Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Township Consolidation

Voters to Make the Decision
   Eleven residents of Liberty, Union, and Jackson Townships, in addition to Jean Lushin, Center Township Trustee and William Huff, attorney for Center Township, plus a resident of Clay Township attended a public hearing on May 9, 2012 in the Greentown Library Community Room.  Jackson Township Trustee, Greg Kingseed, stated that the meeting was to inform the community about the potential consolidation of the three eastern Howard County townships.

BACKGROUND:
In response to the Government Modernization Act, (Indiana Code 36-1.5) a Township Consolidation Study Group (TCSG) was formed in Howard County. The code authorizes political subdivisions to reorganize or consolidate in an effort to operate more efficiently and cooperatively and where possible to achieve a tax savings.  Nine of the eleven Howard County townships, including trustees of Liberty, Jackson and Union, chose to participate, with Honey Creek and Monroe choosing not to.  After many meetings and study, the TCSG determined that the most effective and efficient approach would be to consolidate by school districts.  Liberty, Union, and Jackson Townships would be consolidated into a single township named Eastern Township. A resolution was prepared by which each township could request that a referendum on the question of township consolidation be placed on the November 2012 ballot.
   As of June 1, the Advisory Board of Liberty Township has signed the resolution and it has been delivered to the County Clerk.  The boards of Union and Jackson Townships have yet to act.   

EDITORIAL COMMENT:
If the question will be on the ballot, we recommend informational meetings be planned to discuss the subject.
     

School Board Elections

School Board Elections to be November 6
   Three of the five positions on the Eastern Howard School Board will be on the ballot on November 6.  The seats are for the three townships, Liberty, Union, and Jackson.  Candidates need to be a resident of the township from which they are running for at least one year prior to their name being placed on the ballot.  Also, according to Eastern School Board policy, anyone living in Greentown must run for the Greentown seat, rather than a township seat.  The next election for the Greentown seat will be in 2014. In accordance with Indiana law, if an employee is elected or appointed to the Board, s/he must resign from employment with the Board.  The first day to register to run for school board is July 25, with the deadline being noon August 24.    
   The Indiana School Boards Association has scheduled a candidate forum at Kokomo High School Auditorium, 2501 S. Berkley Rd., Kokomo, on July 23 from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.  The purpose of the forum is to inform new candidates and incumbents running for re-election about school boardsmanship.  Some of the topics to be discussed include the roles and responsibilities of being a school board member, ethics, and legal responsi-bilities, such as complying with the Open Door Law.  Cost of the forum is $35.  Each candidate will receive a school board candidate’s kit, which contains valuable information on the financial, legal, and ethical aspects of serving on a school board. Registration is available on the ISBA website, www.isba-ind.org.  Questions can be directed to Leanne Waters, Coordinator of Conferences, 317-639-0330, x112, or lwaters@isba-ind.org

Hats Off to Farmers


                                                                                                               Photo by Rachel Jenkins
All 4th grade classes of Eastern Elementary recently visited the agriculture display at the
Greentown Historical Society.  In the above photo, exhibit committee member, Bonnie
Middlesworth, shows Jacob Powell and Pacey Parrow one of the 48 farm-related hats on display.

   The Greentown Historical Society will declare “Hats Off to Farmers Day” on Saturday, June 9, from 9:00 to 4:00 at the Historical Society, 103 E. Main St., Greentown. The public is invited.  Drinks and doughnuts will be served early.
   Visitors are invited to look over the 48 hats on display along with old farm tools, local farm-related business histories, state champions, and many other interesting items that tell the story of “Agriculture Through the Years.” There is a large collection of aerial photos of local farms.  Histories are displayed of the only two implement dealers still in Howard County.  Children will enjoy seeing the miniature farm, complete with animal replicas.  This outstanding exhibit will close on June 24.
   While in town, visit the Farmers Market and the Historical Society garage sale, each open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Legion Places Flags

Remembering and Honoring

  Photo by Rachel Jenkins
  For fifty years the American Legion Post #317 in Greentown has been placing American flags on the graves of service men and women during the week preceding Memorial Day.  This year 26 members placed about 500 flags on graves in Greenlawn and Lindley Cemeteries.  The members were veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm.  In the photo above are Mike Dunkle and Stan Johnson. 

Round Barn

Farmer-Carpenters Work on Round Barn

Photo by Rachel Jenkins
   Brothers, Randy and Denny Middlesworth, recently were found at the round barn measuring and cutting wood for the project.  The Armfield-Moyers barn has been moved from its original location at Guy, Indiana, and will see new life at the Howard County 4-H Fairgrounds.  In addition to being a major attraction during each fair, it will be rented for special events.  The inaugural event will be for a wedding reception in June.

