Letters to the Editor 03-23-2004
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Pond Danger - Smith For Treasurer - Lady Tigers - Dogma Response - Transition - U.S. Coast Guard - Character - Community Schools - Improving Syracuse - Who's Confused?
Pond Danger
Editor, Times Union:On the south side of Warsaw there is a pretty red house - I believe a duplex, on the west side of Ind. 15.
They have a pond close to the road.
Every time I go past, in my mind's eye, I can see a car out of control and landing in the pond.
I don't know if it's a fish pond, swimming hole or decoration or how deep it is.
But is it deep enough that someone could drown?
There is no fence up and if a guard rail was put up, it could bounce a vehicle back into traffic.
Something should be done, it's an accident waiting to happen.
Helen B. Wise
Claypool
Smith For Treasurer
Editor, Times Union:As treasurer of White County as well as the secretary of the Indiana Treasurers Association, I know the importance of experience in the office. This is why I am writing in support of Rebecca B. Smith, the current chief deputy treasurer in Kosciusko County. With her 13 years of service to the county, she has gained knowledge and skills vital to successfully executing the duties of the treasurer.
The adaptive experience needed to perform the office of treasurer has never been more important than now; following the state-mandated reassessment. The need for a "working treasurer" cannot be overemphasized because of the knowledge gained through experience.
My professional relationship with Rebecca B. Smith has shown her to be personal, professional and of the finest character. She will serve Kosciusko County in the utmost manner.
Cathy L. Gross
White County Treasurer
Lady Tigers
Editor, Times Union:To the people in the area: Thanks so much for your support of the Lady Tigers of the 2003-04 season!
For those Warsaw folk who chose not to attend, you really missed out. Yes, really!
It was a class(y) season; it was a class(y) group of ladies, who, in the midst of a class(y) schedule, individually and collectively did a class(y) job in their performances.
Last year, they made a class(y) contribution in earning a class(y) win-loss record; and this season they did better - setting a new record and going to the class(y) championship in Indianapolis.
Thank you, you class(y) Lady Tigers! Thank you, Coach Weinhorst and staff for a class(y) effort for these last two years, and especially this year's class(y), record-breaking effort!
P.S. I wonder why the folks don't like class(y) basketball?
"Rev" and Kathy Blake
Warsaw
Dogma Response
Editor, Times-Union:In reply to Mrs. Kurosky's letter, "Dogma," I would like to begin with a Bible verse.
"But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name," John 20:31.
I am an eighth-grader, and even I can see the fallacies in your letters. You use names of Catholic authors and Latin phrases such as "extra quam nullus omnino salvatur" to prove your point that the Apostolic Roman Catholic Church is the only church where one can receive salvation. You have used books such as "Know your Mass" and "Fundamentals of the Catholic Dogma" to prove your point, but not once have you used the Bible as one of your sources. The Bible is the word of the Lord and the verse stated above is God's word, saying that "all who believe in Christ shall have life with Him."
Nowhere does it say "and only Roman Catholics will be granted salvation." Who are you to argue with the word of the Lord? Faith is not one size fits all. It is the special, unique love between a person and God. I would like to close with another Bible verse.
"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men," 1 Peter 2:15.
Kyle K. Lowe
Warsaw
via e-mail
Transition
Editor, Times-Union:According to legislators Bill Ruppel, Dave Wolkins and Kent Adams, their constituents are extremely disturbed with the Warsaw Community School Board's transition plans to close three elementary schools. Likewise, school board members Ron Yeiter and Gene England report overwhelming support from school patrons throughout WCS for keeping Atwood, Claypool and Silver Lake schools open.
Are Dr. McGuire, Craig Allebach, Mark Minatel, Cathy Folk, Larry Chamberlain and Jim Folk so out of touch or are they purposefully ignoring the public's wishes? Either way, it is a sad commentary on our community when a few people are given the privilege of serving as stewards and then squander the opportunity. Please call your school board representatives. Their numbers are in the phone book. Or call the administration office, 267-3238 for help. Talk to Dr. McGuire and let him know what you think and what you expect!
Mary Green
Claypool
via e-mail
U.S. Coast Guard
Editor, Times-Union:I commend the Kosciusko Community YMCA for instituting "Project Indiana Cares." It is a worthy effort.
I was disappointed that the United States Coast Guard did not make it onto the T-shirt. This military service has been involved in every war since its founding as the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790. In World War II the Coast Guard lost more members, per capita, than the other (main) services.
Oh well. Keep up the good work, we will.
"Semper Paratus" (Always ready).
Irvin Lindemuth, Capt.
