Letters to the Editor 10-29-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Bayh, Helmke And Abortion - Magician - Supports Motocross - Likes Motocross - Promotes Motocross
Bayh, Helmke And Abortion
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to point out that Evan Bayh said in the debate with Paul Helmke that he is pro-choice. Paul Helmke said he would vote against abortion except in cases of incest, rape and the life of the mother. We cannot afford to replace a pro-life senator with a candidate that admits to being pro-choice. If you consider yourself to be pro-life please consider each candidates stance on abortion before casting your vote on Nov. 3.
Lanette Waldschmidt, Warsaw
Magician
Editor, Times-Union:As the assistant of a wonderful and talented local magician, who is proud to be called a "magician," I am feeling uneasy about statements made by "illusionist" Ken Strong in an article in this weeks paper.
Ken states that "For many people, there is no difference" between an illusionist and a magician. He goes on to state that he uses "no supernatural powers" to accomplish his act, only "the art of illusion," and states that "that is the difference."
I would like to assure anyone who has seen our Magic show, or will be seeing us, that no supernatural powers are used by Hayden & Company. It is with much thought and preparation, hard work and love of the art of magic, that the illusions we create, build and perform come about to entertain and amaze our audiences.
We know many magicians, fun-loving, eccentric people that they are, and know of none who claim to, or in fact, use the supernatural to create their magic. It is pure talent and dedication that these magician rely on to give that sense of wonder to their audiences.
As fellow magicians, and also parents and Christians, we admire Ken for the work he is doing to get the message to our kids about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. And it is wonderful that Ken contributes proceeds from his show to charities, as all Christians are called to do.
"Magic" has many connotations, the "Magic of Christmas" for instance, that have nothing to do with the supernatural. And therefore, to us, and to the magicians we know personally, "Magic" is a wonderful way of life, passing on the wonder we feel to those we love, our audiences.
Launda Ewell, Hayden & Company, Pierceton
Supports Motocross
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to Jean Conner's letter to the editor Oct. 22 on the motocross track. Nothing is more disgusting to me than people who don't know anything about a subject outside of gossip and some half truths. So let's get things straight Jean Conner, when you harp on health, safety, welfare, destruction of natural resources and a common nuisance, you sure don't have a clue to what you are talking about. I've been around motorcycle racing over 28 years and with what I've seen through the years, the industrial and residential development that has been going on here in Kosciusko County and Fulton County, it sounds like you are describing all the developing going on, not a simple race track. Fact one, you quote destruction of natural tree dotted hill and vales. Is moving a field of weeds, and leaving the trees alone, destruction? I don't think so. Quite frankly most tracks I've been at, the wildlife almost becomes a nuisance. I've mowed at one track and after mowing all the geese came out of the nearby swamp to eat the fresh cut grass and brought the little ones with them, making some good pictures that day, but with all the geese eating you had to get off the tractor and shoo them out of the way to drive on. Also on race day the little kids get all excited over feeding the friendly geese. Then we have deer. They all seem to know nobody is after them even during hunting season. Around a track I've seen them bed down 50-75 yards from the side of a nite track and stay till the lites are shut off, so I know animals don't fear motorcycle racers like you do.
As for noise I would suggest that you buy a noise meter. You will find out that farm equipment, semis on State Road 114 and a good many cars and trucks will create louder background decibels than many race bikes, which have a government mandated decibel limit.
Now for health, this one boggles the mind. Do you think racers are like Ivan the Terrible pillaging and plundering and raping. I've seen more disorderly, rude and rowdy people at high school football and basketball games than I have at the tracks here in Indiana. You gotta remember the sport has evolved to a family sport where everybody from 4-year-old junior riding the auto class to the 50 plus class grampas actually in the pits, it's like one big family. The kids playing with each other between moto's, to the adults grilling steak on their grills, hardly a threat to your health and well being. And as for being a common nuisance I would suggest the people doing the pointing look in the mirror, you have three fingers pointing back at yourself.
