Letters to the Editor 03-03-1999
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Theater Boosters Say Thanks - EDIT, Jail Questioned - Liar Clubs - EDIT - Accident Victims Say Thanks - No EDIT
Theater Boosters Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The purpose of this letter is two-fold. The first purpose is to take the time to thank Rande Thorpe, Greg Schroeder, Jennifer Sheperd (WCHS Theater Sponsor) and the WCS School Board for their diligence and hard work in securing new sound equipment and lighting for the auditorium at Lakeview Middle School. Anyone who has attended WCHS Theater productions knows the quality of work accomplished by not only Mrs. Sheperd, but the many students who present these productions to the community.
The new lights and sound system not only enhance the productions, but allow the students to have a more "hands on" education in producing their shows. Thank you again, Rande, Greg, Jennifer and the School Board!
The second purpose of this letter is to encourage everyone in this community, if you haven't already done so, to attend a show of the WCHS Theater Department. We are very fortunate to have the caliber of local student talent and the dedication of teachers, to provide quality entertainment for the family. Support our high school's efforts; you won't be disappointed!
WCHS Theater Boosters
EDIT, Jail Questioned
Editor, Times-Union:Gary, you are right. I see now that I was wrong on a couple of things I said in the CCC meeting on Tuesday, the 23rd. I told the group and David Slone that the jail receives $100 per day for D.O.C. inmates. I, too, was misled on that. I guess I should have got my facts straight.
On Wednesday the 24th, before the paper came out, I received a call from the sheriff. He had information that I requested. At that time, he told me it is $35 per day for D.O.C. people. OOPS, I stand corrected. (D.O.C. means Department of Correction) people waiting to be transferred to the state prison. Speaking of that information, this is it, as of 2-22-99 Monday, there were 150 people under key at the jail (38 D.O.C., 39 work release). The work release do not stay in the jail but in the building south of the jail facing Center Street. 77 from the 150 leaves 73, not over-crowded since the jail holds 88. The sheriff says that number goes up in the summer. Do we need a new jail?
Well fellow citizens, aren't you a little curious? I, also, stated that the jail is not an economic development. It is in fact a capital improvement. Can EDIT be used for the jail? Yes! (per Ic6-3.5-7). I just wonder about that $7 million on the books and [wow] the $63 million that belongs to "we the people" from the KCH secret.
I also checked on the less than factual and negative. If you are retired or on a fixed income you can be taxed. Why? If you are on Social Security and have a part-time job, interest at the bank, 401(k) you can and will be subject to EDIT. Any income can be taxed, you don't have to be on a payroll. Pensions are the same thing. I am on a pension, this is straight from my tax man! Sorry folks, that's a fact. About property taxes going down - ha ha! In a pigs eye. Have you ever heard of them going down? About aiming your frustrations at the people in Washington - I have tried that for 20 years. Do you think for a minute they care? Those people of Capitol Hill could screw up an anvil with a Q-tip swab and then laugh at you.
My fellow citizens, on March 6 at 3 p.m., for the economic future of our children, yell "no new taxes."
Herschel Rainwater, Warsaw
P.S. Born free and taxed to death. Free? Not! Slaves to taxation. Go my son and count the ways.
Editor's Note: According to Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine, there were 189 total inmates on Feb. 22. Thirty-nine of those were on work release and not housed in the jail. That left 150 inmates in the jail. Of those, 38 were being held for the state Department of Corrections. The jail capacity is 88. Social Security benefits are not subject to the Economic Development Income Tax.
Liar Clubs
Editor, Times-Union:An Associated Press article relates that a "Washington Sports Owner Beats House Gift Ethics Rule." He valued mid-level "club seats" at $49.50, just below the "new" house gift limit so lawmakers can accept them. In 1995, House rules did not permit them taking these gifts, but they have changed the rules. The one-year value of a seat is $8,025.
It appears that the largest "liar" clubs in the U.S.A. are our executive and legislative branches of our federal government. It will remain so until we the people say enough is enough.
Fred Yohey, Atwood
EDIT
Editor, Times-Union:I thank you for correcting me as to the state law on property tax and the collection of the EDIT tax, for the information I was given was this way. I apologize for any misconceptions this may have caused. The following is what was told to me by my tax accountant, so if it is wrong we will blame him.
As far as those on fixed incomes are concerned, the State of Indiana does not tax those individuals whose sole income is social security. But for all others on social security who receive additional income moneys from interest payments, pension funds, IRA, rental property, farming income, part-time jobs, etc. (which I'm told will be close to 98 to 99 percent of the retirees, the rest possibly being fixed income persons). These individuals will pay EDIT tax on this income. This is collected by the State via the state income tax return and then is returned to the individual's county of residence, in this case Kosciusko.
