The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 44, Milford, Kosciusko County, 13 December 1989 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., December 13,1989

Editorial

Postal Service proposals hurt 'the little guy' It’s a typical case Os the little guy getting cast aside in an effort to provide for the big guy. It happens every day in all types of businesses and transactions. However, in this case the little guy is paying more to get less while the big guy is paying less to get more. Yep, the U.S. postal service appears destined to join the growing population that etches out big breaks for big business in an effort to yield big benefits itself. However, if the postal service would take a closer look, it would see that it is just adding a bigger mail load to itself while opening the door for other bulk mailing deals that will burden its overburdened department even more. Two proposals are currently being considered that would fundamentally alter the current system of postal rates and delivery, and make complications within the postal service even more complicated. Under one proposal, the postal service would be permitted to make individual contracts with the top 20 or 30 mailers in the country for special treatment, cheap postal rates, and volume discounts. Thus, the biggest mailers in the country could mail at special first, second, third and fourth-class rates that are cheaper than the rates used by everyone else. The second proposal would allow the postal service to delay much first and some second-class delivery by at least a day. Estimates are that 15 to 30 percent of all first-class mail would be affected. Also, different delivery standards would be created for areas adjacent to “local” areas for each sectional center facility in the country and the caliber of delivery would depend upon the discretion of local postal service management. According to “Business Mailers Review,” “No longer will letters deposited in Chicago on Monday be delivered to East Coast cities by Wednesday. Instead of flying, first-class letters will ‘be trucking along’ from Chicago to Boston, New York and other cities up to 1,000 miles apart.” Such changes are purported to allow greater distribution of mailers: you know, those bothersome pieces of paper you find in your mailbox and usually deposit in the fireplace or nearest trash receptacle. Can you imagine mail service being altered for the benefit of more fire kindling? Such mailers, who do manage to attract some peoples’ eyes and make money in the process, do not need any extra breaks. Being a government entity, the postal service should remain a branch for the equal benefit of all of its users. Those who agree should contact their congressmen as well as Postmaster General Anthony Frank and the Postal Rate Commission. Mail them a letter. Walkin' in a Barbie Wonderland Each year at this time, the air rings with the cries of holiday shoppers raging against the cost of high priced gift items. Nowhere is the economic Christmas crunch more deeply felt than in the purses and wallets of parents. Part of the problem is the volume and variety of toys aimed at the junior consumer. Fueled by her parents’ cash and relentlessly stimulated by television advertising, little Tiffany wants multiple state-of-the-art goodies — all dyed to match. Barbie, a basically good toy with a 30-year pedigree, is a good example of toy variety gone amok. She may have begun simply in 1959 but a 1989 trip down a toy store aisle dedicated to that post-pubescent plastic playgirl is a befuddling experience. Dream houses to the left of them, Ferraris to the right — there mom and dad are — stuck in the middle, with a sweaty palmed, squealing little girl. Tiffany wants it all. Barbie’s Paris wardrobe, her sports car. soda shop, astronaut gear, dance stage — the stuff goes on forever. She’s eyen got pets, old animal lovin’ Barbie does. So, bathed in a glow of deep pink packaging, the parents struggle through that aisle of style. Yet, they fear to turn the corner, for lurking just beyond the Barbie Zone is G.I. Joe Land A corridor of black and blue with a splash of khaki, the appeal of the boy toys it contains is just as strong for little Jared as Barbie is for Tiffany. Just say no? When the other parents are saying yes? They have to be, of course, because every year, the variety of toys offered to children grows. Toy technology appears to be feeding off of itself. This year, toys that change color in different water temperatures are hot. Who knows what next year will bring 9 The capability to produce these toys is there and parents are buying. They may be complaining that it's breaking them but they are grabbing the merchandise and whacking the plastic (using credit) in order to pay for it. Are they spurred on by their kids alone? By the desire to take advantage of new toy technology just because it’s there 9 Or, is it the idea that if another child has the Deluxe Color Change Barbie Fashion Head Salon, their little Tiffany must too 9 For all of us who buy toys and the rest of the huge variety of merchandise available to consumers throughout the year, the lure of keen, high-tech stuff is tantalizing — the desire to please the ones we love with spectacular gifts is irresistible. However, keeping up with everyone else might be the strongest force driving mom and dad to the toy stores. That niggling, nasty little feeling of inadequacy that says, “but someone else’s kid has not only Barbie, but Maxie, Susie, Snazzy and Dippy — how can I say no?’’ So, all too often, parents buy gifts they know aren’t special, don’t work and won’t educate their kids, just because they can’t bear not to keep up with the Joneses or their children. Walkin’ in that Barbie Wonderland is no easy stroll. Keeping up with the Joneses, the demands of our offspring, and, most of all, ourselves, is risky business. Christmas Eve In many countries of the world, December 24 is as much fun as the 25. In England Christmas carols are sung on Christmas Eve. In Scandinavia and in many American homes, a family dinner the afternoon of the 24 ushers in Christmas. The custom of ligh mg candles (now lights in most cases) in windows on Christmas Eve originated, in this country, in Boston. The Santa Claus legend comes from Germany but it has been expanded and changed in America, with greater emphasis on toys for children. Christmas Eve night, of course, is the peak of anticipation for youngsters • Some church choirs still go about singing carols on Christmas Eve. The great Christmas rush, unfortunately, reaches- its hectic climax for millions on the 24. Plan ahead and enjoy a leisurely Christmas Eve! It can be done.

