Letters to the Editor 02-05-2002
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Chemical Dependency - Red Cross Says Thanks - Prosecutor's Job - Silver Lake School - Great Dog - Medical Bills - Cloning Unethical - Love, Joy, Happiness, Peace - Electric Priorities - Thank You, REMC - Planning Needed
Chemical Dependency
Editor, Times-Union:About 16 months ago I completed an eight-week long intense rehabilitation treatment program for a substance abuse problem. My difficulty started simply enough. After extensive abdominal surgeries, I developed a chronic pain problem that wouldn't go away. After various prescribed treatments failed, I became frustrated and made the unfortunate decision to treat myself. That decision and especially the methods I used to treat my condition were inappropriate and unprofessional. I regret the pain this has caused my family and friends.
Since treatment my life has improved immeasurably. Surgeons have all but eliminated my pain. I have found new strength and truly feel God is working in my life. I would urge anyone who thinks they might have a chemical dependency problem to confide in their friends and family and seek the help they deserve.
Dr. Timothy F. Cook
Warsaw
Red Cross Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross would like to thank the individuals and businesses who helped supply the emergency shelter set up at the Center Lake pavilion.
Thanks, also, to the volunteers and board members who sacrificed their time and talent to assist the 59 Kosciusko County residents in their time of need during last week's electrical outages.
R. Carol Stanton, interim director
Gregory L. Wilkinson, disaster chairman
Kosciusko County Chapter
Warsaw
Prosecutor's Job
Editor, Times-Union:The article on Waggoner was really impressive. It's too bad they don't list all the other stuff they do, that the taxpayers should know about. Instead of worrying about his winning record, he should be looking out for the little guys. I saw Mr. Waggoner in action and I wasn't impressed. It was just a big witch hunt. They held my son for 10 months in Kosciusko Jail because of Mr. Waggoner. He kept trying to make a deal with my son, but my son knew he was innocent so he insisted on a trial with jury. At the trial the judge dismissed the case on lack of evidence, but Mr. Waggoner thought different. My son was in his lawyer's arms crying because it was finally over, and Mr. Waggoner came over to my son and said that "he knew my son was guilty and he wanted my son to admit it." I guess Mr. Waggoner knows more than a judge, and hates to lose. My son's lawyer had to tell him to back off, it was over. What burns me is he held my son for10 months on a whim. I wanted my son to sue KOS. for holding him all that time, but my son just wanted to get on with his life. Because of Mr. Waggoner, my son was 10 months behind in child support, he lost his job, and 10 months out of his life he will never get back, and 10 months behind in his bills. The next day there was a article in the Times-Union about my son winning his trial. At least Mr Waggoner could have told my son "sorry" but he was upset because he lost.
Thank goodness our tax money goes to lawers like Mr. Kolbe, who will fight for the little guy and protect them from people's whims. Because of his whim it cost the taxpayer roughly $20,000 taxpaying dollars, and putting people's lives on hold. I think a prosecutor should care more about justice then his winning record, and people are innocent till proven guilty.
Mike Stoddard
Syracuse
via e-mail
Silver Lake School
Editor, Times-Union:Lets talk politics! COMMON SENSE FOR COMMON FOLK seems to work well even in these times. At a time when our nation and our state is in a recession. Our property taxes and every other state tax under the sun is getting ready to soar, our local school board wants to spend $30 million on art and sports facilities. I hate to speak out because I want the best education for my kids. But my kids are taking a backseat on this taxpayers ride! My kids go to Silver Lake Elementary where the building budget for 2002 is $3,000. I hear the new concession stand at the new outdoor sports facility for the high school will cost over $350,000. That's for a hotdog stand! I could build a three-story Victorian home for that price! Maybe I'm being too conservative, maybe I should have the school board attitude "the sky is the limit." If I did, I would say build us a state-of- the-art school in Silver Lake. But that is not what is being asked. All that was asked is to renovate our school and keep it in our community. No longer bus rides, no million-dollar sport facilities. Just a decent building with classrooms that are safe and airtight. No frills! We gave these people the checkbook, if they can't use some common sense then we should take it back!