It is ironic that these retirees who have worked all their adult lives trying to make their golden years a little easier and happier are now going to be faced with a tax that is going to make their lives that much harder to cope with due to the increases in the cost of insurance, food and such. A tax that is going to take away that what they have worked so very hard, have tried to scrimp and save for is now going to make them a lot poorer while at the same time has a very good chance of making an insider a whole lot richer.
I wonder why the elected officials made the comment on the fixed incomes when they know full well that these same individuals don't pay the option tax now. Was it an attempt to mislead the retirees, for most of these individuals think they are now on fixed incomes? They are living on what they save over the years. Maybe we all should become elected officials since they seem to have no problems with paying all of these taxes, could it be that we as taxpayers are paying them way too much? Maybe if we cut their pay it would give the rest of us more money to pay the taxes they want us to pay.
Marvin Gunter, Warsaw
Accident Victims Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Monica and I would like to thank all those who helped us during our real time of need. Your love and concern has truly pulled us through.
Monica's loss will be for the rest of her life, but with the love and prayers of people like you, we know she will become a happy, loving and caring person.
I don't know how many people have told me that they or their church have been praying for Monica. I can only say, "I know you were." Without God's help, she would have never made it.
A special thanks to Riley Hospital. Without her head surgery, her little brain would have grown through her growing fracture, which could have cost her her life. Thanks to the people of Warsaw and Mentone for all their help and thanks to the Times-Union for running our many letters through their paper.
Thank you for not drinking and driving.
Monica Anne Hatfield, Pamela Anne Hiers, Mentone
No EDIT
Editor, Times-Union:Taxpayers and senior citizens, we must put EDIT into the garbage can for good. We simply must get our politicians on the taxpayers' side. Hey! We have two BIGGIES who don't pay any tax on their incomes while industry and others pay their share. Who are the BIGGIES? The Democrat and Republican parties. Never thought of them as taxpayers?
Taxpayers, we need an equalizer department to make certain that we are all taxed in direct proportion to our incomes, including all business and the "rich." Do the "sports nuts" pay an Indiana tax on their tickets? I don't know, for I do not care for any kind of sports. We poor people, please for your own sakes vote NO on EDIT tax. It should have never been initiated. Taxes of all kinds are taking out too much of our family monies. Vote NO to EDIT.
Albert G. Smith, Warsaw
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- Theater Boosters Say Thanks - EDIT, Jail Questioned - Liar Clubs - EDIT - Accident Victims Say Thanks - No EDIT
Theater Boosters Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The purpose of this letter is two-fold. The first purpose is to take the time to thank Rande Thorpe, Greg Schroeder, Jennifer Sheperd (WCHS Theater Sponsor) and the WCS School Board for their diligence and hard work in securing new sound equipment and lighting for the auditorium at Lakeview Middle School. Anyone who has attended WCHS Theater productions knows the quality of work accomplished by not only Mrs. Sheperd, but the many students who present these productions to the community.
The new lights and sound system not only enhance the productions, but allow the students to have a more "hands on" education in producing their shows. Thank you again, Rande, Greg, Jennifer and the School Board!
The second purpose of this letter is to encourage everyone in this community, if you haven't already done so, to attend a show of the WCHS Theater Department. We are very fortunate to have the caliber of local student talent and the dedication of teachers, to provide quality entertainment for the family. Support our high school's efforts; you won't be disappointed!
WCHS Theater Boosters
EDIT, Jail Questioned
Editor, Times-Union:Gary, you are right. I see now that I was wrong on a couple of things I said in the CCC meeting on Tuesday, the 23rd. I told the group and David Slone that the jail receives $100 per day for D.O.C. inmates. I, too, was misled on that. I guess I should have got my facts straight.
On Wednesday the 24th, before the paper came out, I received a call from the sheriff. He had information that I requested. At that time, he told me it is $35 per day for D.O.C. people. OOPS, I stand corrected. (D.O.C. means Department of Correction) people waiting to be transferred to the state prison. Speaking of that information, this is it, as of 2-22-99 Monday, there were 150 people under key at the jail (38 D.O.C., 39 work release). The work release do not stay in the jail but in the building south of the jail facing Center Street. 77 from the 150 leaves 73, not over-crowded since the jail holds 88. The sheriff says that number goes up in the summer. Do we need a new jail?
Well fellow citizens, aren't you a little curious? I, also, stated that the jail is not an economic development. It is in fact a capital improvement. Can EDIT be used for the jail? Yes! (per Ic6-3.5-7). I just wonder about that $7 million on the books and [wow] the $63 million that belongs to "we the people" from the KCH secret.
