Pictured, from left, Kosciusko Commissioner Vice-President Bob Conley, former commissioner Ron Truex and Kosciusko Commissioner President Brad Jackson.

KOSCIUSKO — Tuesday, Nov. 14, Cary Groninger attended his first official Kosciusko County commissioner meeting since being chosen to replace the seat vacated recently by Ron Truex.

Truex, who attended today’s meeting as a visitor, was called to the front of the room by Commissioner President Brad Jackson and Commissioner Vice-President Bob Conley. Jackson and Conley presented Truex with a plaque in recognition of his dedicated service as a Kosciusko commissioner from 2001 to 2017.

“I couldn’t have picked a better successor,” said Truex, as he shook hands with Groninger, “I’ve known Cary his whole life. He’s going to do just fine and take things over in a really good fashion.”

Mike Kissinger expressed appreciation for Truex’s service, stating, “On behalf of the Kosciusko County surveyor’s office, I would like to thank Ron Truex for his many years of service as the Kosciusko Drainage Board chairman and for his outstanding leadership. Ron was passionate about doing what was best for the landowners of the county.”

Kissinger, who serves as technical advisor for the Kosciusko County Drainage Board, added that IC36-9-27-5 requires the commissioners to pick a chairman for the drainage board, as Truex will no longer be serving on that board.

“We would be honored to have any of the three of you,” said Kissinger, “However, Cary does bring one interesting aspect that we have not had at the drainage board, and that is being a contractor who is familiar with drainage installation.”

Conley and Jackson agreed, and Groninger was appointed to fill the seat on the Kosciusko Drainage Board.

Other News:

• Bids were opened for the Kosciusko County Highway Department 2018 annual supplies. Approximately 30 sealed bids were opened at this morning’s meeting.
• Scott Tilden, Kosciusko County Highway Department superintendent, requested that commissioners approve a matching grant agreement for the CR 900N project, between SR 15 and SR 19. This was approved.
• Tilden further requested that a bid opening date be set for an axle dump truck. This was approved and set for 9:15 a.m. Jan. 9, 2018.
• Tilden also said he is preparing to fill out applications for two bridge projects, bridge 227 over Walnut Creek and bridge 139 over Eel River on CR 700E. Tilden presented financial commitment letters for both projects and requested signatures from the commissioners, which they agreed to.
• County Administrator Marsha McSherry stated that the county IT department needs to replace 41 computers. McSherry requested that commissioners approve this purchase, totaling $28,700. This request was approved.
• McSherry informed commissioners that the county received a reimbursement check in the amount of $21,818.75 from the insurance company for water damage in the courthouse basement.
• Leah Thill from the Michigan Area Coucil of Governments requested approval of a grant application. Thill told commissioners that a grant would be applied for through MACOG with Marshall, Kosciusko and Elkhart counties in the amount of $600,000 for continuing environmental studies on sites that could be contaminated.
• Commissioners expressed sorrow at the recent passing of Gordon Vanator, who served for many years on the Kosciusko Alcoholic Beverage Board. Commissioners stated that David Mayer, Syracuse, had expressed a willingness to fill this position. A motion was passed to approve Mayer as president of the Kosciusko Alcoholic Beverage Board.
• The next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28.