The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 26, Milford, Kosciusko County, 9 August 1989 — Page 5

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THE FIRST OF THE YEAR YOU ARE GOING TO SEE YOUR PAY CHECK REDUCED — Kosciusko County Wage Earners and Those Depending on Income are going to be short about $1,250,000 on spendable income in comparison to this year. The Local Option Tax is going to take $4,746,327 from county people. This year it amounted to $3,504,000. This will be a new record. The sad part of this is that the tax was supposed to keep property taxes down. This tax is merely providing public officials another means to nick you for more dollars than you would give them without a big howl from you if this sum were added to your local property tax. Even with this huge increase siphoned off your income, you are going to face one of the largest property tax bills in the history of Kosciusko County. Local school systems are asking for increases — nine to 12 million dollars. They hope to disguise this huge increase by increased valuation of your property and lowering the tax rate. BOTTOM LINE: They mean to nail you, the property taxpayers. (Your only salvation is that perhaps the state tax board will not use their knife on the proposals — instead, a machete.) Your total tax bill as currently requested by the county, schools, - towns-city, townships and libraries could add up to nearly 40 million dollars as compared to about 30 million this year. Local option money is distributed by the amount of property taxes collected. The more you heap on the local property tax, the more local option tax money you get. This system awards the big spenders. A survey of the distribution of funds to be made in 1990 reveals the truth of this statement. For example, Etna Township has an assessed valuation of about '/3 of that of Harrison Township. Etna will receive more local option than Harrison. Milford is another example. It will receive a great deal less than Winona Lake with more property valuation than the latter. Below is the distribution: Townships Clay $ 8,831 Etna 14,605 Franklin 9,598 Harrison 14,427 Jackson 9,138 Jefferson 2,793 Lake , 3,299 Monroe 3,395 Plain 16,609 Prairie 6,083 Scott 3,849 Seward 9,807 Tippecanoe 32,083 Turkey Creek 46,500 Van Buren 11,049 Washington 11,746 Wayne 225,127 Total $428,939 City-Towns Burket $ 2,472 Claypool 7,986 Etna Green 11,683 Leesburg 10,148 Mentone 26,168 Nappanee 6,647 North Webster 71,580 Milford 88,759 Pierceton 33,601 Sidney 2,141 Silver Lake 15,681 Syracuse 279,746 Winona Lake 132,523 Warsaw 1,519,841 Total $2,208,976 Libraries Nappanee $ 1,422 Milford 17,613 Pierceton 8,302 Syracuse 24,079 Warsaw 169,307 Mentone 28,491 Total $249,214 County $1,859,198 Grand Total $4,746,327 —o— TURN DOWN SURVEY — The County Commissioners recently turned down an offer to survey the telephone system and make recommendations on how to cut costs. All the survey would have cost was >2 of the saving the survey would have generated the first year. WHY? —o— THREE CHEERS to those who are taking the bull by the horns and promoting a recycling program for Kosciusko County. —o— I ERRED in the homestead story last week on how much you will receive in credit. I used an example: If your assessed valuation were $4,500, you would receive a credit of $2,500, or only paying on $2,000. CORRECTION: You as property taxpayers would receive credit on only half the amount. On $4,500 your deduction would be $2,250. The top amount that can be deducted is $2,500 — based on $5,000 (or more). SIDEWALK DAYSIH On The Sidewalk With FRAMES And Other Goodies! 1 100 N. Huntington, Syracuse, IN 46567 _ (219)457-2561 MEMBER JW), Clear Span Buildings ■ ' I BUILT FOR ED CRAIG — COLUMBIA CITY — 40x64’ North Webster Const., Inc. AGRICULTURAL COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL R. I, Box 4 NORTH WEBSTER, IN MON.-FRI. 8 A M-5 P.M. <219) 834*4448

Warning signs posted on Elkhart County roads

By STACEY LESCH AND I MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writers Rules were made to be broken. The infamous cliche may have first been used as an expression of innocent rebellion, but has become the focus of what can, and all too often does, result in serious, and even fatal, accidents. It’s a cliche we have all lived by at one time or another, and even though we know and have seen the results of this carelessness, we continue to disobey posted speed limits, no passing zones, and stop signs. Although he cannot speak for the manner in which many drivers operate their vehicles, Elkhart County attorney Gordon Lord does assure that Elkhart County has “an excellent sign program that could almost set an example for the rest of the state.” Further, Lord says, “We are way ahead of the other counties in the volume and regulations of (warning) signs.” Dale Myers, administrator at the Elkhart County Highway Department, says the county has “in excess of 11,000 signs” throughout the county. The bulk of those are stop signs, posted speed limits, yield, and no passing signs. Lord adds, whether it be a traffic light, sign, or other control device, “Every intersec-

