Letters to the Editor 06-10-2003
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- U.S. 30 - Build Now - Burket Fund-Raiser - Thanks From Freddie - Zimmer Road - School Building Program - TVHS Building Program - New Warsaw Speedway
U.S. 30
Editor, Times-Union:The accidents along U.S. 30 and other traffic problems on U.S. 30 around Warsaw are not only the result of poor driving and people not following the law. Many of these problems stem from the whole layout of U.S. 30 and the crossroads and access to U.S. 30. For example, there is one intersection with U.S. 30 which is far safer and has virtually no accidents and that is the Ind. 15 and U.S. 30 intersection, where 30 is an overpass over 15 with access by on/off ramps.
Another example of a very poor solution to a really bad engineering problem with 30 is the intersection of CR 150W and U.S. 30. Instead of a real safe solution, the stopgap measure of just putting up a stoplight was supposed to cure the problem. It didn't, and very soon after the light was installed, a woman was killed there.
On further down 30 to the east with the intersection with Parker Street, we have another similar situation with a stoplight on 30. At that intersection we have given up at least three or four lives because there was no overpass with on ramps.
Virtually every stop light on U.S. 30 from CR 150W to 250E is an engineering blunder of the highest degree.
Unfortuantely, overpasses with on/off ramps are only part of the problem with traffic around Warsaw. We have one of the most confusing systems of frontage roads and lack of frontage roads imaginable. There was no effort when the three shopping centers south of U.S. 30 east of Warsaw were laid out to make a reasonable and workable system of frontage roads. This mess looks like it was laid out by a drunk on Saturday night after a big bender.
Had the engineering on U.S. 30 been done properly when the system was laid out, there would be fewer entrances to U.S. 30, a system of really workable frontage roads and more than one overpass with on/off ramps. Now that we have built it up with restaurants, service stations, residences and businesses, it will be an enormously expensive proposition to cure.
Re-engineering the system and putting in real frontage roads, putting in a couple of overpasses with ramps and closing some of the unnecessary entrances is the only real answer to the U.S. 30 problem. At the very least, there should be an overpass at CR 150W and another at U.S. 30 and Center Street. Until traffic can flow around Warsaw without any impediments on U.S. 30, we will have deaths and traffic problems, regardless of how well the police patrol the area.
James L. Townsend
Warsaw
via e-mail
Build Now
Editor, Times-Union:Despite what some recent letters suggested, closing the four schools will provide immediate savings to the school corporation. Whether we like it or not, the money that would be used to build the new schools cannot be used to operate the current ones. The state has separated building funds from the general operating funds. Recently the state did allow some transfer of money from one fund to the other (to replace money the state owed Warsaw but could not pay), but it was not enough to keep the corporation from laying off eight high school teachers and ending the counseling program in the elementary schools. The funding situation is unlikely to improve in the next school year. The small increase that legislators recently passed (less that 1 percent to Warsaw schools in 2003) will not come close to covering increases in health insurance. Teachers have been told that they will pay more for insurance and that there will be no raise next school year. Closing the small schools is probably the only hope to avoid future layoffs. Our state legislators made it clear this year that schools cannot expect help from the state. More layoffs would cause increases in class size, which would hurt all the students in the school corporation.
Building two new schools will not cause an increase in property taxes because the debt has been paid down. The only building that still has debt is the high school. That is why the new additions and improvements to Lakeview, the central office and the high school did not result in higher taxes. I think that the decision to leave Jefferson open and send the sixth-graders to the middle schools, instead of building two new elementary schools, should be based on what is better for the sixth-graders. The decision should also take into account that Warsaw has other older schools that may need to be retired in the future. The time to build would be now while interest rates are at historic lows.
Alan Blakeley
Warsaw
via e-mail
Burket Fund-Raiser
Editor, Times-Union:The Burket Fire Department would like to thank everyone involved in making our fund-raiser auction a huge success. The donations made by area businesses and surrounding community members were very generous and greatly appreciated. Thank you to the people who braved the weather and helped to make the auction successful. Thank you also to the auctioneers and volunteers, for without the time and services of these people, our auction would not have gotten off the ground.
Thank you again to everyone!
Burket Fire Department
Officers and members
via e-mail
Thanks From Freddie
Editor, Times-Union:Please allow me to convey a huge thank-you to Warsaw and surrounding communities for all the assistance, donations and moral support pertaining to my son, Freddie, and his attendance of Child's Voice School coming up shortly.
