Editor, Times-Union: We are deeply disappointed in the lack of leadership exhibited recently by the members of the Solid Waste Management District's board of directors.
Since recycling is entirely voluntary in this county, thousands of residents don't recycle and don't intend to start. But there are many others who take this issue seriously and are dedicated to the continuing effort to keep as much trash and hazardous material as possible out of the landfills, ravines and road ditches of this county.
Through our own recycling efforts, our family's contribution to the local landfill has diminished considerably. Some weeks we don't even have enough trash to put out on the street for pickup. We think it's the least we can do for subsequent generations who will have to deal with the thousands of mountains of waste material that our generation is leaving for them.
With the imminent closing of many recycling stations, it will be much more difficult to voluntarily recycle. Would we pay for the convenience of nearby recycling stations to continue our voluntary efforts? Yes, we would. We benefit from the convenience of buying products in packages that don't leak or that keep food fresh until we need it. And we're willing to pay for that convenience, especially if it means we'll have a cleaner and safer environment.
We ask the Solid Waste Management Board to reconsider their decision and use some imagination to keep the recycling stations open. Don't frustrate the efforts of thousands of volunteers in this county. Don't embarrass our county by making our neighboring counties think that we aren't intelligent enough to deal with important issues such as this.
Bruce and Barbara Weaver Warsaw via e-mail
Recycling Confusion
Editor, Times-Union: There seems to be some confusion about "recycling" in our community. This is very understandable.
The drop-off recycling stations throughout the city and county are supported and maintained by the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District.
The City of Warsaw, on the other hand, currently does not offer either drop-off or curbside recycling. (The City of Warsaw has been working with a task force of citizens to develop a curbside recycling strategy to complement the very successful Yard Waste Recycling Program initiated by past mayor Jeff Plank.)
The decision to close drop-off recycling stations in the county and city rests solely with the KCSWMD.
Joe Thallemer, Chairman Warsaw Curbside Waste Task Force
via e-mail
Special Delivery
Editor, Times-Union: On Thursday, Aug. 29, my wife and I were en route to Goshen Hospital in what we hoped was a normal delivery of our little new daughter, Rebecca. We left Warsaw in what we thought was plenty in time. Well, baby Rebecca had a totally different idea. Before we got to Leesburg, my wife's water broke, and we knew that in rush hour traffic, 911 was the only safe option. We stopped in Leesburg and called 911, and within a couple minutes I think the whole fire deptartment and EMS were at the Leesburg Deli. I informed the EMS that my wife delivers really fast after her water breaks, so we must proceed to KCH not Goshen, as soon as possible. Well, to make a long story short, my wife delivered on the way to KCH in the ambulance.
I was wanting to say a big thank-you to the Leesburg EMS, fire department and the two North Webster volunteer firemen/paramedics that drove our car from Leesburg to KCH for us. Thank you, Rosalie and Dave of Leesburg EMS, for a job well done on the birth of Rebecca (in the ambulance) on the way to KCH and the driver of the ambulance from the Leesburg fire department. Leesburg, I think it's a safe bet that you can sleep good at night knowing that the Leesburg EMS and fire department are always on call. I would.
Allen, Tara and Rebecca Walker
Bourbon via e-mail
Great Photos
Editor, Times-Union: Our belated but nonetheless sincere appreciation for the aesthetic photography of nature scenes around our county which appear in the Times-Union from time to time. They demonstrate visually the allure, the inspiration and the restorative power of places unmarred by man. Well done, Gary Nieter!