Scott Eddy, Warsaw
Likes Motocross
Editor, Times-Union:I am responding to Jean Conner's letter printed on Oct. 26. I was under the impression that it was unlawful to quote a person who has never been personally interviewed. I spoke with Joyce tonight and Jean Conner has never (by her own admission to Joyce) contacted the Reads to personally speak with them about her concerns. Yet, she has the audacity to use quotes she read in the paper.
As the mother of a motocross rider, I would like to tell you of my personal experience with the Reads, their family and their tracks. This is the second season my son has raced, so being a novice to the sport, I had no idea what to expect. I have found the Reads to be extremely friendly and helpful in any and all situations. They have gone out of their way to make racing fun, safe and sportsmanlike.
Every parent fears an injury to their child. It is a comfort to know that an ambulance and EMTs are on duty at every race. They are paid for by the Reads. Therefore, it does not take away personnel, paid for or volunteer, from the needs of the town.
There has never been a policeman called to the track during a race or practice. In fact, as racers come to know one another it becomes a family setting with each one helping and encouraging the other. My son has learned to share, provide support and encouragement, learn sportsmanlike behavior and appreciate the hard work and effort that goes into perfecting the sport. He has become more mechanically inclined and now has a plan to attend motorcycle repair school upon high school graduation. He eventually plans to open a shop of his own. How many other 15-year-olds have set such worthwhile goals so young in life?
As to the dust, dirt and trash, I must say that the Reads do all they can to provide a clean, safe environment. The grounds and restrooms are kept clean and equipped. There is no more dust stirred up with a dirtbike than a farmer plowing or cultivating his fields. After all, one of Indiana's main industries is farming. I have yet to hear complaints about the dust and dirt stirred up by the farmers.
Economically speaking, the track will be good for the people of Akron. There will be money spent and new friendships forged.
I am thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful sport and of all the friendships I have garnered. I get to spend time with my family and I don't have to worry about where my child is, who he is with and what he is doing. His energies are channeled in a positive direction and that's what parents desire for their children.
The Reads did not choose hostile neighbors. Jean Conner has freely given that label to the people surrounding the track. I, for one, would certainly not appreciate having someone put a label on me. I like to find out the facts for myself and make my own judgments. I don't need others to think for me.
Jean Conner, I suggest that you make an honest effort to get the facts first hand and to get to know the Reads and their family. With an open mind, I am sure you will change your opinion.
Cindy Cullison, Etna Green
Promotes Motocross
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to Jean Conner's letter. Has she ever been to a motocross race? Does she know what motocross is? First she needs to get her facts straight.
We were going to the Town Council meeting on Sept. 15, but the track was not on the agenda. Also our lawyer advised us not to go. We did not delay the closing because of the meeting or the neighbors, but that is none of her concern.
As far as noise they built their house a few feet from a state highway. There is no more noise from the track than from an average semi going by. As far as dust is concerned, we water the track and the dust is minimal. As for traffic, 114 is a state highway and was built for traffic. It is true we removed three trees, but we are leaving the rest of the tree line in and plan to plant more. The commercial drive we are putting in, which includes an acceleration and deceleration lane, is being completely paid for by us. We ask nothing of the towns people and yet we expect to give them a lot in return. Traffic being backed up will not be a problem. The gate is located far enough back from the road that it will not affect highway travelers.
Fulton County will be providing the EMS service which is also paid for by Reads Racing Unl. Inc. We would be glad to have the Akron EMS service there but they only have one ambulance, and we would not ask them to take it out of service in case of an emergency. As for a fire truck, in all of the 16 years we have ran tracks we have never required one.
As far as the trash is concerned we pick up our trash at the end of every race and will not be contributing to the existing trash problem.
We did not pick this area because of the zoning. The land is the perfect terrain for a motocross track. The owners Joyce and Larry Read, and their family plan on moving onto the land.
Reads Racing has ran five different race tracks over the last 16 years and have yet to receive complaints about items listed above. Where else can you go and see an entire family spending time together every weekend of the summer. It keeps kids off of the streets and out of trouble. Perhaps before everyone starts pointing fingers, and calling us a nuisance they should get the real facts. The only nuisance is people running off at the mouth to make it look like they really know something when they don't.
