Marshall County Commissioners appoint New Weights and Measures Inspector, fill Appeals Board vacancy

The Marshall County Board of Commissioners addressed several appointments and grant approvals at their meeting on Monday, June 15th, including naming a new Weights and Measures Inspector, filling a vacancy on the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals, and greenlighting two grant applications for the county's CASA program.

Bill Einspahr was officially offered and accepted the position of Marshall County Inspector of Weights and Measures at Monday's meeting. He fills the role being vacated by Jerry Huss, who notified the county earlier this year of his intent to retire.

Given the complexity of the position, the county added $5,000 to the Weights and Measures budget specifically for training, allowing Huss to personally train Einspahr before his departure.

Marshall County Assessor Peter Paul appeared before the commissioners seeking a new appointment to the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals, following the resignation of Gloria Niedbalski last fall.

Paul recommended Kelly Einspahr to fill the remainder of Niedbalski's term, which runs through December 31, 2027. He spoke highly of her qualifications, noting that she has extensive experience with county government — having worked in the Auditor's Office, the Assessor's Office, and served as County Treasurer. Paul said Einspahr has been trained in calculating assessments, understands the assessment cycle, and brings a unique depth of knowledge to the role. The commissioners approved the appointment.

CASA Director Chastity Keller appeared before the commissioners with two grant requests, both of which were approved.

The first is the annual Indiana State CASA Matching Grant, totaling $15,843. The county's required match is $13,467, though Keller noted that 15% of the local match is covered through in-kind contributions — specifically, CASA's use of county office space, phone, and internet.

The second is the Capacity Building Grant, a non-matching grant of $6,793 designated specifically for retaining and training new CASA volunteers. Keller said the funds must be used to retain, attract, and train new volunteers. The grant requires a written plan to the state on how the funds will be used.  Past efforts have included volunteer appreciation lunches, Coffee & CASA community events, educational brochures, and Prevent Child Abuse events held each April.

Keller shared that CASA currently has 16 volunteers actively working with children and one volunteer assisting in the office. The program is currently serving 34 children in the county, but 35 additional children in DSC are not being served due to a shortage of volunteers. A Guardian Ad Litem is currently working with those children in the interim. Keller said two volunteers are currently in training, and three more are signed up for an online training session this fall.

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer is encouraged to contact Chastity Keller at 574-935-8723.