Letters to the Editor 04-30-2002
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Volunteers - Sheriff's Dept. Lauded - Voting For Hearn - Supports Hearn - Backs Rovenstine - Lost In The Clouds - Victims' Rights - Backs Waggoner - Recommends Davis - Caruso A Good Choice
Volunteers
Editor, Times-Union:What do you call people who spend their free time taking classes with names like "Mass Care," who consider themselves on-call at virtually all times, who will leave their families in the middle of the night to help another family find a place to sleep - and who don't get paid a dime for the trouble?
What do you call people who take time every few months to give away one of the world's most precious gifts: blood?
What do you call people who teach strangers how to save a life, assist military families desperate to get word of an emergency to a loved one far away and much, much more - with no monetary compensation?
You call them American Red Cross volunteers. Without them, this community would be deprived of a host of lifesaving services. This year, volunteers right here in Kosciusko County devoted hours of service to our community. They responded to disasters, taught first aid/CPR, as well as many other courses, supported our successful blood collection program, served on our board of directors, etc. They volunteered their time to carry out the mission of the Red Cross in our community.
April 21-27 was National Volunteer Week, and we want to thank the many local residents who chose to serve our community this year through volunteer service with the American Red Cross. The theme of National Volunteer Week this year was "Celebrate the American Spirit - Volunteer," and it is particularly appropriate at this time.
You don't have to go out on disasters to be a Red Cross volunteer. We need people of all ages and skills. Right now, we would especially welcome people who have an interest and desire to work in a disaster preparedness program, in our blood collection program or in becoming an instructor in any of our many health and safety programs. We can find a place for you if you would like to become a volunteer! Please contact our chapter office at 267-5244 for further information. Together, we can save a life!
Thank you, volunteers!
Larry E. Peppel
Executive Director, Kosciusko County Chapter
American Red Cross
Sheriff's Dept. Lauded
Editor, Times-Union:I finished a 20-year career with the Fort Wayne Police Department. I am currently employed with the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department. Before that I was a soldier seeing combat in a couple of locations. So basically my entire adult life has been centered around service. So the gray hair I display is a sign saying, "I have been there, done that and have a T-shirt to prove it." Because of my gray hair and worldly experiences, I am able to judge what is a good agency and what agencies lack. I am very proud to be a deputy with the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department.
Since 9/11, I think every citizen questions just how good is your emergency services. Rest assured, our sheriff's department is in the greatest shape it has ever been. We have good strong leadership in place. Four years ago, Sheriff Rovenstine inherited a very young inexperienced department. Because of retirements, a lot of the experience left. But through the patience of Job, the department came around to a very efficient law enforcement agency.
The more efficient you get, the more ridicule you will endure from the criminal element and their families. Often times when you put bad guys in jail, that angers them; it's the first time in life someone made them do what they didn't want to do. Because they are used to getting their own way by lying and intimidation or whatever means to make a living without getting a job. So when you see our department or any police department ridiculed, it would be wise to keep this in mind. Of course, cops are human, they do make mistakes and sometimes, unfortunately, they do go bad. But, ladies and gentlemen, go to sleep at night, sleep good, because the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department is out there 24/7, 365 days, and they do their jobs well.
Deputy Robert I. Morrison
Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department
Voting For Hearn
Editor, Times-Union:The upcoming prosecutor's race is critical to Kosciusko County. I am a retired deputy sheriff, having been a captain for the department for eight years and a jail commander for 14 years.
In the 34 years that I served as a deputy sheriff, I worked with Steve Hearn during his 8-1/2 years when he was prosecutor. In comparison with all the prosecutors that I worked with, Steve Hearn was the most efficient and best prepared for trial. During my tenure with the sheriff's department, we had numerous meetings with Steve Hearn to discuss education, trial strategy and mutual concerns.
In my opinion, there are methods that our county needs from the prosecutor's office to restore the credibility we once were proud of.
I support Steve Hearn for prosecutor on May 7.
