Letters to the Editor 05-11-2004
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- PFD Sign Thanks - Good-Bye To Walt - Thanks To Owen's - Whitko School Board - Thanks For Kindness - Seat Belts - WFD Training - Committee On Decency - Selfless Students - North Manchester Thanks
PFD Sign Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:As many Pierceton residents are aware, the old dilapidated sign that used to sit in front of the fire station has been replaced. The new sign enhances the beauty of the fire station.
There were several individuals that were involved in making this happen: the Pierceton Town Council for approving the project, the town superintendent for coordinating the project and last but certainly not least, town resident Charlie Creekmore for donating all of the labor for the beautiful brick base that the sign sits on.
On behalf of the Pierceton Fire Department, I would like to say thank-you to everyone that made this happen and also to the public for your support at our recent fish fry.
Gordon Baker
Chief, Pierceton Fire Department
via e-mail
Good-Bye To Walt
Editor, Times-Union:I was deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Walt Olszewski. Walt was a greeter at Wal-Mart in Warsaw while I knew him. I ventured to Wal-Mart about twice a week like most of us living in the area. Sometimes more, depending on what my wife and two daughters' needs are. It seemed no matter what time of day, Walt would be at his normal spot greeting people as I walked in. I first saw Walt at our church about two years ago. He had just gotten out of the hospital after a bout with cancer and he wanted to share the great things God was doing in his life. Walt talked about the battle he was having with cancer only for a short while. The rest of the time he shared about his life and all the joys he had been blessed with. The testimony he gave was very moving for many of us sitting in the sanctuary that morning. After the sermon, I got a chance to meet Walt briefly, and to tell him thank you for sharing and to express how much I appreciated his testimony.
Each time I came into Wal-Mart I would see him sitting there with a warm, genuine smile on his face, talking to customers as they would enter the store. My 3-year-old daughter would always stop and talk to Walt and he would just listen to her like a grandfather. I never was sure if he recognized me from the brief introduction we had, but I knew it didn't matter. He didn't seem to mind when we would stop and ask him how he was doing. He treated everyone like a personal friend. I am going to miss seeing him. I know God has a special place for this man. I am sure he has a smile on his face greeting people in heaven this day.
Bill Snow
via e-mail
Thanks To Owen's
Editor, Times-Union:Hi, I wish to make this known and not sure how to do it so maybe a letter to the editor perhaps? Here's the story, Saturday night, my friend from Japan had to go to the hospital in Columbia City, turns out she had an inner ear infection. They were very accommodating and gave her enough medicine until morning. However in the morning, this poor traveler to our country could not get her prescription filled because her insurance company did not have a Rx number. They did cover prescriptions but it was covered under general sickness. She told me in other countries she visits prescriptions are filled at the hospital so it was not separated out. The cost of her prescription was astronomical and she did not have cash to buy it and send the receipt to the insurance company for reimbursement. In pain-laced tears I took her to Owen's pharmacy here in Warsaw, and where other local pharmacies would not help, the man at the pharmacy was willing to call the insurance company and talk with them and work out payment so that the sweet Japanese girl could be released from agony and enjoy our lovely local area. So from the depth of my heart, thank you, pharmacist from Owen's, you will never know how much I appreciate all that you have done for her.
All my and everyone I know's business is always yours.
Jason Carpenter
via e-mail
Whitko School Board
Editor, Times-Union:Wake up, people in the Whitko School District, your superintendent and trustees are slowly doing away with your elite agriculture/FFA program under the pretense of budget cuts! You need to sit up and pay attention, it won't be long until Whitko is not a "Best Buy."
No matter the school funding situation, within the state or across the nation, school boards are making budget choices. After all, you elected that school board, and they hired the superintendent. Are they really representing you or just doing as they choose? It's time to get rid of the small school mentality and think outside the box! There are other options, has your board researched alternatives or do they take the easy way out?
This elite program has proven itself to be a leader within the state and across the nation. WHS has a legacy that runs long and deep, other chapters strive to be like them! Why are we cutting into a top-notch program that does nothing but produce high quality, trainable and skilled students? This FFA program is not just about farming, contests or trophies. The curriculum teaches the true value of agriculture science, offers career exploration, provides opportunities for learning life skills and helps build responsible leaders from within your community. Being involved in the FFA chapter builds self-esteem, teaches communication, critical thinking, interpersonal, leadership skills and shows the reward of community service through team work.
