Kosciusko County Commissioners heard Tuesday from Highway Superintendent Scott Tilden that Armstrong Road, between Oswego and Ind. 13, will remain closed until next week for emergency repairs.

Tilden explained that a culvert pipe that sends Grassy Creek under the road failed on the east end.

“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.

“Due to the safety aspect, I had to close it. There was no quick fix.”

Tilden said the bridge and culverts, originally constructed in 1974, were on schedule to be rebuilt next year. He said the contractor is on site, doing what it can to prepare for the arrival of replacement components. Tilden said there is no official detour around the area, and he hopes to have the road reopened sometime next week.

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In another matter, county attorney Chad Miner told commissioners he typically provides counsel and advice to county employees, “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.”

He asked the commissioners to allow employees needing more extensive counsel to work with Scott Reust of Rockhill-Pinnick.

“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,” Miner said. “I believe Scott would be willing to act in that capacity.”

Commissioners approved the request.

Tom Van Meter, who owns the former post office building in downtown Warsaw, has applied for a Historic Renovation Program grant through the indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

He told the commission he wants to do some maintenance and repairs to the exterior of the building at the corner of Market and Columbia streets, with emphasis on keeping the woodwork on the windows of the building original.

Van Meter explained that he wasn’t asking the county for money for any of the work, but the grant required he speak with the board and get its blessing.

“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.”

Bob Conley, commissioners president, said, “Let the record show that we agree with your presentation. And good luck.”

Amanda Landis, general manager of KABS, presented her quarterly report. She said ridership was down slightly over the first quarter of 2018, but up over the same quarter in 2017.

She also told the commissioners KABS is working on software updates that will allow clients to track buses, and make dispatching last-minute requests for rides much more efficient. Landis said KABS?will take delivery of two new vehicles this week.

Emergency Management Director Ed Rock requested to attend a training course through the state’s Department of Homeland Security. He said the Federal Emergency Management Agency will pay for lodging and a stipend, and the only cost to the county would be Rock’s salary and meals. The board approved his request.

In other business, the commissioners approved:

• County Assessor Susan Engleberth’s request for a contract with Tax Management Associates of Indianapolis for personal property auditing.

• A contract for $18,422.40, presented by Marsha McSherry, county administrator, for gas regulators for the new county highway building.

• An infrastructure and regional public safety grant for fiscal year 2019 for $61,860, presented by Michelle Puckett, county auditor. Rock said is was a “train the trainers” type of course where local firefighters receive the training, then in turn train others at their home stations.

The next county commissioners meeting is 9 a.m. Aug. 21.