Letters to the Editor 04-05-2006
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Biofuels Plant Defended - Sexual Assault - Toll Road Money - Unlicensed Child Care - Basketball Opinion - Time - Taken For A Ride - Water Quality
Biofuels Plant Defended
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to all the fuss the new biofuels plant in Claypool is bringing.
You would think something that is better for the environment in the long run by using less fossil fuels would be something Kosciusko County could get behind. Not to mention the economic benefit to a county that is extremely agriculture. However, there are those out there that feel differently. Well there is nothing wrong with that, this is a free country and it is our right to do so.
However, people are really turning this into a circus. First and foremost to the gentleman who complained that the company isn't putting the offices in Claypool: Why would you put your offices, the first thing investors and others get an impression from, in Claypool? What is there that is going to "wow" them? Not much that I know of. There is no place for these people to stay, eat or whatever else they want to do while they are in Kosciusko County. It's all about impressions, and frankly Claypool really doesn't have that "wow" appeal that Warsaw does.
Next onto the air quality issue - of course there is going to be some emissions. Yet, we seem to forget we have Daltons and Warsaw Foundry in Warsaw. Based on that, you think the air is going to be so much cleaner in Warsaw than Claypool? Most likely not, but then again I never seen an air quality report comparing biofuel plants and foundries, and I bet you would be lucky to find one.
If people are concerned, they should check out the American Coalition for Ethanol at www.ethanol.org They have numerous resources that should help clear up any questions you have. If all else fails, there are numerous other Web sites and groups out there that I believe you can find the right information.
Brad Clayton
Wawasee High School Graduate
Oklahoma State University-Stillwater
Undergrad: Plant and Soil Sciences - Biotechnoloy
Sexual Assault
Editor, Times-Union:Previously, the problem of sexual assault was narrowly defined as the rape of an adult woman by a stranger and it was perceived only as a woman's issue.
Today, sexual assault has a broader definition. It not only includes the rape of adult women, but also the sexual victimization of young girls and boys and of adult men. It is estimated that one out of every four girls and one out of every six boys will be the victim of sexual assault before age 18. More than 80 percent of these children will be victimized by someone they know and trust - a parent, uncle, brother, family friend, teacher, babysitter, etc. According to child protective services, more than 4,000 children are sexually abused each year in Indiana alone.
A woman's risk of being raped by someone she knows is at least four times greater than of being raped by a stranger. One out of every four college women has been raped or the victim of an attempted rape by a boyfriend, date or acquaintance. In Indiana, one out of every seven women is the victim of rape and more than 2,000 rapes occur in this state each year.
As previously mentioned, sexual assault is not just a woman's issue. It's estimated that up to 10 percent of all adult rape victims are male. Contrary to popular belief, male rape is not something that only happens in prison. It can happen to any man regardless of size, strength, appearance, sexual orientation or beliefs.
Sexual assault not only affects the victims, it also affects their family, friends, co-workers, etc. While the immediate physical and mental affects can be devastating for the victim, the long-term consequences can have a devastating and destructive affect for the community as well.
April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to increase the community's awareness of the problem of sexual violence. It's also an opportunity to commit ourselves to those actions we can take as individuals and as a community to reduce this epidemic.
What you can do:
Know the facts and challenge your friends when they perpetuate myths and stereotypes about sexual violence.
Confront violent, sexually abusive behavior when you see or hear it.
Empower yourself with the knowledge to stay safe - take a sexual assault awareness and/or self-defense class.
Show support and educate others about preventing sexual violence.
Share your knowledge with your family and friends.
Confront sexist jokes or humor that objectifies women.
Sexual violence can be reduced and even stopped. It just requires each of us to take an active role in keeping ourselves and our community safe.
Steve Zorn, via e-mail
Warsaw
Toll Road Money
Editor, Times-Union:Let the spending begin!
Does anyone want to guess how long it will take the government to blow the $3.85 billion from the toll road lease? A lot less time than the 75 years the toll road will be in the hands of others.