Joe Gray
Silver Lake
via e-mail
Great Dog
Editor, Times-Union:This is an open letter to the person that placed a dog named Cosmo or Kosmo with the Kosciusko County Animal Shelter in September 2000. He is a large black and red German shepherd (may have been registered as a black and tan, the distinction can be blurred and the dog's colors may have darkened with age). We would like to get in touch with you about this dog, if you don't mind.
He's a great dog, we realize that not everyone understands what it means to have a big puppy. A big puppy can destroy a house. We don't care why you gave him up and would like to offer you the opportunity to see him if you wish. We know how an animal like this, until they are grown, can add to existing problems. Most people don't realize that large dogs are "puppies" for three years. Yes, they get smarter as they go, but they won't be dogs until they are older, they are still puppies. In fact, we have observed this dog having a nursing reaction while dreaming recently, he's still growing.
So ... if you wouldn't mind ... call us and let's discuss Cosmo ... he's a great dog and a life companion here, we'd just like to know his age and any blood line info you may have, we are not interested in his papers, he's just our protector and companion, not a "show dog."
Thank you and God bless.
Amy Harding
269-4311
Warsaw
via e-mail
Medical Bills
Editor, Times-Union:You keep hearing about the United States going to the aid of foreign countries. We help them out with money, food and free health care. Even here in the U.S. we help out drug addicts by supplying them with free syringes so that they won't spread AIDS. But what about the chronically ill low income people around here with no insurance? They get nothing!
Let me tell you a story. My son was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 12 years old. He has had asthma since he was an infant. Whle he was growing up he was lucky enough to have his bills covered by our insurance. This little boy has now grown up, he's now 22. He can't keep a good job because of his health problems. You see, he WANTS to work, he just misses a lot because of doctor appointments and illness, especially during allergy season. Since he can't keep a job too long, he has no insurance - besides, there is usually a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
My son makes $6.50 an hour. He gets paid every other week. Add it up, that comes to $1,040 gross every month. His insulin and supplies add up to about $200 per month. His inhalers and allergy medicine add up to $100 or more a month. He was just recently in the Bowen Center for two days because of depression - he had just lost his house because he had to pay for his medicine first. So now he is taking anti-depressants to the tune of $200 per month. Add to that the doctor visits, ( the endocrinologist and the mental health) at approximately $100 per visit - another $200 or more per month. Plus the Bowen Center bill for over $900. Add up his monthly medical expenses alone and they come to over $600.
He has been to Medicaid and doesn't qualify because he has a second car. They said he could sell this car and use the proceeds to pay his bills. Yeah right, this car is smashed up all down the passenger side and has a cracked head - how much would he get out of that? Maybe $35 from salvage. He tried Prescription Assistance - makes too much Medicare, won't cover him unless he's terminally ill and can't work. He has been trying since October to have his endocrinologist to apply for the Lily Cares program for free insulin, but apparently the doctor is too busy and too rich to care. It's no wonder this poor kid is depressed! No one can help him, yet we can help the whole world and drug addicts!
There is another 22-year-old young man I know who is diabetic and has the same problem. He has tried everything to no avail. It's not their fault that they are sick! They are willing to work! But they are never going to get anywhere in their lives because they are forever going to be paying these bills! So much for Clinton's health care plan for our own people!
Melanie Odell
Atwood
via e-mail
Cloning Unethical
Editor, Times-Union:The way I feel about scientists is that they think they're smarter than everyone. That's why I'm writing this letter.
If they think there's no God, then why do they not clone animal, and humans from nothing, they still need a living cell that already exists.
The only reason people believe them is because they don't believe in God already. The beliefs that they have are based on faith also, with no proof. They're only unproven theories and when proven wrong they never publicize the truth about the errors.
Which brings me to another unethical lie.
If we evolved from apes, then why are they still here not evolving. Because there is no fossil record proven. So they have to come up with false statements that are not true.
In fact, there's more proof of a living God than there is of the theory of evolution. That's why scientists make up stories that cannot and will not be proven by anyone.
That's why someday I hope George W. Bush bans cloning forever because it's unethical, that's how I feel.
Hannah Krueger
Sixth grade
TVMS
Mentone
P.S. All the kids in school know evolution is a joke. No one believes it. Cloning is not right! I hope you figure that out.
Love, Joy, Happiness, Peace
Editor, Times-Union:Some who've read my previous editorials may think me naive for saying, "Love is all we need" and "love, joy, happiness and peace" are products of a proper relationship with God. My view of God is only one of many. I don't require your agreement to make it so. Deny it, or embrace it - it's, truly, your choice.
