WITZ Banner ad 2020 2_18_2020.jpg
WITZ Banner ad 2020 2_18_2020.jpg
Mayor Elkins Issues Proclamation for Suicide Prevention Month
On Tuesday night, the Huntingburg Common Council and Utility Board met to issue a
proclamation for Suicide Awareness month and to make decisions regarding a major purchase
for the city.
Janet Schnell from Survivors of Suicide of Dubois County appeared before the Council, taking a
moment to talk about the importance of suicide prevention and intervention as well as offering
support to survivors of those who have experienced suicide loss. Schnell said that when the
organization started in Dubois County in 1996, the county had one of the highest per capita
suicide rates in Indiana. As a result of great efforts over the years, Dubois County is no longer
considered a high-risk community, although Schnell said that “one suicide death is too many.”
She provided the statistics that each suicide affects approximately 135 other people, and six of
those would experience life-altering changes.
The group applauded organization member Mary Lou Schmitt for her leadership and work with
the organization, and for the way that she has led the way in supporting those who were left
behind after suicide loss. Mrs. Schmitt was on hand to accept the proclamation made in her
honor by the City of Huntingburg, as September was officially proclaimed Suicide Prevention
Month by Mayor Neil Elkins. Elkins asked “citizens to recognize that addressing the mental
health needs in Huntingburg of seniors, adults, youth, children, ad families is fundamental to
having a healthy community.”
The Council was then given an update about the status of a major transformer purchase to
support the city’s new construction. The apartment complex, which is estimated to be a three
or four year project, will need a total of fifteen transformers. Because of the high expense, the
goal was to break the purchase into three allotments of six, five, and four over the course of
two years. The first three buildings should be complete by next September, requiring six
transformers, and then work will begin work on the duplex and townhome construction. An
attempt was made to obtain quotes to present to the council, but only Solomon was able to
provide a quote. One company would not provide a quote since they did not have enough
stock, and another had already sold their allotment for the year.
As no other quotes could be obtained, and the price quoted was a significant savings, the
Council approved the purchase of four transformers in stock from Solomon. The Council also
gave the consent to purchase an additional four transformers if priced within a 20% increase of
the current purchase price. City attorney Phil Schneider noted that this is a deviation from the
current purchasing policy, which requires obtaining at least three quotes. This is due to the lack
of available stock and the unwillingness of suppliers to provide quotes.
For more information on these and other updates, visit www.huntingburg-in.gov
- Drew Hasselbring