Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ETNA GREEN - Etna Green Town Council approved a grant application being filed for a new tornado siren and discussed the potential removal of a voting center during a Tuesday, July 14 council meeting.
Etna Township Fire Department Chief Kevin Smith, Assistant Chief Tyler Holderman and Michiana Area Council of Governments Community Development Planner Olivia Nix attended the meeting to ask for permission to file for a grant through Indiana's State Homeland Security Program. If a grant is received, Smith said it would go toward a new, rotating siren that is activated by Kosciusko County 911 Dispatch versus manually operated by a firefighter.
Austin Rovenstine, a member of the Kosciusko County Election Board, attended the council meeting to let residents know Heritage Park is one of three vote center locations that may potentially be closed, with the exception of remaining open during small town elections. Rovenstine said this was due to "low foot traffic in recent elections." The Kosciusko County Election Board is currently seeking public feedback on the matter and will discuss amending the vote center plan at a public meeting at 11 a.m. Aug. 24 in the clerk's office.
Written comments may be submitted by mail to: Kosciusko County Election Board, 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw, IN 46580. Comments may also be submitted to County Clerk Melissa Boggs [mboggs@kosciusko.in.gov]via email.
Council President Heath Roberts, along with Kosciusko County Republican Chairman Mike Ragan and Kosciusko County Councilman Joe Irwin, all voiced opposition to the proposal.
In other business, town employee Richard McManis told council that parking arrangements need to be looked into for Heritage Park. He said that during evening festivities on the Fourth of July, cars and a horse and buggy utilized the walking path.
Council also:
• Welcomed new Councilman Rod Thomas.
• Heard thanks from McManis to those who supported and reached out to him following the passing of his mother.
Etna Green Council's next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11.
