Letters to the Editor 06-05-1997
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Property Dispute - Sentence Modification - Fire Thanks - Legion Dispute - Veterans - Free Speech - Paving - American Legion - Honesty - Dog Killed - Expulsion - Water Bills - Graduates - Water Company
Property Dispute
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to the letter from the co-owners of the Covered Bridge facility vilifying the North Webster American Legion for the deck they constructed on the back of their property and for a number of other issues they take issue with and object to. It's obvious from the content of the letter they are attempting to garner all the support and sympathy they can from the public. I am now compelled to answer this pathetic letter. They mentioned the phrase "good neighbors" several times. In fact, this expression was plagiarized from a statement made by past commander Roger Cormican to the media some time ago. They also stated the Legion patrons have destroyed their parking area. This is also a falsehood. True, patrons of the Legion have used their parking area, but have been urged to use it only after Covered Bridge closing time and with the owners' permission. Covered Bridge customers have used the Legion parking area with no objection from Legion management. The terrible condition of their lot is not from Legion traffic, but from the digging and construction they did last year. To this date, no attempt has been made by Covered Bridge management to make repairs. It would take too long to explain what the real counter offer the Covered Bridge owners made to Legion officers was. However, if you want the true facts contact any Legion officer. Briefly, the Legion officers made a fair and equitable offer which was met with one that was totally absurd. They also berated and condemned the Legion for the noise emitting from the deck. Again, this is also an untruism. The deck is never used in winter months, seldom during the weekdays. Even during the summer months when it is used on weekends, the membership is asked to be considerate to our neighbors. And, noise is noise. The law cannot discriminate between music whether it be country or praising the Lord ] neither does He. In addition, the removal of a portion of the deck is being done as a result of the court's decision. The North Webster American Legion is indeed trying to be law-abiding citizens in complying with the laws of the land they so bravely fought for.
In conclusion, it is difficult for me to comprehend how individuals who portray themselves to the public as honest, truthful and God-fearing citizens can compose a letter containing so many untruths. My suggestion is for the individuals who penned the letter read Matthew 23:28 and think about what they have done.
J.B. Routh North Webster
Sentence Modification
Editor, Times-Union:In defense of the recent sentence modification in question ] our constitution grants us the right to an expedient trial without undue punishment.
A good example of this is in the recent modification in the case of the woman who was sentenced to 30 years for being in the back seat of a car used in a drug deal. She was recently set free on probation after serving eight months of her sentence. I believed at the time of sentencing that 30 years was very definitely undue punishment and applaud the recent decision for modification.
In dealing with and from reading of decisions made by them, I believe Rex Reed and Joe Sutton to be fair men ] more than can be said of Mr. Kolbe.
Deanna Newton Warsaw
Fire Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to express my and my family's deepest appreciation for everything that was done for us after the fire we had in our home on Dec. 19, 1996. There are so many individuals who opened their hearts to help us out during this crisis that I can't begin to name all of them. But I do want to say thanks to all the people I work with at Biomet Inc. As soon as the announcement was made at Biomet that the fire had occurred, employees started taking a collection for food, clothing and money. The donation that was made to my family at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 20, the same day the donations were collected, was astounding. The key people in charge of this effort made the employees at Biomet aware of how much they had contributed, and it was incredibly a humbling experience for most of the employees there, as they realized what all their efforts had amounted to. My family and I were especially touched by this. We realized how fortunate we are to have so many good friends, co-workers and family.
I would also like to take this opportunity to let my in-laws know how much it means to my family and myself, that they let us live with them for two months while we were trying to find another place to live, and made us feel as if it were our home the whole time we were there. I love you both dearly, and can never say thanks enough for everything.
Quite a few concerned co-workers have inquired about our situation since the fire. We bought a house we are really happy with and are doing well.
Again, I'd like to say thank you to all involved, and I'm glad to know all of you.
Shelley Slone and family Warsaw
Legion Dispute
Editor, Times-Union:Re: "Legion Dispute," Times-Union, May 29, letter from Rev. Jack and Suzy Scott/ Drs. Will and Sally Miller;
This letter is so full of half truths, distorted facts and frivolous innuendoes, it would take too much time and newspaper space to refute those particulars in question.
