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Staff Report
It’s a big week for The Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP) Kosciusko.
The organization that aims to support communities throughout Kosciusko County will host celebrations today in Milford and Saturday in Etna Green.
Milford
HELP will host a ribbon cutting today at 4 p.m. at the Milford Town Hall (121 South Main St.) and celebrate a new water metering system for residents and businesses.
The Town of Milford owns and operates its water department, providing service to all residents and businesses. The previous water metering system had reached the end of its serviceable life, with increasing component failures and repair delays.
“This may not be the most exciting or eye-catching project, but having the right infrastructure in place to support the growing needs of our residents and businesses is incredibly important,” said Milford Town Council President Doug Ruch.
The need for this project was identified by a volunteer committee of local community members participating in the HELP program. And the project was supported and funded in part by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).
“Replacing all residential and commercial meters will help the Town bill responsibly for actual water usage, improve the quality of data required for water loss audits, support the identification and repair of system leaks, and significantly reduce water loss,” said Ruch.
Meter replacement began Dec. 17, 2024, and concluded in the past week.
“We’re pleased to see this project move forward,” said Kosciusko County Community Coordinator Amy Roe, “It was a team effort, and it’s a vital infrastructure improvement supporting the Town’s growth and long-term sustainability.”
Etna Green
The Town of Etna Green invites the community to a special ribbon-cutting for the
unveiling of a public mural, titled “Welcome to Etna Green” on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The mural is on the south side of the post office at 107 N. Walnut St.
The event will feature remarks from the artist, local leaders, and community partners. Doughnuts and juice will be provided along with a kid-friendly activity.
Mural painting will begin after the 4th of July Holiday. Created by artist Justin Vining, an Etna Green-born artist whose creative journey—from a farm in Etna Green to law school and ultimately full-time artistry—combines regional storytelling with live-event painting and
community leadership.
His work bridges traditional plein-air techniques with modern
entrepreneurial savvy, earning him local and national recognition. Vining operates an art gallery in Indianapolis and you can learn more by clicking here.
“Welcome to Etna Green” features two historical scenes of Etna Green captured in the form of two old-style postcards featuring the words “Welcome to Etna Green” in the middle, and i designed for visitors to take pictures.
It will be painted on panels located on the south side of the Etna Green Post Office.
“This project allows the community of Etna Green to extend its art assets and grow its town
center, and will be cross-promoted through communications with the Engage Kosciusko
Passports, which currently includes thirty-two public art locations in Kosciusko County. It will also be added to the Art All Things Art Map as well as the Art Spaces brochure managed by the Kosciusko County Convention & Visitors Bureau,” said KCVB Director Cori Humes.
“We are excited to unveil this fun new mural, which is more than just art — it’s a testament to our community’s resilience, creativity, and rich history,” said Suzy Klinefelter, Etna Green Town Board Member and project lead.
Amy A. Roe, Kosciusko County Community Coordinator, stated, “The Town of Etna Green has demonstrated remarkable grit and adaptability, rising above every challenge to bring this project to fruition. It’s been a true honor to walk alongside this resilient community and work together— with the support of generous donors and dedicated partners—to turn this vision into reality.”
This project and celebration were made possible through the support of the Town of Etna Green, HELP Kosciusko, Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation, and Visitor Commission
(KCCRVC), Kosciusko County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (KCCVB), “All Things Art”
managed by Kosciusko Development Land Trust (KDLT), The Stichter Family Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund through Kosciusko County Community Foundation (KCCF), Silveus Insurance Group, mural artist Justin Vining, Strebig Construction, Alderfer Bergen & Co., Family Express, and the gracious property owners at 107 N. Walnut St.
For more updates on HELP Kosciusko, visit https://www.kosciusko.in.gov
The post HELP has major celebrations today in Milford and Saturday in Etna Green appeared first on News Now Warsaw.
