4 The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, October 11, 1989 Te DALLASCPosT Underage drinking law violates freedoms While it was passed with the best of intentions, Pennsylva- ‘nia’s statute on underage drinking seems to overstep the bounds of our constitutional democracy. In general terms, the law says that any underage person found to be in the same area as another underage person who is in possession of or is drinking an alcoholic beverage can be charged with “constructive possession” of alcohol. One of the penalties for that charge is the loss of driving privileges for 90 days. The law was written as it is in the theory that wherever the alcohol was being consumed, someone probably had to drive to get there, or could drive after drinking. No doubt the value teenagers place on driving entered into the legislators’ thinking when they drafted the regulation; they felt losing one’s driving privileges would be taken seriously by teens, and they would thus avoid drinking alcohol. At bottom, it was the hope of the legislators to save young lives that might otherwise be lost in automobile accidents caused by drunken drivers. While the intentions were honorable, the resulting legisla- © tion runs smack into the right of free assembly guaranteed in the First Amendment to the Constitution. In effect, the statute punishes law-abiding youths for gathering near others who | 9 may be breaking the law. While there may be a valid argument that this behavior is unwise, it is unfair to punish a non-drinking person as though he or she had been drinking. By that logic, anyone unfortunate enough to be present in a house where a murder is committed could be charged with the crime. Before any of us get too indignant and spout off about how the kids shouldn't hang around with lawbreakers, or, as has been suggested, should turn them in, we should think about how many times we have been in the company of someone who was violating one statute or another. How about the football pool at the office? Did you ever consider calling the cops on the players? Or, when a friend tells you how she shaved a little off his income tax, have you ever called the IRS to turn her in? We are fully in support of efforts to rid our streets of drunken drivers, and to teach young people - and older ones - how to act ‘responsibly with alchohol. But we can’t support any action, no matter how well-intentioned, that diminishes a fundamental right in order to provide a quick fix. Water Commission must prove its worth The Back Mountain Water Commission has been in exis- tence for little more than a year, and interest seems to have waned in that time. Perhaps the presence of a drought ‘emergency is necessary to maintain the public's attention. The Commission members themselves have been less than consistent in their attendance at meetings, which, at twice ‘monthly, may have been more frequent than necessary. The recent change to monthly may alleviate this problem. The apparent lack of concern by the public should not detract from the Commission's importance. The water short- ages and contamination that plagued the Back Mountain ‘during the summer of 1988 are sure to return. As more homes "are built and businesses expand and begin, the drain on present resources will be felt. While the Water Commission’s agenda could fill several pages, its main task right now is to convince municipal officials and other residents of its importance and usefulness. Given this year's record rainfall, that is no easy task. But, without their support, it will be difficult for the Commission to accom- plish its critical work. Tie SDALLASCPoST Published Weekly by Bartsen Media, Inc. P.O. Box 366, Dallas PA 18612 Telephone: 717-675-5211 Ronald A. Bartizek Charlotte E. Bartizek Editor and Publisher Associate Publisher Edward Kraynak Advertising Acct. Exec. Charlot M. Denmon Reporter Olga Kostrobala Classified/typesetting Paul Rismiller Composition Jean Hillard Office Manager MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION AND THE PENNSYLVANIA NEWSPAPER PUBLISHER'S ASSOCIATION Barn at Hayfield #1 (Photo by Charlotte Bartizek) Library news Stamps on display during October By NANCY KOZEMCHAK October, 1989 is National Stamp Collection Month and the display case at the Back Mountain Memo- rial Library is featuring a collec- tion of stamps borrowed from Mr. Everell Chadwick of Shavertown. Mr. Chadwick is presently serving as president of the Wyoming Val- ley Stamp Club, which meets twice a month, the 1st and.8rd Tuesday at the YMCA in Wilkes-Barre at 7:30. The stamp club currently has 46 members, from Clarks Summit to Laceyville, to Hazleton, and welcomes new members. This is a great way to find out about the world’s greatest hobby. The dis- play in the library shows samples of how one might go about collect- ing stamps, and includes series of stamps from 1982 on; the trans- portation series includes many decimal stamps. There is a showgard philatelic gauge, a large magnifying glass, stamp tongs for handling stamps, and a book titled, the Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps. There are topics on U.S. and Foreign, Presidents, Famous people, States, animals, flags, cars and trains. Mr. Chadwick started his col- lection in 4th grade while in school and got away from it during the busy college and family years, and has returned to it as a retirement hobby; which is normal for many collectors. It is not necessary to collect mint stamps; many people save used stamps. It is a great way to get an education and an inter- esting hobby. The choices are endless; learn