Letters to the Editor 12-01-2003
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- CCQE Responds - Stay Home On Sunday - Gift Of Life - City Workers - Veterans Program - Bott Family Says Thanks - Libertarians Say Thanks
CCQE Responds
Editor, Times-Union:In response to Deborah J. Ross Nayrocker:
The Concerned Citizens for Quality Education organization is not in the business of stirring up conflict. We, the members, are only questioning what is best for our children. Many of our members have attended the school board meetings for the past several years. If concerned citizens, such as yourself, would attend some of the school board meetings, you would see that only a couple of our current board members actually ask questions and look into facts and figures. Thus CCQE was formed. The board members and the current superintendent continually disregard studies, recommendations and public input.
In reference to programs being cut, two elementary schools (Lincoln and Jefferson) are currently receiving Title 1 funds. The funding from this program used to be divided equally among all elementary schools. However, for the past two years, the funding could only be allocated to the schools who qualified.
As for school counselors at the elementary level, this comes down to a funding issue where the school corporation chose to use federal funding rather than general fund dollars. Administrative plans are to implement a combined use of mental health therapists and school nurses through federal funds. This will take more than one year to be totally activated. This certainly should not be blamed on the small elementary schools.
When the block four scheduling was initiated, the administration guaranteed that it would not take extra staff to run the program, when in fact it took eight or nine more staff members. Through attrition and reassignments, the majority of the teachers were able to secure other teaching positions.
As for the summer school program, state funding dictated classes be utilized for remedial purposes and many of the "enhancement" classes were eliminated." Drivers Education was taken over by current administration in hope to save money and avoid personnel conflicts.
On the elementary building issue, look at what was proposed in June 2001 by Dr. Lee Harman, and voted on in March 2002. It included a Prairie Township school and nothing for Silver Lake or Claypool. At the 1028 hearing in November 2002, another version was introduced which did not include any new elementary buildings but spent 30 million on athletic and performing art facilities. One board member voted NO on the 1028 stating that he could not vote on something that did not address the original problem of educational equity within our elementary buildings.
The growth and well being of "our little neighborhoods" make up the whole picture. We are part of the Warsaw Community School Corporation and taxpayers in Kosciusko County. We invite you to attend the CCQE meetings or join as a member. You can visit our Web site at: educatethechildrenfirst.org.
We encourage you to attend the school board meetings to understand the overall school situation. And don't forget it is the taxpayers' money they are spending.
Dan and Tammy Spangle
Lifetime Residents of Kosciusko County
Members of CCQE
Silver Lake
Stay Home On Sunday
Editor, Times-Union:Answer to Darrell Miller letter - Not just holidays off, but Sundays too.
Maybe the reason is that people in general do not plan well, so they just hop in the car and go get whatever. If customers stopped shopping on holidays and Sundays, some store profits would go down. Maybe they would close for holidays and Sundays.
Next time you need something on a holiday or Sunday, think, "Do I really need it now or can it wait till later?" Are you just trying to find something to do or going for a walk?
Stay home and be family-oriented.
J. G. Wells
Warsaw
Gift Of Life
Editor, Times-Union:As the Christmas holidays rapidly approach, the task of selecting that treasured gift looms before us, and seems to grow in importance as the days quickly pass! Would you consider giving a gift that requires no expense on your part except a commitment of your time? Your one gift could help several people and your gift is virtually priceless!
Yes, I am talking about making a blood donation, "the gift of life!" During the month of December, residents of Kosciusko County will have several opportunities to donate blood as we have a total of nine bloodmobile sites planned throughout the county. The following schedule of "open public" blood drives will take place:
n Dec. 2, Mentone United Methodist Church, 2 to 6 p.m.
n Dec. 5, Winona Lake Presbyterian Church/Grace Village, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
n Dec. 9, Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw, 12:30 to 6 p.m..
n Dec. 12, First Presbyterian Church of Warsaw, noon to 5 p.m.
n Dec. 26, Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw, 8 a.m. to noon.
In addition, the following "closed corporate" blood drives will be held:
n Dec. 2, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., Zimmer Corp.
n Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Johnson and Johnson - DePuy Corp.
n Dec. 17, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Lake City Bank.
n Dec. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kosciusko Community Hospital.
The "closed corporate" blood drives are closed to the public and open to the employees of the designated corporations.