" ... and the truth shall set you free." Your prejudices and bitterness are keeping you in shackles. This entire matter has been determined by a court of law. Live with it.
Donald Guard Leesburg
Veterans
Editor, Times-Union:To all the veteran organizations and the Warsaw band members and instructor:
In April 1943, I was 18 years old when for the first time in my life I heard "Taps" played at "Lights Out," my first night at boot camp. Tears formed and ran down my cheeks as my thoughts turned to the home I had just left two days before and may never see again.
To this day, May 26, 1997, 54 years later, I heard "Taps" being played at the American Veterans program presented at the Oakwood Cemetery. The sound again brought tears streaming down my cheeks. This time it was not the thoughts of the home I had left, but rather the memories of shipmates who have gone on before me. Memories of those times during the war years which were happy times and those times when our very lives depended on one another. The sound of your rendition of "Taps" with its echo in the background was one of the most moving experiences I have had in many, many years. I thank you for reminding me of the friends and times from out of my past.
Thanks also goes to the American Legion and its members who took the time and effort to present this program of remembrance.
Thanks again to each and every one who participated.
William R. King, Qm3/c United States Coast Guard USS Machais, PF53 1943-1945
Free Speech
Editor, Times-Union:The Times-Union of May 28 contained a letter to the editor from R.W. "Mac" McQueen regarding the activities of the Ku Klux Klan in Syracuse. Mr. McQueen's proposed solution was to restrict the Klan's freedom of speech. Mr. McQueen solicited comments from county and/or city officials. I am neither, but I have some knowledge of the United States Constitution and I will attempt to respond.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was designed to protect the type of speech in which the Klan was engaged; namely, "unpopular" political speech. Mr. McQueen's solution, although I know he meant it with good intentions, is playing right into the Klan's hands. They deal with hate and when they inspire hate from others, they are fighting on their field, with their weapons. The natural reaction is to try to shut up their hateful words, but the result is to cause the loss of freedom for everyone.
Mr. McQueen was correct; the best thing would have been for him and the others to stay home. Then the Times-Union would have only been able to report on a handful of pathetic racists with nothing better to do. If he just had to go or was caught there by accident, the best thing he could do was to fight back with love and humor. Love will always win over hate.
But please don't think about abridging my right or yours to free speech. You may have something unpopular to say someday and I'll be right there to support your right to say it.
Rich Burkett Warsaw
Paving
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to express some additional considerations concerning the issue of road paving in Black's Trailer Park (Wednesday, May 28 paper).
In the same article, Judge Jarrette gives an update of a community service program where offenders clean up cemeteries rather than going to jail.
Sheriff Rovenstine states, "Police are called to Blacks' four or five times a week." Perhaps another option lays right before us. Let those who feel the need to be constantly visited by the county police on a weekly basis direct that energy to a little different road work.
I don't know about you, but when our drive needs fixed, we grab our shovels and put our backs into it. Amazingly, we've found shovels, rakes, etc., to be readily available at most garage sales for little cost (a lot less than $70,000).
Emily Thomas North Webster
American Legion
Editor, Times-Union:With the celebration of Memorial Day fresh in our minds, I felt compelled to share some thought and recent memories. Two years ago I moved to this area and was urged by friends to join the American Legion Auxiliary at North Webster. I knew very little about the American Legion at the time but have learned much in two short years.
What I have witnessed are countless acts of unselfish giving that would make any American proud. I have watched the men, women and children alike give tirelessly of themselves for the good of others. I've seen firemen, policemen, teachers and other citizens honored for their good deeds. I've witnessed young students being presented scholarships for colleges and financed to Boys and Girls State. I've seen the hungry fed at Thanksgiving and the needy fed, clothed and cheered at Christmas. I've watched members work tirelessly at benefits for citizens afflicted with deadly skin ailments and diseases and those recovering from debilitating accidents and misfortune.
