The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 22, Milford, Kosciusko County, 12 July 1989 — Page 4

4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., July 12,1989

Editorial

Taking 20 seconds may add years Last week a driver failed to yield to a stop sign located on CR 90QN and was eventually stopped by a second vehicle traveling on Old SR 15. While the driver of the unyielding vehicle suffered severe facial cuts, both motorists survived. They were lucky. CR 900 N and SR 15 has been the scene of three accidents in the past three weeks — all due to drivers’ carelessness. Stop signs at the open intersection are clearly visible and motorists approaching the intersection should have no trouble seeing oncoming traffic. However, some motorists, mainly traveling east on CR 900 N, have elected to disregard their stop sign to beat north and southbound traffic. Yielding for a stop sign may take 10 extra seconds but it may mean the difference in years of life. Officials note that a second stop sign located near railroad tracks that run parallel to Old SR 15 fail to slow traffic much from the east, reminding us of another danger spot within our environs. Railroad crossing accidents have long been an ominous part of Milford’s town history; however, Conrail has made it clear in the past that crossing gates at every crossing are economically unfeasible, while the installation of crossing lights has met continued delay. Thus, it is the drivers’ responsibility to take the extra time to assure safety. Driver's education needed An accident on a road of another kind occurred over the weekend. This road contained no center lines, no stop signs or other traffic signals. Such circumstances would appear to make it more dangerous than the actual highways we use every day; however, extra care could ensure its safety. The road we’re speaking of is Lake Wawasee and extra care was absent when two young jet skiers collided with a 20-foot boat over the weekend. Seems the water enthusiasts lacked the experience to operate the jet ski alone. While it would appear that a boat spanning 20 feet of open water would be easy to detect, inexperienced skiers and other boaters can easily make snap judgments when coming upon such vessels. Thus, boating safety classes, which are abundant in this area, are a must. The jet ski is a motorized vehicle, thus, its operation requires someone familiar with its power. Carefully supervised outings with the first time driver could also prevent accidents. Afterall, driver’s education isn’t exclusive to asphalt and cement roadways. On growing old Growing old is something which is sometimes done graciously and sometimes not graciously. All hope to grow older graciously. With automobiles killing several thousand each month, with so many working themselves into a heart attack or stroke, and with drugs and diseases taking their toll, it’s sometimes difficult to ease the course. In the mad scramble to meet deadlines, pay bills, and keep up with the Joneses, we should more often take the time necessary to consider the later years.

What others say — News is and isn't (EDITOR’S NOTE: When we read the following editorial we couldn’t thirik of anything better to tell our readers about our feelings on what is news and what isn’t. We couldn’t ha ve said it any better.) The policies of this newspaper didn’t “just happen.” They have evolved through years of trial and error. The policies were established so that we can be fair with all individuals and organizations and so that we present all our readers a$ interesting paper. Backlash which we get in this area is not because we’ve changed our policies through the years, it is simply that some readers are confused as to what our policies are. To refresh you and help you today and in the future, here is what news isn’t: 1. News is not material to be clipped out and saved for a club’s publicity scrapbook contest. 2. News isn’t a calendar for members of private organizations. 3. News isn’t information organized to make someone want to buy something from business. That’s advertising. Newspapers sell it. (News is never sold.) Here’s what news is: 1. News is new. It isn’t information that is two or more weeks old. 2. News is interesting to a reasonably large number of people. (We publish many small items and the reason for this is because the reading audience for this information is small.) 3. News is public. An activity open to the public is normally much more attractive to newspapers and readers than a session that is limited to members. 4. News is important. 5. News is people. Most people find activities and thoughts of human beings more interesting than the development of sewer lines or establishment of a Great Ideas program. Some may think the world shouldn’t be that way, but it is. 6. News is local. We’re concerned about local people and happenings. State and national items are covered by large dailies. We can’t compete with them for such items. Let’s be completely honest! Very few stories fully meet this criteria. The closer you can come to the ideal, the better your chances in competition for our space. It is easy for us to understand why some people become upset with us because their news item did not get in the way they thought it should. It is only natural that everyone thinks that his or her news is the most important thing to go in the paper. Now, if you will just stop and think for a minute, you realize that we have to deal with hundreds of such items day in and day out. Very few of the items don’t have a group organization behind them. But — we have one main problem — the Comet must be made interesting for ALL of our readers. When people want to take the time to find out why we do, or don’t do, something, we are always happy to explain. We’re prejudiced, but we believe our reasoning and policies (as much as you may find you dislike them) are fair and lead to a good Carroll County newspaper. — CARROLL COUNTY COMET

' jvL . ir ■. \ : ... . . ♦ .' •. The front of this vehicle is a grim reminder of the fact that drivers MUST obey stop signs.

