The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 19, Milford, Kosciusko County, 20 June 1990 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., June 20,1990

Editorial

Lions keep festival going for 45 years Something for everyone. That’s what the 45th annual North Webster Mermaid Festival promises to offer this year, with more activities than ever planned for the popular event. Lions club members have been meeting since last July to ensure that the success of this year’s event is unparalleled — an attitude taken throughout the festival’s history. Recently celebrating their 45th anniversary, the North Webster Lions are proud of the work ethic they’ve displayed during that time, and rightly so. The Mermaid Festival has grown into one of Indiana’s largest festivals and has welcomed attention throughout the Midwest in years past. The festival has endured through hard times. Recently, the Lions welcomed the chartering of the Lioness Club in North Webster and both organizations are working side by side to ensure the success of this year’s festival. A Monster Truck Show and pig races are just two of the new additions to be seen at this year’s festival. Various events will be offered for the sports enthusiast while games for the children help make a rounded affair. The ever-popular “Queen of Lakes” Pageant will be held on Parade Day, Saturday, June 30, to conclude a full week of activities. Lions club members hope many take advantage of their hard work and enjoy some play this week and next. They deserve congratulations for keeping a popular festival popular for 45 years.

What others say — Historical literacy “Education,” wrote Edward Everett, “Is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.” If so, Congress ought to reconsider its proposed military cuts. The latest dismal news on the nation’s education front comes in the form of a recent report from the National Assessment Governing Board indicating that American youngsters may know a few historical facts, names and dates, but they have little grasp of this nation’s history. Some of the findings, according to the survey of 27,000 students in 1,000 public and private schools, show: — Only half of all eighth-graders tested know the United States is a representative democracy. — Just over a third know that Congress enacts laws. — Although more than half of all fourth-graders can name Columbus’ three ships, fewer than a third know why he sailed to America in the first place. — Fewer than half of the eighth-graders surveyed knew that Martin Luther King Jr., endorsed non-violence. — Although most high school seniors know it is illegal not to pay taxes, fewer than two-thirds know it is legal to organize a recall election, take part in a w boycott or hunger strike or impeach legislators. — Less than 40 percent of high school seniors know that presidential candidates are chosen at national political conventions, even though the survey was taken during the height of the 1988 presidential race. “Freedom,” warned Christopher Cross, assistant secretary of education for research, “is not ours by accident. In the end our children and every generation of Americans must themselves take up the rights, the privilege and responsibility of self-governance.” He added, “At a time when people across Eastern Europe are embracing the principles of democracy, our own youngsters, who stand less than a year away from voting booths, have as a group a tenuous grasp of the institutions and ideals that make freedom possible.” According to Chester Finn, chairman of the National Assessment Governing Board, fewer than half of all high school seniors attained a score of 300 on the history or civics survey — considered the level of adequate functioning for a citizen of the United States. Mary Frances Berry, president-elect of the Organization of American Historians, says, “If the national assessment report is accurate, our high school graduates, on the whole, lack the kind of understanding of the nation’s heritage that is necessary to be an informed citizen in a democracy.” Or the knowledge to preserve this democracy. - THE INDIANAPOLIS NEWS

377% increase in warnings issued by Milford Police

I By MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer

It was recently reported by the Associated Press that a 300 percent increase in speeding tickets has slowed the pace of life in a village called Milford, where the speed limit on all streets is 25 mph. “Police started taking speeders more seriously,” the story reads, “after residents refused to approve road improvements, saying out-of-towners drove too quickly through their hamlet.” A sl2 million request for road improvements was defeated at the polls in this village of Milford. Though this reporter remains uncertain as to exactly where this village of Milford is located, one thing is for certain — it’s not our Milford. Looking at the summaries of the activities of the Milford Police Department over the last four months, one notes a 377 percent increase in warnings issued. “They are all traffic warnings,”. reports Milford Town Marshal Dave Hobbs, adding, the majority of which are for speeding. Why this increase? According to the town marshal this increase can be attributed to the patrol dedication of the Milford Police Department. With three officers currently on staff, as opposed to having only two officers last year, Hobbs explains additional personnel cuts back on individual hours, resulting in more dedication and time spent on patrol. “The work is more steady when

you have a fresh worker (someone who works an eight-hour shift as opposed to a 12 hourshift),” comments the town marshal. The top two areas for speeding violations seem to be on SR 15 and South Main Street. "We’ve clocked them from 12 mph over the limit and up,” Hobbs says. Issuing warnings for speeding is one way the police department can try to control traffic passing

