Jeff Plank and Ernie Wiggins have finally set a date - March 1.

Warsaw's retiring mayor and mayor-elect made the announcement Monday on WRSW's "Public Affairs" radio show. Appearing together on the show for the first, and probably only, time, Plank and Wiggins said March 1 is the target date for Wiggins to officially move into Plank's office.

Wiggins has spent much of the past few weeks with Plank, getting a feel for the office. He said he expects no major changes, including city personnel, when he takes over as mayor.

Plank said he is looking forward to his new career in the private sector. He also said he is interested in serving with Kosciusko Development Inc. to further develop a plan for a countywide sewer system.

The biggest disappointment of his 14 years as mayor, Plank said, is the city's failure to finance and build a second sewage treatment plant, which he said is important to the city's growth.

"It will happen. It has to happen," he said.

Wiggins last week formally resigned his city council seat, and a District Three caucus will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 in the council chambers, according to county Republican Party chairman Mike Miner. The caucus will be open to the public.

No candidates have officially filed for Wiggins' position, but county auditor Charlene Knispel, secretary of the Republican Party, said today she has sent applications to at least five interested people.

The deadline for filing for the council position is 7 p.m. Feb. 24. [[In-content Ad]]