Editor, Times-Union: We are getting a lot of different things from the majority of the school board and superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools. They cannot transfer sixth-graders to the middle schools, which would utilize available space, because some papas and mamas don't want it. But, we can close three schools which no parents want, and utilize portable classrooms on the pretext that it would save bundles of money. The amount of money claimed for saving is quite questionable. Portable classrooms are not inexpensive to operate and maintain.
Another factor resulting from closing the three schools is the additional mileage that these small children must be transported, which is also costly. But the worse thing is how much longer these children must be on buses.
Another thing, they talk about the so-called saving amount from closing some schools, but they have no hesitation to go in debt $30,000,000 for sports and entertainment with the resulting annual interest expense.
Fred R. Yohey Warsaw
Treatment Of Principal
Editor, Times-Union: As a sophomore at Triton High School, I am appalled at the treatment of our principal, Mr. Denhe. Yes, he is accused of inappropriate behavior, though no one really knows what went on between him and the 18-year-old. Who gets to define "inappropriate"? Where is the justice? I thought that everyone was "innocent until proven guilty."
Mr. Denhe has done so much good for our school. How many times has he been there for a student when they needed someone to talk to, whether during school hours or after? On several occasions, I have been in to talk with Mr. Denhe. He has been thee just to listen, sometimes to advise and even to discipline. There was one instance when I made a poor choice. I received punishment, and afterwards he commended me on my character for being truthful. If there is a problem he will do everything in his power to resolve it. I have spoken to Mr. Denhe about issues concerning sports and before I even finished the problem, he was out of his chair and on his way to talk with the athletic director.
Before these accusations came out, everyone (students and parents) thought Mr. Denhe was the best principal we've ever had. Now everyone thinks he is a poor leader and a pervert. How many other students have bent his ear when they needed him? Where are they now?
Judge not, lest ye be judged. Matthew 7:1.
Crystal R. Hill Tippecanoe
Special Olympics
Editor, Times-Union: Congratulations go out to the Special Olympics Kosciusko County athletes who have participated in softball and golf. The softball team lost in the first round of the sectional at Mishawaka. They finished the season with a record of 1-3 in league play and also continued their domination over a group of players from R.R. Donnelley.
Golfers fared very well in the nine-hole State Tournament held recently. Finishing first in the competition were the teams of Wayne Momeyer with Larry Momeyer, and Tony Thompson with Brad Hapner. Finishing second was Ed Condinho with John Croy. In the individual competition, Jim Grubb finished first, Thompson second, Condinho fourth and Momeyer fifth.
Special congratulations also go to the following people for being recognized by Special Olympics Kosciusko County. Ima Jean Menzie and family as Family of the Year; Robert Svinarich as Athlete of the Year; Stephanie Noffsinger as Volunteer of the Year; and Gene Hughes as Coach of the Year. Hughes was also selected as Area 2 Coach of the Year. Area 2 encompasses Elkhart, St. Joe, Marshall, Starke and Kosciusko counties.
Current and upcoming events are league bowling on Tuesday afternoons from 4 to 6 p.m. at Warsaw Bowl, with 49 athletes participating. Oct. 11 at Tippecanoe Valley High School is an Area 2 Round Robin Flag Football Tournament. Games begin at 9 a.m. and continue through 6 p.m. Come spend the day with us and remember, refreshments will be available.
Coming soon - Special Olympics Kosciusko County is teaming up with KC Online to bring you all the latest news and upcoming events via a Web site. More details will be released later.
If you or your group would like to know more about Special Olympics or know someone who would like to participate, call Kosciusko County Coordinator Becky Walls at 574-594-2962 or e-mail her at sokcbwalls@aol.com
Gene Hughes Special Olympics Kosciusko County
Mentone via e-mail
Thanks To Viewers
Editor, Times-Union: I wanted to thank our viewers in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio who were patient the past couple weeks while WISE33 completed major tower upgrades to improve its signal. I am happy to report that a new antenna has replaced the 50-year-old one that serviced the station since our sign-on. WISE33's signal now reaches outlying communities and more potential viewers with greater power and clarity than was capable with the previous antenna.
The new antenna also simultaneously services as the station's high-definition signal on WISE-DT19. For those that experienced a lower level over the air signal during this time, we hope this helps to explain the cause and benefit of this $1 million project. We know the result of this investment and temporary inconvenience will be improved service in the long run for all our viewers.
John Dawson President, general manager
WISE33, WISE-DT19 Fort Wayne
Planning Ahead
Editor, Times-Union: A clergyman, addressing the graduating high school students in a baccalaureate service, asked, "Soon you will graduate, what do each of you plan to do next?"