Shortages plague rural health system

The American rural health system is plagued by shortages: hospitals, doctors, nurses, antiquated technology, lack of health insurance by many people, high malpractice rates. Many rural hospitals seem doomed But a national expert, health economist Jeffrey Bauer, told an Arkansas legislative subcommittee he believes rural hospitals can be saved and become the nucleus for revitalizing dying rural committees. “I’m here to tell you,” he said, “I don’t think there is a single rural facility that should close its doors. ” What can communities do? Bauer said neighboring hospitals can convert from the traditional acute’ care to primary care facilities. He said primary care comprises 80 percent of all health care — and is what rural hospitals can do best. He said most rural hospitals have too many beds. He said the

through the town. Local traffic can be controlled, says the town marshal, because it is used to the posted speed limits. “On SR 15, we re still dealing with outside people (non-Milford residents),” explains Hobbs. Concentrating on the arteries coming into town, the Milford Police Department seeks to slow down traffic, thereby alleviating accidents on Milford’s roadways. “It has been effective so far,” reports Hobbs.

hospitals should provide firstrate ambulance service — money better spent than a full-fledged emergency room because many ambulances can perform the necessary emergency service if the personnel are properly trained. Treat them at the scene instead of “scoop and run,” he said And Bauer said neighboring hospitals can consolidate if necessary. Bauer heads a Colorado firm called the Bauer Group which helps rural communities on the verge of losing their bankrupt hospitals. — Health News Network 4 Useful hormone Growth hormone, indicated for children with growth failure due to a deficiency of the natural substance, may also be useful in the loss of fat and development of muscle in GH-deficient adults. — Hook’s Health Tip Bulletin

'Queen of Lakes' Elizabeth Vandelene joins the North Webster Lions in welcoming all to the 1990 Mermaid Festival — June 2230.

Court news

Circuit Court The following petition has been filed in Kosciusko Circuit Court, Judge Richard Sand presiding: Complaint Chain Os Lakes Marine, Inc., Daryl Henry and June Henry versus North Webster Marine, Inc., rural route, North Webster; Dennis Schaaf and Cathy Schaaf, rural route, North Webster. Petitioners seek judgement for losses and expenses incurred from breach of contract in approximate sum of $25,000, punitive damages. Superior Court The following petitions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court, Judge Robert Burner presiding: Complaint By land Jewelers, no address given, versus Debra A. Noyer, Boston Street, Syracuse. Petitioner seeks $375.25, attorney fees, interest, costs. Complaint Augsburger’s Super Valu versus Larry G. Walker, rural route, North Webster. Petitioner seeks $274.36 plus $55 in court costs. County Court The following persons have paid fines and costs in Kosciusko County Court Judge James Jarrette presiding: . Speeding — Dan B. Thystrop. 35, North Webster, S6O; Ron R. Miller, 32, Syracuse, $65; Michelle L. Luce, 20, Milford, S6O; Anthony S. Treesh, 21. Leesburg, $65. Disregarding Stop Sign — Jason Stoner, 18, Syracuse, S6O. Expired Plates — Daniel J. Serafini, 18, Syracuse, S6O.

Roemer urges amendment for flag protection

Citing the importance of one true symbol of this nation. Democratic candidate Tim Roemer said June 14 he would support a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning. “As we pay tribute to ‘Old Glory’ today, I am disappointed with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling,” Roemer said. “The American flag represents the basic principles and ideals on which this great nation was founded. It represents truth and hope for our future generations, each time children recite the Pledge of Allegiance in school It represents the commitment exhibited by the men and women who have fought and died for this country. Also, the flag represents other battles we fought in our country, such as civil rights and

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Bernard Gardner R 3 Box 569 Syracuse, Ind. 46567 Velma Parker R 4 Box 195 Syracuse, Ind. 46567

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Operating While Intoxicated — Charles Roberts, no age, North Webster, $383, driver's license suspended 90 days, K.C.J. 60 days, 54 days suspended, six days g.t.c., fine suspended in lieu of Med Park. City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Speeding — Mary E. Ring, 56, Syracuse, S6B; Angela L. Higginbotham, 24, Milford, S6B Violation of seat belt law — Lesa S. Campbell, 28, Milford, $25 False and fictitious registration — Julia A. Dorrier, 35, Milford, dismissed No insurance carried on vehicle — Julia A. Dorrier, 35, Milford, dismissed Marriage Licenses The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jeanne Weirick: Breeden-Galloway Brian Scott Breeden, 21, William Drive, Winona Lake, and Tahnee Sue Galloway, 19, rural route, Leesburg. Ream-Hamman William R. Ream, 45. rural route, North Webster, and Lynette Kay Hamman, 35, rural route, North Webster. Gerencser-Shock Joseph Alex Gerencser, Jr., 31, PO Box, Milford, and Suzanne Rae Shock, 39, rural route, Milford. Stookey-Neibert Jeffrey Earl Stookey, 20, rural route, Milford, and Katja Hannelore Neibert, 18, rural route, Milford.

