The Marshall County Commissioners and Highway Supervisor Jason Peters have been working on prioritizing projects to submit for INDOT’s Community Crossings Grant. Continue reading
Marshall County Highway Department Saving Money with Millings
The staff at the Marshall County Highway Department is doing their best to make dollars stretch when it comes to road work.
Highway Supervisor Jason Peters, Highway Administrator Laurie Baker and the entire department worked hard to get the proper paperwork submitted for testing at the facility in order to be able to house millings from other road projects. Peters said the millings from the State Road 17 resurfacing project, U.S. 31 work and the Plymouth Community School Corporation parking lot paving project will be recycled and used for road paving within the county.
He said the millings the county has received look to be in good shape. Continue reading
Marshall County Highway Department Working on Paving Schedule
Work should be done to reclaim roads by the end of this week. Marshall County Highway Supervisor Jason Peters told the commissioners that he anticipates work on 7th Road should be complete this week after repairs are made to some equipment.
The highway workers plan to pave Lilac Road as it’s next on the list. Peters hopes to use the new paving machine on Beech Road when it arrives later this month.
Marshall County Council Approves Highway Department Fund Reduction
A reduction in funds as mandated by the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) will leave the Marshall County Highway Department short in available funds this year.
The Marshall County Council was notified of the reduction at the beginning of April, but decided to hold off on approving the action until Highway Supervisor Jason Peters and Highway Administrator Laurie Baker could review their budget to determine where to make those cuts.
Commissioners Give Permission to Purchase Trucks at Auction
Marshall County Highway Shop Supervisor Jerry Ambrose asked the commissioners this week for permission to shop for trucks for the highway department at the J. J. Kane Auction in Gary on May 13.
Road Work Creating Resident Complaints
The Marshall County Highway Department began work on roads this week and the action has already caused a stir on social media.
Many residents are complaining about the quality of the product being installed and the fact that some roads are going back to a gravel state.
Road Reconditioning Leads to Travel Advisory
The Marshall County Highway Department is beginning road work for the season where roads are scheduled for reconditioning. This work on county roads could lead to hazardous driving conditions caused by loose material on roadways.
The highway department requested the issuance of an advisory travel alert through the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency. This affects roads in the northern part of the county.
Marshall County Commissioners to Meet Today
The Marshall County Commissioners are expected to take further action this morning on an ordinance that reestablishes the maximum rate of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund at $.0333 per $100 of assessed valuation.
The commissioners held a public hearing on the matter earlier this month and approved the ordinance on first reading. While the three commissioners stated they don’t want to raise taxes, they noted that something has to be done to help the highway department gather more funds for capital costs.
More Funding Cuts to Highway Department Budget
The Marshall County Highway Department will need to find ways to cut additional funds from its operating budget this year.
The county council received word that the Department of Local Government Finance made the decision to reduce $23,406 from the highway department’s budget. The initial decision on how to make those cuts fell on the county council, but Councilwoman Penny Lukenbill urged the governing body to allow Highway Administrator Laurie Baker and Highway Supervisor Jason Peters to make those funding reductions as they see fit. The council will review those cuts at their May meeting after they are advertised.
Marshall County Highway Supervisor Submits Preliminary Road Work List
The Marshall County Highway Department will be busy working on roads this summer. At first glance at a proposed road project list provided to the Marshall County Commissioners Monday morning, chip and seal, double chip and seal, crack sealing and paving will take place on several miles of road this season.
Marshall County Updates Prepayment Policies, Ordinance Violation Bureau
Marshall County has updated its prepayment policies to make it easier for the county’s Highway Department to pay the local share of matching grants. Continue reading
Travel Advisory Issued Due to Flooded Marshall County Roads
Marshall County is under a yellow level travel advisory due to several flooded roads. That means routine travel or activities may be restricted in some areas due to a hazardous situation. Motorists should use caution or avoid those areas. Do not try to drive around barricaded roads. Emergency officials say the barricades are in place to protect drivers from a potentially dangerous situation. Continue reading
Rep. Harman Looks to Cash Reserves, Jail Tax Revenues for Road Funding
Marshall County’s looking to spend a significant amount of money to bring roads up to a good state of repair, but State Representative Tim Harman says he’s figured out a way to do it without raising taxes. Continue reading
Marshall County Commissioners to Discuss Several Items in Today’s Meeting
The Marshall County Commissioners will consider a change order request from USI Consultants’ Bart Trester when they meet today. Trester oversees the 7th Road project and the roundabout project on North Michigan Road in Plymouth. Trester indicated earlier this month that crews are waiting for word from the state to move ahead, barring any more issues with the HMX mix design. The mix of aggregate and asphalt binder is causing buckling pavement in other locations across the state. Crews are awaiting final approval of the combination to install the mix.
Meeting Scheduled in Marshall County to Discuss Road Funding
A representative from the Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) will be meeting with the Marshall County Council and the Marshall County Commissioners this week to discuss funding options for the highway department.
Commission President Kevin Overmyer said in a previous meeting that the state will soon cut funding for local roads and highways, and it will be left to local governments to provide funding for projects.
Marshall County Highway Department Working to Address Road Conditions
Marshall County Highway Department crews are trying their best to make the roads as smooth as possible with the resources they have.
Supervisor of County Highways Jason Peters told the county commissioners this week they’re out now working on blemishes on the roadways.
Plea Deadline Date Extended in Grand Jury Case
A plea deadline date was continued to Thursday, April 23 at 9 a.m. in a case involving former Marshall County Highway Superintendent Neal Haeck. A judge granted the decision on behalf of the defense in a judgment released yesterday.
A Grand Jury returned an indictment against Haeck in September of 2014 alleging theft of scrap metal from the county in 2012 and 2013. He was employed at the highway department at the time the alleged acts occurred.
Judge to Determine Additional Court Proceedings in Grand Jury Case
A judge in a Grand Jury case involving former Marshall County Highway Superintendent Neal Haeck will determine a timeline today on whether a plea agreement hearing or trial will be scheduled. A Grand Jury returned an indictment against Haeck in September of 2014 alleging theft of scrap metal from the county while in his capacity as highway superintendent in 2012 and 2013.
According to court documents, Haeck is accused of stealing $12,351.41. He is charged with theft as a Class D felony. He appeared for an initial hearing in October of 2014 after being summoned to appear in court. He pleaded not guilty to the charge of theft.
Highway Department to Get New Pug Mill
The Marshall County Council discussed several additional appropriation requests at their meeting Monday morning.
The highway department had a request for a $310,000 additional appropriation for a new pug mill. Highway Superintendent Jason Peters discussed looking into a used pug mill in Missouri but decided against the purchase. Peters previously said the pug mill had been used for a different need. It was decided to go with a new pug mill for the requested amount that the council approved.
Marshall County Highway Department Continues to Clear Roads
Marshall County Highway Department employees continue to work to clear county roads for safer travel.
All of the roads are open but remain snow-covered and icy. Rough spots will remain an issue until temperatures reach a melting point. Salt and sand have been applied on all critical points, but officials urge you to travel with caution. Allow extra time to get to your destination.
The county remains under an advisory level travel status. An advisory level means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation and drivers should use caution or avoid those areas. Speed should be reduced, and drivers should leave ample room between cars to help prevent accidents.
