Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Incidents of unusual animal activity were reported by Officer Paul Heaton of the Winona Lake Police Department during the town's council meeting Tuesday.
Heaton said WLPD handled four cases over the last month of what was believed to be rabies cases in raccoons and rabbits in various areas of Winona Lake.
Residents are urged to avoid interaction with unknown animals, especially ones acting distempered or deranged. No residents have been affected by last month's cases.
Heaton said the department will test the next animal found with a similar case to identify if any disease is affecting the creatures.
In other issues, an ordinance to vacate a right of way along Tennis Street was passed on both first and final reading by the council.
The approval came after Town Engineer Larry Long assured the council that he could foresee no future complications to storm drainage and electrical lining resulting from the proposed right of way.
Other concerns arose as to whether the vacation would hamper the town's ability to widen Tennis Street, which is one of two two-way streets on the town's island. Long said an additional 12 feet is still available to be used for broadening the road if and when it is necessary.
Also passed by the council was an ordinance to adopt updates for the town's personal handbook. Clerk Treasurer Retha Hicks said the council continuously modifies the handbook in efforts to keep its content standard with current town conditions.
In street department matters, Public Works Superintendent Pete O'Connell reported fall leaf collection to be running behind schedule due to a breakdown of a collection vehicle Friday. O'Connell estimated the vehicle will be repaired and running leaf pick-up routes by Thursday.
Councilman Jerry Clevenger urged residents to avoid burning leaves, which is a violation of Indiana's Open Burning Law.
No floor topics were discussed during the meeting.
Present members were Clevenger, Joy Lohse, David Delp and Rolly Ortega. Councilman Jeff Carroll was absent.
The next meeting is Nov. 22 at 7 a.m. in the town hall.
