Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SOUTH WHITLEY – At Tuesday night's meeting, the South Whitley Town Council heard an update on the Hometown Heroes banners, soon to be ordered and installed around town.
Kris Shoemaker said the application for a banner is in the clerk's office and the park board is waiting to buy in bulk to keep costs lower. Clerk-Treasurer Alyssa Knepple said the order is at 21 banners now.
Anyone can submit an application for someone they would like to honor, including veterans, police officers, firefighters and other emergency services personnel.
In new business, council approved an amendment to the salary ordinance on updates to Town Marshal Chad Schipper and school resource officer Mikel Vandevender's salaries.
Council also approved the 2026 redevelopment commission's spending plan and town attorney Gregg Hockemeyer's two-year contract at $225 per hour, which is less than his usual fee of $280 per hour. Hockemeyer has been the attorney for the town of South Whitley since 1992.
In old business, Council President Brock Waterson said Brian McCarty will seek a facade grant for his work on the 206 and 208 S. State St. properties and will bring more information at the Nov. 11 meeting.
Waterson and Councilman Randy Cokl thanked Trey Weber, who was not present, for his two years of service to the town. Weber has resigned from the council.
Jen Krider spoke to the council about plans for the Christmas festival, which will include the Walk of Trees, a concert, a vendor village, fireworks and more. The festival will be held across two Fridays, Dec. 5 and 12.
In other business, council:
• Removed the requirement for a school administrator to sign off on the school resource officer's timecard.
• Heard an update on the audit from Knepple.
• Tabled an approval of the 3-percent wage raise, as required by the State Board of Accounts, until the Nov. 11 meeting.
Council will next meet at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11.
