Editor, Times-Union: On Oct. 16 our Old English Sheepdog Harry Potter was killed. We were in our home working on a home improvement project when two of our dogs escaped without our knowledge. I would like to thank Dennis Tucker for stopping to tell us that he found our dog in the road, as it was very kind for him to do this. We believe it was a white truck that hit Harry and we are sorry that you were unable to stop, as we know it was an accident. We are concerned about you because we assume that you may feel sorry for doing this and we want you to know that we understand.
I am especially thankful for Dr. Smith of Milford who was the on-call vet that day. Unfortunately, Harry Potter died while we were en route, but Dr. Smith was so kind to come to the car and do a brief examination to tell us that our pet probably died of head injuries.
I would like to say to all drivers - please try to stop at the nearest house and inform people of hitting an animal because to pet lovers it is like losing a member of the family. Thank you.
Deb Hambright Warsaw
Mandatory Evacuation
Editor, Times-Union: Hundreds dead, more stranded by rising flood waters, and still more injured and helpless after hurricane Katrina rocked the shoreline earlier this year. The scene sounds all too familiar to Americans who heard about it over and over on the news, through friends, or the select few who saw it first hand. It seems disasters like this should not happen in such a mobile society as ours with all the advanced technology and storm warnings. Indeed, it is a scene that could be improved if the United States would implement mandatory evacuation impending natural disasters.
Mandatory evacuation is a time when people, who are required to leave their homes, will head for higher ground, literally. It will take American citizens out of a dangerous situation and protect them from oncoming disaster. Then, once the impending threat has either dissolved or run its course, the area will be opened up for people to return to their homes. Natural disasters are not limited to hurricanes, but in light of the recent devastation brought about by Katrina, they are the main cause of worry for the United States at this juncture in time.
The terms sound scary; the thought of mandatory anything makes Americans cringe, but this is a chance to save lives, prevent government funds from being wasted, and lower search efforts after the natural disaster takes its toll on the land. If mandatory evacuation would have been carried out before Katrina hit, then the death toll would be significantly lower. In addition to the death toll being lower, the government would have saved the funds that are being used today as rescue endeavors are still underway. Again, if the area had been evacuated, the government would not have man hours and huge amounts of government funds going into the retrieval operations.
A major objection to mandatory evacuation is that it will detract from our personal liberty. We Americans have the power of choice and some people would chose to stay with their families and homes. They use their constitutional rights to say the United States can not enforce people to leave their homes, even if they choose to take their chances with the natural disaster. After all, the storm might not hit their area, or could lessen by the time it hits them.
Yes, we Americans have our rights and freedom of choice, but when one's choice infringes on the lives of others, is it okay? The rescue workers and government workers who put their lives on the line to save those who chose to stay through Katrina could have avoided the risk, if only the area would have been evacuated.
In sight of a natural disaster, such as hurricanes, the U.S. should implement mandatory evacuation. This will save lives, government funds, and people who would otherwise be carrying out search efforts for fellow citizens. The benefits seem obvious in light of all the devastating affects that natural disasters have upon our society as a whole.
Sara Zehr Silver Lake, via e-mail
Golfer History
Editor, Times-Union: Congratulations to the Warsaw Community High School Girls Golf Team that participated in the state finals for their third consecutive year. Times-Union reported that it was the first time any Warsaw sports team had accomplished that feat. The boys golf team played in the state five consecutive years:
1968 - Score 325 - placed 8th. Players were Gary Goshert, Bruce Grossnickle, Doug Inman, Doug Neville. Bruce Grossnickle was fifth medalist - 75.
1969 - Score 313 - State runner up (no trophy at that time). Players were Bill Clemens, Gary Goshert, Bruce Grossnickle and Doug Neville. Doug Neville was fifth medalist - 75.
1970 - First year for 36-hole tournament played in one day. Score 623 - placed fourth. Players were Bruce Grossnickle, Doug Inman, Craig Light and Doug Neville. Bruce Grossnickle was sixth medalist - 150. Craig Light was the first player in state finals to have a hole-in-one.
1971 - Score 629 - placed fifth. Players were Jeff Johnson, Craig Light, Mike Harris and Denny Hepler. Craig Light tied for fourth medalist - 150.
1972 - Score 661 - placed 11th. Players were Dave Gable, Denny Hepler, Craig Light and Ted P. Pinnick. Craig Light was awarded the Fred A. Keesling award. (The recipient must excel in mental attitude, scholarship, school citizenship, as well as athletic ability in golf.)
I thought, as their coach, I owed these players some recognition of their achievements. To the girls golf team - records are made to be broken. Keep up the good work and I am behind you all the way.
Joe Harris Tiger Golf Coach, 1966-89 Warsaw
Opposes Tax Abatements
Editor, Times-Union: I was shocked to see that the City of Warsaw and the State of Indiana is giving Zimmer Inc. $23.4+ million in tax abatements. While I applaud their expansion and the potential of adding 275 jobs, why is it that they must be given tax deals to do it?
According to Zimmer's third-quarter financial report, they have a cash flow of $232 million dollars and sales of products are up significantly over last year. In fact they have strong profit margins - 77 percent gross, 32 percent operating and 22 percent net reported.
Who makes up the lost revenue ... unfortunately, the already over-burdened taxpayers. While elderly citizens are losing their homes due to large increases in property taxes, why do we continue to give huge tax breaks to corporation that don't need the money?
I can understand giving tax breaks to new businesses that want to locate in Warsaw or Kosciusko county, but does Zimmer really need financial assistance? When are the Indiana property owners going to get a tax abatement?
Governor Daniels, during the last legislative session, decided not to protect Indiana property owners from more tax increases, but doesn't have a problem helping multi-national corporations that don't need the help. While our government has started to end welfare for the needy, when are we going to end corporate welfare in this country for corporations?
Ted Sautter North Webster, via e-mail
Give Blood
Editor, Times-Union: The month of November is a great time in North Central Indiana - a time to reflect on how thankful we at the Red Cross are for all those individuals who volunteer to donate blood and provide the "Gift of Life."
Donors will have an opportunity to donate blood in Kosciusko County from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Warsaw Center Lake Pavilion.
During the period July through September 2005, donors graciously provided more than 1,200 units of blood and our October results have been very good as well. I sincerely encourage all eligible residents to consider participating in this blood drive. While our national blood supply is currently at a three-to -four-day supply, it will become more difficult to maintain that level as we approach the busy holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. As our schedules become filled, many find it difficult to maintain their regular donation schedule. If you have never made a blood donation, please consider this invitation to be for you.
Please remember that all donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. An appointment to donate blood can easily be made by calling 800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543). Of course, walk-ins are always welcome.
Thank you to all of our volunteers and donors who work together to make our blood program successful.
Larry Peppel Red Cross
Band Response
Editor, Times-Union: The answer to the question posed by Mr. Kitson as to how Concord High School can be a Class B band with more than 200 members is simple. The classes are based upon the enrollment of the school, not the size or number of band members. Concord is fortunate to have a heritage of fine bands (two state championships in the last four years, and 24 trips to the state finals in the last 25 years). The quality of the band program and the success they have experienced feed off of each other. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that success? Both of my children were in the Concord band program, and while the dedication required to participate borders on nuttiness, it was a great experience for them.
