Editor, Times-Union: The Warsaw Community Schools' drug and alcohol policy has been receiving a lot of press lately. It appears that a lot of parents are now voicing their opinions about this policy and agreeing that it is too strict. Unfortunately, when this policy was being formed, and especially when it was discussed at the April and May school board meetings, there were very few of us there who offered this differing view. Those of us who did speak up and say we thought this was too harsh were made to feel that we were saying we felt underage drinking and drug use were OK. Quite to the contrary, we were saying there does need to be a consequence for this type of behavior, but it should have some rehabilitative merit and that the consequence should be handed down in a consistent manner. In addition, any policy that the school board comes up with should be able to withstand the threat of legal action.
It is really sad to think that high school sports and extracurricular activities have taken on such importance that parents will encourage their children to lie and even lie for them in order to avoid punishment for these activities, whether it is underage drinking, drug use, curfew violation or property vandalism. What exactly is the lesson we are teaching our kids here? Is it that it's OK to disregard a rule if you think it is too harsh?
I think that one thing that EVERY parent in the Warsaw school system, not just the parents of high school students, should do is be familiar with this policy. Harsh or not, it is the policy that has been adopted by our administration. If parents aren't going to take the time to become familiar with these policies and at least attempt to change them, then we all need to live with them. It can't always be the same "squeaky wheels" who try to get things changed. Our children now know the penalty for "breaking the code." If they choose to sign the athletic code of conduct, they are promising to not participate in these activities and certain behaviors. If they choose to go ahead and disregard this, they need to be prepared for the consequences. It's a hard fact of life that we don't always agree with the laws of society and the consequences for breaking these laws, but we all have to live with them anyway.
Laura Parker, Winona Lake via e-mail
Animals Have Feelings
Editor, Times-Union: I'd like to start out by quoting the Bible, Genesis 1:24: Then God said "let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind."
The same God that created you and me, created the animals too. We all have problems with animals that are a nuisance. We all need to take responsibility. It's not the animal's fault. They are just trying to fend for themselves, just like we would if we were cold, lonely and hungry. The owners need to take responsibility by having the pet spayed or neutered.
These animals deserve a chance to be loved, to be wanted, to be adopted. I wish with all my heart I had a piece of land to take all these animals home with me. To love them and to need them. Remember we all need love; we all need to feel wanted. We are all Gods creation. Everything God creates deserves to be loved. I understand after a certain amount of time that unfortunately they need to be put to sleep. But only after a good amount of time and in a humane way.
And they [animals] do feel pain, they do know sorrow and joy and they have feelings. My dog knows when I'm upset and he's there for me. He cries when he gets hurt. In some cases, animals have more feelings than some humans.
Tawnya Momeyer, Winona Lake
Paint Band Thanks
Editor, Times-Union: The Paint Band of Indiana would like to thank Marsh Supermarket in Warsaw for their kind donation and the manager, Willie Sparkman, for taking time to listen to me and donating to our band. We are a non-profit association. We rely solely on donations except for the deer for our chili. We are at the Trail of Courage Living History Festival at the Fulton County Museum every year. The Indiana Paint Band is through the American Cherokee Confederacy out of Georgia.
About half of our tribe live in Warsaw, so that's why I asked for donations from our local merchants. I believe everyone in our Band is very grateful for any donation we get. Thanks again, Marsh. Come join us next September.
Loretta "Bright Star" Holloway and Joan "Pale Moon" McClellen
Dangerous Intersection
Editor, Times-Union: How many people have to get hurt or killed before we do something about the intersection at Main Street and Detroit. The intersection is totally confusing to drivers (even good ones). East of Detroit is one way going west, crossing a four-lane road. West of Detroit goes east and west. The lanes don't even line up.
There are way too many serious accidents on this corner not to take action immediately. Does someone have to die before we wake up? If there is no money in the budget to do something, close the road!
The accident on Tuesday (11-16) should be the last straw. Take action now!
Bruce Barton, Warsaw
Cancer Fund-Raiser
Editor, Times-Union: The holidays are right around the corner and once again the American Cancer Society is sponsoring its "Love Lights A Tree" program.
Have you (or someone you know) been touched by cancer? This is your opportunity to honor someone special in your life and to take an active part in the ongoing fight against cancer.
For your donation, the American Cancer Society will place the name of the individual in a book signifying whether the donation was in honor or in memory. This book will be displayed with the tree at the Festival of Trees and later at the Kosciusko Community Hospital.
An ornament to hang on a tree at home will be given to those individuals making a donation of $10 or more. Ornaments will be sent out to individuals responding by mail.
To be a part of this special celebration of love and life, mail your contribution, along with your name and address, or visit the Kosciusko County tree at the following locations:
n Festival of Trees at Westminster Hall in Winona Lake during the weekends of Nov. 21 through Dec. 5 (Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.).
n Kosciusko Community Hospital Dec. 6 through Christmas.
Thank you for your support and remember, together we can accomplish more. Have a wonderful holiday season.
John Martin Kramer, Community Development Director
