Letters to the Editor 03-26-1999
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Guardian Angels - Zoning - Barking Dogs - Former Sheriff - Reads' Racing - Good Deed - If They Were Councilmen - Taxes
Guardian Angels
Editor, Times-Union:On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to thank all of those "guardian angels" who were watching over us at the Warsaw Wal-Mart parking lot on Friday, Feb. 26, 1999. If it weren't for these "angels" watching out for us, serious injury or death could have occurred. The runaway semi-tractor could have done a lot more damage and I am so grateful that no one was hurt. It was a freak accident, with no fault of the driver. Every safety precaution was taken on his part, but the brakes did not engage. It is natural for people to assume fault, but in this case, I want the public to know that he was not at fault for this accident.
We all have guardian angels and I can say today that there were four of them watching over us that night. My husband, son and daughter are still here and I thank God each and every day for these three blessings I have in my life.
Be grateful and thank God everyday for what you have in your life, because in a split second, it can be taken away.
Susan Schoettmer, Terry, Levi and Ariel
Zoning
Editor, Times-Union:On March 16th, 1999, I became a remonstrator for the first time in my life. Why? Because Robert Barth Jr. is getting 69 acres of land zoned agricultural to residential. You ask why do I care? Well because I live in Chapman Lake Park and this area is at the corner of 250E and 450N. The vote was 2-1 in favor of this new subdivision. Being very emotional about this subject didn't allow me to stand up in front of 100 other people and say the things I'm going to write today.
First of all, has anyone ever noticed the hawk that sits in the big tree on the west side of the big "dimple" in the middle of the field? Have you ever seen the momma deer and her two babies walking through that field? There used to be a red fox out here but he probably got hit.
By the grace of God, I may live to see my grandmother's age of 88. If I do, will there be any deer or hawks for me to watch? Or will I just get to look out the window at a bunch of houses and cars? Because we've decided to make all our farmland into subdivisions, we'll have to someday count on other countries to send us our food. The word farmer will just be something you look up in the dictionary or maybe find a picture of on the Internet.
I'm assuming the 2 "for" voters don't have to drive in this area now or they'd have voted differently. Traffic on 450N and 100E is so bad now it's incredible. Not to mention how fast everyone drives. You could go 65 mph and get passed! Rick and Deanna Hicks, who live on 450N, will have to get a stoplight put in just to get out of their driveway.
You can't begin to imagine the disappointment that went through that room unless you were there. I could have cried right on the spot, instead I went back to work and cried there. The house I have is my first house and of course I thought I'd live in the "country" forever or at least a very long time. Now the "burbs" are coming to me.
The overcrowding of Leesburg School will mean teachers won't have the time to spend with each child like they probably get to do now. I was a Blue Blazer and the classes were small and the teachers made us feel special. Will that change the teachers and how they teach? Will it stress them out?
You know, we could have had two- to three-hundred people in that room and it wouldn't have mattered. I'm sure their minds were made up beforehand. I'm sure somewhere down the road this will benefit someone somewhere else.
I knew a lot of the people at the meeting and I want to thank you for being there, especially Charlie for speaking for us. Chapman Lake is special. I just hope it stays that way.
Kimberly K. Zartman, Warsaw
Barking Dogs
Editor, Times-Union:In regard to the subject of barking dogs, buy some earplugs or make up to the dogs. Quit griping! Nobody appreciates a constant complainer. It's obvious you have nothing better to do with your time. Your neighbors probably have no respect left for you because of all your accusations and bitter feelings. Wouldn't life be better if our neighbors were treated with respect, dignity and a true caring heart! Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Maybe if you would change your heart, the dogs might start becoming quieter as if by some miracle.