Roger D. Fellows
Warsaw
Supports Hearn
Editor, Times-Union:Voters this year have the opportunity to elect Steve Hearn as prosecutor - a man in whom I have strong confidence. I was a law enforcement officer for a total of 30 years, with 20 years of that time serving the City of Warsaw, reaching the rank of chief of the police department. Therefore I had almost daily contact with Steve Hearn, who served as the prosecutor for Kosciusko County during part of my 20 years.
I found him personally efficient, with a team-oriented group of office staff. Steve Hearn was always willing to work with the officers on a case to assist them in gathering evidence to present to the court for effective prosecution. He was very successful in those prosecutions during his term of office.
I believe he would bring that same efficiency and teamwork attitude to the office again. I urge you to vote for Steve Hearn for prosecutor for Kosciusko County on May 7th.
Samie Brown
Warsaw
Backs Rovenstine
Editor, Times-Union:Dear citizens of Kosciusko County, I'm a deputy sheriff with the Kosciusko County Sheriff's office. I'm addressing you about the upcoming primary election for sheriff. There are a few points that I'm writing about. One thing that I would like to address you about is the support that Sheriff Rovenstine has from the officers on the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department. I'm here to tell you, that if there is any officer for anyone other than Sheriff Rovenstine for sheriff of Kosciusko County, I don't know who it might be. I can't speak for all of the deputies, but I do know that almost all, if not all, of the deputies are in favor of Aaron Rovenstine being re-elected sheriff. If anyone tells you that Sheriff Rovenstine does not have the support of the Kosciusko Sheriff's office, that would be a fabrication of the truth. Sheriff Rovenstine has done a great job as sheriff, and it would be next to impossible to replace him. I don't think anyone else has the wisdom or experience of Sheriff Rovenstine. I feel that it would be a great loss to you, the citizens of Kosciusko County, if Sheriff Rovenstine does not remain as sheriff for the next four years. I've known Aaron Rovenstine for about eight years. I know that he is a good Christian, a wonderful father and husband, and has been a great sheriff for Kosciusko County. Help back the deputies who back Aaron Rovenstine to remain as sheriff of Kosciusko County.
Ricky G. Oliver
Akron
Lost In The Clouds
Editor, Times-Union:I read David Slone's article in the April 16th Times-Union, where he stated that he would not vote for Mark Souder.
Slone states that he is not a Republican, Democrat or Libertarian. His true colors show him to be a "lost in the clouds" Liberal.
He evidently doesn't understand that people like him are responsible for the deterioration of morals in our country today. Like most liberals, he calls people bullies or mean-spirited when they stand up for what they believe.
Look at what liberal policies have done to many school systems: social promotion without achievement; barring the posting of the Ten Commandments, but passing out condoms; and teaching first- and second-graders why little Mary has two mommies or daddies. If it feels good, just go ahead and do it.
LIke the Hollywood crowd, they think symbolism is a good substitute for substance. The liberals are mostly responsible for the "dumbing down of the American." Many of the educational elite are educated beyond their level of intelligence.
Maybe David Slone should enlist the help of the ACLU so he won't have to declare his party of choice in May.
I will vote for Mark Souder.
Murray A. Holt
Warsaw
Victims' Rights
Editor, Times-Union:As a member of the Kosciusko County Domestic Violence Task Force, I would like to bring to the attention of the public that the 2002 National Crime Victims' Rights Week was April 21-27.
Since the tragic events of Sept. 11, our country has been more aware of how in a few minutes, one's life can be completely changed through an act of human cruelty. The country has witnessed, as it should have, the great response to honor and help the Sept. 11 victims.
Every two seconds a crime is committed in our country. There are many kinds of crimes, such as murder, robbery, assault, vandalism, fraud, child abuse and domestic violence. The National Crime Victims' Rights Week is to remind communities to help all victims of crime to rebuild their lives, to understand their rights and to help them obtain appropriate support services.
In Warsaw, we have agencies to provide victims of crime those services. PLEASE, if you are a victim of crime, contact one of these services: The Victims Services Center, 600 E. Winona Ave. Office #8, Warsaw, phone 269-9112; The Victims Assistance Program, Prosecutor's Office, 372-2463; or The Beaman Home, Domestic Violence Shelter, 267-7701.
