Letters to the Editor 11-18-2003
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Election Issues - Marine Band Pride - Marine Band Thanks - Claypool Firemen - Good Samaritans - Education Foundation - 'Pajama Game' - Admires Reagan - Pheasants Forever - Helping Hands - Wallet Stolen - Blood Drive Thanks
Election Issues
Editor, Times-Union:There were several issues in our last election that were brought to the forefront. One major issue is the lack of downtown businesses. I also ponder the lack of new businesses in the old Wal-Mart building and adjoining buildings - the old Stage building and several in the Elder-Beerman plaza. Also, the empty spaces in Lake Village Shopping Center. So here is a small list of companies that cater to smaller cities:
Costco, Sam's Club, TJ Max, Dillard's, Target, Kohl's, Goody's (clothing store), Family Christian Bookstores or Crossings, Hancock Fabrics, Linen and Things, Borders, Gap, Old Navy, Hobby Lobby, Michael's, Bass Shoes, Gymborees, Speigel, Walden Books, Kittles, Value City, S & K Menswear, South Bend Chocolates, see if J.C. Penney would expand their lines here, and places to eat - Don Pablo's, Tumbleweed, Joe's Crab Shack, Country Buffet, Baker's Square, Cracker Barrel, Denny's. Those are just a few suggestions.
If we would make the rent in downtown buildings more reasonable, small shops could come in, not just craft stores but small businesses - wedding shops, florists, shoe stores, a nice bakery like Smith's used to have, Whetstone's or Bauman's Pottery would all be nice additions to the downtown. We desperately need to bring in businesses that would keep shoppers here.
I am sure I am not saying things that have not been said before, but we out-price ourselves on rent and sales. I know you have to make money on your enterprises, but if you do not have anyone in empty buildings, you're just losing money, and yes, that's a tax write-off, but what are you doing to and for the community with your tax write-off? Little good it will do if people move away or continue to go somewhere else to shop, just to keep the owner's pockets lined green.
What do we need to do as citizens to see that these companies are made to feel at home where? Let's not do another Meijer fiasco. We really messed up there. People need to pay attention to where they are building their homes. Don't build near a commercially zoned area if you do not want to deal with traffic and such. The zoning has been in force for years. Pay attention!
Let's put our heads together and see what we as a community can do. We have gone way past Warsaw being a nice little quiet town. We have solicited companies and industries here - now let's service those people who have come here to live.
Phyllis L. Barger
Warsaw
Marine Band Pride
Editor, Times-Union:I would be remiss if I did not express my appreciation for the opportunity to attend the concert of the U.S. Marine Band - what a beautiful tribute to all veterans and their families. I was so proud to be able to stand when the opportunity was presented to honor my brother, Warrant Officer, William E. Rush, USMC, who was killed in Iwo Jima - also my diseased husband, Captain Miles L. Manwaring who was a glider pilot, USAF.
Thanks to my good friend, John Elliot, and all the others who assisted in any way to bring this outstanding group to our community - Veterans Day seemed so special this year!
Mary Derry
Warsaw
Marine Band Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Just a note to express our gratitude to the Times-Union for making the arrangements for the United States Marine Band to appear in Warsaw. We feel that this program and the music by the band was the best ever to be in Warsaw.
So many, many "thank-you's" to the Times-Union.
Bill and Jean Braddock
Warsaw
Claypool Firemen
Editor, Times-Union:Kudos to the Claypool Volunteer Fire Department. I watched them fight the Gene Warner house fire down the road today. This is the second time they've impressed me with their speed to their destination. They make me feel safe!
Holly Temple
Claypool
via e-mail
Good Samaritans
Editor, Times-Union:On Sept. 23, my mother and I were in a car accident on Ind. 14 just west of CR 700W. Our van rolled over and when it stopped, with the driver's (my mother's) side down on the ground. I, the passenger, started to climb out of my window to get help from the other travelers on the road. Thanks to all those that helped push the van back on its tires and get my mother out. Plus the others who helped to clean me up and let me use their cell phone. We would like to thank everyone personally for his or her help.
My mother and I found out that day there are angels on Earth and we would like to thank each of them. If you were one of those people who helped my mother and me, would you please call us at our home, 260-982-7891, or e-mail my mother at [email protected] We would really like to hear from you - please contact us in one of the mentioned ways. Thank you so much for helping us that day - you are angels in our eyes.
