r •

PAGE 4 - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1981 - THE ANTRIM COUNTY NEWS

e\vs .opinion^

Chamber show a classy event Santa's entrance to the commun­

ity of Bellaire to officially inaugurage the '81 yuletide season last Thurs­day evening was a first class show.

You had to be at the airport to grasp the real excitement of the affair. As Santa's sleek, twin engine ship swooped low over the landing strip, then touched down, there wasn't a youngster (or adult) whose eyes weren't riveted on the plane. Excitement was everywhere.

The following parade to town and ritual line-up to whisper a few words to the jolly ole man were also done with great fanfare, and enough activity to keep the excitement running h gh. v

Like last year, and years past, Santa's visit was coordinated by the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce. They deserve a well done for putting on a first class show; so does Santa.

NO SLEIGH and reindeer for this Santa (besides, there wasn't any snow...) The Bellaire Chamber of Commerce's Santa Claus arrived in this classy flying ship last Thursday evening, much to the delight of area youngsters and their parents.

Tax credit dies in Lansing BYNANCYZENO

Anyone who wants a state in­come tax credit for installing solar, wind or water energy devices will have to do it next year. The state senate has killed a bill which would have extended tax credits beyond 1982, after a political fight that showed the legislature at its worst.

A good, basic bill sponsored by Rep. Perry Bullard, Democrat of Ann Arbor, had already passed in the House. It would have extended state tax benefits for homeowners and set up new tax incentives for businesses, to encourage them to install alternative energy systems. The bill would have cost the state an estimated $2 million per year in the form of credits on income tax.

The bill then got caught in a confusing fight in the Senate, which added credits for wood-burning

stoves, raising the cost to the state another $10 million per year. The Senate passed this more expensive version, then changed its mind and brought the bill back for re-consider­ation.

Some senators didn't think the state could afford an additional loss of $10 million per year. While they were arguing, Senator Welborn, Republican of Kalamazoo, tried to attach an amendment to the bill for property tax relief - $300 million per year.

The result was predictable. The bill was defeated. Was Welborn really interested in property tax relief, or was he trying to sabotage the bill? Or just grab the spotlight for a minute?

The senators who tacked on the wood stove provision were also being unrealistic. The bill would

have returned to the House for a compromise, and legislators being what they are, might have been defeated after the same kind of fight that we saw in the Senate.

The tax credit, combined with a federal tax credit which will remain in effect until 1985, has subsidized private experiments with solar, wind and water energy production. Some of these experiments haven't worked out, but all have been important learning experiences. We think they have been worth the relatively modest cost. We must experiment with ways to replace conventional fuels. .

We're glad that the federal tax credit program is still functioning, but sorry to see some of our state legislators so short-sighted. We hope the bill that originally passed in the House wilf be re-introduced, and will be treated more fairly.

To Santa from Jade There's a bag lying on the shelf at the

News office marked 'Santa Letters" in red. It's a big bag. It's almost flat.

Inside it for weeks was one little letter addressed to "Santa Claws, north pole," from Jade Comer, Bellaire. She writes: Dear Santa,

"this year for Christmas I want 1) Miss piggy bag 2) pretty cut and grow 3) Miss piggy back pack and I love you santa and the elfs who

help make the toys merry Christmas santa."

Every year the Post Office shares Santa letters with the newspaper before sending them Special Delivery to the North Pole. Jade is ahead of everybody this season. She wrote to Santa Nov. 9. That's faith for you.

The number of letters to Santa has really dropped off in the last couple of years. Why? Are kids confused by all the "Santa's helpers" on every Main Street, every shopping center, at least once a year? Do they think Santa can remember what they whisper in his ear in the middle of the crowd?

Jade knows better. She knows that if Santa remembers where the kids live and gets in and out of their homes on Christ­mas Eve, that's enough of a miracle to expect. She knows the old guy will ap­preciate a few written instructions. She's ready with them before Thanksgiving, when he's overhauling his sleigh and up­dating his maps.

