Letters to the Editor 12-04-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Dog Issue - Traffic Hazard - Elks Lodge Says Thanks - SADD Article - Fatal Accident - Thanks For Stoplight
Dog Issue
Editor, Times-Union:There was a lot of people from the county representing this dog issue. A lot of temperatures flying, why wouldn't there be. People are sick and tired of putting up with this unnecessary dog barking.
Walter Corbin stated, that they have put up with this situation over in North Webster for two years. I had a man call me from Burket complaining about dogs running all over down there. Why is the county paying a dog control person for? I would like to ask these commissioners how they would like to have this mess in their backyards, or across the street from them? It would probably be a different story.
I know when I was to the one meeting, I didn't particularly care for Mr. Jackson's statement about hogs. "Now if you had hogs, and the feeder lid banged all the time they were feeding." Yah, so. To say, Mr. Jackson, this is a natural thing, we need hogs for the food consumption. Dogs does not follow in the agricultural end pertaining to food. I see no reasoning for a dog or dogs to be tied and left unattended to bark and carry on. Or, most cases, the person is standing right beside it while it is carrying on, and gee, I can't hear it.
There is no doubt in my mind or in the minds of the people that attended the Nov. 24 meeting, that something needs to be done. These dog owners that were at this meeting, which were few. This Risa Wagoner, she is one who has a barking dog. Her statement at this meeting, "I would not comply with an ordinance, I am a taxpayer, I own an acre of ground, if that, I have the dog for protection." I would like to know how it protects her, when her and her daughter let it bark all the time it is tied outside. There are more people who own more land than just an acre, as we do. Land is not the issue here. She came to this meeting and admitted that she let her dog bark and carry on. By not complying to the two letters that were sent to her by our attorney, and saying she would not be intimidated by anyone.
I nor anyone else at the meeting are saying people can't have dogs, and these dog owners are stretching that. Mr. Engles statement, "I don't feel like I have to be punished because I own a dog." Let me ask you this, Mr. Engle, and this Risa Wagoner, and all the other people that have these barking dogs. Why should the other people be punished because you own the barking dogs? You people couldn't be too concerned about these dogs as you let on to be or you would see to it that they were exercised. Come home from school, or work, tie them two feet from the door, that is the extent of the exercise for the day. You are responsible for these dogs, you like to make a big stink at the meeting about how these dogs are supposed to be protecting you, I don't see it.
I know if it takes a civil case to have my comfort of my home, than so be it. But I will always be there as Mr. Rainwater and all the other people that were at that meeting, fighting for some kind of control. As Risa Wagoners statement, I won't be intimidated, well the intimidation is on her part, and the part of these people that won't take responsibility for these barking dogs.
Sharon Galloway, Leesburg
Traffic Hazard
Editor, Times-Union:I've recently encountered a traffic hazard that I feel I must warn my fellow motorists of.
Early one morning, while traveling north on CR 800 West toward Nappanee on my daily trek to work, this "Hazard" approached me from the rear. She was driving a small red Subaru with a Maryland license plate. She blew past me on a blind hill like I was sitting still. After muttering a few choice words, I thought to myself, maybe the poor thing got up late, or possibly got her curling iron stuck in her hair, it's happened to us all, right?
Well, a day or so later, I left for work, my wonderful baby strapped securely in the back seat. As I reached the same section of road, here she comes again, and what do you suppose she did? You guessed it. Right by me on that same blind hill. Now she's getting personal. What is this witch's problem? Does she have a death wish? Has she no regard for human life, or perhaps she's just plain stupid.
Since that morning, on more than a few occasions I've watched this woman pass me, and others, at a high rate of speed, creating dangerous situations for all involved.
Let's all hope she comes to her senses, (or gets arrested) before she kills you, me, or our friends or loved ones.
Martin Randall, Warsaw
Elks Lodge Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The members of the Warsaw Elks Lodge #802 would like to express sincere appreciation to all those who contributed their time and talents in helping to prepare and serve the free community Thanksgiving dinner at the Center Lake Pavilion this year.
Although we are responsible for the organization, the services are made possible only through the efforts of community spirited people and businesses. Special thanks go to Alice Schooley and the Extension Homemakers of Kosciusko County and all the numerous volunteers who helped prepare and serve over 550 meals.
We look forward to the future continued success of the community project.
Thanksgiving Dinner Committee, Elks Lodge #802
SADD Article
Editor, Times-Union:With much sadness I read the article on SADD, in the November 27th newspaper and saw how a sensationalism seeking reporter can misquote, change facts and make innuendoes to fit his own agenda. This article was damaging and caused much suffering and pain to already grieving family and friends of the three teenagers.
Kit Johnson was an aspiring journalist, attending IPFW. He was known for his outstanding writing ability and creativity. This ability was earning him an "A" grade level, for which he was very proud.
