Letters to the Editor 08-28-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Truth To Prevail - Juvenile - Grace Village - Solicitations - Mason's Health Care -
Truth To Prevail
Editor, Times-Union:Your column this morning was great! I think it addressed the core of this tragic situation which faces our country.
Some of the same questions have been in my mind. "But where are they finding these people that they poll?" I'd like to know that, too. If there is a phone number that anyone could call to state their opinion, perhaps you could print it in the paper. I'd call and I think lots of other folks in our community would also.
If President Clinton truly believes we are sympathizing with him, seeing him as a victim, he is sadly mistaken. My prayer is that he will truly repent before the Holy and Righteous God that he claims to follow, and then in all humility seek justice and allow truth to prevail for the good of our country that he claims to serve.
Miriam Pacheco, Winona Lake
Juvenile
Editor, Times-Union:On Aug. 20, the managing editor of Times-Union allowed an article to be printed on the front page about a 14-year-old boy who was found having a switchblade in his book bag - the first day of school. GREAT STORY unless it was your minor son who was being exploited.
My son has yet to meet with a probation officer, juvenile authorities or scheduled for hearing, however the possible outcome resulting from this tragedy has been printed, along with his name, age and address for all to see. His reputation as a juvenile delinquent/criminal is extremely difficult for any 14-year-old to live down, especially when he is innocent. One might ask where's the innocence when a switchblade is found in a book bag. There's always another side to a story and here's ours.
Two weeks prior to school opening, looking for parts to a skateboard, my son found a switchblade in the attic of our home, and upon making a terrible error in choice, thought it was "COOL" and wanted to show a friend/friends in town. Putting it into his book bag, he started out the door. I stopped him and told him he was not to use his new book bag until school. He then took it down to his bedroom and that's where it stayed until the first day of school.
On Aug. 19, the busiest morning of the year, I reminded him to get his book bag. He said he didn't need it because there was nothing in it. I then explained that he will be receiving his supplies at school and will need something to put them in. He went down, grabbed it, and off to school he went. After forgetting his book bag in the lunch room, he went back to retrieve it only to find the principal going through it. He was relieved that his book bag had been found until the shocking truth of knowing he forgot he had put that blade in it two weeks prior. The police were called and took him to the station. Upon questioning, the officer asked where he got it and why he put it in his book bag. The paper read, "took it to school to show some classmates." This statement is not accurate. He is facing a complete year from high school, and all of you who read the article know the rest.
I would not be writing this story if I knew my son, knowingly, took that knife to school even if it was to show his friends. The first person that literally saw the "COOL" switchblade, from the time it was removed from storage, was the principal of WCHS. My son is presently confined at home and not receiving any education until the outcome of all of this.
I feel strongly about the discretion of a minor's name being printed in the paper, unfortunately not all feel this way. Now you have the other side of the story.
Innocent until proven guilty?
Trenda Wiltrout, Warsaw
Grace Village
Editor, Times-Union:May I share, through your newspaper, a message to the public regarding a fine facility located here in our area? I am referring to Grace Village Retirement Home and their Health Care unit all located near Winona Lake.
My mother's death occurred last month and we continue to rejoice that her last days were spent in this excellent residence. She had sold her home and moved into a retirement apartment and enjoyed her time there so much, enjoying the amenities of a laundry area, beauty shop, library, bank, beautiful dining room and chapel where regular services are held.
After her fall it became necessary for her to move to the health care unit where she received very tender, loving care. As her health declined some of the nurses were very special to her. The chaplain visited and prayed with her almost every day until her death on July 13, and that meant so much to her.
We thank God for this fine facility.
Carol Carlin, Warsaw
Solicitations
Editor, Times-Union:There has been in my mail recently an unusual number of solicitations and surveys from Newt Gingrich and Senator Trent Lott asking for my opinion on their selected issues and a cash contribution. Each time I respond suggesting that they use the increase in salary they recently voted for themselves to fund their mailing. I also tell them how weary we are of their politics, deceit and stalling in considering the significant problems of our nation.
Could it be possible that if more people would inform them of their feelings concerning their work, they might be a little more humble and less assertive?
Berniece H. Dwyer, Milford
Mason's Health Care
Editor, Times-Union:My mother is a resident of Mason's Health Care Facility. She and 19 other residents from Mason's spent a glorious morning on Webster Lake riding the Dixie Boat owned by Adventureland.
These people don't get to enjoy many activities anymore and to eat out occasionally is wonderful! They may not have a leg or they drop things and are very slow, but they all served society well and deserve our respect and honor.
The second part of the outing was ruined by "rude" treatment at the Lakeview Restaurant. Most of the people were in wheelchairs, and all remained on the outside deck for lunch so as not to take up space inside the restaurant. Orders were taken and delivered by the Mason staff accompanying the residents.
When they turned in the orders, they were informed they would not all be served at the same time, which was fine as the residents were enjoying the sun, air and scenery of Webster Lake.
The activities director had called ahead of time to see if the facility could accommodate such a group. These people were paying customers but the director was told not to come again as they were an intrusion to the owner's normal lunch business. It's unfortunate this group of people ran off his "regular customers" as stated by the owner.
North Webster was home to some of these Mason residents; it is home to many of their families and staff. We hope people don't feel the thoughts of this one individual represent the attitude of the entire community.