SBj* J/ \ 1 MF JE- -■* Mail problems coming? Court news

City Court The following fine has been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Expired registration plate — Dean Spicher. 55. Milford, $54 County Court Goshen Division The following resident has had fines levied and paid in the Elkhart County Court: Speeding — Trisha T. Thornburg. 20. Syracuse, dismissed The following persons have paid fines and costs in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrette presiding: Disregarding Stop Sign — Terry L. Templin. 18. Leesburg, S6O. ’ Failure To Give Half Os Road — Jerry Wood. 19. Syracuse. S6O.

Meeks invites students to be page for a day

Students interested in getting an up-close look at the way Indiana government operates are invited to be a page for a day during the 1990 General Assembly session. Senator Robert Meeks iR-LaGrangei recently announced. "Participating in the page program is an opportunity for young students to see their government in action. " Meeks said. “I encourage all young people to apply to participate in this program Participating students, who must be 12 years old or older, will be required to be at the statehouse at 8:30 a m the day they serve as a page, and will be

November was cold Lores Steury, weather reporter at Goshen College, has given the weather report for November. The average normal temperature for the month is 40.1 degrees with the average temperature being 38.8 degrees this month. ■ November had six clear days, nine partly cloudy days and 15 cloudy days. Normal precipitation for the month is 2.64 inches and this area received 2.25 inches The average normal accumulation of precipitation from Jan. 1 to Dec. 1 is 31.87 inches with 32.48 being received. The general snowfall for November is 3.3 inches with 3 inches already received. From past records. December should have an average temperature of 28.6 degrees. The highest December temperature wassreached on Dec. 2. 1982, when the thermometer reached ti\degrees The coldest was -25 degrees on Dec. 28. 1924. The mosCNpow received for December was in 1981 when 26.9 inches fell The least snow on record was in 1927 when .1 inch fell.

New Subscribers

Syble Luttrell R 1 Box 43F Basehor, Kans. 66(107 R. 11. Peplow 2330 Chris Dr. Manhattan, Kans. 66502

THE MAIL-JOURNAL (U.SPS 3258 4000) Published by The Ma>i Journal Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office a’ SyracuseIndiana 46567 Second cJass postage paid at IQ3 E Mam Street. Syracuse, ind'ana 4656.’ and at additional entry offices Subscription $lB 00 per year m Kosciusko County $24 00 outside coun’ i POSTMASTERS Send change of ad dress forms to The Matl Journal P O Box 188 Milford Indiana 46542 • 10l rl