Deborah Eddy, Warsaw
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- Bayh, Helmke And Abortion - Magician - Supports Motocross - Likes Motocross - Promotes Motocross
Bayh, Helmke And Abortion
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to point out that Evan Bayh said in the debate with Paul Helmke that he is pro-choice. Paul Helmke said he would vote against abortion except in cases of incest, rape and the life of the mother. We cannot afford to replace a pro-life senator with a candidate that admits to being pro-choice. If you consider yourself to be pro-life please consider each candidates stance on abortion before casting your vote on Nov. 3.
Lanette Waldschmidt, Warsaw
Magician
Editor, Times-Union:As the assistant of a wonderful and talented local magician, who is proud to be called a "magician," I am feeling uneasy about statements made by "illusionist" Ken Strong in an article in this weeks paper.
Ken states that "For many people, there is no difference" between an illusionist and a magician. He goes on to state that he uses "no supernatural powers" to accomplish his act, only "the art of illusion," and states that "that is the difference."
I would like to assure anyone who has seen our Magic show, or will be seeing us, that no supernatural powers are used by Hayden & Company. It is with much thought and preparation, hard work and love of the art of magic, that the illusions we create, build and perform come about to entertain and amaze our audiences.
We know many magicians, fun-loving, eccentric people that they are, and know of none who claim to, or in fact, use the supernatural to create their magic. It is pure talent and dedication that these magician rely on to give that sense of wonder to their audiences.
As fellow magicians, and also parents and Christians, we admire Ken for the work he is doing to get the message to our kids about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. And it is wonderful that Ken contributes proceeds from his show to charities, as all Christians are called to do.
"Magic" has many connotations, the "Magic of Christmas" for instance, that have nothing to do with the supernatural. And therefore, to us, and to the magicians we know personally, "Magic" is a wonderful way of life, passing on the wonder we feel to those we love, our audiences.
Launda Ewell, Hayden & Company, Pierceton
Supports Motocross
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to Jean Conner's letter to the editor Oct. 22 on the motocross track. Nothing is more disgusting to me than people who don't know anything about a subject outside of gossip and some half truths. So let's get things straight Jean Conner, when you harp on health, safety, welfare, destruction of natural resources and a common nuisance, you sure don't have a clue to what you are talking about. I've been around motorcycle racing over 28 years and with what I've seen through the years, the industrial and residential development that has been going on here in Kosciusko County and Fulton County, it sounds like you are describing all the developing going on, not a simple race track. Fact one, you quote destruction of natural tree dotted hill and vales. Is moving a field of weeds, and leaving the trees alone, destruction? I don't think so. Quite frankly most tracks I've been at, the wildlife almost becomes a nuisance. I've mowed at one track and after mowing all the geese came out of the nearby swamp to eat the fresh cut grass and brought the little ones with them, making some good pictures that day, but with all the geese eating you had to get off the tractor and shoo them out of the way to drive on. Also on race day the little kids get all excited over feeding the friendly geese. Then we have deer. They all seem to know nobody is after them even during hunting season. Around a track I've seen them bed down 50-75 yards from the side of a nite track and stay till the lites are shut off, so I know animals don't fear motorcycle racers like you do.
As for noise I would suggest that you buy a noise meter. You will find out that farm equipment, semis on State Road 114 and a good many cars and trucks will create louder background decibels than many race bikes, which have a government mandated decibel limit.
Now for health, this one boggles the mind. Do you think racers are like Ivan the Terrible pillaging and plundering and raping. I've seen more disorderly, rude and rowdy people at high school football and basketball games than I have at the tracks here in Indiana. You gotta remember the sport has evolved to a family sport where everybody from 4-year-old junior riding the auto class to the 50 plus class grampas actually in the pits, it's like one big family. The kids playing with each other between moto's, to the adults grilling steak on their grills, hardly a threat to your health and well being. And as for being a common nuisance I would suggest the people doing the pointing look in the mirror, you have three fingers pointing back at yourself.
