The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 43, Milford, Kosciusko County, 5 December 1990 — Page 4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., December 5,1990

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Editorial ‘Be prepared' for possible disasters Monday has passed us by without so much as a tremble, aside from what may have been felt near railroad tracks as freight trains rambled by, or from those pranksters who rattled nearby objects in an attempt to depict the nonexistent earthquake so many awaited. While feelings toward the quake prognosticator ranged from contempt to mockery, the occasion did draw extensive press coverage and some good did come from the overexposure. Disaster preparedness was brought to the forefront, with a focus on precautions. With no real weather disaster since the Palm Sunday, 1965, tornadoes, many have become lax in the area of preparedness. While it can be argued that no one can truly prepare for a natural disaster, there are steps that can be taken to lessen the impact. Every household should have alternate exits and families should be rehearsed in measures to take in the event of a fire, storm, tornado and, yes, even earthquakes. However, the most important steps to remember take place after a disaster hits. Everyone should keep battery-operated radios and flashlights, with operative batteries, since electric is often the first thing to go during emergency weather situations. A pipe wrench to turn gas off in emergency situations is also a good idea. Alternate heating sources, such as kerosene heaters and a vast supply of blankets, should be kept on hand. Foods, such as canned goods and powdered milk, should be kept in reserve supply, while a fire extinguisher is a must for each household. While it’s okay to ridicule an improbable earthquake, it’s imperative that common sense dictate that disasters do happen and the Boy Scout motto of “Be prepared’’ should always be exercised. Help out a friend this Christmas Unemployment. One of the worst 12 letter words in the dictionary, that state of being is gripping more and more people in the county as many face the worst economic times since the recession of 1982. While the recreational vehicle industry is experiencing its typical winter layoffs, many other unrelated industries are also experiencing layoffs and cutbacks and most say it will get worse before it gets better. Virtually everyone is touched by unemployment, even the employed bear consequences. A quick comparison of the “Help Wanted” ads from two months ago to today lend proof to the lack of work to be found. At a time when many are shopping for Christmas, many other area families are struggling to pay the weekly bills. Such a situation may dictate changes in shopping habits this season. Instead of buying in bulk numbers for fellow family members, why not cut back on shopping for each other and help out a friend or io relative who is out of work. * IB .*» There is some solace in realizing that there’s always someone in a situation than your own. While it’s not very comfortable to stand in the unemployment line for hours, one could be standing in food lines or sleeping in alley-ways. However, it’s hard to explain such situations to a four-year-old who wakes up to a giftless Christmas morning because his parents are out of work. Help out a friend this Christmas. Last year, federal employees in Indiana donated over $900,000 to charitable causes through the Combined Federal Campaign. Clara Barton, an employee of the United States Patent Office, founded th. American Red Cross. Money isn't everything but it’s nice to have enough to know that. Publicity, like fire, can be friend or foe. What others say — A time of traditions Christmas is a time of traditions when we share favorite stories and legends that lift up the message of the ages that reflect the goodness of mankind and the hope for future generations. Christmas is a time for the family and a time when children are once again caught up in the excitement of the season as they anticipate that magic day known as Christmas. We have come to know and love Santa Claus as he makes his rounds on the night before Christmas. Young and old remember the names of his reindeer, and certainly, the most famous of all. You remember his name, or at least his distinguishing feature, don’t you 9 Scrooge has also joined our family of Christmas legends and traditions, and we have come to know and yes, love him, because within Scrooge is a bit of ourselves. We all have our “Bah, Humbugs,” which we overcome to become more loveable this time of year. With the sights of Christmas come the sounds as we hear the bells on Christmas Day, and are lifted by the silent night. Although each person has a favorite aspect of Christmas, we find a concensus among our children who are attracted to the simple story of Mary and Joseph who journey to Bethlehem where a Child is born in a manger. They are not concerned with the historical sequence of events, but only that they can join the shepherds in the field as they follow the Star. They come with the Wise Men and the Kings to worship the newborn Babe. Children can accept with their simple faith the real story of Christmas, unblinded by an intellectual search for tangible evidence. There is little doubt but what Christmas becomes more meaningful when we have the faith of an innocent child —a faith that permits us to look forward with hope in our hearts to the dawn of happy tomorrows. Christmas is a time to reawaken the thought that our most cherished desires will be realized, the things closest to our hearts Christmas is a time to seek the courage that will enable us to face the perplexities of a troubled world without flinching, imbued with a child-like faith which envisions the beautiful and inspiring things of life . . and to restore the happy hours and experiences so many of us foolishly believe are lost forever. This Christmas, when the hearts of the world swell in joyous celebration, may we cast aside the pretense of sturdy adults and live, if only for a day, in the hope and joy we knew as children. Christmas began with a Child, and it is through a child’s eyes that the Spirit of Christmas can come alive within us once again. - HENDRICKS COUNTY GUIDE-GAZETTE

