From left: Councilmember Tim Croy, Clerk-Treasurer Nicki Norris, and Council President Jill Gross. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts.

MENTONE — The town council announced plans to expand the Mentone Community Farmer’s Market and bring more events to the town in a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Councilmember Shelley Krueger oversees the Mentone Community Farmer’s Market in Mentone. The market operates on Saturdays starting in May until October from 8 a.m. – noon in the parking lot at the corner of North Tucker Street and SR 25/West Main Street in Mentone.

Like many of its kind, the market exists as an opportunity for farmers to sell locally grown produce and flowers. Krueger announced plans to expand the market to include crafts.

Starting this year, the expanded farmer’s market will occur twice, said Kruger. Those will be on Mother’s Day Weekend, Saturday, May 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10. The hours for both expanded farmer’s markets will be from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., according to Krueger.

To participate in the expanded farmer’s market there is “no setup fee,” said Krueger. She said that anyone interested may contact her via email at [email protected]. Kruger asked that those interested “send photos of your crafts.”

Several people have already expressed interest in participating, according to Krueger.

“Of course farmers that sell flowers and produce are also welcome,” she said.

Krueger also announced initial plans for a monthly Food Truck Friday event in the town. “I know there’s interest out there,” she said.

According to Krueger, Krystal Lybarger, owner of local bakery Deli N Dough, expressed interest in holding the event near her store at the corner of Morgan Street and SR 25/East Main Street. Krueger said she’s currently gauging interest for the event in the town. The event would be held on a different Friday of the month to avoid competing with the Food Truck Friday events in nearby Bourbon.

As with the farmer’s market, anyone who wants to participate in the Food Truck Friday should contact Krueger via email at [email protected]. She is also looking for volunteers to help organize the Food Truck Friday events.

Other business included:

• Council President Jill Gross said the council will begin working with Clerk-Treasurer Nicki Norris to establish an online payment system for utilities, a first for the town. Payment by check has long been the only method accepted by the Clerk Treasurer’s Office. According to Gross, the town is looking into online payment processing through USpay.gov. Once established, a small processing fee will be charged to those who elect to pay their utility bill online.
• Town Attorney Andrew Grossnickle said he found a valid mailing address for Eddy Tridle, owner of two properties at 412 West Main St. and 408 West Monroe St. He will resend notices regarding the state of both properties.
• Grossnickle said the Kosciusko County Health Department will soon send out inspection notices to the owner of the mobile home park located on Morgan Street.
• The council will hold an executive meeting 5:30 – 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26. The council will discuss work hours for several town employees.
• The next council meeting will be Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the community room of the Mentone Community and Emergency Services Building.