Rep. Dave Wolkins may have some reservations about his vote against the lease, but I believe time will prove he acted in the best interest of his constituents. Thanks, Dave.
To approve this lease is tantamount to saying we are incapable of managing this ourselves. I don't believe it.
Charles Carnes
Warsaw
Unlicensed Child Care
Editor, Times-Union:April is the Month of the Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month. I would like to take this opportunity to share with parents in the community the importance of quality child care for their children and a few suggestions on how to find quality care for your child.
Did you know, in some areas of Indiana, unlicensed child care providers outnumber licensed care 3 to 1? If your unlicensed provider cares for more then five unrelated children, they are operating illegally.
Did you know unlicensed providers are not monitored by the state, are not required to have CPR/first aid, do not have criminal background checks, are not fingerprinted and are not checked on the national child abuse registry? These are all required by the state to be a licensed provider.
Unlicensed providers do not have to have continued education, cannot participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, guaranteeing nutritious meals and snacks, and in most cases do not report their income to the IRS, meaning that the parents cannot take advantage of the 100 percent deduction for child care expenses.
With this said, unlicensed providers can charge less but, in the end, the parents lose out because none of the payments can be deducted from their taxes.
Quality child care is important to these small children who cannot defend themselves should someone abuse or neglect them. It is a parent's responsibility to assure their children are in a safe, nurturing environment. Indiana offers several ways to find quality care. You can contact the Indiana Association of Childcare Resources and Referral at 800-299-1627 to find out more about locating quality child care. You also can go to www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/ to find quality care in your area. I also would like to suggest reading "A Parent Guide to Choosing Safe and Healthy Child Care," located on this Web site.
In conclusion, I would like parents to take a minute and thank their licensed provider for the work that they do. Because of those providers, it enables parents to go to work and not worry about their child's safety.
Monica Boyer, via e-mail
President, Indiana Childcare Association
Warsaw
Basketball Opinion
Editor, Times-Union:I have read a lot of the letters attacking Dale Hubler's truthful opinion of the Warsaw boys basketball Coach Doug Ogle and his program. I applaud him for speaking his mind. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? I see that some of you and myself also have given our truthful opinion, now haven't we? I would even venture to say that there are many of you Tiger basketball faithful who feel the same way that Dale feels but will not take a stand.
Being an avid Tiger Basketball fan like Dale is, I could see why he is so upset with the boys basketball program. No one likes to see their team lose or watch a proud basketball program go downward. I refereed games for Al and Doug both and I know how proud and demanding they are of their program. I would say that Dale Hubler is a very proud Tiger basketball fan, even though he has ruffled a few feathers by giving his truthful opinion.
Tom Davis, via e-mail
Columbia City
Time
Editor, Times-Union:Changing the time on all my clocks is a real hassle.
If the governor hadn't assured us that commerce was going to pick up and implied we would all be so much better off financially, I would really be upset. I'm going to use my financial windfall to take trips to Hawaii and Arizona so I can make fun of all those poor unenlightened losers who don't realize how much better off they could be if they changed their time twice a year.
I feel so much better about being a Hoosier now, knowing that the rest of the country no longer thinks of us as country bumpkins. Thanks a lot, Governor Daniels.
Dick Jaynes, via e-mail
Warsaw
Taken For A Ride
Editor, Times-Union:As with all words, letters still are only as good as their thoughts. Here are some for you.
Where does an elected governor of any state lease out, sell if you will, a citizen's asset for a lifetime? We might as well be slaves to the boss-man at the top. You, your parents and I paid a price since former President Eisenhower, good money to use this roadway; it's maintenance and original construction.
If you really listen to the one-sided campaign-like ad proponents aired, they said they lost money for a few years, but the new owners will make some on it. How do you think that's going to happen? More tollbooths per mile even at the same price? Keeping the same rate, at each booth all right. For that matter, the money per stop today isn't that much, I agree, but we're told it's only for "maintaining this road."
