Letters to the Editor 04-07-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Urban Legends - Band Members - Cruel And Unusual - Animal Welfare - Supports Greenway - Meijer Questions - Meijer Who? - Volunteer Week - Kid Violence
Urban Legends
Editor, Times-Union:Referring to the letter from Ben Scripture titled "People in Government" in the 4/05/00 paper, I am sorry to say that I believe this is one of those "Urban Legends" that is still being passed around especially on the Internet. Sorry, Ben. Although you had some good points voters should consider.
While on the subject of Urban Legends, a few others that have resurfaced on the Internet are: the reason Kentucky Fried Chicken changed its name to KFC, send this to 10 people and you will get a free car, the infamous Proctor & Gamble/satanic rumor, and AIDS on the needles in the movie theater seats or in the coin return slots of the pay phone.
I even hear the Children's Make-A-Wish Foundation is getting tired of receiving 300,000 cards each week for little 7-year-old Craig Shergold who is dying of cancer. (By the way he had the operation in 1991 and is believed to be doing fine.) You can quit sending the cards. A 10,000 square foot warehouse is filled with them to the ceiling. They don't need anymore!
There are hundreds more to be found at www.urbanlegends.com/ Please quit e-mailing them to me. I really don't have time to read them. I am too busy reading e-mail telling me how to make money via the Internet.
Michael Stephan
via e-mail
Band Members
Editor, Times-Union:On Friday, March 17, I had the opportunity to watch and listen to a group of gifted, hardworking, disciplined and seasoned team players from our Lakeview and Edgewood middle schools. They demonstrated skills given to them by God and showed that when pursuing a common goal, they can work together as a well-tuned engine.
Ms. Person, Mr. Ratliffe and Mr. Neuman did a great job in teaching and encouraging. It was a privilege to listen to the members of the bands who won first place at Goshen. Congratulations to all of you.
Steve Behny, parent
LMS band student
Cruel And Unusual
Editor, Times-Union:Until reading Michael Smith's letter to the editor regarding Maha Ibrahim's punishment by the administration of Warsaw Community High School, I was unaware of the severity of their actions. After reading Mr. Smith's letter, I used a few inappropriate words myself (fortunately my children were sleeping). What I read was so appalling, so outrageous, that I simply must restate it here: Maha was "dismissed from Student Council for the balance of this school year" and is "not allowed to participate in Student Council (or any school functions...) for the balance of her high school career." Wow!Ê Is this possible?
Having been fortunate enough to meet Maha and speak with her casually on a few occasions, the administration's actions seem unfathomable. Maha? This young lady is perhaps one of the most articulate, bright and philosophical young people I have met. She is also polite, kind, open-minded and empathetic. But, perhaps the key word is articulate.Ê
Maha's vocabulary is extensive enough that she doesn't need to resort to inappropriate language. Yet, apparently, this bright young woman slipped up and twice used an inappropriate word. One can only wonder if the school administrators and remaining staff have never committed a verbal faux pas - surely this must be the case if they are willing to mete out such severe penalization.
I believe we should all face repercussions for our inappropriate actions, but destroying one's high school career due to of an error in judgment that caused no grievous or fatal harm is more than a bit extreme. It's disgusting!
I can only hope that my own children will grow up to have a fraction of what Maha has. Her parents, friends and family should be very proud. I urge everyone who has met this fine young lady to be unceasing in their efforts to uncover the true story here. Surely there is more than meets the eye. Write to the principal, superintendant, your congressman. Something is rotten in the city of Warsaw. And to Maha, may she remember Hamlet's words to Horatio: "Blest are those Whose blood and judgment are so well commingled, That they are not a pipe for fortune's finger to sound what stop she please. Give me that man That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart, As I do thee."
Jane Richard
Warsaw
Animal Welfare
Editor, Times-Union:The Animal Welfare League, along with the American Humane Association and Hills Science Diet, will participate in Tag Day. Tag Day is a day that has been set aside as a day to make pet owners aware of how important it is for their pet to have on, at all times, some form of identification whether it is an ID tag, a tattoo or microchip. The AWL is equipped with a microchip scanner.
