Kosciusko County will more than likely not receive federal assistance due to a Nov. 17 storm. Kosciusko County Emergency Management Director Ed Rock broke the news to the county commissioners this morning.

Rock said, “The odds are against us for that federal declaration” in regards to the Nov. 17 storms and tornadoes that moved through the county. (See related) There must be a federal declaration in order for Federal Emergency Management Agency to set up assistance.

Rock said while there were many structures, businesses or residences destroyed or damaged, the county did not meet the criteria for assistance, based on what Rock said he has seen so far. According to him, 11 structures were destroyed, 16 had major damages, five had minor damage and two additional structures were affected.

“It’s not consistent for a storm like that,” Rock said. “State-wide, we did not meet the uninsured loss for a federal declaration.”

Three significant areas “got hammered,” said Rock. Those areas had three tornadoes move through, while other areas had significant wind damage. (See also:
NWS: EF-2 Tornado Struck Kosciusko County
NWS Confirms Second Tornado Struck Kosciusko)

In other business, George Fish of Warsaw, an Air Force veteran, was named December’s Veteran of the Month.

Fish joined the Air Force in August 1963. In 1965, he was sent to Korea, where he oversaw an orphanage for 13 months. Fish also spent time in Spain, France and Alaska while in the service. “I have many fond memories,” he said of his time in the service, especially in Korea.

George Fish was named December’s Veteran of the Month at county commissioners today. Fish, a Warsaw resident, is an Air Force veteran. (Photo by Phoebe Muthart)

The commissioners also announced that a speed limit ordinance was approved for a portion of West Lake Street in Warsaw. The speed limit will be 45 mph near Fox Farm Road. Also, a 1965 rock crusher was deemed as surplus equipment.

In addition, 20 roads will be accepted into the county’s road maintenance inventory. Based on the state road inventory map, some roads did not match up to the county’s list. Therefore, 11 roads previously accepted years ago will now be maintained by the highway department. Nine roads accepted at Tuesday’s meeting will also start receiving road maintenance.

County attorney Mike Miner said a bond for Trupointe in Milford has been issued, meaning funds are available to the county to get reimbursed at any time for work to the new facility.

The next meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. Commissioners are president Ron Truex, Brad Jackson and Bob Conley.