Pictured, from left, County Administrator Marsha McSherry and Commissioner Brad Jackson review paperwork.

KOSCIUSKO — Tom Van Meter, owner of the Old Post Office building in the historic district of downtown Warsaw and founder of Forte Residential, Inc., present tenant of the OPO, attended the Kosciusko County commissioners meeting held Tuesday, Aug. 7, to request the verbal support of commissioners in his grant application process. 

Van Meter has applied for the Historic Renovation Program grant through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. According to Van Meter, there is no request for funding from the city of Warsaw or from Kosciusko County. Van Meter asked only that the commissioners affirm that improvements made to the exterior of the OPO building will be considered an asset to the community and consistent with the county’s vision for promoting a vibrant, appealing historical downtown district. 

Van Meter explained that the work will include repairs to the original arched, wood-framed widows, wrought iron railing and entrances. 

“We want to maintain the original charm and beauty of this magnificent building,” said Van Meter. “This grant, if awarded, will help us to do just that.”

“You’re standing in one of the most historic buildings in the county,” said Commissioner President Bob Conley. “Let the record show that we agree with your presentation — and good luck.”  

County Attorney Chad Miner addressed commissioners, stating, “I typically provide counsel and advice to various county employees if they have any questions, but from time to time issues arise where I think it would be helpful to have a little bit of separation between myself and the employees who may have questions.”

“In the past Scott Reust from Rockhill Pinnick has filled that role of being somebody to assist employees at times when it may be more appropriate for someone else to provide that advice and counsel,” Miner said. “Recently, with some allegations that were made regarding improper conduct on the part of a former sheriff’s department officer, that would be something where I think it may be appropriate for the officers to have someone other than me to discuss issues with. I believe Scott would be wiling to act in that capacity.” This recommendation was approved by commissioners. 

County Highway Superintendent Scott Tilden provided a road closure update to commissioners related to Armstrong Road, in the area between Oswego and SR 13. 

“We had a road failure due to a culvert pipe over Grassy Creek,” said Tilden. “On bridge 293 one of the culverts rusted out, causing a large suck hole in the road last week,” Tilden explained. “Due to the safety aspect, I had to close it. There was no quick fix.”

The highway department is in the process of working on repairs in the area and attempting to get the road open as quickly as possible, with the goal being to have the road open before school starts.

“We’re hoping to have it open sometime next week,” Tilden said. 

Other News: 

• KABS Transportation General Manager Amanda Landis gave a quarterly report.
• Richard White, Warsaw, was recognized as the August Veteran of the Month.
• County Assessor Susan Engelberth requested and received approval for a contract with Tax Management Associates, Inc, Indianapolis. 
• Kosciusko County Emergency Management Director Edward A. Rock requested approval to attend a training course offered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security in September. Commissioners approved this request.
• County Administrator Marsha McSherry presented a proposal for highway garage gas regulators from CORE Mechanical, Etna Green, in the amount of $18,422.40. This was approved. 
• County Auditor Michelle Puckett requested and received approval for the Fiscal Year 2019 Infrastructure & Regional Public Safety fire grant in the amount of $61,860. The grant was described as one which assist in providing training for multiple fire departments in our district.
• The next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 21.