Kokomo homeowner Roger McConnell may have a patched roof and running water, but it’s likely not enough to stave off the Howard County Health Department.
McConnell, 61, is fighting to stay in the house his family built in 1926.
Health officials, however, declared McConnell’s home unfit for human habitation this summer, saying it had no working sanitation and was overrun with cats and vermin.
Howard County Superior 4 Judge George Hopkins agreed with the health department at an October hearing, but declined the department’s request McConnell be barred from the property.
Instead, Hopkins gave McConnell until Nov. 14 to rectify the numerous problems cited.
Tuesday, Howard County Health Department director Kent Weaver said the county will continue to press the case.
“There will be a next step,” Weaver said. “We’ve looked at the issue, and we feel there still is an issue.
“That’s about all I can say,” he added. “The decision is ultimately going to be up to the court.”
County health officer James Vest and another department official made an inspection of the property Nov. 16, escorted by a Kokomo police officer.
McConnell allowed the officers to inspect the interior of the home for about 15 minutes. They had no comment as they re-emerged.
McConnell also allowed visitors inside the home, which is almost completely filled with boxes, rubble and trash. Paths through the mess run from the back door to the front room, and to the bathroom.
In court testimony, McConnell said the bathroom hadn’t had water service for close to two years, because he hadn’t made repairs.
At the Nov. 16 inspection, the bathroom was covered in dirt, but running water had been restored, according to a friend who was helping McConnell.
The house was also free of feral cats, and a hole in the roof had been patched. But the house also had clutter reaching to the ceiling in almost every room, a pervasive smell of mildew and rot, and no heat.
The health department must go back to Hopkins’ court to have the house condemned.
McConnell would then have to find a new accommodation.
• Scott Smith is a Kokomo Tribune staff writer. He may be reached at 765-454-8569 or via e-mail at scott.smith@kokomotribune.com
Local News
McConnell still in hot water
Health officials plan more legal action
- Local News
-
-
Chamber cancels cook-off
After an 11-year run, the annual chili cook-off in Kokomo has been canceled for this year.
-
Miami County GOP fails to appoint new trustee
PERU – Miami County commissioners will be forced to appoint a Perry Township trustee after the GOP’s county chairman exceeded the deadline to replace the vacated seat.
-
Students petition to keep daycare at IUK
A group of Indiana University Kokomo students is petitioning the university to reconsider shutting down an on-campus childcare center.
-
Walk participants offer prayers to heal community
On Jan. 26, 48-year-old Argena Williams was shot in the head at the corner of Taylor Street and Apperson Way during a shooting spree that left one other dead and two more wounded.
-
Party atmosphere in Indianapolis
A wild and record-setting Super Bowl week was capped Sunday with the New York Giants winning their fourth title game. But the host city of Indianapolis was also a winner.
-
Council puts off budget cut decision
Miami County Council once again last week postponed any decisions on cutting nearly $900,000 from the county general fund after the state issued a mandate requiring the budget reduction.
-
Kokomo starting sewer project at Indian Heights
Construction work to increase the capacity of the sewer line leaving the Indian Heights subdivision is set to begin today.
-
Public Eye - Sunday, Feb. 4, 2012
Not running
Republican Joe Pencek announced Jan. 24 he will not be seek a third term on the Howard County Council in an at-large position.
-
Information technology company opens in incubator
A Kokomo information technology startup has opened an office in a business incubator run by the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance.
-
Weather helps host city draw record attendance
The out-of-season warm weather in the Super Bowl’s host city has created an envious problem: Record crowds descending on the city’s downtown.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Chamber cancels cook-off
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