Court news

County Court The following persons have paid fines and costs in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrett presiding: Passing On Hill — David Penn. 17, North Webster, S6O. Speeding — Lisa Yoder, 27, North Webster, S6O; David H. Shepherd, 20, North Webster, S6O; David Neterer. 18, Syracuse, $80; Melanie Reavis, 18, North Webster, S6O; Dennis Kelsey, 34, North Webster, S6O; Wilbur Lehman, 21. Milford, $65; Betsy Mishler, 28, Syracuse, S6O; Troy Foy, 18, North Webster, $80; Angela Briggs, 17. Syracuse, S6O; Kimberly D. Adams, 18. Syracuse, $65; Jill Allen, 23, Leesburg, $65; Tonya M, (Schue) Castillo, 17, Leesburg. $65. Gerald R. Hastings, Jr., 23. Leesburg, $65; Randall J'. Murphy, 29, Syracuse, S6O. Disregarding Stop Sign — Chuck Wahlgren, 19, Syracuse, S6O. Violation Seatbelt Law — Rose Sprague. 19, Syracuse, S2O. Illegal Consumption — Rodney O. Jessop, 18, Milford, $203; John David Wright. 18. Milford, $203. Operating While Intoxicated — Thomas D. Maggart, 54. North Webster, $303, driver's license restricted for 180 days, K.C.J. six days.

Letters to the editor

Appalled at decision of grand jury

Dear Editor: I am writing about the decision of the gra.nd jury which met June 29, 1989, to determine if charges should be brought against David Rosenberry as a result of a fatal accident March 10, 1989. that killed Melissa Walden; her three children, Sherah. Shelah, and Jonathan; and Larry Salt; and Shawn Mast. I am appalled at the decision which brought no charges against David Rosenberry, who was driving at speeds reported to be 75 mph, at least, and carelessly passing another car, driven by Carl Winebald, on the crest of a hill. Milford woman uninjured in single car accident Patricia Westen of Milford escaped injury Tuesday when she lost control of her 1976 Datsun pickup and slid into a fence. Aaron Rovenstine of the Milford Police Department investigated the accident which occurred at 10 p.m. on CR 1250 N. According to Rovenstine, Westen was traveling west on CR 1250 N when, for no apparent reason, slid off the roadway striking a fence on the property of Dick Casto, Milford. No estimate of the vehicle’s damage was available Syracuse Council has budget meeting \ The Syracuse Town Council held a preliminary budget meeting last night (Tuesday), listening to budget proposals for the civil defense, park, police and „ street departments However, no action was taken on any of the proposals. Some board members expressed concern over an escalating park department budget and elected to table all four city department proposals until a second budget meeting July 25. The civil defense was the only department not vollying for an increase in allocations The board will also listen to proposals from Clerk-Treasurer Mark Tatman. the fire depart ment and the Emergency Medical System at the final budget meeting, set to begin at 6 p.m

Marriage Dissolution The following couple has filed for a marriage dissolution in the Kosciusko Superior and Circuit Courts: Miller — Sonja Jean Miller, no address given, and Clarence E. Miller, Harrison Street, North Webster. The couple was married June 28,1986. and separated June <. 22, 1989. City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Speeding — Travis L. Ritter, 18, Syracuse, S6B; David W. Tucker, 27, Milford, S6B Disregarding automatic signal — Douglas W. Thwaits, 33, Syracuse, $63 State warrant — Deanna J. Dean, 27, Syracuse, $25, failure to appear charge dismissed County Court Goshen Division The following fines have been levied and paid in the Elkhart County Court, Goshen Division: Speeding — Dallas B. Anglin, 77. Leesburg. SSB Driving while license suspended— Lester Miller, age unknown. Leesburg, $l5O plus costs