I can see Santa on Christmas Eve, tip­toeing about in the house where Jade and her sisters live, fumbling in his pockets.

"I know it's here somewhere," he mum­bles through his white beard. "She was one of the first to write. Oh here it is." He reads Jade's letter and finds just what she wants, and leaves them for her all in

Nancy Zeno NEWS WRITER

a little heap. If Santa has run out of Miss Piggy things or pretty cut and grows (Santa will know what they are), he'll have something Jade will like just as well.

Jade's wish list is very modest, isn't it? I'm sure that will please Santa and Mrs. Claus. She doesn't ask them to empty their savings account to buy her a new ski outfit.

Maybe other kids forget to write be­

cause their parents dort't remind them. Jade doesn't have that problem. I can hear her mother saying, "Here's the pencil and the paper. Now sit right down and do it before you forget."

It's not to late for kids to write to Santa. No way! Special Delivery to the North Pole takes no time at all, Bellaire post­master Jim Koyne says. If they write in the next week or two, we'll have time to print their letters in the News. Every­body likes to read kids' letters to Santa, and they have to be genuine. If kids don't write them, we can't make them up.

How do you write to Santa? It's easy. We can use Jade's letter for guidelines.

1) Sit down and do it before you forget. 2) Keep the list short and simple, and

not expensive. 3) Put your name and address on it. 4) Address it to, Santa Claus (or Santa

Claws), North Pole 5) Put a 20 cent stamp on the envelope.

The U.S. Postal Service isn't Santa Claus.

And another thing. Remember to tell Santa you love him. He's never too busy for love. As Jade knows, all the love you send Santa in a letter will come right back to you on Christmas.

Thanks to you... it works...

for ALL OF US

United Wtay

Why governor took hike RECENTLY YOU PUBLISHE a

letter from a reader which was crif alof Governor Milliken's decision to cept the salary level set for him I the coming year by the State Officers Com­pensation Commission.

While the feeling expressed i the letter is understandable, is is imp ant that the reader be familiar with * I the factors involved in his decision I 'fore reaching a judgment.

On four separate occasions in th oast, in the years 1971,1975,1976 and W the Governor voluntarily has reduce his salary by a total of nearly $17,0<i0. In addition, during the current year h vol­untarily took a reduction of six 'aid working days, as did many other state employees.

He also has paid, on a number oc­casions, for expenses incurred b the Governor's office with private r <ther than public funds. For example the furnishings in his own office wer not paid for with public funds. When a

25-year-old carpet in another area of the Executive Office was replaced because of wear, he also paid for that from private funds.

As you can see, the Governor has been very frugal with public funds and he will continue to pursue that policy.

He decided to accept the salary level for 1982 for several reasons, the primary reasor being the effect that his salary has on other salary levels throughout state government. There are many highly capable people in key adminis­trative positions who work very long and very hard for the people of this state. The Governor feels that equity demands that they t»e suitably compensated for their work. If he were to turn back the pay increase, it would put more pressure on the salaries of these individuals.

While the Governor's salary is cer­tainly substantial, we must remember he is responsible for directing the operation of a unit with a total budget of some $10 billion this year. A corporation of com­

parable size would pay its executives much more than the state pays the Governor and key department directors.

The Governor recognizes the frustra­tion voiced in the letter you published and he understands the feeling expressed in the letter. But he feels the best interests of the state are served in the long run by paying salaries which attract the caliber of people we need if we are to have efficient and effective government.

Governor Milliken fully understands not only the views expressed, but also the symbolism involved in this issue. That is why, unlike any other Michigan Gover­nor, he has periodically declined raises that have been voted for elected officials. But if he had declined all of the raises that would set a difficult precedent for other state workers and future gover­nors.

Sincerely, Robert Berg Executive Assistant for Public Affairs

Lansing still n ot serious

Workers' comp reform worthless State Senator John M. Engler (1 -Mt.

Pleasant) issued the following state lent following completion of the Senate vote on workers' compensation legislation early last Saturday morning.