The Bible certainly does hold Scripture that portrays God as vengeful. Yet - there is also plenty to the contrary. This fact confused me for most of my life. When I felt I had nowhere else to turn for my answers, I asked God for divine truth. Not mankind's truth. God's truth! I held the Bible and prayed, "God - Show me your truth!" In response I was shown dozens of Scriptures that formed, for me, a clear answer. In the beginning, each time I opened the Bible, Scripture gave me details about what Love is. Once convincing me that *Love is God's greatest gift* the message shifted. The
next series stated *God is within us*. Then I was shown *God is Love*. This is all I needed to turn my life around. Today, when I look into another person's eyes, I see God there. I know that to harm another is to harm
myself and God. I see me as a piece of you, and you as a piece of me. I know we are ONE with God and to express love is to express God. Today I still go directly to God for guidance, except I've expanded my spiritual resources far beyond the Bible.
I was once a liar; motivated by fear, anger, resentment, jealousy and greed; was heavily addicted to sex, drugs and alcohol; an abusive and irresponsible parent; lonely, depressed and spiteful. Today, my life is full of joy. I know abundant love and am happy and peaceful. I am not yet near what I want, or know, I can be, but I'm growing. I still struggle with addiction and negative behaviors but they no longer dominate my life.
I give public testimony to bring understanding of how I came by my own opinions. I do not require anyone to agree with me. My own experience confirms my loving view of God. I know that I'm loved, cared for and protected, by something greater than my physical self. Miracles happen to and around me daily. To change, all I've done is give love more freely and abundantly and have strong faith in it's power to heal, protect and provide.
I shared my opinion in hopes that I might share the gifts that I've been given. It appears instead I've caused more anger and arguments. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when he spoke of causing war within families. Even some of my own loved ones have turned away because we do not share religious views. I pray for peace between us.
I wonder ... Why has talk of love, tolerance and acceptance brought up anger?
Angie McCraner
Warsaw
via e-mail
Electric Priorities
Editor, Times-Union:There are two reasons for this letter.
First, I wanted to praise the men who have worked so long and hard through terrible conditions to restore our electric power. I felt so sorry for them, having to endure the elements, and their hard work was appreciated more than they know.
However, I cannot tell you how infuriated I was when I received the Friday evening edition of the "Times-Union" and read the front page article concerning the power outage. I quote: "Service to school buildings has taken priority over residential areas. Families with infants and small children and the elderly had to fend for themselves through the night and into this morning." (And long after that, I might add.) These are the most endangered individuals in a situation such as this! May I ask what intelligent person(s) made THAT decision? We are among the elderly ourselves, and were without power until late Saturday. It had to be one of the most unpleasant experiences of our lives! I sincerely hope that there were no hospitalizations or deaths due to the lack of heat.
When there is a snowstorm, the schools are cancelled and the time made up at the end of the school year. Why was this not done this time? Could it be that they needed to have school so they could play their ball games Friday night?
I hope someone can explain their reasoning. It certainly didn't make much sense to us!
Mary K. Omstead
Claypool
via e-mail
Thank You, REMC
Editor, Times-Union:We wanted to thank Kosciusko County REMC for their hard work during the recent ice storm that left most of us without power.
The men and women of REMC worked around the clock in dangerous weather conditions to restore our electricity.
So to all the hardworking Kosciusko County REMC employees: THANK YOU!
Tom and Gail Shively
Claypool
via e-mail
Planning Needed
Editor, Times-Union:For over 10 years the Kosciusko Area Plan Commission has attempted to address the changes necessary to meet the needs of housing, industrial, agricultural and economic development in Kosciusko County. Unfortunately, this commission has not recognizing the changing demographics and their long-term impact on our diverse county and its dynamic industries which support it.
We can no longer continue to conduct business as usual, nor can we believe that yesterday's laws such as "Ag-II" are satisfactory in meeting our long-term plans for Kosciusko County. There are many citizens of our county that range from homeowners to landowners, industry leaders, land developers to farmers, that do not understand the long-term ramifications of the "unregulated" development of the lands of our county. Most fail to understand the cost of future development of infrastructure to support (i.e., water, sewer, drainage, fire and police support) to these outlying developments in the rural areas. Between the proliferation of housing on Ag-II and lax zoning allowing "spot development" throughout the rural areas of the county, we have already created a future tax burden to the future generations that could have been avoided if implementation of a strategic plan would have been adopted that could have met the need of all in our county.