Whether it was time, space (for a poster and tokens), donations or other means of assistance, special gratitude goes out to Hacienda, Zimmer, Warsaw Health Foods, Sunoco/The Pit Stop, Making Waves Hair Salon, Milford Party Pack, Patona Bay Boat Service, 1st Source Bank, Courthouse Coffee, Lincoln Elementary, Madison Elementary and many, many individuals who remain unnamed. You are truly magnificent people and organizations. Your generosity, in all forms, will not be forgotten and will be reciprocated in some way!
The turnout at Hacienda on June 2 was fantastic! Because of your support, Child's Voice will be receiving a check for $230.10 from Hacienda. It was so amazing to see all the wonderful people we know - some closely, some in passing - come together to support such a worthy cause. To those who know Freddie and those who work or have worked with him in the past, you certainly noticed his face light up when he saw each one of you!
Freddie will ship off to Grandma's house and attend Child's Voice beginning June 16. As we anticipate, Child's Voice School should work wonders for Freddie and his extremely delayed communication skills. He and other hearing-impaired children will benefit greatly from the wonderful workings of Child's Voice School. As I mentioned previously, I hope to someday bring these types of magnificent resources home ... to Warsaw.
Thanks again, each and every one of you!
Carrie Brissette
Warsaw
via e-mail
Zimmer Road
Editor, Times-Union:Does anyone from the Warsaw Street Department drive on Zimmer Road? Currently, there is a project near Zimmer where there was an urgent need to dig up the road, play in the mud and then fix the section of the road they've destroyed. I'm miffed (is that a word?), because about 200 yards south of the backhoe parked in the middle of the road is what used to be a railroad crossing. I say it used to be a crossing because at one point, a car would drive on a road across the tracks, but since that heyday for the Zimmer Road crossing, the road has regressed to two segments of a road butted against railroad tracks.
I used to cross the tracks at hazardously slow speeds so I wouldn't add my hubcaps to the collection on the side of the road, but recently I've stumbled upon a solution. What say you, oh Street Department, invest $50 in a junk Mazda 323 from the scrapyard a stone's throw from the crossing, and park it in the crossing. This would provide a makeshift bridge across the numerous gulleys at the crossing and actually smooth the ride out a bit as I drive over the 323. Until then, I've discovered a quicker, easier and smoother way to cross. I remove my hubcaps before I leave my house and, being vigilant for anyone crossing the tracks at hazardously slow speeds, take the crossing at no less than 75 miles per hour. This gives the car somewhat of an airborne effect so that the entire weight of my vehicle is not on the wheels as they are thrown from the axle, making the landing on the bare frame on the other side quite uneventful. The only pitfall, if you will, is that my car isn't nearly as fast as it was when it had wheels.
On the bright side, I still have my hubcaps.
Jon Fussle
Warsaw
via e-mail
School Building Program
Editor, Times-Union:To all concerned taxpayers of Warsaw Community Schools:
I believe that it would be worth your time to drive to the intersection of CR 700S and CR 200W, at the east edge of Claypool. Warsaw Community School Superintendent Dr. David McGuire is recommending to the school board that this school be abandoned and a new school be built in Winona Lake at a cost to taxpayers of millions of dollars. Claypool School was built less than 20 years ago with the plan to build on to the building when the need arose. Dr. Jerry McKibbin, the demographic consultant, recently recommended adding to Claypool School. Evidently his expert advice and the planning of previous school boards is being ignored. It is the taxpayer that pays the price when administrations do not honor the long-range, well-thought-out plans of their predecessors. There are many reasons, too numerous to mention, not to transport Silver Lake and Claypool students unnecessarily to Warsaw. I hope the school board does not make a hasty decision costly to students and taxpayers alike.
Donald E. Shively
Claypool
TVHS Building Program
Editor, Times-Union:Last night (Monday) in the TVHS lecture room the school board held a 10-28 meeting to decide the fate of a proposed building project. In all actuality, this was two meetings. The first concerned much-needed additional classrooms and other renovations, the second was the building of an auditorium and wrestling room. The future of the first plan is moving right along with a unanimous vote by the board members; the second was not so lucky, the board voted three-to-two against the plan. I would like to thank board president Mr. Weaver and board member Mr. O'Brien for their support of this project.