United States Coast Guard (Retired)
Warsaw
Character
Editor, Times-Union:I have read Jay Rigdon's letter to the editor from March 16, 2004, and obviously disagree. He said that if John Kerry had run an advertisement with the World Trade Center in the background he would be furious at him. I seriously doubt it but that is not the reason for this letter.
We finally have a man of character in the White House who can be counted on to make decisions in the best interest of the country rather than his party or himself. President Bush's term in office has been defined by the two events Mr. Rigdon mentioned in his letter: The attack on the World Trade Center and the war in Iraq. In the first, we saw President Bush's character as he comforted the nation in a time of huge loss. President Bush did not take the easy way out when bringing America back to normal and protecting us from future attacks. As far as the war in Iraq I am not sure where Mr. Rigdon got his information about the timing of the war, he only quotes "national publications." I don't see how it was a huge political advantage for the Republicans that we waited until 2002 to go into Iraq. We went when the time was right. George H. Bush dropped the ball when he did not get Saddam the first time. Bill Clinton dropped the ball because he was "occupied" in other areas. George W. Bush finally has done the right thing for America and for Iraq and he gets slammed for it. Next Mr. Rigdon might say that if we catch Osama Bin Laden it was politically timed. I guess we caught Saddam too soon for the election in November.
Adam J. Harman
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Community Schools
Editor, Times-Union:Hopefully all taxpayers that are required to pay taxes to support Warsaw COMMUNITY Schools have reviewed the Projected Elementary School Enrollment chart that was printed on the front page of the Times-Union on Tuesday. This chart shows the elementary schools in Warsaw and Leesburg to have a capacity of 3,177 students with current enrollment at 3,195 students. These figures show that the Warsaw and Leesburg elementary schools are already overcrowded by 18 students without the transfer of Atwood, Claypool and Silver Lake students. With the closing of the three schools that David McGuire and our school board have elected to close, there will be a total of 455 students that need to be jostled into other schools that are already at capacity (new enrollment of 3,632 students minus capacity of 3.177 students = 455).
David McGuire and School Board - Where are you going to find the room for these 455 students? We want the facts. Not information that is based on assumptions as stated by David McGuire in the last board meeting. Assumptions should not be used when the education of 3,632 students is at stake. Again - we need the facts on how you plan on moving 455 students into already overcrowded schools.
Carolyn Montel
Silver Lake
via e-mail
Improving Syracuse
Editor, Times-Union:Something wonderful has happened in Syracuse. In very recent years about 20 residential and business property owners have collectively invested an estimated $10 to $15 million improving their respective properties located on Ind. 13 and on Harkless Drive, south of Bowser Road. Despite all of these improvements, until recently the entire community and people passing this area still had to look at the indescribable mess at the boat junkyard which was formerly Water World and then Combo Marine. This situation has existed for 25 years to my knowledge and had the general public wondering why nothing could be done about it. Well, as anyone who has been past the property knows, something has been done about it. It's gone.
Several people deserve to be recognized and thanked for their parts in making this happen. Brian Redshaw, Syracuse town manager, kept working with various agencies until he got some effective help. That help was from Tracy Boatwright, state fire marshal, who filed a court action against the then owner of the property and followed it through to a contempt proceeding when the court's initial order was ignored. This resulted in the matter being explained to the owner as only a judge in a black robe can explain things. That judge was the Honorable Rex Reed of the Kosciusko Circuit Court, who entered an order with some teeth in it, explained it to the owner in very direct terms that he understood. Within days the property was sold to someone who was also tired of looking at the mess and was willing to do something about it. So, thanks go to Brian, the state fire marshal and Judge Reed.
However, special thanks to John Rinker who has the gratitude of the entire Syracuse community for buying and cleaning up this property. John walks softly, but carries the proverbial big stick. Approximately 100 truckloads and 10 large dumpsters later, the trash and the buildings are gone. John, THANK YOU!
Dick Green
Syracuse
via e-mail
Who's Confused?
Editor, Times-Union:It was stated Friday (and many times since then) that there was "confusion" over the issue of who decides what is good and morally right for our country. Sorry, but I'm wracking my brains to figure out where I was confused on that one. All of you, as Christians, believe that God ultimately decides what is right or wrong. I, as a Christian, agree with you. But I also believe (as did the founding fathers of our nation) that separation of church and state is imperative if we are to respect the rights of everyone living here. Because when it comes down to it, America is not a Christian country. It just so happens that a majority of us living here are Christian... but the country itself was based on the freedom to choose what you want to believe.
Therefore, how can you take a nationwide document of rules and conform it to fit any one religion? I guess I am confused ... about that.