We are most likely to reunite pets with their families if the animal ends up at the shelter with some type of identification. If an animal has no identification, we have no way of knowing who it belongs to. So please make this very inexpensive investment in your pet. It could save his life and get him home quickly.
If you have any questions about Tag Day, or where you can purchase an ID tag for your pet or a microchip, please call the shelter and we will be happy to help you. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or call 267-3008.
Tracey Yates
Trina Menzie
AWL directors
Supports Greenway
Editor, Times-Union:I am not a resident of Warsaw, but I am a resident of Kosciusko County. And I am not a kid by a long shot. Actually I am in my 50s. But I have recently rediscovered the joys of bike riding, and I travel quite a bit just to go for rides on bike trails around the country. I can't understand how anyone could not want the Greenway. How could anyone be against something that generations can do together? I love an afternoon of riding with my grandchildren. How can anyone be against something that will get the kids out from in front of the TV, or the computer, and out into the fresh air and enjoying nature, safely, getting some exercise, doing something with Mom and Dad. The whole family can enjoy a great bike ride or a walk together. Being able to walk, skate or bike safely can also take traffic off our busy roads, reduce gas usage, reduce pollution, etc.
I could go on and on, but I hope you get the message.
Carole Gilbert
North Webster
via e-mail
Meijer Questions
Editor, Times-Union:I attended an informational meeting on March 28th concerning the "Meijer Store" project. They are wanting to put a 24-hour store and gas station along Husky Trail/Patterson Road between the Baptist Church and the Mennonite Church.
Here are a few of my many concerns:
1) It is close to Harrison school. Patterson Road/Husky Trail already has a huge amount of traffic. Do we want more traffic, putting our children at an even greater risk?
2) Trucks. Meijer said that they would not encourage trucks, but they would not discourage them. Since a diesel pump is to be put in at the gas station, I think that is enough encouragement.Ê
3) Property value. Due to the increased traffic, lighting (24 hours a day), noise (with delivery trucks and semis getting fuel) and the "outlet" stores or businesses that can/will be built on this property, our property value, in all likelihood, will decrease.
ÊI am hoping that our community will show up at the April 10th Public Hearing (rezoning this property from residential to special commercial) meeting at 7 p.m. in the old courtroom at the courthouse to help us discourage Meijer from choosing a residential area for their location.
Amy Furnivall
Warsaw
via e-mail
Meijer Who?
Editor, Times-Union:When I read your article in Tuesday's paper the first thought that went through my mind is does Warsaw and Kosciusko County need another gigantic super discount store? Warsaw already has a Wal-Mart, J.C. Penney, K-Mart, Elder-Beerman and Stage Department Store. Then combine two Kroger (Owens) Supermarkets and the Marsh Supermarket in Warsaw, plus New Venue Supermarkets in North Webster and Syracuse, plus Everetts in Milford our needs are pretty well taken care of.
Having said that it seems to me the Times-Union owes its subscribers some investigative reporting. Who is Meijer? Is there a person by the name Meijer? Where is their home town? We know Sam Walton had his first store in Bentonville, Arkansas. Where was the first Meijer store located? Your article mentions a Meijer store in Goshen. What do the people of Goshen think about their store? Do the people like it or wish it never had been dropped at its doorstep?
Specifically what benefits will Warsaw and Kosciusko County receive from Meijers that we are not getting from the store(s) we have? I have two routes getting into Warsaw. I can go through Leesburg onto Ind. 15 and into town. The other route is to turn onto CR 200 from Armstrong Road, which eventually brings me to U.S. 30, cross it and eventually gets me to East Center Street and into downtown Warsaw.
I notice that Warsaw City Planner, Jeff Noffsinger, is planning on recommending Meijers petition to the council. This exercise reminds me a little bit when the library board was going to build a new library at the fairgrounds until the remonstrators got organized and changed enough minds so that an addition was added to the existing library. I believe much thought should be given before Meijers becomes a major business factor in Warsaw and Kosciusko County.