Downsizing may need to take place within this district, but downsizing by cutting top-notch training programs are not the way to do it! There is always the battle between athletics and academics. Being a high-school athletic stand-out doesn't get you very far in college or the workplace if you can't read, write or use math skills at a high school level. School systems need to be held accountable for the quality of their products, which are their students not their athletes!
Lori Messmore Montgomery
Agriculture Professor & Technical Division Chair
Pratt Community College
Pratt, Kan.
Thanks For Kindness
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to publicly say thank-you to the young woman who gave my mother a ride on the morning of May 7th and rescued her. My 81-year-old mother, who cannot walk very far due to osteoarthritis, was stranded when her red Ford stalled at an intersection near downtown Warsaw. The young woman driving behind her was kind enough to stop and make sure she was OK. This young woman also took my mother to the auto repair garage where she was able to get further assistance.
Thanks again for your act of kindness.
Lisa Mahan
Warsaw
via e-mail
Seat Belts
Editor, Times-Union:Indeed, some people believe that it should be their "right" to decide whether they buckle up or not, but driving is a privilege in Indiana - a privilege that can be taken away. When Hoosier motorists sign for their driver's license, we agree to abide by the laws and regulations that govern the operation of our vehicles on Indiana's roadways, not just the ones we want to. These laws are put in place to protect us.
In Indiana, seat belt usage rates have increased and fatalities have decreased!
n 1999, Indiana's seat belt usage rate - 57.3 percent, fatalities - 1,021.
n 2001, our seat belt usage rate was 67.4 percent and fatalities - 909.
n 2002, all-time high for seat belt usage at 72.2 percent, fatalities were at an all-time low at 792!
We have been successful!
We can't get everyone to buckle up from the fear of dying in a car crash, because too many people feel that "it won't happen to me." How many people actually leave their house intending to be in a car crash? If the people KNEW they were going to be in a crash, and KNEW how effective seat belts are in preventing injury and death, how many of them would choose to put their belt on?
Besides protecting yourself, seat belts protect others. Unbelted occupants can be thrown into other passengers in the vehicle with enough force to crush them to death. Seat belts help you maintain control of your vehicle by keeping you in position in front of your steering wheel. In a sudden swerve, an unbelted driver can be thrown into the passenger side or partially ejected where there is no chance of you regaining control of your vehicle. This can lead to serious crash involving rollover, or striking vehicles or pedestrians resulting in innocent people being hurt or killed.
Click it or Ticket provides funding for overtime enforcement. It doesn't take officers off the road, it puts extra officers ON the road, and many people have been arrested through this program for DUI, misdemeanor and felony warrants, drug possession, driving on suspended licenses and many other violations. In fact, last May in northern Indiana, two children reported missing from Los Angeles were found when an officer pulled a vehicle over for a seat belt violation! A simple traffic stop caught Timothy McVeigh!
We don't ask people to buckle up because it's the law. We ask them to buckle up because it's their best protection in a crash. I encourage you to think about your family every time you get into a vehicle, and buckle up because you want to go home to them every night.
Your article was titled, "OK, OK, So I'll Wear My Seat Belt." The ticket you received may end up being a reminder that saves your life! It may be $20 well spent!
Lance Grubbs
Law Enforcement Liaison
Warsaw
WFD Training
Editor, Times-Union:Over the past few weeks the Warsaw Fire Department has had the opportunity to train at the Work Release Center on hose advancement, search and rescue, attack line advancement, ladder placement for vent, enter and search techniques, as well as nozzle testing. This has been made possible by the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department and the Work Release Center. The department has also trained on rescue techniques for downed firemen thanks to Investors Realty providing an industrial building for our use.
To utilize various locations in the city gives firefighters the hands-on experience and training necessary to keep up-to-date on buildings in the city as well as basic firefighting skills. We would like to thank the Sheriff's Department and Investors Realty for providing these facilities. Continual training is an important aspect of the fire service, and we welcome every opportunity provided to us.
