The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 21, Milford, Kosciusko County, 4 July 1990 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., July 4,1990

Editorial

A day to celebrate independence At a time when politicians and opportunists wrap themselves in the American flag, comes a day for us to reflect on not just that flag, but the independence it symbolizes. The Fourth of July, Independence; Day, is a time to celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Hopefully some politicians seeking votes or attention won’t use the occasion to volley barbs at one another about the significance of the flag and whether Americans should be allowed to burn it if they so desire. However, all the debate in the Congress and Senate about the constitutionality of such acts will likely take center stage as our independence is celebrated. Don’t let the irony of Independence Day and the current debate spoil the declaration’s meaning. Celebrate the Fourth, don’t condemn it. Take time to yield for emergency vehicles An accident occurs at the intersection of SR 13 and Syracuse-Milford Road. The drivers of two vehicles are badly injured. Emergency Medical Service technicians respond. An ambulance is traveling down SR 13 when it comes upon an automobile that refuses to leave the roadway. In an attempt to pass the vehicle the EMS unit collides with an oncoming car, also failing to yield the right-of-way. More injuries are caused and valuable time is losVr' While the opening scenario is a fictional account, tne unyielding vehicles are indicative of a growing problem in the Milford, North Webster and Syracuse area. Some refuse or neglect to yield for emergency vehicles, causing a loss in valuable time and perhaps, down the road, a loss in life. Blue, green and red lights atop vehicles are placed there as a warning to other drivers. The lights are warning signals and are designed to alert motorists of emergency situations. When being overtaken or meeting such vehicles when the lights are in use the law says to yield the right-of-way. It only takes a few moments to slow down and move to the edge of the roadway. Police, fire and ambulance vehicles are equipped with red warning lights while the blue and green lights are reserved for volunteer firemen and EMS vehicles, respectively. Take the time to yield the roadway to such vehicles. It could be your emergency situation the vehicles and their operators are responding to.

What others say —

America is made of.. . Freedom of speech, the 4th of July Pilgrims, the wild west, a child asking why; Clean clothes on lines, a family at prayer, Backyard barbecues with friends gathered there; Old men in parks dreaming back yesterday, Enjoying warm sunshine and children at play; Politics and elections, the right to choose, Shopping center and traffic, library dues; Religion and books, baby chicks. Easter hats, Christmas with carols, new baseball bats; Dad's handshake goodbye with sons so soon missed, Wishing boys never got too big to be kissed ; Weddings and puppies, yards mowed smooth and green. A grandmother s arms, the Boston baked bean; Mountain and deserts, hot dogs and ice cream. Saturday cartoons, trading stamps to redeem; Rockets and blast offs, men on the moon, •-> Disneyland, the White House and Daniel Boone; Little boys playing soldier relentlessly guard, The entire world from their own backyard; Mom : s Sunday dinners, someone on the phone. Paydays and picnics, with no one on a throne; Boy Scouts and new cars, colored TVs, Interest and taxes, tall growing trees; Girls mothering dolls singing soft lullabies. Planning tomorrow with faith in their eyes; Roads you can travel. State lines you can cross, Spring’s very first robin, Paul Revere, Betsy Ross; Bands leading parades, Old Glory held high, Tears mingling with smiles as SHE proudly floats by. NOW.. Add all of these together in a 50-State way, And your grand total will be the REAL USA. - AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Briefcase and wallets stolen

Kosciusko County Police were called to investigate the following thefts and vandalisms in the Lakeland Area during the past week: Mike Dewitt, r 5 box 226. Syracuse,, reported someone took a brief case and radar detector from his vehicle while it was parked at Black s Point at Lake Wawasee between 10 pm. Sun day, July 1, and 8:30 am., Mon day. July 2 The value of the items is not known Rafts, Flags Stolen The theft of two rafts and an American flag and Purdue University flag were reported by James Thompson, Pier 118 Ogden Island, Lake Wawasee Thompson reported the theft at 9:19 a.m., Saturday, June 30 The rafts are valued at S2OO Hood Ornament Taken A hood ornament off a 1988 Buick LaSabre was reported missing by Mary A Price, 3707 Wenonhah Lane, Fort Wayne, from her vehicle that was parked on EMS Lane T 45. The theft was reported on June 29 at 10:15 a m. but had occurred earlier in the month. Hie ornament is valued at $57.37. CB Stolen The thief or thieves used a large rock from a nearby flower

