Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Town projects that have been years in the planning are closer to fruition, council members heard Tuesday.
"We reapplied for money we thought we already had, and added on to the request," said town coordinator Craig Allebach, referring to funding for the greenway. He added that Warsaw has co-signed for a grant with the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Last month city and town representatives found out the money they had counted on was "gone," although records show the funds had been set aside for the 11-mile recreational path for years. A grant application also has been submitted to the K21 Foundation.
The Gatke dump remediation project of interest to Grace College also has progressed, Allebach said. Costs to rehabilitate the property for use have been reduced from $1.5 million to less than a million dollars. The college would like to see the land converted to a parking lot space adjacent to an event center.
The annual community recognition dinner has been scheduled for March 17 at 6 p.m. at Lakeland Christian Academy on CR 250E, Allebach said. All town residents are invited to the event. Costs are $15 per person. Businesses - large, small, home-based - are asked to provide information for a directory that will be distributed at the dinner.
The council approved a traffic control ordinance (No. 2005-2-1) establishing a flashing red light on Kings Highway outside the fire station. The light will be activated when the department is called out on an emergency run.
Traffic will be directed to stop well back from the posted stop signs when emergency vehicles are entering and exiting the fire station. The street department will paint crossing lines on Kings Highway in addition to installing the traffic signals.
The council also:
• Appointed two members to two town boards: Dave Turner to the Economic Development Commission, to replace long-time member Blaine Mikesell, and Joy McCarthy-Sessing to the Housing Authority, replacing Jim McCleary.
• Approved an expenditure of $450 to repair a sewage line on Sunday Lane.
• Heard the town will receive $800,000 in federal funds for improvements to CR 250E. The state and town will contribute $160,000 each toward the project.
• Heard from councilman David Delp that participation in the curbside recycling program is up to 19 percent, a 3 percent increase over last year.
• Heard that trees being cut down on CR 225S were ordered removed by Kosciusko County REMC. Allebach said as a result there is a lot of free firewood available. Interested citizens may call the town hall to make arrangements to pick up the wood.
• Heard upcoming events as: Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Art for the Heart Winter Art Fair in Rodeheaver Auditorium; Sunday, at 7:30 p.m., Second Sunday Series, Valentine's Day Celebration, also in Rodeheaver; Feb. 21, 2 p.m. WRSW "Talk of the Town" with Jerry Clevenger; and March 17, 6 p.m., the Community Recognition Dinner in Lakeland Christian Academy.
Town council members are: Jeff Carroll, David Delp, Joy Lohse and Rolly Ortega. Jerry Clevenger was absent.