A special thank-you to the Henry Township Firefighters and First Responders, along with the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department. You are a special group of people! God bless,
Linsee and Miriam Ruppel
North Manchester
Education Foundation
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to thank the Warsaw Community Foundation for Public Education for the sponsorship of billboards for Warsaw Community Schools' teacher of the year Judy Kinsey. Congratulations to Judy for her unwavering efforts on behalf of students. Warsaw Community Schools is fortunate to have quality staff members that continuously strive to improve student achievement. It is gratifying to be a part of a community that believes in partnerships between community agencies and businesses and education.
Sandra Hess
Assistant Superintendent
Warsaw Community Schools
via e-mail
'Pajama Game'
Editor, Times-Union:Way to go, WCHS theater group's presentation of the "Pajama Game." Thanks for your effort and time, especially during finals week. Job well done to everyone!
Steve Behny
Silver Lake
Admires Reagan
Editor, Times-Union:I so admire Michael Reagan and the way he is going at it in defense of his father, Ronald Reagan, who is being trashed by CBS and Hollywood. In my opinion, Ronald Reagan was one of the greatest and most down-to-earth presidents that we have ever known. Twice I have seen Mr. Reagan in person, and each time he impressed me as being a kind, friendly, warmhearted individual who loves people of any social status - high class, middle class, the unfortunate.
I recall a bright, sunny morning in October 1949, when I boarded a train in Leesburg for South Bend to attend a movie premiere. Certain theaters in South Bend were selected to commemorate the immortal football coach, Knute Rockne, through their presentation of the story of his life in the film, "Knute Rockne, All American." In the movie, Ronald Reagan portrays the legendary football player, George Gipp ("Win just one for the Gipper"), and he, among an array of other stars, attended the premiere. Well, at the premiere Ronald Reagan made quite an impression. He gave a speech from a platform on a downtown thoroughfare and completely captivated those thousands of fans in the street with his friendliness, charm and kind words; in fact, at the premiere he was always smiling and saying, "Hello" and waving his hand at somebody, and he wasn't campaigning, either! Ten years after the Rockne premiere, Ronald Reagan appeared in Chicago to plug another premiere of one of his pictures. I was there and saw that while riding in a convertible down State Street, Ronald Reagan was still waving and smiling at the masses and winning them over just as he had at the Rockne affair.
It's too bad that CBS and Hollywood have tried to sully Ronald Reagan's good name by presenting a movie which calls for putting trashy dialogue in his mouth when it doesn't belong there. And I'm glad that the American public isn't accepting an offensive presentation of Ronald Reagan that makes him appear to be something, or someone, he isn't. So, three cheers, Michael Reagan, for so valiantly speaking out in defense of your dad. In your column (Nov. 7) you really blasted CBS and Hollywood for what they've done to your father and, for my money, that is exactly what those slanderous, name-smearing "liberals" deserve.
Don Kaiser
Warsaw
Pheasants Forever
Editor, Times-Union:On Oct. 18, the Tippe River Basin Chapter of Pheasants Forever held its eighth annual fund-raising banquet. It was our best attended banquet to date!
We would like to thank the many county businesses and individuals that were sponsors and also those that make generous donations to help our cause. Without your support we would be unable to finance our many local habitat programs!
We at PF work very hard to raise money for our many causes and projects that help provide habitat and food plots for pheasants and other wild things. We also work with the area youth to help promote safe hunting and conservation practices.
Again, we wish to thank all of you for your continued support!
Neal Lang
Tippe River Basin Pheasants Forever
Helping Hands
Editor, Times-Union:Mary and Jerry's Helping Hand food bank in Mentone is celebrating 15 years of service to Kosciusko and Fulton counties. In November of 1988, Mary and Jerry Secrist wanted to help families who were in need of food and clothing. They bought a house trailer and started to fill it with donated clothing. Within a few weeks, the trailer was full. A new building was constructed on the same site to accommodate the volume of clothing that was donated. With this new building, food became available for those in need. After 15 years of serving the community, Mary and Jerry's Helping Hands still offers coats, hats, gloves and food to those in need (food being the primary resource). The sources of these items and support include local churches, Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation, United Way and Toys for Tots. Families are welcome to visit once per month on any Thursday of the month with the exception of November and December. November and December visits are limited to the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving and the Tuesday prior to Christmas.
