Ben Barkey, left, being honored by John Peyton, vice president of aerospace education for L.D. Bell Museum Chapter 411 of the Air Force Association.

WARSAW — A resolution was passed to declare the yearly deer nuisance areas during the Warsaw Common Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Councilmember Jeff Grose presented the areas to the council. The eight nuisance areas remain the same as 2016 and can be viewed here. By declaring nuisance zones, the Deer Reduction Task Force is able to establish reduction zones where qualified archers can work to reduce the deer population.

“We can safely and efficiently reduce the deer herd in these areas,” explained Grose. Last year, 27 deer were taken and 90 percent of those deer were doe. The task force specifically targets does to further reduce the population. This year’s training sessions will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 13, and Saturday, Sept. 16.

Councilmember Jack Wilhite attended a training session in the past and spoke in favor of the resolution. “This is done with the utmost caution,” said Wilhite. “It’s a very good program.”

The board approved the resolution to establish deer nuisance areas.

Ben Barkey, principal at Madison Elementary, was honored during the meeting for his recent award as the 2017 Air Force Association Teacher of the Year. Members of AFA’s local chapter were present to  thank him for all his hard work. More information about the award and Barkey’s accomplishments can be read here.

“I can’t express the amount of gratitude I have for this community,” said Barkey. “This is obviously a very humbling experience.”

Warsaw Mayor Joseph Thallemer gave an update on the wastewater treatment plant expansion. During the council meeting on Sept. 18, a preliminary bond and rate ordinance will be introduced. Hearings to adopt the bond and rates will be held during the council meeting on Oct. 16. There will be public hearings in each district to explain the expansion and the rate impact. The public hearing information will be released within the week.

In other news:

• Janice Cox, Daughters of the American Revolution member, was present as Warsaw Mayor Joseph Thallemer declared Sept. 17 through Sept. 23, as Constitution Week in Warsaw.
• Mike Loher was present to remind everyone of the Operation Finally Home celebration and appreciation concert being held at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at Wagon Wheel Center.
• Council members discussed adding a few budget topics onto future agendas including inviting Beaman Home Director Tracie Hodson to discuss her requests and establishing a maximum cap onto non-profit budgets.

Janice Cox, left, listens as Mayor Joseph Thallemer declares Sept. 17 through Sept. 23, as
Constitution Week.