Last night I was never prouder to be a member of the American Legion Post 253. A member, a Vietnam veteran who walks with a cane and ever-present smile, had donated hundreds of dollars worth of gifts, gadgets and collectibles to the Legion for an auction to benefit multiple sclerosis. I sat mesmerized as I watched people I knew had to work, scrimp and save six and seven days a week to feed their own families, bid and donate 10 times the value of a trinket and all the time smiling with a sense of pride. At the end of the evening, $2,110 had been collected for multiple sclerosis.
Yes, I am proud to be an American and a member of Post 253. The last time I checked, sharing a beer with a fellow comrade was not one of the seven deadly sins, but anger is. I'm tired of the hatred and bickering that emanate from just a few neighbors of the Legion. I issue a challenge to these neighbors. As one of our members so aptly puts it in the monthly newsletter, "Let's kill each other with kindness." Let's give until it hurts and then give some more. Learn from the American Legion ] the Lord loves a cheerful giver.
Jan Cormican Leesburg
Honesty
Editor, Times-Union:I had an experience two days ago that helps restore my confidence in the goodness of people, especially in small-town America that's best personified in good old Warsaw.
A customer was at my shop looking for a planter for the holidays. She located just what she wanted, but for some unknown reason couldn't find me at that time. She really needed that planter then and took it with her. However, later that same day she made it a point to call me, tell me what she had done, and to make arrangements to come in and pay for it. This special lady's name is Verlyn Hearn from Leesburg and my hat's off to her. There's still hope.
Bob Brilliandt Creative Concrete Warsaw
Dog Killed
Editor, Times-Union:Monday June 2, 1997, around 7:30 p.m., we lost a member of our family. Brandy was our family dog. She was only 5 months old. She got some spunk in her and ran across the road. When she realized that she was in trouble, she started to return and was hit by a car. I know that every day animals get hit by cars, but when it is your own it pains you a great deal. The people who were driving the car did not even stop and offer a word of apology, or help, or even hit the brakes. I wonder if the people who were driving that car have kids and could have heard my two children screaming and crying at the top of their lungs and how heartbroken they were that their dog was killed or even if the people cared enough to stop. My kids watched in horror as it happened and I wonder how and why people can be so cruel and insensitive. My neighbors were very kind, especially the lady next door, Kay.
Deb Phillips Warsaw
Expulsion
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is another case of the Warsaw High School "0" tolerance rule.
My daughter went to her locker after class to find another girl waiting on her. An argument was started, then the other girl attacked her. My daughter responded in self-defense. But at Warsaw High School, that is not allowed ] to defend yourself. Now this story gets better. My daughter is a very petite 100 pounds, and the other girl also. Now we have a 6-foot-2 male, 275-pound teacher who comes to break up this fist fight, where he could have picked both girls up by the nape of the neck. He testified he feared for his safety (remember, no weapons were involved).
Now my daughter will not graduate with a diploma with honors, or receive any of the scholarships that she may have had a chance to receive. She has been an honor student her whole academic career. The outcome of this whole issue would not have happened, and school records will verify this statement, if the child's last name started with letters other than S through Z.
I do believe that if there had been weapons involved, you would have had a case of intent to harm. Granted, the school is a place to learn, not to interrupt classes. But is it right to throw a student's career away for an instinctive human reflex? Warsaw High School ] where they have rewritten the human rights laws. Unless you are a minority, athletic star, or your family is a high dollar donator to the system.
Now, after a 10-day suspension, a hearing with the expulsion board, an appeal to the school board, which took nine weeks and attorney fees of $400-plus, they would allow her to attend the AIM school, where she has still earned her credits, but no grades, which will lower her GPA.
So what happened to the idea of keeping kids in school so they may earn an education, or do we expel these kids so they can stay home and watch TV? If in the working world we terminated every one that took more effort to teach/supervise where would the economy be?
"0" tolerance. The principle is sound, but all of our laws are tempered to fit the crime. Our justice system operates on this premise. Warsaw High School must address these imbalances.
Rosalind (Thomas) Havens Warsaw
Water Bills
Editor, Times-Union:The Warsaw City Council has passed a new tax by calling it a surcharge on the United Water bill.
