Letters to the Editor 09-07-1999
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Dalton Neighbors - Power Of Prayer - AWL Clarifies Position - Thank You From Kuwait - Skate Response - Pet Food Drive - Teen Likes Guns
Dalton Neighbors
Editor, Times-Union:There are barking dogs in the city and throughout the county, however, Dalton Foundries is in the middle of the east end of residential Warsaw. The noise from the EMC fan is so loud and piercing it can be heard three miles from the foundry. We have been told for months that a silencer will be installed. We want to know when? Almost weekly, we are dumped on with black dirt and smelly pollutants. Add to this old equipment (that is in need of replacement) and our homes shake as if we are in the middle of an ongoing earthquake.
We have asked for a public meeting with the mayor, City Council and Dalton Foundries. We want all of these issues to be addressed. We want and need an enforceable noise ordinance. If you live in an area affected by Dalton's, please let the mayor or a member of the City Council know your feelings.
Jim and Bonnie Rhodes, and neighbors, Warsaw
Power Of Prayer
Editor, Times-Union:On Saturday, May 22, 1999, my 23-year-old fiance, Steven Oldfather, suffered a massive stroke in West Lafayette, where he attends Purdue University. A blood clot traveled from a hole in his heart to his brain stem. When I arrived at Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in West Lafayette, the doctor said Steve had a 10 percent chance of living. The surgical procedure to dissolve the blood clot was very high risk, leaving Steve a 90 percent chance of being paralyzed from the eyes down. After several hours of waiting, the doctor told many of us who were waiting that the procedure was successful, but only time would tell how much damage was done to Steve's brain. When Steve awoke in ICU, he could move and communicate to us using a pen and paper due to the tracheal tube. After twenty-four hours, Steve was talking and was moved to an ordinary hospital room. He was released from St. Elizabeth Medical Center the following Thursday and returned to Warsaw working that weekend showing no signs of the stroke, but our summer was not over yet. On Thursday, August 12, 1999, Steve underwent open heart sugery at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne to repair the hole in his heart about the size of a dime that he has had since birth. Steve was released from Lutheran on the following Monday and returned to Purdue 10 days later. One thing I have learned through this ordeal is the power of prayer, love, family and friendship. There are so many people to thank for their support, but I want to give a special thanks to some very important people: Jobey Tackett and Deanna Fetter, Doug and Tara Johnson, Nate McKeand and Ashlee Harmon, Josh Ward and Jeff Brambora. You are all very special friends to Steve and I. We have so much to be thankful for and without all the support from prayers, families, friends and love, our lives would be much different today. Our wedding will not only be a celebration of love, but a celebration of life. Special thanks to many of you for your thoughts, concerns, prayers and love.
Jodi Goon, via e-mail
AWL Clarifies Position
Editor, Times-Union:As a member of the Board of Directors of AWL, I felt I had to respond to Mr. Jaynes' letter that was published Aug. 31. We realize that we have to have the community behind us if we are to survive, and our situation is critical as stated in David Slone's accurate front-page story. It is also critical that the public knows all the facts that are pertinent to our plight, so I am taking some time away from important fund-raising to clarify some points.
Population: We maintain an average population of 300 animals since that is the maximum we have space to accommodate. We would like to keep more, but it is not physically possible. So the correct number is 300, not the absurd 2,500 or 5,000.
Bequest: Once again, and we hope for the last time, the bequest of $200,000 (not $180,000) went to the Kosciusko County Foundation. They maintain the principal FOREVER, and we get the interest which amounts to about $9,000. So there are no funds from this bequest to build a new shelter. We wish they were available, but it is a dead issue.
AWL's Long-Range Plan: We have policies and procedures to follow when euthanasia becomes necessary, but it has a certain amount of flexibility to fit the particular circumstance. We don't feel it would be appropriate to print the details of this delicate matter in the paper, but the bottom line in all cases is consideration of the animal's quality of life. However, Mr. Jaynes, if you would personally like to know more about it, come on out to the Shelter. We could discuss it there.
Budget: Our budget for the year 2000 was presented to the County Commissioners Aug. 3, and the major items in that budget were printed in the Times-Union shortly thereafter. There are a few copies of it still left, and we'd be glad to give or mail you one.
I hope, Mr. Jaynes, that you will see that we have a very conservative budget and depend a lot on volunteers to help keep costs down. It would be nice if you could join the many concerned citizens who are trying to help us survive.