If you or your group are interested in participating in a worthwhile project that benefits the community, call 353-7701 or 353-1300 to request more information. Please leave a message for Mary or Jerry Secrist and your call will be returned as soon as possible. Visitors are always welcome at Mary and Jerry's Helping Hands as well.
Mary and Jerry's Helping Hands has assisted more than 300 different families this year and expects that number to grow substantially over the holidays. Your help and support is greatly appreciated.
Many people need a helping hand at some point in their lies. We ask for yours so we may extend our own.
Mary and Jerry Secrist
Mentone
Wallet Stolen
Editor, Times-Union:This is to the person who picked up the charcoal gray (or black) trifold wallet at the North Webster CVS last Wednesday. By keeping the money and doing whatever you did to the contents, you have really caused emotional and mental stress on my husband and me. Besides the money, that was earmarked for living expenses and medication, my husband must get another driver's license, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security card. I cannot drive yet, due to left side paralysis from a stroke in June.
You have probably spent the $100 that was in the wallet but if you still have the other contents, please return them or the $20 it will cost to replace them. I hope you never have to go through a week of h--- like we have. You may return the things that are missing to the CVS store. Please be honest if you ever find a wallet again, and turn it in to the store where you found it. Or make an effort to locate the owner.
Corene Hanson
North Webster
Blood Drive Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I wish to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to those residents, corporations and community groups who supported the food pantry project for the Military Family Assistance Support Group of our local National Guard unit. This food pantry was organized and coordinated by the Family Assistance Support Group for those families who remained here in Kosciusko County, while their loved ones were deployed overseas to support project "Iraqi Freedom"!
With the return of our National Guard forces to Indiana, the food pantry will be ceasing operations. Our Red Cross chapter supported the food pantry project, and on behalf of our chapter, I want to thank all who provided for this project. Specifically, employees of the Sprint Corp., Kosciusko Community Hospital employees and members of American Legion Post 49, Warsaw, who provided a location and facilities for the food pantry operation, all deserve a special thank-you!
In conclusion, residents of Kosciusko County can take great pride in the role members of our National Guard unit played during their deployment! Likewise, we are proud of the support their families received during their deployment. Please know that your gifts of food and other items were greatly appreciated! We live in a great county, and we are proud to be Americans!
Larry E. Peppel
Executive director
American Red Cross, Kosciusko County chapter
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- Election Issues - Marine Band Pride - Marine Band Thanks - Claypool Firemen - Good Samaritans - Education Foundation - 'Pajama Game' - Admires Reagan - Pheasants Forever - Helping Hands - Wallet Stolen - Blood Drive Thanks
Election Issues
Editor, Times-Union:There were several issues in our last election that were brought to the forefront. One major issue is the lack of downtown businesses. I also ponder the lack of new businesses in the old Wal-Mart building and adjoining buildings - the old Stage building and several in the Elder-Beerman plaza. Also, the empty spaces in Lake Village Shopping Center. So here is a small list of companies that cater to smaller cities:
Costco, Sam's Club, TJ Max, Dillard's, Target, Kohl's, Goody's (clothing store), Family Christian Bookstores or Crossings, Hancock Fabrics, Linen and Things, Borders, Gap, Old Navy, Hobby Lobby, Michael's, Bass Shoes, Gymborees, Speigel, Walden Books, Kittles, Value City, S & K Menswear, South Bend Chocolates, see if J.C. Penney would expand their lines here, and places to eat - Don Pablo's, Tumbleweed, Joe's Crab Shack, Country Buffet, Baker's Square, Cracker Barrel, Denny's. Those are just a few suggestions.
If we would make the rent in downtown buildings more reasonable, small shops could come in, not just craft stores but small businesses - wedding shops, florists, shoe stores, a nice bakery like Smith's used to have, Whetstone's or Bauman's Pottery would all be nice additions to the downtown. We desperately need to bring in businesses that would keep shoppers here.
I am sure I am not saying things that have not been said before, but we out-price ourselves on rent and sales. I know you have to make money on your enterprises, but if you do not have anyone in empty buildings, you're just losing money, and yes, that's a tax write-off, but what are you doing to and for the community with your tax write-off? Little good it will do if people move away or continue to go somewhere else to shop, just to keep the owner's pockets lined green.
What do we need to do as citizens to see that these companies are made to feel at home where? Let's not do another Meijer fiasco. We really messed up there. People need to pay attention to where they are building their homes. Don't build near a commercially zoned area if you do not want to deal with traffic and such. The zoning has been in force for years. Pay attention!