This question was prompted because of a conversation he had had with one of the students who was in his church youth group. The youth responded to his question above with,"I'm going to college."
The pastor asked, "What business or profession are you planning toward?"
"Law." "What after that?" Practice in a law firm, I guess."
"What after that?" "Get married and raise a family."
"Would you go into politics?"
"I would like that, I think."
"After a political career, what would you like to do?"
"That is too far ahead, but I suppose I would retire."
Pastor then asked, "Then what?"
The boy said," I will grow old and then die."
One more question: "Then what?"
How true is that plaque that we see occasionally - PLAN AHEAD.
We are given life and plan too short. We fail to plan for the future far ahead. Yet we cannot even keep from dying, because we all know we are going to die. We live like a fool, if we live as if there is no God. The Bible says it: "The fool has said in his heart "There is no God."
We had better plan far enough ahead and live in the light of the dimension which the far look gives us. This is what our father God, who created us, planned that we do. Then we will be ready for the final, "What then?" as we graduate into eternity.
C.L. Hendrix Winona Lake via e-mail
BABE Showers
Editor, Times-Union: We want to thank the groups and individuals who hosted baby showers for the Beds and Britches Etc. (BABE) program during our September Labor Day BABE shower campaign. We were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response of so many during this fun campaign. The generous contributions of diapers, bottles, clothing and so much more will help to keep this positive incentive program at work improving the health of many pregnant moms, their babies and young families in our community.
Thank you for working with the Health Care Foundation to make this program possible, and thank you for your commitment to care for others in our community by being a part of this campaign.
Sandy Patterson, BABE program coordinator
Julie Steele, Executive director
Health Care Foundation of Kosciusko County Inc.
via e-mail
Congrats To Emily, Cubs
Editor, Times-Union: Congratulations, Girls State Champion and Chicago Cubs.
Warsaw should be very proud of Emily Johnson, a freshman, who won the state girls high school golf tournament and the girls' team, who finished eighth in the state. The team had an outstanding season and should be very strong for several years to come.
Hats off to the Chicago Cubs, who won their first post-season series in 95 years, and to all the die-hard Cubs fans who do not have to say "Wait until next year." I would love to see the Cubs beat the Yankees in the World Series, but regardless of what happens, the Cubs have had an outstanding season.
Jerry Aylor Warsaw
Warsaw School Board
Editor, Times-Union: This morning I watched the news about the lawsuit against the Warsaw School Board. I would like to applaud those people who are trying to make a difference. They rank up there, in my opinion, to our forefathers who led the Boston Tea Party. To Mr. McGuire, you say that the three small schools are a luxury we cannot afford. Then what do you call a $30-million sports complex? I suppose you think it is an educational need. I suppose it is a stepping stone to a better education. Yes, I know your favorite line. That the money for the stadium is a whole different fund and the majority is in favor of it. But it is still tax money, it was just allocated to that certain fund, and it's too bad we live in a state where we give too much power to a small committee of people. We as taxpayers should be able to have this issue on a ballot, then we would have the majority point of view, not just yours.
Brian and Marcia Goodman Warsaw via e-mail Editor's Note: The sports complex portion of the Warsaw school's building program will cost approximately $7 million. The remaining $23 million includes a performing arts center and adminstrative and cafeteria expansion.
Body Language
Editor, Times-Union: Yesterday America suddenly discovered that Arnold Schwartzenegger has more than fans in California. At least two handfuls of women do not wish him well. Makes one wonder just why, if they really were negatively impressed by any of his "reactions" to what they were advertising, they did not take steps to have his wayward hands corralled at the times the alleged "crimes" were supposedly committed. Objections like theirs - with the timing thereof - has the smell of something really rotten.
Which causes one to ponder and remember past observations. We men have read the "body language" of women - in Hollywood and out of it. Plainer than words, their bodies and movements say, "Delightful and exciting to touch. Soothing to cuddle, and comforting. Come closer."
Most advertising can be classified as either truthful or false. Men or women, none of us get very old without being "taken" by false advertising at times. Often we know before we even "take the bait" that it is fake. But, strangely, we want to be fooled. Then, when we are paying the price of the deception, we try to justify ourselves by pretending we were deceived!
So, we sorry for you, Arnold. But you should and could have known better! How did you get as old as you are without becoming a better judge of women? Especially the big percent that populate the entertainment industry? Millions of us men have learned the difference between the touch that heals, described in St. Mark 6:56, and the sight, touch and taste of death that Eve and Adam experienced (Genesis 3:6-7). Arnold, sometimes "ignorance is bliss." At other times it can be fatal. It's our choice!