Back in February, I enrolled in a conversational Spanish course at Wawasee High School consisting of six classes on Monday nights. I have attended five classes with the sixth one this coming Monday night so I won't be able to attend Monday night's meeting. I have no objection for this letter to be read at that meeting by a person that you feel is an appropriate person.
Bernard Moore
Leesburg
Note: Meijer started by accident in 1934 when Hendrik Meijer couldn't rent or sell the space adjoining his barber shop in Greenville, Mich. He bought $338.76 of merchandise on credit and opened his own grocery store. Meijer built his reputation on low prices and treating customers with respect. By 1950, Meijer had grown into a small chain of hometown supermarkets. In the 1960s, the chain combined groceries and general merchandise, pioneering the "superstore" concept. Meijer has about 100 stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. A Meijer store generally has around 200,000 square feet and carries more than 120,000 products in 40 departments. Meijer stores are open 364 days a year, 24 hours a day. Meijer, like most regional or national chains, is involved in a fair share of community service projects and is generally well-received by consumers.
Gary Gerard
Managing Editor
Volunteer Week
Editor, Times-Union:National Volunteer Week, April 9-15, is a chance for the National Weather Service to single out the role of the volunteer Cooperative Weather Observers, who help us spot important weather and climate trends. Since 1890, a vast network of cooperative observers has served the nation by reporting weather findings - such as temperature and precipitation - to the National Weather Service. Our meteorologists use this information, along with observations taken by weather satellites, Doppler radar and other advanced technology, to develop forecasts that are increasingly more accurate.
The observations of the volunteers become part of America's weather annals and help meteorologists and climatologists shape their understanding of the relationship between weather, water and climate.
Many of the 11,700 volunteer weather observers have taken measurements for decades, passing down the tradition to younger generations. In some cases, weather records have been collected at the same locations for more than 100 years. The Northern Indiana National Weather Service office near North Webster serves 24 counties in northern Indiana. Each day in these 24 counties, 66 cooperative observers report weather information to the North Webster office and contribute to America's historical data collection. These records also help guide agricultural and commercial interests, and have a critical impact on preparing areas for severe weather, such as flooding.
Cooperative weather observers themselves are unique people, with backgrounds that run the gamut - from grandparents to home-business owners, to pharmacists and retired military veterans. Without their dedication and enthusiasm, the National Weather Service would not be the meteorological leader it is today.
As the nation observes National Volunteer Week, please remember these unsung heroes in weather forecasting.
Michael Sabones
Meteorologist-in-charge
Kid Violence
Editor, Times-Union:According to a recent "Letter to the Editor," the rising culture of kid violence in this country can be addressed by sending kids to an outdoor camp specializing in target practice, gun safety and the like. The writer specifically mentioned Camp Mollenour, a grossly under-utilized facility situated in a pristine setting in Kosciusko County that would make the Wilderness Society green-eyed with envy.
Be that as it may, the rationale of this facility as the solution of the seemingly mounting rashes of bizarre shootings is not viable for numerous reasons, logistics for one. While it would teach a minute percentage of area youth valuable lessons on gun safety, it could not address the national scene even if every county in the USA had such a great facility. (As an aside, the aquatics program as witnessed two years ago is a disaster which urgently needs to be upgraded, unless it already has been. Presumably most of the campers come from lakes areas where skills of swimming, life-saving and general boating safety are imperative.)
For those who view that the basis for ethical behavior in youth is learned by osmosis, instead of the Ten Commandments, consider posting "Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You." It has several advantages: it is short and to-the-point and therefore more easily remembered; it has the aura of a sound byte and therefore may resonate with Today's Generation; it is a tenet of all major religions in the world and therefore is nearly inclusive.
And yet, despite the fact that presently it is politically and emotionally correct, is it rational to expend time, money and energy posting anything? Why post a band-aid over a melanoma?
