The Star Press from Muncie, Indiana • Page 2

THE MUNC PAGE 2 f. STAR. WEDNESDAY. MARCH 1, 1989 House. OKs 60-mph for Trades Indiana Ranks Low in Environment Study amendment to House Bill 2016.

The bill now eligible for a final vote In the House. Kiely argued strongly Monday eight a puns a bill that would have raised the truck speed limit to 65 mph. He said that would amount to giving in to independent truckers who boycotted Hoos-ler truck stops last summer to protest tie 1988 law that lowered the truck speed limit to 55 mph and raised diesel fuel taxes. 'Last night, we let some frustrations out," said Kiely. "I think we showtd the House can be firm when it comes to an inappro A Day Before, It Said No to 65 mph By DOUG RICHARDSON INDIANAPOLIS Tie Indiana House, a Cay after defeating a proposal to raise the truck speed limit by 10 mph, voted Tuesday night to increase the speed limit for large trucks to 60 mph from 55 on rural Interstate highways.

The House voted 74-25 for the proposal offered by Rep. Patrick J. Kiely, R-Anderson, as an Indiana as quickly as possible a commissioner for the IDEM, which currently is under the leadership of an acting bead. Orwck said the report, which is based on information from a variety of state, federal and private sources, shows Indiana's "current state solid waste management policies are non-existent" The League called for increased legislative funding to battle environmental problems, but gave no figure when asked what they would consider adequate. They also called on Bayh and members of the Indiana General Assembly to work together in making the environment a top priority for Indiana government "An adequate appointment of an IDEM commissioner and adequate funding in this biennal budget for the Department of Environmental Management programs would be a good place to start," said Patricia Carey, president of the state organization, in a statement Among statistics included in the report Induaa ccumulitad points (or Male procrunt toi poltctei on forot muufmeot, Jifir topped by only ui Mite.

Indiana was one of IliUtet to Ktonly 1 poinu for tolid im rcdueuoo and reeyrluif. and ont of II Hate to (et tot fore marks io dnnkini vater protection. Indiana received 4 points (or Ks Itilr proframs on anercjr, water, solid waste and land use, a ftfurt matched by 14 staid and ifhrr than that of bum other state. A representative of the Homier EnvtronmeA-Ul Council, wtucfe Includes several enwoenvn-Ul orianuauons, said It was concerned with some methodolcr osed by Renew America Is Compiling the report "Tber needs to be more Input solicited from the environmental community in cooosinf the parameters to be studied by Renew Amrrva," ssid Jeffrey Slant "For example, one of toe previous studies used highway safety as a major program area by which states were compared. Certainly the environmentsllsta in Indiana would not consider highway safety to be an environmental issue of primary concern," Slant said.

By HANK tOWENKRON Akwcwied Piwi INDIANAPOLIS Indiana ranked 41st in a national environmental survey released Tuesday, prompting several organizations to call for rapid action to improve the state's performance. Only six states ranked lower than Indiana in a report released by Renew America, a Washingtoo-based environmental group. The report rated each state's performance in forest management, sobd waste recycling, drinking water, food safety, growth and the environment The Indiana League of Women Voters, Audubon Society and Hoos-ier Environmental Council held a Statehouse news conference to respond to the survey. Ranking 41st in the country, not having a commissioner or adequate funding for the IDEM Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and no solid waste management policies are just a few indications of real environmental policy problems in this state," said Bonnie Orvick, natural resources coordinator for the League. The report rated states on a scale of 1 to 10 on the five environmental areas.

California had the best score, with 42 points, while Indiana had 15 points. Only Nevada, Arkansas, South Dakota, Utah, Tennessee and Louisiana had lower scores. "The report, through evaluation of the issues and comparisons of state programs, has found Indiana lacking in the policies and programs needed to address these environmental issues," Orvick said. The groups called on the Legislature and governor to accelerate the search for solutions to Indiana's environmental problems. They suggested that Gov.

Evan Bayh appoint The State 1 Jh t-'C mrr ir -it priate way of bringing legislation to this body. "I'm willing at this point to extend the olive branch to show that we do listen," he said. 1 think we need to reach a compromise." Under the Kiely amendment, trucks over 25,000 pounds could travel 69 mph on the more than 800 miles of rural interstate in Indiana. The -amendment would also set a minimum speed of 50 mph for all vehicles on most stretches of interstate. Cars and small trucks would continue under the present 65 I 'V' Handy Helper elected to the House at age 18, but I cant see any reason why a person who is 18 can't be a candidate," Rep.

