The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 14, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 May 1989 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., May 17,1989

Editorial

School board should consider Wells

With the resignation of Wawasee School Board member David Carey last Tuesday, the remaining four board members are faced with finding a replacement. They should consider naming Jeff Wells, Syracuse, to fill the unexpired term. Wells was a candidate for the school board in the last election and made a good showing in his attempt to win a seat on the board. Jeffrey S. Wells and his wife, Cindi, have two children, Leighton and Cassandra, both students at the Syracuse Elementary School. A resident of the Syracuse area, he is president of Syracuse Products, Inc. During his campaign Wells said he wanted to serve the people of the Wawasee Community School Corporation because, “Today, education is more important than it has ever been for our children to get good jobs and have the ability to make their own future. I feel that I would do a good job determining what is necessary to provide our students with the proper facilities, materials and educators to enhance their education without placing an extraordinary burden on the taxpayer. I have been involved in many organizations over the years and I would look forward to accepting the challenges that face the school board.”

Staying young thinking

We all grow older, inevitably; the process cannot be arrested. And yet, in a sense, we can stay young. It takes will power and positive thinking, perhaps luck as far as health is concerned. But most of us can do it. We CAN stay young. There’s a secret. And there are rules, the rules include watching one’s diet, so one doesn’t accumulate unnecessary fat. Another is to exercise regularly. We must keep our muscles in tone, keep our bodies and body movements graceful and attractive. Another secret is state of mind. We must constantly remind ourselves to remain young in thought and spirit. The average American, perplexed by the great issues confronting this country, finds it difficult to develop sound opinions in the face of rabid partisanship exhibited by politicians, newspaper writers, radio and television commentators, etc. There’s a tendency to accept any statement or assertion that fits in with what the individual wants to believe. It’s a good idea for us, once in a while, to carefully consider the stubborn independence of the hardy citizen who has the nerve to look the majority in the face and say, despite the popular tide. “I don't agree.” Individualism, and thinking, is needed.

Tornado tips

The following tips weather experts offer those living in traditional tornado zones could save lives. Act quickly to reach a basement or low spot if a tornado approaches. (Weather advisories often contain alerts.) Open windows if there’s time. Lie flat in the lowest, most protected location available. Be aware that the approach of cold fronts produces tornadoes in spring and early summer. The leading lower edge of a cold front often pushes warm, moist air upward. This can begin a spiral of air, which may initially be horizontal but which may turn vertical, to produce the dangerous, skipping tunnel so frequently seen in midwestern and southern states. Tornadoes pass quickly, but the velocity of tornado winds is greater than that in other storms. Inside the vortex of a vertical funnel there’s often a vacuum, which explodes closed buildings and homes by sucking out the air within them. Especially vulnerable are trailer homes, thin wood frame houses and less solidly built structures.

What others say

Bush's slow start

One-hundred days in office presents a handy, if artificial, benchmark to judge the performance of a new president. In George Bush’s case, that’s not enough time. The president has yet to be tested in a crisis. There has been no terrorist attack (unless you count the Exxon oil spill), no stock market crash and no foreign policy fiasco. Nor did Bush come to office with a mandate for change. He has given what he promised : a moderated version of Reaganism. Still, this is no time for a caretaker presidency. The problems of the county are too great, and opportunities abroad too ripe, for a president to coast. Bush has proven his ability to govern. Now he must show that he can lead. Bush has set a new style and tone for the presidency. Whereas President Reagan loved to confront Congress and often bypassed it by appealing directly to the people, Bush has cut deals with congressional leaders on such issues as the budget and contra aid. In addition, Bush has reversed many of the worst excesses of the Reagan administration: appointing an environmentalist to head the Environmental Protection Agency, switching positions to oppose tuition tax credits and backing away from Star Wars. Bush also has made peace with the press by increasing reporters’ access to the White House and to his own" views. Nonetheless, Bush’s proclivity for consensus-building — and trying to please everyone —has left him groping for the “vision thing. ” Bush promised to be the education president, for example, then offered a budget proposal that cut $3 million from Reagan’s education plan. He proposed child-care support for low-income families, then left it woefully underfunded. He offset his laudable appointment to the EPA by appointing an environmental enemy to the Interior Department. That, combined with his slow reaction to the Exxon oil spill, raises doubt about his commitment to the environment. Bush’s slow start extends to foreign policy. Consider for example, the president’s response to the dramatic changes in the Soviet Union: “We’ll be ready to react when we feel like reacting.” Leaders don’t react; they act. In Central America, Bush agreed to drop military assistance for the contras, but has yet to devise an alt jrnative to contra aid that might promote peace and democracy in the region. Nor has the administration enunciated its positions with regard to the Middle East, South Africa or arms control. There is time. A strategic review of U.S. military posture is expected any day, and secretary of state James Baker will fly to Moscow next month to lay the groundwork for a superpower summit. Bush’s plodding style has a certain appeal after eight years of a cue-card presidency. It has helped to heal wounds of the past. The next 100 days will test his ability to lead into the future - DES MOINES REGISTER

