and no more dictatorial actions by the leadership of the party. There are many GOPer’s sitting on the sidelines. Geiger should be given a chance to unite and bring the party back to its former leadership in county politics. This can be achieved, by a strong leader who ignores back-seat drivers. —o DEMOS — Dale Tucker has been selected by the county Democrats to lead his party. Tucker is a scrapper and GOP mistakes will be pointed out. This can be a plus to county taxpayers. Go get ’em, Dale! —o— WORDS HE WOULD LIKE TO FORGET — GOP State Senator Robert Meeks, one of our county’s solons, made a political boo-boo. In a recent Warsaw town meeting a concerned taxpayer asked the senator about voting on school building programs. He told the group in words to the effect that if the people got to vote on them, there would never be a tax increase to support building programs. The person asking the question apparently had in mind the $50,000,000+ debt that has been run up by the Warsaw Community School board for building new schools. Efforts were made by former State Representative Greg Mishler to pass a law that would require school boards to secure voter approval on all new building projects costing more than $1,000,000. Meeks defeated Mishler for the senatorial post in the May 1988 primary. —o— WAWASEE PROPOSED MIDDLE SCHOOL - A review of the finances of the proposed middle school will result in an estimated cost to taxpayers of about $28,000,000. If this debt were divided by the number of pupils enrolled in the school, it would cost an average of $2,100 per year for each child for the next 20 years just to pay for the building. The average cost for educating our children is nearly $3,000 per year per pupil. (This includes salaries of all persons required for the various programs of the school, plus the maintenance costs.) This will make the total cost more than $5,000 for each pupil attending the proposed middle school. The building costs represent 40 cents on every dollar spent to educate these middle school children. —o— DESERVES PRAISE — When County Treasurer Judith Cox took office, she did not try to “stonewall” (cover up) an impossible situation, but called in the state board of accounts to help get the office back on track. This took courage. The county taxpayer should not bear the expense of this cleanup. The bill should be paid by former Treasurer Vickie Patterson. —o— YOU GET THE SHAFT — As of April 1, you are getting nicked by the telephone companies. In case you missed it: Tucked in your March bill was “CUSTOMER REPORTS”. It reads like this. All local exchange telephone companies in the U.S., in accordance with a Federal Communications Commission mandate, will begin charging their residence and single-line business customers 30 cents per month more for interstate and user access service. The interstate and user access service charge moves from $3.20 per month to $3.50 on April 1. The FCC raised the rate to $3.20 in December. Then as a bone — it moved to $3.50 as the last-scheduled increase. WANNA BET? The same UTS flyer offers you an Easter Basket. Guess what’s in it? A telephone “at a reduced rate.” —o— ANOTHER HOT POTATO — Northern Indiana Public Service Company is the brunt of customer anger. The company received what was to be a 16 percent gas rate increase. It turns out that in many cases to be more like 50 percent. Math had not been one of the companies strong points. How NIPSCO got an increase when the firm showed a 166 percent profit over the previous year is beyond any reasoning. The so-called guardian of the Indiana citizens is supposed to be the Public Service Commission of the state. The commission has ignored all requests for a review of the rates. Oh yes, NIPSCO has put out a carrot. It will delay billing you during the winter months.

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Commissioners, UTS representatives discuss 911 bids

I By KATE WOLFORD Staff Writer During an April 11 meeting, the county commissioners reviewed a bid for the enhanced 911 equipment, which had been sutaiitted by United Telephone Systems. That company was the only bidder. Equipment (which is estimated to last for about 10 years) would include an automatic number identification unit; automatic location identification unit; five PSAPS (Public Safety Answering Points), two will be located in the City of Warsaw, while three will be located in the Justice building in Warsaw. Finally, 17 receive

High drama witnessed by local resident Lt. Col. North's trial

I By BERNIECE H. DWYER The Federal District Courthouse at 3rd and Constitution, Washington, D.C., is the site of the case of the US Government vs Lt. Col. Oliver North. The proceedings take place in Court #6 on the second floor;, beginning at 9:30 a.m., and the line of spectators hoping to get in starts forming at 7 a.m. Lawyers, law students, tourists, residents of D C., Maryland, or Virginia sit or stand between two ropes in the corridor reading the morning papers and discussing the previous day’s proceedings. Boxes of documents were wheeled past us into the court, and the press displaying their credentials entered at 9:15 a.m. The attorneys for the government enter and shortly thereafter Lt.

