Letters to the Editor 09-11-2001
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Signs - Critical Of Justice System - Miscarrage Of Justice - Victimized Mother - Zoning Decision - Peace - Cemetery Disappointment
Signs
Editor, Times-Union:I often wonder whether signs should be followed literally. Take the one "Keep This Door Closed At All Times." What is a door for if it cannot be opened? On South Union Street is a sign "Absolutely No Trucks." Should the police have arrested the pickup driver and UPS driver for disobeying this last Wednesday? And the sign "You Must Be Twenty-One To Enter." I am older than 21, so this must mean I am not allowed to go in? And then the sign "Tops and Shoes Must Be Worn To Be Served." This one really intrigues me, but I have never had the courage to obey it exactly as stated. Have a good day.
Fred R. Yohey
Atwood
Critical Of Justice System
Editor, Times-Union:Once again I am appalled at what is going on in our Superior Court. I am amazed at the audacity of our very own Judge Huffer. Once again he has proven that there is no justice, well, except for the criminal. In Friday's edition of the Times-Union, I read of yet another suspended sentence handed down from his courtroom. Should this come as a surprise? Not by any of us who actually care about what is going on in our community. This time a pervert engaged in oral sex with a 14-year-old boy that was at our youth shelter. This pervert was employed there at the time.
Now, not only is this disturbing in itself, but the fact the pervert gets to walk basically freely around after doing this to a child. Because our very system that is supposed to protect our society from these type of people has once again failed our community, and more importantly, a victim. Because, let's not forget about this child. What message has been sent to him? What if this had been a teacher, police officer or preacher? This pervert was in a position of authority. Is this child now going to look differently at people in those positions? Is he going to be trusting? As we look at the whole picture, why should he be? So he can be disappointed once again? What is this telling other victims? Not to bother, because by luck of the draw they may end up in Judge Huffer's court. Or God forbid they get to exercise their right to speak at the sentencing without the threat of being tossed in jail for their opinion. I can see the headline now, "Mother tossed in jail as perpetrator walks free." I think Judge Huffer knows what that's all about.
We do have a great support system in our community, Center of Hope for sexual assaults, the Domestic Violence Task Force, the Beaman Home. And let's not forget the officers who are on the front line every single day. In my opinion, Judge Huffer has no clue what really goes on out there. Or does he and he just does not care? Why do you choose to help these perps? Do you feel sorry for them? What is your reasoning? Elections are another year away and you can bet I will not let this rest. Not when MY tax money is paying for such a travesty of justice. I will do everything I can to open other citizens' eyes to what is going on in this courtroom. Trust me, Judge Huffer, I have become your worst re-election nightmare, which I do promise the victims!
Vic Andrews
Warsaw
Miscarrage Of Justice
Editor, Times-Union:I recently witnessed one very grave miscarriage of justice, while sitting in court on Friday, Aug. 31. I sat there as the judge passed sentence on a convicted child molester, this man was given four years probation for ruining the innocence of a 14-year-old male child. As a friend of the family, I have watched the pain that this family has undergone over the last six months, the child was in the care of our local juvenile facility and this man was in a position of authority over this child and used this position to become not an adviser or try and befriend this child but instead to become a sexual predator, to threaten and dominate this young man to use him for his own personal gratification. As I listened to his statement I knew this man felt no regret for what he had done to this child and it made me wonder! How long till this man strikes again? And was he given a jail sentence for this crime? No, he was given probation, which puts him on the street to strike again! As a victim of a molester who never came to justice, it makes me wonder what is wrong with a court system that lets a sexual predator roam free while the victim undergoes what will be years of therapy to get to the point where he doesn't feel that he caused this to happen and to get to point where he can have a normal happy relationship not only with his family but be reintegrated into school and society. Think about this as election time rolls around again. Do we want people in positions of power who won't use it to punish these kind of offenders to the fullest extent of the law?
Rev. J.R. Hall
Pierceton
via e-mail
Victimized Mother
I'm writing this letter concerning my son and my family. Remember the victim was in court today with a man that confessed guilty of molesting my 14-year-old son.This man worked at a children's home where my son was to get help here in Warsaw. There was to be two people on staff but the woman had plans and didn't want to stay so she left my son there with this man alone (if he wasn't alone with this man, well, I will leave that question up to you). The judge felt that since he has a job in a restaurant and that he has never been convicted of any other crimes, he set this molester free, so I'm here to warn you parents of Warsaw that this man is walking the streets, may even be working with your kids.
When he was being sentenced I ask if I could talk to the judge. The judge denied me that but this man, the molester, was able to speak; since he was sorry, he walked free.
I asked the judge why he was setting this man free and how could he do this. He told me to shut up or he would find me in contempt.
Where is the justice can someone please explain this to me! But yet there are parents out there in this world that kill their children, molest their children, they walk the streets but since I wanted to get justice, the judge tells me to shut up or he would throw me in jail!
I want you, the people of Warsaw, to remember this story when election comes around. This could've been your child !
Lisa Cochran
Warsaw
victimized mother of five boys
via e-mail
Zoning Decision
Editor, Times-Union:Having just left a zoning board meeting, I'm puzzled at their decision to deny an AG II zone from Agriculture.
