Multiple Road Closure Requests Approved By Board Of Works
By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — Several road closure requests for upcoming events and construction projects were approved during a Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety meeting on Friday, May 6.
Greg Steffe, Kosciusko County Old Jail Museum co-director, asked for permission to close North Indiana Street, between East Center Street and East Main Street, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. The closure is for the museum’s annual John Dillinger event.
Steffe requested the same road closure for 2-9 p.m. Friday, June 3, for a Warsaw Speedway old times reunion and vintage race car show. The event is in conjunction with First Friday in downtown Warsaw.
“This year’s featured exhibit at the museum is remembering the Warsaw Speedway,” said Steffe. “We have a very extensive exhibit.”
Mark Vanlaningham, one of the organizers of the Kosciusko County Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market, requested permission to close Center Street, between Lake and Buffalo Streets, between 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. every Saturday from May to October.
A road closure for Colfax Street, between Smith Street and the end of Cardinal Services’ drive, was also approved. Cardinal Services is holding a groundbreaking celebration from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 17. The celebration is in recognition of Cardinal Services’ capital campaign and renovations at its main campus.
Matt Boren, Cardinal Services’ executive director, said the public is invited to attend and food trucks will be set up during the event.
Dan Hampton, representing Sacred Heart Catholic Church, requested Smith Street, from Maple Avenue to Grant Street, be closed for an Eucharistic procession. The processional is linked to Corpus Christi Sunday, which is on June 19.
The Board also approved a road closure for private utility work by G&G Hauling & Excavating Inc. The work would take place from Monday, May 16, to Friday, May 20. During this timeframe, Zimmer Road will be closed from the intersection of SR 25 to the intersection of Zimmer Lane. Chase Meeks, account manager/estimator for G&G, said the project is for storm sewer infrastructure improvement at Zimmer Biomet Building 5.
In other business, Street Superintendent Dustin Dillon requested permission for the street department to purchase two 2023 Ford F650s from Viking-Cives Midwest. The cost for both trucks is $318,826. Funding for the purchase is available in the department’s main budget, in its machinery and equipment appropriation. The board approved the department purchasing the vehicles.
Dillon also asked for the board’s approval to accept a grant from Community Crossings. The department received notification about being awarded the grant on April 19. The City of Warsaw, Department of Public Works has preliminarily been awarded $443,658. The board approved accepting the grant.
Also at the meeting, Warsaw Parks & Recreation Department Superintendent Larry Plummer requested approval for four contracts regarding the department’s summer concert series. Three of the contracts are with Pro Audio Service, who will provide equipment for several of the concerts.
Warsaw’s Summer Concert Series begins Friday, May 27.
At the end of the meeting, Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer recognized Human Resources Director Jennifer Whitaker, who is retiring. Her last day with the City is May 13.
“She’s done a lot for the city these last 30 years,” said Thallemer. “Thank you for your service.”
The board’s next meeting is at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 20, at Warsaw City Hall.