Brittany Kusserow
Winona Lake
via e-mail
[[In-content Ad]]
- Pond Danger - Smith For Treasurer - Lady Tigers - Dogma Response - Transition - U.S. Coast Guard - Character - Community Schools - Improving Syracuse - Who's Confused?
Pond Danger
Editor, Times Union:On the south side of Warsaw there is a pretty red house - I believe a duplex, on the west side of Ind. 15.
They have a pond close to the road.
Every time I go past, in my mind's eye, I can see a car out of control and landing in the pond.
I don't know if it's a fish pond, swimming hole or decoration or how deep it is.
But is it deep enough that someone could drown?
There is no fence up and if a guard rail was put up, it could bounce a vehicle back into traffic.
Something should be done, it's an accident waiting to happen.
Helen B. Wise
Claypool
Smith For Treasurer
Editor, Times Union:As treasurer of White County as well as the secretary of the Indiana Treasurers Association, I know the importance of experience in the office. This is why I am writing in support of Rebecca B. Smith, the current chief deputy treasurer in Kosciusko County. With her 13 years of service to the county, she has gained knowledge and skills vital to successfully executing the duties of the treasurer.
The adaptive experience needed to perform the office of treasurer has never been more important than now; following the state-mandated reassessment. The need for a "working treasurer" cannot be overemphasized because of the knowledge gained through experience.
My professional relationship with Rebecca B. Smith has shown her to be personal, professional and of the finest character. She will serve Kosciusko County in the utmost manner.
Cathy L. Gross
White County Treasurer
Lady Tigers
Editor, Times Union:To the people in the area: Thanks so much for your support of the Lady Tigers of the 2003-04 season!
For those Warsaw folk who chose not to attend, you really missed out. Yes, really!
It was a class(y) season; it was a class(y) group of ladies, who, in the midst of a class(y) schedule, individually and collectively did a class(y) job in their performances.
Last year, they made a class(y) contribution in earning a class(y) win-loss record; and this season they did better - setting a new record and going to the class(y) championship in Indianapolis.
Thank you, you class(y) Lady Tigers! Thank you, Coach Weinhorst and staff for a class(y) effort for these last two years, and especially this year's class(y), record-breaking effort!
P.S. I wonder why the folks don't like class(y) basketball?
"Rev" and Kathy Blake
Warsaw
Dogma Response
Editor, Times-Union:In reply to Mrs. Kurosky's letter, "Dogma," I would like to begin with a Bible verse.
"But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name," John 20:31.
I am an eighth-grader, and even I can see the fallacies in your letters. You use names of Catholic authors and Latin phrases such as "extra quam nullus omnino salvatur" to prove your point that the Apostolic Roman Catholic Church is the only church where one can receive salvation. You have used books such as "Know your Mass" and "Fundamentals of the Catholic Dogma" to prove your point, but not once have you used the Bible as one of your sources. The Bible is the word of the Lord and the verse stated above is God's word, saying that "all who believe in Christ shall have life with Him."
Nowhere does it say "and only Roman Catholics will be granted salvation." Who are you to argue with the word of the Lord? Faith is not one size fits all. It is the special, unique love between a person and God. I would like to close with another Bible verse.
"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men," 1 Peter 2:15.
Kyle K. Lowe
Warsaw
via e-mail
Transition
Editor, Times-Union:According to legislators Bill Ruppel, Dave Wolkins and Kent Adams, their constituents are extremely disturbed with the Warsaw Community School Board's transition plans to close three elementary schools. Likewise, school board members Ron Yeiter and Gene England report overwhelming support from school patrons throughout WCS for keeping Atwood, Claypool and Silver Lake schools open.
Are Dr. McGuire, Craig Allebach, Mark Minatel, Cathy Folk, Larry Chamberlain and Jim Folk so out of touch or are they purposefully ignoring the public's wishes? Either way, it is a sad commentary on our community when a few people are given the privilege of serving as stewards and then squander the opportunity. Please call your school board representatives. Their numbers are in the phone book. Or call the administration office, 267-3238 for help. Talk to Dr. McGuire and let him know what you think and what you expect!
Mary Green
Claypool
via e-mail
U.S. Coast Guard
Editor, Times-Union:I commend the Kosciusko Community YMCA for instituting "Project Indiana Cares." It is a worthy effort.
I was disappointed that the United States Coast Guard did not make it onto the T-shirt. This military service has been involved in every war since its founding as the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790. In World War II the Coast Guard lost more members, per capita, than the other (main) services.
Oh well. Keep up the good work, we will.
"Semper Paratus" (Always ready).
Irvin Lindemuth, Capt.