Community Garden

Planting Day at Community Garden

Photo by Rachel Jenkins
   Volunteers came out on May 9 to do the first planting at the Community Garden.  The garden is located on South Meridian Street, near the town water tower.  Work days will continue through the season each Wednesday.  Volunteers are welcome at either 9:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. Chairman, Anita French, reports that there have been an average of 10 volunteers per week.  For more information, call Anita at 431-8376.
In photo above, from left to right, Mary Miller, Angela Jackson, Shannon McBride, Glenda Cobb, Anita French, and Jolene Rule.

Greentown High Alumni

                                           The Party’s Over

   On May 5, members of the alumni of Greentown High School gathered at a spot east of the present high school on Harrison St. to dedicate a tree and bench, as a legacy for the enjoyment of future generations.  Martha Lou Zirkle, Class of 1946, wrote the following comments.
   May 5, 2012 was a good day!  A nice crowd showed up and everything went well.  We gathered around the oak tree.  Past President, Dale Kingseed, thanked everyone for coming.  The landscaper had done a beautiful job in planting the tree, placing the bench and planting some petunias.  It looked great!  We sang the song  “Green and White”, written by a student back in the 1920's, author unknown.  We also sang “Onward Greentown.”  There is a plaque to be placed on the side of the bench.  It will say, “We have taken from the oak tree, our color of bright green, GHS 1902-1950, donated by GHS Alumni 5/5/12.”  The tree will grow tall and strong where the squirrels can play, the birds will build their nests and sing their songs.
   We then adjourned for lunch at All in Good Taste where we enjoyed potato soup, pork sandwiches, drinks, pie and ice cream.  We had a time of sharing memories from our school days.  As the old song says, “The party’s over, it’s time to call it a day.”  Memories will linger on, we have an oak tree to remind us of good ol’ GHS, a great place to be from and go to school.  So we close out a wonderful time of our lives.  The party’s over.

Teachers Retire


Teachers Retire After Many Years at Eastern
   Eastern Elementary School is saying “good-bye” to four teachers and two paraprofessionals at the end of the 2011-2012 school year.  Retiring teachers, with years at Eastern, are Bobette Harper (35), Ruth Shaw (38), Monty Maggart (39), and Paul Nicholson (43).  Sharon Colglazier has been at Eastern 23 years, 10 as a teacher, 9 as an aide and 4 as special ed secretary.  Sally Imbler has been an aide for 11 years after teaching for 21 years.
   All noted a significant change being the use of technology.  Bobette Harper commented that she started with calculators and now every student has access to a personal device.  Monty Maggart states that constant need for stimulus from devices has led to shorter attention span.  Other changes noted by some are in approach to discipline and more testing.
   Several accomplishments stand out which the teachers will take with them as fond memories.  Paul Nicholson lists the annual Veterans Day program which he coordinated for over 20 years, sponsoring the National Current Events Club which won two national championships among the 200+ schools involved, and co-sponsoring the Math Bowl Team with Monty Maggart.  Bobette Harper’s  highlights include making presentations at the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers convention and being listed in Who’s Who of American Teachers upon a nomination from a former student.  Ruth Shaw found satisfaction in helping students understand concepts and helping them with personal problems.  Sharon Colglazier was honored to be the first Reading Recovery teacher at Eastern.  Monty Maggart listed state Teacher of the Year Award, being nominated twice for Presidential Award in Excellence in Math and Science, Lilly grant recipient for development of curriculum, and Walmart Teacher of the Year.
   As for advice for younger teachers, Shaw says to build relationships with the children and to “review and remediate.”  Harper extends that to building strong support bonds with colleagues.  She also says to allow for the unlimited differences in students.  Nicholson says, “Our children are living messages we send to a time and place we will never see.”  Maggart says to be proactive to what is happening in education reform at federal, state, and local levels.
   Future plans include (variously) time with family, hobbies, travel, being of continuing service, and continuing to be a Comet supporter.
   Jill Howell is retiring from the Junior High after 15 years at Eastern.  Greg Dryer, Director of Facilities,  retired at the end of the first semester after 15 years at Eastern.

