Editor Times-Union: I am writing in response to Margaret Oswalt's letter of April 27 titled "Beer in the Park."
As former activities director for the City of Warsaw, I would like to take this opportunity to "enlighten" you from Andy McCleary's perspective on the upcoming BalloonFest Concert in Central Park.
The acts performing in Central Park are informed that this is a family performance and that they are the featured act at our annual town festival. They are asked that language be restricted, and that the bands adhere to the ordinance of no alcohol in the park. Bands for this particular concert use the Zimmer building as a dressing room prior to the show. They have their meals and drinks served at that location. At no time are alcoholic beverages allowed in the park.
Andy McCleary is a fine gentleman with an honorable reputation in this community. He is a hard-working professional with the highest of Christian values and is striving to provide the City of Warsaw the best in recreational programming. He would not encourage any sort of illegal consumption of alcohol in the park. Andy is playing by the rules and doing a fine job. He disagrees with the aspect of purchasing cigarettes, and I am sure these will also be donated, if deemed necessary for the band's performance.
As far as smoking in the park, it is still legal in the state of Indiana to smoke outdoors in a public place in most areas.
Denise Beno Warsaw
Price Of Admission
Editor, Times-Union: When I recently went to the movie theater I noticed that I paid the admission of an adult (I am 13 years old), even though I am only admitted into child rated movies. I believe that if people my age are only admitted to child rated movies we should only pay the ticket price of a child.
We realize that the theaters charge older children an adult price because there is a higher profit margin and they gain even more because my age group has a high rate of purchases.
I feel teens should be charged a child or intermediate price. We don't have many other places to go in this community for entertainment. So when we go somewhere we don't want to waste our (and our parents') hard earned money.
I, along with lots of other theater-going teens, feel the local theaters should reconsider their guidelines for the age at which they charge adult prices.
Zachary Woodward Winona Lake
Docu-Drama
Editor, Times-Union: I would like to compliment the wonderful job that Karen Lowry, her committee and the emergency personnel did on the Prom Docu-Drama that was held at the fairgrounds this past Wednesday. It's an experience I hope these kids never forget! I hope it remains in the back of their minds forever, especially if it can save a life.
I would like to thank the Tippecanoe Valley students for being so well behaved. I was proud to be there with you! Your respect for everyone was greatly appreciated.
A big thank you goes to principal Charlie Mills for allowing the students to go. Also, thanks to the assistant principal, the teachers and counselors from Valley who assisted, the counselors from Home Health Care, and the chaperones who took time out of their busy schedules and who really care about these kids. Without all of your help, this wouldn't have run so smoothly! It's a great feeling to live in such a caring and loving community!
Lori Miller Mentone EMS
Saddle Club
Editor, Times-Union: I would like to say how proud I am to be a member of an organization like the Kosciusko County Saddle Club. This is a group of people who not only love and care for horses, but care for the education of people. Since being formed in 1990, they have held many free seminars, trainings and workshops.
One of the most worthwhile hands-on training was May 9. Emergency personnel from Elkhart, Nappanee, Pierceton, Fort Wayne, Mentone, Warsaw and Marshall County came together for the second Equine Rescue Training. This is a hands-on training where the personnel from fire departments, EMS, police and animal control are instructed on how to be better equipped in handling a frightened horse.
All the emergency personnel who attend, no matter if they have handled a horse for years or handle a horse for the first time, come away feeling more knowledgeable. Each one asked the KCSC to keep holding this very worthwhile training because the horse industry in the state of Indiana is growing larger every year.
I would personally like to thank the instructors for their excellent training. Also, the personnel who attended, the donations and the club members who took their time away from a busy schedule to make this a great successful day.
May God bless each one of you!
Linda L. Stroup President, Kosciusko County Saddle Club
Warsaw
Heaton Remembered
Editor, Times-Union: In the course of a lifetime, we each have opportunities to impact a small number of people in positive ways. A few have opportunities to impact large numbers of people through the media. Fewer still, in the course of daily living, have that rare ability to personally impact a large number of people with no expectation of praise or recognition for their efforts. Jim Heaton was that sort of man.
In the course of his lifetime, Jim gave far more to our community than he ever received. Although honor was given to him in some of his endeavors, he sought praise from no man. Allow us to list a few of his accomplishments.