A question to be raised in all this is why can the community raise 250 signatures to reverse the positive decision of the first hearing, but cannot reverse the negative decision of the second meeting, how is this fair? How also is it fair for the fine arts and wrestling students to work in second rate facilities? The students using the facilities are forced to use outdated and dangerous equipment. People seated in the lecture room are met with peeling wallpaper and broken seats. Because of the decision the wrestling team will have to continue to share facilities, limiting the program's growth and improvement. The lecture room will receive a surface makeover, still leaving too few seats, no storage and an inadequate stage. All band concerts and presentations will still have to be held in the cafeteria or gymnasium. Trust me, the fine arts programs will survive - the show must go on, we will make sure of that despite the school board's decision. All these problems will apparently be OK because our high school has a swimming pool, for which we are to be very grateful. What this has to do with an auditorium and wrestling room puzzles me and many others!
Louise Cracknell
TVHS student
Claypool
via e-mail
New Warsaw Speedway
Editor, Times-Union:The Warsaw Speedway is alive and well and running every day! If you don't believe me, come sit on Hepler Drive on the west side of Warsaw any day at about any time of day. The street is posted at 20 and 30 mph speed limits but you'd be hard pressed to find anyone going at those speeds.
This is a residential neighborhood, folks. We have children who ride bicycles and skateboards and walk in this street because there are no sidewalks. There are adults who ride bicycles, walk and run this street. Do you think that a car, truck or semi (yes, we have those too) going faster than 30 mph would be able to keep that vehicle under control if one of these children or adults were to fall, make a misstep or suddenly decide to change directions? I don't either.
School is out and warm weather is creeping up on us, so I beg of you, please slow down on this street and all others that are posted. Follow the law. If you find yourself a little late for work, try starting out earlier the next time. If you are headed for the bar, slow down, it has been there for years and will be there by the time you get there. If the cars in front of you are obeying the speed limit, don't go around them two or three at a time.
Yes, I have seen all of these things happen so I know what I am talking about.
Just be careful out there for the good of everyone. I know I would never be able to live with myself if I killed someone and I'm betting that you would feel the same.
Nancy Grow
Warsaw
via e-mail
[[In-content Ad]]
- U.S. 30 - Build Now - Burket Fund-Raiser - Thanks From Freddie - Zimmer Road - School Building Program - TVHS Building Program - New Warsaw Speedway
U.S. 30
Editor, Times-Union:The accidents along U.S. 30 and other traffic problems on U.S. 30 around Warsaw are not only the result of poor driving and people not following the law. Many of these problems stem from the whole layout of U.S. 30 and the crossroads and access to U.S. 30. For example, there is one intersection with U.S. 30 which is far safer and has virtually no accidents and that is the Ind. 15 and U.S. 30 intersection, where 30 is an overpass over 15 with access by on/off ramps.
Another example of a very poor solution to a really bad engineering problem with 30 is the intersection of CR 150W and U.S. 30. Instead of a real safe solution, the stopgap measure of just putting up a stoplight was supposed to cure the problem. It didn't, and very soon after the light was installed, a woman was killed there.
On further down 30 to the east with the intersection with Parker Street, we have another similar situation with a stoplight on 30. At that intersection we have given up at least three or four lives because there was no overpass with on ramps.
Virtually every stop light on U.S. 30 from CR 150W to 250E is an engineering blunder of the highest degree.
Unfortuantely, overpasses with on/off ramps are only part of the problem with traffic around Warsaw. We have one of the most confusing systems of frontage roads and lack of frontage roads imaginable. There was no effort when the three shopping centers south of U.S. 30 east of Warsaw were laid out to make a reasonable and workable system of frontage roads. This mess looks like it was laid out by a drunk on Saturday night after a big bender.
Had the engineering on U.S. 30 been done properly when the system was laid out, there would be fewer entrances to U.S. 30, a system of really workable frontage roads and more than one overpass with on/off ramps. Now that we have built it up with restaurants, service stations, residences and businesses, it will be an enormously expensive proposition to cure.
Re-engineering the system and putting in real frontage roads, putting in a couple of overpasses with ramps and closing some of the unnecessary entrances is the only real answer to the U.S. 30 problem. At the very least, there should be an overpass at CR 150W and another at U.S. 30 and Center Street. Until traffic can flow around Warsaw without any impediments on U.S. 30, we will have deaths and traffic problems, regardless of how well the police patrol the area.
