Kosciusko County Commissioners agreed this morning to draft a letter encouraging state legislators to address concerns over Pierceton Woods Academy. Commissioners decided on the letter after hearing from county attorney Mike Miner that they have no jurisdiction to make certain requirements of academy operator Lifeline Youth and Family Services. Neighbors of the facility had proposed requirements such as publishing pictures and names of youth staying there, Miner said. Children at Pierceton Woods are not juvenile delinquents and are not there to be detained, Miner told the commissioners, noting that the Department of Child Services holds jurisdiction. Only a judge has authority to make their names public. “The children in need of services are not there because they did something that would be a crime if an adult had done it, but because they have problems at home,” he said. Commission members noted they have sent letters to state elected officials before. “It’s not like we’re not doing anything (but) I wish there was more we could do,” Commissioner Bob Conley remarked. Pierceton Woods has drawn criticism from neighbors following incidences such as an escape, carjacking and shooting in December by 17-year-old Dakota Kimbler, who faces attempted murder charges in Whitley County. Earlier in the meeting commissioners recognized Vietnam veteran Randy Ransbottom as the veteran of the month. Ransbottom, who lives in Silver Lake with wife Priscilla, served in Saigon from June 1966 to June 1969, where he was a wheel and track mechanic and ordnance guard. And County Highway Superintendent Scott Tilden opened 12 bids for a mini excavator and loader, which ranged from $55,000 to $107,000. He will make a recommendation at the Feb. 26 council meeting.
