Letters to the Editor 03-23-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Kolbe - Hoskins Missed - Campaign Signs - 'Meatout' - Social Security Scam - Humane Society - Potpourri
Kolbe
Editor, Times-Union:So Kolbe is soft on crime. Then why is the jail overflowing? If Hampton is more qualified to be prosecutor, then why is the number of felony convictions several times higher than when he was employed by the previous prosecutor's office?
Hampton will work better with local officials? There have been more drug convictions under Kolbe, there have been more alcohol related convictions under Kolbe, there has been more child support collected under Kolbe. What is Hampton going to do better? Hampton has a record, too. Look at what the previous prosecutor's office accomplished when he was employed, nothing.
The only way that Hampton will work better with local officials is that when one of their buddies gets in trouble he will look the other way. Kolbe won't do that, and that is what has made some people mad.
The whiners who have been writing in this column don't want to follow the rules, they believe that rules were made for everyone else to follow, they want a prosecutor who will look the other way when they screw up.
It's time for the Kolbe supporters to speak out against the drivel that has been printed in this paper. We need to speak out for a prosecutor who has done what we hired him to do!
Yes, Kolbe has made some people mad, for all the right reasons!
Don Zolman
Pierceton
Hoskins Missed
Editor, Times-Union:Many went down to the Titus Funeral Home to view "Speck" Woodrow Hoskins to show their love and respect, he will be missed. I never saw so many beautiful arrangements of flowers. We won't see him sitting out in his swing in his front yard to wave at him. Back around 1970 we had a hardware store at 2307 E. Center. Speck came in and bought the swing. Every time I'd go past I'd look to see if Speck was in his swing so I could wave to him and he could wave back. Well, it's a blessing the Lord wanted him in Heaven. He won't have to suffer and will be filled with joy.
Kathern Wolford
Warsaw
Campaign Signs
Editor, Times-Union:Before long the election will be upon us. This is a great time of year for all Americans to celebrate the opportunity to choose our leaders. Indeed this is a great American event. Of course, an important part of this process is the campaign. Signs of this are evident everywhere, both literally and figuratively.
As the Kosciusko County highway engineer and superintendent, I would like to take this moment to remind all candidates to use good judgment in locating their campaign signs.
An improperly placed sign can cause visibility problems that could lead to a tragic accident. The Kosciusko County Highway Dept. is charged with maintaining safe roads and this is a responsibility that we take very seriously. With that in mind, the highway dept. requests that the following guidelines be followed when locating campaign signs.
1. Maintain a safe distance away from all intersections. Signs located at or near intersections could cause visibility problems, and consequently create a safety problem.
2. Locate all signs at least 100 feet from the entrance to the polling place. (This is actually a law.)
3. Contact property owners for permission prior to locating a sign on their property.
4. Remove campaign signs in a timely manner. Campaign signs that are inadvertently left in place create an unsightly situation throughout the county.
Your cooperation in observing these guidelines is much appreciated from the highway dept.
Robert D. Ladson, P.E.
Kosciusko County Highway Engineer/Supt.
'Meatout'
Editor, Times-Union:I'm writing in response to the editorial written by Heather Michael on "Meatout." Has this woman ever been on a farm? Does she think that every animal is raised in a crate or stall? If so, I'd like her to see a Kosciusko County farm. I know that most of the animals in this county have "seen the light of day and have walked on soil." I happen to live on a farm and love animals. On some dairy farms around here, including the one my grandpa used to operate, the cows had better living conditions than some people. I invite Heather Michaels, and anyone else who thinks that every animal raised on a farm leads a miserable life, to come to our farm. I guarantee you there is not one cow or pig here that has never seen the light of day.
Heather, I encourage you to come to our farm so maybe next time you criticize farmers and how they do their job, you'll have your facts straight.