Remember others this Christmas

Court news

Circuit Court The following petitions have been filed in Kosciusko Circuit Court, Judge Richard Sand presiding: Complaint American ■ Mechanical Systems, Inc., no address given, versus U.S.A. Diversified Products, Inc., P.O. Box, Syracuse; D&Y Realty, P.O. Box, Ligonier; Kosciusko County; Town of Syracuse; and Lake City Bank, Warsaw. Petitioner seeks: Count I — $2,180 against U.S.A. Diversified Products, Inc., interest, costs; Count II — validation of lien, $2,180 against U.S.A. Diversified Products, Inc. and D&Y Realty, foreclosure of lien, costs. Complaint Auto-Owners Insurance Company, no address given, versus Daniel Miner, Milford. Petitioner seeks $40,000, expenses, attorney fees, costs. Superior Court The following petitions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court, Judge Robert Burner presiding: Complaint Allstate Insurance Company, no address given, versus Shawn L. Kiser, Syracuse. Petitioner seeks $3,238.54, interest and costs. County Court Correction An error in the November 14, 1990, issue of The Mail-Journal stated that Douglas M. Barhydt, 35, Leesburg, had paid fine and cost of $213 in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrette presiding, and been sentenced to the Kosciusko County Jail for 20 days for conversion. He was not arrested for conversion and did not pay said fine or spend the time listed in jail. We apologize for this error.

Lugar surpasses all previous Indiana senators in votes cast

US Senator Richard Lugar has cast 6,027 roll call votes representing Indiana on the Senate floor, more than any previous Indiana senator. Figures now available from the 101st Congress, which ended last month, also show that Lugar has maintained a 98 percent voting attendance record since entering the Senate in 1977.

Lugar announces funds for the handicapped

US Senator Richard Lugar (RInd.) announced November 20 that the Indiana State Department of Education will receive over $35 million from the federal government for the education of handicapped children. The funds will help provide free public education to children with physical and learning disabilities. Indiana children aged three to 21 will benefit at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels of education. The US Department of Educa tion awarded the $35,109,453 grant through its Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. The grant will be made in lump sum to the Indiana Department of Education, head

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 /r® Ron Baumgartner, General Manager 12/ M Jeri Seely, Editor *] Kip Schumm, Advertising Manager & POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The MailJournal, P O Box 180, 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, 5 p.m. Monday, classified copy .and display copy, 11 a m. Tuesday.

The following persons have paid fines and costs in Kosciusko County Court, Judge James Jarrette presiding: Violating Probationary License — Delio Delafuente, Jr., 27, Milford, $153. Speeding — Brian R. Taylor, 16, Syracuse, $80; Donald J. Looney, 30, Milford, $65; Theresa D. Burkey, 31, Milford, S6O; Jerry L. Beery, 28, Syracuse, $65; Christa M. Sincroft, 18, Leesburg, SBO. Driving While Suspended — William S. Fiedeke, 45, Leesburg, dismissed. Conversion — Christopher D. Elder, 21, Syracuse, $163, K.C.J. one year suspended, probation one year, K.C.J. 10 days. Public Intoxication — Eddie L. Colley, no age, Leesburg, $163. Operating While Intoxicated — Jay R. Losee, 18, Syracuse, $338, driver’s license suspended 90 days, K.C.J. 60 days, 54 days suspended if attend treatment, K.C.J. six days; Douglas M. Barhydt, 35, Leesburg, $338, driver’s license restricted 180 days, K.C.J. six days, with good time credit. Marriage Dissolutions The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Kosciusko Superior and Circuit Courts: Stricklin — Joyce C. Stricklin, 1000 N, Syracuse, and Ronald R. Stricklin, 1000 N, Syracuse. The couple was married July 14,1984, and separated Nov. 9,1990. There is one minor child. Marriage Licenses The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jeanne Weirick: Nicodemus-Conley Jaffery Scott Nicodemus, 26, North Main Street, Syracuse, and Bernadine Kay Conley, 27, North Main Street, Syracuse.

Richard G. Lugar (1977-1990), 6,027 Birch E. Bayh (1963-1980), 5,926 Vance R. Hartke (1959-1976), 4,740 Dan Quayle (1981-1988), 2,995 Homer Capehart (1945-1962), 1,965 William E. Jenner (1947-1958), 1,456

ed by Superintendent H. Dean Evans, which will disburse the funds to local school districts and programs over a two-year period ending in 1992. Cream substitute The other morning, after pouring myself a cup of coffee, I realized I didn’t have any cream. I started searching the cabinets for a substitute and found a can of condensed milk which I thought I would give a try. I added a spoonful, and it was delicious! It was both cream and sugar. I started my day with my usual cup of coffee, and I found a great substitute for cream and sugar! Ava 8., Ketchikan, Alaska

