Kosciusko County Alcoholic Beverage Board approved one new license and three renewals Thursday, and learned that the state reversed a denial they made in summer. A hearing judge for the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission on Jan. 15 ordered a reversal of the county board’s July 5 recommendation to deny a license renewal for Katie’s Kwik Mart, according to a letter board members discussed Thursday. Judge Doug Kowalski made the order after the state initially accepted the local decision, which the Leesburg gas station appealed. Kowalski wrote that Katie’s is qualified to hold a license, having obeyed the law and maintained a reputation for decency. He also wrote that the county board’s decision was without evidence, “arbitrary” and “capricious.” “We got overruled, but that’s all right,” county board President Gordon Vanator said. “I don’t think the letter is going to change the status of the local board, how we feel. That commission down there doesn’t live in Kosciusko County.” He said the board made its decision after hearing from a remonstrator who lived near Katie’s who was vocal in her opposition, and receiving two letters of protest. “They make out like there are no problems in the community, but I think there are problems,” he said. Also during the meeting, board members approved a new license for Bulldog Saloon in Mentone, though bar and restaurant owner Robert Carter noted the state will have to remove an errant “N” from the business name in official documents. And the board approved renewals for Warsaw license holders The Great Wall, 2308 E. Center St., and Lakeland Golfers Association, 1700 Rozella Road; and Pierceton license holder United Deli, 7487 E. Old 30.