We could say, why is this toll still applied to the main artery for Chicago and Detroit, surely benefiting industry some, while all the other roads are supported winter and summer, by road taxes?
Even the current President let go the thought (so we're told) of changing ownership to a foreign company with a hostile citizenry for U.S.-bound containers, jeopardizing your national security for this country. It must be a willing gamble for those not owning farmland, or living within the nuclear-kill radius. But how then did this "leasing" become so "in vogue" or popular for politicians, selling off the good things we have for the next generation?
Newscasters had interviewed a truck driver "what he thought," his reply was to use some other parallel highway, avoiding tolls. Something you're to do I suppose, but I bet this same trucker winds up using more fuel on the rural unkempt roads and wearing out that truck faster. They also talked to a state legislator asking how many dollars would go back to the cities along the tollway, he responded to that alright, but reluctantly added nothing went to the people (persons who originally paid the bill).
We're told we have a short time to make our objections known, or sit down and go along for the ride. I would like to know where is this bus going anyway?
R. E. Snizek, via e-mail
Warsaw
Water Quality
Editor, Times-Union:Bravo to Mr. Lee and Mr. Tyler for their concerns about the water quality of our lakes, many of which have been suffering from neglect or apathy or both for years.
When we moved to Winona Lake 17 years ago, we would take early morning walks, which included making the circle of the then-developing Country Gardens subdivision, which is south of Winona Lake. There were erosion ruts that easily measured 18 inches to 2 feet deep and more than a foot wide with the sediment eventually running into that end of the lake.
We knew that condition should be addressed, but we didn't know to whom and also felt that no one in official capacity would listen to anonymous newcomers. So we just played "ain't it awful" and did nothing. On the other hand, we did some minor roof adjustments to a window and an official immediately appeared on our doorstep asking where our building permit was. We did not realize such a minor job would require one. So it's clear where the priorities lay.
We shall see whether ordinance translates into substance, which means improved quality of our Kosciusko County lakes.
Tam Vogel
Winona Lake
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- Biofuels Plant Defended - Sexual Assault - Toll Road Money - Unlicensed Child Care - Basketball Opinion - Time - Taken For A Ride - Water Quality
Biofuels Plant Defended
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to all the fuss the new biofuels plant in Claypool is bringing.
You would think something that is better for the environment in the long run by using less fossil fuels would be something Kosciusko County could get behind. Not to mention the economic benefit to a county that is extremely agriculture. However, there are those out there that feel differently. Well there is nothing wrong with that, this is a free country and it is our right to do so.
However, people are really turning this into a circus. First and foremost to the gentleman who complained that the company isn't putting the offices in Claypool: Why would you put your offices, the first thing investors and others get an impression from, in Claypool? What is there that is going to "wow" them? Not much that I know of. There is no place for these people to stay, eat or whatever else they want to do while they are in Kosciusko County. It's all about impressions, and frankly Claypool really doesn't have that "wow" appeal that Warsaw does.
Next onto the air quality issue - of course there is going to be some emissions. Yet, we seem to forget we have Daltons and Warsaw Foundry in Warsaw. Based on that, you think the air is going to be so much cleaner in Warsaw than Claypool? Most likely not, but then again I never seen an air quality report comparing biofuel plants and foundries, and I bet you would be lucky to find one.
If people are concerned, they should check out the American Coalition for Ethanol at www.ethanol.org They have numerous resources that should help clear up any questions you have. If all else fails, there are numerous other Web sites and groups out there that I believe you can find the right information.
Brad Clayton
Wawasee High School Graduate
Oklahoma State University-Stillwater
Undergrad: Plant and Soil Sciences - Biotechnoloy
Sexual Assault
Editor, Times-Union:Previously, the problem of sexual assault was narrowly defined as the rape of an adult woman by a stranger and it was perceived only as a woman's issue.
