WARSAW — Brad Jackson was named 2017 president of the Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners this morning, Jan. 10, at the commissioner meeting. Bob Conley was named 2017 vice president. Both Jackson and Conley accepted their respective roles and the motions were approved.

Attorney Chad Miner made two recommendations at the Kosciusko County commissioner meeting.

Miner stated that, with respect to the matter involving the sheriff, it is anticipated that some of the deputies may be called to testify at the trial. Miner feels that because this is happening within the context of their jobs, it makes sense that the county will provide representation for them. Miner further stated there would be a conflict of interest in his representation of the deputies due to the fact that Miner’s father is representing the sheriff in this case. Miner recommended that Scott Reust, an attorney with Pinnick Rockhill, be contacted to represent the deputies.  A motion was made to accept this recommendation and that motion was approved.

Miner also requested that the board approve sale of a property on Epworth Forest Road. The county had purchased that property after it went into foreclosure. Miner recommended that they include a stipulation in the sale that the buyer must have the property cleaned up within 120 days from the date of purchase in order to receive the deed to the property. Motion was made to approve putting the property up for sale and motion was approved.

Sheryl Conley gave a verbal quarterly update regarding OrthoWorx and their establishment of AcceLinx. She stated that they are still in their organizational phase and are looking forward to moving into the operational phase. Conley stated that their website will be their primary tool of communication.

Scott Tilden requested permission to get bids to replace three county highway quarter ton pickup trucks, as they have three trucks that are over 20 years old. Tilden said he has prepared specifications and would like to get started with the quote process. The board gave approval for Tilden to obtain bids and asked that Tilden solicit the bids and have them sent to the auditor.

In other news:

• A recommendation was made to appoint Steve Metzger to the Drainage Board of Kosciusko County. A motion was made to approve this recommendation and the motion was approved.
• Robert Sanders invited all board members to attend the county council meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12.
• Joetta Mitchell addressed the board asking for approval to make changes to the bulk user agreement. Motion was made and approved.
• The next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24.