As some comment that we, by implementing new regulations, would be imposing a threat to private and personal property rights, is an unfounded and uneducated comment, as in any democracy, we must have laws to abide by. We already have zoning laws that will not allow, for instance, a production livestock operation inside the city limits next to residential or new large industrial manufactures next to these areas also, or even in some cases a similar operation even in some rural settings. So, conversely, we need laws which restrict residential housing in or near agricultural and industrial zoned areas. For any democracy to be sustainable, successful laws need adjusted from time to time to meet the changes that are occurring that happen due to not having the vision of the future.
It is also now time to understand that instead of attempting by our own means with either a county employee or a commission that we source professional assistance with a company or individual that has expertise in this field of strategic land use planning and would be able to submit a "master plan" that would have the "long look" in mind for Kosciusko County, and this need should be sourced immediately. But in the interim I would suggest the adoption of the reductions of sell-offs from three to one should be accepted. Next, to change the exempt acreage from 20 acres to 80 acres as a minimum. While at the same time using much more scrutiny in analyzing rural spot development zoning alterations, and their potential long-term impacts. It is time to adopt long-term plans that benefit the county, and stop trying to satisfy short-term objectives of individuals.
In closing, Kosciusko population has grown between 1980 and 2000 at +13.4 percent, while township populations have swelled, such as Plain, +38.1 percent; Jefferson, +37.2 percent; Scott, +27.2 percent; Prairie, +24.3 percent, and so on throughout the county. Meanwhile, incorporated areas have ranged between -32.5 percent negative growth to a high +13.2 percent positive growth. If this continued explosive growth in the rural areas is allowed to continue unchecked, future generations will be able to "thank" our current generation's government for lack of strategic planning by professionals.
Take a drive crisscrossing the county and envision what this county will look like 20 or more years from now.
Kip Tom
Leesburg
via e-mail
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- Chemical Dependency - Red Cross Says Thanks - Prosecutor's Job - Silver Lake School - Great Dog - Medical Bills - Cloning Unethical - Love, Joy, Happiness, Peace - Electric Priorities - Thank You, REMC - Planning Needed
Chemical Dependency
Editor, Times-Union:About 16 months ago I completed an eight-week long intense rehabilitation treatment program for a substance abuse problem. My difficulty started simply enough. After extensive abdominal surgeries, I developed a chronic pain problem that wouldn't go away. After various prescribed treatments failed, I became frustrated and made the unfortunate decision to treat myself. That decision and especially the methods I used to treat my condition were inappropriate and unprofessional. I regret the pain this has caused my family and friends.
Since treatment my life has improved immeasurably. Surgeons have all but eliminated my pain. I have found new strength and truly feel God is working in my life. I would urge anyone who thinks they might have a chemical dependency problem to confide in their friends and family and seek the help they deserve.
Dr. Timothy F. Cook
Warsaw
Red Cross Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross would like to thank the individuals and businesses who helped supply the emergency shelter set up at the Center Lake pavilion.
Thanks, also, to the volunteers and board members who sacrificed their time and talent to assist the 59 Kosciusko County residents in their time of need during last week's electrical outages.
R. Carol Stanton, interim director
Gregory L. Wilkinson, disaster chairman
Kosciusko County Chapter
Warsaw
Prosecutor's Job
Editor, Times-Union:The article on Waggoner was really impressive. It's too bad they don't list all the other stuff they do, that the taxpayers should know about. Instead of worrying about his winning record, he should be looking out for the little guys. I saw Mr. Waggoner in action and I wasn't impressed. It was just a big witch hunt. They held my son for 10 months in Kosciusko Jail because of Mr. Waggoner. He kept trying to make a deal with my son, but my son knew he was innocent so he insisted on a trial with jury. At the trial the judge dismissed the case on lack of evidence, but Mr. Waggoner thought different. My son was in his lawyer's arms crying because it was finally over, and Mr. Waggoner came over to my son and said that "he knew my son was guilty and he wanted my son to admit it." I guess Mr. Waggoner knows more than a judge, and hates to lose. My son's lawyer had to tell him to back off, it was over. What burns me is he held my son for10 months on a whim. I wanted my son to sue KOS. for holding him all that time, but my son just wanted to get on with his life. Because of Mr. Waggoner, my son was 10 months behind in child support, he lost his job, and 10 months out of his life he will never get back, and 10 months behind in his bills. The next day there was a article in the Times-Union about my son winning his trial. At least Mr Waggoner could have told my son "sorry" but he was upset because he lost.