Stephen Moberly, R-Shelby-ville, said. The minimum age for Senate members is 25. Indiana's voting age is 18. "The 18-year-old today is better qualified to vote than his parents were at 18," Rep. Richard Dellin-ger, R-Noblesville, said.

"If an 18-ycar-old is qualified, voters will elect an 18-year-old. Ii not, they won't." Rep. Rolland Webber, D-Ander-son, raised a question. "Let's assume this passes and an 18-year-old is elected to the House," Webber said. "Will he be able to get drink at a legislative reception?" 1 ii -t ROM STAif ANO WWE W.

PORTS Gerald and Nina Williams took advantage of the supplies while her husband furnished the Tuesday's sunny weather to clean windows at elbow grease, their home in Farmland. Mrs. Williams furnished If 18-Year-Olds Can Vote, They Can Be Lawmakers Too mph speed limit for rural iote r-states. Rep. Dean Mock.

R-EkharL spoke against the Kiely amendment, arguing that it would cost the state money to install signs informing motorists of the varied speed limits. Mock, the sponsor of the speed 'limit bill defeated Monday, said be couldnt understand why lawmakers would oppose his bill but favor Kiely's proposaL don't think 5 miles an hour makes a nickel's worth of difference," said Mock. l. i i i Star Photo by Kyle Evens Brinkman replied: "I dont think anyone is voting against this bill fearing that a sober legislator would be a bad thing." Rep. Mitchell Harper, R-Fort Wayne, recalled that he was first elected in 1977 at the age of 22.

"We have to trust voters to make the right selection," Harper said. Among East Central Indiana legislators, only Reps. Hurley Good-all, D-Muncie, and Tracy Boat-Wright, D-Marion, voted against the resolution. "Ii I had my way, I'd vote for the minimum age for military service to be 21," Goodall told The Star. "Young people should be allowed to be young people.

We push our kids too much, too fast." section of the brain would be a more effective way to ensure an offender didnt go through the same thought processes that led to the crime. Lawmakers laughed during her presentation, and Bowser, who delivered her argument with an expressionless face, broke into a wide smile when she returned to ber seat She later told reporters she offered the amendment to make the bill so objectionable no one would vote for it Rep. Richard Worden, New Haven, scolded lawmakers for making fun of his bill and the proposed amendments. "Rape and child molesting are very, very serious crimes," be said. "I ask you to get back to the serious." East Central Indiana Today Blarkfohl County 7 pm Blackford County Council, county courthouse Fire Destroys Dunkirk Home; Smoke Alarms Save 3 Lives By tAUBA IONG DUNKIRK.

Ind. Dunkirk fire investigators Tuesday were probing the cause of a blaze that ruined a rural, one-story Blackford County home. Fire broke out about 2.20 a m. at Von Kesler's home. 3236 S.

Blackford County Road 60O-E. according to Dunkirk Fire Chief Mike Flowers. Flowers said firefighters were investigating the cause of the fire. He said the flames started near a fuse box in the garage. "This is a case where smoke detectors saved three lives," Flowers said.

The smoke alarms woke Kesler, bis wife, Jeanie and their son. Flowers said. When they heard the alarm. Flowers said that Kesler opened the garage door and saw the walls on fire. The blaze damaged the phone lines and Kesler was unable to call the fire department.

Flowers said. Mrs. Kesler drove to the Dunkirk police station about 8 miles away after failing to wake two neighbors to call for help. Flowers said. When firefighters arrived, the blare was shooting from the roof, be said.

Flowers said the blaze destroyed an antique car that was parked in the garage and most of the home. Exterior walls and parts of the roof were erect, but the rest of the home was ruined, be said. Hartford City firefighters assisted the Dunkirk fire department. There were no injuries in the fire. Statehouse Update INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Here are major Mis acted on Tuesday, the 35th working day of the 106th Indiana General Assembly.

Beer Baron House Btll 2055 Would permit breweries to establish exclusive territories for beer distribution. Sponsored by Rep. Marc Carrm-cfiaei. D-Muncie. (Approved 60-40 by House, goes to Senate Prostitution Senate BH 87 Would expand definition of prostitution to include sexual stimulation without physical contact.

