Editor, Times-Union: To the students, families, friends and staff of the Tippecanoe Valley, Wawasee and Whitko school corporations:
Almost six years ago I volunteered to leave the patrol division of the sheriff's office to start teaching DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) in the aforementioned school corporations. I never realized the rewards that came with that position, and after 5-1/2 years in the classroom with the students, I quickly came to realize that next to being a parent this was, by far, the greatest endeavor of my life. I have had the opportunity to meet some really wonderful young people and can honestly say that I have a place in my heart for all of them. I believe in all of the students I worked with and there is not a day that goes by that I don't stop and wonder how they are doing and hope that they are not hurting or in trouble.
I sincerely believe that I am the lucky one to have gotten the chance to become friends with so many talented, caring and inspirational kids. I have received some of the most heartfelt gifts from the students over the years but the gift I treasure the most is their friendship and their compassion and, to the students, my friends, I want to say thank you.
Finally I want to thank all of the dedicated teachers, principals and guidance counselors for your support of the program and for the chance to come into your school to help make a difference in a child's life as you all have done. My leaving the program is one of the hardest decisions I have ever made and I hope you all will help me make Officer Tim Sammons receive the same love I have received. Again, thanks to all of you, especially the students, as you are my inspiration.
Tony Ciriello Deputy Sheriff Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office
NAIA Officials
Editor, Times-Union: After attending more than 20 games of the Mid-Central Conference in the NAIA I have come to the conclusion that someone needs to take a serious look at the pool of men's basketball referees officiating their games.
In most conferences in Michigan, basketball officials have certain certification criteria and on-the-job training before they are selected to oversee division I, II and III college events. They also report to a supervising body who sends a representative to the games for direct supervision and helps critique the referee's calls. The inexperienced officials are placed with more experienced ones so that growth and maturity are gained.
It is a sobering sight to see the level of officiating that happens with the current pool of officials in the MCC. Officiating at the high school level would be questionable at best, let alone at the collegiate level for most of these men.
I realize that for all of these gentlemen they are doing this for the love of kids and basketball; not for the monetary rewards that come with the job. League representatives, athletic administrators and college coaches in the MCC league all share accountability for the level of officiating at basketball games. Isn't it time to make some changes for the good of the game, the kids, and the fans?
CJ VanDussen Schoolcraft, Mich.
Happy To Debate
Editor, Times-Union: In response to a recent letter to the editor, I welcome the opportunity to express my views and answer inquiries from the voters of Kosciusko County in an organized debate in which all the Republican candidates for sheriff appear.
Lt. Steve Knispel Republican candidate for sheriff
