Commissioner Brad Jackson reviews paperwork at the Kosciusko Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Sept. 4.

KOSCIUSKO — At the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting held Tuesday, Sept. 4, Kosciusko County Sheriff Rocky Goshert and KCSD Lieutenant Mike Mulligan informed commissioners that they have been awarded a non-matching Jail Chemical Addiction Program grant and requested approval and signatures from the commissioners. 

Kosciusko County Sheriff Rocky Goshert presented information related to the Jail Chemical Addiction Program.

JCAP is a 90-day, in-jail program designed to address substance abuse issues suffered by many inmates. According to Goshert, the program will be started in the women’s section.

“What percentage of people do we have in jail now that you think are going to take advantage of this?” inquired Commissioner President Bob Conley. 

“With either the drugs or alcohol, you’re probably talking 80 – 85 percent,” Goshert responded. “It’s a very high percentage – that may even be on the low side.”

“We can hope it makes a tremendous difference,” said Conley. “This thing is way out of control.”

“We’ve got to do something to try to help the situation instead of just incarcerating them,” Goshert agreed. “I think it’s a great opportunity for the jail and for Kosciusko County.” Commissioners approved this request.

County Highway Superintendent Scott Tilden asked for approval for a Local Trax Rail Overpass Program grant request through the Indiana Department of Transportation.

“This would be to extend CR 1300N to the west from old SR 15 to SR 15. It includes a new bridge over the Norfolk Southern railroad and Main Street,” said Tilden. “It also incorporates realignment of a portion of Main Street.”

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $9,644,500, with $7,757,695 being requested through the grant from INDOT. 

“That would leave the local portion at approximately $1,886,805,” said Tilden.

The area of the project is north of Milford. Construction year is reported as 2022, although Tilden stated there would be preliminary engineering phases that would start in 2019. This request was approved by commissioners.

Bob Momeyer requested approval to move forward with the project of replacing the security control system at the Kosciusko County Justice Building in Warsaw.  Momeyer stated that the system was implemented 17 years ago and said there are certain components of the system that are obsolete and can no longer be replaced. 

According to Momeyer, two quotes were received. Momeyer recommended accepting the quote from Security Automation Systems, Indianapolis, in the amount of $634,000.

“Technology has obviously increased a lot since 17 years ago so this will be a much better system,” said Momeyer. 

Commissioners approved Momeyer’s request and recommendation. 

Other News: 

• Forrest V. Lewis of Syracuse was honored as the veteran of the month.
• The next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18.

Pictured, from left, Veteran of the Month Forrest V. Lewis, Syracuse, and Kosciusko Commissioner President Bob Conley.