bed to gain entry to a 1991 Toyota van at the home of Thomas Peterson, r 2 box 499A. Syracuse. Once entry was gained to the van, the thief or thieves removed a CB radio. Damage to the vehicle, parked at Pier 282, Lake Wawasee. was estimated up to SBOO No value on the CB was available. The theft was reported at 9:45 am.. Friday, June 29 and is believed to have occurred around 2:30a m , that morning Wallet Missing Richard Essig, 64 North Shore Dr., Syracuse, notified police at 9 05 am. Friday, June 29. that between 9 p.m.. Thursday, June 28. and 6:45 am., Friday, someone entered his truck and stole a wallet that was inside The wallet contained cash, credit cards and some personal items Sign Vandalized Ray A Shankin. r 2 box 563. Syracuse, told authorities that someone had pried the outside cas ing of a sign at Freedom Chapel Church at CR 1000 N and SyraWeb Road, breaking the glass The vandalism occurred between 10:30 am., Friday, June 29, and 5 30 p m . Saturday, JuneSo Once the glass was removed, some of the letters in the sign were re-arranged and others left

laying on the ground Nothing was taken. Damage to the sigp was estimated up to SIOO. Window Broken A radar detector, tool box and miscellaneous tools were taken from a vehicle owned by Phillip T Rinker, r 2 box 196 K, Leesburg, Rinker reported the theft at 9:20 am., Wednesday, June 27. A window on the rear side door was broken out. The items are valued at SBOO. Nothing Taken Nothing was found missing at the home of Charles H Rush, r'2 box 75, Syracuse. He notified police at 9:36 p.m., Wednesday, June 27, that someone had been inside his home while he was at work Police found that nothing was taken from the home, nothing disturbed nor damaged and there was no forced entry ’ Clubs Missing Jack Linsmeyer, P.O Box 432, Columbia City, reported a set of golf clubs missing from his van while parked in the garage at his home at Pier 654 The theft was reported at 7:30 p.m , Monday, June 25, but occurred betWefT 11:55 p.m., Friday. June 22 to 3 p.m., that day The clubs are valued at SI,OOO.

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Court news

County Court The following persons have paid fines and costs in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrette presiding: Speeding — Douglas A. Keele, 21. North Webster, $80; Helen B. Maish, 47. Leesburg. $80; Maxing M. Johnson-Nash, 27, North Webster, $65. No License In Possession — Roger A. Hibschman, no age, Syracuse, S6O. No Motorcycle Endorsement — Jason D. Brooks, no age, Milford. S6O. Disregarding Stop Sign — Tony Hostettler. 18. Syracuse. S6O. Fishing Without A License — Paul Silva. 3J, Syracuse, S6O. Superior Court The following petitions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court, Judge Robert Burner presiding: Complaint Campbell’s Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Milford Stop & Go versus Larry A. Walker individually and d/b/a Walker's Landscaping Company, rural route, North Webster. Petitioner seeks $290 29. costs. Complaint Campbell's IGA, Inc., Milford, versus Linda C. Smith-Hess, Elkhart. Petitioner seeks $809.02 plus costs; Complaint Campbell's IGA. Inc., Milford, versus Michaele Phillips. New Paris. Petitioner seeks $652.91 plus costs. Complaint Campbell s IGA. Inc.. Milford, versus Cathy Ousley. Warsaw. Petitioner seeks $411.60 plus costs. Complaint Campbell's IGA. Inc.. Milford, versus John K. Grieser. Warsaw. Petitioner seeks $512.55 plus costs. Complaint Campbell's IGA, Inc., Milford, versus Mark A. Warner. Warsaw. Petitioner seeks $277 plus costs.

Earl Smith sentenced to 18 years for burglary

Earl Hillis Smith, also known as J.R., 36, Syracuse, was sentenced last Wednesday, June 27, to 18 years for the February 27 burglary of the Steve Bowler. Milford, residence while out on bond for the December 25, 1989, burglary at G. L. Perry VarietyStore, Syracuse. He pleaded guilty to the Bowler home burglary in May and as part of a plea agreement, the prosecution agreed to drop the business burglary charge and not to seek to have Smith declared a habitual offender Smith admitted to the break-in at G. L. Perry's where a flashlight and some articles of clothing were taken. He also admitted to seven other break-ins between August 21, 1989, and January 2,1990