Letters to the editor

Nicaragua needs election reform

Dear Editor: I read that opposition parties of the Sandinistas in Nicaragua met with President Ortega in Managua to discuss electorial reform. I would say a major reform is necessary, if one of the opposition party has any chance of being president. If our Republican Party controlled all our armed forces, civil police, TV stations, also controlled most of the radio stations, newspapers, produce, and manufactured goods, could we have a free election under such circumstances? The Sandinista Party controlled most of the aforementioned in Nicaragua, including much of the food supply.

Increased cost to farmers

Dear Editor: If Senate Bill No. 123, sponsored by Wolf, Pease and Simpson, is passed into law, the average cost to the Indiana farmer is estimated to be 50 cents per acre. The incease is due to the aviation fuel consumption, pilot time, aircraft maintenance cost, ground crew salaries and additional documentation. Indiana Agriculture Aviation,

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only printers will be located in county fire departments and emergency medical services. Two cost options were set forth by United Telephone in the bid. The first option, which would require no up-front payment on the part of the county, would mean a monthly charge of $18,997. The per month charge to the telephone customer under that option would be 65 cents per* month, according to UTS estimates. There are 30,549 access lines. Should the county choose to go with an up-front payment of $199,907, the monthly cost would be $13,577. Telephone customer costs would be 46 cents per month. It is up to the commis-

Col. North was followed by Brandon Sullivan, his chief counsel, and two other witnesses. North walked along the line of waiting spectators smiling and shaking hands with those who extended their hands. This was the first day that the defense was to present its case. As Judge Gesell entered, everyone stood, and as the jury came in, all attorneys stood in respect. Judge Gesell, a large man with snow-white hair, wearing a dark tan, spoke slowly and kindly as he instructed each witness that he/she was to testify only on matters with which were directly involved. Nothing which they had heard or seen from the Iran-contra congressional hearings was to influence their testimony. John Keker of San Francisco, chief attorney for the prosecution, was recruited by the In-

and the Witness for Peace people called it a free election and Ortega a duly elected president. The Witness for Peace people, Ortega, and others talk of peace in Nicaragua. I have copies of the Contra’s peace plan. The Contras don’t ask for any sharing of government power with the Sandinistas, whatsoever. The Contras recognize, if there’s truly free elections, the Sandinistas would be voted out. I believe Ortega realizes this and is buying time with talk of peace while corrtinuing to build stronger militarily. Also, it should be obvious the only kind of peace Ortega wants is a communist dictatorship with no resistance.

Inc., the state’s association representing aerial applicators in Indiana, is opposed tqSenate Bill No. 123 due to increased cost to the farmer, which will ultimately increase foods costs; technical difficulties, which will diminish air safety and in some instances, be in direct violation of Federal Aviation Administration regulations, part 137. Due to these reasons, the IAA membership urges individuals

sioners, not UTS, to set the monthly telephone customer costs. The charge will likely be higher per month for Sidney, Silver Lake, Claypool, Akron and North Manchester, as they will require interLATA trunking to Plymouth as they have long distance needs. The cost could be three cents. At the end of five years, whether or not the the county goes with option one or two, the equipment will be owned by the county. The maintenance portion of the contract would be renewable yearly. UTS would collect the monthly money from the customers and on a a quarterly basis, send a bill for the service, along with a check for the money collected

dependent Counsel to represent the US Government. In his early 40s, he is articulate, with a subtle sense of humor. The witness being cross-examined by him must feel drained when he leaves the chair. Keker’s has been an exasperating job because the witnesses have turned out to be either friends or ardent admirers of Col. North. Examples: Fawn Hall, North’s secretary, and the contradictory testimony given by Robert McFarlane, North’s exboss. Contra leader Calero concluded his testimony with the salute to North that a “monument would be erected for him once Nicaragua was freed! ” The courtroom was hot and humid and the judge apologized for the lack of air conditioning. One young man sitting in the visitors’ seats went to sleep. The marshal awakened him and escorted him out, making room

It appears these peace people want peace at any price, so badly that they will live under a communist dictatorship. Blinded, ignoring or distorting the truth to aid that end. I believe some of the Nicaraguans, like some of us, believe like Patrick Henry — “Is life so dear or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! 1 know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” Chauncey L. Bennett New Paris

who are in the agri-industry to contact your representative and state senator immediately to express your views. Questions concerning Senate Bill No. 123 may be directed to the state office of Indiana Agriculture Aviation at 317-894-8484. Indiana Agriculture Aviation, Inc. Judith G. Shepherd Executive director

during that time,to the county. The commissioners will not render a decision on the equipment bid until their April 25 meeting. They will ’discuss the matter with the county council during an-April 13 meeting. County Auditor Pat Brown noted however, that “The appropriation (for enhanced 911) is already in place.” That was accomplished by the council in January. Reminder: All county residents should remember that the enhanced 911 system is not yet in place in this county. As a result, until the system is in place in their exchange, all residents must continue to dial seven digit numbers for emergency services.

for one more person standing in the long line, hoping to get a glimpse of the high drama being enacted in the case of the US Government vs Lt. Col. Oliver North.