Tam Vogel
Winona Lake
[[In-content Ad]]
Latest News
E-Editions
- Urban Legends - Band Members - Cruel And Unusual - Animal Welfare - Supports Greenway - Meijer Questions - Meijer Who? - Volunteer Week - Kid Violence
Urban Legends
Editor, Times-Union:Referring to the letter from Ben Scripture titled "People in Government" in the 4/05/00 paper, I am sorry to say that I believe this is one of those "Urban Legends" that is still being passed around especially on the Internet. Sorry, Ben. Although you had some good points voters should consider.
While on the subject of Urban Legends, a few others that have resurfaced on the Internet are: the reason Kentucky Fried Chicken changed its name to KFC, send this to 10 people and you will get a free car, the infamous Proctor & Gamble/satanic rumor, and AIDS on the needles in the movie theater seats or in the coin return slots of the pay phone.
I even hear the Children's Make-A-Wish Foundation is getting tired of receiving 300,000 cards each week for little 7-year-old Craig Shergold who is dying of cancer. (By the way he had the operation in 1991 and is believed to be doing fine.) You can quit sending the cards. A 10,000 square foot warehouse is filled with them to the ceiling. They don't need anymore!
There are hundreds more to be found at www.urbanlegends.com/ Please quit e-mailing them to me. I really don't have time to read them. I am too busy reading e-mail telling me how to make money via the Internet.
Michael Stephan
via e-mail
Band Members
Editor, Times-Union:On Friday, March 17, I had the opportunity to watch and listen to a group of gifted, hardworking, disciplined and seasoned team players from our Lakeview and Edgewood middle schools. They demonstrated skills given to them by God and showed that when pursuing a common goal, they can work together as a well-tuned engine.
Ms. Person, Mr. Ratliffe and Mr. Neuman did a great job in teaching and encouraging. It was a privilege to listen to the members of the bands who won first place at Goshen. Congratulations to all of you.
Steve Behny, parent
LMS band student
Cruel And Unusual
Editor, Times-Union:Until reading Michael Smith's letter to the editor regarding Maha Ibrahim's punishment by the administration of Warsaw Community High School, I was unaware of the severity of their actions. After reading Mr. Smith's letter, I used a few inappropriate words myself (fortunately my children were sleeping). What I read was so appalling, so outrageous, that I simply must restate it here: Maha was "dismissed from Student Council for the balance of this school year" and is "not allowed to participate in Student Council (or any school functions...) for the balance of her high school career." Wow!Ê Is this possible?
Having been fortunate enough to meet Maha and speak with her casually on a few occasions, the administration's actions seem unfathomable. Maha? This young lady is perhaps one of the most articulate, bright and philosophical young people I have met. She is also polite, kind, open-minded and empathetic. But, perhaps the key word is articulate.Ê
Maha's vocabulary is extensive enough that she doesn't need to resort to inappropriate language. Yet, apparently, this bright young woman slipped up and twice used an inappropriate word. One can only wonder if the school administrators and remaining staff have never committed a verbal faux pas - surely this must be the case if they are willing to mete out such severe penalization.
I believe we should all face repercussions for our inappropriate actions, but destroying one's high school career due to of an error in judgment that caused no grievous or fatal harm is more than a bit extreme. It's disgusting!
I can only hope that my own children will grow up to have a fraction of what Maha has. Her parents, friends and family should be very proud. I urge everyone who has met this fine young lady to be unceasing in their efforts to uncover the true story here. Surely there is more than meets the eye. Write to the principal, superintendant, your congressman. Something is rotten in the city of Warsaw. And to Maha, may she remember Hamlet's words to Horatio: "Blest are those Whose blood and judgment are so well commingled, That they are not a pipe for fortune's finger to sound what stop she please. Give me that man That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart, As I do thee."
Jane Richard
Warsaw
Animal Welfare
Editor, Times-Union:The Animal Welfare League, along with the American Humane Association and Hills Science Diet, will participate in Tag Day. Tag Day is a day that has been set aside as a day to make pet owners aware of how important it is for their pet to have on, at all times, some form of identification whether it is an ID tag, a tattoo or microchip. The AWL is equipped with a microchip scanner.