equal rights.” Roemer expressed frustration that Congress has the right to protect the bald eagle and ban trash burning, yet, the flag, as a precious national symbol, cannot be protected. In addition, Roemer said he is hopeful the flag burning issue will stay out of party politics. He said this issue should be addressed quickly and effectively. "As a nation, I hope we can move forward and address the other pressing problems in this country, such as providing educational opportunities for all our young children, protect and maintain a healthy environment, and implement changes for an affordable health care,, system,” Roemer said.

Richard D. Ziegler 633 Mayne Blvd.Huntington, 1nd.46750 Kevin Craig 8404 W. Thorn Tree Rd. Muncie, Ind. 47304

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE"

By JEANNE GARDINER

II! LONG time, no talk to — one whole year, in fact.

H

When The Mail-Journal writers were looking for some way to find respite once a month when several deadlines come together at the same time, and I suggested that they find a “guest writer” to fill that need, it never occurred to me that I would receive a telephone call the very next day asking if I was ready to “go back to work!” (Although, after all these years, you’d think one would be aware of the fact that the one with the idea gets to do the job.) As it turns out, there has been a void where the writing used to be in my life, and so here we are back again for a monthly column. It may not follow the pattern of the other three columns each month, some latitude is being allowed, so please feel free to let us know whether or not it suits you. We're flexible! —o— YESTERDAY, JUNE 19, was Garfield the cat's twelfth birthday! Garfield, a modern classic comic strip created by Jim Davis (of Indiana) and syndicated by United Features Syndicate, first appeared on June 19, 1978. —o— TOMORROW IS officially the first day of SUMMER — although, in the Southern Hemisphere it is the beginning of winter. If you’re too hot — go south. —o— BEAUTIFICATION IS blooming up and down Huntington Street. From the existing landscaping of Dr. Wendel Shank’s office, Liberty Homes, and Country Corner Gifts’ rustic setting, to the newly-created rock gardens of Hub Wilkinson's Sunoco station and Bill and Marsha Fisher's new community building, waterfall and plantings. Uptown, Steve Snyder's new office, complete with pavers, and the addition of pavers and old fashion lights in Syracuse’s Lakeside Park have given a warm and friendly touch to our community. The uptown block designated to kick off the program of pavers, lights and planting pockets is waiting word of a matching grant program. —o— LOTS OF feedback from a recent article about lack of attendance at retail meetings. Some felt that the story should never have been written because it threw a negative light on the group — but the best result came from a local retailer who apologized for not attending and made a commitment on the spot to be at the July 13 retail merchants meeting. A second merchant stopped by to express interest, but finds Friday mornings impossible — however lunch on another day would be great. Good has come from the story. —o— REALTY WORLD’S open house last Saturday was an eye opener. Linda Jaggers has turned the former Village Butcher Shop, on Pickwick Road next to the Dairy Queen, into a charming light and airy set of offices for the real estate firm. She and husband, Tony, rolled up their sleeves and did everything from drywalling to painting and papering. Steve Slabaugh, the Jaggers' son-in-law, Gil Combs, and Dan Howell were loyal workers also. Audrey Reinholt helped with the painting. Fellow Realtors Mary Hippe, Chris Combs, Sandy Weisser, Don Watson, Jackie Aalbregtse, Kim Dutcher. Jeanette Slabaugh, and Donna Wallace, all dressed in red, white and blue and sporting their Realty World blazer emblems, greeted visitors during the afternoon open house, plying them with great food and punch and giving tours of the new facility. Duane Wilder and Debbie Mignery were the only missing members of the team. A FRIEND of mine, lovingly referred to as “Father Keim” was showing photos of a great horned owl. As we talked about how he came to have the pictures, and knowing what a fine nature writer he is, I asked that he illustrate the pictures in writing. Here, in his own words, is Don Keim’s “The Great Horned Owl.”

