WARSAW — Tuesday, June 13, representatives from various nonprofit organizations gave budget presentations at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting.

Nonprofit organizations represented at the meeting included Kosciusko Historical Society, 4-H Council, Cardinal Center, Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice, Beaman Home, Council on Aging, Animal Welfare League, Otis R. Bowen Center and St. Joe River Basin Commission.

Rick Paczkowski, director of Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice, informed the commissioners that he will be retiring at the end of this year but requested that the commissioners continue to help support the organization in the future.

“The services we provide are for the elderly and the disabled of the community. This is very important. We may be there one day. Your parents may need us. We’re going to be there for them,” Paczkowski stated. He expressed appreciation to the commissioners for their support and ended by saying, “The people who work for the agency do such a great job and I’m just here trying to make sure that continues.”

Mindy Wise and two volunteers were in attendance to represent the 4-H Council. Wise said they just sent a record number of 32 youth members to camp. Wise brought two volunteers with her who informed board members of a new program that has been implemented over the past year. The Possibilities Program is aimed at including more children with special needs in the 4-H program. The program matches new youth with experienced 4-H members. The partners work together for a couple of months, with the partners then showing an animal together at the county fair.

Beaman Home Executive Director Tracie Hudson discussed the new facility on Parker Street and how this will assist them in being able to provide services to more clients. Hudson explained that clients do not need to live at the Beaman Home in order to receive services there.

David Neff, executive director of Kosciusko County Senior Services, stated that 24,000 meals were delivered last year through their Mobile Meals service. The Kosciusko County Council on Aging was founded in 1957 to provide home-delivered meals to older citizens. The agency was incorporated in 1967 as a nonprofit organization with the primary purpose being the development and coordination of programs to meet the needs of the older citizens in Kosciusko County.

Darla McCammon, executive director of the Animal Welfare League, and AWL Board President Woody Zimmerman, attended the meeting. McCammon stated they take in approximately 2,200 animals each year. McCammon discussed the health benefits of pet ownership such as lower blood pressure and increased exercise. McCammon said they are in phase one of their new facility, which will feature many benefits and improvements to citizens and pets.

Kosciusko County Commissioner Vice-President Bob Conley addressed all nonprofit representatives, thanking them for attending the meeting and stating that the commissioners would take all budget presentations under advisement.

KABS Transportation General Manager Robert Cunningham submitted a 2018 budget for a 5311 grant. Cunningham informed board members of recent federal funding cuts in the State of Indiana of approximately $1,000,000. Cunningham stated he currently has two new drivers in training. Commissioners approved and signed the grant.

Sue Ann Mitchell and John Garber were there as representatives of the Lions clubs in Kosciusko County. Mitchell stated there are Lions clubs in Atwood, Claypool, Etna Green, Winona, Leesburg, Mentone, Milford, North Webster, Sidney, Pierceton, Silver Lake, Syracuse and Warsaw. Mitchell and Garber informed the commissioners this is the 100th year of Lions Clubs International. They submitted a proclamation defining June as Lions Club International Centennial Celebration month. Commissioners approved and signed the proclamation.

Other news:

• The next regular meeting will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 27.
• Attorney Chad Miner presented a property deed and resolution for a property located on East Epworth Forest Road, North Webster, which required signatures from the commissioners. Commissioners approved and signed both documents.