Letters to the Editor 04-17-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Likes Bronsing - Pitzer Will Be Missed - Police Cooperation - A Novel WHS Class - Volunteer Week - Likes Rovenstine - Integrity - Officer Likes Rovenstine
Likes Bronsing
Editor, Times-Union:I have known Jeff Bronsing since 1973. Dave Andrews appointed Jeff a deputy in 1973 and he has served this county faithfully ever since. Throughout his career Jeff has continually trained to meet his own goals of being a well rounded professional law enforcement officer. He has undergone many hours of training in advanced fingerprinting, crime scene investigation, bomb threats and federal firearms instruction.
I believe he has excellent qualifications to be sheriff and deserves your vote in the coming election.
H. Dale Tucker
Pitzer Will Be Missed
Editor, Times-Union:The community lost a very good man Sunday. Danny Pitzer spent his life helping others. He gave much more than he received. He was genuine and truly loved his family, friends and congregation.
He officiated my grandmother's funeral. He united my wife and me in marriage last November. Just last week he stopped by our home to visit. There are countless other examples of his kindness, friendship and love. He was a self-sacrificing man and an example Christian. He will be greatly missed.
Jim Johnson
Warsaw
Police Cooperation
Editor, Times-Union:Today, I was told by a WPD female clerk that I would have to call in at 6:30 to 7 a.m. tomorrow.
On my 6th visit personally to our police department to get my personal gun permit renewed, I saw four "ladies" behind the see-through glass wall.
It must have been a potty or coffee break. None of the ladies made any effort to see what I had wanted.
A card to Lt. Grubbs is still unanswered.
I am a World War II combat infantry veteran. Yes, I have a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. In all of my 16 years, I have never experienced any disservice of any kind, compared with what we have gotten on Alward St. along with my being unable to get a gun permit.
I am sorry about you folks at WPD. All I want is service when I come to your station. I am very deeply disappointed with how I am treated.
I think we need for two of these ladies to be given the job behind the window.
Lt. Lance Grubbs, please mail back to me my $5 CAPD membership.
Al Smith
Warsaw
A Novel WHS Class
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing this letter from sunny Jacksonville, Fla. with writer's block writing the "great American novel" which has always been my dream. I have a publisher interested in a story idea I have about the Warsaw High School class of 1975. The name of my book is titled, "The Country Club," and those who were in it at the time should know who they were. I am trying to locate some certain "members," however that I have not been in touch with for some time to help with writing the book which is a 1970s spin off on a group of smart kids having fun and living large in Warsaw in the '70s. Yes, believe it or not, we had a lot of fun and did a lot of stuff. Remember streaking at the Village Inn? The "Blue Light Cemetery?" The ever famous "Pancake House escapades?" The "Bunny Hut?" If you can say yes to any of these questions I need to speak with you and you can contact me at my home number, which is 904-268-5952 or by e-mail at [email protected]. I also would like to get in touch with Theresa Peters, Jeff Bonner, Margaret Rockhill, Mark Cummings, Gary Mosher, Theresa Manoski, Keith Pagel and Al Mitterling. Also inspiring teachers - Mr. Allen, Mrs. Everson, Mr. Musgrave, Mr. Whitney and Ms. Voirol. I moved to Florida 20 years ago when I married a sailor and was whisked away. Unfortunately I have been lost to the Class of '75 and have never been notified of any reunions. One of my goals ever since high school was to be a writer and write several novels. Now at 40 (God, I don't believe it!), I hope to finally have the time to turn my dreams into goals that will be attained and I need your help! So as not to turn this letter into a novel itself, I thank you for your help and remain,
Caryn (Culp) Suarez
Class of '75 and still alive!
Volunteer Week
Editor, Times-Union:During National Volunteer Week, we pause to say "thank you" to the wonderful volunteers who give so generously of their time to help in so many different ways here at the Old Jail Museum.
More than 80 men and women, coming from Atwood, Claypool, Leesburg, Milford, North Webster, Pierceton, Syracuse, Winona Lake and Warsaw, give their support to the operation of this fine museum and for the preservation of the history of Kosciusko County.
Thank you again, each and every one.
Jeanne E. Jones, Director
Old Jail Museum, Warsaw
Likes Rovenstine
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to comment on some of the opinions that others have written to the editor concerning Aaron Rovenstine.
