The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 44, Milford, Kosciusko County, 12 December 1990 — Page 5

Br

ASSESSMENT TRASHED BY NEW BOAT LAW - Kosciusko County Property Taxpayers have been taken to the cleaners under the new boat law. , For the first time in modern times property tax assessments have increased less than one per cent. Figures secured from County Auditor Pat Brown’s office reveal that assessment on property only increased a little less than $2,250,000 from 1989 to 1990. Generally increases register no lower than five percent during recent times. According to the figures, Kosciusko County lost $9,330,980 in assessed value during the year due to taking the boats off the tax rolls. By theory the tax amount is to be made up by excise taxes similar to those on automobiles. However, figures used by state legislators to make these predictions are highly suspect. The hardest hit by the new law on boats were taxpayers of the Wawasee Community School Corporation. The school corporation showed a loss of more than $2,883,400 in taxable property. (Loss on boat assessments was $6,793,270.) However, some of the loss was made up by Syracuse’s property assessment increases of $1,310,370. Property assessments determine tax rates — the lower the assessment the higher rates. Townships showing losses in assessed property were Turkey Creek, Van Buren, Washington, Tippecanoe, and Plain due to loss assessments on boats. Also showing a loss was Etna. The City of Warsaw showed the largest loss — followed by Milford, Pierecton and Burket. Below are listed the taxing units with 1990 assessments — losses and gains. (These figures with the tax rates set by the state tax board will determine the amount that taxpayers pay in 1991). Unit 1990 Assmt. -Minus/Plus Clay $ 9,089,015 $ 471,235 Etna 5,938,260 -35,885 Franklin 8,712,910 151,235 Harrison 19,183,155 194,805 Jackson 7,907,510 356,265 Jefferson E. 5,105,340 198,255 Jefferson W. 4,699,750 104,750 Lake 8,846,440 197,760 Monroe 5,749,995 147,950 Plain 51,371,310 -69,915 Prairie 14,558,735 252,270 Scott 7,347,425 464,560 Seward 13,711,645 302,710 Tippecanoe 41,477,555 -1,522,315 Turkey Creek 55,599,405 -2,660,920 Van Buren 19,147,695 -26,015 Washington 12,445,970 -147,160 Wayne 69,052,860 2,430,165 Total $359,944,975 $ 809,750 Towns/City Burket $ 841,925 $ 25,705 Claypool 938,470 11,230 Etna Green 1,867,660 49,175 Leesburg 2,906,160 87,170 Mentone Fr. 1,370,115 46,635 Mentone Har. 3,103,845 126,480 Milford 11,387,750 -288,825 Nappanee Jes. 2,070,620 474,540 North Webster 6,247,140 106,050 Pierceton 4,421,880 -104,175 Sidney 540,885 18,930 Silver Lake 2,605,730 176,150 Syracuse 31,038,530 1,310,370 Warsaw Pl. 148,150 53,480 Winona Lake 14,848,625 811,965 Warsaw 133,977,005 -1,415,150 Total $218,314,490 $ 1,438,320 Grand Total $578,259,465 $ 2,248,070 School Districts Warsaw $308,342,500 $ 3,006,360 Wawasee 170,003,415 -2,883,400 Tippecanoe 46,923,595 796,160 Whitko 31,066,240 271,810 Triton 7,805,920 13,290 WaNee 14,117,795 1,043,850 Total $578,259,465 $ 2,248,070

CONGRESSIONAL REPORT — Now it turns out that the taxes you and I have been hit with are not to reduce the national debt at all but to go on Congress’ merry way of spending more and more! The 1991 budget is larger than the 1990. We have been suckered — a few examples — they have increased their own salaries from $1.57 billion to $1.72 billion. Other little goodies include a */□ million dollars for a beauty parlor renovation. (So they can look good on TV!) No mess hall for these guys. $2 million to renovate the kitchen and dining room for House members! There is evidently disagreement as to where to put the gym for the Congressional staff, so they appropriated $25,000 to hire someone to tell them where to put it. (You and I could have told them where to put it!) Apparently they didn’t like the lighting in their TV room, so they are hiring someone for $250,000 to tell them where to put it. No steps for them either. They are spending $8 million for new elevators. (I wonder if they mean elevator shoes — to look taller on TV!) They are apparently tired of their office furniture. They are spending $2.5 million for replacements (Who knows? Maybe the furniture didn’t match the drapes!) (Credit should be given to HUMAN EVENTS and its writers for uncovering the above cost figures.)