They reasoned that the property was not near a primary residential area.
Does this mean that no agricultural property in the county can be rezoned to AG II unless it is?
The petitioner didn't ask for a residential zoning. He merely wanted to sell (ie) ten acres that someone could build on and yet farm. Does Deed's Creek and Heritage Park ring a bell?
There were no real objections from the surrounding property owners. Drainage was presented and was considered and explained. Drainage was not stated as a factor in their decision. The petitioner attempted to rezone to hopefully recoup losses from farming. Had he been a contractor would it have been a different decision?
Dennis G. Lundgren
Warsaw
Peace
Editor, Times-Union:Peace. How we long for it. Many of us wonder if we will ever find it. We hear this plea again and again as we interact with those who are wounded and hurting form the offenses in their lives. Most of us agree that we want the world to be a peaceful place. However, what we want even more is to find peace from our experiences of being hurt, betrayed or devalued in our relationships.
On this Sept. 11, the International Day of Peace, we want to tell the community that peace is possible. Peace is not an imaginary ideal or a far-away goal that is forever out of reach. We know this to be true because peace starts as we draw a circle around ourselves and strive to be people who promote peace. Peace starts as we make peace with our creator and give away the peace we receive from others.
On this day that we dedicate to peace, we strongly encourage that people take the time to pray for peace in our world and within themselves. We are suggesting a moment of silence be observed at noon in desire for peace around the world. We encourage people to be peacemakers.
Darla France
Director of Education for Conflict Resolution Inc.
Warsaw
Cemetery Disappointment
Editor, Times-Union:This is probably the first time I have written a letter of complaint, but the following situation really "bugs" me.
About two months ago I contacted the Oakwood Cemetery about a lot. The office clerk told me it would be $300 for a Winona Lake resident. She also told me, and I saw it in your newspaper, that the cost would go up $50 as of Jan. 1, 2002. Since I would be receiving a refund check from the government the first week in September, I decided to get the lot at that time.
On Sept. 4 I went in to get the lot and was told that at a Warsaw committee meeting, without any notice to anyone, they decided to raise the cemetery lot rate immediately and did so in August.
Now I could have paid the amount two months ago, but I took the word of the newspaper report that indicated the amount would not be increased until January 2002. It just doesn't seem fair. Even the office clerk at the cemetery was disturbed about it and apologized but there was nothing she could do.
When the postal department raises the postage rates they give a specific date. They don't up and raise it on anyone unawares.
Thanks for giving me this opportunity to air my grievance.
Maryanne Arden
Winona Lake
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- Signs - Critical Of Justice System - Miscarrage Of Justice - Victimized Mother - Zoning Decision - Peace - Cemetery Disappointment
Signs
Editor, Times-Union:I often wonder whether signs should be followed literally. Take the one "Keep This Door Closed At All Times." What is a door for if it cannot be opened? On South Union Street is a sign "Absolutely No Trucks." Should the police have arrested the pickup driver and UPS driver for disobeying this last Wednesday? And the sign "You Must Be Twenty-One To Enter." I am older than 21, so this must mean I am not allowed to go in? And then the sign "Tops and Shoes Must Be Worn To Be Served." This one really intrigues me, but I have never had the courage to obey it exactly as stated. Have a good day.
Fred R. Yohey
Atwood
Critical Of Justice System
Editor, Times-Union:Once again I am appalled at what is going on in our Superior Court. I am amazed at the audacity of our very own Judge Huffer. Once again he has proven that there is no justice, well, except for the criminal. In Friday's edition of the Times-Union, I read of yet another suspended sentence handed down from his courtroom. Should this come as a surprise? Not by any of us who actually care about what is going on in our community. This time a pervert engaged in oral sex with a 14-year-old boy that was at our youth shelter. This pervert was employed there at the time.
Now, not only is this disturbing in itself, but the fact the pervert gets to walk basically freely around after doing this to a child. Because our very system that is supposed to protect our society from these type of people has once again failed our community, and more importantly, a victim. Because, let's not forget about this child. What message has been sent to him? What if this had been a teacher, police officer or preacher? This pervert was in a position of authority. Is this child now going to look differently at people in those positions? Is he going to be trusting? As we look at the whole picture, why should he be? So he can be disappointed once again? What is this telling other victims? Not to bother, because by luck of the draw they may end up in Judge Huffer's court. Or God forbid they get to exercise their right to speak at the sentencing without the threat of being tossed in jail for their opinion. I can see the headline now, "Mother tossed in jail as perpetrator walks free." I think Judge Huffer knows what that's all about.
We do have a great support system in our community, Center of Hope for sexual assaults, the Domestic Violence Task Force, the Beaman Home. And let's not forget the officers who are on the front line every single day. In my opinion, Judge Huffer has no clue what really goes on out there. Or does he and he just does not care? Why do you choose to help these perps? Do you feel sorry for them? What is your reasoning? Elections are another year away and you can bet I will not let this rest. Not when MY tax money is paying for such a travesty of justice. I will do everything I can to open other citizens' eyes to what is going on in this courtroom. Trust me, Judge Huffer, I have become your worst re-election nightmare, which I do promise the victims!