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Group reported that our national blood supply is currently at one day's supply, and the holiday season presents a special challenge when busy schedules, travel requirements, etc., do not permit some donors to participate in our bloodmobiles. I strongly encourage all eligible blood donors to consider participating in one of our upcoming blood drives during December. Call 800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543) and schedule an appointment to donate during December. If, in your busy schedule you find some time, stop by one of our donation sites and walk in to give blood. Your gift can save a life, and that is a priceless gift! Thank you for your generous support!
Larry Peppel, executive director
American Red Cross - Kosciusko County Chapter
City Workers
Editor, Times-Union:It was pouring down rain the other day and I saw the leaf cleaners raking leaves into their big vacuum. Then anytime on a Tuesday when I dread getting out in the cold or wet or heat I get reminded how pitiful my complaint is ... because down the alley comes the garbage truck. And when I don't feel like weeding or mowing or doing general yard work, I see our parks people and city people at work keeping Warsaw clean and pretty. There isn't a prettier cemetery anywhere than here and why is that? People who take care of it.
Yes, we pay taxes to have all these services, but do we really appreciate the people who do the work? Even more, there isn't a day goes by we don't hear police sirens and fire sirens. Those guys and gals put their lives on the line 24/7. How about the EMT/paramedics?
We have a lot of service-giving people around us each day who deserve our praise and thanks for a job well done. Thanks, all of you, for having a servant's heart. For us who take all of this for granted, well, we should be sure to thank one of those servants the next time we see them at work. I've already written about the salespeople, greeters, cashiers, waiters, waitresses, cooks, courthouse staff, license branch staff - all of these people daily serve us to make our lives better. Thanks, all of you!
Phyllis L. Barger
Warsaw
Veterans Program
Editor, Times-Union:The Veterans Day Program was great again this year. The old courtroom was small and crowded but those attending weren't complaining - they weren't there for comfort; they were there to honor all veterans that day. We know our veterans have been in smaller places! The speaker, Ray Compton, was very inspirational. The choir did a supreme job singing a salute to all our veterans. As always the WCHS band was great! These young people are fine examples of what our future citizens will be. The American Legion firing squad were at their best also. Thank you all!
Most of all we'd like to thank all veterans who have or are walking the streets of Warsaw, Baghdad, Korea and all around the world protecting our freedoms and the freedom of other people in other countries. To those men and women who fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice, we thank all of you! You POW/MIA veterans, you are not forgotten!
Sandy Hubler
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 49
Warsaw
Bott Family Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Bott family wishes to thank the Warsaw community for all the prayers, love, cards, visits, food, donations and flowers with the recent passing of Mike. We are overwhelmed by your love and support.
A special thanks to Monsignor James Wolf, Bernie Berg, Chris Dillon, members of Sacred Heart Church, teachers, coaches, students, neighbors, friends, Marriage Encounter, Zimmer, Beta Sigma Phi and Alpha Chi Omega Sororities, Sigma Chi Fraternity, McHatton/Sadler Funeral Home, Oakwood Cemetery and to all our family for your love and generosity.
Mr. Bott touched many lives during his 35 years of dedicated teaching and coaching in the Warsaw School system. He loved teaching kids how and why things worked. Words from William James summarize our feelings, "The greatest use of a life is to spend it for something which outlasts it." To continue his teaching legacy, we are establishing a Bott Science Scholarship to benefit students pursuing a career in the field of science. Anyone wishing to donate to the scholarship may send contributions to: Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Bott Science Scholarship, 102 E. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580-2806.
Your overwhelming support to our family certainly makes us proud to live and work in this community, and we are grateful for so many friends during this time of need.
The Mike Bott Family
Warsaw
via e-mail
Libertarians Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:It was pleasing to see that 340 of Warsaw's citizens were concerned enough about government waste and spending to vote for the Libertarian candidate, Daniel Stevens. For that the Libertarian Party of Kosciusko County thanks them. On the other hand, because of a lack of competition, the majority of voters went to the same old worn out tax and spend crowd.
It is distressing to study the history of the creation of our government and realize how far we have strayed from the intent of the founders. They predicted it would happen if we were not vigilant and even with that warning we allowed it to happen. Our children and grandchildren will pay for our greed.