A marathon Senate session endis >, at 4:45 this morning is certainly no < iuse for celebration because the won ers' compensation legislation passed b> the Senate is an extremely modest atti mpt at reform of Michigan's costly system.

The legislative package passed bj the

Senate should not be viewed in any way as a basis for compromise with the House, because to get back anything less than the Senate passed would be to end up empty handed.

It is an embarrassment to work all night only to produce workers' compen­sation legislation which will do virtually nothing to create jobs for over one-half million unemployed men and women in the state, safeguard the jobs of those who

are still working or revitalize Michigan's ailing economy.

Meaningful workers' compensation re­form would signal to the people of Michigan and businesses interested in locating here that this Legislature is seriously interested in once again at­tracting business and industry to our state.

Unfortunately, the workers' compensa­tion package passed by the Senate does not do that.

Celebs not on my dinner list There are few things in this world that I

enjoy more than having a good meal. I'm not talking about a burger and an

order of onion rings from the neareM set of golden arches. I'm talking about a full meal, from soup to cigars. First class. Done up right. Let me savor an evening with a full meal, a few congenial I om-panions, a couple of after dinner dr inks and I'm at peace with the world.

But, as much as I enjoy the flavor and aroma of the food itself, the most impor­tant part of this ideal evening woul be the companions. Last week I revealed who I would most enjoy dining with

Here's a collection of people r whose dinner invitation I'd toss in the trash is I walked out the door to McDonalds:

JOHN TRAVOLTA - This no-talent creep set the acting profession bark a couple of centuries with his portrayal of Vinnie Barbarino in "Welcome Back, Kotter." That's been the high point in his acting career. The surprising thing is that, as John-John admits, it didn't take a lot of acting, he was playing himself.

DINAH SHORE - Doesn't this woman ever get mad at anyone? She's so sicken-

ingly sweet to every single person I ever see her with that it makes me feel uncomfortable. Someone might be in the kitchen with Dinah, but it sure isn't

Al Parker NEWS WRITER

gonna be me. SPARKY ANDERSON - One of the

most overrated baseball managers of all time. This guy piled up impressive

From Bishop Rose MY DEAR FRHSNDS of the Dio< se

of Gaylord: I would like to take this opportunit to

say a few things to you all by means of this letter.

I was in Rome, at the Institute for Continuing Theological Education, when I received, word from the Congregation for Bishops that the Holy Father had appointed me to be the second bishon of the Diocese of Gaylord. It was with some trepidation that I wrote my letter of acceptance to the Holy Father. I am well aware of the responsibUieies and expect­ations placed upon bishops today.

HOWEVER, THAT I am appointed to the Diocese of Gaylord is a great sot ce of happiness. I know "the north" q rite well. During my years on the facult of St. Joseph's Seminary I often celebrated weekend Masses in parishe? that are ow' part of the Diocese. Many of the pries s of the Diocese are friends from many years. I have enjoyed the well-kn' wn northern hospitality many times.

It is surely a challenge to follow Arch­bishop Szoka, the founding bishop of the Diocese. But it is also a source of great encouragement to come into a dio< ese

where the foundations of diocesan life have been so carefully laid, and where the unity of priests and people has grown so strong over the last ten years.

I REMAINED in Rome for a few days after receiving word of my appointment. My main purpose was to attend the audience of the Holy Father and ask his particular blessing on our Diocese and my new ministry. But I also had the opportunity to go in personal pilgrimage to St. Peter's and the other great shrines of our faith, to ask the Lord's grace for you and for my ministry among you.

Artd now I look forward to coming to Gaylord. I am deeply grateful to Father Gemuencl, Administrator of the Diocese, and to all who have worked with him during the interim since May. I am eager to meet you all and to work with you to continue building (he Lord's kingdom in our diocese.

Please pray that the Lord, the Good Shepherd of us all, may bless the min­istry of your second bishop with an abundant harvest. May He bring to completion what He has begun.

