WARSAW — Kosciusko County will soon seek bids for repairs on part of the Justice Building’s exterior that collapsed unexpectedly in August, as well as other areas that were found to have cracks.

County Commissioner Cary Groninger said this week that they expect drawings that will be part of the engineer's proposal to be ready in April and that they hope to receive bids on the work in the following weeks.

Several horizontal limestone slabs crashed down from above a secondary entrance to the Justice Building along Lake Street on Aug. 29, causing significant damage but no injuries.

Soon after, engineers began assessing the immediate damage and then expanded the scope of review to the entire building for other potential weak points.

Groninger said they identified about 35 cracks, all in the older northern part of the building, which was constructed in 1980.

Wooden structural supports are currently being used in eight areas along part of Lake Street and West Main Street.

Repair plans are now taking on a holistic approach, he said.

He said they also plan to replace some of the anchors that hold panels in place with a more modern version.

“We’re working through getting that accomplished as well as making sure the facade of the building doesn’t look like a checkerboard when we’re done, so we don’t have an old panel and a new panel, old panel, new panel,” Groninger said. “Maybe even replace more panels than what we need to make sure we have some consistency in what the facade of the building looks like,” Groniger said.

He said the commissioners could have an update as soon as their April 7 meeting.

A rough cost estimate will also become known soon, he said.

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WARSAW — Former Kosciusko County Commissioner Brad Jackson — eager to get back into political governance — has found a quicker way to join county council.

Jackson, who served 28 years as a commissioner before deciding to retire in 2024, had announced in September his plans to run for county council's 1st District seat next year, which would mean he'd be seated more than a year from now (if elected). 

But then he received a call Thursday night from a county council member who alerted him that they had just learned another council member, Delynn Geiger, had unexpectedly announced his resignation, effective one day later.

Jackson, 63, thought about the unexpected development, talked with a few people, including the county Republican Party Chairman Mike Ragan, and within hours, announced plans to seek Geiger’s at-large seat through a Republican caucus that has not even yet been announced.

Ragan announced Friday night that the caucus will be held Jan. 6.

The move, if successful, would mean Jacksson could be seated in early January — a year sooner than previously planned.

He said the change "makes perfect sense" and points out the council could face some tough budget decisions that could loom next year as changes in state law likely affect the amount of property tax revenue that can be collected.

"There's a lot of changes with Senate Bill 1 and things like that, and I'd just like to be part of that," Jackson said Friday afternoon.

Jackson was asked if quickly announcing might deter others from considering a run in the caucus process, which will be decided by precinct committee members from across the county.

"I don't know if it would or not, but I think it's good to get your name out as quickly as you decide," Jackson said. "To me, it seems like a pretty easy decision. I already decided to run, so do I want to run and be in a year sooner or not?"

Geiger was elected a year ago and said in a letter to Ragan that the decision was based on his family's increasing activities outside of the county.

Three years remain in Geiger's term, which could be an enticing reason for others to consider running.

Jackson said he was unsure if the immediate opening on the council would attract much interest.

"I hope not, but I don't know," he said.

The caucus process would also be less expensive than running a campaign and would be decided by Republican party faithful, many of whom he has built relationships with over more than two decades.

Jackson's original election bid involved a potential match-up against Kimberly Cates, a fellow Republican who has not announced whether she plans to seek re-election.

Jackson said he reached out to Cates after Thursday's decision and that they had a "pleasant conversation."

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WARSAW — Sue Ann Mitchell looked beyond keeping a comfortable seat on Kosciusko County Council and took a last-minute gamble in February — hours before the filing deadline — to file for the northern district county commissioner seat.

The post County councilwoman Mitchell tops two others in race for commissioner appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Commissioner Brad Jackson, who did not file for re-election for the May primary, announced Friday he will be retiring from the position at the end of his current term.

He also announced he is endorsing fellow Republican Nate Scherer as his replacement. Jackson’s term ends Dec. 31.

Scherer filed for the northern district county commissioner seat and faces Republicans Marcia Baumgartner and County Councilwoman Sue Ann Mitchell in the upcoming primary.

In a statement from Jackson, he said, “After 28 years of serving you, as commissioner, I have decided to retire. I love our county and want to help make sure another leader carries on in service to you.

“Nate Scherer checks the two main boxes I look for in a government leader. He is a Christian and a proven business leader. I have always said we need businesspeople to run our government, not politicians.

“Nate founded, operated and sold a successful manufacturing business. He has a very flexible job with the company that purchased his business.

“Nate is young, has high morals, is accomplished in business, and has the time to dedicate to serving you as the northern district commissioner. This is not a common combination to find in a person.

“Nate was born and raised in Kosciusko County. He is raising his family here and wants to make it a place where our young people choose to stay and raise their children.

“While I have resisted endorsing candidates in the past, I am publicly endorsing and putting my full support behind Nate Scherer as candidate for northern district commissioner,” Jackson concluded.

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SYRACUSE — Syracuse Town Councilman Nathan Scherer has announced his candidacy for Kosciusko County Commissioner.

Scherer announced his intention Thursday to run for the position of Kosciusko County Northern Commissioner, which is currently held by longtime commissioner Brad Jackson.

In his announcement, Scherer said he aims to tackle the challenges facing the county and ensure a prosperous future for its residents.

Scherer has spent the majority of his life in Kosciusko County. He and his wife, Lauren, have four children.

Scherer acquired Patrick Industries at the age of 23 and managed it with proficiency for nearly two decades, the news announcement said.

He owned a business in Noble County from 2004 to 2020 until Patrick Industries acquired it. Doing so freed up his time and flexibility to serve, according to a story by The Goshen News.

That experience provided him with valuable insights into the challenges that families in the community face, particularly in terms of job opportunities, economic stability, and childcare.

He’s served on the Noble County Economic Development Commission for seven years.

"As a family man, a community advocate, and a business leader, I am motivated to ensure that Kosciusko County remains a place of opportunity, growth, and strong family values," Scherer said.

Kosciusko County remains a place of opportunity, growth, and strong family values," Scherer said.

He’s been involved with the non-profit organization,  Joe’s Kids – and has coached various youth teams.

Scherer won the Republican nomination on the May ballot for a seat on the Syracuse Town Council.

Scherer said he believes that now is the time to serve the county "with fresh perspectives."

See Scherer's news release can be seen below.

Press Release Nathan Scherer (1)

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