Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
After over two decades of working at the Kosciusko County Highway Department, Steve Moriarty’s last day as superintendent will be Friday, Aug. 28.
Assistant Superintendent Troy Kintzel will move up in his place.
At Tuesday’s Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Bob Conley announced Moriarty’s departure, saying, “One of our employees had the opportunity to move to another job and he’s going to be leaving the county, and we’re heartbroken but happy for him. He’s done a tremendous job for this county. He’s drawn a lot of attention to problems and issues throughout the entire state, as far as highways and county highways go. And, Steve Moriarty is going to be leaving us, and we’re happy for him, God bless him and his family. It’s something that in this time of his life he felt he needed to do and we support that wholeheartedly.”
He then said Kintzel was a “truly qualified individual” who recently got his Superior Road Coating certificate. Kintzel has been at the Highway Department under two “tremendous” superintendents, both of whom had been named Highway Superintendents of the Year for the state of Indiana, Conley said.
Moriarty told the commissioners, “It’s been an honor to serve our community. I’ve been born and raised in Mentone. I’ve been always a part of Kosciusko County, and to be able to work here, through meeting my wife and all of my children. Since 1997, I started part-time with the county highway, so it’s been a long time, all the way through college and on to my career.”
He said he enjoyed it, and his time serving Kosciusko County will continue, just with another firm and throughout the state of Indiana “so I can touch multiple different counties as we go along.”
Moriarty thanked the county for the opportunity of serving as superintendent.
“We’ve been proud of what we’ve done and proud of our team for the millions of dollars that we’ve brought in over the last few years here in federal funds, and Troy will continue to do that. He’s been a big part of that already. So, very honored to have Troy step up, he’ll do a great job,” he said.
Commissioner Cary Groninger said, “Steve, you know, you can walk out of here with your chin held high. You’re leaving us better than you found us. You’ve done a wonderful job for our county, served us so well for so long, and just thankful.”
Commissioner Sue Ann Mitchell stated, “Also, Steve, I just say thank you for your dedication to legislation and trying to do better for all of us. Your participation in the AIC has been priceless. You have brought a wealth of knowledge and a wealth of the important things to light that we’ve been able to address legislatively, so I appreciate your time with that as well.”
Moriarty thanked them, and said it’s “truly been a pleasure.” He said he’s always worked well with the commissioners. “I’ve always said this: We are blessed with what we have in our county. Sometimes we don’t see it, but we are very, very blessed with the commissioners that we have and the support that we have, who let us do our jobs as department heads and at the state level. We are truly a poster child for the state of Indiana.”
The commissioners then presented Moriarty with a plaque, which reads: “With sincere appreciation for your commitment, loyalty and outstanding contribution to Kosciusko County 2026. Part time drainage crew, truck driver, May 13, 2003 - May 23, 2011. Assistant superintendent, May 24, 2011 - December 31, 2019. Superintendent of County Highway, January 1, 2020 - August 28, 2026. Congratulations and Best Wishes!”
After the meeting, Moriarty said he’ll still be found around the community.
“I’ll still be the (Tippecanoe Valley High School) head football coach, but I’m working for a consulting company out of Indianapolis, but it’s from home, and it’s still working with bridges and small structures, but all counties, not just Kosciusko,” he explained.
Asked what the best part of being the highway department superintendent was, Moriarty responded, “Serving the community. Making the roads safe for the traveling public and going after grants and getting money to bring back to Kosciusko, to our home.”
Speaking on Kintzel, Moriarty said, “Troy does a good job, too, because he’s been with me the whole time. Anything we do, we always do together, so he knows the ropes, knows what grants to go after and he’ll continue what success that Scott Tilden brought and what he taught me and then I taught Troy. The thing is, he lives in the community, he lives in Winona and he will do a good job in enthusiasm that he brings to the job.”
The Kosciusko County Highway Department has about 42 employees.
“I’m just very thankful for being able to work with the guys of Kosciusko County and the Commissioners and the Council. They’ve all been so supportive. Of course, (County Administrator) Marsha (McSherry) has always been hand-in-hand in a lot of our bigger projects. She’s always been so helpful. And what the county does, we’re just blessed to be here and I’m blessed to be a part of it,” Moriarty stated.