Katie Darr
Syracuse
Social Security Scam
Editor, Times-Union:This past week I have been inundated by calls from senior citizens who received a letter from a "National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare" urging them to contact their state legislator to "strongly oppose HCR10 and that this legislation could seriously damage your state's economy by forcing tax increases or deficit budgets." HCR10 was a resolution asking Congress to look at alternatives for financing Social Security. By 2030 there will be about 90 million people on Social Security as opposed to about 40 million today. The number of people paying into Social Security will NOT increase by the same proportion - unless changes are made now, changes that would not affect anyone's benefits for the next 30 years, Social Security is headed for bankruptcy by 2030. HCR10 simply asked Congress to start looking at the problem now. The resolution did not pass!
Some who received this letter have been asked to send $20 to "preserve their Social Security." DO NOT SEND THEM ANY MONEY! The Indiana Attorney General's office has been asked to investigate this "committee" to see if it is simply a fund-raising scam. I tried to call them but there is no number listed for them in the 202 area code.
With the volume of calls I've been unable to respond individually. If you still have questions, call my message mail at 372-0166 and I'll get back to you.
Dave Wolkins
State Representative
Humane Society
Editor, Times-Union:We're writing in reference to the over $208,000 donated by the late Mr. and Mrs. Putt to go to the Humane Shelter and animal welfare. Unfortunately, Mr. and Mrs. Putt left this money to the Humane Society of Kosciusko County (an organization with only three people and a closed membership). The money is being put into a trust fund of which only the interest will be used. Used by whom? Only the Humane Society? Or anyone they deem worthy?
First, let us tell you about a couple of other organizations. We are members of a private small club with 20 members or so, called Pet Patrol. We network with local veterinarians and other co-workers and friends to find loving homes for abused or abandoned animals. We even have a checking account with some money from member donations (never more than $200) to help pay for medical expenses, dog/cat food, etc., for these orphaned animals. We feel every little bit helps!
The Animal Welfare League's (AWL) dream is to have a no-kill shelter in Kosciusko County. The AWL (the ONLY active animal welfare organization in the county) has over 100 members, holds monthly meetings, has fund-raisers and has the "Sad Doggie Banks" located in many local establishments to raise money for their spaying/neutering program. Plus we will be subscribing to "Kind News" (a monthly newsletter about animal care and abuse, plus environmental issues for educational purposes) which will be sent to local grade schools. We have done this in the past also.
The Humane Society says they are putting the money into a trust for "future" generations. What about NOW and the animals that need help today. Why not set aside some of this money and offer to pay for spaying and neutering, plus vaccinations, performed at Kosciusko veterinary clinics for one month and not set a limit as to how many animals a person could bring in. This would be a FANTASTIC service to animals and to our community - and would reduce the number of animals euthanized at the Humane Shelter due to overpopulation!
We are not asking for handouts or for donations to fit just our specific plans but rather that the Humane Society realize that we are ALL fighting for the same causes. That we ALL need to be the voices of these helpless creatures! We all need money to achieve our goals for these animals and at the same time educate people. With combined efforts, wouldn't we all be able to accomplish these dreams?
Deb Hanson
Warsaw
Peggy Gerkin
Leesburg
Potpourri
Editor, Times-Union:If one sends a letter to the editor one must provide name, address and phone number to verify authenticity. However, all Mr. Spalding needs is "an inside source" to get the names of two candidates for sheriff printed in the paper. Is this the way the Times-Union selects to endorse a candidate? The article notes "there appears to be some ballot stuffing." However, two candidates for sheriff have their names in bold print in the article. The Times-Union does not print a disclaimer about the Potpourri article. Should one assume the paper agrees with such a blatant way to get only some candidates' names in the paper? Could there be favors owed? I can only hope, Mr. Spalding, that your next article will contain something on the other candidates.
I checked the web page on March 14 at 5 p.m. The web page showed a total of 112 ballots cast. Is this the sampling of "top vote getters" that give the voting public a true picture? How many voters knew about the web page or even have access to the web page? There is absolutely no accuracy in this information. Anyone from anywhere or any age can cast a vote on this web page. Using this information to show popularity in the county is completely irresponsible reporting. Some voters may read an article as this and feel their vote will not count! Voters, do not fall for the smoke screen! Become informed!