Sponsored by Sen. Joseph Corcoran, R-Seymour. (Failed by 25-24 vote to gam a constitutional majority needed tor Anal passage, can be recalled for later vote Wrongful Death B. 1383 Would permit sum-ves to sue for damages after the wrongful death of an unmarried aduft without dependents. Sponsored by Rep.

Micnael Dvorak, D-Granger. (Approved 69-30 by House, goes to Senate Oild Care B. 1682 Would give families wrtti annual incomes under $40,000 tax credits tor child care. Sponsored by Rep. Vaneta Becker, R-Evansville.

(Approved 990 by House, goes to Senate Credit Reporting B. 204 Would require companies to disclose to Hoosiers that they are collecting and selling credit ana personal background information. Sponsored by Sen. Robert f. HeJimann.

D-Tene Haute. (Failed by 25-24 vote to get constitutional maionty needed tor Anal passage, can be recalled for later vote I Taxes SB. 355 Would rase the mdivdual state income tax exemption from $1,000 to $1,250. Sponsored by Sen. Lawrence Borst, R-mdianapolis.

(Approved 29-20 by Senate, goes to House.) Health Care 375 Would appropriate $20 miihon annoaity over the next 2 years for home health care tor the etderfy and disabled. Sponsored by Sen. Virginia Blank en baker. -Indianapolis. (Approved 46-2 by Senate, goes to House Bill Strongly Opposed By BRIAN FRANCISCO Star Siaft Reporter INDIANAPOLIS The Indiana House voted Tuesday to lower the minimum age requirement for its members.

By a 79-21 vote, the House approved a resolution for dropping the minimum age for state representatives from 21 to 18. Because the measure calls for a constitutional amendment, it will require a voters referendum. "We should do all we can to people to be encourage young interested and involved in the political system," said the author of the measure. Rep. Joyce Brinkman, R-Indianapolis.

"I dont know if anyone will be Sex Offender By DOUG RICHARDSON AiiOwiw) Pres Writer INDIANAPOLIS Lawmakers rejected two proposed amendments to a controversial castration bill Tuesday night, leaving the Indiana House ready to vote on a measure to permit the suspension of jail sentences of some sex offenders who volunteer to be castrated. House Bill 1299 is now eligible for a final vote in the 100-member legislative chamber, where many members predict the bill will be defeated. During a brief debate Tuesday night, lawmakers turned down on a voice vote an amendment that would have made suspension of a sex offender's jail sentence optional but not mandatory, if the offender underwent voluntary surgical castration. As approved by a House committee, the measure calls for the suspension of the jail term for a convicted rapist, child molester or criminal deviate who submitted voluntary to castration. Later on an 80-U vote, lawmakers rejected an amendment that a Jay County Prosecutor Picks Two Assistants PORTLAND, Ind.

Jay County Prosecutor Robert Clamme appointed two attorneys Tuesday to assist him in handling criminal matters. George Lopez was appointed chief deputy prosecutor and Carlton Brumfield was appointed deputy prosecutor. Both appointments are effective March 6. Affiliated with the Portland law firm Hinkle Racster, Lopez will share felony and misdemeanor cases with Clamme in Jay Circuit and Superior Courts. Lopez replaces Joel D.

Roberts, who was appointed Jay Superior Court Judge last year by former Gov. Robert Orr. Brumfield is affiliated with the Muncie firm of his father, John Brumfield, and will handle criminal non-support actions, support cases and all matters involving aid to families with dependent children. Portland attorney Phillip Young was previously deputy prosecutor and is now Jay Circuit Court pauper attorney. Gamme also announced that Connie Southworth would be hired as a part-time secretary to assist Brumfield.

Southworth, who also is Salamonia clerk-treasurer, joins full-time secretary Carol Hedges and investigator Curt Compton. Middletown Mao Satisfactory After Accident PENDLETON, Ind. A Middletown man was listed in satisfactory condition at St John's Hospital in Anderson Tuesday after the car be was driving struck a wrecked pick-up truck, which had hit a cow. Ronald Lane, 41, of Middletown, suffered head and neck injuries after the car he was driving rear-ended a pick-up truck driven by Gary J. Perrin, 34, Middletown, according to a state police officer.

Perrin was westbound on U.S. 36 near Madison County Road 400-E, about 6 a.m. Wednesday when his truck struck a cow that was in the road, police said. Lane apparently did not see the accident in front of him before bis car struck Perrin's pick-up truck, police said. Both the pick-up truck and car were total losses, police said.

