At the Etna Green Town Council meeting on Tuesday, March 12, are, from left: Town Attorney Nick Jacobs, Town Council Vice-President Jason Hanes, Town Council Member Susan Klinefelter, Town Council President Heath Roberts and Town Clerk-Treasurer Patti Cook. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ETNA GREEN — Etna Green has opted to not renew its contract with the Kosciusko Economic Development Corp. for the current year.

At its meeting on Tuesday, March 12, the Etna Green Town Council heard from one of KEDCO’s Interim Co-Directors, Greg Fitzloff.

Fitzloff asked if the town still wanted to proceed with a housing development project in town KEDCO had been assisting with. Present at the meeting was a representative with local business Winona Powder Coating.

The representative spoke in support of the housing project as the company believes it might attract potential employees to town and the company is having trouble filling some open positions.

Fitzloff noted the Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission and Triton School Corp. Superintendent Jeremy Riffle were also in support of the housing.

Town Council President Heath Roberts said he didn’t want to continue with the housing development.

“I understand the concern you have as far as employment goes,” he said, referring to the Winona Powder Coating representative. “We’re all dealing with it … It’s nationwide. It’s not just here in Etna Green.”

Roberts added he didn’t believe those taking jobs at Winona Powder Coating would necessarily want to live in Etna Green.

Town Council Member Susan Klinefelter said she didn’t want to pursue the housing project right now, noting economic concerns.

The council members then unanimously agreed to not partner with KEDCO. Council plans to reconsider the contract in early 2025.

Mobile Home Park

The council also unanimously denied a permit request from the Etna Green Mobile Home Park.

A manager from the park asked permission to move a trailer at the park to a larger lot as it’s too big for the one it’s on currently.

Town Council Vice-President Jason Hanes said he was against the move.

“I have a real issue with permitting anything to the mobile home park at this point,” said Hanes. “That home was put in there without getting any permit … It has sat out there for over two months now and looks horrible. I wouldn’t live in that thing.”

“This mobile home park has a habit of taking junk homes and selling them for premium prices to people who can’t afford to do anything else,” said Hanes. “Personally, I won’t give you any permits for anything until some of this is fixed.”

Roberts and Klinefelter also agreed to vote against the request.

In other business, the council:

• Approved allowing the Kosciusko County Area Christian Sports Club to have a homeschool middle school football team play at the town’s field in the fall.
• Heard that large trash pickup day is set for Friday, March 29.
• Heard that the Etna Township Fire Department is having its first fish fry beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4, until sold out.
• Heard the fire department will have its photo fundraiser on Sunday, April 14.

The council’s next meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at Etna Green Town Hall.