This week, the Marshall County Drainage Board members received a presentation from Jake Wetzel, the veteran owner of Heritage Drone Service in Porter County.
Wetzel told members that his company started in 2022, and he has sprayed more than 50,000 acres of primarily agricultural land. They have also sprayed miles and miles of private ditches, with 30 to 35% of his business with government agencies.
Wetzel said drones are more efficient than other systems, but the company does have off-road equipment and can also backpack spray when needed. He said the regulations and compliance process take about a year to receive and that he gets annual updates from the federal government.
County Surveyor Craig Cultice told board members he hired Heritage Drone Service late last year for a couple of projects and said the cost was reasonable, and they completed the work promptly. Cultice said he hoped to be able to use the drone service again this year.
Wentzel said they could more precisely spray liquid and small pellets cost-efficiently.
Board member Adam Faulstich asked if they advertise when working in an area because of all the concerns people have with flying drones.
Wentzel said that in LaPorte County, they send letters to property owners in the 75-foot maintenance easement to let them know drones will be working on the ditches.
Wentzel said his competitors charge about $3,000 a mile, while on a recent project, his bid came in almost at the cost.
The County Drainage Board thanked him for the presentation and wanted to see how drone spraying could save the county money and do an efficient job.
Oakland City University releases statement on rumors of closing
Indiana Natural Resources Commission to hold public hearing for bobcat rule changes
Illinois State Museum Route 66 exhibit to open May 23
Lawrenceville votes to raise sewer rates and hire engineering firm for new sewer plant
Two sentenced to prison in Lawrence County
May 15 is National Peace Officers Memorial Day
St. Francisville City Council takes action on annual budget
Unit #10 Special Education meeting
Chevron hosts annual former Texaco refinery open house
Bill signed to prohibit cell phones, wireless devices in schools
Sumner in line for federal funding for planned Christy Avenue project
Neimerg calls for IDOC changes at Lawrence County and Crawford County prisons
110th running of the Indianapolis 500 a sellout, local TV delay lifted
Lawrence County issued tentative property multiplier
Ash retires as Bridgeport Police Chief
USDA requires SNAP authorized retailers to carry more real food
Vincennes paving work continuing
Rep. Niemerg calls for immediate your of correctional facilities following inmate death
Congressman Yakym's staff to hold mobile office hours in Plymouth this month