Possession Os Loaded Gun Before Hours — Rick j. Swope, 30. North Webster. $138; Larry J. Swope. 50, North Webster, $l3B. Marriage Licenses The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jeanne Weirick: Ellington-Van Drew Gary A. Ellington, 30. NewParis, and Margaret L. Van Drew, 27, South James, Milford. Marriage Dissolutions The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Kosciusko Superior and Circuit Courts: Rink — Lori Rink, East Baltimore, Syracuse, and Sam Rink. Ligonier. The couple was married Nov. 17, 1988, and separated Aug. 21, 1989.

excused at 4 p.m. They will be on their own during their lunch hour. As a page, each student will get time on the senate floor to view how the legislative process works. In addition, pages will help senate interns and secretaries during their day at the statehouse. Each senator is allowed 30 pages during the upcoming short session of the General Assembly, which begins January 3. Young people interested in the program are encouraged to write to Senator Robert Meeks at the Indiana Senate, Statehouse, Indianapolis, Ind. 46204.

Max B. Ruch 7440 Eastover Dr. Walls, .Miss. 386X0 Ben Ringler c/o Dana Neer 328 York Ave.. Towanda, Pa. 18848 Mr./.Mrs. Ron Kreider R I Box 34 Milford, Ind. 46542 Ruby M. Badskey 11 N. Iroquois Dr. Ft. Myers Beach, Fla. 33931 David E. Kiefer R 2 Box 85 .Milford. Ind. 46542 John Noble 4994 Curieu Dr. N'.W. St. Janies City, Fla. 33956 Barbara Steenport R 4 Box 60-3 Syracuse, Ind. 46567 Richard A. Gardner 625 Grant Rd. Venice. Fla. 34293

"CRUZIN AROUND ’ C U S E”

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THE EFFORT to get Amtrak passenger service to stop in Syracuse is continuing. To show officials with Amtrak and CSX the town is sincere in its endeavor, plans for the old depot, owned by CSX, are being put on paper. Last week Pat Cole, staff artist for United Telephone, had the opportunity to check the old depot and take photographs. She will make a rough drawing for members of the committee that is pursuing the passenger service’s stop. The drawings of the renovation ideas of the depot will coincide with the theme being used for the chamber’s beautification project. Once completed, these drawings will be sent to Amtrak and CSX showing both companies the town’s seriousness in having the service. CSX officials have not approved the sale of the depot at this time. WHILE ON the topic of Amtrak. Jim Caskey, president of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, received a letter from Philip McGeath. president of Indiana Association of Railroad Passengers. McGeath is offering the association's help to securing the stop in Syracuse. In his letter, McGeath writes: “Now that Amtrak has officially announced the reroute of the Broadway Limited, our organization feels that it is absolutely vital that an additional stop be made between Hammond-Whiting and Auburn. We would be willing to assist in any way possible to help the efforts to secure that additional stop.” INDARP was contacted by Bill Spurgeon, president of the Wawasee Property Owners Association, who outlined the efforts of the chamber and the Town of Syracuse in seeking the service. —o— BUILDING ACTIVITY can be seen underway at Pizza Hut in Trammel, district supervisor, reported a 172 square-foot addition is being built to the east side of the building. This will be additional kitchen space for the business to be more productive. —o— THE DECEMBER issue of Indianapolis Monthly features its annual survey of the best and worst of perennial favorites, hot newcomers and readers’ picks. Under Summer Church Service the editors of this monthly publication write: "Best: Lake Wawasee’s boat service via loudspeaker. Praise the Lord and pass the life preserver.” —o— STUDENTS WHO walk to Wawasee High School will have an easier route this winter. The sidewalk along the west side of the Syra-Web Road is usable. While the sidewalk is not completely finished, workers from Phend and Brown. Inc., Milford, have completed the sidewalk work enough for use. Black topping of the walkway will take place when the weather is above 40 degrees. —o— THE TOWN/Township snorkel no longer bears the name of Columbus. First Assistant Fire Chief Joe Anderson has seen to that. Anderson has changed the lettering to read Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Fire Department. He did a superb job of lettering. —o— CHILDREN AND adults interested in ice hockey or interested in learning to ice skate, here’s your chance, John Kirkwood, Syracuse, will be conducting a hockey meeting in the Lakeland Youth Center on Thursday evening, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. Parents, players and anyone interested should attend. Kirkwood noted the hockey games will be held at Lakeside Park. The event is offered to those ages seven on up. WINTER PROGRAMS offered by the Lakeland Youth Center will be announced in a flyer sent home with school children later this week or the first of next week. Pam Howatt, LYC director, noted registration for these activities have been changed to better accommodate parents. Satellite registrations will be conducted at Milford and North Webster Schools only on Saturday. Jan. 6. from 9 a.m.-noon.