Mary Ann Cox
Winona Lake
Backs Waggoner
Editor, Times-Union:I read with interest the recent flurry of letters in your paper regarding the current candidates for the upcoming election and the hullabaloo regarding the most recent court case.
If memory serves me right, our current prosecuting attorney, Charles Waggoner, has plenty of convictions (including high profile cases) under his belt. Remember the girl murdered and found in a corn field out by Pierceton? I believe that case resulted in a conviction. As did the Biomet bomb scare case, and most recently, the Homister homicide in which Dimas was convicted and sentenced to 60-some years. In addition, under his administration, a child abuser was just sentenced to 20 years.
If the citizens of this county want a prosecutor who seeks justice, is honest, is an advocate for victim rights and has more integrity than most, the choice is obvious. We need to re-elect the current prosecutor, Charles Waggoner.
Thank you for the opportunity to add to the lively discussion.
Kathy Gabbard
Pierceton
Recommends Davis
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing this letter to you to recommend my co-worker and friend, Darby Davis, for the position of Kosciusko County Assessor. I have worked with Darby and for the taxpayers of Wayne Township/Kosciusko County since 1992 and have witnessed many strengths and talents in her that make her a great choice for this important position. I hope this letter will help some of you as you enter the voting booth in the May primary.
An analysis of her educational background indicates that Darby is an excellent choice. She is a graduate of both Pierceton High School, Pierceton, and Grace College, Winona Lake. Since becoming the commercial/industrial appraiser for Kosciusko County in 1992, she has earned the State Tax Board Level I and II Appraiser certification and is a member of, and successfully passed testing from, the International Association of Assessing Officials. She has attended numerous continuing education classes offered by the former State Tax Board (now known as the Department of Local Government Finance).
Darby is also a great candidate because of her assessing experience and ability to work well with taxpayers. She has represented the county in numerous appeals at both the local and state levels and earned the reputation of being a very competent and detail-oriented person. She has communicated very well with commercial and industrial taxpayers and their representatives, from the smaller businesses to the major corporations, often diffusing the taxpayer's anger or confusion with Indiana's complex assessment system. She did the field and computer work for nearly all of the commercial and industrial parcels in Kosciusko County for the 1995 reassessment, and the 2002 reassessment is well under way. She also has an excellent working relationship with all of the township and trustee assessors in our county and recognizes the importance of communication with each other to serve the taxpayers to the greatest extent.
This is not an exhaustive list of Darby's talents and achievements, but I hope it will help you in the decision you will make. I would like to say that Kosciusko County is well blessed with exceptional candidates for many positions this year, but I believe that Darby would do a great job as Kosciusko County Assessor. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Kristy Mayer
Wayne Township Assessor
Caruso A Good Choice
Editor, Times-Union:I have known Mark Caruso, candidate for judge, Superior Court 2, for several years. It was a privilege to work with him as a paralegal during his time as deputy prosecutor in Starke County. His duties at that time included the prosecution of misdemeanors and infractions as well as D felony OVWIs, and the investigation and prosecution of all child abuse cases - the most unpleasant crimes.
Mark Caruso addressed each case, from the simplest infraction to the most horrendous crime, with the same steadfast, disciplined work ethic. He was well-received by the law enforcement officers because of his ability and willingness to work with them in establishing a strong case for conviction.
Mark Caruso was instrumental in establishing a multi-agency task force in Starke County for the investigation of child abuse and neglect reports. He worked adamantly to ensure that a child would not be further traumatized by having several different investigators. He showed strength and compassion when talking with the children and their families. It was the same strength and conviction that he showed in the courtroom.
In addition to attending seminars and conferences, Mark Caruso was active in the local Prevent Child Abuse Council, serving as program director and then as vice president. He was a go-getter, encouraging membership and promoting prevention awareness.
Mark Caruso brings to his candidacy several years of experience and knowledge of the judicial system. His sound judgement, strong work ethic, discipline and belief in our justice system make him an excellent choice for Judge of Superior Court 2.
