WARSAW — A GOP candidate forum at the Warsaw Community Public Library Saturday afternoon touched on many topics, including whether the two candidates for Kosciusko County Commissioners support the proposed city-county parking garage.

Incumbent county commissioner Bob Conley and his primary opponent, Don Wiesehan,  were both asked to address the issue.

The county, which would operate the parking garage south of the courthouse, has already acquired land for the project and is working with the city of Warsaw on the joint venture.

Numerous city and county officials have expressed support for the parking garage, but ultimately, the decision is in the hands of the county commissioners.

Conley said the county and the downtown are facing parking challenges, but sounded noncommittal.

He stressed that no decision has been made, and if it is found to be necessary and feasible, he believes the commissioners will support it.

The project would rely in part on $5 million from the $30 million Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative, with more support coming from the city and county.

Supporters say the $5 million is a rare chance to support the project that might not otherwise be affordable.

Coney spoke first.

"If it's determined that the parking garage is a feasible answer to that ... I'm sure we would all — especially the commissioners — would take a long, hard look at that and make a determination based on what is best for the economy and the downtown area," Conley said.

Wiesehan said parking garages tend to require a lot of maintenance and upkeep, and he said the county needs to focus on adequately maintaining what they already have.

He said he thinks the county needs to first focus on maintaining its existing properties before looking at other projects.

He said he thinks parking garages often require significant maintenance and upkeep.

Weisehan said it comes down to fiscal responsibility.

"I am not, right now, for a parking garage," he said.

Both men also addressed an issue at a recent GOP fish fry in which supporters for Wiesehan claimed Conley had declined to serve those wearing Wiesehan shirts. 

Conley said he walked around at the event ready to provide more fish to those who were seated, but that Wiesehan's supporters did not reach out to him. He said it was a matter of people just raising their hands to alert him.

"They wanted fish, and all they had to do was state so. They never did," Conley said.

"My opponent was there for two hours, at six o'clock, the crowd thinned out. They weren't coming in the door (and) he quit," Conley said.

Wiesehan then disputed that last claim.

The annual fish fry continued until 7 p.m.

At some point, Wiesehan said he began talking to guests instead of serving fish. He said it's hard to shake hands when you're wearing big, heavy fish fry gloves.

"I was there the whole time, Bob, and I don't appreciate you saying I wasn't," Wiesehan said. "Was I serving fish the entire time? No, I was not."

About ten candidates participated in the two-hour event hosted by the Republican Women's Club.

Numerous questions focused on the state legislature’s attempts to provide property tax reform.

Lawmakers passed significant changes two years ago and then adjusted them again this year. 

Several county officials said they expect more changes next year as local taxing units struggle with the notion of reduced revenues needed to cover services.

County Councilman Dave Wolkins said the problem does not involve the legislature, but rather local boards that keep proposing new spending measures.

He lays the blame on local leaders.

“It's our local boards, it's our Kosciusko County Council, it's your city council, it's your library. We have a hard time saying no,” Wolkins said.

“We've got lots of requests coming in (and) The first question that's always asked is do we have the money, and yes we do … so it's very difficult for us to say no,” he said.

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WARSAW — Local Republicans are hosting two events in Warsaw in the near future.

The Kosciusko County GOP will host its annual Republican Spring Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds.

Carry-outs are available and the price is $15 for adults and $7 for children 5-12.

Also on the schedule, the Kosciusko County Republican Women’s Club will host a Coffee and Candidates gathering Saturday, April 18, at the Warsaw Community Public Library.

Start time is noon.

This event will give voters a chance to meet local Republican primary candidates and will include a Q&A session.

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WARSAW — The Warsaw Band Boosters will host a Dan’s Fish and Chicken Fry Fundraiser and Silent Auction on Friday, Feb. 13, from 4:30-7 p.m. in the Warsaw Community High School cafeteria.

The event will take place prior to the boys' varsity basketball game versus Plymouth High School. Guests may dine in or take meals to go.

Meal Prices:
● Adults: $14.00 presale $15 at the door
● Children (ages 6–12): $9 presale or $10 at the door
● Children 5 and under: Free

Silent Auction Highlights:
● Two tickets to the Indianapolis Zoo
● Two one-day tickets to Holiday World
● Signed Indiana Pacers hat and memorabilia
● Stonehenge Golf round for four players

Attendees should enter through Door 47 of the Warsaw Performing Arts Center.

Payment Options: Cash, check or debit/credit cards will be accepted at the door. A $1.00 fee applies to card payments.

All proceeds from the evening will directly benefit the Warsaw Band Program, supporting student musicians and band initiatives throughout the year.

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WARSAW — Kosciusko County Republicans saw a large turnout for the annual spring fish fry Wednesday at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds ahead of the May 7 primary.

Republicans have contested primaries on the local ballot in four races — circuit court judge, coroner,  Surveyor, and county commissioner for the northern district.

Two candidates for county council at large seats — Rachael Rhoades and DeLynn Geiger — are now poised for a primary victory after last-minute filing decisions eliminated any contests for the county council at large seats in the primary.

No other political party has or announced candidates for any of the county races even though there’s still time.

GOP Chair Mike Ragan said Republicans are in a good position so far.

"I feel really good about it. I think regardless of who we elect in our county, we have good candidates. We're going to be well-served no matter who wins," Ragan said.

He concedes Democrats and Libertarians could still slate candidates.

Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales and State Comptroller (formerly known as state auditor) Elise Nieshalla also attended the fish fry.

The annual GOP Lincoln Day Dinner is May 2 at The Owl’s Nest in North Webster. Speakers will include Congressman Rudy Yakym and Indiana Republican State Committee Chair Anne Hathaway.

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WARSAW -- The Warsaw High School Band Boosters will host a “Dan’s Fish Fry'' fundraiser beginning Saturday afternoon.

The fish and chicken fundraiser starts at 4:30 p.m. and continues until 7 p.m. in the Warsaw Community High School cafeteria ahead of the boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball games. 

Guests wanting to pick a dinner should enter through door 47 of the Warsaw Performing Arts Center.  

Cash, checks, as well as debit and credit cards, are accepted but will include an additional $1 fee for cards.

This is an all-you-can-eat dinner, featuring “Dan’s Fish Fry Service.” 

Carryout is also available. All proceeds support the Warsaw Band Program.

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