James Holderman
Warsaw
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- Kolbe - Hoskins Missed - Campaign Signs - 'Meatout' - Social Security Scam - Humane Society - Potpourri
Kolbe
Editor, Times-Union:So Kolbe is soft on crime. Then why is the jail overflowing? If Hampton is more qualified to be prosecutor, then why is the number of felony convictions several times higher than when he was employed by the previous prosecutor's office?
Hampton will work better with local officials? There have been more drug convictions under Kolbe, there have been more alcohol related convictions under Kolbe, there has been more child support collected under Kolbe. What is Hampton going to do better? Hampton has a record, too. Look at what the previous prosecutor's office accomplished when he was employed, nothing.
The only way that Hampton will work better with local officials is that when one of their buddies gets in trouble he will look the other way. Kolbe won't do that, and that is what has made some people mad.
The whiners who have been writing in this column don't want to follow the rules, they believe that rules were made for everyone else to follow, they want a prosecutor who will look the other way when they screw up.
It's time for the Kolbe supporters to speak out against the drivel that has been printed in this paper. We need to speak out for a prosecutor who has done what we hired him to do!
Yes, Kolbe has made some people mad, for all the right reasons!
Don Zolman
Pierceton
Hoskins Missed
Editor, Times-Union:Many went down to the Titus Funeral Home to view "Speck" Woodrow Hoskins to show their love and respect, he will be missed. I never saw so many beautiful arrangements of flowers. We won't see him sitting out in his swing in his front yard to wave at him. Back around 1970 we had a hardware store at 2307 E. Center. Speck came in and bought the swing. Every time I'd go past I'd look to see if Speck was in his swing so I could wave to him and he could wave back. Well, it's a blessing the Lord wanted him in Heaven. He won't have to suffer and will be filled with joy.
Kathern Wolford
Warsaw
Campaign Signs
Editor, Times-Union:Before long the election will be upon us. This is a great time of year for all Americans to celebrate the opportunity to choose our leaders. Indeed this is a great American event. Of course, an important part of this process is the campaign. Signs of this are evident everywhere, both literally and figuratively.
As the Kosciusko County highway engineer and superintendent, I would like to take this moment to remind all candidates to use good judgment in locating their campaign signs.
An improperly placed sign can cause visibility problems that could lead to a tragic accident. The Kosciusko County Highway Dept. is charged with maintaining safe roads and this is a responsibility that we take very seriously. With that in mind, the highway dept. requests that the following guidelines be followed when locating campaign signs.
1. Maintain a safe distance away from all intersections. Signs located at or near intersections could cause visibility problems, and consequently create a safety problem.
2. Locate all signs at least 100 feet from the entrance to the polling place. (This is actually a law.)
3. Contact property owners for permission prior to locating a sign on their property.
4. Remove campaign signs in a timely manner. Campaign signs that are inadvertently left in place create an unsightly situation throughout the county.
Your cooperation in observing these guidelines is much appreciated from the highway dept.
Robert D. Ladson, P.E.
Kosciusko County Highway Engineer/Supt.
'Meatout'
Editor, Times-Union:I'm writing in response to the editorial written by Heather Michael on "Meatout." Has this woman ever been on a farm? Does she think that every animal is raised in a crate or stall? If so, I'd like her to see a Kosciusko County farm. I know that most of the animals in this county have "seen the light of day and have walked on soil." I happen to live on a farm and love animals. On some dairy farms around here, including the one my grandpa used to operate, the cows had better living conditions than some people. I invite Heather Michaels, and anyone else who thinks that every animal raised on a farm leads a miserable life, to come to our farm. I guarantee you there is not one cow or pig here that has never seen the light of day.
Heather, I encourage you to come to our farm so maybe next time you criticize farmers and how they do their job, you'll have your facts straight.