Charles Carnes
Vice chairman
Libertarian Party of Kosciusko County
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- CCQE Responds - Stay Home On Sunday - Gift Of Life - City Workers - Veterans Program - Bott Family Says Thanks - Libertarians Say Thanks
CCQE Responds
Editor, Times-Union:In response to Deborah J. Ross Nayrocker:
The Concerned Citizens for Quality Education organization is not in the business of stirring up conflict. We, the members, are only questioning what is best for our children. Many of our members have attended the school board meetings for the past several years. If concerned citizens, such as yourself, would attend some of the school board meetings, you would see that only a couple of our current board members actually ask questions and look into facts and figures. Thus CCQE was formed. The board members and the current superintendent continually disregard studies, recommendations and public input.
In reference to programs being cut, two elementary schools (Lincoln and Jefferson) are currently receiving Title 1 funds. The funding from this program used to be divided equally among all elementary schools. However, for the past two years, the funding could only be allocated to the schools who qualified.
As for school counselors at the elementary level, this comes down to a funding issue where the school corporation chose to use federal funding rather than general fund dollars. Administrative plans are to implement a combined use of mental health therapists and school nurses through federal funds. This will take more than one year to be totally activated. This certainly should not be blamed on the small elementary schools.
When the block four scheduling was initiated, the administration guaranteed that it would not take extra staff to run the program, when in fact it took eight or nine more staff members. Through attrition and reassignments, the majority of the teachers were able to secure other teaching positions.
As for the summer school program, state funding dictated classes be utilized for remedial purposes and many of the "enhancement" classes were eliminated." Drivers Education was taken over by current administration in hope to save money and avoid personnel conflicts.
On the elementary building issue, look at what was proposed in June 2001 by Dr. Lee Harman, and voted on in March 2002. It included a Prairie Township school and nothing for Silver Lake or Claypool. At the 1028 hearing in November 2002, another version was introduced which did not include any new elementary buildings but spent 30 million on athletic and performing art facilities. One board member voted NO on the 1028 stating that he could not vote on something that did not address the original problem of educational equity within our elementary buildings.
The growth and well being of "our little neighborhoods" make up the whole picture. We are part of the Warsaw Community School Corporation and taxpayers in Kosciusko County. We invite you to attend the CCQE meetings or join as a member. You can visit our Web site at: educatethechildrenfirst.org.
We encourage you to attend the school board meetings to understand the overall school situation. And don't forget it is the taxpayers' money they are spending.
Dan and Tammy Spangle
Lifetime Residents of Kosciusko County
Members of CCQE
Silver Lake
Stay Home On Sunday
Editor, Times-Union:Answer to Darrell Miller letter - Not just holidays off, but Sundays too.
Maybe the reason is that people in general do not plan well, so they just hop in the car and go get whatever. If customers stopped shopping on holidays and Sundays, some store profits would go down. Maybe they would close for holidays and Sundays.
Next time you need something on a holiday or Sunday, think, "Do I really need it now or can it wait till later?" Are you just trying to find something to do or going for a walk?
Stay home and be family-oriented.
J. G. Wells
Warsaw
Gift Of Life
Editor, Times-Union:As the Christmas holidays rapidly approach, the task of selecting that treasured gift looms before us, and seems to grow in importance as the days quickly pass! Would you consider giving a gift that requires no expense on your part except a commitment of your time? Your one gift could help several people and your gift is virtually priceless!
Yes, I am talking about making a blood donation, "the gift of life!" During the month of December, residents of Kosciusko County will have several opportunities to donate blood as we have a total of nine bloodmobile sites planned throughout the county. The following schedule of "open public" blood drives will take place:
n Dec. 2, Mentone United Methodist Church, 2 to 6 p.m.
n Dec. 5, Winona Lake Presbyterian Church/Grace Village, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
n Dec. 9, Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw, 12:30 to 6 p.m..
n Dec. 12, First Presbyterian Church of Warsaw, noon to 5 p.m.
n Dec. 26, Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw, 8 a.m. to noon.
In addition, the following "closed corporate" blood drives will be held:
n Dec. 2, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., Zimmer Corp.
n Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Johnson and Johnson - DePuy Corp.
n Dec. 17, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Lake City Bank.
n Dec. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kosciusko Community Hospital.
The "closed corporate" blood drives are closed to the public and open to the employees of the designated corporations.
