Lansing State Journal from Lansing, Michigan • Page 10

MetroMichigan Lansing State Journal Saturday, April 25, 1987 4B i uiini.i Mini i i I Royal Oak Township Detective Neil Gen-sler said three juveniles, each 15 years old, were taken into custody after the shootings Thursday night. They were being held by authorities, he said. Gensler identified the shooting victims as Richard Jenkins, 20, and Kevin Johnston, 23. He said the two Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ministers shared an apartment in the suburban Detroit complex where one of the juveniles lived. The two were shot after an apparent argument with the juveniles in a courtyard in the complex, Gensler said.

Traverse City man admits guilt GRAND RAPIDS A Traverse City man pleaded guilty in federal court to threatening a car dealer with violence unless the businessman paid $20,000. Robert B. Meyer, 22, admitted writing five letters to Daniel E. McCormick, owner of Traverse Motors-Toyota and Kalkaska Auto and Truck Center. U.S.

District Judge Benjamin Gibson ordered Meyer's $5,000 bond continued this week pending sentencing. State Digest Blanchard signs signing bill Students across Michigan will be able to earn academic credit for studying sign language under a bill Gov. James Blancbard signed into law Friday. Only 10 non-deaf students in Michigan are studying sign language for credit, but Sen. James Barcia, D-Bay City, hopes his bill will encourage more school districts to offer the classes.

Michigan's school code doesn't prohibit local districts from giving credit for the course, but doesn't acknowledge American Sign Language as the academic equivalent of a foreign language. Two Mormons shooting victims ROYAL OAK Two Mormon ministers were in stable condition Friday at a hospital after being shot during an apparent argument with some juveniles, police said. Peace Corps worker detained OAK PARK A 25-year-old Peace Corps volunteer in Botswana was detained by police officials in Zimbabwe for nearly a week after he tried to cross the border, an agency spokeswoman said. The volunteer, Damien Dziepak, 25, of Oak Park, returned to the Botswanan capital of Gaberone this week in good condition, spokeswoman Alixe Glen said. Details about Dziepak's detention are sketchy, but the State Department will "follow up with the government of Zimbabwe and then take appropriate action," Glen said.

Dziepak, a science teacher who had been a volunteer since August 1985, left Gaberone on April 16, intending to travel overland to Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, Glen said. He was detained at the border of Botswana and Zimbabwe. He had been scheduled to fly from Harare to London and then on to Detroit, arriving last Sunday. Compiled from Associated Press reports. I la arly-bird role looks inviting to GOP Associated Press Ann Norris, 74, of Grand Rapids gets a hug from great-grandson Jeff Lynch after she received her high school diploma.

She had to leave school in 1 926 but began taking classes again in 1 983. Proud, patient class of one finishes high school at 74 about opening up the party. He never did. Pat Robertson opened the party up." The scheduling agreement reached Thursday doesn't guarantee a debate-free committee meeting. A partisan who wasn't part of that agreement continued to predict problems if the convention were held in January.

Feb. 5 and 6 would work better, contends national committeeman Peter Secchia. Because of a Michigan Press Association convention, 225 Grand Rapids hotel rooms are unavailable to the GOP on Jan. 29, Secchia said. What's worse, Democratic Gov.

James Blanchard is scheduled to address the press group. gotiations over convention scheduling. "Never before would the moderates ever compromise with us," he said. "If they had the votes they crammed it down our throats, whatever they wanted." In February, a coalition of Kemp and Robertson backers won control of the state committee and raised speculation that dramatic changes would follow. But Veryser said the new party leaders decided to show they can be more flexible than the moderates they replaced.

"The conservatives finally have a majority. We're trying to be as mature as we can," he said. "We're not going to be Milliken-type Republicans. (Former GOP Gov. William) Milliken talked "Our goal is to try to affect the Iowa caucuses," said Saul Anuzis, supporter of the candidacy of U.S.

Rep. Jack Kemp of New York. "We would like the opportunity to talk about our success in Michigan in Iowa," said John Engler, Michigan organizer for Vice President George Bush. January dates were proposed by backers of the Rev. Pat Robertson, who rebelled against a tentative schedule calling for a state convention one week later.

Organizers said a one-week difference could mean a wealth of additional attention from national news organizations. Robertson supporter Harry Veryser, chairman of the GOP 12th District organization, said he was pleased to have triggered ne By KATHERINE RIZZO Associated Press TROY State Republican leaders prepared Friday to secure Michigan's place as the first 1988 presidential testing ground. As the Republican State Committee's two-day meeting convened, committee members were ready to schedule 1988 county conventions on Jan. 14 and the state convention on Jan. 29 and 30.

