Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON – Jim Bumbaugh, Pierceton town marshal, gave his thanks and gratitude to Pierceton as Monday was his last council meeting before he fully retires.
Bumbaugh is retiring from the Pierceton Police Department as of Nov. 30. He stated that after more than two decades on the force, he was grateful to have raised his children here and watch them grow up in the Pierceton community.
“I started as a reserve deputy in 2002, and in 2003, I was hired full-time. I’ve been proud to serve alongside this community and with a team of dedicated officers who truly care about the people they protect,” stated Bumbaugh. “When I accepted this position, I made a personal commitment that I would leave the department better than I found it. I’m proud to say with the dedication of our officers, the support of the council, and the backing of the community, our department is stronger, more professional and better equipped than ever before. I’m confident it will continue moving in a positive direction long after I step away. In closing, I will thank the town council for your support and partnership, my fellow law officers for their hard work, and the citizens of Pierceton for allowing me to serve. It has truly been an honor to wear this badge, to lead this department, and to call this community my home. Thank you all for your trust, your friendship, and the opportunity to serve this great community.”
Bumbaugh also stated that he is planning on relocating to the Philippines, which is where he lived when he was serving in the U.S. Navy. On Sunday, Dec. 7, there will be a retirement open house for Bumbaugh, where the community can get together to give him best wishes and congratulations.
New Business
In the town marshal report, Pierceton Police Department received another quote for a new cruiser from City Ford, with outfitting to be done at R&B Sales. Bumbaugh also requested that the Charger get a new engine, as the last marshal was very rough on the 2019 vehicle. The council agreed that it would be a better idea to put a new engine in, compared to buying another vehicle and have it outfitted with all the technology needed.
Casey Boggs, superintendent for the town’s utilities, asked the council to hold off on making any decision with Astbury because of price negotiations. He also brought up that the owner of Bar 13 was asking for the council’s blessing, for the siding on the awning is falling off. Boggs also mentioned that with the streets that were supposed to have leaf pick-up on Monday, leaves will be picked up on Wednesday, and that the department will work extra hard to make sure that happens.
The Kosciusko County Parks and Recreation Board had reached out to the council, stating that the county commissioners office had approved the County Parks Board’s application for an accelerated grant to make a trail that would stretch from Winona Lake to Pierceton. This will feed into a countywide trail path that the County Parks Board is currently working on. The council approved this, and to give $5,000 to help fund the $20,000 needed for this project.
Council also approved a resolution of the town approving the disposition of certain fire protection equipment to Washington Township. While the town owns surplus fire protection equipment, they have a lot of equipment that they no longer need or use. The council has determined that it is in the best interest of the town to transfer, sell or exchange that property.
Other News
• Leaf pick up will be Nov. 24 for pickups that fall during the Thanksgiving holiday.
• The town’s shop small event will be Nov. 29.
• There will be a road closure at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 for the Christmas parade. Santa will be at the Harvest Community Church. This will coincide with the Christmas in Pierceton event.
• The clerk’s office will be working on Dec. 24 but will have Dec. 25-26 off.
• Starting on Jan. 2, 2026, trash pick-ups will be on Thursdays. With that, there is a new trash company that will be distributing totes on Dec. 13, and Sweetheimer will pick up their bins on Dec. 29.
• Parks are officially closed for the season.
• The tree replacement will be happening for the residents that responded back that they would like to have the new trees. There will be more details to follow.
• There were attorney’s fees that were approved in the pay amount of $988.
• Claim dockets for October totaling $341,290, and November totaling $193,212.55 were approved.
The next town meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8.