The tax amounts to about $60,000 for Warsaw customers and $30,000 for Winona Lake customers. Only about 50 percent of Warsaw and Winona residents are customers of United Water. In addition, all Wayne Township residents outside of city and town limits do not pay. Why should less than 50 percent pay for all fire water protection.
This is just another way to have more money to wastefully spend when the trend all over the country is to lower the taxes. If you would lower your taxes, business, industry and individuals could expand and improve their business and property, which would in turn give you more revenue. I guess you haven't figured that out yet.
While on the subject of Warsaw and Winona Lake, I would like to mention another situation.
When the Pennsylvania Railroad was one of the largest taxpayers, Warsaw claimed all tax money. Now that they don't pay any tax, you have moved your city limit sign to the north side of the tracks, leaving Winona Lake taxpayers to maintain the right of way. Thanks a lot, Warsaw!
Ted Heaton Winona Lake
Graduates
Editor, Times-Union:Tuesday evening, May 27, 130 Warsaw Community High School students from the class of 1997 were honored through various awards and many, many community-based scholarships. More are added each year.
I have talked with several counselors from school corporations around the state of Indiana and they cannot comprehend the level of financial support offered to our students by the community. The encouragement these young people receive to attend post-secondary training speaks to the commitment the Warsaw community has to the future of the next generation and the commitment to the future of the community as a whole.
Thank you, Warsaw. I am proud to be a member of such a team.
Rick Swaim, WCHS Awards Night coordinator
Water Company
Editor, Times-Union:Dear Mr. Mayor,
I would like for you to explain to the people of the city of Warsaw why you have to use the water company to do your business.
Sure enough, this is a tax that you are trying to slip over on the people of this fair city. I can't get to the point of saying your city as you have not proved yourself an adequate mayor to this point.
Come on Mayor, let's be above board. You have a long road ahead if this is the way you are going to govern this city. Remember, we are not all a bunch of hill folks. I think there are enough of us to determine a mayor that is worth re-electing come the next term.
Kenneth L. Stenstrom Warsaw
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- Property Dispute - Sentence Modification - Fire Thanks - Legion Dispute - Veterans - Free Speech - Paving - American Legion - Honesty - Dog Killed - Expulsion - Water Bills - Graduates - Water Company
Property Dispute
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to the letter from the co-owners of the Covered Bridge facility vilifying the North Webster American Legion for the deck they constructed on the back of their property and for a number of other issues they take issue with and object to. It's obvious from the content of the letter they are attempting to garner all the support and sympathy they can from the public. I am now compelled to answer this pathetic letter. They mentioned the phrase "good neighbors" several times. In fact, this expression was plagiarized from a statement made by past commander Roger Cormican to the media some time ago. They also stated the Legion patrons have destroyed their parking area. This is also a falsehood. True, patrons of the Legion have used their parking area, but have been urged to use it only after Covered Bridge closing time and with the owners' permission. Covered Bridge customers have used the Legion parking area with no objection from Legion management. The terrible condition of their lot is not from Legion traffic, but from the digging and construction they did last year. To this date, no attempt has been made by Covered Bridge management to make repairs. It would take too long to explain what the real counter offer the Covered Bridge owners made to Legion officers was. However, if you want the true facts contact any Legion officer. Briefly, the Legion officers made a fair and equitable offer which was met with one that was totally absurd. They also berated and condemned the Legion for the noise emitting from the deck. Again, this is also an untruism. The deck is never used in winter months, seldom during the weekdays. Even during the summer months when it is used on weekends, the membership is asked to be considerate to our neighbors. And, noise is noise. The law cannot discriminate between music whether it be country or praising the Lord ] neither does He. In addition, the removal of a portion of the deck is being done as a result of the court's decision. The North Webster American Legion is indeed trying to be law-abiding citizens in complying with the laws of the land they so bravely fought for.
In conclusion, it is difficult for me to comprehend how individuals who portray themselves to the public as honest, truthful and God-fearing citizens can compose a letter containing so many untruths. My suggestion is for the individuals who penned the letter read Matthew 23:28 and think about what they have done.