Matt Warren
Warsaw Fire Chief
Committee On Decency
Editor, Times-Union:(In answer to Robert Stichter letter.) So you represent Committee on Decency in USA. Wonderful organization I'm sure. I think that everyone should be able to read your thoughts, please send these papers to the editor. There are so many thoughts, I'm not sure whether you are up, down, left or right, and no, I shall not throw my Bible away because there will always be knowledge of sins whether it be great or small. I love the Lord because he's my savior and I hear God because we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and only by his grace are we sinners saved. Well, the wonderful thing about these letters we have written is we are reading the Bible and looking for answers. I hope everyone keeps searching for answers, and by the way it did happen. Genesis 19-24.
Loretta Holloway
Warsaw
Selfless Students
Editor, Times-Union:At our school, Eisenhower Elementary, student council has taken part to better the community this year. It has raised money to buy needed school supplies and animal stuff for the animal shelter. We have also had a coat drive, a shoe drive and contributed to the Roving Chef, the art room and the library. All of these ideas were from the great members of our student council.
We raised all of this money from selling concessions at the Eisenhower basketball team games. That helped us a lot. Without selling concessions, this year would have been nothing.
The members of the Eisenhower Student Council include Alli Tucker, Emily Sumner, Gabriella Gooding, Erin Robertson, Jenna Walters, Liana Tetreu, Kayla Yantz, Marissa Schramm, Austin Rose, Grace Bagshaw, Kelly Singrey, Jason Coffman, Nikki Piper and Bethany Sammons.
This whole year has been great! We are all very proud of it. If all student councils, community groups or other organizations could do that much or more for our community, imagine what a better place this would grow to be. Our student council's little bit has already helped.
Allison Tucker
Grace Bagshaw
Eisenhower Sixth-Graders
North Manchester Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Members of the North Manchester Rotary Club express appreciation to this community for supporting the Election Day Benefit Pancake Breakfast. Over 400 people enjoyed eating together, and many others purchased tickets. All proceeds go to the support of community projects, international medical services and educational scholarships. This newspaper, Lance New Market, Strauss Feeds, Manchester Parks and Recreation, Manchester Boy Scouts all contributed to the success of this community activity. Many thanks!
David Rogers
North Manchester
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- PFD Sign Thanks - Good-Bye To Walt - Thanks To Owen's - Whitko School Board - Thanks For Kindness - Seat Belts - WFD Training - Committee On Decency - Selfless Students - North Manchester Thanks
PFD Sign Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:As many Pierceton residents are aware, the old dilapidated sign that used to sit in front of the fire station has been replaced. The new sign enhances the beauty of the fire station.
There were several individuals that were involved in making this happen: the Pierceton Town Council for approving the project, the town superintendent for coordinating the project and last but certainly not least, town resident Charlie Creekmore for donating all of the labor for the beautiful brick base that the sign sits on.
On behalf of the Pierceton Fire Department, I would like to say thank-you to everyone that made this happen and also to the public for your support at our recent fish fry.
Gordon Baker
Chief, Pierceton Fire Department
via e-mail
Good-Bye To Walt
Editor, Times-Union:I was deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Walt Olszewski. Walt was a greeter at Wal-Mart in Warsaw while I knew him. I ventured to Wal-Mart about twice a week like most of us living in the area. Sometimes more, depending on what my wife and two daughters' needs are. It seemed no matter what time of day, Walt would be at his normal spot greeting people as I walked in. I first saw Walt at our church about two years ago. He had just gotten out of the hospital after a bout with cancer and he wanted to share the great things God was doing in his life. Walt talked about the battle he was having with cancer only for a short while. The rest of the time he shared about his life and all the joys he had been blessed with. The testimony he gave was very moving for many of us sitting in the sanctuary that morning. After the sermon, I got a chance to meet Walt briefly, and to tell him thank you for sharing and to express how much I appreciated his testimony.
Each time I came into Wal-Mart I would see him sitting there with a warm, genuine smile on his face, talking to customers as they would enter the store. My 3-year-old daughter would always stop and talk to Walt and he would just listen to her like a grandfather. I never was sure if he recognized me from the brief introduction we had, but I knew it didn't matter. He didn't seem to mind when we would stop and ask him how he was doing. He treated everyone like a personal friend. I am going to miss seeing him. I know God has a special place for this man. I am sure he has a smile on his face greeting people in heaven this day.