Peggy Gerkin, Leesburg
Thank You From Kuwait
Editor, Times-Union:I am a soldier currently stationed in Camp Doha, Kuwait. A few months ago I had the privilege to meet one of your community members vie the Internet. We have been corresponding regularly and she has been keeping me informed about the activities and events that have been taking place in your part of the world. She has sent me (I Care) packages that have included my favorite candies and homemade articles that are precious to me.
I have been in the Army for almost 22 years and have received other cards and letters while serving in Korea, Bosnia, and Germany but none are as rewarding as the ones she has sent to me. The people of Etna Green are very fortunate to have her in their community.
I just want to say thank you, Becky. Thank you for caring about this lonely soldier in the desert of Kuwait.
Gary Tatum, Sgt. First Class, U.S. Army, via e-mail
Skate Response
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in response to the letter from Brandon Sensibaugh which ran in the August 28th edition of the Times-Union.
Yo, Skate Dude!
Ya know, we ran into a problem with skaters a few years back. See, the city just opened this brand new park in Warsaw, you know, Central Park. Anyway, skaters are always run out of there, cuz skateboarding DOES DAMAGE the concrete on the steps in the park. Plus, people trash the place.
This group of skaters went to city council one night and publicly said "Yo, we need a place to skate." There sat a group of official city dudes, who gave this request some serious thought. After a while, they got a park. Gotta have a place to skate, I agree.
Skating is a recreational sport, more extreme than most of us older parent-types would try, but a sport requiring skill, endurance, discipline and focused mental attention. Plus, it's fun. I have a lot of respect for the dudes who skate. On the most part, I find them diverse, intelligent, mischievous, fun, hard working, thrill-seeking, adventuresome and very likeable. No problem here, dude. Done proved your point in this direction.
But, my skate friend, ... it all starts with a few dumb asses who destroy some property somewhere. This is really not kewl. It's dumb. Really. This makes us parent-types mad. It gives you a "name"... It also puts you in a higher "at risk" category for the city. More vandals in your interest group.
So people try to teach Responsibility and Respect by setting rules.
Or, "Got a better idea?" Then go for it ... walk the talk ... make it happen. Peace, brother.
Denise Beno, via e-mail
Pet Food Drive
Editor, Times-Union:Thank you to everyone who participated in our homeless pets food drive in July. The support we received from the community was overwhelming. We want to thank all of the businesses and stores that donated to the AWL and allowed us to receive donations at their location. We would also like to thank each and every individual who donated their time and money to helping our animals while they wait for homes.
Even though our food drive is over, we are always in need of food and supplies to keep the shelter running. Most importantly, the animals would love for you to come out and spend some time with them! Once again, thank you so much for caring about the animals.
Tracey Yates, Trina Menzie, and the staff of AWL
Teen Likes Guns
Editor, Times-Union:I am 15 years old and in many people's eyes I probably am an evil person in their eyes. I like guns. I like to shoot them and I like to work on them. Is that such a bad thing? What happened to the days where you could say that you liked guns without being called the devil, a murderer or a person who loves bloodshed? They vanished into thin air. Just like everyone with any heart at all, the school shootings deeply affected me. There were times where I even questioned guns. But I was thinking on my emotions, just like President Clinton, Al Gore and all of the other gun-banners out there.
Why do we have to always point our fingers when a shooting happens? Littleton wasn't Marilyn Manson's fault. It wasn't the movie makers or Rammstein's fault. It was not guns that were at fault. The people who were at fault were never even blamed, Eric Harris and Dylan Kleebold. They were the ones who pulled the triggers that April day. I also enjoy reading classic books. Will Anthony Burgess' "A Clockwork Orange," which is a book about an overpowering government and violence, be blamed soon? Or how about Charles Dickens' books, which have violence in them. We have to stop pointing fingers and start looking at the facts. I have never once pointed a gun at anyone, and I never will unless my life is threatened. I went through the Eddie Eagle program and it taught me a lot about gun safety. It is one of the most important classes that I have ever taken. Gun control will not stop crime. It only stops people who deserve guns from getting them. If you don't like guns, that's fine, but please don't take them away. They are part of my life. This letter in not from a gun nut. It is from a human being with emotions, feelings and a conscience. Please don't take away part of my life. Don't take away guns. Thank you.