Thank goodness our tax money goes to lawers like Mr. Kolbe, who will fight for the little guy and protect them from people's whims. Because of his whim it cost the taxpayer roughly $20,000 taxpaying dollars, and putting people's lives on hold. I think a prosecutor should care more about justice then his winning record, and people are innocent till proven guilty.
Mike Stoddard
Syracuse
via e-mail
Silver Lake School
Editor, Times-Union:Lets talk politics! COMMON SENSE FOR COMMON FOLK seems to work well even in these times. At a time when our nation and our state is in a recession. Our property taxes and every other state tax under the sun is getting ready to soar, our local school board wants to spend $30 million on art and sports facilities. I hate to speak out because I want the best education for my kids. But my kids are taking a backseat on this taxpayers ride! My kids go to Silver Lake Elementary where the building budget for 2002 is $3,000. I hear the new concession stand at the new outdoor sports facility for the high school will cost over $350,000. That's for a hotdog stand! I could build a three-story Victorian home for that price! Maybe I'm being too conservative, maybe I should have the school board attitude "the sky is the limit." If I did, I would say build us a state-of- the-art school in Silver Lake. But that is not what is being asked. All that was asked is to renovate our school and keep it in our community. No longer bus rides, no million-dollar sport facilities. Just a decent building with classrooms that are safe and airtight. No frills! We gave these people the checkbook, if they can't use some common sense then we should take it back!
Joe Gray
Silver Lake
via e-mail
Great Dog
Editor, Times-Union:This is an open letter to the person that placed a dog named Cosmo or Kosmo with the Kosciusko County Animal Shelter in September 2000. He is a large black and red German shepherd (may have been registered as a black and tan, the distinction can be blurred and the dog's colors may have darkened with age). We would like to get in touch with you about this dog, if you don't mind.
He's a great dog, we realize that not everyone understands what it means to have a big puppy. A big puppy can destroy a house. We don't care why you gave him up and would like to offer you the opportunity to see him if you wish. We know how an animal like this, until they are grown, can add to existing problems. Most people don't realize that large dogs are "puppies" for three years. Yes, they get smarter as they go, but they won't be dogs until they are older, they are still puppies. In fact, we have observed this dog having a nursing reaction while dreaming recently, he's still growing.
So ... if you wouldn't mind ... call us and let's discuss Cosmo ... he's a great dog and a life companion here, we'd just like to know his age and any blood line info you may have, we are not interested in his papers, he's just our protector and companion, not a "show dog."
Thank you and God bless.
Amy Harding
269-4311
Warsaw
via e-mail
Medical Bills
Editor, Times-Union:You keep hearing about the United States going to the aid of foreign countries. We help them out with money, food and free health care. Even here in the U.S. we help out drug addicts by supplying them with free syringes so that they won't spread AIDS. But what about the chronically ill low income people around here with no insurance? They get nothing!
Let me tell you a story. My son was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 12 years old. He has had asthma since he was an infant. Whle he was growing up he was lucky enough to have his bills covered by our insurance. This little boy has now grown up, he's now 22. He can't keep a good job because of his health problems. You see, he WANTS to work, he just misses a lot because of doctor appointments and illness, especially during allergy season. Since he can't keep a job too long, he has no insurance - besides, there is usually a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
My son makes $6.50 an hour. He gets paid every other week. Add it up, that comes to $1,040 gross every month. His insulin and supplies add up to about $200 per month. His inhalers and allergy medicine add up to $100 or more a month. He was just recently in the Bowen Center for two days because of depression - he had just lost his house because he had to pay for his medicine first. So now he is taking anti-depressants to the tune of $200 per month. Add to that the doctor visits, ( the endocrinologist and the mental health) at approximately $100 per visit - another $200 or more per month. Plus the Bowen Center bill for over $900. Add up his monthly medical expenses alone and they come to over $600.