Let's put our heads together and see what we as a community can do. We have gone way past Warsaw being a nice little quiet town. We have solicited companies and industries here - now let's service those people who have come here to live.
Phyllis L. Barger
Warsaw
Marine Band Pride
Editor, Times-Union:I would be remiss if I did not express my appreciation for the opportunity to attend the concert of the U.S. Marine Band - what a beautiful tribute to all veterans and their families. I was so proud to be able to stand when the opportunity was presented to honor my brother, Warrant Officer, William E. Rush, USMC, who was killed in Iwo Jima - also my diseased husband, Captain Miles L. Manwaring who was a glider pilot, USAF.
Thanks to my good friend, John Elliot, and all the others who assisted in any way to bring this outstanding group to our community - Veterans Day seemed so special this year!
Mary Derry
Warsaw
Marine Band Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Just a note to express our gratitude to the Times-Union for making the arrangements for the United States Marine Band to appear in Warsaw. We feel that this program and the music by the band was the best ever to be in Warsaw.
So many, many "thank-you's" to the Times-Union.
Bill and Jean Braddock
Warsaw
Claypool Firemen
Editor, Times-Union:Kudos to the Claypool Volunteer Fire Department. I watched them fight the Gene Warner house fire down the road today. This is the second time they've impressed me with their speed to their destination. They make me feel safe!
Holly Temple
Claypool
via e-mail
Good Samaritans
Editor, Times-Union:On Sept. 23, my mother and I were in a car accident on Ind. 14 just west of CR 700W. Our van rolled over and when it stopped, with the driver's (my mother's) side down on the ground. I, the passenger, started to climb out of my window to get help from the other travelers on the road. Thanks to all those that helped push the van back on its tires and get my mother out. Plus the others who helped to clean me up and let me use their cell phone. We would like to thank everyone personally for his or her help.
My mother and I found out that day there are angels on Earth and we would like to thank each of them. If you were one of those people who helped my mother and me, would you please call us at our home, 260-982-7891, or e-mail my mother at [email protected] We would really like to hear from you - please contact us in one of the mentioned ways. Thank you so much for helping us that day - you are angels in our eyes.
A special thank-you to the Henry Township Firefighters and First Responders, along with the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department. You are a special group of people! God bless,
Linsee and Miriam Ruppel
North Manchester
Education Foundation
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to thank the Warsaw Community Foundation for Public Education for the sponsorship of billboards for Warsaw Community Schools' teacher of the year Judy Kinsey. Congratulations to Judy for her unwavering efforts on behalf of students. Warsaw Community Schools is fortunate to have quality staff members that continuously strive to improve student achievement. It is gratifying to be a part of a community that believes in partnerships between community agencies and businesses and education.
Sandra Hess
Assistant Superintendent
Warsaw Community Schools
via e-mail
'Pajama Game'
Editor, Times-Union:Way to go, WCHS theater group's presentation of the "Pajama Game." Thanks for your effort and time, especially during finals week. Job well done to everyone!
Steve Behny
Silver Lake
Admires Reagan
Editor, Times-Union:I so admire Michael Reagan and the way he is going at it in defense of his father, Ronald Reagan, who is being trashed by CBS and Hollywood. In my opinion, Ronald Reagan was one of the greatest and most down-to-earth presidents that we have ever known. Twice I have seen Mr. Reagan in person, and each time he impressed me as being a kind, friendly, warmhearted individual who loves people of any social status - high class, middle class, the unfortunate.
I recall a bright, sunny morning in October 1949, when I boarded a train in Leesburg for South Bend to attend a movie premiere. Certain theaters in South Bend were selected to commemorate the immortal football coach, Knute Rockne, through their presentation of the story of his life in the film, "Knute Rockne, All American." In the movie, Ronald Reagan portrays the legendary football player, George Gipp ("Win just one for the Gipper"), and he, among an array of other stars, attended the premiere. Well, at the premiere Ronald Reagan made quite an impression. He gave a speech from a platform on a downtown thoroughfare and completely captivated those thousands of fans in the street with his friendliness, charm and kind words; in fact, at the premiere he was always smiling and saying, "Hello" and waving his hand at somebody, and he wasn't campaigning, either! Ten years after the Rockne premiere, Ronald Reagan appeared in Chicago to plug another premiere of one of his pictures. I was there and saw that while riding in a convertible down State Street, Ronald Reagan was still waving and smiling at the masses and winning them over just as he had at the Rockne affair.