J.B. Routh North Webster
Sentence Modification
Editor, Times-Union:In defense of the recent sentence modification in question ] our constitution grants us the right to an expedient trial without undue punishment.
A good example of this is in the recent modification in the case of the woman who was sentenced to 30 years for being in the back seat of a car used in a drug deal. She was recently set free on probation after serving eight months of her sentence. I believed at the time of sentencing that 30 years was very definitely undue punishment and applaud the recent decision for modification.
In dealing with and from reading of decisions made by them, I believe Rex Reed and Joe Sutton to be fair men ] more than can be said of Mr. Kolbe.
Deanna Newton Warsaw
Fire Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to express my and my family's deepest appreciation for everything that was done for us after the fire we had in our home on Dec. 19, 1996. There are so many individuals who opened their hearts to help us out during this crisis that I can't begin to name all of them. But I do want to say thanks to all the people I work with at Biomet Inc. As soon as the announcement was made at Biomet that the fire had occurred, employees started taking a collection for food, clothing and money. The donation that was made to my family at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 20, the same day the donations were collected, was astounding. The key people in charge of this effort made the employees at Biomet aware of how much they had contributed, and it was incredibly a humbling experience for most of the employees there, as they realized what all their efforts had amounted to. My family and I were especially touched by this. We realized how fortunate we are to have so many good friends, co-workers and family.
I would also like to take this opportunity to let my in-laws know how much it means to my family and myself, that they let us live with them for two months while we were trying to find another place to live, and made us feel as if it were our home the whole time we were there. I love you both dearly, and can never say thanks enough for everything.
Quite a few concerned co-workers have inquired about our situation since the fire. We bought a house we are really happy with and are doing well.
Again, I'd like to say thank you to all involved, and I'm glad to know all of you.
Shelley Slone and family Warsaw
Legion Dispute
Editor, Times-Union:Re: "Legion Dispute," Times-Union, May 29, letter from Rev. Jack and Suzy Scott/ Drs. Will and Sally Miller;
This letter is so full of half truths, distorted facts and frivolous innuendoes, it would take too much time and newspaper space to refute those particulars in question.
" ... and the truth shall set you free." Your prejudices and bitterness are keeping you in shackles. This entire matter has been determined by a court of law. Live with it.
Donald Guard Leesburg
Veterans
Editor, Times-Union:To all the veteran organizations and the Warsaw band members and instructor:
In April 1943, I was 18 years old when for the first time in my life I heard "Taps" played at "Lights Out," my first night at boot camp. Tears formed and ran down my cheeks as my thoughts turned to the home I had just left two days before and may never see again.
To this day, May 26, 1997, 54 years later, I heard "Taps" being played at the American Veterans program presented at the Oakwood Cemetery. The sound again brought tears streaming down my cheeks. This time it was not the thoughts of the home I had left, but rather the memories of shipmates who have gone on before me. Memories of those times during the war years which were happy times and those times when our very lives depended on one another. The sound of your rendition of "Taps" with its echo in the background was one of the most moving experiences I have had in many, many years. I thank you for reminding me of the friends and times from out of my past.
Thanks also goes to the American Legion and its members who took the time and effort to present this program of remembrance.
Thanks again to each and every one who participated.
William R. King, Qm3/c United States Coast Guard USS Machais, PF53 1943-1945
Free Speech
Editor, Times-Union:The Times-Union of May 28 contained a letter to the editor from R.W. "Mac" McQueen regarding the activities of the Ku Klux Klan in Syracuse. Mr. McQueen's proposed solution was to restrict the Klan's freedom of speech. Mr. McQueen solicited comments from county and/or city officials. I am neither, but I have some knowledge of the United States Constitution and I will attempt to respond.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was designed to protect the type of speech in which the Klan was engaged; namely, "unpopular" political speech. Mr. McQueen's solution, although I know he meant it with good intentions, is playing right into the Klan's hands. They deal with hate and when they inspire hate from others, they are fighting on their field, with their weapons. The natural reaction is to try to shut up their hateful words, but the result is to cause the loss of freedom for everyone.