Those were the dates negotiated by leaders of competing candidate organizations and party chairman Spencer Abraham. If the dates are ratified, Michigan will get a jump on Iowa, which has tentatively scheduled its caucuses for Feb. 8, 1988. Cassidy departure deepens area TV drama cided to stage the ceremony the woman never had. About 45 people attended the one-woman convocation.

Her son, Ken Norris of Kent County's Cascade Township, said family members never doubted that the matriarch of the Norris family would earn her degree. "She had the determination," he said. Norris, a widow for 20 years, was living in Holland, and the eldest of nine children when she dropped out of school shortly after beginning the ninth grade in 1926. "I had to work to support the family," said Norris, a great-grandmother five times over. "I was making 50 cents a week." A daughter, Mary Doublestein, said her mother worked at housekeeping and other jobs after she quit school, but always yearned to return.

"It's something she's always wanted to do but never had the opportunity until now," she said. By MARK FRITZ Associated Press GRAND RAPIDS Anne Norris was the eldest child of a cash-strapped family when she traded her school books for a 50-cent-a-week housekeeping job in 1926. On Friday, while a recording of "Pomp and Circumstance" played in the background and family members looked on, the frail, 74-year-old nursing home resident picked up the high school diploma that had eluded her for 61 years. "It's always been my dream," said Norris, wearing a white cap and gown and sitting in a wheelchair in an auditorium of Metropolitan Hospital here. Norris, suffering from congestive heart failure and diabetes, began adult education classes in 1983 after she became a resident of the Luther Retirement Village.

When she finally neared her graduation goal, hospital staffers, local community education officials and family members de ida. Observers say the move is indicative of a continuing war of wills between the two leading stations. WLNS (formerly WJIM) long had a hammerlock on local ratings and sales. That started to change when Ron Kwasnick, WILX's aggressive sales chief, was promoted to general manager. Kwasnick splurged on syndicated shows, beefed up his newscasts and pushed his sales efforts.

The ratings gap was narrowed. After two changes in ownership, WLNS made its counter-move last summer It hired Winfrey's talkshow the station pulled into a virtual tie with WLNS. Three problems developed, however The next sweeps, in February, showed a modest comeback for WLNS, particularly in news. While the stations were close in ratings, WLNS reportedly still had a solid lead in sales. BAnd WLNS is doing it with cheaper product.

WILX must make enough money to justify the record sums Kwasnick committed for shows like "Magnum," "Wheel of Fortune" and next season's "Cheers" and "Family Ties." By MIKE HUGHES Lansing State Journal Paul Cassidy has been dropped as general manager of WILX-TV, Channel 10. The move comes less than eight months after Cassidy was brought from Arizona to stem a talent raid by WLNS-TV, Channel 6. It also comes at a time when the station is finding equality in ratings, but not profits. This week, Paul Brissette, president of the Adams Communications parent company, flew in to make the surprise announcement For an indefinite time, he'll run the station from his office in Flor Kwasnick, who brought along his sales chief, Thomas Hartman. The Adams group filed a lawsuit to keep WLNS from luring more ad salesmen.

It also hired Cassidy to take over the station on Sept 1. "The future of Ten TV has never looked brighter," Brissette said at the time. Cassidy had worked in radio in Los Angeles and San Francisco and spent the past five years as head of a TV station in Tucson. In the November sweeps period, WILX had its best totals ever. Buoyed by the shows Kwasnick had bought before his departure plus the Adams group decision to go with Oprah Deaths and Funerals From 1 WEBB, EDMUND J.

Holt Funeral services will be held Monday, 1 p.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman Lansing Chapel. Friends may call at the Chapel beginning Saturday, 7 p.m. where, the family will receive friends, 7-9 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

Complete arrangements will be "It's so much fun," 1954s Norris said. "I'm taking a memory trip. The 50s were the best of times." Tim Totten, 45, of Lansing, said Friday night felt right "We have a lot of fond memories of Sully's from when we were dating," Totten said. "It was a lot easier time to live then. I sure miss it" Totten decked out in leather jacket and sunglasses dangling from his T-shirt went to the imitation Sully's Drive-In counter to place an order.

Wife Dorothy, in a pink poodle skirt aimed the camera at him. Sh-boom, sh-boom, life could be a dream. The old-time sign at the top of the Sully's booth advertised hamburgers and red hots for 5 cents. Next to the counter rested reality, another sign that read, "Hamburger $1.50." grandchildren, John Scott, Jean Louise and Gaylord, 2 great grandchildren; 4 sisters, Dorothy Sollid, Anna Olds, Adeline Love, and Lavida Cun-diff; sister-in-law, Maria Preston, all of Grand Ledge. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Lucia Preston and a brother, Victor Preston.