It's too bad that CBS and Hollywood have tried to sully Ronald Reagan's good name by presenting a movie which calls for putting trashy dialogue in his mouth when it doesn't belong there. And I'm glad that the American public isn't accepting an offensive presentation of Ronald Reagan that makes him appear to be something, or someone, he isn't. So, three cheers, Michael Reagan, for so valiantly speaking out in defense of your dad. In your column (Nov. 7) you really blasted CBS and Hollywood for what they've done to your father and, for my money, that is exactly what those slanderous, name-smearing "liberals" deserve.
Don Kaiser
Warsaw
Pheasants Forever
Editor, Times-Union:On Oct. 18, the Tippe River Basin Chapter of Pheasants Forever held its eighth annual fund-raising banquet. It was our best attended banquet to date!
We would like to thank the many county businesses and individuals that were sponsors and also those that make generous donations to help our cause. Without your support we would be unable to finance our many local habitat programs!
We at PF work very hard to raise money for our many causes and projects that help provide habitat and food plots for pheasants and other wild things. We also work with the area youth to help promote safe hunting and conservation practices.
Again, we wish to thank all of you for your continued support!
Neal Lang
Tippe River Basin Pheasants Forever
Helping Hands
Editor, Times-Union:Mary and Jerry's Helping Hand food bank in Mentone is celebrating 15 years of service to Kosciusko and Fulton counties. In November of 1988, Mary and Jerry Secrist wanted to help families who were in need of food and clothing. They bought a house trailer and started to fill it with donated clothing. Within a few weeks, the trailer was full. A new building was constructed on the same site to accommodate the volume of clothing that was donated. With this new building, food became available for those in need. After 15 years of serving the community, Mary and Jerry's Helping Hands still offers coats, hats, gloves and food to those in need (food being the primary resource). The sources of these items and support include local churches, Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation, United Way and Toys for Tots. Families are welcome to visit once per month on any Thursday of the month with the exception of November and December. November and December visits are limited to the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving and the Tuesday prior to Christmas.
If you or your group are interested in participating in a worthwhile project that benefits the community, call 353-7701 or 353-1300 to request more information. Please leave a message for Mary or Jerry Secrist and your call will be returned as soon as possible. Visitors are always welcome at Mary and Jerry's Helping Hands as well.
Mary and Jerry's Helping Hands has assisted more than 300 different families this year and expects that number to grow substantially over the holidays. Your help and support is greatly appreciated.
Many people need a helping hand at some point in their lies. We ask for yours so we may extend our own.
Mary and Jerry Secrist
Mentone
Wallet Stolen
Editor, Times-Union:This is to the person who picked up the charcoal gray (or black) trifold wallet at the North Webster CVS last Wednesday. By keeping the money and doing whatever you did to the contents, you have really caused emotional and mental stress on my husband and me. Besides the money, that was earmarked for living expenses and medication, my husband must get another driver's license, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security card. I cannot drive yet, due to left side paralysis from a stroke in June.
You have probably spent the $100 that was in the wallet but if you still have the other contents, please return them or the $20 it will cost to replace them. I hope you never have to go through a week of h--- like we have. You may return the things that are missing to the CVS store. Please be honest if you ever find a wallet again, and turn it in to the store where you found it. Or make an effort to locate the owner.
Corene Hanson
North Webster
Blood Drive Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I wish to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to those residents, corporations and community groups who supported the food pantry project for the Military Family Assistance Support Group of our local National Guard unit. This food pantry was organized and coordinated by the Family Assistance Support Group for those families who remained here in Kosciusko County, while their loved ones were deployed overseas to support project "Iraqi Freedom"!
With the return of our National Guard forces to Indiana, the food pantry will be ceasing operations. Our Red Cross chapter supported the food pantry project, and on behalf of our chapter, I want to thank all who provided for this project. Specifically, employees of the Sprint Corp., Kosciusko Community Hospital employees and members of American Legion Post 49, Warsaw, who provided a location and facilities for the food pantry operation, all deserve a special thank-you!
In conclusion, residents of Kosciusko County can take great pride in the role members of our National Guard unit played during their deployment! Likewise, we are proud of the support their families received during their deployment. Please know that your gifts of food and other items were greatly appreciated! We live in a great county, and we are proud to be Americans!
Larry E. Peppel
Executive director
American Red Cross, Kosciusko County chapter
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