He visited his grandmother in Ohio frequently and was always ready to help her in anyway he could. He kept in constant contact with his grandmother in Arizona, through e-mail. He was a kind and loving person, with a heart of gold.
He was never too busy to take his father to the airport, in Fort Wayne, on Mondays and pick him up on Fridays. During these trips he never drove over 62 miles per hour and was insistent both wear their seatbelts. He took pride in keeping his car well maintained and clean. He often discussed the various maintenance tasks he had performed on his car during the week.
Kit loved to play the piano and was know for his beautiful rendition of "November Rain" by Guns and Roses. Whenever he played, he held his audience spellbound. You should check to see who really played this music at the party.
The statement that Kit jumped from a second story window is confirmed to be untrue. If you check this out, you will find that Josh Hartline is the individual who jumped from the window, not Kit, as you reported.
The statement that "he always liked to take risks," is a totally false statement. Anyone who knew Kit, knew that he was an extremely cautious person. It was against his nature to take risks. Anyone who contradicts this, didn't know him.
The statement that Nikki Johnson "cried during her entire speech to the school" is also untrue. Anyone who was there can confirm this.
Kit, Adam and Josh were all fine young men, with goals for the future. They, their families and friends deserve more than the trash you have written. This was your mistake and I hope you will give the corrections of your errors the same front page coverage as the article.
I can speak for Kit, I'm his father. I am sure the parents of Adam and Josh have the same feelings. Please let these young men rest in dignity and peace.
In Loving Memory of Kit
John Johnson, Pierceton
Fatal Accident
Editor, Times-Union:This is in regards to the Brandon Robinson trial. I am Heather Florey's mother. I spent five days around the young man that took my beautiful daughter's life. I watched his every move, his facial expressions and his eyes. For years, I have dealt with young people and here is what I observed. Yes, he cried when Monica Hatfield and Tiffany Bartley were on the stand. Why did he cry? Because he was sorry or because he was afraid the jury would be influenced by these two.
Yes, he cried when his friends were done testifying. Why did he cry? Because he was sorry or because he was afraid the jury would believe their stories that he tried so hard to make them change. Most of the time his face was in a cold hard stare during court. But during recess times he was seen smoking and chatting care-free to his family and girlfriend. Once he and his parents were outside the court door standing against the wall. Monica and I were straight across from him, talking and playing. Again - no expression as he watched her. If I accidentally killed a small baby's parents, I would be so torn up to look at this child whose whole life I destroyed, never to feel her loving parents touch or hear their words of love for her. I never once heard him say he was sorry or see any signs of being sorry.
I felt sorry for his parents as I watched them wait for the verdict. They cried when they heard it; so did I. I know they are hurting to see their son go to jail, but remember, he will be home someday. My daughter will never come home again. I can feel their pain - can they feel mine? They can still talk and write to him - I can't. They can still hear his voice as he gets older - I can't. They can watch him grow into an adult - I can't. They can hug and kiss him - I can't. They can tell him they love him - I can't.
Yes, I even feel sorry for Brandon. He, like so many other young people, chose to use these drugs then jumped into his new truck and had some fun. He never dreamed he would kill three innocent young people, two about the same age as him, one much younger. His little short joy ride turned into many people's sorrow for life.
My daughter and son-in-law to-be and young friend enjoyed life too, but not by drinking and drugs. To them fun was camping, shopping, eating out and so on. Heather was so afraid of her friends taking drugs; she did not want them to die. Now look what happened to her because of someone else that did not care.
Brandon's going to jail does not mean we won. No one won. We lost a lot. Brandon is only going to lose a little of his life. Everyone that has children knows when they do wrong they should be punished some way, because if we let them go they will just do it again. The punishment is decided according to what they do. A child that pinches someone is not punished as hard as a child that takes a bat and beats someone. If we let these young people that use drugs and drink go with very little punishment they will do it again and others will say, "That's not so bad, I don't care if I get caught." If these young people are punished hard enough, maybe others will see it and stop before more people are killed or lives destroyed, maybe even their own.
If Brandon gets enough years, maybe he will never drink and drive again and just maybe other young people will say, "Hey, man, I'm not going to jail like that." Maybe this is the first step for a community to stop this crime.
Pamela Hiers, Mentone
Thanks For Stoplight
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to take the opportunity to thank the State Highway Department for the installation of the traffic signal at 350N and SR 15. We have lived north of Warsaw since 1993 and have watched this intersection become more and more dangerous as traffic congestion increases. Although my daughter (the college student) claims we are becoming another Kokomo on the north side, I for one will trade the minor inconvenience of traffic lights for increased safety.
P.S. Please ask Mr. Foster if the idea of a three way stop at Husky Trail and Parker Street extended makes any sense.
