Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
A time capsule was slipped into the wall behind the "2002" date panel at the Justice Building Tuesday, following the county commissioners' meeting.
With little fanfare, Avis Gunter, Brad Jackson and Ron Truex added a list of elected officials and department heads and a 2005 penny, from Truex's pocket for luck, on top of many items collected in the copper box. Then the commissioners screwed in three fasteners, sealing it for the next 50 years.
The capsule also contains a number of other coins, flags, state and local brochures, maps, Sesquicentennial items, photographs, books and other memorabilia from around the county.
John Scudder of Wiegand Construction set the date stone in place and sealed it in mortar.
Locke collected the items donated by citizens over the last few months. The capsule should have been set in 2002, when the Justice Building was dedicated, but this detail was overlooked.
Locke also has been instrumental in additions and changes at the war memorial on the southwest corner of the courthouse. When Todd Fiscus died in Afghanistan, the soldier's name had to be added to the north side. Locke organized a fundraiser with the Rotarians, who donated a new flag pole.
The memorial will be surrounded by cement for easier accessibility. Kuert Concrete is donating material and Lee Walls the labor for the new cement approach. The Sons of the American Legion and the Warsaw Optimist Club also have made substantial donations.
"As I walk down the street, people have literally put money in my hand for this project," Locke reported to the commissioners Tuesday. The rededication ceremony is Monday at 11 a.m.
The commissioners also heard from Jane Greene of the Cardinal Center, who said the the organization's administrative building is in need of a new heating and cooling system.
"We don't have any air conditioning today," she said, asking the board to sponsor a Focus Fund grant to buy a new unit. "We knew the system was deteriorating. We'll meet any matching funds, if required."
She said quotes have ranged from $150,000 to $300,000. The commissioners approved the grant application.
They also turned around two negative Area Plan Commission recommendations for vacations, as presented by Matt Sandy, assistant planner.
The board approved the request of Kenneth and Brenda Wright and Allen and Helen Heuss to vacate land at Lakeview Drive from the eastern side right-of-way of Spring Street to its end.
Also approved was a vacation request by Brian and Ranai Smith who asked portions of EMS C28G and C28F be vacated to accommodate a septic system expansion. The APC recommended the plan be denied and several neighbors argued against the idea as presented, too.
Commissioner Brad Jackson took one look at the ariel photograph and suggested a smaller portion be vacated, which would leave out the roadway completely.
The board approved a vacation with a 5-foot setback from the road. This was met with some grumbling from citizens because they wanted to see the scope of the vacation in writing, first.
The approval is dependent upon the health department's findings for adequate space to expand the Smith's septic system.
Sandy also presented changes to several ordinances.
The law regarding home-based business criteria was significantly changed to include up to 20 employees and no more than five unrelated family members.
More than 30 Amish men appeared at the meeting in silent support of the change.
Increases in the number of employees is allowable as long as the residential nature of the surroundings are not drastically altered; will not have an adverse effect on the neighborhood and as long as parking can be provided.
Changes also were made to the sign ordinance regarding placement of real estate signs, temporary property development signs and subdivision entrance structures, outlining the number, size and criteria for each category.
County administrator Ron Robinson said infrastructure work was a week ahead of schedule and the Extension Office, surveyor's office and Wayne Township assessor's office would be moved this week. Citizens can expect telephone disruption to those offices for the next couple of weeks, but can call the information desk where messages will be forwarded.