Mr. McQueen was correct; the best thing would have been for him and the others to stay home. Then the Times-Union would have only been able to report on a handful of pathetic racists with nothing better to do. If he just had to go or was caught there by accident, the best thing he could do was to fight back with love and humor. Love will always win over hate.
But please don't think about abridging my right or yours to free speech. You may have something unpopular to say someday and I'll be right there to support your right to say it.
Rich Burkett Warsaw
Paving
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to express some additional considerations concerning the issue of road paving in Black's Trailer Park (Wednesday, May 28 paper).
In the same article, Judge Jarrette gives an update of a community service program where offenders clean up cemeteries rather than going to jail.
Sheriff Rovenstine states, "Police are called to Blacks' four or five times a week." Perhaps another option lays right before us. Let those who feel the need to be constantly visited by the county police on a weekly basis direct that energy to a little different road work.
I don't know about you, but when our drive needs fixed, we grab our shovels and put our backs into it. Amazingly, we've found shovels, rakes, etc., to be readily available at most garage sales for little cost (a lot less than $70,000).
Emily Thomas North Webster
American Legion
Editor, Times-Union:With the celebration of Memorial Day fresh in our minds, I felt compelled to share some thought and recent memories. Two years ago I moved to this area and was urged by friends to join the American Legion Auxiliary at North Webster. I knew very little about the American Legion at the time but have learned much in two short years.
What I have witnessed are countless acts of unselfish giving that would make any American proud. I have watched the men, women and children alike give tirelessly of themselves for the good of others. I've seen firemen, policemen, teachers and other citizens honored for their good deeds. I've witnessed young students being presented scholarships for colleges and financed to Boys and Girls State. I've seen the hungry fed at Thanksgiving and the needy fed, clothed and cheered at Christmas. I've watched members work tirelessly at benefits for citizens afflicted with deadly skin ailments and diseases and those recovering from debilitating accidents and misfortune.
Last night I was never prouder to be a member of the American Legion Post 253. A member, a Vietnam veteran who walks with a cane and ever-present smile, had donated hundreds of dollars worth of gifts, gadgets and collectibles to the Legion for an auction to benefit multiple sclerosis. I sat mesmerized as I watched people I knew had to work, scrimp and save six and seven days a week to feed their own families, bid and donate 10 times the value of a trinket and all the time smiling with a sense of pride. At the end of the evening, $2,110 had been collected for multiple sclerosis.
Yes, I am proud to be an American and a member of Post 253. The last time I checked, sharing a beer with a fellow comrade was not one of the seven deadly sins, but anger is. I'm tired of the hatred and bickering that emanate from just a few neighbors of the Legion. I issue a challenge to these neighbors. As one of our members so aptly puts it in the monthly newsletter, "Let's kill each other with kindness." Let's give until it hurts and then give some more. Learn from the American Legion ] the Lord loves a cheerful giver.
Jan Cormican Leesburg
Honesty
Editor, Times-Union:I had an experience two days ago that helps restore my confidence in the goodness of people, especially in small-town America that's best personified in good old Warsaw.
A customer was at my shop looking for a planter for the holidays. She located just what she wanted, but for some unknown reason couldn't find me at that time. She really needed that planter then and took it with her. However, later that same day she made it a point to call me, tell me what she had done, and to make arrangements to come in and pay for it. This special lady's name is Verlyn Hearn from Leesburg and my hat's off to her. There's still hope.
Bob Brilliandt Creative Concrete Warsaw
Dog Killed
Editor, Times-Union:Monday June 2, 1997, around 7:30 p.m., we lost a member of our family. Brandy was our family dog. She was only 5 months old. She got some spunk in her and ran across the road. When she realized that she was in trouble, she started to return and was hit by a car. I know that every day animals get hit by cars, but when it is your own it pains you a great deal. The people who were driving the car did not even stop and offer a word of apology, or help, or even hit the brakes. I wonder if the people who were driving that car have kids and could have heard my two children screaming and crying at the top of their lungs and how heartbroken they were that their dog was killed or even if the people cared enough to stop. My kids watched in horror as it happened and I wonder how and why people can be so cruel and insensitive. My neighbors were very kind, especially the lady next door, Kay.
