Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
BOURBON - Bourbon Police Chief John West and his officers are conducting a drive to rid this small town of junk vehicles.
West told the town council Tuesday that he sent letters to 18 households concerning 26 vehicles and some results of this mailing were seen at the meeting.
Dale and Helen Wright protested their letter asking for removal of two pickup trucks from the rear of their property. The Wrights said the trucks were owned by a grandson who planned to repair one of them and asked officials to allow the trucks, which have been there about four years, to remain at least another six months.
West and Council President Bill Keyser agreed the ordinance, which was passed in 1968, must be enforced impartially for all residents. Councilman Larry Wattenbarger suggested the problem should be dealt with by the grandson and asked that he come to the town office and discuss the matter.
David Shumaker told the board that he has repaired his car, it is now operable as defined in the ordinance and should no longer be considered a junk vehicle. The council agreed that he had met his obligation on the matter.
West reported sending letters to the owners of two dogs whose nighttime barking has generated many phone complaints. The town attorney will send letters to the owners warning of legal action if the dogs are not silenced.
West said he has divided the town into areas and one officer will monitor the junk car situations in each section.
He said the department has had word that a grant will be awarded to finance the hiring of one new officer and he asked for an executive session to discuss the matter with council members. The meeting will be held prior to the monthly plan commission meeting Oct. 13.
In other business:
• Clerk Jackie Murphy announced that State Representative Bill Ruppel will be in Bourbon at 4 p.m. Oct. 23 to discuss local problems such as the reconstruction of Center Street and the repair of drainage along Main Street. The public is invited to this brief meeting, which will be held in the town meeting room.
• Street Department Superintendent Roger Terry noted leaf pickup will begin Oct. 21 and end Nov. 26. He asked that leaves and grass be put in boxes or containers that can be emptied and not into plastic bags. Keyser asked residents to be certain there is no glass or mental trash mixed in with the leaves.
• The board set 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 31 as Trick-or-Treat time. The community Halloween party will be held at the town park from 7 9 the same night.
