Kosciusko County Commissioners heard an update on the Northern Indiana Lakes Festival at today’s regular meeting. The two-day festival was held June 9-10.

There were more than 2,000 children and adults who attended the festival and over 100 organizations and businesses made contributions. A survey of attendees indicated there is an overall increase in interest and knowledge of lakes and water after attending the fourth annual festival.

“It was a great success,” said Dr. Nate Bosch of Kosciusko Lakes and Streams, which does research and education. “We want to teach people the value of the lakes and how to take care of them.”

This year, the festival also had a lakes and agriculture forum. “We want to help the environmental community, so we brought both groups together,” explained Bosch.

Bosch noted that 45 sponsors and supporters contributed cash and in-kind donations. There were 19 non-profit and education booths, 14 business booths, and six food vendors.

In other news, a bid from McDonald Machinery, Fort Wayne, was accepted for a new backhoe for the highway department. With a $15,500 trade-in, the cost of the new backhoe is $84,333. Two weeks ago three bids were submitted for the new backhoe

A temporary road closure was approved. CR 150W from SR 15 to CR 200S will be closed from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, for Walnut Creek Church’s activities that day.

A contract with South Bend engineering company RW Armstrong was approved for phase five of the Western Route Project. The one and a half mile expansion is from Zimmer Road to CR 350W and is expected to be completed by next spring.

Commissioners also heard a presentation from Jerry Frost, president of Frost Engineering, Mishawaka. The company does bridge inspections and repairs and storm water management for counties and businesses.

Commissioners are president Bob Conley, Brad Jackson, and Ron Truex. The next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, at the county courthouse in Warsaw.