First of all, some of these letters seem to infer that it is a negative that Aaron's father has been sheriff for such a long period of time. Aaron was about 10 years old when he first began spending time at the Sheriff's Department. He basically grew up in the Sheriff's Department and obtained valuable information and experiences that only someone who spent that much time at the Sheriff's Department could possibly learn. There are many examples in our own community of similar situations where a child grew up spending time with his parents in the family business and later joined the business. McSherry Farms and G & G Hauling and Excavating are two such examples. My own situation is similar because my father, Bill Reneker, started the Reneker's Sport's Shop. and I am now running the business. My point is that in all of these situations, the child is immersed in the family business at a very young age. He learns from that experience and takes that with him as he begins his own career. In effect, each generation builds upon the knowledge given to them by the previous generation. Likewise Aaron took that experience and grew from it. He went to college and graduated with a degree in criminal justice and correction. Since college he has spent the last 14 years in law enforcement. Aaron grew up with a steady diet in law enforcement, and he has dedicated his professional life to law enforcement. In sum, I think it's safe to say the Aaron has dedicated his entire life to law enforcement.
Secondly, Aaron's political opponents seem to be implying that Aaron's age is a factor that should be considered in the election. Well I agree. However, it's my opinion that his age is a positive rather than a negative. Aaron is 38 years old and is in prime physical condition. He is old enough to have the education and experience to manage the Sheriff's Department, but young enough to have the necessary stamina, energy and focus that it takes to effectively do the job. Again, we don't have to look very far to find examples of successful leaders who are close to Aaron's age. Evan Bayh was in his early 30s when he was first elected governor of the state of Indiana. Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, was in his 20s when he founded his company. Aaron's own father, Al Rovenstine, was first elected sheriff of Kosciusko County when he was 40 years old. The list goes on and on.
In conclusion, I think the voters should focus on the real issues in this election. I would urge all voters to consider that Aaron Rovenstine has the necessary education, experience and integrity to effectively manage the Sheriff's Department.
Randy Reneker
Warsaw
Integrity
Editor, Times-Union:I feel compelled to write to you at this time because of my concern and my love for my community. I have lived in Kosciusko County for all but five years of my life and during those five years I was attending college. I am originally from Silver Lake, taught in Mentone, and now live in Warsaw. I grew up with Sam Whitaker as my neighbor and trusted him as if he were my brother.
I work closely with law enforcement agencies in order to ensure the health and safety of our youth. Approximately two years ago I was contacted by Officer Whitaker of the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force and the Sheriff's Department regarding a drinking incident involving young people. I've always cooperated with investigations and believe we all need to be consequenced for breaking the law and violating rules and regulations. However, the man I trusted and thought I knew for more than 35 years deceived me and others. That is, until I realized what he had done and reported him.
Sam Whitaker lied to me. Sam Whitaker falsified a Drug Task Force investigation report. Sam Whitaker signed a fellow task force officer's name to the report. Sam Whitaker used his power, my trust in him, and his position for his own personal reason ... vengeance. The result was his suspension from the sheriff's department, his demotion in rank, as well as the end of the Drug Task Force. His personal vengeance has affected the efforts to stop abuse not only in our county, but has also negatively affected the efforts of our officers involved throughout the state who work undercover details.
Community members...if Officer Whitaker would use an old personal friend, use his position with the Drug Task Force, and use his power for personal reasons, just think what is possible if he were to become sheriff of Kosciusko County. This is a man who has been suspended, demoted and who alone ended the efforts of our Drug Task Force. When I die, the one thing I will be able to take with me is my integrity. Sam Whitaker will not be able to do that.
I love my community and I could not remain silent regarding my experience. Please do vote your conscience in the election. Please vote for someone you can trust and who would not misuse the power of his position as I had experienced.
Jennifer S. Brumfield, Ed.D.
Warsaw
Editor's Note: The drug task force is still in operation.
Officer Likes Rovenstine
Editor, Times-Union:I have been approached by many citizens of Kosciusko County asking, from an insider's perspective, who I feel is the right candidate to be the next sheriff of Kosciusko County. It is my firm belief that in order to run a law enforcement office you must not only have high morals and work ethics but you must also have the respect and loyalty of the officers in your department. In my opinion, there is only one candidate who fits this description. That man is Aaron Rovenstine and I am confident that a large majority of my fellow officers agree with me.
Aaron has been involved in law enforcement his entire life but, as one writer stated, I do not feel he is riding on his father's coattail. Aaron has many wonderful ideas and the knowledge and drive to implement those ideas. A perfect example of this is that he has been instrumental in starting the juvenile boot camp in our county. He, along with several other officers, worked many hours, on their own time, in helping the juveniles in our county to turn their lives around. He did not wait until election time and then decide that this is an important issue and if elected he would do something about it. Aaron saw a need and worked to see this need filled.
When you believe in someone as much as I believe in Aaron, you want to inform other citizens. I feel our county is very fortunate to have Aaron running for Sheriff of Kosciusko County. Please join my fellow officers and me in voting for Aaron Rovenstine, Republican for Sheriff.
