Keepes & Dean Spar Over Coroner's Vehicle Purchase

Wabash County coroner Shaun Keepes’s attempt to have county commissioners provide his office with a vehicle seems to be growing more contentious. Keepes has told commissioners that he has been using his personal and business vehicles for the last several years. But now, Keepes says it’s time for the county to step up and provide the coroner’s office with a vehicle.  At last week’s county board meeting, Keepes sparred with commissioner Rob Dean over how the vehicle would be used. Keepes said it would be utilized as an every day vehicle such as a sheriff’s department unit…

Dean took exception to Keepes’ comments and said the vehicle should be used only for coroner calls. After the 15 minute back and forth ended, the issue was tabled as commissioners said they will check with surrounding counties to see what their vehicle policy is for their coroners.