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Show DAVIS DECEMBER 18, 1985 REFLEX-JOURNA- Davis ltflcvJoiiriial Published weekly by Clipper Publishing Co. Inc. 96 South Main, Bountiful, Utah 84010 Weekly newspapet published at Layton Utah every Wednesday terest ot Davis County and colonies formed by former residents Address a'l Subscription correspondence in the in- to 197 North Main Layton, Utah 84041 $6 50 per year, mailed in county $750 per rote 25 per copy year outside John Stahle, Jr. Pres Manager Vice President Lucile S. Stahle Noel C. Stahle Tom Busselberg Keith Duncan Martin Lee Advertising Manager Editor Sports Reporter Production Manager 544 9133 Gains eagle EFdDlPimilDD A special Eagle court of Honor was held Oct. 20 to honor and present the Eagle Scout award to Bruce Ray McFarland, son of Bruce and Barbara McFarland, a sophomore at Davis High School. the community might be informed about the behind the scenes of daily life, we present the Forum, in hope of aiding a more intelligent decision That Is it trim taxes or cut programs? DHS although two legislators stressed doubt that would take place. Its certainly not favored, Sen. Jack Bangerter, said, adding, though, that taking funds from the flood reserve may not be the answer. Davis County is more at risk than most in the state" from stressed. flooding. Sen. Dona Wayment, IF THE cut were made, Davis Schools could lose up to $1.4 million Dr. Welling said. Erosion of tax dollars is continuing from several sources, he explained. The cost of collecting taxes keeps rising, from under $200,000 four years ago to upwards of $750,000 for the coming year. Thanks to redevelopment projects in several county cities, $5.8 million taxable property is removed, costing the district $250,000, he said. Continued from front page chance would I, or my family have if we are returned?" Mr. Erasmus asked the judge. "I AM a Christian, white, and that would eliminate some state and local tax deductions would cut dramatically into education dollars while utility franchise taxes are taking an bite, up to nearly $80,000 last year, he continued. Board Member Ray Briscoe called the districts teacher career ladder program a model and said quality is occur-inbecause of it. Additional funding is being proposed for that program. er g Weber, cautioned Im REP. HENRY Dickamore, not sure we can predict reform" has actually occurred. The veteran educator said the secondary change to the eight period schedule was mandated by increased graduation credit requirements, for instance. Students actually have less contact w ith teachers as the ratio has increased drastically in high schools, he said, adding ACT and other test results won't be available for three-fou- r years to help determine impact on students. w hen it Had mind made up Continued from front page ited States. There was absolutely no chance of ever returning to Rhodesia. I had been a member of the Rhodesian Army and had fought the Terrorists just prior to the takeover of that country." (Rhodesia is now known as Zimbabwe and is governed by the Mugabe Government, Mr. Erasmus believes to be controlled b the Marxists.) THE ERASMUS Family has lived in Bountiful and Farmington for the past five years. They now own a lovely home in Farmington and Mr. Erasmus has a business in Bountiful. Their three children are being educated in the Davis School District. All we want is to live here (Farmington), raise our family and be free of the fear that has been over our heads for so many years, said Mr. Erasmus. But what does the future offer us now? We cant return to our native country (Rhodesia) without constant fear for the safety of our entire family. WE ARE literally a family with- out a country." Mr. Erasmus then paused to gather his thoughts. THINK of the Statue of Liberit stands for - freeand hope for a better dom, justice life. But we don't seem to fit in, he said with tear-fille- d eyes. I ty - of what In have to do with my circumstances, asked the man now without well-found- a country. (Read more about the controversies that exist in this publicly disputed court hearing in Gary's Column, below.) BUT WHAT does any of this -- Garys Opinion No justice here! By GARY R. BLODGETT News Editor FARMINGTON Last week was Human Rights' Week and next week is Christmas. But neither means much to the Lucas Erasmus Family of Farmington. That other relatives were members of the Rhodesian Defensive Force and now reside in South Africa. PROBLEM areas must be prioritized and decisions made, Mrs. Wayment said, emphasizing the money just isnt there" for everything desired. Defending legislators efforts thatve included having to make up for lost federal funds in many areas, she said further, we need to build on the basis of what were Teachers perform well despite the state's 50th ranking comes to funds allocated per pupil, she added. That conditions are not such that a white man can claim a fear of persecution, simply based upon former military against the black guerillas. it HE REFERRED to a letter from the United States State Department urging the petition (for asylum) be denied based on some of the following opinions: pupil-teach- er doing." and that w hites now serve in parliament and cabinet seats. THAT WHITE Zimbabweans are found at all levels in social and official life and that many white serve in the local army, even at high levels. I fought the 18 for years during m guerrillas stay in Rhodesia. Now I, with mv family, have been singled out as being of the opposition group and could never return to that countrv without constant fear of death. Mr. Erasmus said he is stunned with the decision" but admitted that he felt that the decision was made before the hearing began and may have been politically motivated. PROPOSALS ever-larg- A SPECIAL thanks to his scoutmasters Bert Margetts and Mr. Anderson for their many hours of help and encouragement. is publicly know n that such action. city-impos- P F amily loses asylum, bid HAVE really serious concerns about the direction redevelopment is going. I think its not entirely honest in the way its handled, the superintendent said. Cities fund just about whatever they want through it, he added. Calling talk of tax credits a potential means of eroding money