Sheryl Wallace, Pierceton
Former Sheriff
Editor, Times-Union:How are we citizens to address the X sheriff, as X or just Old. In contacting the old sheriff by mistake the other night, boy did I get an earfull. That's all right I won't say I'm sorry for dialing wrong number either. Tried that when I was half talking to you on the phone. Your attitude was uncalled for. I told you who I was, and oh my god, you are just like that Hershel Rainwater. Oh: really, well how is that, Mr. Rovenstine? Is that because if this dog issue, that you and the others don't like to hear about? If you feel that way, then you must have it in for all the people that attended the meeting in Nov. 98? And you were a law inforcement officer for 30 years? Well, we all had better be good or the doggie man is going to get us. I don't no you at all, only by the newspaper, and that your were the sheriff at one time in this county. The type of person that I am. I have given to police organizations over the years. The retirement fund, etc. Well, Mr. R. or X, or whatever you are to be called, that has all stopped. And when these organizations call me for donations? I will tell them why. So, Mr. WiseGuy, you have cut off your nose to spite yourself.
Sharon Galloway
Reads' Racing
Editor, Times-Union:On behalf of Reads' Motor Cross, Multi-Township EMS Volunteers would like to take a moment and share with you our thoughts on the Motor Cross Races at Akron.
For more than 10 years, we have provided for the Read's emergency medical coverage for all practices and races at the Trojan Track in North Webster. Through our experiences with the Reads, each and every one of us have gained new friendships and in a way, became a part of the Read family.
Each and every one of the Read family and their staff exhibit nothing less than the utmost concern for the safety and welfare of all that pass through their gate. Including the riders, the spectators and the EMTs.
As the volunteer division of MTEMS, we do not receive compensation for our time. However, the Reads contributed to our volunteer organization for each race and/or practice. Each EMT receives a wage along with a specified amount to be used for supplies and education.
We have never observed any type of unacceptable behavior by anyone at any practice or race. It is a family oriented event and many of the EMTs would bring their children along to enjoy the races.
As far as injuries, it is a rarity that our services were required for anything more than a minor injury. It was even more of a rarity that the injury required transport to the hospital by ambulance.
We are very confident that whomever is contracted to provide EMS coverage will share with us our respect for the Read family and will find it an enjoyable experience.
The volunteers of MTEMS hope that the above information will be of help to those who are apprehensive of the move to Akron.
If at any time the Akron Town Council would like to contact us for further questions and/or concerns, please contact the MTEMS base and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Dan Hall, MTEMS volunteer president; Jolinda Brown, vice president; Brenda Collins, sec./treas.; Sue Bechtold, volunteer coordinator
Good Deed
Editor, Times-Union:It is time to acknowledge a good deed and excellent service by our local post office and a very helpful and courteous lady employee.
Inadvertently I tossed a loose dividend check which I had already endorsed in with two letters which I mailed at the drive-up at the local post office. When I could not find the check, I called the post office and a very kind and helpful lady tried to find the check but was unable to do so and, in turn, took all the information from me regarding the check. Behold, in a few days, the check was returned to me in the mail! The employees at the South Bend office received the information from the lady in Warsaw and they apparently found it and sent it on to me.
All the help and time the post office employees spent finding and returning the check to me even though the amount of the check was small is greatly appreciated.
The moral of the story is - don't endorse a check until you get to the bank and keep checks separate from your outgoing mail to avoid a problem like this.
So - hats off to the post office and the employees for service above and beyond the call to duty!
Arleen D. Koors, Warsaw
If They Were Councilmen
Editor, Times-Union:After reading some of the "Letters to the Editor" lately about the EDIT tax, I can only imagine what a County Council meeting would be like if some of the letter writers were actually on the council. It might go something like this:
Councilman A: "I have an idea. How about creating an EDIT tax where the cities of the county and the county itself could use the tax dollars for sewers, roads and other infrastructure needs. It would help retain our current industry base, plus have great potential in bringing new business here."
Councilman B: "That's not a bad idea, but I don't think the people of the county would go for it. We do the best we can with the limited amount of monies we collect now."
Councilman C: "I have a better idea, let's create a barking dog ordinance. We can have the people come to the courthouse to fill out the necessary forms so the sheriff knows where all the barking dogs are. Of course, we'll have to hire a clerk to handle the mountains of paperwork."
Councilwoman D: "Now hold on there! Hiring someone will cause government growth and we like things to stay the way they are."
Councilman B: "Well she has a point. If we hire someone, we'll have to pay them and as a result our taxes would increase."