Kosciusko County Deputy Bill Kelly
Claypool
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- Likes Bronsing - Pitzer Will Be Missed - Police Cooperation - A Novel WHS Class - Volunteer Week - Likes Rovenstine - Integrity - Officer Likes Rovenstine
Likes Bronsing
Editor, Times-Union:I have known Jeff Bronsing since 1973. Dave Andrews appointed Jeff a deputy in 1973 and he has served this county faithfully ever since. Throughout his career Jeff has continually trained to meet his own goals of being a well rounded professional law enforcement officer. He has undergone many hours of training in advanced fingerprinting, crime scene investigation, bomb threats and federal firearms instruction.
I believe he has excellent qualifications to be sheriff and deserves your vote in the coming election.
H. Dale Tucker
Pitzer Will Be Missed
Editor, Times-Union:The community lost a very good man Sunday. Danny Pitzer spent his life helping others. He gave much more than he received. He was genuine and truly loved his family, friends and congregation.
He officiated my grandmother's funeral. He united my wife and me in marriage last November. Just last week he stopped by our home to visit. There are countless other examples of his kindness, friendship and love. He was a self-sacrificing man and an example Christian. He will be greatly missed.
Jim Johnson
Warsaw
Police Cooperation
Editor, Times-Union:Today, I was told by a WPD female clerk that I would have to call in at 6:30 to 7 a.m. tomorrow.
On my 6th visit personally to our police department to get my personal gun permit renewed, I saw four "ladies" behind the see-through glass wall.
It must have been a potty or coffee break. None of the ladies made any effort to see what I had wanted.
A card to Lt. Grubbs is still unanswered.
I am a World War II combat infantry veteran. Yes, I have a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. In all of my 16 years, I have never experienced any disservice of any kind, compared with what we have gotten on Alward St. along with my being unable to get a gun permit.
I am sorry about you folks at WPD. All I want is service when I come to your station. I am very deeply disappointed with how I am treated.
I think we need for two of these ladies to be given the job behind the window.
Lt. Lance Grubbs, please mail back to me my $5 CAPD membership.
Al Smith
Warsaw
A Novel WHS Class
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing this letter from sunny Jacksonville, Fla. with writer's block writing the "great American novel" which has always been my dream. I have a publisher interested in a story idea I have about the Warsaw High School class of 1975. The name of my book is titled, "The Country Club," and those who were in it at the time should know who they were. I am trying to locate some certain "members," however that I have not been in touch with for some time to help with writing the book which is a 1970s spin off on a group of smart kids having fun and living large in Warsaw in the '70s. Yes, believe it or not, we had a lot of fun and did a lot of stuff. Remember streaking at the Village Inn? The "Blue Light Cemetery?" The ever famous "Pancake House escapades?" The "Bunny Hut?" If you can say yes to any of these questions I need to speak with you and you can contact me at my home number, which is 904-268-5952 or by e-mail at [email protected]. I also would like to get in touch with Theresa Peters, Jeff Bonner, Margaret Rockhill, Mark Cummings, Gary Mosher, Theresa Manoski, Keith Pagel and Al Mitterling. Also inspiring teachers - Mr. Allen, Mrs. Everson, Mr. Musgrave, Mr. Whitney and Ms. Voirol. I moved to Florida 20 years ago when I married a sailor and was whisked away. Unfortunately I have been lost to the Class of '75 and have never been notified of any reunions. One of my goals ever since high school was to be a writer and write several novels. Now at 40 (God, I don't believe it!), I hope to finally have the time to turn my dreams into goals that will be attained and I need your help! So as not to turn this letter into a novel itself, I thank you for your help and remain,
Caryn (Culp) Suarez
Class of '75 and still alive!
Volunteer Week
Editor, Times-Union:During National Volunteer Week, we pause to say "thank you" to the wonderful volunteers who give so generously of their time to help in so many different ways here at the Old Jail Museum.
More than 80 men and women, coming from Atwood, Claypool, Leesburg, Milford, North Webster, Pierceton, Syracuse, Winona Lake and Warsaw, give their support to the operation of this fine museum and for the preservation of the history of Kosciusko County.
Thank you again, each and every one.
Jeanne E. Jones, Director
Old Jail Museum, Warsaw
Likes Rovenstine
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to comment on some of the opinions that others have written to the editor concerning Aaron Rovenstine.