Steven Hubler

Steven B. Hubler

May 10, 1945 - May 7, 2012

  Steven B. Hubler, 66, Kokomo, died at 9:12 a.m. Monday, May 7, 2012, at North Woods Commons, Kokomo. Steven was born May 10, 1945, in Red Bank, N.J., the son of Bryce and Ellabelle (Mohler) Hubler. Steven’s wife, Edna, preceded him in death in 1985.
   Steve was a graduate of Eastern High School. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea and Ethiopia from 1965 until 1969. He worked as a systems analyst following his military service. Steve was a member of Greentown Masonic Lodge and American Legion Post #317.
   Steve is survived by his mother, Ellabelle Hubler, Greentown; brother, Dan Hubler, Sydney, Ohio; niece, Lyndsey (Waverly) Marcum, Mobile, Ala.; and one great-nephew, Waverly Tilmon Marcum.
   Steve was preceded in death by his father and his wife, Edna Hubler.
   No services are planned. Private graveside services will be held at a later date in Greenlawn Cemetery, Greentown.
   Arrangements were handled by Hasler-Stout Funeral Home, Greentown. Online condolences can be made at www.hasler-stout.com

Lloyd Cheek

Lloyd Cheek

Apr. 8, 1931 - May 19, 2012

   Lloyd Cheek, 81, of Frankfort, died at 12:15 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2012, in Clinton House Health Care, Frankfort.
   He was born April 8, 1931 in Howard County, to Charles and Sarah Eva (Ronk) Cheek. He married Constance Hinkle, who preceded him in death. On Oct. 7, 1983, he married Patricia A. Lee, who survives.
   Mr. Cheek was a 1949 graduate of Eastern High School, and a 1953 graduate of Indiana University. He served in the U. S. Air Force, and was a home builder and real estate agent in Kokomo for 50 years. He owned and operated Cheek Realty for 42 years before retiring in 2004. He was a 50-year member of the Greentown Masonic Lodge No. 341, a past member of the Elks Club, Moose Lodge, Indiana Association Board of Realtors, National Association Board of Realtors, past president Kokomo Board of Realtors, he was also awarded the Professional Milestone award and was a member of Manson Congregational Christian Church. He was an avid I.U. fan and his greatest joy was his grandchildren.
   In addition to his wife, Patricia Lee Cheek, he is survived by a son: Lloyd (Susie) Cheek II of Los Angeles; a daughter, Connie Jo (Richard) Wilson of San Luis Obispo, Calif; stepsons: Philip Lee of Colfax, Steven Lee of Frankfort and Jeffrey (Patti) Lee of Frankfort; nine grandchildren: Natalie (Nick) Reyes, Lloyd Cheek III, Johnna (Nick) Melton, Heather Robison, Zachery Lee, Derek (Kelly) Lee, Samantha (Zach) Lee, Alex Lee and Ian Lee; five great-grandchildren: Blake Melton, Braden Robison, Colby Melton, Sophie Robison and Bryce Lee; a brother: Dr. Joe (Nancy) Cheek of Bowling Green, Ky.; a sister: Wilma Middlesworth of Marion; two sister-in-laws: Milda Cheek and Eva Cheek, both of Greentown; and several nieces and nephews.
   He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother: Floyd Cheek; brother: John Cheek; and brother-in-law Darrell Middlesworth.
   Services were Thursday May 24 at Hasler & Stout Funeral Home 112 E. Main Greentown, with brother-in-law Jeff Chynoweth officiating. Burial was at Greenlawn Cemetery, Greentown. Memorials may be made to Manson Congregational Christian Church and/or Rainbow Haven Transitional Housing, both of Frankfort. Arrangements were handled by Hasler-Stout Funeral Home. Online Condolences can be made at www.hasler-stout.com

Flashbacks

Flash Backs
Gleaned From the Howard County News

June 1952

Mrs. Dillon is Hit on Television Show

   Mrs. Florence Dillon, owner of the Dillon Tourist Home, made her debut on television last Monday and "just about stole the show" according to informed sources.
   Hailed as "one of the most relaxed and entertaining persons we have ever had on a program," Mrs. Dillon appeared on the weekly TV program of Kokomo merchants as guest of Joe Etter and John Cook, J. and J. Appliance Store.
   What was it like?  Mrs. Dillon said she "just answered their questions and gave them some gossip and things I enjoy."
   It was a very nice experience, she said, even if "the temperature was in the 90's on the drive down and we had a flat tire."