Councilwoman D: "Maybe we can get business to foot the bill. If they have to pay more taxes, they won't have any money left over for growth. Otherwise before you know it, businesses are growing, the school system starts growing, then government will grow."
Councilman A: "Well if the county does start growing, somewhere along the way we will have to start spending tax monies for county improvements."
Councilwoman D: "Wait a minute! Before we start spending any money on roads, sewers, parks or ball fields, we need to find out what the people want. Maybe we should contact the Taxpayers Action Network."
Councilman B: "That's not a bad idea. I believe they are meeting in the NEW library."
Councilman C: "I agree. But all of this talk about growth is nothing but noise and it's giving me a headache."
Barbara and David Smolen, Warsaw
Taxes
Editor, Times-Union:When the 16th Amendment created the Federal Income Tax, the proponents said the rate would never exceed 2 percent of our earnings. Congress had found the way to enlarge the size of government. From 1781 to 1913, tariffs covered the basic expenses of our Constitutional Republic (not Democracy). As our country grew, so did trade and tariffs. Now, families with the current median income cough up 38 percent of earnings for all levels of government taxation, reports the Tax Foundation.
Over the years, with different presidents and political majorities in Congress, there have been increases and decreases in tax rates, budgets and deficits but, the resultant is increase! There is no end in sight to this trend. The president's proposed budget is an estimated $150 billion in new spending over the next five years. This budget, according to the Chamber of Commerce, includes 81 tax increases.
What about the so-called surplus? "What do we do with it?" President Clinton asked rhetorically. "We could give it all back to you and hope you spend it right." But no, he brazenly contended, the government knows better how to use your money.
Much has been said about EDIT and property taxes and that is as it should be - which brings me to the point I'm trying to make. All spending bills must be authored by the House of Representatives. We need to expend the same amount of time influencing our representatives (whose primary goal is being re-elected) that we voters want the spending stopped and the size of government reduced. We have allowed the federal government to far exceed its constitutional limits. When government is small and close to the people, it is easier to control than when it is big and remote.
J.T. Easter, Winona Lake
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- Guardian Angels - Zoning - Barking Dogs - Former Sheriff - Reads' Racing - Good Deed - If They Were Councilmen - Taxes
Guardian Angels
Editor, Times-Union:On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to thank all of those "guardian angels" who were watching over us at the Warsaw Wal-Mart parking lot on Friday, Feb. 26, 1999. If it weren't for these "angels" watching out for us, serious injury or death could have occurred. The runaway semi-tractor could have done a lot more damage and I am so grateful that no one was hurt. It was a freak accident, with no fault of the driver. Every safety precaution was taken on his part, but the brakes did not engage. It is natural for people to assume fault, but in this case, I want the public to know that he was not at fault for this accident.
We all have guardian angels and I can say today that there were four of them watching over us that night. My husband, son and daughter are still here and I thank God each and every day for these three blessings I have in my life.
Be grateful and thank God everyday for what you have in your life, because in a split second, it can be taken away.
Susan Schoettmer, Terry, Levi and Ariel
Zoning
Editor, Times-Union:On March 16th, 1999, I became a remonstrator for the first time in my life. Why? Because Robert Barth Jr. is getting 69 acres of land zoned agricultural to residential. You ask why do I care? Well because I live in Chapman Lake Park and this area is at the corner of 250E and 450N. The vote was 2-1 in favor of this new subdivision. Being very emotional about this subject didn't allow me to stand up in front of 100 other people and say the things I'm going to write today.
First of all, has anyone ever noticed the hawk that sits in the big tree on the west side of the big "dimple" in the middle of the field? Have you ever seen the momma deer and her two babies walking through that field? There used to be a red fox out here but he probably got hit.
By the grace of God, I may live to see my grandmother's age of 88. If I do, will there be any deer or hawks for me to watch? Or will I just get to look out the window at a bunch of houses and cars? Because we've decided to make all our farmland into subdivisions, we'll have to someday count on other countries to send us our food. The word farmer will just be something you look up in the dictionary or maybe find a picture of on the Internet.