Bill Snow
via e-mail
Thanks To Owen's
Editor, Times-Union:Hi, I wish to make this known and not sure how to do it so maybe a letter to the editor perhaps? Here's the story, Saturday night, my friend from Japan had to go to the hospital in Columbia City, turns out she had an inner ear infection. They were very accommodating and gave her enough medicine until morning. However in the morning, this poor traveler to our country could not get her prescription filled because her insurance company did not have a Rx number. They did cover prescriptions but it was covered under general sickness. She told me in other countries she visits prescriptions are filled at the hospital so it was not separated out. The cost of her prescription was astronomical and she did not have cash to buy it and send the receipt to the insurance company for reimbursement. In pain-laced tears I took her to Owen's pharmacy here in Warsaw, and where other local pharmacies would not help, the man at the pharmacy was willing to call the insurance company and talk with them and work out payment so that the sweet Japanese girl could be released from agony and enjoy our lovely local area. So from the depth of my heart, thank you, pharmacist from Owen's, you will never know how much I appreciate all that you have done for her.
All my and everyone I know's business is always yours.
Jason Carpenter
via e-mail
Whitko School Board
Editor, Times-Union:Wake up, people in the Whitko School District, your superintendent and trustees are slowly doing away with your elite agriculture/FFA program under the pretense of budget cuts! You need to sit up and pay attention, it won't be long until Whitko is not a "Best Buy."
No matter the school funding situation, within the state or across the nation, school boards are making budget choices. After all, you elected that school board, and they hired the superintendent. Are they really representing you or just doing as they choose? It's time to get rid of the small school mentality and think outside the box! There are other options, has your board researched alternatives or do they take the easy way out?
This elite program has proven itself to be a leader within the state and across the nation. WHS has a legacy that runs long and deep, other chapters strive to be like them! Why are we cutting into a top-notch program that does nothing but produce high quality, trainable and skilled students? This FFA program is not just about farming, contests or trophies. The curriculum teaches the true value of agriculture science, offers career exploration, provides opportunities for learning life skills and helps build responsible leaders from within your community. Being involved in the FFA chapter builds self-esteem, teaches communication, critical thinking, interpersonal, leadership skills and shows the reward of community service through team work.
Downsizing may need to take place within this district, but downsizing by cutting top-notch training programs are not the way to do it! There is always the battle between athletics and academics. Being a high-school athletic stand-out doesn't get you very far in college or the workplace if you can't read, write or use math skills at a high school level. School systems need to be held accountable for the quality of their products, which are their students not their athletes!
Lori Messmore Montgomery
Agriculture Professor & Technical Division Chair
Pratt Community College
Pratt, Kan.
Thanks For Kindness
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to publicly say thank-you to the young woman who gave my mother a ride on the morning of May 7th and rescued her. My 81-year-old mother, who cannot walk very far due to osteoarthritis, was stranded when her red Ford stalled at an intersection near downtown Warsaw. The young woman driving behind her was kind enough to stop and make sure she was OK. This young woman also took my mother to the auto repair garage where she was able to get further assistance.
Thanks again for your act of kindness.
Lisa Mahan
Warsaw
via e-mail
Seat Belts
Editor, Times-Union:Indeed, some people believe that it should be their "right" to decide whether they buckle up or not, but driving is a privilege in Indiana - a privilege that can be taken away. When Hoosier motorists sign for their driver's license, we agree to abide by the laws and regulations that govern the operation of our vehicles on Indiana's roadways, not just the ones we want to. These laws are put in place to protect us.
In Indiana, seat belt usage rates have increased and fatalities have decreased!
n 1999, Indiana's seat belt usage rate - 57.3 percent, fatalities - 1,021.
n 2001, our seat belt usage rate was 67.4 percent and fatalities - 909.
n 2002, all-time high for seat belt usage at 72.2 percent, fatalities were at an all-time low at 792!
We have been successful!
We can't get everyone to buckle up from the fear of dying in a car crash, because too many people feel that "it won't happen to me." How many people actually leave their house intending to be in a car crash? If the people KNEW they were going to be in a crash, and KNEW how effective seat belts are in preventing injury and death, how many of them would choose to put their belt on?
