A portion of Old SR 15 will be closing for good on Friday. Kosciusko County Highway Department Engineer Scott Tilden made the announcement to the county commissioners this morning.

The area of Old SR 15 from North Street to the Elkhart County Line will be closed to all traffic as the area is prepared for a $30 million state-of-the-art fertilizer processing plant. The deal was finalized in December. (See full story)

The short stretch of road will be permanently closed to all through traffic on Friday, meaning no more access to U.S. 6 from Old SR 15. Tilden said they will monitor semi traffic in that area to determine if signage will be necessary.

In other business, Kosciusko County Clerk Jason McSherry asked for the commissioners approval of a $9,500 vendor contract for technical support for the county’s voting machines. The contract means the county would receive software upgrades and maintenance. “If we choose not to pay, it could $12,000 instead of $9,500 if something went wrong,” explained McSherry. The commissioners agreed and the contract was approved.

McSherry took the opportunity this morning to also thank the commissioners and all elected officials for their cooperation with him in his role as county clerk. McSherry announced last week he will be resigning the position effective March 8. (See story)

“I think you’ve brought confidence to that office and re-established that things are done right and I appreciate that,” commissioner Bob Conley told McSherry. McSherry was quick to recognize his staff for their competence and hard work.

Kosciusko County Assistant Planner Matt Sandy informed the commissioners that the county has received its 5-year certification for rating services. In short, it means flood insurance policies in the county may qualify for 10 percent discounts.

County commissioners are Conley, Ron Truex and Brad Jackson.