Perrin was not hurt, but the cow sustained several injuries, police said. Anderson Home Heavily Damaged by Fire ANDERSON, Ind. An Anderson borne was heavily damaged by fire Tuesday evening. Items piled on top of an extension cord caused the blaze that broke out in a utility room about 6 p.m. Anderson Fire Battalion Chief Don Haynes said.

Terrill Daniel who rents the bouse located at 552 Andover Drive, from Bill Campbell, was not at home when the fire started, Haynes said. A kitchen, adjacent to the utility room and a den were destroyed in the fire, Haynes said. The remainder of the 1-story home was heavily damaged by beat and smoke. He estimated the damage to be about 13,000. Anderson firefighter Dave Sokol suffered cuts from fighting the fire.

He was being treated at Anderson Community Hospital, Hudnut announced Monday a task force would look at ways to reduce and improve city and county government The task force would report to him in about months, be said. "No agency or division of city or county government or municipal corporations should be sacrosanct when it comes to looking at them with an open mind," Hudnut said. SerVaas prompted Monday's announcement when be said last week he would support a county income tax that Hudnut wanted if the mayor would consider streamlining local government Hearing Set for Trooper Who Had Affair With Informant INDIANAPOLIS An Indiana State Police trooper who admitted having sex with a female informant faces a bearing next week on six misconduct charges, authorities said. A bearing for Trooper Michael Kolls was set for March 9 before a state police hearings officer, Supt Lloyd Jennings said Monday. The charges include misconduct, violations of personnel rules and giving false statements under oath, said Jennings, who will decide whether Kolls should be disciplined.

Kolls, 36, could be fired. The charges stem from Kolls relationship with Kimberly Sue Sweet, 26, who helped convict ber uncle, Harrison Eugene Wells, of burglary. Wells, 48, of Shelbyville. was arrested April 1988, when be and Sweet broke into Newman Supply Co. of Greensburg.

14-Year-Old Accidentally Shot at Grandmother's Home MADISON, Ind. A 14-year-old boy accidentally was shot and killed with a 12-gauge shotgun while playing with the weapon at the home of another youth's grandmother, authorities said. Clarence Matthew McKay died instantly about 6 30 p.m. Monday at the home near Brooksburg, the Jefferson County sheriff's department said. Goodall Slakes Amends With Task Force STAR STAFF REPORT INDIANAPOLIS Rep.

Hurley Goodall, D-Muncie, said he once was called a male chauvinist for canceling an appearance before a small women's group to address a larger audience. Goodall's rebuttal came this week. The Indiana House approved bis bill to establish a statewide sexual harassment task force. The House vote Monday was 98-1 The bill goes next to the Senate for consideration. "It is not an enforcement mechanism, it is an education process," Goodall said Tuesday.

"I think that is the proper way to do it now Goodall's bill would set up a 21-member task force to compile research on sexual harassment and to educate the public about ways to combat the problem. The task force would "educate employers, employees and the general public as to what-sexual harassment is," Goodall said. Fifteen members of the task force would be appointed by the governor, and would represent various organizations and groups, including those involved with women's issues, nursing, civil rights and teaching. Four members would be appointed by the House and two would be named by the Senate. Prostitution Bill Changes Fail would have removed castration as the alternative punishment for sex offenders and replaced it with frontal lobotomy.

Rep. Anita Bowser, D-Michi-gan City, argued that removing a Corcoran has said the bill was intended to help authorities prosecute cases involving prostitution-oriented activities that do not involve direct physical contact "I've been in the Legislature for 15 yean and I have yet to see a bill that would put someone in jail for what they're thinking. But this bill puts someone in jail for what someone else may be thinking," be said. The Senate also approved and sent to the House a bill that would raise the individual state income tax exemption from 81,000 to $1,250 and another measure that would provide 840 million over the 2 two years for home health care for the elderly and disabled. By FRAN RICHARDSON INDIANAPOLIS A bill that would expand the definition of prostitution failed in the Indiana Senate on Tuesday but Could be revived for another vote.

Sen. Joseph V. Corcoran, R-Seymour, said he had not decided whether to ask for reconsideration of Senate Bill 87, which failed 25-24. Bills in the Senate must receive at least 25 votes to win approval SB. 87 would include in the definition of prostitution any paid "live act that stimulates or is intended to stimulate another person to masturbate while in the presence of the person performing the live act".