Etna Green Town Council President Keith Claassen, left, listens to Clerk-Treasurer Patti Cook speak during a Tuesday, March 14, council meeting. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Shepherd.

By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

ETNA GREEN — Vandalism in Etna Green is a recurring issue, and the town’s council is taking steps to stop those responsible.

During a Tuesday, March 14, council meeting, Jeff Hoffman, a local business owner and board president for the Triton Junior Football League, said he received a call in late February about individuals breaking into the concession stand at Heritage Park.

Hoffman said the top of a toilet tank was smashed and a window in the press box was damaged. The perpetrators, identified as two children ages 10 and 13, were at the concession stand when Hoffman arrived. He estimated about $1,000 in damage occurred.

This happened before the Etna Green West Cemetery was vandalized sometime between March 11 and 12. Signs and headstones were spray-painted with black paint, including several headstones from the 1800s. It is unknown who committed the vandalism at the cemetery.

Hoffman said a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the vandalism at Heritage Park, but the children had left prior to the deputy’s arrival.

Council Member Jason Hanes emphasized the importance of seeking restitution from the children’s family and noted this wasn’t the first time the children have caused problems in Etna Green.

A sign at Etna Green West Cemetery was just one part of the cemetery that was vandalized over the weekend. Photo provided.

“Last year when we had our flowers destroyed downtown at Remembrance Park, that was them,” said Hanes. “I know of at least two different children where their parents have complained that their kids can’t play outside because they’re being beat up by these kids.”

The council discussed the possibility of purchasing trail cameras, which would automatically upload pictures online even if they were damaged or destroyed.

Hanes said he was told by Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith the vandalism incident at the park had been forwarded to the county’s probation department.

“The weekend they damaged the concession stand, they ran away from home three times,” said Hanes. “It’s crazy, the amount of stuff going on with these kids.”

“An example needs to be set,” said Hoffman.

Council said they will continue to monitor the situation and will report every incident involving the two children to the probation department.

Also during the meeting, council approved a sewer rate ordinance for the town, which will increase residents’ sewer bills by 14% per 1,000 gallons.

This increase was initially discussed at the council’s January meeting, as the town’s revenue from its wastewater utility has substantially decreased since Winona Powder Coating installed their own sewer treatment system.

Baker Tilly recently analyzed the town’s sewer rates and revenues, noting the town’s excess of funds within its wastewater utility would be depleted within a year if no action was taken.

Etna Township Fire Department Chief Kevin Smith II told the council Wayne Township Fire Department in Indianapolis recently donated around $20,000 to $25,000 in equipment to their department. Council plans on sending a letter of thanks from the town to WTFD for their donation.

The council also:

• Learned hydrant flushing will take place from April 4 to 6.
• Learned The Lions Club of Etna Green’s Easter egg hunt will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Heritage Park.
• Learned Etna Township Fire Department will hold a fish fry from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at Heritage Park. Smith encouraged the council, town employees and local law enforcement to come help out and meet community members who may not know their faces.
• Approved its annual agreement with KCSO for patrol services. 
• Voted to pass a cross connection ordinance at its next meeting. Indiana Department of Environmental Management has recently implemented an annual water valve check at local businesses to ensure back flow is not entering any of the town’s water.
• Discussed the possibility of establishing 15-minute parking spaces near the town’s post office. The issue will be looked into at a later time.

Council’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, in Etna Green Town Hall.