Katie Darr
Syracuse
Social Security Scam
Editor, Times-Union:This past week I have been inundated by calls from senior citizens who received a letter from a "National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare" urging them to contact their state legislator to "strongly oppose HCR10 and that this legislation could seriously damage your state's economy by forcing tax increases or deficit budgets." HCR10 was a resolution asking Congress to look at alternatives for financing Social Security. By 2030 there will be about 90 million people on Social Security as opposed to about 40 million today. The number of people paying into Social Security will NOT increase by the same proportion - unless changes are made now, changes that would not affect anyone's benefits for the next 30 years, Social Security is headed for bankruptcy by 2030. HCR10 simply asked Congress to start looking at the problem now. The resolution did not pass!
Some who received this letter have been asked to send $20 to "preserve their Social Security." DO NOT SEND THEM ANY MONEY! The Indiana Attorney General's office has been asked to investigate this "committee" to see if it is simply a fund-raising scam. I tried to call them but there is no number listed for them in the 202 area code.
With the volume of calls I've been unable to respond individually. If you still have questions, call my message mail at 372-0166 and I'll get back to you.
Dave Wolkins
State Representative
Humane Society
Editor, Times-Union:We're writing in reference to the over $208,000 donated by the late Mr. and Mrs. Putt to go to the Humane Shelter and animal welfare. Unfortunately, Mr. and Mrs. Putt left this money to the Humane Society of Kosciusko County (an organization with only three people and a closed membership). The money is being put into a trust fund of which only the interest will be used. Used by whom? Only the Humane Society? Or anyone they deem worthy?
First, let us tell you about a couple of other organizations. We are members of a private small club with 20 members or so, called Pet Patrol. We network with local veterinarians and other co-workers and friends to find loving homes for abused or abandoned animals. We even have a checking account with some money from member donations (never more than $200) to help pay for medical expenses, dog/cat food, etc., for these orphaned animals. We feel every little bit helps!
The Animal Welfare League's (AWL) dream is to have a no-kill shelter in Kosciusko County. The AWL (the ONLY active animal welfare organization in the county) has over 100 members, holds monthly meetings, has fund-raisers and has the "Sad Doggie Banks" located in many local establishments to raise money for their spaying/neutering program. Plus we will be subscribing to "Kind News" (a monthly newsletter about animal care and abuse, plus environmental issues for educational purposes) which will be sent to local grade schools. We have done this in the past also.
The Humane Society says they are putting the money into a trust for "future" generations. What about NOW and the animals that need help today. Why not set aside some of this money and offer to pay for spaying and neutering, plus vaccinations, performed at Kosciusko veterinary clinics for one month and not set a limit as to how many animals a person could bring in. This would be a FANTASTIC service to animals and to our community - and would reduce the number of animals euthanized at the Humane Shelter due to overpopulation!
We are not asking for handouts or for donations to fit just our specific plans but rather that the Humane Society realize that we are ALL fighting for the same causes. That we ALL need to be the voices of these helpless creatures! We all need money to achieve our goals for these animals and at the same time educate people. With combined efforts, wouldn't we all be able to accomplish these dreams?
Deb Hanson
Warsaw
Peggy Gerkin
Leesburg
Potpourri
Editor, Times-Union:If one sends a letter to the editor one must provide name, address and phone number to verify authenticity. However, all Mr. Spalding needs is "an inside source" to get the names of two candidates for sheriff printed in the paper. Is this the way the Times-Union selects to endorse a candidate? The article notes "there appears to be some ballot stuffing." However, two candidates for sheriff have their names in bold print in the article. The Times-Union does not print a disclaimer about the Potpourri article. Should one assume the paper agrees with such a blatant way to get only some candidates' names in the paper? Could there be favors owed? I can only hope, Mr. Spalding, that your next article will contain something on the other candidates.
I checked the web page on March 14 at 5 p.m. The web page showed a total of 112 ballots cast. Is this the sampling of "top vote getters" that give the voting public a true picture? How many voters knew about the web page or even have access to the web page? There is absolutely no accuracy in this information. Anyone from anywhere or any age can cast a vote on this web page. Using this information to show popularity in the county is completely irresponsible reporting. Some voters may read an article as this and feel their vote will not count! Voters, do not fall for the smoke screen! Become informed!
James Holderman
Warsaw
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