I'm assuming the 2 "for" voters don't have to drive in this area now or they'd have voted differently. Traffic on 450N and 100E is so bad now it's incredible. Not to mention how fast everyone drives. You could go 65 mph and get passed! Rick and Deanna Hicks, who live on 450N, will have to get a stoplight put in just to get out of their driveway.
You can't begin to imagine the disappointment that went through that room unless you were there. I could have cried right on the spot, instead I went back to work and cried there. The house I have is my first house and of course I thought I'd live in the "country" forever or at least a very long time. Now the "burbs" are coming to me.
The overcrowding of Leesburg School will mean teachers won't have the time to spend with each child like they probably get to do now. I was a Blue Blazer and the classes were small and the teachers made us feel special. Will that change the teachers and how they teach? Will it stress them out?
You know, we could have had two- to three-hundred people in that room and it wouldn't have mattered. I'm sure their minds were made up beforehand. I'm sure somewhere down the road this will benefit someone somewhere else.
I knew a lot of the people at the meeting and I want to thank you for being there, especially Charlie for speaking for us. Chapman Lake is special. I just hope it stays that way.
Kimberly K. Zartman, Warsaw
Barking Dogs
Editor, Times-Union:In regard to the subject of barking dogs, buy some earplugs or make up to the dogs. Quit griping! Nobody appreciates a constant complainer. It's obvious you have nothing better to do with your time. Your neighbors probably have no respect left for you because of all your accusations and bitter feelings. Wouldn't life be better if our neighbors were treated with respect, dignity and a true caring heart! Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Maybe if you would change your heart, the dogs might start becoming quieter as if by some miracle.
Sheryl Wallace, Pierceton
Former Sheriff
Editor, Times-Union:How are we citizens to address the X sheriff, as X or just Old. In contacting the old sheriff by mistake the other night, boy did I get an earfull. That's all right I won't say I'm sorry for dialing wrong number either. Tried that when I was half talking to you on the phone. Your attitude was uncalled for. I told you who I was, and oh my god, you are just like that Hershel Rainwater. Oh: really, well how is that, Mr. Rovenstine? Is that because if this dog issue, that you and the others don't like to hear about? If you feel that way, then you must have it in for all the people that attended the meeting in Nov. 98? And you were a law inforcement officer for 30 years? Well, we all had better be good or the doggie man is going to get us. I don't no you at all, only by the newspaper, and that your were the sheriff at one time in this county. The type of person that I am. I have given to police organizations over the years. The retirement fund, etc. Well, Mr. R. or X, or whatever you are to be called, that has all stopped. And when these organizations call me for donations? I will tell them why. So, Mr. WiseGuy, you have cut off your nose to spite yourself.
Sharon Galloway
Reads' Racing
Editor, Times-Union:On behalf of Reads' Motor Cross, Multi-Township EMS Volunteers would like to take a moment and share with you our thoughts on the Motor Cross Races at Akron.
For more than 10 years, we have provided for the Read's emergency medical coverage for all practices and races at the Trojan Track in North Webster. Through our experiences with the Reads, each and every one of us have gained new friendships and in a way, became a part of the Read family.
Each and every one of the Read family and their staff exhibit nothing less than the utmost concern for the safety and welfare of all that pass through their gate. Including the riders, the spectators and the EMTs.
As the volunteer division of MTEMS, we do not receive compensation for our time. However, the Reads contributed to our volunteer organization for each race and/or practice. Each EMT receives a wage along with a specified amount to be used for supplies and education.
We have never observed any type of unacceptable behavior by anyone at any practice or race. It is a family oriented event and many of the EMTs would bring their children along to enjoy the races.
As far as injuries, it is a rarity that our services were required for anything more than a minor injury. It was even more of a rarity that the injury required transport to the hospital by ambulance.
We are very confident that whomever is contracted to provide EMS coverage will share with us our respect for the Read family and will find it an enjoyable experience.
The volunteers of MTEMS hope that the above information will be of help to those who are apprehensive of the move to Akron.
