WARSAW — Much of the Kosciusko County commissioners meeting Tuesday, May 16, was spent in remembrance of Warsaw resident Bob Sanders, who passed away Sunday, May 14. Sanders was involved in numerous public, civic and community service organizations and was well-known to many in this area. After a moment of silence to allow those in attendance to remember Sanders, several council members spoke of Sanders.

Kosciusko Commissioner Ron Truex started off by saying he had enjoyed working with Sanders.

“When I first met Bob, I wasn’t sure we were going to be friends. I came to find out that we were a lot alike so we were probably always destined to be friends,” Truex stated. He went on to say, “Bob certainly had the county’s best interest at heart in everything he did.” Truex added that he finds comfort in the fact that Sanders played almost as hard as he worked and finished by saying simply, “I’m going to miss him.”

Bob Conley, Kosciusko County Commissioner vice-president, said when he first decided to run for county commissioner, he sought advice from Sanders, adding that it had been, “A tremendous blessing,” to know Sanders and spend time with him.

Kosciusko County Commissioner President Brad Jackson said he had known Sanders for approximately 30 years and spoke of how Sanders lived life to the fullest.  Jackson stated he wanted to share a funny story about Sanders, describing the time Sanders and a friend, who were both pilots, were flying together. On this particular flight, each apparently thought the other had control of the plane and it was not until the rather bumpy landing that they discovered neither of them had their hands on the controls.

Sheriff C. Aaron Rovenstine spoke of Sanders, saying, “I didn’t know quite what to think of Bob when I first met him because our personalities are somewhat different, but we grew close over the years. I’m sure going to miss him shaking my hand and trying to crush it.” Rovenstine added, “On another note, it’s been an honor to work with all of you. I’ve enjoyed it,” to which Jackson responded, “Aaron, the feeling is mutual. It’s been a lot of years.”

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer spoke at the meeting, sharing in the loss of Sanders.

“The city shares the loss of Bob. His gift was that he made everyone feel like a friend. Bob will be missed,” said Thallemer, who added that there had been a moment of silence at last night’s Warsaw Common Council meeting in remembrance of Sanders.

Ed Rock, Kosciusko County emergency management director, informed council members that the DNR finished spraying for gypsy moths in Kosciusko County as of this morning. Rock stressed that the product they are using is not harmful to human beings. He said it is only effective on certain types of insects, such as gypsy moths. Rock said the product is also used for mosquito control.

Kosciusko County Highway Superintendent Scott Tilden requested approval of an agreement with USI Consultants, Indianapolis, for professional engineering services for the cycle years 2018 – 2021. Council members unanimously approved the request.

Tilden said road paving was started last week and should be finished in early July. The chip seal program will be done through July and August. Tilden said paving will start up again after Labor Day and continue through November.

A Syracuse resident, who wished to remain unnamed, approached council members with a complaint about CR 1300N (Syracuse-Milford Road), Syracuse. The resident stated she was almost killed by irrigation a few years ago on this road. She explained that when farmers get too close to the road while irrigating, the water hits vehicles, resulting in drivers not being able to see due to the water coming out in such strong force. The excessive water can also leave large puddles on the road, causing potential problems for drivers. The resident stated that in Michigan farmers are fined for getting excessive water on the roads while irrigating their land. She said she has approached one particular farmer who is spraying water in the road and has not been met with any cooperation.

The resident stated there are devices that can be put on the end of the irrigation equipment that would help with this issue. She went on to say that someone is going to get killed due to the irrigation problem, adding, “I don’t think someone’s life is worth irrigating the road.”

She also suggested the speed limit should be monitored on this road, stating she has personally observed numerous near-accidents due to both the irrigation issue and drivers not obeying the speed limit. She described a close call with some children getting off a school bus a few weeks ago as another vehicle was approaching too fast. Commissioners agreed that this is a problem in the county and discussed the possibility of implementing an ordinance.

Other news:

• The next regular meeting will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 30.