Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Recognition of a retirement, a presentation by Tippecanoe Valley Middle School students and a bid opening highlighted the Kosciusko County commissioners meeting Tuesday.
Middle district commissioner Ron Truex presented Ellsworth Everest with a plaque for his 17 years of "dedicated service" on behalf of the county commissioners. Everest is retiring as the county's emergency management director.
Truex said he's known and respected Everest his whole life and it was an honor to recognize Everest.
Later, three bids were opened for the highway department for two 2004 tandem axle cab and chassis trucks with bed, hydraulics, sander and underbody. Bids included Wise International Trucks, unit price of $127,388.27; Hill Truck Sales, unit price $120,314; and Norris Truck Service, $255,286 for both. Highway Department Superintendent and Engineer Rob Ladson said he will review the bids and make a recommendation to the commissioners at their Feb. 24 meeting.
Ladson then introduced the TVMS Future City Project team. The county commissioners allowed Ladson to serve as a mentor to the team on the project. This was the team's first year participating in the contest. Though the team didn't win first place, "they competed very well," Ladson said.
Three of the TVMS students presented their city, Belegost ("Great Fortress"), to the commissioners and explained how the city is powered, the city's schooling, advanced technology and transportation system.
Ladson and team sponsor June Yazel then presented certificates to each of the participants.
The project was quite a big one, Ladson said, and he applauded the students for their effort. Everyone involved had fun with it.
In other business, the commissioners:
• Heard from county auditor Sue Ann Mitchell that the county has up to 1,800 property tax appeals through the township assessors and trustees offices. Some of the appeals are for refunds, which could take up to 30 days to process. The longer the refunds are held, the more interest the county could have to pay on them. To make the process faster, Mitchell asked if they could go ahead with the appeals and refunds without the commissioners seeing the checks before they are processed and then the commissioners could review a list of the refunds later. The commissioners approved.
• Heard from Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine that the Indiana Department of Corrections is paying the county $49,560 for the housing of inmates convicted of misdemeanors.
• Approved signing the Center of Hope and Child Advocacy grant applications.
• Approved ordinances for stop signs in Shadow Lakes Subdivision.
• Approved the rehabilitation project for bridge 226 as presented by Ladson. The bridge is near Market Street near the Warsaw Wastewater Treatment Plant, Warsaw. Construction on the bridge will not likely begin until August.
Kosciusko County commissioners are Brad Jackson, northern district; Ron Truex, middle district; Avis Gunter, southern district. They meet in the county courthouse, Warsaw, every other Tuesday at 9 a.m.