If at any time the Akron Town Council would like to contact us for further questions and/or concerns, please contact the MTEMS base and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Dan Hall, MTEMS volunteer president; Jolinda Brown, vice president; Brenda Collins, sec./treas.; Sue Bechtold, volunteer coordinator
Good Deed
Editor, Times-Union:It is time to acknowledge a good deed and excellent service by our local post office and a very helpful and courteous lady employee.
Inadvertently I tossed a loose dividend check which I had already endorsed in with two letters which I mailed at the drive-up at the local post office. When I could not find the check, I called the post office and a very kind and helpful lady tried to find the check but was unable to do so and, in turn, took all the information from me regarding the check. Behold, in a few days, the check was returned to me in the mail! The employees at the South Bend office received the information from the lady in Warsaw and they apparently found it and sent it on to me.
All the help and time the post office employees spent finding and returning the check to me even though the amount of the check was small is greatly appreciated.
The moral of the story is - don't endorse a check until you get to the bank and keep checks separate from your outgoing mail to avoid a problem like this.
So - hats off to the post office and the employees for service above and beyond the call to duty!
Arleen D. Koors, Warsaw
If They Were Councilmen
Editor, Times-Union:After reading some of the "Letters to the Editor" lately about the EDIT tax, I can only imagine what a County Council meeting would be like if some of the letter writers were actually on the council. It might go something like this:
Councilman A: "I have an idea. How about creating an EDIT tax where the cities of the county and the county itself could use the tax dollars for sewers, roads and other infrastructure needs. It would help retain our current industry base, plus have great potential in bringing new business here."
Councilman B: "That's not a bad idea, but I don't think the people of the county would go for it. We do the best we can with the limited amount of monies we collect now."
Councilman C: "I have a better idea, let's create a barking dog ordinance. We can have the people come to the courthouse to fill out the necessary forms so the sheriff knows where all the barking dogs are. Of course, we'll have to hire a clerk to handle the mountains of paperwork."
Councilwoman D: "Now hold on there! Hiring someone will cause government growth and we like things to stay the way they are."
Councilman B: "Well she has a point. If we hire someone, we'll have to pay them and as a result our taxes would increase."
Councilwoman D: "Maybe we can get business to foot the bill. If they have to pay more taxes, they won't have any money left over for growth. Otherwise before you know it, businesses are growing, the school system starts growing, then government will grow."
Councilman A: "Well if the county does start growing, somewhere along the way we will have to start spending tax monies for county improvements."
Councilwoman D: "Wait a minute! Before we start spending any money on roads, sewers, parks or ball fields, we need to find out what the people want. Maybe we should contact the Taxpayers Action Network."
Councilman B: "That's not a bad idea. I believe they are meeting in the NEW library."
Councilman C: "I agree. But all of this talk about growth is nothing but noise and it's giving me a headache."
Barbara and David Smolen, Warsaw
Taxes
Editor, Times-Union:When the 16th Amendment created the Federal Income Tax, the proponents said the rate would never exceed 2 percent of our earnings. Congress had found the way to enlarge the size of government. From 1781 to 1913, tariffs covered the basic expenses of our Constitutional Republic (not Democracy). As our country grew, so did trade and tariffs. Now, families with the current median income cough up 38 percent of earnings for all levels of government taxation, reports the Tax Foundation.
Over the years, with different presidents and political majorities in Congress, there have been increases and decreases in tax rates, budgets and deficits but, the resultant is increase! There is no end in sight to this trend. The president's proposed budget is an estimated $150 billion in new spending over the next five years. This budget, according to the Chamber of Commerce, includes 81 tax increases.
What about the so-called surplus? "What do we do with it?" President Clinton asked rhetorically. "We could give it all back to you and hope you spend it right." But no, he brazenly contended, the government knows better how to use your money.
Much has been said about EDIT and property taxes and that is as it should be - which brings me to the point I'm trying to make. All spending bills must be authored by the House of Representatives. We need to expend the same amount of time influencing our representatives (whose primary goal is being re-elected) that we voters want the spending stopped and the size of government reduced. We have allowed the federal government to far exceed its constitutional limits. When government is small and close to the people, it is easier to control than when it is big and remote.
J.T. Easter, Winona Lake
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