J.C. Mallott Buys Nancy Ann Gift Shop

   Purchase of the Nancy Ann Gift Shop from Mrs. Naomi Currens was announced today by Jean Malott, local watchmaker.
   Malott has done watch repair work in the shop since it originally opened on Grant Street in December of 1950.  The business moved to its present location on Main Street last November.
   Prior to coming to Greentown, Malott did watch repair work in Marion.  He is a graduate of the Kansas City School of Watchmaking.
   Married and the father of three children, he served three years with the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Local Summer Activities Begin This Week-end

   Summer "money saving values" begin in Greentown this week with weekly Saturday Specials being offered by town merchants.
   Weekly band concerts will be held every Thursday night, and softball and hardball schedules will be announced.
   To continue through the summer months, the Saturday "bargain nights" will feature specials by most local merchants--the item or items to be placed at reduced cost for that night only.
   Band concerts will be held on Thursday.  A new band stand is being erected and will be located on Meridian Street near the Main Street intersection.
   The combined Eastern Howard Junior and Senior High School bands, under the direction of Vernon Crouch, will play.  On the programs will be "old-time favorites" and special numbers selected during the season.
   All activities are sponsored by the Greentown Business and Professional Men's Association.

June 1972

Good Deal!

   It may not be breakfast in bed, but it's a pretty good deal, anyway.
   That's the general appraisal of the Festival Breakfasts planned this year at the Hi-Way Café for Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings of Greentown Glass Festival Week.
   Mr. and Mrs. Max Hensler are serving as chairmen for the event, which is new on the festival program, and Max reports the breakfast will be held buffet style.
   "It will be ready when you arrive," he said.  "This will mean no waiting."
   Hensler pointed out this will make it easy for people on their way to work in factories to have a good breakfast and help the festival at the same time.
   Cost of the help-yourself breakfast is $1.25 and that includes all you can eat of sausage, eggs, pancakes, coffee or milk.
   All profits go to the Greentown Glass Museum.  The Hi-Way Café is donating its facilities and equipment and all workers are festival volunteers.

Mary's Coiffures Open for Business

   Mary Alice Dyche has purchased Noel's Coiffures at 113 W. Main, Greentown, and renamed the business Mary's Coiffures.
   Mrs. Dyche, a Kokomo resident, has named Judy Kendall as the shop's operator.
   Born in Atlanta, Ga., Mrs. Dyche has 20 years experience in the coiffure business, the last three have been at Noel's.

Spelling Contest Winners Named

   Winners of fourth and fifth grade spelling contests were released this week by Greentown Elementary principal Francis Echelbarger.
   In fourth grade competition, Amy Powell took first place, Kim Brooks was second, and Lori Birdsong was third.
   Other contestants included:  Donna Lamb, Sheryl Lorenz, Nick Hipp, Pam Cronan, Ronnie Reed, Annie Wyrick, Krystal Brubaker, Keith Zook and Jean Smith.
   Contestants were chosen on the basis of three from each of the fourth grade classes taught by Mrs. Margaret Knote, Mrs. Dorothy Hall, Mrs. Jane Eldridge and Dean Langford.
   In fifth grade competition, Lori Gunter won first place ahead of Mark Lyons and Robin King.
   Other contestants were: Michael Wright, Shelly Roberts, Susan Spangler, Melinda Gibson, Rhota Sommers, Lisa McKibben, Jeff Hamilton, Mindy Butler and Tonja Mohr.
   Fifth grade students were chosen from the classes of Mrs. Bertha Kistler, Robert Rowe, Paul Nicholson and Mrs. Phyllis Warnock.

June 1982

Flag Pole Pizza Shoppe Bought by Elwood Family

   Circle Pizza Inc., a family-owned corporation based in Elwood, has purchased Flag Pole Pizza Shoppe, 119 N. Meridian St.
   Jerry Collins, president of the corporation, bought the business from Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hedge of Kokomo late last month.
   The Elwood pizza restaurant owned by Collins and his family has been in business 24 years and is the oldest restaurant of its kind in that city.  Circle Pizza Inc. owns similar shops in Alexandria and Frankton, and the family also operates Collins' Taxidermy in Elwood, the largest taxidermy business in Indiana.
   "We'll be loading this place up with (stuffed or mounted) American animals," Collins said, explaining one of the changes to be made in the restaurant and its decor.
   Other changes planned are new flooring, air conditioning in the dining room, free home delivery, and the addition of a wide variety of sandwiches and Italian dishes, a french fryer and a chicken broaster.  "And we plan a few added surprises for the grand opening," Collins said.
   Andrea Becker will manage the business and Mark Rogers will serve as supervisor.  Other employees will be Mitchell Roberts and Michelle Becker.  In addition, Collins said he is looking for another part-time employee and two drivers to deliver pizzas.

Girls League Dropped

   There will be no formal Greentown Women's Recreational Softball League this summer.   Becky Middleton, who has acted as director of the league since its formation three years ago, said a coach for the third team just couldn't be found in time.
   Instead, the two existing teams will meet informally on Sunday afternoons and will be seeking other area women's teams against which they can pit their skills.  There will be no fees this year.