Editor, Times-Union: The animal shelter still needs help! All of these problems that people keep writing/talking about aren't just going to go away by talking (or rather NOT talking) about them. People think, "What could I do?" "It wouldn't make any difference!" "Someone else can/will do something about it." (Thank God that not everyone is like that - nothing would get done! There are volunteers, however, who are willing enough to take time out of their busy schedules to help by getting down and dirty to play with the animals, feed them, give them baths, etc.) Think about it - if you were one of the animals there, wouldn't you be glad to have a clean box to sleep in, fresh food and water every day and someone to play with? If you think about it, it's similar to being a homeless person - if nothing is done to help, not even a dent will ever be made. They can't hope to help this problem without your donations of money and materials. Also, you can help by having your own pet spayed or neutered.
Donations are always accepted at the shelter. Things that would help include: newspapers; litter; shoeboxes; your time; laundry detergent, bleach and dryer sheets; stuffed toys; leashes and collars; dog and cat treats; dog and cat food; towels and blankets; and monetary donations. They are especially in desperate need of canned kitten and puppy food, kitty litter (non-scoopable) and heavy-duty trash bags.
The animal shelter is also in need of a larger building. The building they are currently in is too small for all of the animals. They need a new place with a small yard so the volunteers can take the animals outside and play with them and let them get some fresh air and sunshine.
One final thought: Adopt! Adopt! Adopt! Donate! Donate! Donate! Spay and neuter!
Rachel Brown Warsaw
Smith For Treasurer
Editor, Times-Union: Dear Kosciusko County Voters:
I am writing in support of Rebecca B. Smith for County Treasurer.
I have worked very close with the Kosciusko County Treasurer's office during these past several years. Obtaining tax amounts and reporting them to various mortgage companies for escrowed tax payments for the homeowners of Kosciusko County. During these years, the Treasurer's office has been very cooperative and helpful in order to see the tax payments go smoothly. Rebecca Smith has been a very instrumental tool as well as extremely knowledgeable during the entire process.
Rebecca "Becky" Smith brings experience, knowledge and integrity to her current position as Chief Deputy Treasurer for Kosciusko County. And she will do the same when she is elected Treasurer. The 2003 tax collection year was extremely difficult, in part due to the decisions made by the very same people that are now running against her for the office of Treasurer. Not only was the restructuring and reassessment confusing to the county taxpayers, mortgage companies and tax services companies that without the experience and knowledge of the Treasurer's staff, like Rebecca Smith, the confusion could have haltered an extremely difficult tax collection.
She fosters the idea that the taxpayers and citizens of Kosciusko County deserve someone in this position as Treasurer of Kosciusko County that has the leadership and experience in this public office that solves problems, pursues the objectives of helping the public. And runs the office with professionalism and integrity that the office of Treasurer requires.
I feel strongly that Rebecca B. Smith is this person, the right person for the office of Treasurer of Kosciusko County.
Louise B. Hasbany Lansing, via e-mail
CCQE Still Fighting
Editor, Times-Union: I just wanted to let everyone know that the CCQE has not stopped fighting to keep our schools open and prevent overcrowding of others. We have been waiting for a hearing date, which we finally received! The judge has ordered a mediation to take place prior to the hearing. Mediation will be done on April 15 at Max Reed's office with the school board's lawyer, the CCQE lawyer, five representatives of the CCQE, and whomever the school board sends to represent them. As expected, the school board has also filed for a dismissal of our suit. The hearing for this will take place on April 16th. If mediation fails and the case is not dismissed, the case will go to trial on June 22.
Contrary to what the school board and Dr. McGuire would like you to believe, this is not a done deal. CCQE is in this for the long haul and we will do everything we can to keep this travesty from happening. The school board railroaded one project through that will cost the taxpayers $30 million. This doesn't have anything to do with education. The school board isn't going to get this done without a fight to the very end. With everyone pulling together we can stop this out-of-control train we call a school board.
Vallerie Rowland Claypool via e-mail
Closing Elementaries
Editor, Times-Union: Rumor has it that teachers from the three closing elementary schools will be or have been told to start packing and preparing to move on to other locations. Recently, I was told that the Silver Lake principal went into classrooms, looked around and then told teachers to start packing their items that they would not be using. First, I find this totally unprofessional since it took place during class time. Second, I don't understand what the rush is. Couldn't the packing be done at the end of the school season? And third, teachers and children are very emotional and stressed because of the administrative transition actions and comments. I find this so unfair to the many wonderful teachers who have dedicated their lives to our children and grandchildren and also unfair to the children who love their teachers.
Becky Thomas Warsaw
Political Civility
Editor, Times-Union: Thanks to Gary Gerard for his article "Why Can't Politics Be More Civil"? Wife and I were discussing this same topic this morning prior to getting the Times-Union. We agree and wish (actually pray) for the American people to wake up before it is too late. Wouldn't it be nice if both parties would work together until the proper time to debate prior to an election. I would like to see both parties work together in the House and Senate, but, I guess that is asking for too much. I read in your paper "Souder to Kernan - Where's The Money?" What is the truthful answer? I at one time was a subscriber to the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, but, I like a paper that gives the truthful response to a statement or question. I may be a registered Republican, but I vote for the person that appears to be HONEST. In 1961, I was a registered Democrate serving my country and stationed in Washington, D.C. Enough said. Thanks again.
Robert Lawson Pierceton via e-mail
Troubling Debate
Editor, Times-Union: I have recently subscribed to this paper, and I have been reading the opinion section regarding the gay marriage arguments. It troubles me to see us all argue about this.
I write this not to side with either gay or Christian against gay. I write this to offend no one. I write this as my personal opinion and to only maybe offer some sort of light or guidance to this argument.
You see, I am a sinner. Some days more than others, but I am a sinner. But every day I put my sins at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ and ask for forgiveness. I know what some of you are saying, Oh here we go, another Bible thumper, I used to think that too! But I tell you the truth. I am just testifying to you as a witness. Ask anyone that knew me 10 years ago and they will tell you I have settled down since then. Believe me, I was more of a sinner then than I am now. But I am still a sinner.
When you accept Christ, sins are forgiven unconditionally. And if you keep praying, asking for forgiveness and accepting Christ, your life will change. Remember that this will not happen overnight, but your life will change.
God also equipped us with the Bible. I have recently heard the Bible referred to as our owners manual, I love that and it's true. I urge any of you reading this letter to read the Bible. You don't have to read it all at once, anyone that knows me knows that I can't sit still that long. So what I do is read before I go to bed, or maybe on my work break. It will tell all of us what we need to know.
Just always remember, no one is NOT a sinner, keep believing, praying and accepting Christ into your hearts, and sins will start dropping off of you one by one.
Also remember, and this is very important, because if you miss this, you have missed my point of this letter. Christ is a friend of sinners, and simply put, Jesus Christ is the answer.