Letters to the editor

State University policy inconsistent

Dear Editor: We recently visited a state university during its two-day student, parents’ orientation. I was very impressed with the university, overall. Although, I thought it’s unfortunate the discrimination policy included sex orientation (homosexuals). In talking with two orientation personnel, they informed me that most universities, have this policy. Isn’t it a fact, by including homosexuality in their discrimination policy, it’s implying that they accept this life-style, which will aid and encourage more of it?? The university has no qualms discriminating against the lifestyles of drinking and using drugs. It won’t tolerate them. Students were reminded, it was illegal to drink under age 21, although no mention, whatsoever, that homosexuality is still illegal. Isn’t this inconsistent?? All three are chosen and destructive life-styles. I believe, it’s fortunate that so many well-meaning good people have been indoctrinated into Time for housecleaning? Dear Editor: With a budget of $15,193,262 for the Wawasee Community Schools, the S4OO per month rental plus utilities for the office space for the new middle-school principal may seem like peanuts. But as a retired teacher and a taxpayer of 34 years in this area, I find it difficult to believe that space for his office could not have been found somewhere in the six spacious buildings which house our school system and administration. And his proximity to other school administrators would surely be an advantage in his assigned task! In one’s own home, a good housecleaning usually yields needed additional space, and this could be true in our schools as well. But with the abundant tax dollars, perhaps this was not considered. Bernice H. Dwyer Successful concert Dear Editor: On Thursday evening, Aug. 3. the Lake Area Community Band held its first concert at Syracuse Lakeside Park. Thanks to the enthusiastic response from our great communities, our concert was a success. On behalf of the entire band, we want to thank the businesses, individuals, and all of those who attended and donated to our concert. Because of your support, a dream has come true! Sincerely, Ron Stoll, president Karilyn Metcalf, vice president Vicki Stoll, secretary-treasurer Shireen Davis, Dave Haab Rita Dodds. Mark Metzler Board of directors Allen Metzler, director

tion in the county is marked. ’ ’ As the result of a two-car accident in Syracuse which killed six persons in early March, the Kosciusko County Commissioners were urged to “strongly consider marking all county roads to better warn the public of dangerous situations that may not be apparent to motorists.” A $1.2 million liability claim has been made against the county concerning that fatal crash. Rev. Jerry D. Walden, who lost his wife, Melissa J., and three children, Jonathan, Shelah, and Sherah, in that accident has filed the claim which states that the county is responsible for clearly marking roadways where dangerous segments may be. Those markings should include no passing signs, arrows indicating sharp or curvacious roads, or speed limits. Lord stresses that in Elkhart County, hazardous or dangerous roadways are clearly marked. Although most of the frequently traveled county roads are marked with both signs and yellow lines indicating safe and restricted passing zones, “some county roads don’t have the yellow lines.” The reasoning behind the unexisting lines is that those roads are not heavily traveled so “not many passes take place on them,” Lord says. Myers states that although some “Slow, dangerous intersection” signs still exist, “It’s not a regulated sign in the county

believing that we shouldn’t discriminate in any way against homosexuals. This has led to a deadly disease (AIDS) to be treated as a civil rights issue, instead of a deadly transmitted disease. Too, aiding the homosexuals life-style to becoming an accepted life-style. The U.S. Supreme Court in 1983. ruled that public social policy prevailed over religious belief. Example, Georgetown, a religious Catholic University, Washing, D.C., was ordered by the federal courts to give a homosexual group the same treatment and privileges they give other groups on campus. May I ask, where’s this university’s religious freedom here, since they conclude religiously (Biblical, which as been traditional), that this life-style is evil and a sin The hard-core homosexuals want to indoctrinate us all, children, also, to accept their lifestyle, including two or more living together intimately be con-