\\ l 1 / / jX y 1 1 f »VI nS '»' •kJ A "Pressing" Ovr CustOßMrs: Nuvs A Very Meny Christmas And A Happy New Tear! SYRACUSE CLEANERS Jha, M Aad Wane* leama HMM4S7-34SS IMm!|iitm

I I WJy '• 1 ♦ A dl m»lt k. 1 X * Ik. a i >4

CHRISTMAS CAROLING — The Wawasee High School Varsity Singers joined with other Lakeland musical groups on Sunday evening for a special Christmas in the Park concert. This was the second winter-time concert since the gazebo was built in 1989. The program opened with the Varsity Singers, under the direction of Tom Beckett. The group consists of Tim Bradley, Jamie Conkling, Charity Cripe, Celia Impey, Barb Leininger, Spencer Martin, Jason Mickley, Trisha Mikel, Tara Parsons, Mason Robbins, Suzanne Schwartz, Tamechi Shock, Barb Signorelli, Chris Thornton, Heather Waldrop and Krista Williams. Also performing during the evening were the Lakeland brass and woodwind ensembles, the Syracuse Elementary Concert Choir, and the Syracuse Fifth Grade Special Choir. There was also a candlelight community sing-a-long. (Photo by Kip Schumm)

Letter to the

Look who’s talking

Dear Editor: It would appear from comments made in his December 5 “Under the Courthouse Dome’’ feature that Mr. Sharp has fallen off the tax abstinence wagon. His proposals for the Syracuse Park Board far exceed the realistic financial capabilities of our tyOn the one hand, Mr. Sharp ad-

Parking problems at town hall

Dear Editor: As a Syracuse native, I enjoy living in this fine town, and want to help, if possible, encourage improvements. In particular, I have heard of the parking problems at our new town hall when meetings are held there. It has come to my attention that the adjoining property (the old Syracuse Rubber plant) has been offered for sale twice in the past, without any action. Now it is available again. I am writing to encourage positive action on the part of the Syracuse Town Board to obtain this property. When

Help needed to move books

Dear Editor: Over the yeafs, your newspaper has been most cooperative in matters of community good. Would you please help us, the Friends of the Syracuse Library, enlist the aid of the community in moving books from the present Syracuse Library to the newly constructed building. This is being done so that the present building can be renovated. Rosalyn Jones, our libarian, has announced that the library will be closed from 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 12, until the contents are moved. Mrs. Jones needs many volunteers to help with the transfer. Moving ttys and times are as follows: Thursday, Dec. 13, and Friday, Dec. 14, from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 a m.-3 p.m. To the residents of the area, and specifically to the patrons of the library: We really need your help. “Many hands will make light work,” and the way Mrs. Jones is planning to actually move the books will not require

'i C\ 1 I / owe our su ccesß to customers >1 \V. k j like you, and we’re very grateful. _J| / JT May’ you have a joyous Yuletide J B season! / ) Thanks For Making This Such A Great Year! V• .. From All Os Us At McDonald's Os ’ Syracuse, We Wish You All A 0 hist mas RRR GOOD TIME. GREAT lACTE McDonald's Os Nappanee. US 6 fast McDonald's Os Syracuse, SR 13 4 Palm Drive Rick * Jean Purcell. Owner 'Operators

vises the park board to “not get tangled up with the school in a joint venture,” such as lighted softball diamonds. However, it would be perfectly all right to get tangled up with the school on a $150,000 lease-purchase deal for a 10- to 20-year period! At the invitation of Wawasee Schools, the park board has been

