One of the stickers left at the courthouse property in Warsaw.

WARSAW — At the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting held Aug. 22, Commissioner President Brad Jackson stated he would like to bring attention to a situation regarding the recent solidarity vigil held on the courthouse lawn.

On Aug. 14, the vigil was held following the violent events that occurred in Charlottesville, Va. the previous weekend. The theme for the gathering was unity.

Unfortunately, Jackson stated, there was an issue with vandalism following this event. Jackson advised there were inappropriate stickers left on benches and other items on the courthouse property.

Jackson advised it is best for residents to request permission in advance to use the property.

“Typically people ask because that way we don’t have conflict where one group has asked to use the property and another group shows up,” Jackson explained.

Commissioner Vice-President Bob Conley added, “It’s public property. The commissioners would just like people who use the property to be respectful of it.”

Conley also clarified, “This may very well have been the work of just one individual. It isn’t necessarily reflective of the group of people who were here.”

This information was shared following County Administrator Marsha McSherry’s presentation of a quote for $28,875 from Masonry Solutions, Wabash, for repair work to the courthouse. This would include mortar work, limestone repair and damp-proofing the entire building.

Commissioner Ron Truex stated, “We have to take care of our courthouse.”

Conley agreed, saying, “The courthouse is looking really nice. I’ve heard a lot of comments made about how they like the flowers and the decorations around the courthouse. It’s a priority of ours to keep this courthouse in the best condition we can.” The commissioners unanimously approved the quote.

Dan Richard, area planning director, brought three zoning items before the council. The first was a recommendation by APC for approval of a roadway vacation of Bonar Alley near Bonar Lake in Turkey Creek Township. The petitioner is George Xanders III. The property is located in the Wildwood Park subdivision. This request was approved.

Growing Kids Management is the petitioner for the second item Richard brought before council members. Growing Kids Learning Center operates several day care centers in northern Indiana and would like to put a new one in Warsaw. During a meeting of the Kosciusko County Area Planning Commission earlier this month, Growing Kids petitioned to have property on CR 200N in Plain Township rezoned from industrial II to commercial. The property is on the north side of 200 North, east of Biomet Drive and north of US 30.

The APC recommended approval for the rezoning. After hearing details about soil conditions, sewer system requirements and potential road access issues, commissioners eventually agreed to approve the zoning request, cautioning that their approval does not by any means eliminate any of the other hurdles related to the rezoning.

Lastly, the APC recommended approval to rezone 17.144 acres from agricultural to residential on the west side of Turkey Creek Road, south of CR 1100N in Turkey Creek Township. The petitioner is Sailing Rendezvous. Commissioners approved this request.

Other news:

• A request was made for commissioners to approve an ordinance officially allowing for the spelling of Potawatami Lane in Leesburg to be changed to Potawatomi Lane. This request was approved.
• Dr. Tom Edington, superintendent of Wawasee Community School Corporation, attended the meeting to thank the commissioners for their approval of an earlier project request regarding the intersection at Kern Road and CR 1300N near the new elementary school in Syracuse. Edington expressed gratitude to the commissioners and the Kosciusko County Highway Department for their assistance in getting the project approved and completed. Commissioners responded, expressing thanks to Edington for partnering with them on the project, stating it was a joint effort.
• Scott Tilden gave his recommendation to accept the bid from Terry Truck Equipment, Winamac, in the amount of $31,550. The quote includes a dump body, hoist, hydraulics, front plow and tailgate spreader for the highway department’s F550 Chassis. Commissioners approved Tilden’s recommendation.
• The next regular meeting will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5.