James L. Townsend
Warsaw
via e-mail
Build Now
Editor, Times-Union:Despite what some recent letters suggested, closing the four schools will provide immediate savings to the school corporation. Whether we like it or not, the money that would be used to build the new schools cannot be used to operate the current ones. The state has separated building funds from the general operating funds. Recently the state did allow some transfer of money from one fund to the other (to replace money the state owed Warsaw but could not pay), but it was not enough to keep the corporation from laying off eight high school teachers and ending the counseling program in the elementary schools. The funding situation is unlikely to improve in the next school year. The small increase that legislators recently passed (less that 1 percent to Warsaw schools in 2003) will not come close to covering increases in health insurance. Teachers have been told that they will pay more for insurance and that there will be no raise next school year. Closing the small schools is probably the only hope to avoid future layoffs. Our state legislators made it clear this year that schools cannot expect help from the state. More layoffs would cause increases in class size, which would hurt all the students in the school corporation.
Building two new schools will not cause an increase in property taxes because the debt has been paid down. The only building that still has debt is the high school. That is why the new additions and improvements to Lakeview, the central office and the high school did not result in higher taxes. I think that the decision to leave Jefferson open and send the sixth-graders to the middle schools, instead of building two new elementary schools, should be based on what is better for the sixth-graders. The decision should also take into account that Warsaw has other older schools that may need to be retired in the future. The time to build would be now while interest rates are at historic lows.
Alan Blakeley
Warsaw
via e-mail
Burket Fund-Raiser
Editor, Times-Union:The Burket Fire Department would like to thank everyone involved in making our fund-raiser auction a huge success. The donations made by area businesses and surrounding community members were very generous and greatly appreciated. Thank you to the people who braved the weather and helped to make the auction successful. Thank you also to the auctioneers and volunteers, for without the time and services of these people, our auction would not have gotten off the ground.
Thank you again to everyone!
Burket Fire Department
Officers and members
via e-mail
Thanks From Freddie
Editor, Times-Union:Please allow me to convey a huge thank-you to Warsaw and surrounding communities for all the assistance, donations and moral support pertaining to my son, Freddie, and his attendance of Child's Voice School coming up shortly.
Whether it was time, space (for a poster and tokens), donations or other means of assistance, special gratitude goes out to Hacienda, Zimmer, Warsaw Health Foods, Sunoco/The Pit Stop, Making Waves Hair Salon, Milford Party Pack, Patona Bay Boat Service, 1st Source Bank, Courthouse Coffee, Lincoln Elementary, Madison Elementary and many, many individuals who remain unnamed. You are truly magnificent people and organizations. Your generosity, in all forms, will not be forgotten and will be reciprocated in some way!
The turnout at Hacienda on June 2 was fantastic! Because of your support, Child's Voice will be receiving a check for $230.10 from Hacienda. It was so amazing to see all the wonderful people we know - some closely, some in passing - come together to support such a worthy cause. To those who know Freddie and those who work or have worked with him in the past, you certainly noticed his face light up when he saw each one of you!
Freddie will ship off to Grandma's house and attend Child's Voice beginning June 16. As we anticipate, Child's Voice School should work wonders for Freddie and his extremely delayed communication skills. He and other hearing-impaired children will benefit greatly from the wonderful workings of Child's Voice School. As I mentioned previously, I hope to someday bring these types of magnificent resources home ... to Warsaw.
Thanks again, each and every one of you!
Carrie Brissette
Warsaw
via e-mail
Zimmer Road
Editor, Times-Union:Does anyone from the Warsaw Street Department drive on Zimmer Road? Currently, there is a project near Zimmer where there was an urgent need to dig up the road, play in the mud and then fix the section of the road they've destroyed. I'm miffed (is that a word?), because about 200 yards south of the backhoe parked in the middle of the road is what used to be a railroad crossing. I say it used to be a crossing because at one point, a car would drive on a road across the tracks, but since that heyday for the Zimmer Road crossing, the road has regressed to two segments of a road butted against railroad tracks.