owned by the town, it would provide ample parking facilities, room for a small park area, direct access (and private piers) for the Syracuse Police Department to both Syracuse and Wawasee Lakes for patrol, and space for city piers to accommodate local citizens. I am sure there are many others in Syracuse who would also like to see our town hall in this appropriate and efficient setting. Thank you, A caring citizen William H. Xanders

physical strength or a lot of walking for most people. Come and help do what you can, when you can. Paul A. Rush President Pro Tern Friends of the Library Don’t take Christ out of Christmas Dear Editor: Many were in attendance again this year at the Milford Elementary School's Christmas pro gram It’s great to see the parents take time to come. But you know, as a Christian, I had a real hard time with the context of the program. Please don’t take Christ out of Christmas. Christmas is alot more than a fat man, reindeer, and a tree to decorate. In Christ love, Deb Hurley-Fancil (Thanks D. B.t

editor

represented at some preliminary meetings regarding participation in a recreational development of school property. Two glaring shortcomings of our current park facilities are: no adult softball program, and no walking/exercise trails. The park board sees the school project as an opportunity to meet both of these needs at substantial savings over an independent undertaking. Much as we have seen in private business the last decade, merger and consolidation of public facilities will become necessary in this decade to properly utilize capital investments. Capital dollars (and especially tax capital dollars) are a precious and scarce commodity. Dr. Thornton and his staff are to be commended for recognition of this fact, and for having the foresight to react accordingly. Acquisition and refinements to Memorial Field, as well as development of the property behind Calvary United Methodist Church, proposed by Mr. Sharp, could easily run $500,000. The park board is compelled by financial limitations and common sense logic to steer clear of such extravagance. Phil Stump Syracuse Park Board President

■ - eh H DAUIf MAGIC OF W N M rrm&m chmstws sale 0 ■J 1 ■ > ■ ■ 1 H ■ I > li Sundays 9:00 AM. To 7:00 PM ■p State Rood 13 South, Syracuse, IN Phone 457~3119 Price > Good Thru 12/17/90 u Yovr Neighborhood Pharmacy PLUS A WHOlg LOT MOM W PEPSI I A 7-UP, A&W AUEN DAIRY PRODUCTS E |9 MT. DEW —SLICE ffi SUNKIST 2% g OQ< « ««« 70< MllK i Q W SSQQ se oo B |3 . EGGNOG 99 ( qt |H CANDY CANES brack's candy brack's nJ BOX 12 CHOICE [KIM CHOCOLATE COVERED I9J ■M TiKSfflX CHERRIES rU /eSScsSlik jellies KHnWI n| IftQ X NOUGATS IMS®** Ks U 7A ( Sabiannights ft ft f IMSxSgjJ AA { N M >VW MELLOWCREME TOYS VW VW 1 VW VW LiW W W ALL FILLED ASST. jW jP J P I RASPBERRIES W W W W BOX I PLANTER'S I PLANTER'S I PLANTER'S I PLANTER'S I ■W®SB9^ J .DRY ROASTED OR I mixed NUTS -14.5 OZ. I COLLECTOR TINS U M SEEM® LIGHTLY SALTED I CASHEW HALVES-11.5 OZ. I SELECT MIX 14 07 MIXED IMMI HI I *1.991 $ 3.29 P 3.99 P 5.99 I ALL PLUSH |‘ALL FRAGRANCE! All E N ANIMALSAND ffl SETS ur.-lLee U GIFTWARE EQ MEN'S & WOMEN'S VW A I CHES A STETSON TIMEX —SHARP I 20% off 20% Vs 20% off | BN 20% TAKEN OFF AT CHECKOUT EXCEPT DESIGNER FRAGRANCES H CHRISTMAS SALE! —RI CT aba/ LEATHERGOODS J M "IK*/ APP Ik S 3 WALLETS —CLUTCHES F IME pi-FOLDS- SHAVE KITS nWm K U CHRISTMAS CANDLES MM A/ fRSRA/ “ R RW ORNAMENTS-LIGHT SETS I APP I ARB’V APP B I Jy 7o_ OFF | AV Zo OFF |fl

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE"

(Continued from page 4)

THE BELL Walk on a beautiful Sunday afternoon was also a success, with about 350 folks going in and out of the gaily decorated and beautiful homes on the tour. All of the money raised from this event goes back into the civic projects that the Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club sponsors.

