Redkey will honor fallen

REDKEY — The town will take more than just Memorial Day to honor those who have lost their lives in service to their country.
Redkey Town Council signed a proclamation Thursday naming May “Honor and Remember Month of Remembrance” for all of the fallen members of the military.
It also agreed to work together to solve parking problems on Meridian Street (Indiana 1) downtown, heard a request that part of a street be closed and discussed the possibility of a credit card for town employees.
Donald Gillespie spoke to town council members about the Indiana Run for the Fallen, a 140-mile trip from Fort Wayne to Indianapolis that will take place from May 13 to 15 to honor the 232 soldiers who have died in war in Indiana.
Gillespie plans to participate in the run for the second year and said runners will stop in Redkey at 9:20 a.m. May 14.
“We want everybody to come out and support us,” Gillespie told council.
In addition to asking the group to sign the proclamation, Gillespie also requested that flags be displayed May 14.
Also Thursday, police chief Todd Miller reported that he has talked to state officials about limiting parking near the intersection of Indiana 1 and Main Street for safety reasons. He said he was told the state does not need to be involved in the decision-making process, but will provide and install “no parking” signs.
Town attorney Wes Schemenaur asked Miller to get measurements for how far parking will not be allowed and he will draw up an ordinance.
Town resident Daniel McCowan asked about closing part of Washington Street between Bell and Main streets because his house and pond are too close to the road. Schemenaur will ask the Jay County auditor’s office if a survey needs to be done. McCowan agreed to pay for the survey if it is needed.
After Miller had to use his personal credit card to pay for hotel expenses to attend Police Academy training, he asked council to consider having a debit or credit card for town employees to use.
Clerk-treasurer Debbie James said it is hard to keep track of receipts from multiple employees using the card, but she will research the possibility.
She asked that in the meantime employees see her in advance so she can make hotel reservations for them using the tax-exempt number.
In other business, council members Charles “Red” Coons, Ted Friddle, Dudelston, Wright, Friddle and Stanley:
•Agreed to hire utility worker Scott McCaffery pending results of his drug test.
•Heard bids are due on May 19 for the sewer separation project.
•Ratified Resolution 2016-2 to transfer funds for the fire station project.
•Approved a $500 donation to the Jay County Bicentennial Committee for the September celebration and heard T-shirts and hats are on sale for $15 at the city building.
•Agreed to have the police use Critter Control to pick up stray dogs or dogs that have bitten someone in town.
•Heard from deputy Ryan Miskinis that he has been issuing warning tickets for those parking on the wrong side of the street.
•Approved a $500 donation for fireworks. Fire chief Randy Young said that donations for fireworks can be brought to town hall or MainSource Bank.
•Agreed to have Young get prices for signs on Mooney Street leading to Redkey Park.
•Were reminded that the town-wide rummage sale is May 13 and 14 and town-wide clean-up is May 21.
•Agreed to pay claims of $133,805.19.