KCSD Jail Officers Recognized At Commissioners Meeting
KOSCIUSKO — Kosciusko County Sheriff Rocky Goshert presented recognition awards to KCSD jail officers Kyle Cooper and Daisha Dove at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting held Tuesday, June 26.
“They’re on the front line every day. They are making sure the inmates are safe and that their medical needs are being met,” said Goshert. “They deal with 300 inmates every day and there are only six or seven of them per shift. They are the ones who are forgotten and are probably the most important ones – they’re taking care of our inmates. It’s a huge job that they undertake.”
Goshert explained that an inmate recently attempted to commit suicide. According to Goshert, Officers Dove and Cooper, who were working the night shift, were the first to observe and respond to the situation, performing CPR until emergency personnel arrived.
“Because of their heroic efforts, they saved a life,” said Goshert. Dove and Cooper were presented with award plaques “for performing lifesaving measures.”
Goshert also advised commissioners that he has been contacted by Kosciusko County judges regarding security at the justice building. Goshert said he has been asked about shutting down access through the side doors during business hours, meaning that access to the building would be limited to the front doors of the building and through the doors at the Kosciusko Sheriff’s Department.
County Attorney Chad Miner provided an updated off-road vehicle ordinance with a subsection stating that any person operating an off-road vehicle on any Kosciusko County road system cannot carry more passengers than the vehicle is designed to carry. Commissioners approved this ordinance update.
County Administrator Marsha McSherry presented a bid from D&D Electric, Etna Green. McSherry explained that the company will provide preventive maintenance at the justice building and the courthouse, including checking for abnormalities in transformers and panels. Thermal imaging will be used to check for loose connections and other issues. The work is not to exceed $2,500. This was approved.
Kevin Edmonds, who stated that he lives at 3119 East CR 450N, north of Chapman Lake, asked commissioners for permission to give comments regarding the proposed sewer system.
“We went through this nine years ago – a proposed sewer system. What’s changed?” Edmonds asked. “I fall into the category of having absolutely no benefit from this. I’m away from the lake – I can barely see it. Why should I and my neighbors be required to help bail out people who willingly bought problem properties in an attempt to enjoy the laker lifestyle?”
“From what I understand, the culprit is Mr. Jones [Jones, Jones Petry Rafinski], an outsider representing a company wanting to sell a sewer system,” said Edmonds. “It’s disturbing when he makes the claim that the majority of the people are for it. I attended the first meeting and only two people said they were for it.”
“The sewer salesman said he is shooting for a fee of $70 per month, but our life experience tells us a salesman will always lowball the cost if he’s not going to be held to it,” Edmonds stated. “What if families can’t afford the hook-up fees and the monthly fees? Do you really want this to be your legacy as commissioners – putting many, maybe hundreds of families out of their houses?”
Edmonds suggested that other options be looked into “before allowing a sewer salesman to try to ramrod the system down our throats to line his pockets with our money.”
When Edmonds was finished speaking, Miner stated, “Ken Jones is not a sewer salesman – he’s an engineer. At this time, we don’t even know who would be involved in the construction, so I don’t think it’s fair to describe him as a sewer salesman. He’s doing engineering studies to determine what would be appropriate.”
“Part of the purpose of his study is to see what the best options are,” said Miner. “I just want to clarify that.”
Jennifer Kiser spoke next, stating that she lives in Hawthorne Estates, which would be involved in the sewer system. “Hawthorne Estates is a brand new addition, with houses still being built,” Kiser told commissioners. “My septic system is only three years old.” Kiser added that not many people in the neighborhood want the septic system.
Commissioners thanked Edmonds and Kiser for their comments.
Other News:
- Etna Green resident Dick Irwin was honored as veteran of the month.
- Jaime Ladd sat in for County Auditor Michelle Puckett. Ladd presented the 2019 holiday and meeting calendar, which was approved by commissioners.
- Commissioner Vice-President Cary Groninger was not in attendance at today’s meeting.
- Goshert advised commissioners that KCSD recently traded in two vehicles.
- The next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 10.