Are these facts not sufficient to file charges? When a mother and her three children, and two teenage boys are killed by such recklessness, how can this decision be just? It is sending a message to teenagers and adults that there is no price to pay for disregarding the law while driving. From the facts reported in the papers previously, it would seem that the facts w-ere not brought out clearly to the grand jury. 1, for one, do not want vengeance — only a clear statement of all of the facts, that justice might prevail. Virginia J. Lough A violation of trust Dear Editor: Six lives have been callously sacrificed on the altar of justice” this past week and, with them has been laid to rest, truth and accountability. The executioner is the prosecuting attorney, and the attendants are the grand jury and all who stand idly by and remain silent. Never have I witnessed a more obvious and flagrant violation of the trust placed in those who are elected and appointed to protect the integrity and safety of the citizens of Kosciusko County. May God have mercy on the unprotected citizens of this county, as the people (and especially the young) now have a new standard of conduct to live by. James Lough

THE MAIL-JOURNAL (U.S.PS. 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 Main Street, Syracuse, Indiana 46567 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 O Box 188, Milford, Indiana 46542 , lO\ / w /

"CRUZIN AROUND 'OUSE''

ww jr W jA I 1 9vM99 E jMjfc : M K JHP w --Mw>

S]

TRIKE UP the band. Smith-Walbridge Camp is bustling with activity as 220 budding drum majors par-

ticipate in the internationally acknowledged Drum Major Camp on the north end of Bonar Lake. This past week, according to Maggie Smith, 17 states were represented. Os the 220 entrants, seven we. e university drum majors — the remainder were from high schools. There were also five band directors from Mexico actively involved in learning about drum majoring in order to establish this position at their schools when they return. They went through all the strenuous routines that the camp requires — even the 58 year old director. This week, a second group of approximately the same size is in session. They will wind up their week early Friday morning with a full demonstration of what they have learned, an awards program, followed by the entire group singing the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" which, says Maggie, is impressive enough to bring tears to your eyes. The photo shows the college students and five band directors from Mexico during a workout session at Smith-Walbridge Camp. Greg Smith is instructing the group in the marching routine. From left to right are: Smith, instructor; Delaine Sergent, Bowling Green State University, Ohio; Darren Hicks, University of Illinois; Lisa Keeler, University of Illinois; Jennifer Enzenbacher, University of Illinois; Inger Jay, Mankato State University, Minnesota; Mark Halford, Bowling Green University, Ohio; Richard Salewicz. Indiana University; Leigh Pinion, Auburn University; Carlos Mocino, Toluca, Mexico; Ranulfo Perez Mendez, Oriental. Mexico: Crisoforo Cuadros, Toluca, Mexico; Alfonso Dominguez, Toluca, Mexico; and Fernando Bastida, Edo, Mexico. Mendez is 58 years old. —o— DOGGON& RIGHT . . . we re deep "dog days” of summer. You can tell by the combination of high temps and humidity, which continue relentlessly into evening. And yet, there is beauty in the bright sliver of moon, sparkling stars and the twinkling of thousands of lights each evening as the fireflies send their greetings to ail. —o— WE HEAR that there is a young father in town who is going through more trauma than his eldest daughter, Katrina, about the tonsillectomy she is scheduled for today. In fact, Kip Schumm kiddingly tells us that he may require a heavier dose of anesthesia than Katrina to get through this. —O'DUB OWN Sounds of Hope returns to Syracuse for its final concert at Wawasee High School on Friday, July 14. Varner Chance has been providing entertainment, an international education and good will with a new group of participants each year. Dinner will be served prior to the concert at the Oakwood Hotel. Concert tickets-may be obtained early by contacting Chad Smyth at Miller’s Merry Manor, or at the door on the 14th. —o— RICHARD KEITEL. Musical Director at the Enchanted Hills Playhouse, will be showcased in concert at the old barn on Tuesday, July 18, 8 p.m. This is an extra special musical entertainment event in which Keitel, a fine concert pianist, will bring to life music by Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin and others. —o— THE EMS car wash had a unique pickup/trailer combination come through for a clean-up — actually the driver was even more unique, as "Ronald McDonald” sans costume prepared to give to the organization which had provided him a ride though town earlier that day — with siren and lights to emphasize the fun. However, "Ronald” had to wait awhile as the fire crew had left in a hurry to answer a call. There were several cars lined up and customers waiting patiently in the shade of the firehouse for the return of the washers. —o— THE TWO 16-year-olds laughing together could quite well be Lori Stiver and her friend. Larissa Leppanee of Kangasala, Finland, who is staying with the Stiver family for six weeks as a cultural exchange student. Parents, Tom and Karen, of 106 S. Harrison Street, are cooperating in a Lions Club Youth Exchange program. —o— IT’S GETTING more and more serious — and so are county residents. Recycling is starting to get more than lip service in Kosciusko County as we see the landfills closing dates move closer.

