Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SILVER LAKE -ÊSilver Lake Town Council recommended Tuesday that criminal charges be dropped against a town man accused of cutting down or trimming 18 trees during the night.
David Jaynes, Silver Lake, asked the board to recommend to the county prosecutor's office that the 18 charges of criminal mischief against him be dismissed. He said he cut the trees because they blocked sidewalks where people like to ride bikes and walk.
Silver Lake town marshal Craig Hollopeter said the town was not upset at Jaynes' actions, "just that he didn't ask before he did it."
Hollopeter also said he could ask to dismiss 17 counts where trees were cut on town property, but could not ask to dismiss one count for a tree trimmed on private property.
In other business, the board voted to adjust three sewer bills for town residents. Jerry Brown, Ruben Hatcher and Laurel Libarger all had "astronomical" bills because of leaky pipes.
Their adjusted bills will be based on an average of past usage.
The board also heard from town residents speaking out about dramatic increases in their tax bills.
Gary Kneller, a town man, asked the board to explain a $700 yearly increase in his bill. The board was not able to do so at that time, but has set up appointments with county officials to discover the reason for the increase.
According to Kneller, Silver Lake has the second highest tax rate in the county.
Silver Lake Town Council members are Stan Williams, president; Tom Waite and Ron Jones. Town clerk is Angie Glass.