Jill A. Orkis
President
Starke County CAP Council
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- Volunteers - Sheriff's Dept. Lauded - Voting For Hearn - Supports Hearn - Backs Rovenstine - Lost In The Clouds - Victims' Rights - Backs Waggoner - Recommends Davis - Caruso A Good Choice
Volunteers
Editor, Times-Union:What do you call people who spend their free time taking classes with names like "Mass Care," who consider themselves on-call at virtually all times, who will leave their families in the middle of the night to help another family find a place to sleep - and who don't get paid a dime for the trouble?
What do you call people who take time every few months to give away one of the world's most precious gifts: blood?
What do you call people who teach strangers how to save a life, assist military families desperate to get word of an emergency to a loved one far away and much, much more - with no monetary compensation?
You call them American Red Cross volunteers. Without them, this community would be deprived of a host of lifesaving services. This year, volunteers right here in Kosciusko County devoted hours of service to our community. They responded to disasters, taught first aid/CPR, as well as many other courses, supported our successful blood collection program, served on our board of directors, etc. They volunteered their time to carry out the mission of the Red Cross in our community.
April 21-27 was National Volunteer Week, and we want to thank the many local residents who chose to serve our community this year through volunteer service with the American Red Cross. The theme of National Volunteer Week this year was "Celebrate the American Spirit - Volunteer," and it is particularly appropriate at this time.
You don't have to go out on disasters to be a Red Cross volunteer. We need people of all ages and skills. Right now, we would especially welcome people who have an interest and desire to work in a disaster preparedness program, in our blood collection program or in becoming an instructor in any of our many health and safety programs. We can find a place for you if you would like to become a volunteer! Please contact our chapter office at 267-5244 for further information. Together, we can save a life!
Thank you, volunteers!
Larry E. Peppel
Executive Director, Kosciusko County Chapter
American Red Cross
Sheriff's Dept. Lauded
Editor, Times-Union:I finished a 20-year career with the Fort Wayne Police Department. I am currently employed with the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department. Before that I was a soldier seeing combat in a couple of locations. So basically my entire adult life has been centered around service. So the gray hair I display is a sign saying, "I have been there, done that and have a T-shirt to prove it." Because of my gray hair and worldly experiences, I am able to judge what is a good agency and what agencies lack. I am very proud to be a deputy with the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department.
Since 9/11, I think every citizen questions just how good is your emergency services. Rest assured, our sheriff's department is in the greatest shape it has ever been. We have good strong leadership in place. Four years ago, Sheriff Rovenstine inherited a very young inexperienced department. Because of retirements, a lot of the experience left. But through the patience of Job, the department came around to a very efficient law enforcement agency.
The more efficient you get, the more ridicule you will endure from the criminal element and their families. Often times when you put bad guys in jail, that angers them; it's the first time in life someone made them do what they didn't want to do. Because they are used to getting their own way by lying and intimidation or whatever means to make a living without getting a job. So when you see our department or any police department ridiculed, it would be wise to keep this in mind. Of course, cops are human, they do make mistakes and sometimes, unfortunately, they do go bad. But, ladies and gentlemen, go to sleep at night, sleep good, because the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department is out there 24/7, 365 days, and they do their jobs well.
Deputy Robert I. Morrison
Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department
Voting For Hearn
Editor, Times-Union:The upcoming prosecutor's race is critical to Kosciusko County. I am a retired deputy sheriff, having been a captain for the department for eight years and a jail commander for 14 years.
In the 34 years that I served as a deputy sheriff, I worked with Steve Hearn during his 8-1/2 years when he was prosecutor. In comparison with all the prosecutors that I worked with, Steve Hearn was the most efficient and best prepared for trial. During my tenure with the sheriff's department, we had numerous meetings with Steve Hearn to discuss education, trial strategy and mutual concerns.
In my opinion, there are methods that our county needs from the prosecutor's office to restore the credibility we once were proud of.
I support Steve Hearn for prosecutor on May 7.