First of all, some of these letters seem to infer that it is a negative that Aaron's father has been sheriff for such a long period of time. Aaron was about 10 years old when he first began spending time at the Sheriff's Department. He basically grew up in the Sheriff's Department and obtained valuable information and experiences that only someone who spent that much time at the Sheriff's Department could possibly learn. There are many examples in our own community of similar situations where a child grew up spending time with his parents in the family business and later joined the business. McSherry Farms and G & G Hauling and Excavating are two such examples. My own situation is similar because my father, Bill Reneker, started the Reneker's Sport's Shop. and I am now running the business. My point is that in all of these situations, the child is immersed in the family business at a very young age. He learns from that experience and takes that with him as he begins his own career. In effect, each generation builds upon the knowledge given to them by the previous generation. Likewise Aaron took that experience and grew from it. He went to college and graduated with a degree in criminal justice and correction. Since college he has spent the last 14 years in law enforcement. Aaron grew up with a steady diet in law enforcement, and he has dedicated his professional life to law enforcement. In sum, I think it's safe to say the Aaron has dedicated his entire life to law enforcement.
Secondly, Aaron's political opponents seem to be implying that Aaron's age is a factor that should be considered in the election. Well I agree. However, it's my opinion that his age is a positive rather than a negative. Aaron is 38 years old and is in prime physical condition. He is old enough to have the education and experience to manage the Sheriff's Department, but young enough to have the necessary stamina, energy and focus that it takes to effectively do the job. Again, we don't have to look very far to find examples of successful leaders who are close to Aaron's age. Evan Bayh was in his early 30s when he was first elected governor of the state of Indiana. Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, was in his 20s when he founded his company. Aaron's own father, Al Rovenstine, was first elected sheriff of Kosciusko County when he was 40 years old. The list goes on and on.
In conclusion, I think the voters should focus on the real issues in this election. I would urge all voters to consider that Aaron Rovenstine has the necessary education, experience and integrity to effectively manage the Sheriff's Department.
Randy Reneker
Warsaw
Integrity
Editor, Times-Union:I feel compelled to write to you at this time because of my concern and my love for my community. I have lived in Kosciusko County for all but five years of my life and during those five years I was attending college. I am originally from Silver Lake, taught in Mentone, and now live in Warsaw. I grew up with Sam Whitaker as my neighbor and trusted him as if he were my brother.
I work closely with law enforcement agencies in order to ensure the health and safety of our youth. Approximately two years ago I was contacted by Officer Whitaker of the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force and the Sheriff's Department regarding a drinking incident involving young people. I've always cooperated with investigations and believe we all need to be consequenced for breaking the law and violating rules and regulations. However, the man I trusted and thought I knew for more than 35 years deceived me and others. That is, until I realized what he had done and reported him.
Sam Whitaker lied to me. Sam Whitaker falsified a Drug Task Force investigation report. Sam Whitaker signed a fellow task force officer's name to the report. Sam Whitaker used his power, my trust in him, and his position for his own personal reason ... vengeance. The result was his suspension from the sheriff's department, his demotion in rank, as well as the end of the Drug Task Force. His personal vengeance has affected the efforts to stop abuse not only in our county, but has also negatively affected the efforts of our officers involved throughout the state who work undercover details.
Community members...if Officer Whitaker would use an old personal friend, use his position with the Drug Task Force, and use his power for personal reasons, just think what is possible if he were to become sheriff of Kosciusko County. This is a man who has been suspended, demoted and who alone ended the efforts of our Drug Task Force. When I die, the one thing I will be able to take with me is my integrity. Sam Whitaker will not be able to do that.
I love my community and I could not remain silent regarding my experience. Please do vote your conscience in the election. Please vote for someone you can trust and who would not misuse the power of his position as I had experienced.
Jennifer S. Brumfield, Ed.D.
Warsaw
Editor's Note: The drug task force is still in operation.
Officer Likes Rovenstine
Editor, Times-Union:I have been approached by many citizens of Kosciusko County asking, from an insider's perspective, who I feel is the right candidate to be the next sheriff of Kosciusko County. It is my firm belief that in order to run a law enforcement office you must not only have high morals and work ethics but you must also have the respect and loyalty of the officers in your department. In my opinion, there is only one candidate who fits this description. That man is Aaron Rovenstine and I am confident that a large majority of my fellow officers agree with me.
Aaron has been involved in law enforcement his entire life but, as one writer stated, I do not feel he is riding on his father's coattail. Aaron has many wonderful ideas and the knowledge and drive to implement those ideas. A perfect example of this is that he has been instrumental in starting the juvenile boot camp in our county. He, along with several other officers, worked many hours, on their own time, in helping the juveniles in our county to turn their lives around. He did not wait until election time and then decide that this is an important issue and if elected he would do something about it. Aaron saw a need and worked to see this need filled.
When you believe in someone as much as I believe in Aaron, you want to inform other citizens. I feel our county is very fortunate to have Aaron running for Sheriff of Kosciusko County. Please join my fellow officers and me in voting for Aaron Rovenstine, Republican for Sheriff.
Kosciusko County Deputy Bill Kelly
Claypool
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