Jim Heaton once served as clerk-treasurer of the town of Winona Lake. He was a member and past president of the Winona Lake Lions Club. He was a member of the board of directors of the Lakeland Girl Scout Council and the Kosciusko County Council of Aging. He was a NIPSCO representative for the "Gift of Warmth" energy assistance program. He was a Kosciusko County United Way volunteer. In 1978, he helped to establish the "Happy Wanderer" transportation service for the elderly. He helped to expand the Mobile Meals program and served as a deacon of the Winona Lake Presbyterian Church.
He did all of those things, yet to us, the members of the Winona Lake Fire Department, he did so much more. He served with us for 55 years. He was once our chief and was a founding member of the Kosciusko County Firemen's Association. He was past president of that organization and was honored as their "Fireman of the Year."
Although he had "retired" a number of years ago, Jim still regularly attended department meetings, taking an active role as one of our senior firefighters. To each of us he was mentor, counselor, confessor. He was our friend, our brother. Jim passed away last month, but in his passing he presented all who knew him with a gift, a gift which must be shared with everyone.
Jim's gift is one of passion, a passion to understand that joy in living comes from bringing joy to the lives of others, a passion to reach beyond our selfishness and to expend our energy in service to our fellow man. His gift promises no earthly reward, yet when founded upon a personal faith in God, will one day yield the highest honor, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." We miss our brother and encourage you who knew him to take his gift and share it ... for the rest of your life.
Rick Glass Public Information Officer
Winona Lake Fire Department
Animal Welfare
Editor, Times-Union: Spooky and I held off with this letter until the election letters were printed! Now - to those who have membership in the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, we thank you. Some folks have sent "donation - contribution" monies and we are most grateful.
The AWL will be having a flea market May 16 from 7:30 a.m. to ?, the fund raiser being held at the Warsaw Moose Lodge, Old Road 30W (Lake Street). Proceeds from the sale will go toward the spay/neuter program, education, current inoculations, adoption and the building fund for the new shelter. It goes without saying that we'd like very much to have all of you attend the fund raiser. We will have membership forms available, hoping you'll join the AWL in our animal efforts. The puppies and kittens of the county need your help.
Our little guy, terrier mix, would have been among the homeless or worse had it not been for the adoption program. As I look at Spooky curled up on my lap as I write this, where would he be without us or we without him?
Can only speak for my husband and myself, when Spooky isn't inside with us, he's in our chain link fenced yard or with us on a leash. Of course he has ID tags, rabies and dog tax tags and he has been neutered. So many are not as fortunate - won't you please help?
Margaret F. Scott Membership Chairman, AWL Warsaw
Arson Trial
Editor, Times-Union: April 20-22, Roger Hale is on trial for arson. He is accused of burning his own home. The prosecution has two main exhibits for the jury. The first is a burn pattern which indicates arson. An extensive investigation finds no trace of any chemical accelerant. The defense comes forward with credible literature. A publication offers alternative reasons for the burn patterns. The jury did not view this publication that offered vital information.
The prosecution's second exhibit: A star witness against the defendant who admits the testimony regarding an illegal conversation, in which she heard Roger brag of his guilt, is blackmail. Because she is angry with him. Shouldn't the truthfulness of her statement be in question? It is an everyday occurrence that people are untruthful in many situations to "get even" with former friends.
Finally, a letter admitting the guilt of an accomplice has been brought forward by the prosecution, allegedly signed by the defendant's cousin. The court denies this evidence be exhibited in the trial. However, the jury is allowed to view this inadmissible evidence. As a conclusion to the trial the jury convicts Mr. Hale.
Has Roger Hale been proven guilty beyond the shadow of a doubt? Was his trial fair and just? This is no "major victory" against arson in Kosciusko County. This is the loss of freedom for a man who is quite possibly innocent and did not receive a fair trial.
Steven Patton Warsaw
KCH Staff
Editor, Times-Union: I would like to thank EMS people and KCH staff who took such good care of me on April 19, 1998, when I had my heart attack.
They were gentle, kind and real caring, or I wouldn't be here today, to say thank you all.
I have no complaints, only praise for these people, as they do great work.
