By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
While the Mansfield Brass fire in New Washington left a smokey future for the plant, that future became a little clearer during the New Washington Village Council meeting Monday evening.
During his report to the Village Council, Village Solicitor Tim Obringer reported that he 
assisted Village Clerk Julie Cronau with obtaining the insurance check for the demolition and clean-up for the fire-damaged portion of the plant. Obringer noted that plant owner Russ Nelson’s current plans for the Mansfield Brass are to demolish and relocate the damaged portion of the building, and reopen the portions of the castings plant that doesn’t need demolished.
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It was a celebratory night for the New Washington Police Department. Deker Kneeskern was sworn in as the new part-time probationary police officer for the New Washington Police Department. Council also approved Police Chief Jeff Shook’s recommendation to promote Officer Dwight Dyer from probationary to part-time with the village’s police force.
In Norm Lucius’ report to council he noted that the trenching at the park has been finished. Lucius also noted that a few of the flag poles pulleys need repaired, and that he is making a list of items around the village that needs repaired.
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Prior to their meeting the New Washington Village Council held a work session reviewing their policy manual.