Pictured, from left, are Mentone Town Councilman Tim Croy, Clerk-Treasurer Amanda Yaprak, Councilwoman Shelly Krueger and Town Attorney Austin Rovenstine. Photo by Jackie Gorski, Times-Union.

By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

MENTONE – The town of Mentone is looking to making the intersection of SR 19 and SR 25 safer.

During the Mentone Town Council meeting Wednesday, Oct. 1, Councilman Tim Croy said he was contacted by the railroad company about three weeks ago on making the intersection of SR 25 and SR 19 safer. A meeting was set up between Croy, Utilities Superintendent Josh Shepherd, Fire Chief Mike Yazel and representatives from the railroad company. Town Marshal Keaton Schopf couldn’t make the meeting. Ideas were presented between the parties during the meeting.

“Lighting was a big issue because our current street light has been out there for some time and still out,” Croy said, noting he suggested adding more street lights. Croy said Shepherd contacted NIPSCO and they’re going to see about adding lighting. The railroad company is going to look at what they called “kickback curbs” so semis turning to go south on SR 19 get stuck will get pushed back into the street. In order to do that, the railroad company needs permission from the state highway department.

Croy said the railroad company is working with the state highway department, and the town is working with the railroad company to make that intersection safer.

“Hopefully, that happens sooner than later,” Croy said, adding he appreciated the railroad company reaching out to the town because he doesn’t believe the town has ever been asked for input about what should be done at the intersection. “Hopefully, that intersection is going to get better.”

Clerk-Treasurer Amanda Yaprak said Wednesday morning’s accident between a semi and a train “just fueled the fire.”

Croy said making the intersection safer is still being worked on.

In other business, the council:

• Heard the 24-inch storm sewer tile north of Washington Street was 50% clogged. Shepherd replaced 35 feet of tile, but it still needs to be lined.

• Heard hydrant flushing will start at 3 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2.

• Trick-or-treat hours are 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. The costume judging contest will be at 7:30 p.m. at Mentone Elementary School.

• Heard the budget adoption meeting was rescheduled to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16.

• Heard Sharie Davis was hired as deputy clerk.

• Heard there were 34 unique names suggested for the pavilion at Mentzer Memorial Park. Yaprak provided the list to the council. The name will be voted on during the council’s November meeting.

• Approved the interlocal data agreement to share software with the county was approved.