Factory worker struck Crime Stoppers, a non-profit organization involving the police, the media and the public in the fight against crime, offers anonymity and cash rewards to persons who furnish information leading to the arrest and the filing of criminal charges against felony offenders and to the capture of fugitives. The following "Crime of the Week" was furnished by the Kosciusko County Crime Stoppers organization: A factory worker being struck from behind and knocked to the ground in our Crime of the Week. On Feb. 3, the plant manager of Sellers Manufacturing Company in Milford arrived at the plant about 5:30 a.m. and was in the process of unlocking the buildings when he was struck from behind by an unknown assailant and knocked unconscious. He was later found by other workers and treated by EMS personnel. If you have information concerning this incident, call Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-342-STOP. We will pay up to SI,OOO if your information leads to an arrest or indictment. Crime Stoppers also pays cash rewards on other felony crimes and the capture of fugitives. When you call, you will be assigned a code number; we will not ask your name.

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Wed., April 12,1989 —THE MAIL-JOURNAL

< WiiE| RED CROSS FUNDRAISER — The Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross is encouraging local businesses and the general public to support its fundraising effort so it may continue its many services to the community. Over 100 county businesses have already pledged their support by donating usable tools, appliances, collectibles, Amish baked goods and other saleable items for the Chapter's second annual auction to be held Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m., at the Women's Building at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds. All donating businesses or organizations will be recognized at the auction and will receive tax deductible receipts for their items’ fair market value. Anyone who has not yet contributed to the cause is encouraged to contact the Red Cross office (267-5244) to arrange for their donation or to have their items picked up. In the Syracuse area, contact Jerry Rumple at 457-5001. Pictured above with a few of the items which will be for sale at the auction are, from left, Tim Mauk, auctioneer; Lee Dagnail; and Bart Brugh.

County to get additional bids on telephone system

(By KATE WOLFORD Staff Writer Telephones are a frequent topic of discussion at county commissioners’ meetings these days and their April 11 meeting was no exception. In addition to discussion of the enhanced 911 system, the commissioners reviewed an ABC “system equipment proposal by United Telephone Systems. At their last meeting, the commissioners agreed to replace their existing county government telephone system with the high tech UTS ABC system. The proposal by UTS was part of a second step: getting the equipment necessary to the new system. The UTS outline came with the option to lease ort>uy the equipment. After the commissioners reviewed the proposal, it was decided (on the advice of County Attorney Rex Reed) that specifications should be developed and quotes should be secured from two to three other qualified bidders if they do exist. It is likely that the UTS proposal will aid in the development of the bid specifications. “Your outline has been very helpful here,” Reed told UTS representatives. The current county government telephone system has virtually obsolete equipment, according to the UTS representatives who have studied it. Among the many problems associated with the current system is the fact that after 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, after 6 p.m. on Fridays (in some areas) and on snow days and holidays, calls are routed through the sheriff’s office. Many departments, especially the court system as well, do not stop work at 4 p.m. The current telephone inaccessibility after

hours and other problems should be eliminated by the ABC system. Other Business The Enchanted Hills area came under discussion during highway business conducted at the meeting. Apparently, residents are concerned about trucks in the area and want them restricted. Enchanted Hills roads have been accepted into the the county system. However, the area association does have its own restrictions on trucks. After some discussion on whether or not the county could or should enforce a private restriction on roads in the county system, Reed stated, “We don’t enforce private restrictions.” He added, “The only thing we enforce are public restrictions.” In Milford area business, the commissioners signed an ordinance for the vacation of Columbia and Washington Streets, north and south alleys and east and west alleys in the plat of Milford Junction in Van Buren Township. The area contains about 1.15 acres. Prior to the passing of the ordinance, Director of the Area Plan Commission, Dan Richard, said that some ongoing problems with structures would need to be addressed, but that the staff recommendation was to vacate. For everyone Notice in a loan office window: “For the person who has everything and hasn’t paid for it.” ★ TIMBER WANTED ★ Also TIMBERLAND & LOGS Professional Loggers PIKE LUMBER COMPANY ★ Akron, Indiana 219-893-4511 ★

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