In riirli JblßL COLLECTOR OF BAITS SPEAKS TO ROTARY — David Culp, Goshen, a collector of artificial fishing baits, spoke to the SyracuseWawasee Rotary Club at its Tuesday noon meeting, Aug. 1. at Gropp’s Restaurant. Culp told about sports fishing, and described his collection of baits. He stated that people who collect old bait will spend as much as $2,000 for a valuable bait, such as a Greider bait, which is a very old bait. The most money he recalled bait selling for was SIO,OOO at an auction. Pictured are David Culp. left, and Jay Peffley. program chairman for the day. (Photo by Lewis Immel >

Tires punctured in Elkhart County

Randie A. Stone, 15654 CR 50. Syracuse, reported the rear tires of three vehicles owned by Stone Outboard motor taken from home The theft of a 15 horse power outboard motor from the home of Arnold “Pete" and Becky Doll. Milford, was reported to Milford Police. The theft occurred over the past weekend and is valued at approximately SBOO-5900 dollars

anymore. In some courts (we would be) admitting liability,” he says. But Lord disagrees. In the event an accident would occur at an intersection marked with such a sign, “The county is not necessarily liable. Each sign has an ordinance” explaining its reason for being there, he says. “Almost all of our ordinances are based on the Indiana Department of Highway’s standards” which take into account speed and traffic counts. “There’re hundreds of ordinances that support these signs,” he adds. “Our ordinances (for marking intersections) go back 10, 15, and 100 years. We can’t go back and say ‘Hey, who was responsible for this intersection?’ Instead, if we find a real problem, we work on getting the intersection redone.” Lord explains that redoing an intersection may, in some cases, mean a change in the angle of a road so the point of intersection is relocated. _ He also states that during his 12 years as Elkhart County attorney, “The county has never, to my knowledge, been held liable for any accidents or paid even a penny” to such a claim. Explaining the process of marking hazardous segments of county and all roadways, Lord says that before any kind of sign can be posted, an ordinance must be established by the county commissioners in order for the sign — or rule — to be legally enforced.

sidered a family. There’s those of us who will never accept this; no more than we would accept the drunken or drug addicts’ lifestyle forced upon us. In 1982, it was known that most of the AIDS infected blood was coming from the homosexuals. If AIDS had been declared a communicable disease, like other similar transmitted diseases were in the past, it would likely have been made a felony for homosexuals to give and sell their blood. Please, look at the thousands upon thousands of innocent people, who wouldn’t have AIDS today. It appears, most Liberal politicians would rather leave thousands of people contact AIDS, than take any strong preventive action that would in any way discriminate against homosexuals. Chauncy L. Bennet - 72850 CR 23 * New Paris, IN 46553 Ph: (219)831-2797

and Ronald J. Vanlue. Cassopolis. Mich., were discovered punctured. Damage was set at more than S6OO by Sheriff's Cpl. Michael Books. The tires were found punctured at the residence of Stone on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 6.. according to the investigating officer. Simply simple In character, in manners, in style, as in all other things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.

"CRUZIN AROUND CUSE"

(Continued from page 4) VIRGINIA MARSH, new resident at Miller’s Merry Manor, has turned out to be a real blessing to the nursing home, for she is often heard at the piano using her beautiful talent. Occasionally her grandson, Roger Smith, goes in to visit her and sings while she plays — real entertainment for the other residents. Folks here will remember Virginia as the dental assistant to Dr. Karl Stoelting in the little building that used to be on Huntington Street across from the fire station. Virginia said she worked there for 16 years. DEB DULL and Pat Liberti are beginning a new program Saturday, Aug. 12, from 10-11:30 a.m., at Calvary United Methodist Church. It’s called 3-D, which stands for Diet, Discipline and Discipleship, a nationally-known program using Bible study, diet and an exercise program to help get one’s life in order. Anyone wanting to join should sign up Saturday, for it’s the last chance for this 12-week session. There will be another group starting in November. The group means business, as they will be using their first 30 minutes for walking, using the parking lot, or perhaps Oakwood Park. Sharing and group support is an important part of the success of the program. Deb said it is interdenominational — there are at least four churches represented in the group so far. TAMMY TREADWAY, niece of Nancy Searfoss (who greets us at Byland’s Jewelers), was here for several days visiting from Diamond Springs, Calif. Tammy, daughter of Nancy's brother, Robert Treadway, Hollister, Calif, runs .her own cable business in Diamond Springs. WAWASEE HIGH School Class of 1984 is holding its five-year reunion at Vinegar Bend beginning Saturday, Aug. 12, at noon, continuing until dawn of Sunday, Aug. 13. If grads haven't made reservations, it’s not too late — class members can pay when they go to the event. The

