Shoppers in the market for a good deal on a new vehicle should head over to the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds Saturday for the Elkhart County Seized Vehicle Auction.
Now in its fifth year, the auction will begin at 9 a.m. in the Sheep/Swine Arena and feature 15 seized vehicles.
“These are vehicles that have been seized by the Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit during drug investigations,” said Bill Wargo, chief investigator with the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office. “Essentially we have petitioned the court for these vehicles to be forfeited, and then the proceeds will be distributed based on a formula we use to all law enforcement agencies on a percentage basis.”
Vehicles featured at the auction will include: a 1993 Dodge Ram; a Baotian mo-ped; a 1992 Ford Explorer; a 1997 Dodge Caravan; a 1997 Chevy 1500; a 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue; a 1999 Ford Contour; an Eagle MotorSports 49cc; a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee; a 1993 Ford dually; a blue Vino mo-ped; a 1997 Ford 150; and a 1987 Cadillac DeVille.
While exactly how much money the auction pulls in for the county varies from year to year, Wargo said it is not uncommon to see earnings totaling $30,000 to $40,000.
“It really depends. Some years we’ve had some real outstanding vehicles, and some years are not so good. Some years are part vehicles, and this year we’ve got kind of a mix,” Wargo said. “It’s certainly worth the effort though. And it’s a way for us to impact drug traffickers in yet another way — seizing assets — whether it’s vehicles or other assets.”
As for who typically attends such auctions, Wargo said anyone from the first-time car buyer to mechanics and garage tinkerers can be found perusing the offerings.
“A lot of times it’s car dealers. But then I’ve seen people show up looking for a vehicle to purchase, maybe their kid’s first vehicle,” Wargo said. “People who have mechanical aptitudes who can take a vehicle and work it themselves can usually get significant savings as well. And then of course there’s just the person who’s looking for a good deal.”
Those interested in attending the event should make a point of being on time, however, as auctioneer Amos Bontrager indicated that such events typically conclude rather quickly.
“It’ll start right at 9 a.m., and I’ll probably be all done within half an hour to 45 minutes,” Bontrager said. “It goes pretty quick.”
Bontrager noted that all purchases made at the auction must be paid in full immediately following the sale.
Only cash, certified checks or cashier’s checks will be accepted as is, while company or personal checks must be accompanied by a bank letter of verification.
A 10 percent buyer’s premium will also be added to the final bid on each vehicle and included in the total purchase price.
Local News
County to auction seized vehicles
- Local News
-
-
Man pleads guilty to robbery
GOSHEN — A Nappanee man pleaded guilty in Elkhart County Circuit Court to his involvement in a March robbery in Nappanee.
-
A very sweet war: Searching for the ultimate cupcake
A fig, goat cheese and onion cake pop dipped in chocolate? No wrinkling of noses! It was the winning entry in a fierce competition between a local baker, a sixth-grader and recent participants in the Food Network’s popular Cupcake Wars.
-
The Salvation Army celebrates dedication
The Salvation Army in Goshen celebrated service by and to the community. The opportunity came when The Salvation Army in Goshen and southern Elkhart County held its first Celebration Dinner May 17.
-
Memorial Day events planned
Veterans who died in service to their country will be remembered during Memorial Day services this holiday weekend.
-
Police: 32 pounds of pot found in LaGrange
A traffic stop in LaGrange County, with help from a drug-sniffing canine, led police to the discovery of a reported 32-pounds of marijuana Wednesday.
-
Board reviews cleanup status
LAGRANGE — Monday morning all eyes in the LaGrange County Board of Commissioners meeting room were glued to the slide show presented by County Code Enforcement Officer Johnny Boggs.
-
Reception to honor donors set for Thursday
A reception is set for Thursday evening to recognize donors and kick off the fundraising for this year’s Celebrate America fireworks program planned at Black Squirrel Golf Course on July 1.
-
Permits for golf carts passes
NAPPANEE — Those wishing to travel the city streets of Nappanee on golf carts will need to acquire a permit after City Council members approved an amendment to the golf cart ordinance Monday night. The amended ordinance was passed unanimously on third and final reading.
-
Rain barrel auction at First Fridays to benefit Elkhart River
GOSHEN — Colorful, decorated rain barrels will be sold in Goshen late next week in hopes of helping raise funds to improve the Elkhart River.
-
Police: Teen accidentally shot himself
GOSHEN — A 17-year-old boy was shot outside his home at 1824 College Manor Drive, just south of College Avenue, at 3:43 p.m. Tuesday.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
Hurricane Forecast: 15 Named Storms Expected
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Search Intensifies for Missing Louisiana Woman
Bloomberg: Man Implicates Self in Etan Patz Case
NYPD: Person Implicated in Etan Patz Death
Raw Video: Fire on Nuke-powered Sub in Maine
Illegal Burn Suspected in Nevada Fire
Obama: 'We've Got More Work to Do'
Astrologers Predict Outcome of Presidential Race
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
FAMU Bandmates: Victim Volunteered to Be Hazed
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
Raw Video: Tornado Appears During Wedding
Raw Video: Passed Out Man Robbed
Inquiry Hears Wider Secret Service Misbehavior
HP to Cut 27,000 Jobs, Save Up to $3.5B
