Cass County commissioners gathered Monday afternoon for their biweekly meeting to discuss a number of topics ranging from mental health care to highway department bids.
County coroner George Franklin was the first to report at the meeting, saying that of the six deaths in November, three were people who had committed suicide.
“Eight years and I can’t remember a month when we had three [suicide deaths] within a month,” he said.
During his report, Franklin also said he would no longer record drug deaths as homicides because doing so had incorrectly inflated the city and county’s homicide rate per capita in data reported both to the state and nationally. Additionally, when a death is reported as a homicide, additional steps arise for those investigating. Franklin said he would go back to reporting drug deaths as accidental drug deaths and that he would go through the 2024 numbers and correct drug deaths that were reported as homicides.
Highway department bids
Cass County commissioners approved a bid from the highway department for an asphalt stabilizer from Southeast Equipment for $504,890.
The commissioners also voted to consider a bid from Dykeman Excavating of $2,708,168.79 for road improvements in the Agri-Business Park. Commissioners will also consider multiple bids for materials the highway department will need in 2025.
New system for sheriff, LPD
Cass County Sheriff Ed Schroder asked commissioners to consider a new records management system that will also be used by the Logansport Police Department. The sheriff said using the new system would make it easier to share information between departments. The system is also used in Howard County and by the Indiana State Police.
County Attorney Jeffrey Stanton called the management system an incredible opportunity.
Schroeder said using the new system would ensure a seamless transition between county and city officials.
“We’re going lightspeed beyond where we are now,” he said.
Commissioner Mike Stajduhar (District 2) credited the Cass County Sheriff’s Department and Planning Department for taking steps to work alongside the city.
“The fact that the city and the province are working together is something that citizens have been asking for for a long time and I see this partnership gaining momentum,” he said.
Recognitions
Commissioners recognized Logansport Memorial Hospital board member Tom Lane for 15 years of service and Logansport Cass County Public Library board member Jeanne Kistler for 16 years of service during Monday afternoon’s meeting.
New rules for public comment
Starting in January, the Cass County Commissioners meeting will have two opportunities for public comment. The first opportunity will be at the beginning of the meeting for comments focused on the meeting agenda items. There will also be a separate opportunity for comments at the end of the meeting.
County Christmas
The Christmas party for provincial employees will take place on Thursday, December 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The provincial government building will be closed during that time.