Sincerely in our Lord, Most Reverend Robert J. Rose Bishop of Gaylord

records while piloting the Cincinnati Big Red Machine. Well, with a lineup of Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan and others, it doesn't require much except pencilling in their names in the lineup card. He's had to stay on his toes in Detroit and he's shown a surpris­ing lack of baseball sense on occasion. Bring back Les Moss!

RICHARD NIXON - Without a doubt the most despicable president to ever violate his oath of office. Don't give me that spiel about how he improved re­lations with China or that the only problem with oF Tricky Dick was that he got caught while others did the same: thing and went scott free. I didn't trust

(continued on page 5)

Theroad to Alba?

NOW THAT THOUSANDS of dollars have been spent to "improve" County Road 620,1 hope a couple hundred dollars more will be spent to mark the route from Bellaire to Alba.

The roadway and the route do not always follow each other and where the roadway dead ends at both M-66 and Derenzy Road, there are no signs telling you which way 620 goes.

Dick Moore Bellaire

l \ n t M I I I tfouqtVs ?̂ gWfc

Antrim County's State

and National Award

Winning Newspaper

Are we throwing good money after had? WHEN THE FTRST white settlers

came to Northern Michigan, there was no thought of conserving one of our area's greatest natural resources-wood. In some cases trees were felled and skidded into the center of a clearing and burned to make room for the planting of crops. The timber dealers had a field day-the choicest stands of pine and oak and maple were slashed down to meet the in­creasing demand for lumber in a growing population. But all that has changed, our natural resources are dwindling, the easy ride is over and if there is to be anything left fir future generations, there must be conservation.

And so it is with the utilities. Until recently it was awumed that our sources of energy were without limit and that demand would continue to grow by leaps and bounds. It was even thought that electricity would become too cheap to

meter. But such is not the case; we know now that our planet's supply of fossil fuels is fast being depleted. And unfor-tunantly, it is the cost of energy which is increaseing by leaps and bounds while the demand has been slackening, partly because population growth has been leveling off aittttbecasue people are be­coming conservation-minded.

Caught between the pincers of sky­rocketing costs of power plant con­struction and the declining growth of de­mand, the utilities are in trouble; in­vestment funds are drying up, interest rates are the highest in history, and nu­clear power which was once considered to be a promising solution to the energy problem is turning out to be neither cheap, clean nor safe. Much of the blame for the big push for nuclear energy can be laid at the door of the Federal Government. One of the by­

products of the industry is plutonium, an essential ingredient for nuclear weapons. In order to have access to an ample supply of this man-made element tax­payer funds have been used to premote and to subsidize nuclear power while at the same time, not only the costs but the dangers have been down-played. How­ever, finally on Aug. 4, 1981 in the Federal Register, the Nuclear Regu­latory Commission admitted that there have been and will continue to be cancer deaths caused by N-Plant emissions.

Among those encouraged to go nuclear and now caught in the utility bind is Northern Electric Cooperative of which Top O Michigan is a part. Having ne­gotiated an open-ended contract with De­troit Edison to buy and maintain an 11% ownership in Fermi 2, it is now being called upon to help pay. for huge cost overruns which will result in the like­

lihood of a doubling or tripling of our RE A rates within a few years.

Can anything be done in tlris situation? There is no point in blamkg those who negotiated the contract for a decision based on the information which was then available. But there is also no point in refusing to face the problem squar< ly. Co-op members who are the rate-payers are entitled to know how much in I ar­rowed funds have already been invested in Fermi 2 and how much more may be needed? Also, were all the prescrii>ed environmental impact studies made id was any pertinent information withheld bv Detroit Edison? Were the he th hazards taken into consideration?

It may be that there is a legal way to abrogate the contract and retrieve he funds already invested. If not, the cou • se being taken by the city of Austin, Texas might, be considered. There, a Nov 3

referendum calls for the disposing of a 16% interest in a N Power plant rather than continuing to throw in good money after bad.

