Family members of Miles Reichard were on hand for his official oath of office Thursday. From left are Mark Reichard, brother; Roger Reichard, father; Reichard; Gloria Reichard, mother; Mayor Joe Thallemer; and Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker. (Photos by Deb Patterson)

WARSAW — Miles Reichard, a graduate of Indiana University and Triton High School graduate, was sworn in as the newest officer of the Warsaw Police Department during the Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety meeting Thursday morning, Nov. 19.

Miles Reichard taking the oath of office from Mayor Joe Thallemer.

Reichard was introduced by Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker. A number of his fellow officers, family and friends were present for the official ceremony.

“This is always a special time for me when young officers are coming in serving our community well, enthusiasm and willingness and support go out and work in our community. It’s not an easy thing to do. … the experiences you learn are in your favor and against you as you develop skills. It is not an easy job. I’ve come to appreciate how hard you guys work and how selfless they are. I’ve really come to appreciate that,” said Mayor Joe Thallemer.

Property Purchased

During other business, approval was given to purchase 117 and 119 E. Fort Wayne St., Warsaw, from Brian Klinger, Vicki Klinger and Lyle Butt at the cost of $20,250. Jeremy Skinner, city planner stated these parcels off Buffalo Street, are near Center Lake and at some point and time, once the Buffalo Street project is underway, this area may be looked at as a future parks office. “This property became available and there are no plans to move anything at this point,” stated Thallemer.

Additionally the board approved the parks department to apply for the Kosciusko County Community Foundation Grant for Central Park Concert series, in the amount of $5,480; and for the KREMC Operation Round-Up Grant for the annual Family Carnival, in the amount of $1,500. Sheila Wiringa, new recreation director, stated the community foundation grant would supplement the 2015-26 Indiana Arts Commission grant to cover the small concerts in the plaza. The operation round-up grant would be used to help grow the free entertainment at the Family Carnival, slated for Aug. 5.

Other Business

During other business the board approved:

• Signed a memorandum of understanding with the Center for Lakes & Steams for public education, a cost of $6,300.
• The special events coordinator agreement with Paula Bowman at a cost of $8,000.04 a year.
• Hiring of Hasting Air Energy Control Inc., New Berlin, Wis., to install the fire apparatus exhaust system at Fire Station 2, at a cost of $11,409.18.
• Signed the 2017 service agreement for purchase of 75,000 gallons of unleaded and diesel fuel from Lassus Brothers Oil at a cost of $1.96 per gallon for unleaded with diesel fuel being purchased as needed at the pump price.
• Pay vouchers for the Husky Trail Project right-of-way acquisition services, in the amount of $13,375; and $9,505 for engineering services to A&Z Engineering, LLC, Fort Wayne. Bidding is expected to take place next year.
• Pay applications for design work on East Market Street phase 2 project from VS Engineering Inc., Indianapolis, for $3,256.91 and $6,257.68. This represents 4 percent of the total contract of $253,200.
• Heard from Fire Chief Michael Wilson who reported the new tornado/severe weather siren at Station 2 is installed, and following a glitch at Station 1, that new siren has been installed. Both will be functional next week. “The one on the west end of town is functional and if anything should happen we will do everything we can with fire trucks,” stated Wilson. Once complete there will be three weather warning sirens in the central portion of the city.