Beginning this month, plastic, glass, aluminum cans, newspapers, and some batteries will be collected — on July 22 at the Barbee Lakes. Conservation Club, on August 5 at the Warsaw Community High School, and on August 12 at Wawasee High School. We can start now to sort out our debris and save it for the WHS collection date. from that process will go to the school system and to the lake enhancement program. The following information gleaned from "Environmental Engineering News” published by the School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, is worthy of note: Every year Americans throw away enough aluminum to rebuild the entire American fleet 71 times, enough steel to reconstruct Manhattan, and enough wood and paper to heat five million homes for 200 years. —o— NEXT WEEK Americans will celebrate Space Week, commemorating the July 20, 1969, landing on the moon by two U.S. astronauts, Neil Alden Armstrong and Edwin Eugene Aldrin. Jr. The spaceship Columbia was launched on July 16 and the lunar module Eagle landed on the moon on July 20. After rejoining the Columbia, piloted by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Collins, the astronauts returned to earth on July 24, bringing firsthand reports of lunar surface, photographs and rock samples. Man’s first landing on an extraterrestrial body. —o—--JOG SYRACUSE HIGH School class of 1964 will behaving its 25th reunion this Saturday, July 15. The reunion of class members will be at the South Shore Country Club beginning at 5:30 p.m. Jack Zimmerman, a class member, stated that any class member who has not yet made arrangements to attend can contact him for further information. Or class members can just showup. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. —o— PROJECT DARE has reached Syracuse. Syracuse Police Officer Calvin Kline recently returned from a two-week seminar in Fort Wayne on the project. The seminar has allowed Officer Kline to become a certified DARE instructor. Project DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a more indepth program than the “Just Say No” program. DARE is a 17-week program, for one hour a week, for fifth grade students. It is to help students recognize and resist the many subtle pressures that influence them to experiment with alcohol and other drugs. Also Project DARE strategies are planned to focus on feelings relating to self-esteem, interpersonal and communication skills, decision making, and positive alternatives to drug abuse behavior. Project DARE started in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1983 in 50 different schools, now the project has become a national program in 47 different states and five different countries. Fort Wayne has provided Project DARE in 59 different schools in that city. , Officer Kline, who received an award for outstanding leadership in his group, will be presenting Project DARE to officials of the Wawasee Community School Corporation and the Syracuse Parent-Teacher Organization to see if the program can be given to fifth grade students at Syracuse. —6— PAT CONNOLLY was in Syracuse over the Fourth of July holiday, bringing his new bride. Janis, all the way from Oceanside, Calif., to see his home town... Accompanying them were his mother, Mrs. Byron Connolly, Janis' daughter. Claire Cunningham, and her cousin,, Natalie Bryant. They were visiting Pat’s daughter, Jennifer Hayden at Lake Tippy, where Mrs. Connolly plans to stay for a longer visit. Also visiting from Pottstown, Pa., was Pat's youngest daughter, Amy. Pat is a material buyer at the Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton. His father, Byron, ran the grocery store/butcher shop on Main Street, next door to where Bales is now. from the early ’sos until his death in 1976. —o— MEMBERS OF the Syracuse High School class of 1958, and other friends and relatives, remember the late Vivian Fisher Mellinger, daughter of John and Janet Fisher John and Janet still live on Front Street Vivian’s beautiful daughter, Tamara Ann. recently married Alex Mendoza of Las Cruces, N.M., on the Notre Dame Campus. Vivian was Vacationland Jubilee Queen in 1957, a summer contest held in Syracuse spon- < Continued on page 5)