County Attorney Chad Miner and Commissioner Ron Truex review documents from the Kosciusko County commissioner meeting.

WARSAW — Tuesday, July 11, at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Rocky Goshert introduced the new Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Captain, Chris McKeand.

McKeand was selected by Goshert as the second in command of the sheriff’s department as Chief Deputy, assigned to the rank of Captain. McKeand is a 1995 graduate of Ball State University with degrees in criminal justice and political science. He began his law enforcement career with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department as a confinement officer at the Work Release Center in 1995, later becoming a full-time jailer.

McKeand was hired as a merit road deputy in 1997, and promoted to a Corporal, a Sergeant and eventually commander of the Road Patrol Division as a Lieutenant. McKeand is an accident reconstructionist, ranking in the top three of the nation. He graduated as the valedictorian of his Indiana Law Enforcement Academy class in 1998.

Kosciusko County Emergency Management Director Ed Rock stated they are currently in the process of updating the Kosciusko County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, which requires putting together a planning team. Rock said a person from each jurisdiction is needed for the planning team in order to be eligible for FEMA financial assistance in the future. Individuals interested in being involved with the planning team should contact Rock’s office for more information.

Kosciusko County Highway Department Superintendent Scott Tilden gave his recommendation regarding two quotes received for a 2017 F550 chassis. Tilden recommended awarding the bid to Kerlin Motors, Silver Lake, for the amount of $36,789.56. This recommendation was approved.

Referencing the severe storms and heavy rain in the area Friday, Kosciusko Commissioner Ron Truex asked Tilden what time Friday night ended for street department employees, to which Tilden responded, “Friday night ended Saturday.”

“We reinstalled a culvert that was originally there but had left earlier,” Tilden stated, referring to a section of South Bruner Road, Warsaw, that was completely washed away. Tilden reported Bruner Road was open at approximately 5 a.m. Saturday, after the street department worked through the night. According to Tilden, street department employees went back Monday to stabilize the area further. Tilden said they are looking into a long-term solution, but the current goal is to get the area stabilized. Reports were received of up to six inches of rain in some areas Friday.

Tilden said trees were down in at least thirty different areas, with several near power lines. He described Friday as being,”Quite a challenge.” Board members thanked Tilden for the street department’s dedication.

Other news:

• The next regular meeting will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 25.
• Kosciusko County Health Department Administrator Bob Weaver requested approval to take part in a District 2 emergency preparedness grant for this year, explaining that this has been a grant request for the past ten years. The grant is a matching, reimbursable one. The request was approved by commissioners.