A motion to “reboot” Pulaski County’s IT Department failed during this week’s county council meeting. The county commissioners disbanded the IT Department back in July and later agreed to once again contract IT services out to DeGroot Technology. But that arrangement has drawn concern from some council members and IT professionals, specifically when it comes to cybersecurity and larger oversight of the county’s technology systems.
Continue readingGas Prices Expected to Continue to Go Down
The decrease in gas prices is expected to continue. Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, says prices have been inching lower, following a spike during the attacks in Saudi Arabia. “The statewide average in Indiana is down about five cents a gallon in the last week,” DeHaan says. “It stands at $2.51. That’s about 50 cents lower than last year.”
Continue readingWinamac Park Board to Meet Tonight
Playground equipment is expected to be discussed during tonight’s Winamac Park Board meeting. The matter will be brought up during the public input portion, according to the advance meeting agenda.
Continue readingPulaski County Council Votes to Move Forward with Potential Tax Adjustment
Tax adjustments are still on the table in Pulaski County. The county council voted five-to-two Monday to pursue an option that would reduce the local income tax rate by 0.08 percent for 2020, while increasing property taxes on non-homestead property.
Continue readingHamlet Council Hears Concern about Starke Street Sidewalk
The Town of Hamlet has made some considerable investments into Starke Street’s sidewalks in recent years, but one resident told the town council last week that there are other areas that can still use some work.
Continue readingINDOT Offering Scholarships, Paid Jobs to Civil Engineering Students
Civil engineering students can get help paying for college, as well as a paid job, from the Indiana Department of Transportation. INDOT’s scholarship program gives students $3,125 per semester for up to five years for educational costs, fees, and books to learn about the heat treatment. In return, they’ll be expected to work for INDOT full-time during summer breaks and for a certain amount of time after graduation. Funding for the program comes from the federal government.
To qualify, INDOT says students must be accepted or enrolled full-time in one of the state’s certified engineering schools, such as Purdue University, Valparaiso University, or the University of Notre Dame. Applications for the 2020-2021 school year are due by December 31.
Wellman said the form was turned in a little late, however Auditor Rachel Oesterreich noted that the form was mailed on the correct date due, but the council met in the morning that day and it arrived later in the day. If the council had met during their regular time it would have been reviewed that day. The council had moved several meetings to a morning timeframe due to the pandemic.
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert added that he checked with the recorder who stated the forms looked like they were properly filled out and they were on time.
After the explanation and further review of the paperwork, the council approved the CF-1 as presented with a unanimous vote and found the company to be in compliance.
Wellman said that she’s proud to say that all of the employees there in North Judson are still working, but a major trade show had to be canceled at the facility due to the coronavirus. The sign shop, OTES, is also in good order.
Information about how to apply can be found at INDOTScholarship.IN.gov.
Pulaski County Council Votes to Cut Microfilm Department, CDC Project Coordinator
Two Pulaski County employees would lose their jobs and one county department would be eliminated entirely, under the county council’s current budget proposal. Council members voted four-to-three Monday to cut all funding for the Microfilm Department out of the 2020 budget, presumably eliminating Janet Onken’s position.
Continue readingMotorcycle Ride Raises Funds for Memorial Path in Hamlet Town Park
Efforts to add a memorial walking path to the Hamlet Town Park got a major boost, thanks to a recent fundraiser. On September 21, the Hamlet American Legion held a motorcycle ride in memory of Robert J. Tauteris Jr., who died while serving in Afghanistan in 2012. Proceeds will go toward the effort of building a trail in his honor.
Continue readingWoman Arrested for Allegedly Trying to Bring Drugs into Westville Correctional Facility
A Kosciusko County woman was arrested for allegedly trying to bring drugs into the Westville Correctional Facility over the weekend. Investigators with the Indiana Department of Correction believe Rita Sellers, 46, of Silver Lake, was attempting to traffic drugs while visiting an offender on Saturday. The investigation turned up what officers suspect to be Suboxone, a prescription drug used to treat people who are dependent on opioids.
Continue readingPulaski County Council to Continue Working on 2019 Budget Tonight
The Pulaski County Council will continue working on the county’s 2020 budget tonight. Council members have begun suggesting significant cuts, but more specifics still need to be worked out before the budget is ready for adoption on October 14.
Continue readingEngineer Offers to Work on Updating Hamlet’s Zoning Map
The Hamlet Town Council is moving ahead with updates to the town’s zoning map. The idea was first raised during this month’s zoning board meeting, when town officials noticed that the 2005 zoning map didn’t reflect the way much of the land is actually being used, with several homes being zoned for local business. The map also leaves off the storage facility north of U.S. 30 that has been annexed into the town.
Continue readingNarcan Available at Starke County Health Department
Those interested in obtaining the overdose reversal drug Narcan continue to have resources available. Over the past year, the Marshall and Pulaski county health departments have offered training events for the public.
Continue readingStarke Taskforce for Overdose Prevention Moving to Implementation Phase
The Starke Taskforce for Overdose Prevention will be able to start implementing some of its goals, thanks to funding from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Continue readingTruck Belonging to Missing North Judson Man Found in Minnesota
James Runkle’s pickup truck has turned up in Minnesota, but police are still looking for the missing 56-year-old North Judson man. Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin says that around 2:30 Sunday morning, Two Harbors, Minnesota Police reported finding Runkle’s truck near a public access site to Lake Superior.
Continue readingHamlet Town Council Considers Restricting On-Street Semi Parking
The Town of Hamlet may be looking to restrict on-street semi parking. Engineer Lee Nagai helped oversee the recent Railroad Street paving project. He asked the town council Wednesday whether there’s anything prohibiting trucks from parking there.
Continue readingHere’s How Pulaski County’s Income Tax Rate Compares to Some of its Neighbors
As Pulaski County officials discuss ways to lessen the county’s reliance on local income taxes, the gap with surrounding counties’ tax rates remains high. Pulaski County residents currently pay 3.38 percent in local income taxes, the most in the state.
Continue readingTwo Accused of Meth Dealing, Following LaPorte County Traffic Stop
Two people were arrested on suspicion of dealing meth, after a traffic stop Wednesday afternoon in LaPorte County. Sheriff’s deputies say they saw a red Dodge Charger heading west on the Toll Road commit a pair of traffic infractions.
Continue readingTax Caps Prompt $19,000 Budget Cut for Hamlet
Hamlet taxpayers may save some money next year due to the property tax cap, but the town’s budget will take a bit of a hit. During Wednesday’s public hearing on the 2020 budget, Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts said that while the assessed valuation stayed the same, the amount of money that will actually make it to the town will go down.
Continue readingPulaski County Council Member Creates List of Cost Saving Ideas for Commissioners
As Pulaski County’s budget discussions continue, one county council member has come up with a list of ideas for the county commissioners to explore that might cut costs and increase revenue. Kathi Thompson presented her discussion points during Monday’s special council meeting, with all three commissioners in attendance.
Continue readingKnox Schools to Partner with Zingo BP to Raise Funds for Security Equipment
The Knox Community School Corporation is teaming up with a local gas station to raise funds for security upgrades. A “GO for School Safety” campaign will take place at the Zingo BP in Knox, according to Elementary School Assistant Principal Cory Masson.
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