Wawasee school board members have a big decision to make as they select a new board member.

Court news

County Court The following persons have paid fines and costs in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrett presiding: Speeding — Deborah S. Mangas, 39, Syracuse, S6O; Steven Beavers. 42, Leesburg, S6O; Seth McMillin, 22, Leesburg, $65. Expired Plates — Roger Reed, 33, Syracuse, S6O. Violation Tinted Windshield Law — Todd Shepherd, 20, Leesburg, dismissed. Killing Rabbit, Closed Season — Chad C. Berkeypile, 17. Milford. $lO5, $420 replacement fee. Public Intoxication — Abel Cervantes, 30, Syracuse, $153. False Reporting — Robert Vern Bartman, 18. Syracuse, $353, K.C.J. 180 days suspended, probation one year, K.C.J. five days. Marriage Licenses The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jeanne Weirick: Kistler-Ringgenberg David Ryan Kistler. 21. r 2 box 474, Syracuse, and Pamela Ann Ringgenberg, 20. 1513 Ranch Road. Warsaw. Bucher-Grieger Lorenzo M. Bucher, Jr., 78, 112 S. Harrison, Syracuse, and Irene M. Grieger, 69, 112 S. Harrison. Syracuse. „ Hamstra-Hunter Gene Robert Hamstra, Jr.. 25. Porter, and Lisa Lynn Hunter, 22. r 1, Leesburg Bumgardner-Jernigan Brent Wayne Bumgardner, 20. r 7 box 482, Warsaw, and Tonya Lynn Jernigan, 17, PO Box 12. North Webster. Marriage Dissolutions The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Kosciusko Superior and Cir cuit Courts: Nill — Karen Nill, r 2 box 193, Syracuse, and Mark Steven Nill, r 2 box 193, Syracuse. The couple was married Sept. 1, 1973. There are three minor children. Barrett — Sharon M. Barrett. 324 Dolan Drive, Syracuse, and Larrie A. Barrett, r 1 box 204. North Webster The couple was married July 30. 1974. and separated March 1, 1989 There is one minor child City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Speeding — Jared A. Beer. 16. Syracuse, S6B, probationary license issued for 90 days to drive to and from work and school only Driving while license suspended — Rodney J. Hann, 28, Syracuse, $54, plea bargained to driving without valid license in possession False and fictitious registration — Rodney J. Hann, 28, Syracuse, $54

Area youths released on bonds Two area youths were taken in to custody by city police at Rogers Park, Goshen, at 9:4c p m Friday, May 12. Frederick Hainan Steffen, 19, r 4, Syracuse, was charged with possession of marijuana and illegal consumption of alcoholic beverages Kevin Lepola, 19, r 1, North Webster, was charged with illegal consumption of alcoholic beverages The two have been released on bonds and will be arraigned in Goshen City Court.

