Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Former county councilman Jim Tranter, Syracuse, was presented with a plaque of appreciation at the Kosciusko County commissioners meeting Monday.
The commissioners set their meeting one day early due to today's primary election.
Tranter helped established a floating neighborhood watch on Lake Wawasee, which now has a fleet of five boats.
Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine said the program provides manpower to patrol the lake. Volunteers are deputized to perform some duties.
Sheriff's deputy John Tyler, the neighborhood watch coordinator for that area, presented Tranter with the plaque.
Pam Kennedy, Housing Opportunities of Warsaw executive director, requested $15,000 in loan repayment funds be applied to an application for a Rural Development Housing Preservation grant.
HOW received a request from Rural Development to apply for the money, $45,000, on the condition that $15,000 in local funds be added.
Since 2000 HOW has collected loan payments from an owner-occupied grant, which has a balance of $16,529.
Kennedy said 15 applications representing 44 people are complete. The money can be used to repair septic systems or install new roofs, ramps, furnaces, water heaters, floors or windows.
Funds from other foundations and organizations also would make contributions.
The housing preservation funds are only available for people making 30 to 40 percent of the area's median income, which stands at $43,939.
According to Census Bureau statistics presented by Kennedy, Kosciusko County has the highest number of owner-occupied properties - 79 percent - in the state. The state's average is 71 percent.
Mary Kittrell, of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the group is planning to celebrate National Tourism Week, May 12-21, with an open house at the Visitor's Center all week.
Radio station WRSW will broadcast from different locations each weekday morning from 6 to 10 a.m.
Two county familiarization tours are planned - 1 to 5 p.m. May 16 and May 17. The tours are free, but reservations are required.
A "Taste of Hospitality" is scheduled for 4 to 9 p.m. May 18 at the Visitor's Center. There is a charge for the event.
County commissioners are Brad Jackson, Avis Gunter and Ron Truex.
For more information about National Tourism Week, call 574-269-6090 or 800-800-6090.