Scott Eddy, Warsaw
Likes Motocross
Editor, Times-Union:I am responding to Jean Conner's letter printed on Oct. 26. I was under the impression that it was unlawful to quote a person who has never been personally interviewed. I spoke with Joyce tonight and Jean Conner has never (by her own admission to Joyce) contacted the Reads to personally speak with them about her concerns. Yet, she has the audacity to use quotes she read in the paper.
As the mother of a motocross rider, I would like to tell you of my personal experience with the Reads, their family and their tracks. This is the second season my son has raced, so being a novice to the sport, I had no idea what to expect. I have found the Reads to be extremely friendly and helpful in any and all situations. They have gone out of their way to make racing fun, safe and sportsmanlike.
Every parent fears an injury to their child. It is a comfort to know that an ambulance and EMTs are on duty at every race. They are paid for by the Reads. Therefore, it does not take away personnel, paid for or volunteer, from the needs of the town.
There has never been a policeman called to the track during a race or practice. In fact, as racers come to know one another it becomes a family setting with each one helping and encouraging the other. My son has learned to share, provide support and encouragement, learn sportsmanlike behavior and appreciate the hard work and effort that goes into perfecting the sport. He has become more mechanically inclined and now has a plan to attend motorcycle repair school upon high school graduation. He eventually plans to open a shop of his own. How many other 15-year-olds have set such worthwhile goals so young in life?
As to the dust, dirt and trash, I must say that the Reads do all they can to provide a clean, safe environment. The grounds and restrooms are kept clean and equipped. There is no more dust stirred up with a dirtbike than a farmer plowing or cultivating his fields. After all, one of Indiana's main industries is farming. I have yet to hear complaints about the dust and dirt stirred up by the farmers.
Economically speaking, the track will be good for the people of Akron. There will be money spent and new friendships forged.
I am thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful sport and of all the friendships I have garnered. I get to spend time with my family and I don't have to worry about where my child is, who he is with and what he is doing. His energies are channeled in a positive direction and that's what parents desire for their children.
The Reads did not choose hostile neighbors. Jean Conner has freely given that label to the people surrounding the track. I, for one, would certainly not appreciate having someone put a label on me. I like to find out the facts for myself and make my own judgments. I don't need others to think for me.
Jean Conner, I suggest that you make an honest effort to get the facts first hand and to get to know the Reads and their family. With an open mind, I am sure you will change your opinion.
Cindy Cullison, Etna Green
Promotes Motocross
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to Jean Conner's letter. Has she ever been to a motocross race? Does she know what motocross is? First she needs to get her facts straight.
We were going to the Town Council meeting on Sept. 15, but the track was not on the agenda. Also our lawyer advised us not to go. We did not delay the closing because of the meeting or the neighbors, but that is none of her concern.
As far as noise they built their house a few feet from a state highway. There is no more noise from the track than from an average semi going by. As far as dust is concerned, we water the track and the dust is minimal. As for traffic, 114 is a state highway and was built for traffic. It is true we removed three trees, but we are leaving the rest of the tree line in and plan to plant more. The commercial drive we are putting in, which includes an acceleration and deceleration lane, is being completely paid for by us. We ask nothing of the towns people and yet we expect to give them a lot in return. Traffic being backed up will not be a problem. The gate is located far enough back from the road that it will not affect highway travelers.
Fulton County will be providing the EMS service which is also paid for by Reads Racing Unl. Inc. We would be glad to have the Akron EMS service there but they only have one ambulance, and we would not ask them to take it out of service in case of an emergency. As for a fire truck, in all of the 16 years we have ran tracks we have never required one.
As far as the trash is concerned we pick up our trash at the end of every race and will not be contributing to the existing trash problem.
We did not pick this area because of the zoning. The land is the perfect terrain for a motocross track. The owners Joyce and Larry Read, and their family plan on moving onto the land.
Reads Racing has ran five different race tracks over the last 16 years and have yet to receive complaints about items listed above. Where else can you go and see an entire family spending time together every weekend of the summer. It keeps kids off of the streets and out of trouble. Perhaps before everyone starts pointing fingers, and calling us a nuisance they should get the real facts. The only nuisance is people running off at the mouth to make it look like they really know something when they don't.
Deborah Eddy, Warsaw
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