Editor, Times-Union: I wanted to thank everyone at the highway department for the long hours they put in to keep our county moving. I know there were drivers who put in 100 hours in one week. After riding with Larry Phillips, I can see what a long week that would make.
The thing that really impressed me was the attitude of the people. Most people had a desire to learn more about how the county handled snow removal, rather than being critical of how it was done. I know of two newspaper reporters, one radio personality and one school superintendent who took a ride in a plow. The attitude that was displayed during this time is what makes Kosciusko County a great place to call home.
Brad Jackson, County Commissioner
Barking Dogs
Editor, Times-Union: Well, it looks like the wolves of North Webster won't have their day in court after all.
Related to the story of Jan. 15, 1999, in the Times-Union, Animal Control Ordinance. It says that the people that asked for relief from the barking dogs and howling wolves of Eden Shores and of the county, won't be getting any soon. It states that a unique feature was written into it. It simply states if you want to complain about a barking dog that bothers everyone at all hours forever, you must sign an affidavit of intent to pursue court action before the police department responds to the complaint. This does nothing but put the burden on the victim. Notice, "court action." Grab your wallets folks. Lawyers - they can drag it on forever and forever wolves howl.
Further, the ordinance states it wrote in a grandfather clause. This destroys the whole intent of the movement for peace and quiet in the first place. Example: police - Hey Buba, you have been terrorizing your neighbors for over a year now with your truck with no mufflers. You have awakened children, fathers that have to work in the morning. At all hours, you displayed your contempt for the neighborhood. But that's OK with us. We put a grandfather clause in the muffler law. Go ahead Buba, harass them for the rest of your life. Talk about being babbled off with pretended legislation. How can they let a gross nuisance continue forever?
It's disgusting the way people of Eden Shores must feel right now. The inconsiderate people with the wolves must be rolling on the floor with laughter. Not to despair folks, the wolves and 30 dogs must be reined and tethered by an 18 year old. The only thing I heard good was cut off their heads for rabies tests if they bite! What did they do to Becky Tusing's dog? That could have been a child. Then what? Cop out plus...It's up to you, Eden Shores and people of that part of the county.
Next time, what if it's a child? But that's OK. They were reined and tethered when they did it.
Herschel Rainwater, Warsaw
CCS Army Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union: What an incredible community! During the 1998 holiday season, there were so many businesses, schools, churches and clubs that brought in food, toys, clothes and money for the people in need in Kosciusko County. There were so many important people who organized these food and toy drives and each drive was very successful. Combined Community Service wishes to thank everyone who contributed to our organization during the glorious holidays. It was a privilege to work with so many of you. I can tell you that there was plenty of food and toys under the tree for the families who needed help during the holiday. Thanks again, but remember it is not just during the holiday season that CCS needs food and clothes. We give out food and clothes year 'round.
On behalf of CCS, I wish to thank the county for all their generosity. CCS's goal is to continue "Helping Neighbors Help Neighbors." God Bless and have a great New Year!
Jake Murray, Asst. Director, CCS
Vacuum Of Leadership
Editor, Times-Union: Over the past few weeks, I have been following my wife's good advice: let our campaign volunteers know that we appreciate their help, refocus on my work as a financial consultant and try not to spend too much time watching the vacuum of leadership and principle in Washington.
Still, as we face the hype and spin of the State of the Union address, I think it is important to recall the situation last year. News of Clinton's poor judgment had just been released and defenders in his party told America that it was unproven and untrue. They said that we should trust Clinton and give him the benefit of the doubt until all the "facts are out." And to give their defense credibility, they said that should he be found to be lying to the American people, he should be removed from office.
Today we know that Clinton was lying a year ago, he continued to lie for seven months and committed perjury in the process to avoid a legal judgment in a civil rights sexual harassment lawsuit. We also know that Democrats, nationally and here in Michiana, will sacrifice their own honor and credibility to defend this wretched man. The proceedings have not been "bipartisan" because, unlike some Republican statesmen in 1974, no Democrats have the courage to stand against Clinton, and on the side of justice.
Given this vacuum of Democratic Party leadership and courage, I urge citizens to rationally assess Clinton's problem with the Truth as they watch his Dick Morris-crafted media circus Tuesday night. I urge them to consider the advice of one wag in the media who suggested that to avoid being fooled again by the empty political promises, viewers should paste a warning on the bottom of their TV screens. The warning should state what we all know but may not admit, "CAUTION, CLINTON LIES."