He has been to Medicaid and doesn't qualify because he has a second car. They said he could sell this car and use the proceeds to pay his bills. Yeah right, this car is smashed up all down the passenger side and has a cracked head - how much would he get out of that? Maybe $35 from salvage. He tried Prescription Assistance - makes too much Medicare, won't cover him unless he's terminally ill and can't work. He has been trying since October to have his endocrinologist to apply for the Lily Cares program for free insulin, but apparently the doctor is too busy and too rich to care. It's no wonder this poor kid is depressed! No one can help him, yet we can help the whole world and drug addicts!
There is another 22-year-old young man I know who is diabetic and has the same problem. He has tried everything to no avail. It's not their fault that they are sick! They are willing to work! But they are never going to get anywhere in their lives because they are forever going to be paying these bills! So much for Clinton's health care plan for our own people!
Melanie Odell
Atwood
via e-mail
Cloning Unethical
Editor, Times-Union:The way I feel about scientists is that they think they're smarter than everyone. That's why I'm writing this letter.
If they think there's no God, then why do they not clone animal, and humans from nothing, they still need a living cell that already exists.
The only reason people believe them is because they don't believe in God already. The beliefs that they have are based on faith also, with no proof. They're only unproven theories and when proven wrong they never publicize the truth about the errors.
Which brings me to another unethical lie.
If we evolved from apes, then why are they still here not evolving. Because there is no fossil record proven. So they have to come up with false statements that are not true.
In fact, there's more proof of a living God than there is of the theory of evolution. That's why scientists make up stories that cannot and will not be proven by anyone.
That's why someday I hope George W. Bush bans cloning forever because it's unethical, that's how I feel.
Hannah Krueger
Sixth grade
TVMS
Mentone
P.S. All the kids in school know evolution is a joke. No one believes it. Cloning is not right! I hope you figure that out.
Love, Joy, Happiness, Peace
Editor, Times-Union:Some who've read my previous editorials may think me naive for saying, "Love is all we need" and "love, joy, happiness and peace" are products of a proper relationship with God. My view of God is only one of many. I don't require your agreement to make it so. Deny it, or embrace it - it's, truly, your choice.
The Bible certainly does hold Scripture that portrays God as vengeful. Yet - there is also plenty to the contrary. This fact confused me for most of my life. When I felt I had nowhere else to turn for my answers, I asked God for divine truth. Not mankind's truth. God's truth! I held the Bible and prayed, "God - Show me your truth!" In response I was shown dozens of Scriptures that formed, for me, a clear answer. In the beginning, each time I opened the Bible, Scripture gave me details about what Love is. Once convincing me that *Love is God's greatest gift* the message shifted. The
next series stated *God is within us*. Then I was shown *God is Love*. This is all I needed to turn my life around. Today, when I look into another person's eyes, I see God there. I know that to harm another is to harm
myself and God. I see me as a piece of you, and you as a piece of me. I know we are ONE with God and to express love is to express God. Today I still go directly to God for guidance, except I've expanded my spiritual resources far beyond the Bible.
I was once a liar; motivated by fear, anger, resentment, jealousy and greed; was heavily addicted to sex, drugs and alcohol; an abusive and irresponsible parent; lonely, depressed and spiteful. Today, my life is full of joy. I know abundant love and am happy and peaceful. I am not yet near what I want, or know, I can be, but I'm growing. I still struggle with addiction and negative behaviors but they no longer dominate my life.
I give public testimony to bring understanding of how I came by my own opinions. I do not require anyone to agree with me. My own experience confirms my loving view of God. I know that I'm loved, cared for and protected, by something greater than my physical self. Miracles happen to and around me daily. To change, all I've done is give love more freely and abundantly and have strong faith in it's power to heal, protect and provide.
I shared my opinion in hopes that I might share the gifts that I've been given. It appears instead I've caused more anger and arguments. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when he spoke of causing war within families. Even some of my own loved ones have turned away because we do not share religious views. I pray for peace between us.
I wonder ... Why has talk of love, tolerance and acceptance brought up anger?
Angie McCraner
Warsaw
via e-mail
Electric Priorities
Editor, Times-Union:There are two reasons for this letter.