I also checked on the less than factual and negative. If you are retired or on a fixed income you can be taxed. Why? If you are on Social Security and have a part-time job, interest at the bank, 401(k) you can and will be subject to EDIT. Any income can be taxed, you don't have to be on a payroll. Pensions are the same thing. I am on a pension, this is straight from my tax man! Sorry folks, that's a fact. About property taxes going down - ha ha! In a pigs eye. Have you ever heard of them going down? About aiming your frustrations at the people in Washington - I have tried that for 20 years. Do you think for a minute they care? Those people of Capitol Hill could screw up an anvil with a Q-tip swab and then laugh at you.
My fellow citizens, on March 6 at 3 p.m., for the economic future of our children, yell "no new taxes."
Herschel Rainwater, Warsaw
P.S. Born free and taxed to death. Free? Not! Slaves to taxation. Go my son and count the ways.
Editor's Note: According to Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine, there were 189 total inmates on Feb. 22. Thirty-nine of those were on work release and not housed in the jail. That left 150 inmates in the jail. Of those, 38 were being held for the state Department of Corrections. The jail capacity is 88. Social Security benefits are not subject to the Economic Development Income Tax.
Liar Clubs
Editor, Times-Union:An Associated Press article relates that a "Washington Sports Owner Beats House Gift Ethics Rule." He valued mid-level "club seats" at $49.50, just below the "new" house gift limit so lawmakers can accept them. In 1995, House rules did not permit them taking these gifts, but they have changed the rules. The one-year value of a seat is $8,025.
It appears that the largest "liar" clubs in the U.S.A. are our executive and legislative branches of our federal government. It will remain so until we the people say enough is enough.
Fred Yohey, Atwood
EDIT
Editor, Times-Union:I thank you for correcting me as to the state law on property tax and the collection of the EDIT tax, for the information I was given was this way. I apologize for any misconceptions this may have caused. The following is what was told to me by my tax accountant, so if it is wrong we will blame him.
As far as those on fixed incomes are concerned, the State of Indiana does not tax those individuals whose sole income is social security. But for all others on social security who receive additional income moneys from interest payments, pension funds, IRA, rental property, farming income, part-time jobs, etc. (which I'm told will be close to 98 to 99 percent of the retirees, the rest possibly being fixed income persons). These individuals will pay EDIT tax on this income. This is collected by the State via the state income tax return and then is returned to the individual's county of residence, in this case Kosciusko.
It is ironic that these retirees who have worked all their adult lives trying to make their golden years a little easier and happier are now going to be faced with a tax that is going to make their lives that much harder to cope with due to the increases in the cost of insurance, food and such. A tax that is going to take away that what they have worked so very hard, have tried to scrimp and save for is now going to make them a lot poorer while at the same time has a very good chance of making an insider a whole lot richer.
I wonder why the elected officials made the comment on the fixed incomes when they know full well that these same individuals don't pay the option tax now. Was it an attempt to mislead the retirees, for most of these individuals think they are now on fixed incomes? They are living on what they save over the years. Maybe we all should become elected officials since they seem to have no problems with paying all of these taxes, could it be that we as taxpayers are paying them way too much? Maybe if we cut their pay it would give the rest of us more money to pay the taxes they want us to pay.
Marvin Gunter, Warsaw
Accident Victims Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Monica and I would like to thank all those who helped us during our real time of need. Your love and concern has truly pulled us through.
Monica's loss will be for the rest of her life, but with the love and prayers of people like you, we know she will become a happy, loving and caring person.
I don't know how many people have told me that they or their church have been praying for Monica. I can only say, "I know you were." Without God's help, she would have never made it.
A special thanks to Riley Hospital. Without her head surgery, her little brain would have grown through her growing fracture, which could have cost her her life. Thanks to the people of Warsaw and Mentone for all their help and thanks to the Times-Union for running our many letters through their paper.
Thank you for not drinking and driving.
Monica Anne Hatfield, Pamela Anne Hiers, Mentone
No EDIT
Editor, Times-Union:Taxpayers and senior citizens, we must put EDIT into the garbage can for good. We simply must get our politicians on the taxpayers' side. Hey! We have two BIGGIES who don't pay any tax on their incomes while industry and others pay their share. Who are the BIGGIES? The Democrat and Republican parties. Never thought of them as taxpayers?
Taxpayers, we need an equalizer department to make certain that we are all taxed in direct proportion to our incomes, including all business and the "rich." Do the "sports nuts" pay an Indiana tax on their tickets? I don't know, for I do not care for any kind of sports. We poor people, please for your own sakes vote NO on EDIT tax. It should have never been initiated. Taxes of all kinds are taking out too much of our family monies. Vote NO to EDIT.
Albert G. Smith, Warsaw
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