United States Coast Guard (Retired)
Warsaw
Character
Editor, Times-Union:I have read Jay Rigdon's letter to the editor from March 16, 2004, and obviously disagree. He said that if John Kerry had run an advertisement with the World Trade Center in the background he would be furious at him. I seriously doubt it but that is not the reason for this letter.
We finally have a man of character in the White House who can be counted on to make decisions in the best interest of the country rather than his party or himself. President Bush's term in office has been defined by the two events Mr. Rigdon mentioned in his letter: The attack on the World Trade Center and the war in Iraq. In the first, we saw President Bush's character as he comforted the nation in a time of huge loss. President Bush did not take the easy way out when bringing America back to normal and protecting us from future attacks. As far as the war in Iraq I am not sure where Mr. Rigdon got his information about the timing of the war, he only quotes "national publications." I don't see how it was a huge political advantage for the Republicans that we waited until 2002 to go into Iraq. We went when the time was right. George H. Bush dropped the ball when he did not get Saddam the first time. Bill Clinton dropped the ball because he was "occupied" in other areas. George W. Bush finally has done the right thing for America and for Iraq and he gets slammed for it. Next Mr. Rigdon might say that if we catch Osama Bin Laden it was politically timed. I guess we caught Saddam too soon for the election in November.
Adam J. Harman
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Community Schools
Editor, Times-Union:Hopefully all taxpayers that are required to pay taxes to support Warsaw COMMUNITY Schools have reviewed the Projected Elementary School Enrollment chart that was printed on the front page of the Times-Union on Tuesday. This chart shows the elementary schools in Warsaw and Leesburg to have a capacity of 3,177 students with current enrollment at 3,195 students. These figures show that the Warsaw and Leesburg elementary schools are already overcrowded by 18 students without the transfer of Atwood, Claypool and Silver Lake students. With the closing of the three schools that David McGuire and our school board have elected to close, there will be a total of 455 students that need to be jostled into other schools that are already at capacity (new enrollment of 3,632 students minus capacity of 3.177 students = 455).
David McGuire and School Board - Where are you going to find the room for these 455 students? We want the facts. Not information that is based on assumptions as stated by David McGuire in the last board meeting. Assumptions should not be used when the education of 3,632 students is at stake. Again - we need the facts on how you plan on moving 455 students into already overcrowded schools.
Carolyn Montel
Silver Lake
via e-mail
Improving Syracuse
Editor, Times-Union:Something wonderful has happened in Syracuse. In very recent years about 20 residential and business property owners have collectively invested an estimated $10 to $15 million improving their respective properties located on Ind. 13 and on Harkless Drive, south of Bowser Road. Despite all of these improvements, until recently the entire community and people passing this area still had to look at the indescribable mess at the boat junkyard which was formerly Water World and then Combo Marine. This situation has existed for 25 years to my knowledge and had the general public wondering why nothing could be done about it. Well, as anyone who has been past the property knows, something has been done about it. It's gone.
Several people deserve to be recognized and thanked for their parts in making this happen. Brian Redshaw, Syracuse town manager, kept working with various agencies until he got some effective help. That help was from Tracy Boatwright, state fire marshal, who filed a court action against the then owner of the property and followed it through to a contempt proceeding when the court's initial order was ignored. This resulted in the matter being explained to the owner as only a judge in a black robe can explain things. That judge was the Honorable Rex Reed of the Kosciusko Circuit Court, who entered an order with some teeth in it, explained it to the owner in very direct terms that he understood. Within days the property was sold to someone who was also tired of looking at the mess and was willing to do something about it. So, thanks go to Brian, the state fire marshal and Judge Reed.
However, special thanks to John Rinker who has the gratitude of the entire Syracuse community for buying and cleaning up this property. John walks softly, but carries the proverbial big stick. Approximately 100 truckloads and 10 large dumpsters later, the trash and the buildings are gone. John, THANK YOU!
Dick Green
Syracuse
via e-mail
Who's Confused?
Editor, Times-Union:It was stated Friday (and many times since then) that there was "confusion" over the issue of who decides what is good and morally right for our country. Sorry, but I'm wracking my brains to figure out where I was confused on that one. All of you, as Christians, believe that God ultimately decides what is right or wrong. I, as a Christian, agree with you. But I also believe (as did the founding fathers of our nation) that separation of church and state is imperative if we are to respect the rights of everyone living here. Because when it comes down to it, America is not a Christian country. It just so happens that a majority of us living here are Christian... but the country itself was based on the freedom to choose what you want to believe.
Therefore, how can you take a nationwide document of rules and conform it to fit any one religion? I guess I am confused ... about that.
Brittany Kusserow
Winona Lake
via e-mail
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092