Barb Ross, out-going Mentone Clerk-Treasurer was surprised with a retirement party following the Jan. 2 Town Council Meeting. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts.

MENTONE — The Town Council celebrated the retirement of long-time Clerk-Treasurer Barb Ross at its meeting, Thursday evening, Jan. 2.

Ross served nearly 30 years as clerk-treasurer for the town. The council surprised Ross with a retirement party following her final council meeting in the position. Family, friends and town residents attended to congratulate Ross on her tenure as clerk-treasurer.

“It’s been a good ride,” said Ross when Town Council President Jill Gross asked how she felt about her many years as clerk-treasurer.

Nicki Norris officially took over as clerk-treasurer following a swearing-in ceremony conducted by Town Attorney Andrew Grossnickle.

Town Attorney Andrew Grossnickle (far right) swears-in Nicki Norris as Clerk-Treasurer (front left), Tim Croy as a council member (back left), Jill Gross as Council President (center) and Shelley Kruger as a council member (center right). InkFreeNews photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts.

Grossnickle also swore in Gross as council president, Tim Croy and Shelley Krueger as council members for another four-year term.

Other business included:

• The council continues to monitor ongoing reports of unliveable conditions at a mobile home park within the town limits. Grossnickle suggested the council contact the Kosciusko County Building Inspector and Board of Health as a course of action over conditions in a trailer park on the north side. InkFreeNews reported on this issue during the Dec. 4 council meeting.
• The council will seek to cancel their contract with KCOnline before their current contract ends Mar. 2021.
• Town Utilities Supervisor Josh Shepherd was granted approval to contact the Kosciusko County Surveyor’s office prior to the construction of new fencing on the south side of the cemetery addition.