about stamps; be- come a Philatelist! as the bumper sticker included in the display states, “I'd rather be collecting stamps!” It's a way to discover the world around you. Featured on the bulletin board at the library is a large poster which states, ‘Begin an adventure of giant proportions’ which features a giant Stegosau- rus. The new prehistoric animals stamps become available nation- wide October 2nd. This stamp collecting display will be at the library until November 1. ; The library board of directors has welcomed a new member, Charlotte Bartizek; who will re- place Nancy Eckert, who has served on the board of directors since 1973, being elected vice president in 1977 and president in 1978, 1979 and 1980. Nancy served with Mr. Homer Moyer as co-chairmen of the library capital campaign which ran from 1984 through 1987. A sincere thank you to Nancy Eckert for her support and com- mitment to the library. One of our regular, faithful li- brary patrons was in the other day for abook to take on a trip. She was flying from Kennedy to Heathrow and then to the British Isles for a vacation and wanted a good book to read. She chose “Spring Morn- ing" by Betty Baylord in large print, so she could enjoy reading without her glasses. Hope the book was a good choice. Letters invited The Dallas Post encourages readers to share their opinions with the community by writing a letter to the editor. All letters for publication must be signed and include a telephone number so that we may verify authen- ticity. We will not publish anonymous letters. Send letters to: The Dallas Post, P.O. Box 366, Dallas PA 18612. Letters received by Noon on Monday may be included in that week's issue. Only yesterday 50 Years Ago - Oct. 13, 1939 WPA WORKERS FIXING UP RICE CEMETERY In Dallas Borough Democrats have nominated Mrs. Mary Ferry and Mrs. Irene Monk as their candidates for the two school posi- tions open on the board. Rice Cemetery on top of Huntsville Road, Dallas, is being renovated by a WPA crew of work- men. Lt. Harold J. Rau, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Rau, Shavertown, gave the area a glimpse of the nation's mightiest air weapon last weekend when he sat his monstrous Douglas bomber down gently at Wyoming Valley Airport. Wed - Maude Fritz and Lewis Lord, Sr. Lehman gridders will play Factoryville at home this afternoon and Dallas Township will play West Pittston at home Saturday. 40 Years Ago - Oct. 14, 1949 CASTLE INN OPTION DEPENDS ON LIQUOR Daddow-Isaacs American Legion Post has a $1,000 option on Castle Inn, owned by John Panco, but the option will not be exercised unless the Legion can obtain a liquor li- cense at this location. Due to the surplus crops of apples this year, the government will buy the Luzerne County crops and distribute the apples to Luzerne County schools. Special insurance agents Henry Peterson and Harry Ohlman gave talks at Dallas Borough and Dal- las Township High Schools this week on how fires can be pre- ‘vented. . Noxen defeated Shavertown 7- to take a 1-0 lead in the playoff series. Wed - Alice Austin and Charles E. Lumley; Mary Arnt and Edward Petty; Alice Lewis and Richard Dymond. First National Bank of Dallas opened its enlarged quarters for inspection. 30 Years Ago - Oct. 15, 1959 COMMONWEALTH RUNS UNDERGROUND LINES Police find $247 on boy arrested for stealing a 1951 Ford sedan owned by Lee Cyphers of Lehman Township. Blood donation at the Dallas Borough gym exceeded its quota of 110 pints by 14 when they had 124 good donors. Commonwealth Telephone Company is presently running cables underground on Lake Street, Dallas. Wed - Janice M. Lamb and Dr. John Reese Beyrent, Jr.; Marilyn J. Patchlin and Harold James Pilger; Gladys Wilson and Richard Kitchen. Engaged - Jean Ann Cobleigh and Dale A. Hoover; Jacqueline Ann Hinkle and Ross T. Bartleson; Lena Marie Misson and Edward Moore. George T. Bell is named vice president of the National Blue Cross Commission. 20 Years Ago - Oct. 16, 1969 DALLAS PARK PROJECT TO BEGIN WITHIN DAYS Northeastern Newspaper Inc. has acquired a third newspaper, the Mountainview located in Moun- taintop, publisher Henry Null announced. The name of the new publication will change to the Mountaintop Eagle with the first edition scheduled for Oct. 30, according to Null. Dallas Borough's park project will begin within the next week or two, according to Park Advisory Board chairman George McCutcheon. The park site will be on Luzerne Avenue and Burndale Road. £3 Wed - Jennifer G. Doyle ana = Anthony DiGiosa; Anne Marie Motyka and Robert Neyhard, Jr.; Joanne Chaney Frederick and Ronald L. Post. Engaged - Lynn Batey and Howard Dover; Barbara Ann Metzgar and Glenn Hoyt. Black Knights down Plainsmen 48-7. 10 Years Ago - Oct. 18, 1979 PROPOSED MEADOWS COMPLEX CRITICIZED Ecumenical Enterprises Mead- ows Project, a proposed high rise for the elderly, has met with more y than one obstacle in Dallas Town- + ship. Not only are they having dif- ficulty getting funding but now College Manor residents are ob- jecting to the six-story complex near their homes. Harveys Lake Borough still doesn’t have a new policeman after they tabled the vote following a two-hour discussion. They will interview the two finalists and then vote on hiring at the Nov. 7 meet- ing. Fn Kingston Township supervisors have received correspondence from PennDOT concerning improvement = of safety measures on Route 309in’ } Shavertown and listing several options to be considered. Wed - Sandra Lynne Barakat and Bruce Todd Magley; Suzanne LaBerge and William J. Shellen- barger. Carverton United Methodist Church celebrates its 125th anni- versary this week. Knights upset favored Spartans 3-0. Craft show at Oldest House The 14th annual Fancy Fair and Craft Sale will be held at The Old- est House, East Main Street, Laceyville, Friday and Saturday, October 20-21 from 10a.m.