County Court Goshen Division The following fines have been levied and paid in the Elkhart County Court, Goshen Division: Speeding — Rose Mary Christner, 29, Syracuse, $63; David P. Galloway, 37, Syracuse, $56; Barbara J. Zimmerman, 36, Milford, $56; Max Jesse Beer, 18, Milford, $63; Pamela K. Vance, 27, Syracuse, $63 Disregard of stop sign — Sean R. Butt, 18, Syracuse, SSB New Claims Goshen Division The following new claims have been filed in the Elkhart County Court. Goshen Division: Carl Wheeler, 112 Allen St., Syracuse vs Jerry L. Mitchell, P.O. Box 254, Millersburg. Plaintiff seeks $1,240 plus interest and costs. Pergrem pleads guilty to child * molesting charge Layton Pergrem, Syracuse, pleaded guilty to a child molesting charge on Monday, Mav 8, in Elkhart Superior Court III.’ Pergrem, 46, 12783 CR 52, pleaded guilty to his original charge which was a Class D felony. He admitted fondling a 14-year-old girl June 15, 1988. Sentencing will take place on June 9; Syracuse man hits deer A vehicle driven by Thomas L. Stiver, 42, 1065 Harrison St., Syracuse, struck and killed a deer on US 33 near CR 40 in Elkhart Township. Stiver was driving a 1989 Chevrolet Astro. The accident occurred at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 11. Sheriff’s Ptl. Julie Snyder set damage at more than S2OO. Randall Murphy sentenced on cocaine conviction Randall Murphy, 28, Syracuse was charged on count No. 83, the distribution of cocaine. He was sentenced by Judge Allen Sharp in South Bend. Murphy was originally sentenced to four years imprisonment followed by three years supervised release term, but both were suspended. He was sentenced to three years of probation with supervision with a special condition to continue in work release setting for balance of 1989 and continue a reasonable drug rehabilitation program. He also must pay a SSO special assessment. Other original charges were dropped Think on it A conceited person has one good point. He doesn't talk about other people.

THE MAIL-JOURNAL (U.S.P S. 3258 4000) Published by The Mail Journal every Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office at Syracuse. Indiana 46567 Second class postage paid at 103 E Mam Street. Syracuse. Indiana 46547 and at additional entry offices Subscription $lB 00 per year in Kosciusko County. $24 00 outside county, POSTMASTERS Send change of ad dress forms to The Mail Journal, P 0 Box 188. Milford. Indiana 46542

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE"

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This week’s guest column writer is Ron Baumgartner, president and general manager of The Papers Incorporated, publishers of The Mail-Journal. After graduating from Indiana University, Ron returned to the Lakeland area and joined the family business.) By RON BAUMGARTNER

N THE hometown newspaper business, too many of us are too human to be proficient at everything.

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Almost all of us, as publishers and general managers, excel in one area or another. One of us might be good at writing and editorial. Another has away with the spoken word, rapport with people and good with personal relations. Some of us are excellent at sales and can sell advertising linage like there will be no tomorrow. Another might be a good mechanic and can repair cameras, computers and typesetters with ease. But to wrap all of these attributes into a single package and end up with a perfect publisher or manager is rare. A writer, a public relations expert, a salesman and a mechanic, all wrapped up in the same package — he just doesn’t exist. That’s why a weekly newspaper has a staff. People who toil in editorial gathering news stories, covering town board meetings and taking pictures of important events. Others of us work in sales, assisting local merchants and businesses in selling everything from gladiolus to groceries. Still others are caught up in the production, the mechanics of producing a newspaper, setting type, developing film and running the printing presses. It takes over 100 of us altogether, and almost to the person, we love weekly newspaper work. It’s varied, challenging and exciting. Let’s just take a few highlights out of recent weeks On a Tuesday evening a few weeks ago, reporter Deb Patterson and I were invited by county sheriff Ron Robinson and his band of law enforcement officers to accompany them on a number of drug raids throughout the county. Through a misunderstanding, this reporter spent the wee hours of Wednesday morning waiting for a rendezvous that never happened and finally went home emptyhanded. But Deb had one of the most exciting reporting assignments of her career, covering one of the largest drug raids that ever unfolded in our backyard. Her duties began around midnight on Tuesday and didn't end until 10 a.m. Wednesday morning after all the pictures were printed and the news stories were written. On a sunny afternoon recently, photographer Mary Jane Lorton recorded the final touches being placed on two duplexes located on Lynnwood Drive in Syracuse. Juniors and seniors from the Wawasee Building Trades Class started construction last September and held an open house May 6 to display their handiwork. Now that is education with a direct and real application for those young men about to enter the work world. Only two weeks ago reporter Glen Long witnessed the new $4 million Syracuse sewer facility come on line. The project was the culmination of work of everyone who had served on the town board over the last few years. Former board member Bill Hess commented at the time that “It’s like a dream come true. This means so much to the future of our town.” Diane Weisser assisted with the birth announcement of Kindra Babe Wright, first-born daughter of Bob and Angie (Augsburger) Wright of Syracuse and knew that Babe was the nickname of Kindra’s great-grandmother, Dorothy “Babe” Augsburger of Milford. “Babe” Augsburger acquired the name because she was the youngest in her family. A name quickly recognized by many who grew up in the area, it creates a warm feeling to see a memory carried forward three generations and start life anew. / And, Kindra Babe isn’t the first child in the family to be named after her greatgrandmother. She has two cousins who also share the name. Kareisa Babe, eight, is the daughter of Jim and Kim (Augsburger) Evans of Syracuse, and Bree Anna Babe, four, is the daughter of Doug and Rita (Tobias) of Tucson, Ariz. Rita's mother is the former Carolyn Augsburger. Last Wednesday morning while the finishing touches were being put on that issue of The MailJournal, we gave a shop tour to our newest employee, Ron Schwartz, Jr. Fresh from graduation exercises at Ball State University, Ron entered the work a day world in our sales department. Along with his wife, Sarah, Ron graduated from Wawasee High School in 1984 and is returning to our community. Sarah holds an elementary teaching degree from Ball State and hopes to find position in one of the local school systems. Young Ron is the son of Ron and Diann Schwartz of Milford and Sarah is the daughter of Jim and Wilma Cox of Syracuse Dale Tobias, no newcomer to newspaper ad sales himself, has been assisting Rick Purcell, owner of the fast developing McDonalds, in finding new faces to become crew members at his new restaurant through help wanted ads in this paper. Rick is certainly getting off to a great start