Deb Phillips Warsaw
Expulsion
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is another case of the Warsaw High School "0" tolerance rule.
My daughter went to her locker after class to find another girl waiting on her. An argument was started, then the other girl attacked her. My daughter responded in self-defense. But at Warsaw High School, that is not allowed ] to defend yourself. Now this story gets better. My daughter is a very petite 100 pounds, and the other girl also. Now we have a 6-foot-2 male, 275-pound teacher who comes to break up this fist fight, where he could have picked both girls up by the nape of the neck. He testified he feared for his safety (remember, no weapons were involved).
Now my daughter will not graduate with a diploma with honors, or receive any of the scholarships that she may have had a chance to receive. She has been an honor student her whole academic career. The outcome of this whole issue would not have happened, and school records will verify this statement, if the child's last name started with letters other than S through Z.
I do believe that if there had been weapons involved, you would have had a case of intent to harm. Granted, the school is a place to learn, not to interrupt classes. But is it right to throw a student's career away for an instinctive human reflex? Warsaw High School ] where they have rewritten the human rights laws. Unless you are a minority, athletic star, or your family is a high dollar donator to the system.
Now, after a 10-day suspension, a hearing with the expulsion board, an appeal to the school board, which took nine weeks and attorney fees of $400-plus, they would allow her to attend the AIM school, where she has still earned her credits, but no grades, which will lower her GPA.
So what happened to the idea of keeping kids in school so they may earn an education, or do we expel these kids so they can stay home and watch TV? If in the working world we terminated every one that took more effort to teach/supervise where would the economy be?
"0" tolerance. The principle is sound, but all of our laws are tempered to fit the crime. Our justice system operates on this premise. Warsaw High School must address these imbalances.
Rosalind (Thomas) Havens Warsaw
Water Bills
Editor, Times-Union:The Warsaw City Council has passed a new tax by calling it a surcharge on the United Water bill.
The tax amounts to about $60,000 for Warsaw customers and $30,000 for Winona Lake customers. Only about 50 percent of Warsaw and Winona residents are customers of United Water. In addition, all Wayne Township residents outside of city and town limits do not pay. Why should less than 50 percent pay for all fire water protection.
This is just another way to have more money to wastefully spend when the trend all over the country is to lower the taxes. If you would lower your taxes, business, industry and individuals could expand and improve their business and property, which would in turn give you more revenue. I guess you haven't figured that out yet.
While on the subject of Warsaw and Winona Lake, I would like to mention another situation.
When the Pennsylvania Railroad was one of the largest taxpayers, Warsaw claimed all tax money. Now that they don't pay any tax, you have moved your city limit sign to the north side of the tracks, leaving Winona Lake taxpayers to maintain the right of way. Thanks a lot, Warsaw!
Ted Heaton Winona Lake
Graduates
Editor, Times-Union:Tuesday evening, May 27, 130 Warsaw Community High School students from the class of 1997 were honored through various awards and many, many community-based scholarships. More are added each year.
I have talked with several counselors from school corporations around the state of Indiana and they cannot comprehend the level of financial support offered to our students by the community. The encouragement these young people receive to attend post-secondary training speaks to the commitment the Warsaw community has to the future of the next generation and the commitment to the future of the community as a whole.
Thank you, Warsaw. I am proud to be a member of such a team.
Rick Swaim, WCHS Awards Night coordinator
Water Company
Editor, Times-Union:Dear Mr. Mayor,
I would like for you to explain to the people of the city of Warsaw why you have to use the water company to do your business.
Sure enough, this is a tax that you are trying to slip over on the people of this fair city. I can't get to the point of saying your city as you have not proved yourself an adequate mayor to this point.
Come on Mayor, let's be above board. You have a long road ahead if this is the way you are going to govern this city. Remember, we are not all a bunch of hill folks. I think there are enough of us to determine a mayor that is worth re-electing come the next term.
Kenneth L. Stenstrom Warsaw
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