We are most likely to reunite pets with their families if the animal ends up at the shelter with some type of identification. If an animal has no identification, we have no way of knowing who it belongs to. So please make this very inexpensive investment in your pet. It could save his life and get him home quickly.
If you have any questions about Tag Day, or where you can purchase an ID tag for your pet or a microchip, please call the shelter and we will be happy to help you. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or call 267-3008.
Tracey Yates
Trina Menzie
AWL directors
Supports Greenway
Editor, Times-Union:I am not a resident of Warsaw, but I am a resident of Kosciusko County. And I am not a kid by a long shot. Actually I am in my 50s. But I have recently rediscovered the joys of bike riding, and I travel quite a bit just to go for rides on bike trails around the country. I can't understand how anyone could not want the Greenway. How could anyone be against something that generations can do together? I love an afternoon of riding with my grandchildren. How can anyone be against something that will get the kids out from in front of the TV, or the computer, and out into the fresh air and enjoying nature, safely, getting some exercise, doing something with Mom and Dad. The whole family can enjoy a great bike ride or a walk together. Being able to walk, skate or bike safely can also take traffic off our busy roads, reduce gas usage, reduce pollution, etc.
I could go on and on, but I hope you get the message.
Carole Gilbert
North Webster
via e-mail
Meijer Questions
Editor, Times-Union:I attended an informational meeting on March 28th concerning the "Meijer Store" project. They are wanting to put a 24-hour store and gas station along Husky Trail/Patterson Road between the Baptist Church and the Mennonite Church.
Here are a few of my many concerns:
1) It is close to Harrison school. Patterson Road/Husky Trail already has a huge amount of traffic. Do we want more traffic, putting our children at an even greater risk?
2) Trucks. Meijer said that they would not encourage trucks, but they would not discourage them. Since a diesel pump is to be put in at the gas station, I think that is enough encouragement.Ê
3) Property value. Due to the increased traffic, lighting (24 hours a day), noise (with delivery trucks and semis getting fuel) and the "outlet" stores or businesses that can/will be built on this property, our property value, in all likelihood, will decrease.
ÊI am hoping that our community will show up at the April 10th Public Hearing (rezoning this property from residential to special commercial) meeting at 7 p.m. in the old courtroom at the courthouse to help us discourage Meijer from choosing a residential area for their location.
Amy Furnivall
Warsaw
via e-mail
Meijer Who?
Editor, Times-Union:When I read your article in Tuesday's paper the first thought that went through my mind is does Warsaw and Kosciusko County need another gigantic super discount store? Warsaw already has a Wal-Mart, J.C. Penney, K-Mart, Elder-Beerman and Stage Department Store. Then combine two Kroger (Owens) Supermarkets and the Marsh Supermarket in Warsaw, plus New Venue Supermarkets in North Webster and Syracuse, plus Everetts in Milford our needs are pretty well taken care of.
Having said that it seems to me the Times-Union owes its subscribers some investigative reporting. Who is Meijer? Is there a person by the name Meijer? Where is their home town? We know Sam Walton had his first store in Bentonville, Arkansas. Where was the first Meijer store located? Your article mentions a Meijer store in Goshen. What do the people of Goshen think about their store? Do the people like it or wish it never had been dropped at its doorstep?
Specifically what benefits will Warsaw and Kosciusko County receive from Meijers that we are not getting from the store(s) we have? I have two routes getting into Warsaw. I can go through Leesburg onto Ind. 15 and into town. The other route is to turn onto CR 200 from Armstrong Road, which eventually brings me to U.S. 30, cross it and eventually gets me to East Center Street and into downtown Warsaw.
I notice that Warsaw City Planner, Jeff Noffsinger, is planning on recommending Meijers petition to the council. This exercise reminds me a little bit when the library board was going to build a new library at the fairgrounds until the remonstrators got organized and changed enough minds so that an addition was added to the existing library. I believe much thought should be given before Meijers becomes a major business factor in Warsaw and Kosciusko County.