IPFW NURSING GRADUATE — Tina Marie Searfoss, daughter of Darrell and Shirley Grisamer, r 2, Syracuse, and John and Gail Searfoss, r 3, Syracuse, graduated from Indiana/Purdue University, Fort Wayne, May 10, with a baccalaureate degree in nursing, with a minor in psychology. She was on the dean’s list the last three semesters. Searfoss is a 1975 graduate of Wawasee High School, and received her associate degree in nursing from IPFW in 1982. She is a member of the American Nurses’ Association, and is presently employed in the intensive care unit of the Veteran's Administrative Hospital, Fort Wayne.

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Wed., August 9,1989 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL

class is still looking for the following members: June Sells, Dawn (Baker,) Grimm, Mike Pruitt, Kevin Johnson, Paul Davis, and Joel Downing. If you are one of the lost members, or have information, call Tammy Tranter, 457-5721. GOLDIE PILCHER recently went to Colorado Springs to a family reunion whdfe she was able to visit with all four of her sisters and their families. Just visiting her from Lake Placid, Fla., were her daughter, Linda Wortinger, and husband Jim, and two sons, Jeremy, 17, and Travis, 15. Linda and Jim are both teachers at Lake Placid. OUR COMMUNITIES participating in the recycling project going on in Kosciusko County will cut down considerably on the amount of trash, etc., that has to go into landfills, according to Bob Knudsen, representative of Syracuse in the county project. Landfills are still necessary, as not everything can be recycled, but landfill cut-down will help a heap — rather, help “reduce” the heap. So start separating glass bottles, aluminum cans, newspapers, plastics, and batteries, because the next recycling “day” is in Syracuse at the high school, Saturday, Aug. 12, fromßa.m.-2p.m. A BLACK-trimmed cake seemed appropriate at the “surprise” birthday party of Jerry Claybaugh on Aug. 6, since it was his 40th. One appropriate gift he received was a wooden walker. AFTER LISTENING patiently to association members complain about waverunners and bass fishermen, Wawasee Property Owners Association President Bill Spurgeon lamented that “Waverunners and bass fishermen are a phenomenon of our time.” The WPOA met Friday evening at the South Shore Golf Club Pavilion with over 300 on hand. Secretary-treasurer Bob Hampton estimated the crowd to be 50 percent larger than the usual attendance, attributing part of the success to the 40th anniversary celebration and a good mix of new faces at the lake.

Some may need measles revaccination say doctors

By MITCHELL STINSON Many people may need to be revaccinated against measles, according to some medical literature that is circulating through the community. The July 28 issue of the “The Medical Letter,” a medical newsletter published in New York, states that there have been serious outbreaks of the disease in the United States this year. Many of these cases occurred in children and college students who had previously been vaccinated against the disease. The report states, “Since serious outbreaks of measles have recently occurred among young people previously immunized against the disease, and the risk of revaccination appears to be nil, it may be advisable to offer an additional dose of measles vaccine to children, especially those more than 10 years old, to college students and to other young adults working or living in institutions.” The local medical community is getting the word out to its patients that revaccination may be necessary for some. Milford Family Physicians, for example, is distributing the information in

its waiting room. Most of the cases in the recent outbreak have occurred in children more than 10-years-old. Some cases have occurred in younger children, including some pre-schoolers, and only a few cases of measles have been reported in adults who are more than 22-years-old. The newsletter states that people who were vaccinated before they were 15 months old experience a higher risk of the disease than those immunized later in life. Also, people bom before 1956 have probably had measles and can be considered immune. In some school outbreaks, students vaccinated before 1978-80 apparently had a higher incidence of clinical measles than those vaccinated later. This may be because a new stabilizer was added to the vaccine in 1979. The report states that more than 7,000 cases of Measles were reported to U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the first six months of 1989. That number is a sharp increase over previous years. Although the disease isn’t a big killer in the United States, it is still a leading cause of death in underdeveloped countries, especially in Africa and India.

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