Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MENTONE - Attempts will be made to contact the owners of two abandoned properties in town that are in violation of ordinances pertaining to weeds and junk.
Christina Morehouse of North Franklin Street told members of the Mentone Town Council Monday that she has caught three rats in her basement this spring and she believes the vermin are coming from the overgrown property next door to hers.
Morehouse said she took it upon herself last year to keep the property mowed, but she doesn't want to continue that practice.
There also was a complaint about the property the next block over, behind Morehouse's residence, on West Harrison Street.
The council also reminded its town attorney to continue working on the ordinance pertaining to abandoned buildings and dilapidated property.
In other business, the council learned that the town has ownership of a 66-foot wide swath of land at the location of the planned Tucker Street extension and approved up to $2,700 for the base and gravel to be spread.
Contractor John Russell of Silver Lake said the spec home he is building there is progressing, with the roof set to be shingled beginning today. Occupancy is expected in six weeks.
In additional matters, the council:
• Approved a mutual aid agreement as submitted by the Kosciusko County Emergency Management director. The agreement notes that the town will help the county and vice versa in the event of a disaster.
• Appointed the town marshal to the Emergency Management Advisory Council.
• Set a budget meeting for 7 p.m. June 23 in the town hall.
The Mentone Town Council meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month in the town hall. Council members are Ed Rock, Mike Diemer and Mark Hughes.