THE MAIL-JOURNAL (U.S.P.S. 3258-4000) Published by The Papers Incorporated every Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office in Syracuse, Indiana 46567. Second class postage paid at 103 E Main Street, Syracuse, Indiana 46567 and at additional entry offices. Subscription: Newstand rate 45C per copy, $19.00 per year in Kosciusko County, $25 00 outside county Della Baumgartner, Publisher /T® Ron Baumgartner Manager KI ««---'«? la Jeri Seely, Editor sr J 9 Kip Schumm, Advertising Manager POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The Mail Journal, P O Box 188, Milford, Indiana 46542. The Papers Incorporated reserves the right to refuse for publication any advertising that is considered offensive, misleading or .detrimental to the public, the newspaper or another advertiser and to edit advertising at its discretion. DEADLINES; Legal copy, 5p m Monday, classified copy and display copy. 11 a m Tuesday

Complaint Campbell's IGA, Inc., Milford, versus Kristi J. Arnett, Warsaw. Petitioner seeks $277.99 plus costs. Complaint Campbell’s IGA, Inc., Milford, versus Orville E. Drake, Syracuse. Petitioner seeks $468.24 plus costs. Complaint Campbell's IGA, Inc., Milford, versus Donna Salzwedel, Winona Lake. Petitioner seeks $662.57 plus costs. City Court The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Violation of seat best law — Rachel C. Weybright, 77, Syracuse, $25 _ Expired registration plate —- Gregory L. Thompson, 25, Syracuse,s79 Following too closely — Teresa W. Pang, 26, Syracuse, SSB Speeding — John W. Leemon, 38. Milford, $63 ' Marriage Dissolutions The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Kosciusko Superior and Circuit Courts: Pill — Michael G. Pill, rural route. Leesburg, and Terri S. Will. Virginia. The couple was hiarried Dec. 20, 1988, and separated in Sept., 1989. There is one minor child. Galloway — Nancy J. Galloway, rural route, Syracuse, and David P Galloway, rural route. Syracuse. The couple was married April 10, 1971, and separated Oct. 1, 1989. There are three minor children. Detecting glaucoma Glaucoma can be detected during a comprehensive eye exam. Once diagnosed, eyedrops and pills can control the disease and in almost all cases prevent it from damaging the eyes.

Prior to Smith’s admitting to the seven burglaries that included thefts at Jack's Village Video. Sleepy Owl, Curtis TV and Appliance, Clayton* Lawn and Garden Center, North Webster, and Syracuse License Branch, the prosecutor's office agreed not to file any charges against him in those cases. Following each burglary, Smith would drive immediately to the Gary area where he sold the items at a truck stop and salvage yard. The items included camcorders and VCRs. “ While out on $2,000 bond for the G. L. Perry theft, Smith broke into the home of Steve Bowler, Milford, on February 27, at which time video equipment and guns were taken. Smith was charged in 1982 on several other burglaries.

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE" ■

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THERE SEEMS to be some confusion about placing grass clippings, limbs, ■w* brush and debris adjacent o streets for pick-up in Syracuse, as shown in the photo. The town ordinance regulating this matter, 81-7, has been distributed to those residents who have placed such items along the streets. Section Two of the ordinance states that grass clippings, limbs, brush, vegetation residue and like debris can be placed adjacent to the streets as long as it is in reasonable amounts and quantities. But remains and residue from cutting down or harvesting of a tree or trimming of a tree cannot be placed in areas adjacent to the streets. The key words are “reasonable amounts.” Residents should also note that the items that are placed along the streets are to be placed in water-tight covered containers, including plastic trash bags and the weight should not exceed 60 pounds. Also all tree limbs and brush must be of a size and weight to allow reasonable handling. The ordinance calls for a fine of between $lO-150 for violation. There is a program being looked into by the street department and town council to help residents who desire to dispose of brush and limbs in any quantity larger than permitted in the ordinance. A Dial-A-Truck program is being reviewed by the board. This program would be for residential sites only. If approved by the town council, scheduling will be done through the street department office and would be on a first come, first serve basis. No charge is planned in the program. —o— WHILE ON the topic of what is happening in town, note should be made about some changes at Henry Ward Park. Recently the parking lot at the park was set up for only single vehicle and handicapped parking. This would allow the park board to apply for grants to cover up to 75 percent of a project However some concerns were expressed about parking for those who use the boat ramp, whether it be for fishing or boating enjoyment. So the board is now looking into the possibility of allowing an area strictly for vehicle/trailer parking but this would be limited number of spaces. Since CSX has already offered the acquisition of the old depot station when Amtrals was sought to stop in town, maybe the town council should consider purchasing the land for additional parking for Ward Park, and sprucing up the old depot as called for in the beautification plan. —o— SUMMER BRINGS an increased amount of traffic tcC this area, not only vehicles, but pedestrian traffic as well. Many people have been heard saying they were almost hit while walking or almost hit a pedestrian because simple safety rules were forgotten. Everyone wants to keep the summer enjoyable and accident free, so here are some safety tips provided by the Government Employees Insurance Company. If you’re walking: cross only at corners or marked crosswalks and obey all traffic signals. Don't assume a “walk” signal means it’s safe to cross. Always stop at the curb or edge of the road before entering the roadway. Look left, right and left again for approaching traffic. If a parked car or other obstacle blocks your view of traffic, move out to where you can see around the obstruction. If you must walk at night, carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing to enhance your visibility. Don’t walk along if you’ve been drinking. About half of all pedestrian deaths of those age 16-59 involve alcohol (Nationwide). Now here are some rules for those who are driving vehicles. Yield to pedestrians who have already entered the roadway. Check for people in the crosswalk before turning. Be particularly careful when turning right on red. . > <- v Be alert for pedestrians who may cross against a traffic signal or in the middle of the block.