Clint Pletcher, Warsaw
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- Dog Issue - Traffic Hazard - Elks Lodge Says Thanks - SADD Article - Fatal Accident - Thanks For Stoplight
Dog Issue
Editor, Times-Union:There was a lot of people from the county representing this dog issue. A lot of temperatures flying, why wouldn't there be. People are sick and tired of putting up with this unnecessary dog barking.
Walter Corbin stated, that they have put up with this situation over in North Webster for two years. I had a man call me from Burket complaining about dogs running all over down there. Why is the county paying a dog control person for? I would like to ask these commissioners how they would like to have this mess in their backyards, or across the street from them? It would probably be a different story.
I know when I was to the one meeting, I didn't particularly care for Mr. Jackson's statement about hogs. "Now if you had hogs, and the feeder lid banged all the time they were feeding." Yah, so. To say, Mr. Jackson, this is a natural thing, we need hogs for the food consumption. Dogs does not follow in the agricultural end pertaining to food. I see no reasoning for a dog or dogs to be tied and left unattended to bark and carry on. Or, most cases, the person is standing right beside it while it is carrying on, and gee, I can't hear it.
There is no doubt in my mind or in the minds of the people that attended the Nov. 24 meeting, that something needs to be done. These dog owners that were at this meeting, which were few. This Risa Wagoner, she is one who has a barking dog. Her statement at this meeting, "I would not comply with an ordinance, I am a taxpayer, I own an acre of ground, if that, I have the dog for protection." I would like to know how it protects her, when her and her daughter let it bark all the time it is tied outside. There are more people who own more land than just an acre, as we do. Land is not the issue here. She came to this meeting and admitted that she let her dog bark and carry on. By not complying to the two letters that were sent to her by our attorney, and saying she would not be intimidated by anyone.
I nor anyone else at the meeting are saying people can't have dogs, and these dog owners are stretching that. Mr. Engles statement, "I don't feel like I have to be punished because I own a dog." Let me ask you this, Mr. Engle, and this Risa Wagoner, and all the other people that have these barking dogs. Why should the other people be punished because you own the barking dogs? You people couldn't be too concerned about these dogs as you let on to be or you would see to it that they were exercised. Come home from school, or work, tie them two feet from the door, that is the extent of the exercise for the day. You are responsible for these dogs, you like to make a big stink at the meeting about how these dogs are supposed to be protecting you, I don't see it.
I know if it takes a civil case to have my comfort of my home, than so be it. But I will always be there as Mr. Rainwater and all the other people that were at that meeting, fighting for some kind of control. As Risa Wagoners statement, I won't be intimidated, well the intimidation is on her part, and the part of these people that won't take responsibility for these barking dogs.
Sharon Galloway, Leesburg
Traffic Hazard
Editor, Times-Union:I've recently encountered a traffic hazard that I feel I must warn my fellow motorists of.
Early one morning, while traveling north on CR 800 West toward Nappanee on my daily trek to work, this "Hazard" approached me from the rear. She was driving a small red Subaru with a Maryland license plate. She blew past me on a blind hill like I was sitting still. After muttering a few choice words, I thought to myself, maybe the poor thing got up late, or possibly got her curling iron stuck in her hair, it's happened to us all, right?
Well, a day or so later, I left for work, my wonderful baby strapped securely in the back seat. As I reached the same section of road, here she comes again, and what do you suppose she did? You guessed it. Right by me on that same blind hill. Now she's getting personal. What is this witch's problem? Does she have a death wish? Has she no regard for human life, or perhaps she's just plain stupid.
Since that morning, on more than a few occasions I've watched this woman pass me, and others, at a high rate of speed, creating dangerous situations for all involved.
Let's all hope she comes to her senses, (or gets arrested) before she kills you, me, or our friends or loved ones.
Martin Randall, Warsaw
Elks Lodge Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The members of the Warsaw Elks Lodge #802 would like to express sincere appreciation to all those who contributed their time and talents in helping to prepare and serve the free community Thanksgiving dinner at the Center Lake Pavilion this year.
Although we are responsible for the organization, the services are made possible only through the efforts of community spirited people and businesses. Special thanks go to Alice Schooley and the Extension Homemakers of Kosciusko County and all the numerous volunteers who helped prepare and serve over 550 meals.
We look forward to the future continued success of the community project.
Thanksgiving Dinner Committee, Elks Lodge #802
SADD Article
Editor, Times-Union:With much sadness I read the article on SADD, in the November 27th newspaper and saw how a sensationalism seeking reporter can misquote, change facts and make innuendoes to fit his own agenda. This article was damaging and caused much suffering and pain to already grieving family and friends of the three teenagers.
Kit Johnson was an aspiring journalist, attending IPFW. He was known for his outstanding writing ability and creativity. This ability was earning him an "A" grade level, for which he was very proud.
