To better assist veterans in the county, the Magical Meadows is starting a new program for veterans, Kosciusko County Commissioners heard Tuesday.
Tammy Stackhouse, founder of Magical Meadows, said the new program, called Warrior Round-Up, kicks off this week. Magical Meadows offers therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs.
Stackhouse said horseback riding helps people with balance and coordination. “It’s not just a pony ride,” she said. “There’s something special about horses.”
She said the new veterans program is similar to a Horse for Heroes program in New Mexico. Stackhouse said the new program will assist certain veterans, especially those who have sustained post traumatic stress disorder or physical injuries while in combat.
Two 4-H’ers gave a brief presentation at the meeting. This year marks the 100th anniversary of 4-H in Indiana. There are 160,000 children in 4-H in Indiana and all 92 counties have chapters. There are 700 children in 4-H in Kosciusko County and more than 200 adult volunteers.
Two home-school, 4-H students spoke about 4-H. Carolyn Pitt, 15, has been in 4-H for seven years. She has raised animals and conducted various projects while in 4-H. Olivia Johnson has been a 4-H’er for three years and has sold chickens and done general projects.
Open enrollment for 4-H begins Nov. 1. There are also two new 4-H programs starting: Rockets to Rescue and a robotics program.
A property in Lewallen Park, on the east side of Little Tippecanoe Lake, was discussed. Attorney Steve Snyder said he has been working on the case for 16 years.
In 1988, the property, less than an acre, became a public roadway. The property in question was never recorded when it was vacated by county commissioners in December 2002. Since that time, the property has changed hands over the years and has recently been owned by Tom Warner, who has been paying the tax bills. County Attorney Chad Miner suggested quiet title action, which was approved.
A rezoning for Terry and Margaret Likens was approved. The couple wants to rezone their property from agricultural to residential for a one-lot subdivision. The couple’s property, less than an acre, is located at SR 13 and Backwater Road, North Webster.
In highway news, a stop sign ordinance was approved. The intersection of CR 400N and CR 500W will become a four-way stop due to a traffic pattern change. The expansion of a nearby business also prompted the stop signs, making it a much safer intersection. New signs will be installed this week.
KABS third quarter claims report was presented. There were $108,036 in INDOT claims for July through September and 12,307 rides. CDL physicals and annual drivers’ training has been completed, said Kevin Planck, KABS general manager.
Commissioners amended a personnel policy by placing certain county employees, such as those in the sheriff’s department, dispatch center and work release, on salary due to a new time keeping system.
In other news, commissioners:
• signed the 2015 not-for-profit agreements.
• signed the 2015 inter-local agreements for terminal services data.
• appointed Dennis Darr to the drainage board due to the death of Don Goon.
The next meeting is at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, due to the election. Meetings are in the courthouse in downtown Warsaw.