Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON - The town's all-volunteer emergency medical service recently was advised by Washington Township Trustee Dean Rhoades that its services would no longer be necessary.
Pierceton EMS President Annie Espinoza advised the town council Monday the EMS board was dissolving the service and planning to liquidate equipment, inventory and an ambulance. She said the organization was contacted about its status Jan. 21.
"We've given Chip the keys, except for two," Espinoza said, referring to Town Superintendent Chip Hill, "and I have one. We'd like to keep the truck inside for a little longer."
The EMS service was provided garage and office space on the north side of the town's senior center building. The town also paid for telephone and Internet service.
"All I can say is, it's been a trip. For 28 years the EMS has volunteered and saved the community thousands of dollars. The citizens have always come through for us whenever we needed anything."
Last month rumors that Washington Township was pursuing a contract with Multi-Township EMS were discussed at a town-township joint meeting. At that time Rhoades said he would let the council know about a decision.
The council hadn't received any word regarding the township's decision.
"This all came out of the dark side and we were taken completely off guard," Espinoza said. "So if we can just keep the truck there a little longer."
The board agreed to allow the truck to stay for as long as the organization needed.
Espinoza also wanted to clear up a comment made at the town-township meeting about a five-year contract to house the service.
Council President Jerry Kreger said he was referring to the town's agreement with the Department of Commerce to make the building at Ind. 13 and Market Street a senior center for five years and to maintain and heat the building.
"That agreement is over, but we will continue to maintain the building and keep the senior center," Kreger said. "We always had the idea of moving the police department there, but not to kick the EMS out."
Espinoza said the EMS will issue a press release soon. Some people still have "coupons" for emergency transportation, which she said should be honored by Multi-Township EMS.
Jim Baughman, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, said a hunter safety program will be offered in the church March 18-19. On the second day, a Sunday, students are required to shoot a 20 gauge shotgun as part of the course.
Baughman asked if the shooting could be done from the edge of the church yard or at another location.
Town marshal Tim Sammons said he would discuss the proper place with Baughman after the meeting.
Baughman said Vice President Dick Cheney was welcome to come and retake the class with the students.
Stan Adams of the Indiana Data Center, Fort Wayne, asked the board for permission to install a broadband radio antenna on the water tower.
He said the company provides service to IPFW in Warsaw, but reception is so poor that many classes broadcast from Fort Wayne to the Warsaw building have had to be canceled.
Installation at the water tower would enhance reception for the college.
He offered the town free Internet access in exchange for the water tower rental.
The contract was taken under advisement.
Town council members are Kreger, Bob Tenney and Mandy Espinoza.