Anita and Dennis Wagoner, Leesburg
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- Truth To Prevail - Juvenile - Grace Village - Solicitations - Mason's Health Care -
Truth To Prevail
Editor, Times-Union:Your column this morning was great! I think it addressed the core of this tragic situation which faces our country.
Some of the same questions have been in my mind. "But where are they finding these people that they poll?" I'd like to know that, too. If there is a phone number that anyone could call to state their opinion, perhaps you could print it in the paper. I'd call and I think lots of other folks in our community would also.
If President Clinton truly believes we are sympathizing with him, seeing him as a victim, he is sadly mistaken. My prayer is that he will truly repent before the Holy and Righteous God that he claims to follow, and then in all humility seek justice and allow truth to prevail for the good of our country that he claims to serve.
Miriam Pacheco, Winona Lake
Juvenile
Editor, Times-Union:On Aug. 20, the managing editor of Times-Union allowed an article to be printed on the front page about a 14-year-old boy who was found having a switchblade in his book bag - the first day of school. GREAT STORY unless it was your minor son who was being exploited.
My son has yet to meet with a probation officer, juvenile authorities or scheduled for hearing, however the possible outcome resulting from this tragedy has been printed, along with his name, age and address for all to see. His reputation as a juvenile delinquent/criminal is extremely difficult for any 14-year-old to live down, especially when he is innocent. One might ask where's the innocence when a switchblade is found in a book bag. There's always another side to a story and here's ours.
Two weeks prior to school opening, looking for parts to a skateboard, my son found a switchblade in the attic of our home, and upon making a terrible error in choice, thought it was "COOL" and wanted to show a friend/friends in town. Putting it into his book bag, he started out the door. I stopped him and told him he was not to use his new book bag until school. He then took it down to his bedroom and that's where it stayed until the first day of school.
On Aug. 19, the busiest morning of the year, I reminded him to get his book bag. He said he didn't need it because there was nothing in it. I then explained that he will be receiving his supplies at school and will need something to put them in. He went down, grabbed it, and off to school he went. After forgetting his book bag in the lunch room, he went back to retrieve it only to find the principal going through it. He was relieved that his book bag had been found until the shocking truth of knowing he forgot he had put that blade in it two weeks prior. The police were called and took him to the station. Upon questioning, the officer asked where he got it and why he put it in his book bag. The paper read, "took it to school to show some classmates." This statement is not accurate. He is facing a complete year from high school, and all of you who read the article know the rest.
I would not be writing this story if I knew my son, knowingly, took that knife to school even if it was to show his friends. The first person that literally saw the "COOL" switchblade, from the time it was removed from storage, was the principal of WCHS. My son is presently confined at home and not receiving any education until the outcome of all of this.
I feel strongly about the discretion of a minor's name being printed in the paper, unfortunately not all feel this way. Now you have the other side of the story.
Innocent until proven guilty?
Trenda Wiltrout, Warsaw
Grace Village
Editor, Times-Union:May I share, through your newspaper, a message to the public regarding a fine facility located here in our area? I am referring to Grace Village Retirement Home and their Health Care unit all located near Winona Lake.
My mother's death occurred last month and we continue to rejoice that her last days were spent in this excellent residence. She had sold her home and moved into a retirement apartment and enjoyed her time there so much, enjoying the amenities of a laundry area, beauty shop, library, bank, beautiful dining room and chapel where regular services are held.
After her fall it became necessary for her to move to the health care unit where she received very tender, loving care. As her health declined some of the nurses were very special to her. The chaplain visited and prayed with her almost every day until her death on July 13, and that meant so much to her.
We thank God for this fine facility.
Carol Carlin, Warsaw
Solicitations
Editor, Times-Union:There has been in my mail recently an unusual number of solicitations and surveys from Newt Gingrich and Senator Trent Lott asking for my opinion on their selected issues and a cash contribution. Each time I respond suggesting that they use the increase in salary they recently voted for themselves to fund their mailing. I also tell them how weary we are of their politics, deceit and stalling in considering the significant problems of our nation.
Could it be possible that if more people would inform them of their feelings concerning their work, they might be a little more humble and less assertive?
Berniece H. Dwyer, Milford
Mason's Health Care
Editor, Times-Union:My mother is a resident of Mason's Health Care Facility. She and 19 other residents from Mason's spent a glorious morning on Webster Lake riding the Dixie Boat owned by Adventureland.
These people don't get to enjoy many activities anymore and to eat out occasionally is wonderful! They may not have a leg or they drop things and are very slow, but they all served society well and deserve our respect and honor.
The second part of the outing was ruined by "rude" treatment at the Lakeview Restaurant. Most of the people were in wheelchairs, and all remained on the outside deck for lunch so as not to take up space inside the restaurant. Orders were taken and delivered by the Mason staff accompanying the residents.
When they turned in the orders, they were informed they would not all be served at the same time, which was fine as the residents were enjoying the sun, air and scenery of Webster Lake.
The activities director had called ahead of time to see if the facility could accommodate such a group. These people were paying customers but the director was told not to come again as they were an intrusion to the owner's normal lunch business. It's unfortunate this group of people ran off his "regular customers" as stated by the owner.
North Webster was home to some of these Mason residents; it is home to many of their families and staff. We hope people don't feel the thoughts of this one individual represent the attitude of the entire community.
Anita and Dennis Wagoner, Leesburg
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