Mentone Town Marshal Jim Eads, left, swears in new Deputy Marshal Sam Bohnke.

MENTONE — The town of Mentone welcomed Sam Bohnke as the new Deputy Marshal during the Mentone Town Council held on Monday, April 3.

The council recently held an executive session to interview three applicants for the deputy marshal position. The official decision was held until last night’s meeting. It was noted that Bohnke has served as a reserve officer for six years and in that time the town has received no complaints about him. The board approved the hiring of Bohnke for the position and welcomed him aboard.

“I think that six years shows he does have commitment to the community,” said council member Tim Croy.

The board approved two more motions regarding Bohnke’s hiring. An hourly wage was approved as well as a start date of today, April 4. After Bohnke successfully completes academy training the board will reevaluate his pay. Mentone Town Marshal Jim Eads officially swore in Bohnke directly after the meeting.

Quotes were obtained to install a portion of fencing where a building previously stood, near Wayne Baker’s building. The board approved a quote of $1,100 to install fencing so that no one can enter the area. The hope is to have the fencing installed before Mentone Days.

Shelly Kruger, council member, announced that the opening day for the farmer’s market will be May 13. The market will be held in the Subway parking lot every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon. In order to participate, vendors need to fill out a form. There is no application fee. To fill out a form, contact Kruger at (574 )606-7549 or email [email protected]. Forms can also be filled out the day of the market.

In other news:

• The board approved a bid of $5,225 to replace two portions of sidewalk on Main and Morgan streets. The hope is to have the work completed around June.
• The big trash pickup day will be held on May 17. A list of acceptable items is available at the clerk’s office.
• Utilities Superintendent Josh Shepherd received a quote to redo the lane going back to the treatment plant. So far, only one quote has been received for $16,500. The board approved using money from the paving fund once more quotes are received.