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE”

IN CASE there were any doubts that Christmas is on its way, those doubts disappeared with the Syracuse Jons Club annual Christmas Tree Sale. The sale began several weeks ago and will continue up to Christmas This year the club’s sale of trees is at Fisher’s Lawn and Garden in Wawasee Village. Persons interested in purchasing a tree, of various shapes and sizes, can find a Lion at the stand Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. In the above photo, Bill Fisher is shown eyeing one of the trees, as Paul Rush, Lions Club president, holds the tree for a better look. —o— IF THE sale of Christmas trees doesn’t work, the winter weather and yesterday’s first snow fall, sure should. Several peopie were heard singing Christmas related songs, like “Let It Snow," and “Dashing Through The Snow.” —o— WELCOME BACK! That's right, Nancy Pratt, secretary and matron for the Syracuse Police Department, returned to her job Tuesday morning after recovering from a November surgery. She was missed by many of her friends at the town hall. While Nancy was on leave it took two persons to fill her spot. Julie Wanggaard assisted with the filing of case reports, while Betty Ziller helped in the office. —o— SEVERAL WEEKS ago the Syracuse Fire Department hosted an extrication practice at the Wawasee Middle School. It was mentioned in a photo caption that members of the North Webster Fire Department also attended, but the fact that members of the Leesburg Fire Department were also present, was omitted. This practice may become a yearly event and include all four of the Greater Lakeland Area fire departments: Leesburg, Milford, North Webster and Syracuse. WHILE ON the topic of the fire department, the Christmas decorations were put up at the fire station late last week. SEVERAL SYRACUSE residents, who happen to live in Elkhart County, were recently among the 36 owners of superior Elkhart County dairy herd winners announced by the Indiana State Dairy Association. Dan Armbruster, Syracuse, received a gold award, which was given to herds that achieved at least 125 percent of the breed average production for either milk, fat or protein. Roger Shuder, Syracuse, and Joe Hibschman, Syracuse, received a silver award. This was given to dairy herds which produced 112.5 percent to 125 percent of the breed average production for milk, fat and protein. JOEL E. Mellinger, Syracuse, a mechanic equipment operator, class A, was among 92 employees of Northern Indiana Public Service Company honored for attaining 25 years of service. These employees joined the company's Quarter Century Club THERE ARE a couple of new programs being offered by the Lakeland Youth Center, in-

cluding the return of Limbercise. Limbercise has returned two mornings a week. One of the new programs is called Junior Sports. This is an eight-week program for children four to six years of age. For 10-15 minutes of each class, instruction is given on a particular sport, then the remaining 45 minutes is spent playing the sport. A different sport will be taught each week. Another new program, which does not have a title yet however, will be a rap session for children of any age who need someone to talk to. This will be based along the same lines as Toughlove, but not associated with that program. Pam Howatt, youth center director, stated that parental permission will be needed for children to participate. “Dare To Be You” will be offered in January through the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service. This program is geared towards the sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. The program is aimed at helping those middle school students relate to self concept, decision making, communication, self respect, and how to make the transition into the teen years with the least amount of problems. Karen Lowry, youth extension agent for the county, will direct the program. —o— THERE HAVE been rumors rumbling around town of the resignation of one of the school board members. —o— IT CERTAINLY looks a lot like Christmas with the snow and Christmas decorations everywhere. Holiday events for the children and adults are happening this weekend, December 8 and 9. Santa's workshop, at Fisher’s Lawn and Garden, has been decorated by Syracuse merchants and chamber members so Santa can visit with the children on Saturdays until Christmas. His first visit will be December 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Local photographer Judy Moser from Creative Touch Studio will be available to take pictures of the children with Santa. Merchants will provided treats. The movie, “Prancer,” will be shown for the children at the Pickwick Theatre. Matinee times are at I or 3:30 p.m., with Santa visiting between showings front 2:30-3:30 p.m. Syracuse merchants are giving away free tickets to children, and to their accompanying parents. The movie is sponsored by, and proceeds will benefit, the Lakeland Community Daycare Center. PRE-CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES continue on Sunday, Dec. 9, with the Bell Walk tour of decorated homes, from 1-4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club members, who are sponsoring the walk, or at the homes on the tour. There are five homes for the Christmas open house this year. THE SYRACUSE Lakeside Park has donned its Christmas decor, thanks to the park department. The second annual “Old Fashioned Christmas in the Park” will be held Sunday evening, Dec. 9, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Music will be provided by members of the Lake Area Community Band, Syracuse Elementary School Choir, and the Wawasee High School Varsity Singers. Refreshments will be served and, of course. Santa Claus will be visiting. The evening will end nostalgically with everyone participating in a candlelight singalong. Also, Calvary Methodist Church will present its Christmas concert that night at 7:30 p.m. (Continued on page 5)