By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

PALESTINE — The Kosciusko County Health Department has filed a complaint against the owners of a property near Palestine.

The property, located at 5828 W. Bobolink Drive, Mentone, is owned by Earnest and Rebecca Farmer.

According to the complaint, KCHD issued orders to remove garbage from the property on May 10, 2023; and Oct. 25, 2023. The complaint states the Farmers have failed to remove the garbage and are in violation of Kosciusko County Ordinance No. 1986-4 due to an accumulation of garbage at the property.

The ordinance states “any such accumulation or scattering of garbage or trash is, and hereby declared to be, a public health nuisance.” It also states the health and safety of possible occupants at the property may be at risk due to the area’s insanitary conditions.

In regards to fines, the ordinance says individuals in violation of the ordinance “shall be fined not more than $100 for the first violation and not more than $200 for the second and each subsequent violation. Each day a violation continues after the expiration of the time set forth in any order issued under Section 5 of this ordinance for abating unsanitary conditions and completing improvements as ordered by the health officers constitutes a separate violation.”

KCHD is requesting an order from the Kosciusko County Courts requiring compliance with the ordinance, as well as the entry of fines against the Farmers and coverage of court costs.