The day continued with good weather on into the evening for the second annual “Old Fashioned Christmas in the Park.” Last year’s event brought a real Christmas snow, but with bitter cold — although that did not keep people away. This year’s calm, pleasant day brought a big crowd on the grounds as folks were entertained with band and chorus concerts.

The highlight of the evening was the candlelighting ceremony, with everyone joining in the singing of Christmas carols. This was followed by Santa’s appearance. He was immediately “mugged” by the children as he gave out treats and wished them “Ho, ho, ho, and Merry Christmas.”

PLANS ARE being made by enthusiastic Dana Arthur to notify all Lake Street residents to prepare to line that street up and down with juminarias. A few families got the spirit last year, and it was delightful to see the soft lights. This year an early start and helpful hints should involve more homes —for this idea, more is certainly better.

Sand for the iuminarias was collected by Dana for the Lake Street lighting with permission of the people who ran the “Outposts Store” in the village last summer. Sand was still pocketed in the area to the north of the building, which was used for volleyball games.

Things come and go, however, as that building, previously “That Sailboat Place,” is now totally down in preparation for the expansion of Augsburger’s Super Valu.

IN FACT, the idea of iuminarias was suggested a recent retail merchants’ meeting for the whole town to participate in this beautiful Christmas Eve lighting project. This could spark more townspeople to put up more fanciful outdoor decorations and, who knows, Syracuse could become a possible “winter” tourist attraction!

CHRIS KOHER’S Insurance Agency building on Huntington Street is getting a total facelift. Beginning with the exterior, while the weather is still nice, new vinyl siding and a new roof will be added. The project will finish with total remodeling of the interior with new wall covering and carpets.

Wed., December 12,1990 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL

CALVARY UNITED Methodist Church women are conducting a “Cookie Walk” on Saturday, Dec. 15, beginning at 9 a.m. What’s a cookie walk? It seems you purchase aa empty bucket and go around the room filling it with all kinds of delectable cookie selections. Great for Christmas cookie snackers, or for gifts, when there doesn’t seem to be time to bake.

A MERRY Christmas parcel gift mixup was received by Sharon Myers in Indianapolis which was intended for her sister, Nancy Searfoss, whose address is here in Syracuse. Sure enough, soon followed to Nancy’s address the Christmas gift box for Sharon.

The gifts were sent from California by their brother and his wife, Bob and Joan Treadway. So now Nancy and Sharon are busy readdressing and resending the gifts to each other. Oh, well, it’s the thought that counts. However, Nancy said, "Just wait till this is all straightened out. We’ll never let them forget this one! ”

OUR LIBRARY will close at the end of the day at 5 p.m. on December 12 for moving to begin into the newly renovated section. The library will be closed until the move is completed.

There is a need for volunteers to help with this move. Librarians Rosalyn Jones and Dianna Evans are hoping for lots of cooperation. The help will involve walking, lifting and carrying of books.

The moving schedule will be on December 13 and 14 from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and December 15 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Moving will also be necessary the week of December 17, and a schedule for that week will be given later.

JAMES AND Audrey Butt have been at their Florida residence for several months. The end of November, warning signs took Jim to the hospital. The result was a quadruple bypass, from which he is recovering nicely, according to sister, Lois Schleeter.

Usually, Jim and Audrey return to Syracuse for the holidays, then Lois accompanies them back to Florida for a visit. This year, however, they must stay in Florida while Jim recuperates, and Lois plans to fly down after the first of the year. Jim will need several months of recovery time before returning to Indiana.

DALE MOCK, a member of the Lake Area Community Band, is also resting following a heart attack. Dale was In South Bend Memorial Hospital for about a month, and is doing fine, but taking it easy.

5