Only by exploring these and other pos­sible options can a wise judgment be made by the Co-op members through their elected board members. , Meryl Hankey Petoskey

Nancy Zeno Alan Parker Dee and Gregg Smith Kathy Phelps PugSliger Vick: Swartz

Writer Writer

Publishers Production Manager

Advertising Manager Business Manager

The Antrim County News is published weekly and is entered as second class matter every Thursday in the Bellaire Post Office.

Office in Bellaire 587-8471.

533-8523; and Mancelona

Subscriptions: $10 in Antrim County and Ad­joining counties. Elsewhere $13 per year. Men and women in the Armed forces $8 per year. All mailing changes $1 Single copies 25 cents. Mail to: Antrim County News, P.O. Box 337, Bellaire, Michigan 49615.

We invite our readers to write letters to the editor, expressing opinions about our editorial positions, news stories and issues. An anony­mous letter is worthless. All letters must contain the signature and address of the writer. We will withhold names on request only for adequate reason. We reserve the right to con­dense letters.

I i I

Mancy man pleads guilty A Mancelona Township man

arrested in an undercover drug operation last June has pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana.

James Robb was bound over to Circuit Court Oct. 8 on a marijuana delivery charge, but pleaded guilty to the less serious possession offense in the Dec. 2 District Court. He will be sentenced Dec. 23 after a pre-sentence investigation.

A pre-sentence investigation was also ordered by District Court Judge E. Patrick Mur­ray for Donald Williams, Jr., Mancelona, who pleaded

Olden Times

guilty to joyriding. A bench warrant was issued

for the arrest of Dennis Swadling, Mancelona, who failed to appear in court Dec. 2 for his preliminary examina­tion on a charge of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. A bond of $5,000 was set for Swadling.

Eugene Hebert, 46, of Pet­oskey had his driver's license suspended for six months fol­lowing a guilty plea to drunk driving (DUIL). Hebert was also placed on probation for one year, with a 60-day jail sentence held in abeyance, as

a result of an Oct 28 accident in Torch Lake Village when he ran into a Dial-a-Ride bus and one passenger was injured. Herbert was ordered to pay a fine and costs totaling $600 and to take a highway safety course.

William Lambert, Central Lake, was sentenced to six months on probation and 15 days in jail or a work program after pleading guilty to illegal possession of a deer. He was ordered to pay a fine and costs touting $228. plus $100 resti­tutio to the Department of Natural Resources.

Robert Duff, Central Lake, pleaded guilty to DUEL and received a one-year proba­tionary sentence. His license was suspended for 90 days, t and he was ordered to pay a Bi fine and costs of $400. te

Duff also pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana, and was ordered to pay $105. His plea was taken under advise­ment for one year. If sen­tencing conditions are ob­served, the court will not keep a record of conviction after the year has passed.

These persons also pleaded guilty and were fined and sen- .

Dai

Unhurt in nighttime head-on MANCELONA HERALD

DEC. 13,1906 John Otis is in Oklahoma, and has

written back that he has purchased and shipped to Mancelona three carloads of broom corn, to open the manufacturing business in his new broom factory in this

village...Dr. H. Mosley had a collision with Mr. Walbrook on the Antrim road Saturday night. Both were driving quite fast, and in the dark did not notice the approach of the other. The result was a head-on collision, both horses being thrown to the ground and severely in­jured. Dr. Mosley took a flying leap over the dashboard, but aside from a few bruises the men escaped unhurt.

BELLATRE INDEPENDENT DEC. 13,1906

The Rapid River Rustler has sus­pended publication and the editor has ac­cepted a position on the Central Lake Torch. ,The Rustler was the best paper ever published in Rapid City but it could not live on wind and now that village will learn what it has lost when it is too late...Sheriff-elect W.H. Kittle sold his livery business in Mancelona to a couple of gentlemen from Wetzell and is now preparing to move to this place and take

up his new duties the first of the year...The hydrant was left open in one of the upper rooms in the high school Tues­day night and the floors were covered with about an inch of water, hence the children had a holiday...Total number of deer licenses sold during the season of 1906 was 205 in Antrim County.