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Group reported that our national blood supply is currently at one day's supply, and the holiday season presents a special challenge when busy schedules, travel requirements, etc., do not permit some donors to participate in our bloodmobiles. I strongly encourage all eligible blood donors to consider participating in one of our upcoming blood drives during December. Call 800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543) and schedule an appointment to donate during December. If, in your busy schedule you find some time, stop by one of our donation sites and walk in to give blood. Your gift can save a life, and that is a priceless gift! Thank you for your generous support!
Larry Peppel, executive director
American Red Cross - Kosciusko County Chapter
City Workers
Editor, Times-Union:It was pouring down rain the other day and I saw the leaf cleaners raking leaves into their big vacuum. Then anytime on a Tuesday when I dread getting out in the cold or wet or heat I get reminded how pitiful my complaint is ... because down the alley comes the garbage truck. And when I don't feel like weeding or mowing or doing general yard work, I see our parks people and city people at work keeping Warsaw clean and pretty. There isn't a prettier cemetery anywhere than here and why is that? People who take care of it.
Yes, we pay taxes to have all these services, but do we really appreciate the people who do the work? Even more, there isn't a day goes by we don't hear police sirens and fire sirens. Those guys and gals put their lives on the line 24/7. How about the EMT/paramedics?
We have a lot of service-giving people around us each day who deserve our praise and thanks for a job well done. Thanks, all of you, for having a servant's heart. For us who take all of this for granted, well, we should be sure to thank one of those servants the next time we see them at work. I've already written about the salespeople, greeters, cashiers, waiters, waitresses, cooks, courthouse staff, license branch staff - all of these people daily serve us to make our lives better. Thanks, all of you!
Phyllis L. Barger
Warsaw
Veterans Program
Editor, Times-Union:The Veterans Day Program was great again this year. The old courtroom was small and crowded but those attending weren't complaining - they weren't there for comfort; they were there to honor all veterans that day. We know our veterans have been in smaller places! The speaker, Ray Compton, was very inspirational. The choir did a supreme job singing a salute to all our veterans. As always the WCHS band was great! These young people are fine examples of what our future citizens will be. The American Legion firing squad were at their best also. Thank you all!
Most of all we'd like to thank all veterans who have or are walking the streets of Warsaw, Baghdad, Korea and all around the world protecting our freedoms and the freedom of other people in other countries. To those men and women who fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice, we thank all of you! You POW/MIA veterans, you are not forgotten!
Sandy Hubler
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 49
Warsaw
Bott Family Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Bott family wishes to thank the Warsaw community for all the prayers, love, cards, visits, food, donations and flowers with the recent passing of Mike. We are overwhelmed by your love and support.
A special thanks to Monsignor James Wolf, Bernie Berg, Chris Dillon, members of Sacred Heart Church, teachers, coaches, students, neighbors, friends, Marriage Encounter, Zimmer, Beta Sigma Phi and Alpha Chi Omega Sororities, Sigma Chi Fraternity, McHatton/Sadler Funeral Home, Oakwood Cemetery and to all our family for your love and generosity.
Mr. Bott touched many lives during his 35 years of dedicated teaching and coaching in the Warsaw School system. He loved teaching kids how and why things worked. Words from William James summarize our feelings, "The greatest use of a life is to spend it for something which outlasts it." To continue his teaching legacy, we are establishing a Bott Science Scholarship to benefit students pursuing a career in the field of science. Anyone wishing to donate to the scholarship may send contributions to: Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Bott Science Scholarship, 102 E. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580-2806.
Your overwhelming support to our family certainly makes us proud to live and work in this community, and we are grateful for so many friends during this time of need.
The Mike Bott Family
Warsaw
via e-mail
Libertarians Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:It was pleasing to see that 340 of Warsaw's citizens were concerned enough about government waste and spending to vote for the Libertarian candidate, Daniel Stevens. For that the Libertarian Party of Kosciusko County thanks them. On the other hand, because of a lack of competition, the majority of voters went to the same old worn out tax and spend crowd.
It is distressing to study the history of the creation of our government and realize how far we have strayed from the intent of the founders. They predicted it would happen if we were not vigilant and even with that warning we allowed it to happen. Our children and grandchildren will pay for our greed.
Charles Carnes
Vice chairman
Libertarian Party of Kosciusko County
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