-4 p.m. The fair of fancy wares will feature all sorts of handmade items. Tree ornaments, house decora- tions, needlework and wooden pieces will be offered for gift giving and home use for the holidays and all year long. The two day event will also fea- ture a bake sale of fudge, pies, cakes, sweet breads and cookies as well as a variety of home canned relishes, pickles, jams and jellies. Lunches will be offered from the kitchen to include vegetable beef soup, chili, and a variety of sand- wiches plus the usual funnel cakes from down in the keepin’ room. Books and records will be sold at a special clearance price for the season. ; Folks interested in preserving the old landmark have been pre- paring items for weeks, to assure the success of the event. Solicitors are hard at work asking other area i, folks to help with furnishing sale’ items, too. : The Oldest House is easily reached from any of the three exits off Route 6 to the Main Street of Laceyville. Holiday art show to open An exhibit featuring the entrants and winners in the Holiday Art Competition sponsored by The Gallery at The Hefft House opens on Sunday, Oct. 15, with a recep- tion from 2-5 p.m. The exhibit will continue until October 31. The Gallery is located at 104 E. Overbrook Ave., Shavertown. For further information, call, 675-4821. oe ~ Anderson Afield Subsidies to ranchers contribute to ecological destruction By JOHN M. ANDERSON 3 When poor folks can't make ends meet, the government sometimes ~ steps in and provides a bit of food and shelter. Admittedly, this comes from the U.S. Treasury and we taxpayers are inclined to grumble about folks on “welfare.” We tend to call them lazy and spoiled. But if you look around here in southern Arizona, you see many relatively wealthy folks who for many years have been living very well at taxpayers’ expense. These people may not feed at the public trough, but their cattle literally do. They graze on public range, owned by the U.S. Forest Service or the ‘Bureau of Land Management, at a fraction of what it would cost them to graze on private land. Your tax dollars pay for the management of these public lands. What you're getting for your money is gross mismanagement. These lands are over-grazed to the point of abso- lute desolation. Unfortunately, most visitors consider this kind of desolation as -the natural condition of the arid West. Such is not the case. If you visit the National Audubon Soci- ety’s Research Ranch in the south- east corner of Arizona, you will see immediately how this country used to be and could be again, were it not for about 1,000 ranchers who run far too many cattle on land that can't support them. Cattle were removed from the Research Ranch about 20 years ago. Since then, the streams have begun to flow again. the grasses, shrubs and trees support herds of deer, antelope, and javelina. People come from every state and many foreign countries to see the masked bobwhite, Montezuma quail, and Mexican jays, to mention only a few native tourist attractions. I don't know anyone who goes to Arizona to see a cow. Although the destruction of Arizona's native flora and fauna is being done at public expense, the average rancher maintains that he or she is fiercely independent, wanting no part of any damned government interference. (Only government handouts.) Subsidiz- ing the western ranchers is both ecologically and economically fool- ish. They produce about one-tenth of one percent of the nation’s beef. It would be far cheaper from both standpoints to buy them out, even at a million dollars each, on the grounds that they never run an- other cow. To add insult to injury, we also pay government trappers to kill ~mountain lions and coyotes to protect the sacred cows. Respon- sibility for the control of predators was recently taken away from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and given to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I have a picture of 12 mountain lion heads, recently killed and piled in a pyramid,-a monument to human greed. The mountain lion, or panther, is an endangered species through- out most of its range. Yet we pay to have them wiped out in the cattle- man's domain. Strangely enough, the white-tailed deer, mule deer, javelinas, jackrabbits and quail seem to flourish without protec- tion from carnivorous mammals and birds. Doing something about this ridiculous situation is not easy because two senators from a west- ern state get the same number of votes as two senators from Con- necticut, Pennsylvania, or Louisi- ana. Too many easterners think the world ends at the Hudson River and just outside of Washington, D.C. Eastern senators must be * told not to trade votes with their western counterparts. Too many of the latter are wholly owned subsidiaries of the ranchers, log- gers, and miners. Eventually, the voters in the western states may realize that a handful of stockmen, who don't need the money, are the true wel- fare recipients. There would be a lot more water available for people, .and a lot more tourist dollars coming in, if cows were going out. Let's make sure our own senators are aware of this. John M. "Frosty” Anderson was Director of the Wildlife Department ofthe National Audobon Society from 1966 until his retirement in 1987. _~
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers