The Washington County Commissioners and Council had a joint special meeting with township trustees on March 1 to determine who will pay for 11 miles of road that currently is not receiving tax money. 

The county is in the process of updating their pavement asset management plant for the Community Crossing Grants and have discovered that the county is maintaining approximately 11 miles of roads of roads not receiving any tax money the maintenance. 

The 11 miles of roads is in incorporated town limits. 

Superintendent Rick Voyles said county road money should not be used to pave roads within the limits. 

The towns need a pavement asset management plan in order to qualify for grant monies. 

The council and commissioners informed the towns that the county would be willing to pay the cost of the pavement asset management plan for the first year only. 

HWC Representative Paul Lincks stated the cost would be $1200. 

Once the plan is done, the towns could contract with HWC to apply for grant monies. 

It was the consensus of the commissioners and council to provide the funding for the plan and decide at their regular March meetings. 

The Washington County Commissioners met in a special session last Thursday afternoon to award bids in the courthouse restoration project. 

The board voted to approve the $1,038,000 bid from General Restoration Corporation from Columbus, Ohio. 

The base bid was $965,000 with three alternate bids for copper roofs, porticos and belfry covered in EPDM. 

Other bidders were Bodenbender and Shalwer who turned in a bid of $1,642,488 (with a base bid of $1,459,088), NR LEE RESTORATION with a bid of $1,080,700 (with a base bid of $989,400), BOLLEY & ANDREWS MASONRY with a bid of $1,597,777 (with a base bid of $1,342,777) and MIDWEST MAINTENANCE, INC with a bid of $1,808,000 (with a base bid of $1,635,000).

The commissioners thanked everyone for bidding. The board asked Fritz Hergot with Arsee Engineers to review the bids and give them a recommendation. 

At the board’s regular monthly meeting on Monday, other business included:

BRIDGE 236

THE COMMISSIONERS OPENED BIDS FOR BRIDGE 236.

TEMPLE & TEMPLE bid $182,250 and E & B PAVING turned in a bid for $450,010.

The commissioners asked highway superintendent Rick Voyles to review the bids and make a recommendation at their next meeting. 

WTH AGREEMENT

The commissioners tabled this until their next meeting

HIGHWAY

Highway superintendent Rick Voyles gave information to the commissioners about the underground facilities and the county’s responsibility for roads on the southern and eastern boundaries. 

COMMISSIONER SHELL

Commissioner Shell discussed the sheriff towing fee ordinance that was recently passed by the county council. Shell believes the fee should not be collected by the towing companies due to the bonding requirement by the state board of accounts. Attorney Howard will look into the bonding requirements and report to the findings at the April meeting. 

CLAIMS/PAYROLL/MINUTES

Commissioner Shell made a motion to approve the claims, payroll and the minutes from the previous meeting and the March 1 special meeting.

The motion was seconded by Commissioner Roberts. The motion passed 3-0.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The board gave approval to replace the part-time health nurse.

Indiana State Police will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint this upcoming Friday night and early Saturday morning. The exact location and time will not be released. Motorists that are not impaired can expect only short delays of 2-3 minutes while passing through the checkpoint.

Troopers encourage all motorists to call 911 or the closest Indiana State Police Post when they observe another motorist that may be impaired. Be prepared to give a description of the vehicle, location and direction of travel.

The Indiana State Police are committed to traffic safety and will continue to conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints to apprehend impaired drivers and to deter others from drinking and driving.

LaGrange County-A Coldwater, MI woman ended up in jail facing marijuana and methamphetamine charges following a traffic stop on the Indiana Toll Road.

On March 9, 2018, around 11:20 p.m., Trooper Zarek Finley stopped a westbound Toyota for several moving violations near the 112 mile marker.  This is approximately nine miles west of the Howe/LaGrange exit.

While speaking to the driver and female passenger, Finley purportedly could smell marijuana.  He also noticed a small child in the back of the Toyota.  Following a search of the Toyota, approximately 28 grams of suspected marijuana and paraphernalia were located.  Approximately one gram of suspected methamphetamine was found hidden on the front seat passenger, identified as Jasireee Bauder, age 30 of Coldwater, MI.

Bauder was arrested for preliminary charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony, Possession of Marijuana, A-Misdemeanor, Possession of Paraphernalia, C-Misdemeanor, and Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony.  Bauder was taken to the LaGrange County Jail.

The Salem High School Presentation Room was packed at Monday’s regular school board meeting for two reasons.

One was to see the board present Lions Awards and ROAR Awards to about 80 students and teachers at their regular meeting Monday night in the Salem High School Presentation Room.

Over half of that group left, only two from the remaining group spoke against and one for the $12.6 million projects. 

Deidra Gottbrath, president of the Washington County division of Indiana Farm Bureau said she had spent a lot of time on the phones talking with members and farmers about the proposed project and its affect on property taxes. 

She said she lives in a different school district and didn’t pay any attention to what was going on with Salem Schools.  

“And I know your-alls opinions and vote did not come without thought,” said Gottbrath. “But to a community member, it seems very fast paced and almost shooting from the hip. I feel like we may have deserved a few more answers to some questions. I feel like we’re kind of missing the boat on where the evidence shows, or the quotes of projects show that it’s economically feasible by clumping them all together. This all or none mentality has really done quite a defeat on people’s opinion of this project. I think everyone in the community can see that the school system is in need of some improvements.”

Although Gottbrath said the group deserved more answers, she posed no questions to the board. 

“I support the kids in this community. Maybe by not supporting this exact vote at this time. I’m not against the projects. All the other members are not against these projects, but they’re against the way it was approached. We support kids in this community by saying, we need to have farmers who can afford to continue to farm. With taxes going up, crop prices not going up to match that, we’re struggling to make a black line right now. Other community members are in the same boat. If they’re struggling to pay their bills already, i’m not sure how we’re supporting our kids by putting them in a bigger financial struggle with that as well. I encourage you to put a lot more attention to decisions like this.”

Todd Baker, a SHS graduate, spoke to the group and compared the combined package of projects to eating an elephant all at once. 

“It feels like we’re trying to eat the whole elephant at once. I can eat an elephant one bite at a time. It looks like a rushed process,” said Baker. “I don’t think there is any need to rush these things.  Looking at what this is going to do to my tax bill, It’s a little bit concerning. I think that’s why a lot of folks are here. In the future, I think that’s something we need to look at. Anytime an elected official is looking at things, that’s where you have to separate personal feelings from ‘hey, what do my constituents want?’ ‘What are the constituents telling me?’ These people here are the employers. The elected officials work for us. If the majority of people are saying they’re not for this, then that’s where we have to be able to separate personal opinion. We need to take a deeper look and view each project on its own merits.”

Scott Hebard spoke in support for the projects.

“I actually want to thank the board for making such a bold decision. I know a lot of people are up and arms about how this was pushed through,” said Heberd. “And a lot of this is going on about the money. I understand this is a very hot button topic. But honestly the biggest issue is against this music program and this music suite that’s being built. Time and time again, music has shown to improve our cognitive abilities. And it’s proven over and over again, study after study, that a good music program within a school increases the schools testing scores. Which in again will increase our funding through the federal gov. With that in mind, i want to thank the board for looking out and making such a bold declaration to take care of our music program not only for right now but in the foreseeable future.”

The only other mention of the projects, was when board member Ron Haendiges pushed a few sheets of paper across the table.

In public session, he did not address what they were or who had delivered them to the meeting during its executive session.

Board President Rebecca White acknowledged that one petition was to put the project on the Nov. 6 ballot for a public vote and the second petition was to object to the project in general. 

BOARD BUSINESS

ROAR AWARDS

The board presented ROAR awards to Kylie Crockett for her compassion to SMS math teach Gary Myszak, whose sister had passed away from a long battle with cancer. Bubba Abbott said although she had never had Mr. Myszak in class, she took the time to write him a letter expression her sorrow for his loss. 

Dr. Lynn Reed presented Erin Moore with the second ROAR award for being named 2018 Conservation Teacher of the Year. 

LION AWARDS

Band and Solo Ensemble Medal Winners:

• Carolyn Casey – Trumpet/Gold
• Brooklyn Davisson – Flute/Gold
• Morgan Gilstrap – Clarinet/Gold
• Elaine Houchin – Trumpet/Gold
• Jude Kritzer – Clarinet/Gold
• Evan Smedley – Snare/Gold
• Ellie Spaulding – Clarinet/Gold
• Isabel Tunney – Clarinet/Gold
• Lucas Bower – Barritone/Gold
• Sarah Call – Alto Sax/Gold
• Chase Coleman – Alto Sax/Gold
• Patience Gumaelius – Flute/Gold
• Rebekah Paul – Flute/Gold
• Holden Kidd – Tenor Sax/Gold
• Gina Ries – Clarinet/Gold
• Parker Blackwell – Tuba/Silver
• Tyler Zink – Trombone/Gold
• Ethan Bower – Alto Sax/Gold
• Leah Scott – French Horn/Gold
• Julia Casey, Emily Morgan, Rebecca McKinley – Flute Trio/Gold

Math Counts

• Julia Casey
• Zion Dunaway
• Matthew Johnson
• Sebastian Miller
• Tennille Sorrels
• Lucas Bower
• Chase Coleman
• Madeline Galvin
• Taylor Garvin
• Patience Gumaelius
• Madalyn Irwin
• Jacob Rose 

SHS Vocal Soloists

• Autumn Harley
• Cora Saunders
• Justice Brown
• Zec Morris
• Nathan Smith
• Isaiah Weill
• Andrew Hoskins
• Kaden Hebard

Wrestlers

• Dylan Carpenter
• Evan Raye
• Aaron Hollen
• Isabelle Foster
• Woodlan Brown
• Jalen Stephens
• Austin Hollen

Lady Lions Basketball Team

• Callie Backherms
• Jamie Taylor
• Mackenzie Underwood
• Ashton Thompson
• Hope Tomlinson
• Lexi Garloch
• Karly Sweeney
• Leah Miller
• Kylie Brown
• Lettie Nice
• Brooklyn Brown
• Katie Ezzell
• Allison Cauble
• Bailey Hypes
• Charity McFelea
• Lydia Minton
• Olivia Weber

SMS Math Bowl Team

• Brady Briscoe
• Jackson Brough
• Noah Deaton
• Adam Mull
• Nick Ingram
• Gaven Mancine
• Kayla Houchin
• Kaden Glass
• Japeth Webb
• Leanna Springer
• Audrey Bower
• Chloe Zink
• Brandon Cornwell
• Hunter Trainor
• Rachel McKinley
• Cayden Smith

The Board made the following personnel recommendations

RESIGNATIONS

• Joseph Bortka – resignation as SMS Wrestling Coach
• Kayla Shouse – resignation as SMS Track Coach
• Josh Lewis – resignation as SMS Boys Assistant Track Coach
• Megan Napier – resignation as SMS Boys Assistant Track Coach
• Cecil Evans – resignation as Girls Assistant Track Coach

Extra Curricular Activities Hires

• Cecil Evans – SMS Boys Track Co-Coach
• Josh Lewis – SMS Boys Track Co-Coach
• Jennifer Martin – SMS Golf Coach
• Megan Napier – Girls Varsity Assistant Track Coach
• Chris Mahuron – SMS Girls Assistant Track Coach
• Joe Philpott – Volunteer Assistant Varsity Boys Golf
• Alaina Davidson – Volunteer Assistant Softball Coach 

OTHER PERSONNEL

• Marion Mauck – Temporary Attendance Clerk
• Jill McKinley – Grade 4 Maternity Leave
• Marla Mead – Grade 4 Maternity Leave
• Kellie Stewart – Grade 1 Medical Leave

DONATIONS

The following donations were approved to Salem Schools

• Donation to SHS Junior Class Concessions for $1,000 from an anonymous donor
• Donation to SHS Clay Target Club for $500 from Lineal Contracting, Inc.
• Donation to SHS SADD for $1500 from Washington County Substance Abuse Council
• Donation to SHS Golf Team for $250 from Joe Stout
• Donation to BSE of $50 from Mercedes Roll to be placed in the Kindergarten ECA account
• Donation to SHS Clay Target Club for $1030 from National Wildlife Turkey Federation
• Donation to SHS BPA from Businesss/Individuals to be used for state competition in March
• Donations from local businesses pertaining to the Community Dinner on March 6

TRIPS

• Board approved an overnight field trip to Tunnel Mill Camp for the Science Club for April 27-29. 
• Board approved an out of state field trip to the US Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH for Mr. Mullins “Tie Guys” on April 7. 

CANCEL CHECKS

The board gave Assistant Superintendent Kim Thurston permission to cancel checks according to state guidelines. 

“We will follow Indiana code following procedure of cancelled checks,” said Thurston. “These will be cancelled and receipted to general fund.”

Steve Motsinger made a motion. Mark Abbott seconded. The motion Passed 7-0

GRADUATION DATE

The board set the upcoming High School Graduation date as Saturday, May 26 at 2p.

Abbott made a motion. Monica Spaulding seconded the motion. The motion passed 7-0

ADOPT BUDGET CALENDAR FOR 2019

In order to prepare for budget season, the board needed to adopt a 2019 budget process.

“The proposed calendar follows corresponding dates utilized in the 2018 budget process,” said Thurston. “We should keep in mind that 2019 will be a completely new process for developing and adopting the school budget. Given that, We should keep in mind that this calendar is fluid and subject to change as we receive information from the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance.”

Dr. Tricia Wheeler made a motion to approve. Erica Garloch seconded the motion. It passed 7-0

ADVERTISE FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS

Thurston said additional appropriations were needed for the rainy day fund and transportation fund for remainder of 2018. He said they were tracking close to last year.

“We would seek an additional appropriation of $60,000 in rainy day fund and $100,000 for transportation. Both funds show sufficient cash balances,” he said.

Thurston said advertisement will appear twice in March, followed by a hearing in April.

He said paperwork would then be sent to state for approval.

Motsinger made a motion to approve. Spaulding seconded the motion. The vote passed 7-0

ASSIGN A BROKER FOR PROPERTY CASUALTY INSURANCE COVERAGE

Garloch, Haendiges, Dr. Reed, Dr. Thurston and Kelly Kitchel, Salem’s Loss Prevention/Risk Management Consultant met on March 8 to interview prospective brokers/agents for the property casualty insurance renewal for 2018/19.

The three interviewed were: 

• Kyle Browning from Witkemper Insurance Group
• Jason Bukoswki with Moore-Shepherd Insurance
• Kevin Kreckler and Debbie Hurst from Assured Partners

Thurston recommened hiring Moore-Shepherd Insurance.

Haendiges made a motion. Abbott seconded the motion. The motion passed 7-0. 

APPROVED AFFIDAVIT FOR PAYMENT

The Indiana State Board of Accounts recommended the board approve affidavits for payments prior to submission to US Bank in Louisville. This affidavit for payment will be taken from the 2016 Construction Funds and are for the final payment request for the remodel of the Bradie Shrum office and computer lab. 

Motsinger made a motion. Wheeler seconded the motion. The motion passed 7-0.

APPROVAL OF STIPENDS

Dr. Reed asked the board to approve a stipend of $250 for Kean Garvin and Mark Coombs for additional bus work during the frigid weather. 

Reed said the board had agreed last fall that all future stipends would be merit-based. 

Abbott made a motion to approve. Garloch seconded the motion. The motion passed 7-0

APPROVAL OF NEW PROGRAM FOR FRESHMAN

Salem High School Principal Troy Albert spoke to the board about a new opportunity for our high school freshman.

“We would like to ask permission to speak to freshman and their parents about a trip to Pigeon Key, Florida in March 2019 for any of next years’ sophomores,” said Albert. “It is through World Strides and called Splash Into Science. STEM activity for science and possiblity of getting an elective college credit. Unique opportunity will allow students to experience marine biology and to learn of all the careers that are there. We’ve worked with them for 4 years.”

Albert’s wife, Karen, said she is a retired science teacher and recommends the trips. “It creates such enthusiasm with the kids. It’s 5 days in March – from the 20th to 24th. We fly out early and fly in late. They hit the road as soon as they land and start making stops.”

Karen said students are taken to the turtle hospital so they can see things that are happening in the ocean that are affecting the turtles.

“This is a very science oriented program. Would really enhance the biology that they’re finishing up as freshman. Swim with the dolphins. Learn about anatomy. Snorkle in coral reef. Identify different kinds of fish, reefs…so they know what they see when they go out there,” she said. 

The cost is $2000 per student, which is all-inclusive. 

White said she had heard of the program from other schools. “It’s such a success. Such a great opportunity. We live in a landlocked state. I’ve had two daughters who wanted to be marine biologists. I’ve heard so many great success stories from other schools.”

Troy said he had investigated the costs to do the same program on their own. “I tried to see if we could do this on our own….it would cost $3800. There is a significant savings by going through this company.”

He said the program would tie in some of the career and college readiness and also provide college credit for the students. 

The board approved the project to go forward

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

E-LEARNING DAYS

Dr. Reed told the board the school has received permission from the state to have the e-learning date of Thursday, March 22.

“We will be sending home letters and have a link online if the child needs transportation,” Reed said.

“We’re going to run buses from normal start time until about 11a. If any child needs transportation we will make that available through our bus routes. We are asking that children sign up by Monday at noon so we can coordinate the routes. Just for Thursday. If you have internet at home, they don’t have to come in. The transportation is for children who don’t have internet access at home. We will have all buildings open. Staff will be in the computer rooms. Next year, we’ll probably open one building. They can come into one building.”

Reed also reminded the board and the public of the SHS Choir Concert Tuesday night and the band concert on Thursday night. 

SCHOOL SAFETY

Reed also noted plans were moving ahead with Salem Schools as a pilot program with Net Talon, the safety company behind the Safest School in America – which is in Shelbyville, IN. 

She said the middle school will likely be chosen since it has the fewest students. 

White noted the next regular meeting will be April 9. 

Wheeler made a motion to dismiss. Motsinger seconded the motion.