The Culver Town Council members were updated last week on programs available with the Marshall County Council on Aging.
Continue readingCulver Town Council Receives Update from Marshall County Council on Aging
Culver Town Council Considers Donation to Marshall County Council on Aging
The Marshall County Council on Aging is stepping up efforts to gather funds for transportation services for the county’s veterans, disabled, and older population.
Jackie Wright from the Marshall County Council on Aging explained to the Culver Town Council members Tuesday night that the organization wants to meet the growing needs of the public and more funding can help expand routes and possibly add another route to service community members. She said that they had over 600 denials last year as not all requests could be handled due to availability.
Culver Town Council to Meet Tonight
The Culver Town Council members will meet in regular session tonight where they will hear a presentation from students on park improvements.
Marshall County Council on Aging to Complete Transportation Funding Paperwork
Marshall County will act as a funding pass-through point to deliver transportation funding from the Indiana Department of Transportation to the Marshall County Council on Aging.
Executive Director Jackie Wright explained to the Marshall County Commissioners Monday morning that she is submitting grant paperwork to INDOT for the annual request for transportation funding. She requested that the County be the pass-through point for the funds. She anticipates the reception of $277,000 this year.
Marshall County Commissioners to Discuss Several Items in Today’s Meeting
The Marshall County Commissioners will consider a change order request from USI Consultants’ Bart Trester when they meet today. Trester oversees the 7th Road project and the roundabout project on North Michigan Road in Plymouth. Trester indicated earlier this month that crews are waiting for word from the state to move ahead, barring any more issues with the HMX mix design. The mix of aggregate and asphalt binder is causing buckling pavement in other locations across the state. Crews are awaiting final approval of the combination to install the mix.
Requests Increase for Transportation at Marshall County Council on Aging
The Marshall County Council on Aging continues to cater to more and more patrons with transportation needs.
Executive Director Jackie Wright gave the Marshall County Commissioners an annual report this week and said they have been turning down requests for transportation as they aren’t able to accommodate all of the requests. About 60 denials were given in each quarter in 2014. She explained driver and vehicle availability and hours in the operation day were the main reasons why those requests were denied. The agency has nine vehicles with 15 drivers.
Fight for Public Transportation Funds Goes to Legislature
Public transportation offered by Community Services of Starke County, Pulaski County Human Services and Marshall County Council on Aging is in high demand. Funding to keep up with the demand has caused legislators to get involved.
The Public Mass Transportation Fund has not received any additional money for seven years. The funding is distributed among 65 public and nonprofit agencies that offer transportation by reservation or on-demand. According to Joan Haugh, Executive Director of Community Services of Starke County, officials there have to turn down requests for trips due to lack of drivers, vehicles and available money. Last year, 757 different individuals were transported which shows a need for funding to provide a community service. About 50 passenger trips are provided each day.
Marshall County Commissioners Approve Agreement for Meals on Wheels
The Marshall County Commissioners recently discussed a Memorandum of Understanding to continue the Meals on Wheels program at the Marshall County Council on Aging.
County Attorney Jim Clevenger stated that the current agreement expires Dec. 31 of this year and it needed to be renewed. The agreement allows the meals to be cooked at the Marshall County Jail at a cost of $3.25 per person. The personnel at the Marshall County Council on Aging pick up the meals at the jail and deliver them to those in need.
Marshall County Community Foundation Distributes $66,210 in Grant Funds
Over $66,200 in grant funds were awarded to 10 organizations in Marshall County Thursday afternoon.
The Marshall County Community Foundation held its second round of 2014 Community Fund grants where non-profit organizations submitted proposals for specific projects. Linda Yoder, Executive Director of the Marshall County Community Foundation explained that the Community Fund is one of the most flexible and responsive of the Foundation’s 318 funds.
Tranportation, Meals on Wheels Update from Marshall County Council on Aging
The Director of the Marshall County Council on Aging gave a report to the commissioners about older adult services and one thing that jumped out was a steady increase in transportation.
Transportation has doubled since 2010. Jackie Wright said money from the Indiana Department of Transportation helped this year. INDOT was unable to provide the county with it’s usual allocation last year due to the federal sequester. Wright had to ask for $20,000 to cover that loss last year. Thankfully, she will not be asking for that money this year.
Marshall County Council on Aging to Host 2013 Senior Expo
Funding Cuts Could Limit Plymouth Community Cab Trips
A popular public service for Plymouth-area residents could be cut back due to federal budget cuts.
The Plymouth Community Cab, run by the Marshall County Council on Aging, is funded by grants from the Indiana Department of Transportation and matched dollar-for-dollar locally. However, the federal budget sequester has slashed funding by $30,000.
AARP Driver Safety Program Offered in Marshall County
Jackie Wright, the director of the Council on Aging, believes this is an important course for older drivers.