Roger D. Fellows
Warsaw
Supports Hearn
Editor, Times-Union:Voters this year have the opportunity to elect Steve Hearn as prosecutor - a man in whom I have strong confidence. I was a law enforcement officer for a total of 30 years, with 20 years of that time serving the City of Warsaw, reaching the rank of chief of the police department. Therefore I had almost daily contact with Steve Hearn, who served as the prosecutor for Kosciusko County during part of my 20 years.
I found him personally efficient, with a team-oriented group of office staff. Steve Hearn was always willing to work with the officers on a case to assist them in gathering evidence to present to the court for effective prosecution. He was very successful in those prosecutions during his term of office.
I believe he would bring that same efficiency and teamwork attitude to the office again. I urge you to vote for Steve Hearn for prosecutor for Kosciusko County on May 7th.
Samie Brown
Warsaw
Backs Rovenstine
Editor, Times-Union:Dear citizens of Kosciusko County, I'm a deputy sheriff with the Kosciusko County Sheriff's office. I'm addressing you about the upcoming primary election for sheriff. There are a few points that I'm writing about. One thing that I would like to address you about is the support that Sheriff Rovenstine has from the officers on the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department. I'm here to tell you, that if there is any officer for anyone other than Sheriff Rovenstine for sheriff of Kosciusko County, I don't know who it might be. I can't speak for all of the deputies, but I do know that almost all, if not all, of the deputies are in favor of Aaron Rovenstine being re-elected sheriff. If anyone tells you that Sheriff Rovenstine does not have the support of the Kosciusko Sheriff's office, that would be a fabrication of the truth. Sheriff Rovenstine has done a great job as sheriff, and it would be next to impossible to replace him. I don't think anyone else has the wisdom or experience of Sheriff Rovenstine. I feel that it would be a great loss to you, the citizens of Kosciusko County, if Sheriff Rovenstine does not remain as sheriff for the next four years. I've known Aaron Rovenstine for about eight years. I know that he is a good Christian, a wonderful father and husband, and has been a great sheriff for Kosciusko County. Help back the deputies who back Aaron Rovenstine to remain as sheriff of Kosciusko County.
Ricky G. Oliver
Akron
Lost In The Clouds
Editor, Times-Union:I read David Slone's article in the April 16th Times-Union, where he stated that he would not vote for Mark Souder.
Slone states that he is not a Republican, Democrat or Libertarian. His true colors show him to be a "lost in the clouds" Liberal.
He evidently doesn't understand that people like him are responsible for the deterioration of morals in our country today. Like most liberals, he calls people bullies or mean-spirited when they stand up for what they believe.
Look at what liberal policies have done to many school systems: social promotion without achievement; barring the posting of the Ten Commandments, but passing out condoms; and teaching first- and second-graders why little Mary has two mommies or daddies. If it feels good, just go ahead and do it.
LIke the Hollywood crowd, they think symbolism is a good substitute for substance. The liberals are mostly responsible for the "dumbing down of the American." Many of the educational elite are educated beyond their level of intelligence.
Maybe David Slone should enlist the help of the ACLU so he won't have to declare his party of choice in May.
I will vote for Mark Souder.
Murray A. Holt
Warsaw
Victims' Rights
Editor, Times-Union:As a member of the Kosciusko County Domestic Violence Task Force, I would like to bring to the attention of the public that the 2002 National Crime Victims' Rights Week was April 21-27.
Since the tragic events of Sept. 11, our country has been more aware of how in a few minutes, one's life can be completely changed through an act of human cruelty. The country has witnessed, as it should have, the great response to honor and help the Sept. 11 victims.
Every two seconds a crime is committed in our country. There are many kinds of crimes, such as murder, robbery, assault, vandalism, fraud, child abuse and domestic violence. The National Crime Victims' Rights Week is to remind communities to help all victims of crime to rebuild their lives, to understand their rights and to help them obtain appropriate support services.
In Warsaw, we have agencies to provide victims of crime those services. PLEASE, if you are a victim of crime, contact one of these services: The Victims Services Center, 600 E. Winona Ave. Office #8, Warsaw, phone 269-9112; The Victims Assistance Program, Prosecutor's Office, 372-2463; or The Beaman Home, Domestic Violence Shelter, 267-7701.