Vic Andrews
Warsaw
Miscarrage Of Justice
Editor, Times-Union:I recently witnessed one very grave miscarriage of justice, while sitting in court on Friday, Aug. 31. I sat there as the judge passed sentence on a convicted child molester, this man was given four years probation for ruining the innocence of a 14-year-old male child. As a friend of the family, I have watched the pain that this family has undergone over the last six months, the child was in the care of our local juvenile facility and this man was in a position of authority over this child and used this position to become not an adviser or try and befriend this child but instead to become a sexual predator, to threaten and dominate this young man to use him for his own personal gratification. As I listened to his statement I knew this man felt no regret for what he had done to this child and it made me wonder! How long till this man strikes again? And was he given a jail sentence for this crime? No, he was given probation, which puts him on the street to strike again! As a victim of a molester who never came to justice, it makes me wonder what is wrong with a court system that lets a sexual predator roam free while the victim undergoes what will be years of therapy to get to the point where he doesn't feel that he caused this to happen and to get to point where he can have a normal happy relationship not only with his family but be reintegrated into school and society. Think about this as election time rolls around again. Do we want people in positions of power who won't use it to punish these kind of offenders to the fullest extent of the law?
Rev. J.R. Hall
Pierceton
via e-mail
Victimized Mother
I'm writing this letter concerning my son and my family. Remember the victim was in court today with a man that confessed guilty of molesting my 14-year-old son.This man worked at a children's home where my son was to get help here in Warsaw. There was to be two people on staff but the woman had plans and didn't want to stay so she left my son there with this man alone (if he wasn't alone with this man, well, I will leave that question up to you). The judge felt that since he has a job in a restaurant and that he has never been convicted of any other crimes, he set this molester free, so I'm here to warn you parents of Warsaw that this man is walking the streets, may even be working with your kids.
When he was being sentenced I ask if I could talk to the judge. The judge denied me that but this man, the molester, was able to speak; since he was sorry, he walked free.
I asked the judge why he was setting this man free and how could he do this. He told me to shut up or he would find me in contempt.
Where is the justice can someone please explain this to me! But yet there are parents out there in this world that kill their children, molest their children, they walk the streets but since I wanted to get justice, the judge tells me to shut up or he would throw me in jail!
I want you, the people of Warsaw, to remember this story when election comes around. This could've been your child !
Lisa Cochran
Warsaw
victimized mother of five boys
via e-mail
Zoning Decision
Editor, Times-Union:Having just left a zoning board meeting, I'm puzzled at their decision to deny an AG II zone from Agriculture.
They reasoned that the property was not near a primary residential area.
Does this mean that no agricultural property in the county can be rezoned to AG II unless it is?
The petitioner didn't ask for a residential zoning. He merely wanted to sell (ie) ten acres that someone could build on and yet farm. Does Deed's Creek and Heritage Park ring a bell?
There were no real objections from the surrounding property owners. Drainage was presented and was considered and explained. Drainage was not stated as a factor in their decision. The petitioner attempted to rezone to hopefully recoup losses from farming. Had he been a contractor would it have been a different decision?
Dennis G. Lundgren
Warsaw
Peace
Editor, Times-Union:Peace. How we long for it. Many of us wonder if we will ever find it. We hear this plea again and again as we interact with those who are wounded and hurting form the offenses in their lives. Most of us agree that we want the world to be a peaceful place. However, what we want even more is to find peace from our experiences of being hurt, betrayed or devalued in our relationships.
On this Sept. 11, the International Day of Peace, we want to tell the community that peace is possible. Peace is not an imaginary ideal or a far-away goal that is forever out of reach. We know this to be true because peace starts as we draw a circle around ourselves and strive to be people who promote peace. Peace starts as we make peace with our creator and give away the peace we receive from others.
On this day that we dedicate to peace, we strongly encourage that people take the time to pray for peace in our world and within themselves. We are suggesting a moment of silence be observed at noon in desire for peace around the world. We encourage people to be peacemakers.
Darla France
Director of Education for Conflict Resolution Inc.
Warsaw
Cemetery Disappointment
Editor, Times-Union:This is probably the first time I have written a letter of complaint, but the following situation really "bugs" me.
About two months ago I contacted the Oakwood Cemetery about a lot. The office clerk told me it would be $300 for a Winona Lake resident. She also told me, and I saw it in your newspaper, that the cost would go up $50 as of Jan. 1, 2002. Since I would be receiving a refund check from the government the first week in September, I decided to get the lot at that time.
On Sept. 4 I went in to get the lot and was told that at a Warsaw committee meeting, without any notice to anyone, they decided to raise the cemetery lot rate immediately and did so in August.
Now I could have paid the amount two months ago, but I took the word of the newspaper report that indicated the amount would not be increased until January 2002. It just doesn't seem fair. Even the office clerk at the cemetery was disturbed about it and apologized but there was nothing she could do.
When the postal department raises the postage rates they give a specific date. They don't up and raise it on anyone unawares.
Thanks for giving me this opportunity to air my grievance.
Maryanne Arden
Winona Lake
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