In front from left are Bob Conley, Brad Jackson and Marsha McSherry. In back is Ron Truex.

WARSAW — During a meeting of the Kosciusko County Commissioners on Tuesday, April 18, Kosciusko Area Bus Service General Manager Robert Cunningham voiced concerns over the company’s struggle with a driver shortage.

Cunningham stated KABS has continued to grow despite struggling with a driver shortage. Cunningham stated they are already short three drivers and soon to be short an additional one.

Cunningham mentioned that within the next two weeks, KABS will be forced to refuse more individuals who need rides due to the shortage.

The commissioners unanimously approved the KABS quarterly INDOT voucher request.

Ed Rock, of the Kosciusko County Emergency Management Agency, informed the commissioners the agency needs to apply for a Multi-Hazard Mitigation planning grant. The plan is currently in place, however, it has exceeded its effective date and needs to be revised.

Rock explained that as this is a planning grant, anything that is in the plan can be used to submit for additional grants for the county and any of the jurisdictions around. He stated a number of jurisdictions need to make improvements on things that could create a disaster such as dams, levees or items that help during a disaster such as tornado shelters and tornado sirens.

They will be supplied with $16,738.03 to apply for the grant. The KCEMA will have to come up with a soft match of $5,79.58. Rock stated they will utilize the people that are involved with the planning process to offset the cost.

Rock stated the intent is to make sure no funds of the county’s are used. The commissioners unanimously approved the motion to allow Rock to apply for the grant.

The housing additions of Hickory Estates and Shadow Lakes will be receiving a speed limit of 25 miles an hour per the request of residents. Scott Tilden with the county highway stated a traffic study recommended the communities implement a 25 mph speed limit. The commissioners unanimously approve the request to implement the speed limit.

Other News:

• The commissioners approved vacating a public way in the Popenfoose subdivision.
• A bid to replace the water softener in the Justice Building was accepted.
• The commissioners approved rezoning an area from agricultural to agricultural II.