Besides protecting yourself, seat belts protect others. Unbelted occupants can be thrown into other passengers in the vehicle with enough force to crush them to death. Seat belts help you maintain control of your vehicle by keeping you in position in front of your steering wheel. In a sudden swerve, an unbelted driver can be thrown into the passenger side or partially ejected where there is no chance of you regaining control of your vehicle. This can lead to serious crash involving rollover, or striking vehicles or pedestrians resulting in innocent people being hurt or killed.
Click it or Ticket provides funding for overtime enforcement. It doesn't take officers off the road, it puts extra officers ON the road, and many people have been arrested through this program for DUI, misdemeanor and felony warrants, drug possession, driving on suspended licenses and many other violations. In fact, last May in northern Indiana, two children reported missing from Los Angeles were found when an officer pulled a vehicle over for a seat belt violation! A simple traffic stop caught Timothy McVeigh!
We don't ask people to buckle up because it's the law. We ask them to buckle up because it's their best protection in a crash. I encourage you to think about your family every time you get into a vehicle, and buckle up because you want to go home to them every night.
Your article was titled, "OK, OK, So I'll Wear My Seat Belt." The ticket you received may end up being a reminder that saves your life! It may be $20 well spent!
Lance Grubbs
Law Enforcement Liaison
Warsaw
WFD Training
Editor, Times-Union:Over the past few weeks the Warsaw Fire Department has had the opportunity to train at the Work Release Center on hose advancement, search and rescue, attack line advancement, ladder placement for vent, enter and search techniques, as well as nozzle testing. This has been made possible by the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department and the Work Release Center. The department has also trained on rescue techniques for downed firemen thanks to Investors Realty providing an industrial building for our use.
To utilize various locations in the city gives firefighters the hands-on experience and training necessary to keep up-to-date on buildings in the city as well as basic firefighting skills. We would like to thank the Sheriff's Department and Investors Realty for providing these facilities. Continual training is an important aspect of the fire service, and we welcome every opportunity provided to us.
Matt Warren
Warsaw Fire Chief
Committee On Decency
Editor, Times-Union:(In answer to Robert Stichter letter.) So you represent Committee on Decency in USA. Wonderful organization I'm sure. I think that everyone should be able to read your thoughts, please send these papers to the editor. There are so many thoughts, I'm not sure whether you are up, down, left or right, and no, I shall not throw my Bible away because there will always be knowledge of sins whether it be great or small. I love the Lord because he's my savior and I hear God because we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and only by his grace are we sinners saved. Well, the wonderful thing about these letters we have written is we are reading the Bible and looking for answers. I hope everyone keeps searching for answers, and by the way it did happen. Genesis 19-24.
Loretta Holloway
Warsaw
Selfless Students
Editor, Times-Union:At our school, Eisenhower Elementary, student council has taken part to better the community this year. It has raised money to buy needed school supplies and animal stuff for the animal shelter. We have also had a coat drive, a shoe drive and contributed to the Roving Chef, the art room and the library. All of these ideas were from the great members of our student council.
We raised all of this money from selling concessions at the Eisenhower basketball team games. That helped us a lot. Without selling concessions, this year would have been nothing.
The members of the Eisenhower Student Council include Alli Tucker, Emily Sumner, Gabriella Gooding, Erin Robertson, Jenna Walters, Liana Tetreu, Kayla Yantz, Marissa Schramm, Austin Rose, Grace Bagshaw, Kelly Singrey, Jason Coffman, Nikki Piper and Bethany Sammons.
This whole year has been great! We are all very proud of it. If all student councils, community groups or other organizations could do that much or more for our community, imagine what a better place this would grow to be. Our student council's little bit has already helped.
Allison Tucker
Grace Bagshaw
Eisenhower Sixth-Graders
North Manchester Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Members of the North Manchester Rotary Club express appreciation to this community for supporting the Election Day Benefit Pancake Breakfast. Over 400 people enjoyed eating together, and many others purchased tickets. All proceeds go to the support of community projects, international medical services and educational scholarships. This newspaper, Lance New Market, Strauss Feeds, Manchester Parks and Recreation, Manchester Boy Scouts all contributed to the success of this community activity. Many thanks!
David Rogers
North Manchester
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