Today, sexual assault has a broader definition. It not only includes the rape of adult women, but also the sexual victimization of young girls and boys and of adult men. It is estimated that one out of every four girls and one out of every six boys will be the victim of sexual assault before age 18. More than 80 percent of these children will be victimized by someone they know and trust - a parent, uncle, brother, family friend, teacher, babysitter, etc. According to child protective services, more than 4,000 children are sexually abused each year in Indiana alone.
A woman's risk of being raped by someone she knows is at least four times greater than of being raped by a stranger. One out of every four college women has been raped or the victim of an attempted rape by a boyfriend, date or acquaintance. In Indiana, one out of every seven women is the victim of rape and more than 2,000 rapes occur in this state each year.
As previously mentioned, sexual assault is not just a woman's issue. It's estimated that up to 10 percent of all adult rape victims are male. Contrary to popular belief, male rape is not something that only happens in prison. It can happen to any man regardless of size, strength, appearance, sexual orientation or beliefs.
Sexual assault not only affects the victims, it also affects their family, friends, co-workers, etc. While the immediate physical and mental affects can be devastating for the victim, the long-term consequences can have a devastating and destructive affect for the community as well.
April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to increase the community's awareness of the problem of sexual violence. It's also an opportunity to commit ourselves to those actions we can take as individuals and as a community to reduce this epidemic.
What you can do:
Know the facts and challenge your friends when they perpetuate myths and stereotypes about sexual violence.
Confront violent, sexually abusive behavior when you see or hear it.
Empower yourself with the knowledge to stay safe - take a sexual assault awareness and/or self-defense class.
Show support and educate others about preventing sexual violence.
Share your knowledge with your family and friends.
Confront sexist jokes or humor that objectifies women.
Sexual violence can be reduced and even stopped. It just requires each of us to take an active role in keeping ourselves and our community safe.
Steve Zorn, via e-mail
Warsaw
Toll Road Money
Editor, Times-Union:Let the spending begin!
Does anyone want to guess how long it will take the government to blow the $3.85 billion from the toll road lease? A lot less time than the 75 years the toll road will be in the hands of others.
Rep. Dave Wolkins may have some reservations about his vote against the lease, but I believe time will prove he acted in the best interest of his constituents. Thanks, Dave.
To approve this lease is tantamount to saying we are incapable of managing this ourselves. I don't believe it.
Charles Carnes
Warsaw
Unlicensed Child Care
Editor, Times-Union:April is the Month of the Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month. I would like to take this opportunity to share with parents in the community the importance of quality child care for their children and a few suggestions on how to find quality care for your child.
Did you know, in some areas of Indiana, unlicensed child care providers outnumber licensed care 3 to 1? If your unlicensed provider cares for more then five unrelated children, they are operating illegally.
Did you know unlicensed providers are not monitored by the state, are not required to have CPR/first aid, do not have criminal background checks, are not fingerprinted and are not checked on the national child abuse registry? These are all required by the state to be a licensed provider.
Unlicensed providers do not have to have continued education, cannot participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, guaranteeing nutritious meals and snacks, and in most cases do not report their income to the IRS, meaning that the parents cannot take advantage of the 100 percent deduction for child care expenses.
With this said, unlicensed providers can charge less but, in the end, the parents lose out because none of the payments can be deducted from their taxes.
Quality child care is important to these small children who cannot defend themselves should someone abuse or neglect them. It is a parent's responsibility to assure their children are in a safe, nurturing environment. Indiana offers several ways to find quality care. You can contact the Indiana Association of Childcare Resources and Referral at 800-299-1627 to find out more about locating quality child care. You also can go to www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/ to find quality care in your area. I also would like to suggest reading "A Parent Guide to Choosing Safe and Healthy Child Care," located on this Web site.
In conclusion, I would like parents to take a minute and thank their licensed provider for the work that they do. Because of those providers, it enables parents to go to work and not worry about their child's safety.