available for education, Dr. Welling urged legislators strongly avoid "CLOSE-UP- " STUDENTS I to Close-UFoundation Participating in the week-lonseminar in Washington, D.C., recently were several Davis High School students, accompanied by teacher Michael Gardner, far right. Visiting with Rcpr. James Hansen, were Lisa Leonard, left. Kristy Campbell. Denyce Thompson, DeAnn Gricgo and Stephanie Hess. Students visited the Capital and its historic landmarks but also were introduced first hand to many aspects of government, including visits with congressional leaders. g Cont. from page one HE IS on the sophomore football team and a member of the debate team. He also enjoys fishing, hunting, reading and skiing. Bishop Gordon Bates presented the Eagle Scout award. For his Eagle service project he organized the Primary Hospital penny drive with members of his scout troop helping. I VISITED with the Erasmus Family over the weekend. Their Christmas tree in the living room stands bare of ornaments or decorations. I just can't get in the mood for Christmas, said Koekie, mother of three children, one of them in the LDS Missionary Training Center for the LDS Church in Provo. THAT THE Erasmus Family are bearers of South African Passports which have expired and they have no intention of renewing them. That the civil war in the former country of Rhodesia is now' ended VHS Choral Concert set Thursday IT SEEMS like the entire world has caved in on us. We pray every day, but what do we have to live for? What do we have to hope for? she asks. Lucas and Koekie were sealed to each other in 1975 in the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City. They traveled halfway around the world to have this experience the way from the South African country of Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe. The Viewmont Choral Department will present its annual Christmas Concert on Thursday evening, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the VHS THEY RETURNED to Rhodesia and the next five years were good years it was evident that the Mugabe Government was about to overthrow their country. Lucas had publicly spoken out against the then gderrilla forces and was an officer in the Rhodesian Army fighting the terrorist group. His activities placed him and his family atop the hit list of the guerrilla forces. auditorium. THE POPULAR concert will feature such favorites as White The First Noel, Christmas, and The Halleluiah Chorus from the Messiah. Viewmont choirs have had a very busy season this year, performing in 35 locations along the Wasatch Front since Dec. 1. This concert will conclude a successful and rewarding season. Ticket prices are $2 for adults. $1 for students and $7 for families. KOEKIES SISTER suffered a bombing that left her home in shambles. A cousin was killed by the terrorists and only a few months ago another cousin was shot in the back as he left the city courthouse. The Erasmus Family constantly had their lives threatened. Now, because of a fluke ruling by a district Immigration Department judge from Denver, the Erasmus Family is facing deportation to their homeland. THE JUDGE, Jesse Sellers, said the conflict in that country had ended. That whites were accepted into high government positions and that there is no indication that retaliation will be taken upon those who had previously fought the guerrillas. His decision was based largely on a letter from the United States Department of State. YET GET this the same State DeHuman Rights Practices for 1984 solely about activities in this foreign country which are directly in conflict with the letter. It states, among many other things, as many as 7,000 persons were killed by the Zimbabweans during the first six months -- - -- - partment published a 1984 following the overthrow. Thousands more were detained without a trial. in maximum security IT FURTHER states that several hundred more were killed in attacks upon their homes; and hundreds died becuase of excessive torture. Judge Jesse Sellers and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services strongly support the decision rendered. They say it was fair and just and that there was no political implications. I WOULDNT bet on it! Job Corp student He displays Christmas spirit Michael Thompson, a student at Clearfield Job Corps Center, displays a caring and sharing attitude toward others around hint, especially appropriate at this Christmas season. year-ol- d Ogden's Danny Ravenberg, 1985 Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. Poster Child. Michael talked with Danny and his father and asked questions about the disease, and about research to find a cure. i CARING, SHARING Job Corpsman. Michael Thompson, left, has 1985 Miiscular "adopted Danny Ravcnberg, Ogden's Poster Child. Clearfield Sys-troph- t y STUDENTS from the Job Coips Ranger Program reccntl volunteered to help with the Jerry Lewis Telethon held in Rivet dale. At the time, Michael was a Ranger and had been assigned to help escort guests and answer phones. It was during Michaels 10 minute break that he had the chance to meet 8- - WHEN MICHAEL'S eyes met Dannys that day, an instant re- lationship was formed, and Michael saw Danny as someone there to help in whatever way he could. Michael began visiting Danny at his home in Ogden, in the evenings and that special relation t ship has grown. Michael often takes Danny out in his wheelchair for a stroll around the block, and they enjoy playing games together, watching TV and playing video games on the family computer. Danny has a very short attention span, so he and Michael do a lot of different things together. Michael says that Danny always seems to be happy and has a smile on his face. ABOUT 30 minutes before Michael leaves, he gets Danny ready for bed, although Danny al ways wants Michael to stay and spend the night with him, a Job Corps news release says. Michael has enjoyed working with Danny so much he has applied to work at a camp that helps kids like Danny. AS A young boy himself, Michael did not have much of a family life, so he relishes the feeling of being part of Dannys family, at least patf of the time. The caring and sharing has helped two young people develop a relationship that they hope will last for vears. |