On January 26, 1991, 12 year old Tiffany and her 15 year old step-sister, Amy, had gone out together. Brad, her 11 year old brother, was waiting for their return home. He was watching for them form the front window of their father's home on Libby Road.

Earlier that day, Joe Flanik, a 28 year old postal worker, had started to do what he usually does a couple times a week, tie one on. He had a few drinks here and a few drinks there. He then picked up a twelve pack of beer and headed for the race track. By the time he reached the race track, he was feeling pretty good. So, of course, he had a few more.

As Brad looked out the window in horror, Joe Flanik met Tiffany Clawson in a crosswalk of Libby Road. Tiffany's 5' 91 pound body was thrown over the hood of his station wagon and onto the luggage rack on the roof. Joe thought someone threw a stone at his car! More than 300 feet later, with Amy's screams in his ears, Tiffany's leg on the windshield, her father running after him, and a patrolman (who had seen the accident) in pursuit, Joe stopped the car. Flanik's blood alcohol level by now was 0.193, almost twice the legal limit.

Vi and Don Riester, Tiffany's grandparents, were in shock upon hearing the news. This couldn't have happened to Tiffany, not one of their grandchildren! WHY!!!

You remember Vi! She worked in our local office for 19 years. She was always helpful, always friendly, ran the office with peak efficiency. Do you remember Don from our local golf outings? He was always smiling and friendly. Why did this happen to them?

In early November, Joe Flanik was convicted of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide. He'll get 3 to 10 years in prison and probably be out on parole in a year and a half. Vi, Don, Tiffany's mom and dad, her sisters Jennifer, Amy and brother Brad, and the rest of the family and friends, they get life!!! In a pre-sentencing letter to the Judge, from Vi and Don, they wrote "we're not seeking revenge, but Justice." Was justice done in this case? Under the law, yes. In reality? You be the judge!

What about those people who supplied Foe with his alcohol? By the time he reached the race track, he was well on his way to a 0.193 blood alcohol level. What about the place where he bought his 12 pack of beer? What about all the people he came in contact with? What would you have said or done? Is Joe the only one accountable? I guess the important questions now are; The next time you , a loved one, or a friend drinks, who will drive? The next time you see a car weaving in and out and across lanes, what will you do about it? The next time....?

This year, during the Holidays, please remember Tiffany and her family in your prayers. Christmas won't be the same without Tiffany.

If Wishes Came True

By: Tiffany

All alone, silence fills my room.
But in a memory I hear you calling me.
Close my eyes and I am there with you.
Like it was yesterday and then it fades away.
Take me back, turn back the hands of time.
When you kissed me in the warm September rain.
Back before my heart was filled with pain.
If only we could be in love like that again.
If wishes came true.

The Crash

Remembering Tiffany

Tiffany and her Family

I’ll Lend You a Little Time