Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners Monday night that the county is getting closer to being able to apply brine to roads to help clear them of snow and ice.
All posts by Anita Goodan
West Central School Board Discusses Enrollment
The West Central School Board discussed enrollment and the number of transfer students coming into the corporation.
Starke County Commissioners Review Job Description for Jail Employee
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin presented the county commissioners with a proposed job description for an employee at the Starke County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff previously explained that he hired Ron Lawson as a part-time jailer but he doesn’t necessarily do the duties of a jailer. He hired him in that position because the wage was at a higher rate. Lawson has 34 years of law enforcement experience and the sheriff believed that Lawson should be paid a higher wage because of his experience.
West Central School Board Reviews Budget
No significant cuts are anticipated in this year’s budget for the West Central School Corporation.
Starke County Highway Department Making Intersection Safety Improvements
For the past several months, the Starke County Highway Department workers have been installing reflective strips to the poles that hold traffic signs to enhance safety at all intersections in the county. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler said the safety devices have been installed first on highly traveled roads.
West Central School Board Reviews Project Timelines
Several construction and renovation projects will be done at the West Central School Corporation this spring and summer. Superintendent Don Street said the school board reviewed the timeline for the secure entrance and utilization of space projects.
Starke County Commissioners to Meet Tonight
The Starke County Commissioners will meet tonight where Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin will discuss a job description for a part-time employee and request approval of a third K9 for the department. The job description was discussed with the Starke County Council members in January after they learned an employee was doing duties outside of the position for which he was hired. The job description should resolve the issue.
Nominations Needed for Winamac Distinguished Alumni Class
The Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation is accepting nominations for the Winamac Distinguished Alumni Class of 2018.
According to Superintendent Dan Foster, nominations may include graduates from Winamac High School, Pulaski High School or Star City High School, living or deceased, who have led successful lives while substantially contributing to their work, communities, state, or country. The people chosen will be honored in a ceremony in September and will be asked to share their experiences with Winamac High School students.
West Central Teachers Receiving Training, Feedback
The math teachers at the West Central School Corporation are getting some extra training. Superintendent Don Street said a trainer was here at the end of January and will be back later this month.
Street also said that two observers will be visiting classrooms.
Department of Homeland Security Encourages Workplace Security
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security encourages all Indiana employers to share the responsibility of securing their facilities through the installation of security cameras and having trained staff to deal with weather and workplace emergencies.
Threats such as fires and severe weather can happen at any time. Employees should be properly trained on what to do in case of a fire emergency or severe weather emergency such as storms, tornadoes, lightning and flooding.
Health, Business Organizations Seek Increase in State Cigarette Tax
Indiana health and business organizations are asking for an increase in the state’s cigarette tax by $1.50 a pack. Supporters say it would immediately help 50,000 adults quit smoking and prevent 400,000 kids from ever starting.
Starke County Highway Crews Work on Winter Projects
Starke County Highway Department Ready for More Snow
Crews at the Starke County Highway Department have been working on maintaining the snow plows and hauling more sand in between snow events this week.
Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler said some of the plows in the fleet underwent maintenance during this quiet time.
Sentencing Hearing for Convicted Child Molester Postponed
A sentencing hearing for a Knox man convicted of child molesting is postponed to Thursday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. in Starke Circuit Court.
On Jan. 11, a 12-member jury convicted 37-year-old Jerry Leonard of two counts of child molesting as a Class A Felony and two counts of performing a sexual act in front of a child as a Class D Felony. The jury deliberated for about one hour before returning guilty verdicts.
Knox Water Department to Look into Replacing Old Meters
Knox Water Superintendent Todd Gardner is looking into replacing some older meters that better meet the need of the building’s user.
Gardner told the Knox Board of Public Works members last week that the revenue loss is quite steep.
Leroy Gudeman Announces Retirement from Kankakee Valley Broadcasting, Inc. Board of Directors
A founding member of the WKVI and WYMR radio stations is retiring from the Kankakee Valley Broadcasting, Inc. Board of Directors.
Leroy Gudeman was there when WKVI went on the air with the 99.3 FM station on July 21, 1969, and with the 1520 AM frequency in November of 1970. He also saw the opening of WYMR 98.3 FM station in Plymouth on Feb. 6, 2015.
Reward Offered for Information Leading to Location of Missing Knox Woman
A reward is now being offered for information leading to the location of a missing Knox woman.
According to Knox City Police Chief Harold Smith, a $2,000 reward is being offered to the person with valid information that will lead law enforcement to the whereabouts of Barbara McCurdy. McCurdy was last seen in Knox on Sunday, Jan. 14.
Knox City Police Car to be Repaired after Accident
A Knox City Police car is in the shop to get auto body repair after a small accident.
Knox City Police Chief Harold Smith told the Knox Board of Public Works last week that an officer parked the 2011 Dodge Charger in front of a business on Main Street and a business owner backed into the squad car. Smith said the estimated damage is at $1,550 and it will be repaired.
Culver Stellar Communities Project Timeline Taking Shape
The Town of Culver reached “stellar” status late last year with the Stellar Community Designation Program designation and with that comes several large projects to increase tourism and overall appeal to the lake town.
There is a four-year timeline in which to complete the projects outlined in the Culver’s strategic investment plan.
Knox Street Department Uses 70 Ton of Road Salt
The Knox Street Department has gone through a lot of its salt supply to help clear roads this winter.
According Street Superintendent Jeff Borg, the city has experienced 12 snow events that have amounted to 26 inches of snow. That statistic is from Dec. 9, 2017 to today. As a result, 70 tons of the 100 tons of road salt was used to help clear roads as contracted from the State of Indiana cooperative. The city can purchase up to 120 tons as part of the agreement.