On Tuesday, May 7, this young great horned owl fell from the nest in the hollow top of a great oak tree in Oakwood Park. I was called to take care of it until an official from the Indiana Department of Conservation called for the owl. It appeared that the owl, which stood 22 inches tall, had a broken wing. The owl had unusual large eyes and ears. The large eyes are capable of rapid and sharp focusing. They are directed forward and the field of view overlap externally so that they provide binocular vision, with great depth. Due to the depth of bony eye sockets the owl looks straight forward. It can turn its head in an arc of 270 degrees if it is attracted to some creature to the

side of it. So the owl sometimes makes rapid and jerky head movements. The great horned owls, and other owls, are provided with a third eye lid that folds against the inside of the eye and comes out and across the eyeball like a windshield wiper. They have the keenest sense of hearing. Ears are directed forward. Owls have symmetrical ears, one with the main fold of the external ear directed downward, and the other directed upward; so sounds are located with pin point accuracy. Owls can locate and catch mice by hearing alone. The veterinarian in Warsaw determined the wing was not broken. The sprained wing was medicated and the next morning the owl was brought back to Oakwood. With the aid of an extension ladder, we put the owl back into the nest in the decayed top of the oak tree. Every week since then I have seen the mother owl with the young one. I am directed to their location by the assembly of crows circling the limb of the oak tree where the owls are perched. They harass the mother owl who ascends from the limb with a loud clacking of her formidable beak. Crows raid the nests of owls to destroy their young. The owls are predators at night and red tailed hawks predators by day. In so doing, they maintain the balance of nature. If this patrol by the owl at night and the hawk by day was not maintained, we might be over run by the field mouse and common house mouse. Since it might be your lunch time, I will not tell you how the great horned owl SWALLOWS ITS PREY WHOLE, AND A SHORT TIME LATER REGURGITATES IT IN A CUD OR BALL OF SKIN AND BONES. I wish you might see this beautiful, powerful bird that patrols the sky at night, giving those five distinctive hoots. —o— THE CHILDREN’S Hour — story hour in the park, sponsored by the Syracuse Park Department and the Syracuse Public Library— started off the Wednesday series last week by filling up to the capacity of 125 children, causing registration to be closed for that day. This is a new joint venture for the two organizations and will be held in the park’s gazebo each Wednesday throughout the summer. Children who register for the event will be involved in a reading program as well as creative crafts. —o— PICTURE A pink .sunset stretched out behind an old-fashion gazebo, highlighting the musicians gathered beneath its roof entertaining an appreciative audience of all ages who are sitting on lawn chairs or blankets which they brought for the occasion. Children are playing happily on the outskirts. All are participating in this moment of memory-building. Syracuse is blessed by having an active, progressive park board which has pulled out all the stops to create a lovely setting in Lakeside Park for family get-togethers, sunning and swimming, and for holding special entertainment events. Another special group is the SyracuseWawasee Park Foundation which is organized to support special functions for the park, such as the Music in the Park series, now on its second year. Rounding out the local blessings list is our very own Lake Area Community Band, made up of dedicated amateurs from our own hometown as well as surrounding cities. This is a group of which our community can be proud. When the community responded to a park department survey several years ago, the three items mentioned above were some of the special “flavors” that the responders hungered for. We got ’em, thanks to some very enthusiastic leadership and support from our home town! —o— WANNA PLAY volleyball? Outpost Sports has openings for Tuesday and Saturday night teams. Four people per team is all it takes — so grab your friends and have some fun on the professionally laid out sand court located next to Augsburger’s. If you don’t want to commit to a summer of league playing, why not bring your team to “challenge court” on Wednesday nights. Cali ahead and prepare to challenge those playing that evening. MUSIC, MUSIC, music! The next Music in the Park will be held June 28 and will feature “Rosewood” — British Isle-type music — in the gazebo. That same evening the Lake Area Community Band will be featured at the Mermaid Festival. They will return to Syracuse Lakeside Park on July 4 to entertain prior to the fireworks. IT AIN’T over until the fat lady sings ... and the Syracuse Antique Mall will have a chance for a second hearing when an appeal is heard by the local zoning board on Thursday, June 21. Yes, there is a potential parking problem at the former Sea Nymph location; however, alternate parking proposals were never heard at the last meeting. Although County Area Plan Commissioner Dan Richard advised the zoning board members that they had an option of allowing a one-year trial for the proposed antique mall, the board voted against its opening in time for the spring trade. The building has been sitting unoccupied and declining since vacated by Sea Nymph. The proposal is a viable solution to bringing additional quality shoppers to our area — as well as keeping the property as a positive factor on the tax records. It appears a win/win situation if everyone will work together towards a positive solution — and there always is one. (Continued from page 5)