The Starke County Health Department held an executive session Monday evening to receive information and interview prospective employees. Following the executive session, a public meeting was held related to the environmentalist position. Continue reading
It’s only the first week of August, but officials with the Starke County Highway Department are already planning for winter. Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners this week the county’s salt cost has gone down significantly over last year. The county piggybacks on the state’s bid and is able to realize considerable savings as a result. Ritzler says the price per ton has gone down from $73.62 to $65.32. If this winter is comparable to last year’s, he says that will save the county about $10,000. Continue reading
Congresswoman Jackie Walorski wants to hear how federal regulations have impacted farmers, business owners and manufacturers throughout her district. She’s launching a Get Regulation Out of the Way, or GROW, tour. Walorski cites a report from the American Action Forum that the Obama administration has issued more than 500 major federal regulations. They’ve cots taxpayers almost $2 trillion in compliance. A major regulation is anything expected to have a $100 million annual effect on the economy. Continue reading
The Indiana Bicentennial Commission oversees the planning and execution of a statewide celebration for Indiana’s 200th birthday. On the final day of July they held a meeting where more than fifty Legacy Projects were deliberated. Pulaski County’s Legacy Project was among those that received the commission’s approval. Continue reading
During the summer months, the American Red Cross and other blood banks see a sharp decline in the amount of donors at their blood drives. On average during the summer months, about two fewer donors give blood at each Red Cross drive than what is needed. It if for this reason that the American Red Cross is urging all eligible donors to pitch in an help prevent a blood shortage. Continue reading
Several candidates met the Monday deadline to file paperwork for office in Starke County.
Communities hosting Town Conventions – which includes Hamlet and North Judson had a state deadline of August 3rd. Parties with more than one candidate for office will now decide which candidate represents the party heading into November’s General Election.
Some major changes were implemented to the Pulaski County Emergency Management Agency Board, Monday evening.
The Pulaski County Commissioners felt it necessary to make the changes after a review of Indiana Code. State law was being reviewed following the resignation of EMA Director Larry Hoover.
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Highway superintendent Rik Ritzler says Starke County is on schedule to have no deficient bridges by 2020, according to the latest bridge inspection report. It finds the condition of the county’s bridges has significantly improved over the last two years, going from 17 to 12 deficient. Ritzler says that number should be down to 10 by the end of the year. Continue reading
School is back in session this week for students in several local corporations. Motorists are reminded to be alert and aware near bus stops and places where youngsters may walk or ride bicycles to or from school.
Indiana Department of Homeland Security spokesman John Erickson says drivers need to slow down and be extra alert for children who are closer to streets. He notes youngsters aren’t good at judging vehicle speeds and may try to cross streets too close to oncoming vehicles. Also Erickson says children listening to music on headsets and playing games on hand-held electronic devices may not be as aware of their surroundings. Continue reading
After a successful “open house” and “back to school night,” all three Knox school principals reported last night, at a school board meeting, that the events “went well” and they saw many smiling faces. Superintendent A. J. Gappa reported an “air of optimism” in the halls about the new balanced calendar, as did board members.
While an official count of students will be made later, Gappa said a look at early registration indicates an increased enrollment and that additional computers may have to be ordered for high school students. Continue reading
IU Health officials are working on plans for a new, state-of-the-art hospital in Knox. President Craig Felty says the lean concept design will focus on efficiency.
“It’s going to be a licensed hospital. We’ll have all the outpatient complementary services that we offer now – x-ray, lab, CT, MRI – all of the diagnostic imaging options we have now. It will have a full-service emergency department. We’re looking right now at a 10-bed hospital, or a 10 bed inpatient unit, if you will.”
Members of the public are invited to take a tour of a life-sized, cardboard mock-up of the proposed new design. It is set up at the former Freeman Products Building at 888 S. CR 300 East in Knox. Tours will be available Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 4 until 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 6 from 7:30 until 9:30 a.m. and Friday, Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. Continue reading
The national average price at the pump is lower at the start of August than it was at the beginning of July. GasBuddy Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan accounts the decreased prices to an overall dip in crude-oil costs. He says the cost of crude-oil has gone down due to the abundance of crude-oil being supplied. Indiana is averaging at $2.47 a gallon, offering lowering prices than our neighboring states of Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. Continue reading
The IRS may need more information from some income tax filers this year due to provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Taxpayers who signed up for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace chose to either have advance payments of the premium tax credit paid directly to their insurance provider in order to reduce their premiums throughout the year or to get their assistance at tax time as a premium tax credit. Continue reading
The filing deadline has arrived for candidates seeking election in communities hosting a Town Convention. Continue reading
WKVI wants your blood. The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be set up in the station parking lot at 400 West Culver Road in Knox from 2 until 6 p.m. today. All donors must be in good health and feeling well, be at least 17 and weigh at least 110 pounds. Continue reading
Nominations are now open for inclusion on the list of South Shore Legends to be honored on the Wall of Legends at the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority for 2015. Nominees must have “imprinted the world” with accomplishments that resonate in and beyond Northwest Indiana. Individuals may have achieved notoriety here or elsewhere, and awards may be awarded posthumously. Continue reading
Residents of Northwest Indiana are at an increased risk of contracting Lyme Disease, and local physicians want to raise awareness.
This Monday at the Nazarene Church next to Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac, several medical practitioners will discuss Lyme Disease with members of the public. Lyme disease is often contracted through tick bites, but subjects can experience a range of symptoms.
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The first week of August marks a very important week of recognition for mothers in America. August first through the seventh is World Breastfeeding Week. The Indiana State Department of Health lists breastfeeding as not only healthy to the infant but mentions the benefits for the mother as well. The theme this year is “Breastfeeding and Work: Let’s Make it Work.” All around the world, advocates for families are calling for action to support women in being able to combine breastfeeding and work.
Even locally, people are doing their part to promote awareness. Pulaski Memorial Hospital and the Heartland Breastfeeding Coalition are teaming-up and asking the community to join them in celebrating the week on Wednesday, August 5 from 10 am until noon (EST). Join both organizations at a reception with goodies and and door prizes being held in the Medical Office Building at the back of Pulaski Memorial Hospital. Continue reading
North Judson residents who are taking part in Saturday’s town-wide yard sales have until tomorrow afternoon to get their locations on a free map. They can also list their five “hot ticket” items if they get that information to the town office by 4 p.m. Continue reading
A Michigan City Police Officer who was arrested on misconduct charges was found dead by the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department on Saturday afternoon.
A search was conducted after authorities received calls that 37-year-old Robert Grant was not answering phone calls or returning text messages.