First, I wanted to praise the men who have worked so long and hard through terrible conditions to restore our electric power. I felt so sorry for them, having to endure the elements, and their hard work was appreciated more than they know.
However, I cannot tell you how infuriated I was when I received the Friday evening edition of the "Times-Union" and read the front page article concerning the power outage. I quote: "Service to school buildings has taken priority over residential areas. Families with infants and small children and the elderly had to fend for themselves through the night and into this morning." (And long after that, I might add.) These are the most endangered individuals in a situation such as this! May I ask what intelligent person(s) made THAT decision? We are among the elderly ourselves, and were without power until late Saturday. It had to be one of the most unpleasant experiences of our lives! I sincerely hope that there were no hospitalizations or deaths due to the lack of heat.
When there is a snowstorm, the schools are cancelled and the time made up at the end of the school year. Why was this not done this time? Could it be that they needed to have school so they could play their ball games Friday night?
I hope someone can explain their reasoning. It certainly didn't make much sense to us!
Mary K. Omstead
Claypool
via e-mail
Thank You, REMC
Editor, Times-Union:We wanted to thank Kosciusko County REMC for their hard work during the recent ice storm that left most of us without power.
The men and women of REMC worked around the clock in dangerous weather conditions to restore our electricity.
So to all the hardworking Kosciusko County REMC employees: THANK YOU!
Tom and Gail Shively
Claypool
via e-mail
Planning Needed
Editor, Times-Union:For over 10 years the Kosciusko Area Plan Commission has attempted to address the changes necessary to meet the needs of housing, industrial, agricultural and economic development in Kosciusko County. Unfortunately, this commission has not recognizing the changing demographics and their long-term impact on our diverse county and its dynamic industries which support it.
We can no longer continue to conduct business as usual, nor can we believe that yesterday's laws such as "Ag-II" are satisfactory in meeting our long-term plans for Kosciusko County. There are many citizens of our county that range from homeowners to landowners, industry leaders, land developers to farmers, that do not understand the long-term ramifications of the "unregulated" development of the lands of our county. Most fail to understand the cost of future development of infrastructure to support (i.e., water, sewer, drainage, fire and police support) to these outlying developments in the rural areas. Between the proliferation of housing on Ag-II and lax zoning allowing "spot development" throughout the rural areas of the county, we have already created a future tax burden to the future generations that could have been avoided if implementation of a strategic plan would have been adopted that could have met the need of all in our county.
As some comment that we, by implementing new regulations, would be imposing a threat to private and personal property rights, is an unfounded and uneducated comment, as in any democracy, we must have laws to abide by. We already have zoning laws that will not allow, for instance, a production livestock operation inside the city limits next to residential or new large industrial manufactures next to these areas also, or even in some cases a similar operation even in some rural settings. So, conversely, we need laws which restrict residential housing in or near agricultural and industrial zoned areas. For any democracy to be sustainable, successful laws need adjusted from time to time to meet the changes that are occurring that happen due to not having the vision of the future.
It is also now time to understand that instead of attempting by our own means with either a county employee or a commission that we source professional assistance with a company or individual that has expertise in this field of strategic land use planning and would be able to submit a "master plan" that would have the "long look" in mind for Kosciusko County, and this need should be sourced immediately. But in the interim I would suggest the adoption of the reductions of sell-offs from three to one should be accepted. Next, to change the exempt acreage from 20 acres to 80 acres as a minimum. While at the same time using much more scrutiny in analyzing rural spot development zoning alterations, and their potential long-term impacts. It is time to adopt long-term plans that benefit the county, and stop trying to satisfy short-term objectives of individuals.
In closing, Kosciusko population has grown between 1980 and 2000 at +13.4 percent, while township populations have swelled, such as Plain, +38.1 percent; Jefferson, +37.2 percent; Scott, +27.2 percent; Prairie, +24.3 percent, and so on throughout the county. Meanwhile, incorporated areas have ranged between -32.5 percent negative growth to a high +13.2 percent positive growth. If this continued explosive growth in the rural areas is allowed to continue unchecked, future generations will be able to "thank" our current generation's government for lack of strategic planning by professionals.
Take a drive crisscrossing the county and envision what this county will look like 20 or more years from now.
Kip Tom
Leesburg
via e-mail
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