Week in Review for November 7th-11th, 2011

Here is just some of the news that made the news in the Kankakee Valley this week:

Winners in Tuesday’s Municipal Election in Starke County include Republican Donna Henry for North Judson Clerk-Treasurer, Republican Tim Cummins for North Judson Town Board, Democrat Donald Kring for Knox City Council, Democrat Kristina Pitts for Hamlet Clerk-Treasurer and Republican Dave Kesvormas for Hamlet Town Board. In Pulaski County, Republican Melanie A. (Parish) Berger was elected Winamac Town Clerk-Treasurer, Republican Carolyn Hager and Democrat Gene Payne for Medaryville Town Council, Republican Marla Dawson for Francesville Town Clerk-Treasurer and Republicans Andy Durham, Kyle Trent and Pamela Antrim for Francesville Town Council.

Brett Kersey

Brett Kersey’s case will be going to trial in Starke Circuit Court. He and his attorney have failed to come to an agreement on a plea so a trial has been set for December 14th at 9:00 a.m. He is charged with Child Molesting, Rape and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

Bridge #51 on 700 South in North Bend Township was closed last week due to caps crushing and failing. The bridge was scheduled to be replaced this year. Bridge #156 is scheduled to open soon.

Pulaski County Commissioners

The Pulaski County Commissioners learned this week that the County will be getting a refund of $97,744 on their health insurance. The refund will cover the County’s premium for the month of November.

The Starke County Commissioners voted for their attorney, Marty Lucas, to draw up a nepotism ordinance because of complaints being received by residents in the County.

The Pulaski County Commissioners approved a request by Sheriff Michael Gayer to purchase a used vehicle out of 2012 budget funds to replace a car on the fleet.

Casey Hardesty and Phillip Shriver of Plymouth, Jeffrey Knoebel of Grovertown, and Kenneth Schoff of Hamlet were arrested Friday after police found them to be in possession of precursors that are used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Starke County EMS Director, Paul Mathewson, requested that ambulance workers be reimbursed for taking classes for certification. Mathewson said all are working to upgrade the ambulance service to advanced life support by January 1st.

IU Health Starke Hospital

IU Health Starke Hospital and Starke County officials met Wednesday to discuss a contract that the hospital is considering. The contract, which would require the hospital to provide Basic Life Service transfers, would limit the county’s need to service those calls and the county could lose $100,000.

The Pulaski County Commissioners will be waiting to learn the results of a search of properties where unqualified homeowners might be getting homestead deductions. A company has identified approximately 900 homesteads that might not qualify that could bring $750,000 in funds to the county.

Dick Wagner and this year's business class

Dick Wagner recently submitted his retirement notice to the Knox Community School Board members and they accepted that request at their meeting this week. Wagner was a Business teacher at Knox High School for 40.5 years.

Insurance premiums will be going up for Starke County employees, but if they take advantage of wellness points, the points will reduce the premium. The County will only pay 82%.

Knox City Council final #3
Knox City Council

The Knox City Council approved the first reading of a salary ordinance, but amended it to leave out City Council members from receiving a salary increase.

The Starke County Economic Development Foundation held its 26th Annual Awards celebration last night. Mat Swanson and Jack Lynch were honored with the Robert E. Hamilton Award.

Candice Bernier from the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns gave the Knox City Council some recommendations on what can be done with buildings in the downtown area.

And that is just some of the news that made the news in the Kankakee Valley this week.