Mary Ann Cox
Winona Lake
Backs Waggoner
Editor, Times-Union:I read with interest the recent flurry of letters in your paper regarding the current candidates for the upcoming election and the hullabaloo regarding the most recent court case.
If memory serves me right, our current prosecuting attorney, Charles Waggoner, has plenty of convictions (including high profile cases) under his belt. Remember the girl murdered and found in a corn field out by Pierceton? I believe that case resulted in a conviction. As did the Biomet bomb scare case, and most recently, the Homister homicide in which Dimas was convicted and sentenced to 60-some years. In addition, under his administration, a child abuser was just sentenced to 20 years.
If the citizens of this county want a prosecutor who seeks justice, is honest, is an advocate for victim rights and has more integrity than most, the choice is obvious. We need to re-elect the current prosecutor, Charles Waggoner.
Thank you for the opportunity to add to the lively discussion.
Kathy Gabbard
Pierceton
Recommends Davis
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing this letter to you to recommend my co-worker and friend, Darby Davis, for the position of Kosciusko County Assessor. I have worked with Darby and for the taxpayers of Wayne Township/Kosciusko County since 1992 and have witnessed many strengths and talents in her that make her a great choice for this important position. I hope this letter will help some of you as you enter the voting booth in the May primary.
An analysis of her educational background indicates that Darby is an excellent choice. She is a graduate of both Pierceton High School, Pierceton, and Grace College, Winona Lake. Since becoming the commercial/industrial appraiser for Kosciusko County in 1992, she has earned the State Tax Board Level I and II Appraiser certification and is a member of, and successfully passed testing from, the International Association of Assessing Officials. She has attended numerous continuing education classes offered by the former State Tax Board (now known as the Department of Local Government Finance).
Darby is also a great candidate because of her assessing experience and ability to work well with taxpayers. She has represented the county in numerous appeals at both the local and state levels and earned the reputation of being a very competent and detail-oriented person. She has communicated very well with commercial and industrial taxpayers and their representatives, from the smaller businesses to the major corporations, often diffusing the taxpayer's anger or confusion with Indiana's complex assessment system. She did the field and computer work for nearly all of the commercial and industrial parcels in Kosciusko County for the 1995 reassessment, and the 2002 reassessment is well under way. She also has an excellent working relationship with all of the township and trustee assessors in our county and recognizes the importance of communication with each other to serve the taxpayers to the greatest extent.
This is not an exhaustive list of Darby's talents and achievements, but I hope it will help you in the decision you will make. I would like to say that Kosciusko County is well blessed with exceptional candidates for many positions this year, but I believe that Darby would do a great job as Kosciusko County Assessor. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Kristy Mayer
Wayne Township Assessor
Caruso A Good Choice
Editor, Times-Union:I have known Mark Caruso, candidate for judge, Superior Court 2, for several years. It was a privilege to work with him as a paralegal during his time as deputy prosecutor in Starke County. His duties at that time included the prosecution of misdemeanors and infractions as well as D felony OVWIs, and the investigation and prosecution of all child abuse cases - the most unpleasant crimes.
Mark Caruso addressed each case, from the simplest infraction to the most horrendous crime, with the same steadfast, disciplined work ethic. He was well-received by the law enforcement officers because of his ability and willingness to work with them in establishing a strong case for conviction.
Mark Caruso was instrumental in establishing a multi-agency task force in Starke County for the investigation of child abuse and neglect reports. He worked adamantly to ensure that a child would not be further traumatized by having several different investigators. He showed strength and compassion when talking with the children and their families. It was the same strength and conviction that he showed in the courtroom.
In addition to attending seminars and conferences, Mark Caruso was active in the local Prevent Child Abuse Council, serving as program director and then as vice president. He was a go-getter, encouraging membership and promoting prevention awareness.
Mark Caruso brings to his candidacy several years of experience and knowledge of the judicial system. His sound judgement, strong work ethic, discipline and belief in our justice system make him an excellent choice for Judge of Superior Court 2.
Jill A. Orkis
President
Starke County CAP Council
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