Wabash Coroners Seek Facility Assistance From Manchester Council
Posted
Keri Koenig-
NORTH MANCHESTER – Representatives of the Wabash County Coroner’s Office, Carol Whitesel and Susie Lewis, scheduled a visit to the North Manchester Town Council Wednesday. Because Parkview Hospital Wabash has chosen not to add a morgue to the new hospital, the coroners office has a tough decision to make. They are the only coroners in Wabash County and would like to remain there if possible. Outsourcing to the nearest facilities in Kokomo or Fort Wayne would be too expensive, they said. The transportation alone would cost $750 per person. The average number of deaths this year has been 10 per month. It would also be an additional burden on families to have to drive such a distance, and the coroners fear driving accidents would be more likely. In order to stay in Wabash County, they would either need to build a new facility themselves or accept a building and make renovations. The cost would be $24,900 a year. Not only could it save money in the long run, but it would keep coroner services closer to those who lose their loved ones, they told the council. Allen Miracle asked Whitesel if they have received the county’s support beforehand. She explained that Wabash County is a smaller one and they need even more support than before. Thomas Dale wanted to confirm that they were certain that Parkview wouldn’t add on a facility for them. Whitesel explained that it would have been a $200,000 to $300,000 expense and they didn’t feel that the cost justified the need. However, they could do it for much less. Chalmer Tobias asked if there would be an equal split in those who chose to support the county coroners. Dale also asked if the costs would be split proportionally according to the population of North Manchester compared to a larger council. The coroners suggested that the council could pledge a fair amount to contribute each year if they preferred. Laura Rager requested research be done that accounted for the citizens of North Manchester alone, apart from the rest of Wabash County’s total deaths, then the town council could contribute according to the town’s needs. Jeff Perry’s retirement as police chief officially has been accepted. In his place, as an interim police chief, is Steve Olsen. Olsen originally retired from the police department in 2005, but has returned for the time being. He has been at work 34 days and was officially recognized at the latest town council meeting. Engine 602, the fire truck up for bid, had one notable offer this month. There were two options given, a purchase of $411,969 or a trade-in offer. There is a prepayment discount of $10,500. Before making any decisions, the fire department wants more time to contact more companies. Fire Chief Cam Kissinger would like to revisit the topic of bids for this fire truck in September. It is not a dire need as of yet and it would be in the best interest of the community to thoroughly research the best prices that can be made for this engine, he said. The police department is also requesting three new squad cars and is currently researching which model to invest in. Earlier in the day, a car was stolen at noon. It was located at the NAPA store in North Manchester when an employee called the police department to report the theft. The suspect was spotted in more than one gas station surveillance video and was recognized by the attendant there who had served him. Deputy Steve Hicks, Detective James Kirk and Officer Greg Tomlinson all shared a part in apprehending the suspect. He was in custody by 1:30 of the same day. Olsen commended his team on their police work.
