Kosciusko County Commissioners gave final approval this morning to the creation of a tax increment finance district for a North Central Cooperative facility near Mentone. The TIF district, requested by the company in November and passed by the county Redevelopment Commission, will help fund infrastructure improvements around the $8.27 million, 80-acre site. Also this morning, commissioners recognized 96-year-old World War II veteran Harry Edward Warren as the Veteran of the Month. Warren, who grew up south of Atwood, joined the Army at age 25 and lived through the Battle of the Bulge while serving in an artillery unit, earning a Bronze Star. Warren also shared the unique circumstances of his birth, which happened at home during a snowstorm Dec. 24, 1918. The doctor couldn’t make it so his father had to make the delivery, though he noted the doctor came the next day and charged $1 for his services. In other business during the meeting, commissioners: • Agreed to allow county attorney Chad Miner draft an ordinance setting a $50 yearly fee for registry for violent offenders and sex offenders. County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine requested the fee, which is allowed for under state law, noting there are costs involved for the department since there are two officers dedicated to keeping the registries. • Accepted a $13,000 state grant to be joined with an $8,000 grant and put toward the purchase of a replacement vehicle for the county Emergency Management Department. Department head Ed Rock said they’re still about $1,500 short so he will continue pricing vehicles. • Approved tax sale certificates for properties in Silver Lake slated to be demolished, which will give the demolition company possession before it can do the teardowns. The county hopes to put the properties back on the tax rolls after the land is cleared.