ANTRIM COUNTY NEWS DEC. 13,1951

A mass meeting was called for last Saturday by the Ellsworth community chamber of commerce to devise ways and means of raising funds for a building to house the Morweld Steal Corp., whose business has outgrown its present quarters...An appeal to parents to teach their children right from wrong was made by Harry T. Cook, county pro­secuting attorney, in a speech given be­fore the Bellaire PTA Monday night. Children should be given a proper spir­itual background, and taught that ** is not smart to cheat and steal, Cook said... Open House will be held at Northwestern Michigan College Thursday, Friday and Sunday afternoons. A total of 80 students are now enrolled at the college...Mrs. A.E. Stoddard of Traverse City, one of the judges of last summer's Flower Show, gives an interesting opinion of

Dead Man's Hill in letter to the Bellaire Garden Club. She thinks that with the breath-taking view from the hill that it should be named Paradise Hill.

MANCELONA HERALD DEC. 9,1954

Mayor Clement Lynch today pro­claimed Wednesday, Dec. 15 2$ "S-Day." or "Safe Driving Day," and urged all citizens to do their utmost to keep Man­celona free of accidents until Dec. l5...Ayers Service in Mancelona will be taken over by George Alto about Dec. 15, at which time the establishment will be given the name "Alto Ford Sales."...The

. managers of the Electrical City store were well pleased with the results of the week's celebration of their grand open­ing. Grand prize a G.E. dryer, given away Saturday was won by Mrs. Jane Dolezel, a long-time resident of Man­celona. The new store is located on the site of the old Ashdon barber shop. This building is one of the signs of a growing community...Glenn Alexander, the Man­celona Ironmen's 200-lb. rugged left tackle, was chosen on the Detroit Free Press All-State Class C team...The early winter schedule of the Michigan state ferries across the Straits of Mackinac is now in effect, Highway Commissioner Charles M. Ziegler announces.

. . .My trashy dinner list

4

(continued from page 4) this guy when he owned Checkers and I don't trust him today.

BROOKE SHEE'.LDS - This unfortunate young lady has to be one of the most self-centered personna to hit the scene in decades. Everything seems to revolve around "Brookie", as her mother con­stantly reminds the press and the Amer­ican public. Despite her so-called beauty, I still don't think I'd like to break bread with a girl named after a trout.

MARGARET TRUDEAU - Wake up Maggie, I think I got nothin' to say to you. Hew tins airhead could leave her family to go cavorting around the world with scuzzy musicians is beyond me. Her

exploits have made her one of the largest no-talent personalities in recent historv,

SUGAR RAY LEONARD -1 can't deny that the guy's talented, but I also can t help feeling that he's still overrated. His bright smile and clxirboy looks tool many folks, but they don't fool me. He's an egotistical limelighter and I insist that Hearas had him beat until the referee stepped in way too soon.

ELVIS PRESLEY - Tie on the feedbag with this drug-crazed, bloated bellower? I'd sooner fast. It's been too many years since Elvis was anywhere near a normal human being. Recent disclosures about his weird behavior indicate that the King was dead long before August of 1977.

DR. JOYCE BROTHERS - This woman

first appeared on television in the '50s on a quiz show that was later proven to be rigged. She's been sidling on to talk shows and variety shows ever since. I'm not sure what it is that makes her an expert on anything. Perhaps she's black­mailing the talent selectors for all of these TV shows. Anyway, she's got nothin' on me and I'm not about to dine with the doc.

NANCY REAGAN - A late addition to my list, Nancy makes it because of her recent selection of china. Sorry, Mrs. President, but I'd much rather eat beans and franks off a paper plate around a campfire than dine in the splendor of the White House on your fancy-dancy china. Cancel my reservation for dinner.

Phone someone this Christmas.

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This year, say Merry Cfrristmas with a phone from GTE. W«'ve got phones that say it thec4cMashioned way. phones that take the modem approach.

and phones that stand on their own two feet {and come with their own two ears}. What"s more, you can actually takethese phones home, wrap them up and put them

under the tree. So caS your local General Telephone business office For a gift thai reaBy communicates.

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