He visited his grandmother in Ohio frequently and was always ready to help her in anyway he could. He kept in constant contact with his grandmother in Arizona, through e-mail. He was a kind and loving person, with a heart of gold.
He was never too busy to take his father to the airport, in Fort Wayne, on Mondays and pick him up on Fridays. During these trips he never drove over 62 miles per hour and was insistent both wear their seatbelts. He took pride in keeping his car well maintained and clean. He often discussed the various maintenance tasks he had performed on his car during the week.
Kit loved to play the piano and was know for his beautiful rendition of "November Rain" by Guns and Roses. Whenever he played, he held his audience spellbound. You should check to see who really played this music at the party.
The statement that Kit jumped from a second story window is confirmed to be untrue. If you check this out, you will find that Josh Hartline is the individual who jumped from the window, not Kit, as you reported.
The statement that "he always liked to take risks," is a totally false statement. Anyone who knew Kit, knew that he was an extremely cautious person. It was against his nature to take risks. Anyone who contradicts this, didn't know him.
The statement that Nikki Johnson "cried during her entire speech to the school" is also untrue. Anyone who was there can confirm this.
Kit, Adam and Josh were all fine young men, with goals for the future. They, their families and friends deserve more than the trash you have written. This was your mistake and I hope you will give the corrections of your errors the same front page coverage as the article.
I can speak for Kit, I'm his father. I am sure the parents of Adam and Josh have the same feelings. Please let these young men rest in dignity and peace.
In Loving Memory of Kit
John Johnson, Pierceton
Fatal Accident
Editor, Times-Union:This is in regards to the Brandon Robinson trial. I am Heather Florey's mother. I spent five days around the young man that took my beautiful daughter's life. I watched his every move, his facial expressions and his eyes. For years, I have dealt with young people and here is what I observed. Yes, he cried when Monica Hatfield and Tiffany Bartley were on the stand. Why did he cry? Because he was sorry or because he was afraid the jury would be influenced by these two.
Yes, he cried when his friends were done testifying. Why did he cry? Because he was sorry or because he was afraid the jury would believe their stories that he tried so hard to make them change. Most of the time his face was in a cold hard stare during court. But during recess times he was seen smoking and chatting care-free to his family and girlfriend. Once he and his parents were outside the court door standing against the wall. Monica and I were straight across from him, talking and playing. Again - no expression as he watched her. If I accidentally killed a small baby's parents, I would be so torn up to look at this child whose whole life I destroyed, never to feel her loving parents touch or hear their words of love for her. I never once heard him say he was sorry or see any signs of being sorry.
I felt sorry for his parents as I watched them wait for the verdict. They cried when they heard it; so did I. I know they are hurting to see their son go to jail, but remember, he will be home someday. My daughter will never come home again. I can feel their pain - can they feel mine? They can still talk and write to him - I can't. They can still hear his voice as he gets older - I can't. They can watch him grow into an adult - I can't. They can hug and kiss him - I can't. They can tell him they love him - I can't.
Yes, I even feel sorry for Brandon. He, like so many other young people, chose to use these drugs then jumped into his new truck and had some fun. He never dreamed he would kill three innocent young people, two about the same age as him, one much younger. His little short joy ride turned into many people's sorrow for life.
My daughter and son-in-law to-be and young friend enjoyed life too, but not by drinking and drugs. To them fun was camping, shopping, eating out and so on. Heather was so afraid of her friends taking drugs; she did not want them to die. Now look what happened to her because of someone else that did not care.
Brandon's going to jail does not mean we won. No one won. We lost a lot. Brandon is only going to lose a little of his life. Everyone that has children knows when they do wrong they should be punished some way, because if we let them go they will just do it again. The punishment is decided according to what they do. A child that pinches someone is not punished as hard as a child that takes a bat and beats someone. If we let these young people that use drugs and drink go with very little punishment they will do it again and others will say, "That's not so bad, I don't care if I get caught." If these young people are punished hard enough, maybe others will see it and stop before more people are killed or lives destroyed, maybe even their own.
If Brandon gets enough years, maybe he will never drink and drive again and just maybe other young people will say, "Hey, man, I'm not going to jail like that." Maybe this is the first step for a community to stop this crime.
Pamela Hiers, Mentone
Thanks For Stoplight
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to take the opportunity to thank the State Highway Department for the installation of the traffic signal at 350N and SR 15. We have lived north of Warsaw since 1993 and have watched this intersection become more and more dangerous as traffic congestion increases. Although my daughter (the college student) claims we are becoming another Kokomo on the north side, I for one will trade the minor inconvenience of traffic lights for increased safety.
P.S. Please ask Mr. Foster if the idea of a three way stop at Husky Trail and Parker Street extended makes any sense.
Clint Pletcher, Warsaw
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