Justin Butts, Warsaw, via e-mail
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- Dalton Neighbors - Power Of Prayer - AWL Clarifies Position - Thank You From Kuwait - Skate Response - Pet Food Drive - Teen Likes Guns
Dalton Neighbors
Editor, Times-Union:There are barking dogs in the city and throughout the county, however, Dalton Foundries is in the middle of the east end of residential Warsaw. The noise from the EMC fan is so loud and piercing it can be heard three miles from the foundry. We have been told for months that a silencer will be installed. We want to know when? Almost weekly, we are dumped on with black dirt and smelly pollutants. Add to this old equipment (that is in need of replacement) and our homes shake as if we are in the middle of an ongoing earthquake.
We have asked for a public meeting with the mayor, City Council and Dalton Foundries. We want all of these issues to be addressed. We want and need an enforceable noise ordinance. If you live in an area affected by Dalton's, please let the mayor or a member of the City Council know your feelings.
Jim and Bonnie Rhodes, and neighbors, Warsaw
Power Of Prayer
Editor, Times-Union:On Saturday, May 22, 1999, my 23-year-old fiance, Steven Oldfather, suffered a massive stroke in West Lafayette, where he attends Purdue University. A blood clot traveled from a hole in his heart to his brain stem. When I arrived at Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in West Lafayette, the doctor said Steve had a 10 percent chance of living. The surgical procedure to dissolve the blood clot was very high risk, leaving Steve a 90 percent chance of being paralyzed from the eyes down. After several hours of waiting, the doctor told many of us who were waiting that the procedure was successful, but only time would tell how much damage was done to Steve's brain. When Steve awoke in ICU, he could move and communicate to us using a pen and paper due to the tracheal tube. After twenty-four hours, Steve was talking and was moved to an ordinary hospital room. He was released from St. Elizabeth Medical Center the following Thursday and returned to Warsaw working that weekend showing no signs of the stroke, but our summer was not over yet. On Thursday, August 12, 1999, Steve underwent open heart sugery at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne to repair the hole in his heart about the size of a dime that he has had since birth. Steve was released from Lutheran on the following Monday and returned to Purdue 10 days later. One thing I have learned through this ordeal is the power of prayer, love, family and friendship. There are so many people to thank for their support, but I want to give a special thanks to some very important people: Jobey Tackett and Deanna Fetter, Doug and Tara Johnson, Nate McKeand and Ashlee Harmon, Josh Ward and Jeff Brambora. You are all very special friends to Steve and I. We have so much to be thankful for and without all the support from prayers, families, friends and love, our lives would be much different today. Our wedding will not only be a celebration of love, but a celebration of life. Special thanks to many of you for your thoughts, concerns, prayers and love.
Jodi Goon, via e-mail
AWL Clarifies Position
Editor, Times-Union:As a member of the Board of Directors of AWL, I felt I had to respond to Mr. Jaynes' letter that was published Aug. 31. We realize that we have to have the community behind us if we are to survive, and our situation is critical as stated in David Slone's accurate front-page story. It is also critical that the public knows all the facts that are pertinent to our plight, so I am taking some time away from important fund-raising to clarify some points.
Population: We maintain an average population of 300 animals since that is the maximum we have space to accommodate. We would like to keep more, but it is not physically possible. So the correct number is 300, not the absurd 2,500 or 5,000.
Bequest: Once again, and we hope for the last time, the bequest of $200,000 (not $180,000) went to the Kosciusko County Foundation. They maintain the principal FOREVER, and we get the interest which amounts to about $9,000. So there are no funds from this bequest to build a new shelter. We wish they were available, but it is a dead issue.
AWL's Long-Range Plan: We have policies and procedures to follow when euthanasia becomes necessary, but it has a certain amount of flexibility to fit the particular circumstance. We don't feel it would be appropriate to print the details of this delicate matter in the paper, but the bottom line in all cases is consideration of the animal's quality of life. However, Mr. Jaynes, if you would personally like to know more about it, come on out to the Shelter. We could discuss it there.
Budget: Our budget for the year 2000 was presented to the County Commissioners Aug. 3, and the major items in that budget were printed in the Times-Union shortly thereafter. There are a few copies of it still left, and we'd be glad to give or mail you one.
I hope, Mr. Jaynes, that you will see that we have a very conservative budget and depend a lot on volunteers to help keep costs down. It would be nice if you could join the many concerned citizens who are trying to help us survive.