The Rosary will be recited, 8 p.m. Sunday at the Holihan Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday at St Michaels Church with interment in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday at the Funeral Home. Laredos, an original '50s band from Detroit provided the thunder. Miss Lansing 1954, Barbara Borton Norris, backed away from the speakers to talk. "I forgot what it was like. I don't remember it that loud.

I'm waiting for a slow Johnnie Ray song so my hips don't lock." We ain't fakin': Whole lotta shakin' goin' on. The night was not a success beyond all expectations. A hoped-for crowd of about 1,200 wound up closer to 700. "All I want to do is break even," said promoter Dianne Hammond. "The people who aren't here will hear about this all year and be sorry they're not here." And next year, they'll get another chance, she said.

The prospect of repeating Friday's gala went over big. ORTA, GILBERT (SCOTTY) 213 Kalamazoo St. Woodbury Scotty, age 6, passed away April 24 at a Grand Rapids hospital. He was a preschool student at Ionia County Intermediate. He is survived by his parents, Gilbert and Karen Orta; grandparents, John and Bertha Smith and Rena Smith of Portland, Blanca Orta of Mulliken, Elmer Schaeffer of Sunfield; aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be at the Mapes-Fisher Funeral Home in Sunfield beginning Noon Saturday. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Monday at the Lakewood United Methodist Church on M-50, Lake Odessa, with interment in East Sebewa CARNEY, CATHERINE M. (KAY) DeWitt Age 87, died April 23, 1987 in Lansing. She was born in Vassar and grew up in Bay City.

A Detroit resident for more than 50 years, she moved to Dewitt in 1976. She was a member of St Jude Catholic Church. Beloved wife of the late James she is survived by her daughter, Catherine (Kitty) Marriott of DeWitt; 3 sons, James of Bridgman, John of Novi and Rev. Lawrence Carney, O.S.B. of Detroit; 10 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren.

The Mass of the Christian Burial will be Monday, 11 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church with The Rev. Lawrence Carney, O.S.B. and The Rev.

David M. Stotenbur as Concelebrants. Interment will be in DeWitt Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman DeWitt Chapel, where the Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m.

Sunday. Contributions appreciated to St Anne Church, Detroit Funerals Women Voters meeting today HILL, VIOLA A. (IRONS) Lansing Age 101, passed away April 22, 1987. Born March 7, 1886, she was a life long resident of Lansing and a graduate of Lansing High School, Class of 1908. She was a Charter Member and a primary benefactor of the Jenison Ave.

Church of God (now the West Lansing Church of God). Mrs. Hill had been a member of the Looking Glass River Chapel, Church of God for over 35 years prior to her passing. An avid gardener, she was a long time member of the Tri-County Organic Club. Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Herschel and Mary Kay Irons; grandson, Herschel Irons, step-daughters, Mrs.

Margaret Phil-lippi, Mrs. Alverta Crawford and Mrs. Agnes Bolds, all of Chicago, IL; cousins, Mrs. Mable Jackson and Mrs. Margaret Merchant both of Lansing; other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, 11:30 a.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman Lansing Chapel with The Rev. Linda Moffitt of Looking Glass River Chapel, Church of God, DeWitt, and The Rev. Dr. Sherrill D.

Hayes, Pastor of the Pennway Church of God, officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends may call at the Chapel beginning Saturday, 2 p.m. where the family will receive friends Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

Those desiring may make contributions to the Pennway Church of God Missions Fund in memory of Mrs. Hill. Patrick Babcock, Director of Social Services for the State of Michigan, will be the speaker. The public is invited to the program portion of the meeting. For more information, contact Barbara DeLeeuw at 882-4980.

Lansing State Journal The Lansing area League of Women Voters will hold its annual meeting from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the University Club of Michigan State University. TRUMBLE, WILHELMINA M. (BILLIE) 2620 Senate Dr.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, 11 a.m. at Olivet Baptist Church, 2215 E. Michigan, Lansing, with The Rev. Edgar L. Owens, Pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Those desiring may make contributions to Olivet Baptist Church in memory of Mrs. Trumble. ARMSTRONG, MELVIN V. 1515 Roseneath Age 88, died April 21, 1987.

Mr. Armstrong had been a resident of Lansing for 45 years and was a member of Trinity A.M.E. Church. He was a retiree of Oldsmobile Division of General Motors. Surviving are 1 son, James of Lansing; 1 daughter, Mrs.