® If the curb or edge of the roadway is obscured by parked cars, watch carefully for pedestrians who may dart out unexpectedly. —o— THE SEVENTH Annual Koher cousins reunion was held Sunday, June 24, in the Warsaw Holiday Inn with dinner served at 1 p.m. There were 30 family members attending. The farthest family member came from Pheonix, Ariz. Others who attended were- from Valparaiso, Muncie, Fort Wayne, South Whitley, Pierceton, Cromwell, Goshen, Warsaw, North Webster, Leesburg and Syracuse. ARE YOU one of those persons who, for just a quick trip into a store to get one item, park in a handicapped parking space? Well watch out. Syracuse Police Department will begin ticketing any vehicle parked in any handicapped parking space that does not have a handicapped sticker on the vehicle. This includes the parking lots at Big Wheel, Augsburger's, and various other businesses. There is a state statute that states when a business is open, the parking lot is public. The parking becomes private property when the business is closed. —O’GEORGE AND Beth Bushong, Syracuse, spent Father's Day weekend in Chicago, 111., visiting their daughter, Rosemary Bilicki and her husband, Dan. During the weekend visit, Dan took his in-laws to the 90th U.S. Golf Open at Medinah. Beth stated they enjoyed the tournament and the course was beautiful. IT’S GETTING close to budget hearing time for Syracuse Town Council and Turkey Creek Township. Members of both boards should seriously consider looking into Syracuse Fire Department having several full time/paid officials at the station during the week. The fire department and emergency medical service calls have increased, especially during the daytime hours. There have been several occasions this year when only two firemen have been available for a fire call. Fortunately the fires were not of major proportion, but assistance from neighboring fire departments was called because of lack of manpower. More recently, the EMS was needed on a Very serious call. No medical technicians, or drivers were available. North Webster EMS was notified to transport the patient to the hospital. Last year the request was denied by one of the boards, stating there was not enough money in the budget. Could that same statement be used again this year? —o— JOIN THE fun on Saturday. July 7, at Crosson Park for the “Rubber Duck Regatta." This event is sponsored by the Syracuse Jaycees and Augsburger's Super Valu with proceeds from the event going towards the March of Dimes. The event will begin at 1 p.m. There will be an adult duck race, child duck race, corporate duck race and the corporate duck decorating contest. For more information contact any Syracuse Jaycee member of call 457-3715 for details. —o— DON’T FORGET the ice cream social Saturday, July 7, at Calvary United Methodist Church, SR 13S, Syracuse. There will be such goodies as ice cream, pie, cake, drink and sandwiches. The event will be from 5-8 p.m. WELCOME BACK to local police, fire and EMS dispatcher Anita Peterson. Anita returned to work, part-time on Tuesday, June 26, following surgery on May 22. —o— MR. AND Mrs. Floyd Reed have returned from an enjoyable few days at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., and a walk through part of the Mammoth Caves in Kentucky. Mrs. Reed said the weather was nice down south, and exclaimed about the constant and comfortably cool temperatures in the caves. WELL, THE proposed Antique Mall slated to ’ open at the old Sea Nymph building on Huntington Street, by the Crosson Mill Bridge, received a parking variance for 18 months at the recent Syracuse Board of Zoning meeting. This means work can proceed to finish remodeling, and enthusiasm can return for this multi-dealer mall. , There is a possibility it will be open by the first of August. This will be good for both downtown and the village for tourist shoppers. r- - < Continued on page 5)