I used to cross the tracks at hazardously slow speeds so I wouldn't add my hubcaps to the collection on the side of the road, but recently I've stumbled upon a solution. What say you, oh Street Department, invest $50 in a junk Mazda 323 from the scrapyard a stone's throw from the crossing, and park it in the crossing. This would provide a makeshift bridge across the numerous gulleys at the crossing and actually smooth the ride out a bit as I drive over the 323. Until then, I've discovered a quicker, easier and smoother way to cross. I remove my hubcaps before I leave my house and, being vigilant for anyone crossing the tracks at hazardously slow speeds, take the crossing at no less than 75 miles per hour. This gives the car somewhat of an airborne effect so that the entire weight of my vehicle is not on the wheels as they are thrown from the axle, making the landing on the bare frame on the other side quite uneventful. The only pitfall, if you will, is that my car isn't nearly as fast as it was when it had wheels.
On the bright side, I still have my hubcaps.
Jon Fussle
Warsaw
via e-mail
School Building Program
Editor, Times-Union:To all concerned taxpayers of Warsaw Community Schools:
I believe that it would be worth your time to drive to the intersection of CR 700S and CR 200W, at the east edge of Claypool. Warsaw Community School Superintendent Dr. David McGuire is recommending to the school board that this school be abandoned and a new school be built in Winona Lake at a cost to taxpayers of millions of dollars. Claypool School was built less than 20 years ago with the plan to build on to the building when the need arose. Dr. Jerry McKibbin, the demographic consultant, recently recommended adding to Claypool School. Evidently his expert advice and the planning of previous school boards is being ignored. It is the taxpayer that pays the price when administrations do not honor the long-range, well-thought-out plans of their predecessors. There are many reasons, too numerous to mention, not to transport Silver Lake and Claypool students unnecessarily to Warsaw. I hope the school board does not make a hasty decision costly to students and taxpayers alike.
Donald E. Shively
Claypool
TVHS Building Program
Editor, Times-Union:Last night (Monday) in the TVHS lecture room the school board held a 10-28 meeting to decide the fate of a proposed building project. In all actuality, this was two meetings. The first concerned much-needed additional classrooms and other renovations, the second was the building of an auditorium and wrestling room. The future of the first plan is moving right along with a unanimous vote by the board members; the second was not so lucky, the board voted three-to-two against the plan. I would like to thank board president Mr. Weaver and board member Mr. O'Brien for their support of this project.
A question to be raised in all this is why can the community raise 250 signatures to reverse the positive decision of the first hearing, but cannot reverse the negative decision of the second meeting, how is this fair? How also is it fair for the fine arts and wrestling students to work in second rate facilities? The students using the facilities are forced to use outdated and dangerous equipment. People seated in the lecture room are met with peeling wallpaper and broken seats. Because of the decision the wrestling team will have to continue to share facilities, limiting the program's growth and improvement. The lecture room will receive a surface makeover, still leaving too few seats, no storage and an inadequate stage. All band concerts and presentations will still have to be held in the cafeteria or gymnasium. Trust me, the fine arts programs will survive - the show must go on, we will make sure of that despite the school board's decision. All these problems will apparently be OK because our high school has a swimming pool, for which we are to be very grateful. What this has to do with an auditorium and wrestling room puzzles me and many others!
Louise Cracknell
TVHS student
Claypool
via e-mail
New Warsaw Speedway
Editor, Times-Union:The Warsaw Speedway is alive and well and running every day! If you don't believe me, come sit on Hepler Drive on the west side of Warsaw any day at about any time of day. The street is posted at 20 and 30 mph speed limits but you'd be hard pressed to find anyone going at those speeds.
This is a residential neighborhood, folks. We have children who ride bicycles and skateboards and walk in this street because there are no sidewalks. There are adults who ride bicycles, walk and run this street. Do you think that a car, truck or semi (yes, we have those too) going faster than 30 mph would be able to keep that vehicle under control if one of these children or adults were to fall, make a misstep or suddenly decide to change directions? I don't either.
School is out and warm weather is creeping up on us, so I beg of you, please slow down on this street and all others that are posted. Follow the law. If you find yourself a little late for work, try starting out earlier the next time. If you are headed for the bar, slow down, it has been there for years and will be there by the time you get there. If the cars in front of you are obeying the speed limit, don't go around them two or three at a time.
Yes, I have seen all of these things happen so I know what I am talking about.
Just be careful out there for the good of everyone. I know I would never be able to live with myself if I killed someone and I'm betting that you would feel the same.
Nancy Grow
Warsaw
via e-mail
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