Monica Boyer, via e-mail
President, Indiana Childcare Association
Warsaw
Basketball Opinion
Editor, Times-Union:I have read a lot of the letters attacking Dale Hubler's truthful opinion of the Warsaw boys basketball Coach Doug Ogle and his program. I applaud him for speaking his mind. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? I see that some of you and myself also have given our truthful opinion, now haven't we? I would even venture to say that there are many of you Tiger basketball faithful who feel the same way that Dale feels but will not take a stand.
Being an avid Tiger Basketball fan like Dale is, I could see why he is so upset with the boys basketball program. No one likes to see their team lose or watch a proud basketball program go downward. I refereed games for Al and Doug both and I know how proud and demanding they are of their program. I would say that Dale Hubler is a very proud Tiger basketball fan, even though he has ruffled a few feathers by giving his truthful opinion.
Tom Davis, via e-mail
Columbia City
Time
Editor, Times-Union:Changing the time on all my clocks is a real hassle.
If the governor hadn't assured us that commerce was going to pick up and implied we would all be so much better off financially, I would really be upset. I'm going to use my financial windfall to take trips to Hawaii and Arizona so I can make fun of all those poor unenlightened losers who don't realize how much better off they could be if they changed their time twice a year.
I feel so much better about being a Hoosier now, knowing that the rest of the country no longer thinks of us as country bumpkins. Thanks a lot, Governor Daniels.
Dick Jaynes, via e-mail
Warsaw
Taken For A Ride
Editor, Times-Union:As with all words, letters still are only as good as their thoughts. Here are some for you.
Where does an elected governor of any state lease out, sell if you will, a citizen's asset for a lifetime? We might as well be slaves to the boss-man at the top. You, your parents and I paid a price since former President Eisenhower, good money to use this roadway; it's maintenance and original construction.
If you really listen to the one-sided campaign-like ad proponents aired, they said they lost money for a few years, but the new owners will make some on it. How do you think that's going to happen? More tollbooths per mile even at the same price? Keeping the same rate, at each booth all right. For that matter, the money per stop today isn't that much, I agree, but we're told it's only for "maintaining this road."
We could say, why is this toll still applied to the main artery for Chicago and Detroit, surely benefiting industry some, while all the other roads are supported winter and summer, by road taxes?
Even the current President let go the thought (so we're told) of changing ownership to a foreign company with a hostile citizenry for U.S.-bound containers, jeopardizing your national security for this country. It must be a willing gamble for those not owning farmland, or living within the nuclear-kill radius. But how then did this "leasing" become so "in vogue" or popular for politicians, selling off the good things we have for the next generation?
Newscasters had interviewed a truck driver "what he thought," his reply was to use some other parallel highway, avoiding tolls. Something you're to do I suppose, but I bet this same trucker winds up using more fuel on the rural unkempt roads and wearing out that truck faster. They also talked to a state legislator asking how many dollars would go back to the cities along the tollway, he responded to that alright, but reluctantly added nothing went to the people (persons who originally paid the bill).
We're told we have a short time to make our objections known, or sit down and go along for the ride. I would like to know where is this bus going anyway?
R. E. Snizek, via e-mail
Warsaw
Water Quality
Editor, Times-Union:Bravo to Mr. Lee and Mr. Tyler for their concerns about the water quality of our lakes, many of which have been suffering from neglect or apathy or both for years.
When we moved to Winona Lake 17 years ago, we would take early morning walks, which included making the circle of the then-developing Country Gardens subdivision, which is south of Winona Lake. There were erosion ruts that easily measured 18 inches to 2 feet deep and more than a foot wide with the sediment eventually running into that end of the lake.
We knew that condition should be addressed, but we didn't know to whom and also felt that no one in official capacity would listen to anonymous newcomers. So we just played "ain't it awful" and did nothing. On the other hand, we did some minor roof adjustments to a window and an official immediately appeared on our doorstep asking where our building permit was. We did not realize such a minor job would require one. So it's clear where the priorities lay.
We shall see whether ordinance translates into substance, which means improved quality of our Kosciusko County lakes.
Tam Vogel
Winona Lake
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