Peggy Gerkin, Leesburg
Thank You From Kuwait
Editor, Times-Union:I am a soldier currently stationed in Camp Doha, Kuwait. A few months ago I had the privilege to meet one of your community members vie the Internet. We have been corresponding regularly and she has been keeping me informed about the activities and events that have been taking place in your part of the world. She has sent me (I Care) packages that have included my favorite candies and homemade articles that are precious to me.
I have been in the Army for almost 22 years and have received other cards and letters while serving in Korea, Bosnia, and Germany but none are as rewarding as the ones she has sent to me. The people of Etna Green are very fortunate to have her in their community.
I just want to say thank you, Becky. Thank you for caring about this lonely soldier in the desert of Kuwait.
Gary Tatum, Sgt. First Class, U.S. Army, via e-mail
Skate Response
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in response to the letter from Brandon Sensibaugh which ran in the August 28th edition of the Times-Union.
Yo, Skate Dude!
Ya know, we ran into a problem with skaters a few years back. See, the city just opened this brand new park in Warsaw, you know, Central Park. Anyway, skaters are always run out of there, cuz skateboarding DOES DAMAGE the concrete on the steps in the park. Plus, people trash the place.
This group of skaters went to city council one night and publicly said "Yo, we need a place to skate." There sat a group of official city dudes, who gave this request some serious thought. After a while, they got a park. Gotta have a place to skate, I agree.
Skating is a recreational sport, more extreme than most of us older parent-types would try, but a sport requiring skill, endurance, discipline and focused mental attention. Plus, it's fun. I have a lot of respect for the dudes who skate. On the most part, I find them diverse, intelligent, mischievous, fun, hard working, thrill-seeking, adventuresome and very likeable. No problem here, dude. Done proved your point in this direction.
But, my skate friend, ... it all starts with a few dumb asses who destroy some property somewhere. This is really not kewl. It's dumb. Really. This makes us parent-types mad. It gives you a "name"... It also puts you in a higher "at risk" category for the city. More vandals in your interest group.
So people try to teach Responsibility and Respect by setting rules.
Or, "Got a better idea?" Then go for it ... walk the talk ... make it happen. Peace, brother.
Denise Beno, via e-mail
Pet Food Drive
Editor, Times-Union:Thank you to everyone who participated in our homeless pets food drive in July. The support we received from the community was overwhelming. We want to thank all of the businesses and stores that donated to the AWL and allowed us to receive donations at their location. We would also like to thank each and every individual who donated their time and money to helping our animals while they wait for homes.
Even though our food drive is over, we are always in need of food and supplies to keep the shelter running. Most importantly, the animals would love for you to come out and spend some time with them! Once again, thank you so much for caring about the animals.
Tracey Yates, Trina Menzie, and the staff of AWL
Teen Likes Guns
Editor, Times-Union:I am 15 years old and in many people's eyes I probably am an evil person in their eyes. I like guns. I like to shoot them and I like to work on them. Is that such a bad thing? What happened to the days where you could say that you liked guns without being called the devil, a murderer or a person who loves bloodshed? They vanished into thin air. Just like everyone with any heart at all, the school shootings deeply affected me. There were times where I even questioned guns. But I was thinking on my emotions, just like President Clinton, Al Gore and all of the other gun-banners out there.
Why do we have to always point our fingers when a shooting happens? Littleton wasn't Marilyn Manson's fault. It wasn't the movie makers or Rammstein's fault. It was not guns that were at fault. The people who were at fault were never even blamed, Eric Harris and Dylan Kleebold. They were the ones who pulled the triggers that April day. I also enjoy reading classic books. Will Anthony Burgess' "A Clockwork Orange," which is a book about an overpowering government and violence, be blamed soon? Or how about Charles Dickens' books, which have violence in them. We have to stop pointing fingers and start looking at the facts. I have never once pointed a gun at anyone, and I never will unless my life is threatened. I went through the Eddie Eagle program and it taught me a lot about gun safety. It is one of the most important classes that I have ever taken. Gun control will not stop crime. It only stops people who deserve guns from getting them. If you don't like guns, that's fine, but please don't take them away. They are part of my life. This letter in not from a gun nut. It is from a human being with emotions, feelings and a conscience. Please don't take away part of my life. Don't take away guns. Thank you.
Justin Butts, Warsaw, via e-mail
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