From left, are Councilman Gene Warner, Council President Liz Heiman and Councilman Benny Stage Jr. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Shepherd.

CLAYPOOL — Sherry Searles, LaunchPad director, addressed the Claypool Town Council on Tuesday, Jan. 21, regarding a meeting that will explore the possibility of establishing a childcare center at Claypool Elementary School.

LaunchPad is the Child Care and Early Learning Coalition that was created to help solve the childcare crisis in Kosciusko County.

There will be a public meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Claypool Elementary School, regarding the establishment of a childcare center within the school itself.

“Claypool and Silver Lake have no licensed childcare providers in the area,” said Searles. “We would like to start our work by putting a childcare center at Claypool Elementary. Dr. Hoffert (Warsaw Community Schools superintendent) has agreed to let us use some of the rooms there that are empty to start a childcare center that would take care of children (ages five and younger) while their parents work. We plan to also have scholarships for children who can’t afford it.”

According to Searles, the project has been partially funded but needs more money in order to become a reality.

LaunchPad is seeking to improve childcare availability and affordability in Kosciusko County.

In other business, the council approved a bid for a new street department truck and police vehicle for the town. However, the council decided to not make the purchases until there is a determination on how the town will establish payments for the vehicles.

Town Marshal Ben Sanders also reminded residents that parking is prohibited on Main Street from 4 to 6 a.m. through April 1 for the purposes of snow removal.

The council also:

• Swore in the town’s three council members and clerk-treasurer. Benny Stage Jr. is the council’s new member, replacing Niki Miller. For 2020, Liz Heiman will serve as the council’s president.
• Approved a quote in the amount of $23,100 for a flow meter project with Kraft Water Solutions.
• Approved a wastewater bill adjustment in the amount of $210.24.
• Learned that the Claypool Police Department responded to 194 calls in December. Reserve officers for the town worked a total of 275 hours.

The council’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18.