in our community with his recent donation to the newly founded chapter of Dollars for Scholars at Wawasee High School. Purcell’s check for SSOO was the first local donation to the scholarship fund. Now show us another profession that offers this kind of diversity on the job. Weekly newspapering gets you into the fabric of life'in our communities. You not only learn to know your subjects, but you also know your readers. And they know you. In fact, almost everyone in town knows that you work for the newspaper, and if they don’t like what you’ve done recently or haven’t done recently, they’re not shy in telling you about it. Or stopping you when you walk down the street. Or interrupting you when you’re trying to gulp down a hamburger at the local eatery. Near the tai’ end of the high school wrestling season, we fielded a telephone call from senior wrestler Tom Mangus’ mother, Deb. She was concerned that as sectional champions and with three members bound for the semi-state, the team received ample recognition in the local paper for their efforts. With her prodding we reviewed our coverage and ended the season with a strong feature on 189-pound class wrestler Garrett Ponciroli’s semi-state championship and advance to the state finals. Os course, the same works in reverse. If we’ve done a good job on something, we’re likely to hear about that, too. Deb Mangus called back a week later and told us that she appreciated the coverage we gave the wrestlers. She thought they all deserved it for the long hours of effort and practice they had put in over the years. Those are the kind of comments that keep us going week after week. We don’t do the job to everyone’s satisfaction, but every week we get a new shot at it, so we keep trying. After all, we think nothing compares to seeing a newspaper roll off the press —a newspaper that we have nurtured from start to finish. RLB PREPARE FOR what is said to be a "very entertaining” evening on August 5, in the American Legion Post 223, 1806 S. Huntington, Syracuse. The entertainment will be from Florida. Watch for details. —O'LAST TUESDAY morning could be considered an insurance agency’s nightmare. It seems that Cotton and Cotton/Pickwick Insurance Companies, are the agents foi* John Edgar. Jr., Carolyn Gunder and her home. Edgar had just left the insurance office, after obtaining insurance on his vehicle, when he became ill and his truck ran into the home of Carolyn Gunder, across the street. Carolyn was sleeping in the bedroom when the truck came crashing through. A life insurance policy had just been written on Carolyn by the agency, as well as insurance on the home. While the home received considerable damage, neither John or Carolyn were seriously injured.

» Ba > Bfl • IK-

IT HAS been a busy time for Tom Jackson of T. L. Jackson Construction, Inc., Syracuse, with the Kosciusko County Home Builders Parade of Homes underway. Jackson has two homes, at Stonehenge on the tour. This photo was snapped during VIP night last Thursday by Bud Seely. Tom and his wife, Pati, are shown standing outside one of the homes. —o—“WE HOPF: to be open this summer," was the comment from Dave Bobilya, concerning Pizza Hut coming to Syracuse.*Bobilya handles the real estate for the business. While there are plenty of rumors floating about. Bobilya stated Pizza Hut is interested in Syracuse and the company is still looking for a location Serious consideration is being given to an offer, frpm another business, to use part of its building. There has been no firm deals made, but work is continuing towards having a location in town by summer. (Continued on page 5)