Edith Hopson of Detroit; 1 sister, Blanche Armstrong of Farmington, MI; 5 grandchildren, James Jeffrey, Dorothy, Joyce, and Mar-lene; 4 nieces, Mrs. Mary (Eddie) Walker and Mrs. Louwillie Baugus, both of Lansing, Mrs. Ruth (Arthur) McFall of Columbia, TN and Mrs. Alice Daniel of Detroit; 2 nephews, James E.

and Howard, both of Detroit; a host of other nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 27, 1987 at Trinity A.M.E Church with Rev. E.L. Vann officiating.

Interment in Deepdale Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday night at the Riley Funeral Home from 6-7 p.m. Obituaries PATTERSON, MARIAN J. (PUG) Okemos Age 56, died April 22, 1987. Born February 27, 1931 in Fort Wayne, IN, Mrs.

Patterson is survived by her husband, Robert (Pat); a daughter, Mrs. Janet J. Parkhurst of Manitou Beach; son, Robert K. of Hudson; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother, Lawrence A. Austin of California; 2 aunts; 1 uncle; her many beloved friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, 2:30 p.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman East Chapel, East Lansing with The Rev. Alvin Barker officiating. Interment will be in East Lawn Memory Gardens. Friends may call at the Chapel beginning Saturday, 7 p.m.

The family will receive friends Saturday, 7-9 p.m. and Sunday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Michigan Heart Association. BUCKLEY, LEONTINE V. Charlotte Age 62, passed away April 23, 1987.

Miss Buckley was a lifelong resident of Eaton County. She was employed as a housekeeper and laun-dramat attendent She was a member of the Jackson Bible Student Association. She is survived by her mother, Hazel Buckley of Charlotte; 1 sister, Erna (Mrs. Wallace) Elias of Charlotte; 1 brother, Edgar (Marquetta) Buckley of Charlotte; 2 nephews, Nathan and Edgar, 4 nieces, Mary, Evelyn, Susan, and Ann. She was preceded in death by her father, Herman, in 1972 and her sister, Roselyn, in 1974.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 27 at 7 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. ARMSTRONG, MELVIN 88, of 1515 Roseneath retired Olds-mobile employee, died Tuesday. Services 11 a.m. Monday at Trinity A.M.E.

Church. Arrangements by Riley Funeral Home. BURNS, JOHN AUSTIN, 79, of Hubbardston, died Wednesday. Services 9 a.m. today at St Martin's Church, Perrinton.

Arrangements by Schnepp Funeral Home, Carson City. HILL, VIOLA A. (IRONS), 101, of Lansing, died Wednesday. Services 11:30 a.m. Monday at Gorsline-Runciman Lansing ChapeL KNOLL, NORMAN 24, of 1182 S.

Lacey Lake Road, Charlotte, died Friday. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. ORTA, GILBERT (SCOTTY), 6-year-old son of Gilbert and Karen Orta, of 213 Kalamazoo Woodbury, died Friday. Services 3 p.m. Monday at Lakewood United Methodist Church, Lake Odessa.

Arrangements by Mapes-Fisher Funeral Home, Sunfield. SELLHORN, FRANCES 88, of 2700 Burcham Drive, East Lansing, died Friday. Services 10 a.m. Monday at Gorsline-Runciman Lansing Chapel. SHAPPELL, GRACE 78, of 200 Friendship Circle, died Friday.

Services 2:30 p.m. Monday at Gorsline-Runciman Lansing Chapel. SIMMONS, GINA 68, of Indian Trail Crossing, Hersey, formerly of Grand Ledge, former Preston Grocery and Log Jam Inn employee, died Thursday. Services 11 a.m. Monday at St Michael's Church.

Arrangements by Holihan Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. SIMMONS, GINA E. Indian Trail Crossing Hersey Formerly of Grand Ledge Mrs. Simmons, age 68, passed away April 23, 1987 in Reed City. She had been a life long Grand Ledge resident until 3 years ago.

She was formerly employed at Preston Grocery and the Log Jam Inn. She is survived by her husband, William; son, Gary and wife, Doris of Leslie: 3 SHIPSKI, THERESA G. Lansing Funeral services will be held Saturday, 11:30 a.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman Lansing Chapel. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions to the Arthritis Foundation, Michigan Chapter or to Emanuel First Lutheran Church in memory of Mrs. Shipski. For Paid Obituary Notices, Call 377-11 04 Memoriams and Cards of Thanks appear in Classification 067 in the Classified section..