Back in February, I enrolled in a conversational Spanish course at Wawasee High School consisting of six classes on Monday nights. I have attended five classes with the sixth one this coming Monday night so I won't be able to attend Monday night's meeting. I have no objection for this letter to be read at that meeting by a person that you feel is an appropriate person.
Bernard Moore
Leesburg
Note: Meijer started by accident in 1934 when Hendrik Meijer couldn't rent or sell the space adjoining his barber shop in Greenville, Mich. He bought $338.76 of merchandise on credit and opened his own grocery store. Meijer built his reputation on low prices and treating customers with respect. By 1950, Meijer had grown into a small chain of hometown supermarkets. In the 1960s, the chain combined groceries and general merchandise, pioneering the "superstore" concept. Meijer has about 100 stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. A Meijer store generally has around 200,000 square feet and carries more than 120,000 products in 40 departments. Meijer stores are open 364 days a year, 24 hours a day. Meijer, like most regional or national chains, is involved in a fair share of community service projects and is generally well-received by consumers.
Gary Gerard
Managing Editor
Volunteer Week
Editor, Times-Union:National Volunteer Week, April 9-15, is a chance for the National Weather Service to single out the role of the volunteer Cooperative Weather Observers, who help us spot important weather and climate trends. Since 1890, a vast network of cooperative observers has served the nation by reporting weather findings - such as temperature and precipitation - to the National Weather Service. Our meteorologists use this information, along with observations taken by weather satellites, Doppler radar and other advanced technology, to develop forecasts that are increasingly more accurate.
The observations of the volunteers become part of America's weather annals and help meteorologists and climatologists shape their understanding of the relationship between weather, water and climate.
Many of the 11,700 volunteer weather observers have taken measurements for decades, passing down the tradition to younger generations. In some cases, weather records have been collected at the same locations for more than 100 years. The Northern Indiana National Weather Service office near North Webster serves 24 counties in northern Indiana. Each day in these 24 counties, 66 cooperative observers report weather information to the North Webster office and contribute to America's historical data collection. These records also help guide agricultural and commercial interests, and have a critical impact on preparing areas for severe weather, such as flooding.
Cooperative weather observers themselves are unique people, with backgrounds that run the gamut - from grandparents to home-business owners, to pharmacists and retired military veterans. Without their dedication and enthusiasm, the National Weather Service would not be the meteorological leader it is today.
As the nation observes National Volunteer Week, please remember these unsung heroes in weather forecasting.
Michael Sabones
Meteorologist-in-charge
Kid Violence
Editor, Times-Union:According to a recent "Letter to the Editor," the rising culture of kid violence in this country can be addressed by sending kids to an outdoor camp specializing in target practice, gun safety and the like. The writer specifically mentioned Camp Mollenour, a grossly under-utilized facility situated in a pristine setting in Kosciusko County that would make the Wilderness Society green-eyed with envy.
Be that as it may, the rationale of this facility as the solution of the seemingly mounting rashes of bizarre shootings is not viable for numerous reasons, logistics for one. While it would teach a minute percentage of area youth valuable lessons on gun safety, it could not address the national scene even if every county in the USA had such a great facility. (As an aside, the aquatics program as witnessed two years ago is a disaster which urgently needs to be upgraded, unless it already has been. Presumably most of the campers come from lakes areas where skills of swimming, life-saving and general boating safety are imperative.)
For those who view that the basis for ethical behavior in youth is learned by osmosis, instead of the Ten Commandments, consider posting "Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You." It has several advantages: it is short and to-the-point and therefore more easily remembered; it has the aura of a sound byte and therefore may resonate with Today's Generation; it is a tenet of all major religions in the world and therefore is nearly inclusive.
And yet, despite the fact that presently it is politically and emotionally correct, is it rational to expend time, money and energy posting anything? Why post a band-aid over a melanoma?
Tam Vogel
Winona Lake
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092