Other registration times will be in the Lakeland Youth Center. Registrations can take place between 9 a m.-noon in the center Monday through Friday, between January 3-8. Special evening registrations have been set for Wednesday, Jan. 3, and Friday. Jan. 5, from 6-8 p.m.. in the center. . Some of the new programs include an infant cardio-pulmonary resuscitation course on Thursday, Jan. 11. and an eight-week basic karate and self defense class starting January 18. The basic karate and self defense class will be for students and parents. Also the LYC will be assisting John Kirkwood with his ice hockey program. Watch for information on these and other winter programs. —o— SYRACUSE'S OWN poet laureate, Rev. David Hyndman, used his creative talents in a farewell poem to Rev. David Maish. The poem read last Wednesday during the monthly meeting of the Syracuse-Wawasee Ministerial Association. The poem is entitled "To Our Friend, David,” and reads: "Some years ago in Syracuse. Calvary needed a pastor with some dash. "The people hid their disappointment well, when they got David Maish "And while they found he was adequate and. in general, sane. "They still wondered what good could come from the City of Fort Wayne. “They knew he wasn't a prophet; on this they clearly focused. "While he was thin, he ate no honey, not even an occasional locust. "But they did not need a prophet of fire and brimstone orations. "But a pastor who would love them and inspire their vocations. "His ministry was like a sower's: out planting brand new seeds "Os programs and opportunities to meet emerging needs. "And even come heaven, high water, crisis, or perdition, "He was determined to see that they built their new addition. "And with us. his colleagues, over his accomplishments he didn't gloat. "And unlike Marvin Jones, he didn't fall in the lake while preaching from a boat. "Within the association he brought us new ideas to pursue "Os ways to improve our service to all of Syracuse. “In Boat-In, L.A.F.F., 5.0.5., the Pantry, and Market Place A.D., "His participation helped those ministries for all of Wawasee. “He was not like Saul. Gamaliel, or others of their tribe; "He was not a Pharisee, but a pretty darned good Scribe. "He has followed the path of our Lord, and now he's Muncie bound, "But we should point out it wasn't from Calvary to Gethsemane but the other way around. "David, you have made your mark among us: we are grateful for we've grown. “You have a place in all our hearts, and we pledge to reap all that you have sown. "We send you off with all our love, with our prayers and thanks. God speed! "But we hope you'll come back to us, if we ever have the need. ’' —o— MR. AND Mrs. Nathaniel Crow Fick Sr-, and daughter, Marilou Colyer, formerly of Lake Wawasee, now living in Arlington, Va., recently traveled to Italy and Switzerland. Highlights of the trip, which included Lugano, Milan. Venice, Florence and Rome, were a walk up the leaning tower of Pisa, a gondola ride in Venice, and a message delivered by the Pope in St. Peter’s Square. -O’DIANNA EVAIJiS, children s librarian, says she continues to get volunteer help for the yetunfinished work of sorting out and shelving children’s fiction books in the children's department. —o— THE PUBLIC is invited to the children’s Christmas program of the Lakeland Daycare Center on December 14 at 7 p.m. If you want to see the program, it will be held at Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church. On Dec. 18. the children will be caroling at Miller's Merry Manor. Carol Hurd, daycare, director, says the children have a good rapport with the folks at Miller's, as they make monthly visits. —o— THESE COLD December days, ducks and geese were still swimming on the water, but Syracuse Lake froze overnight suddenly and beautifully Thursday night —a clear glassy mir(Continued on pages)