The Culver Police Department is getting a new vehicle. The town council Tuesday approved the purchase of a Dodge Durango from Country Auto Center in Plymouth. It will cost just under $26,500, after trade-in.
All posts by Michael Gallenberger
Hamlet Decorating Contest Judging Scheduled for December 22
The Town of Hamlet has finalized the date for this year’s home decorating contest. Judging will take place Saturday, December 22 between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. Those whose homes are decorated have a chance to win a cash prize. The first place winner will get $100, second place will receive $75, and the third place prize is $50.
Pulaski County Commissioners Sign Off on Yearly JDAI Grant Application
Pulaski County’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative is seeking funding for another year. The county commissioners Monday agreed to let JDAI Coordinator Natalie Federer proceed with her regular grant application.
Culver Town Council Finalizes 2019 Salary Ordinance, Town Manager Contract
The Culver Town Council gave its final approval to the town’s 2019 salary ordinance Tuesday. It was previously explained that the ordinance includes a 50-cent increase for all hourly employees, as well as an incentive for street, water, or wastewater employees who earn certifications. It also outlines how town employees who serve on the fire department will be compensated for responding to calls during business hours.
Culver School Board Prepares for New School Funding Structure
The Culver School Board has finalized preparations for the new school funding structure. Starting January 1, each school corporation’s General Fund will be replaced by an Education Fund, while the Capital Projects, Transportation, and Bus Replacement Funds will be combined into an Operations Fund.
Hamlet Council Approves Purchase of Snow Blower Attachment for Bobcat
The Hamlet Street Department will soon have a new snow removal tool. The town council Wednesday approved the purchase of a snow blower attachment for the town’s Bobcat, from Bobcat of Warsaw.
Knox School Board to Get Update on Planning Process for Potential Building Improvements Tonight
Discussions continue at Knox Community Schools over a potential building project. Back in September, the school board hired architectural firm Schmidt Associates to develop plans for future construction, after the firm had previously completed a facilities study for the corporation. Representatives will give an update to the school board, during a work session tonight at 6:00 at the Knox Schools Administrative Office.
Pulaski County EMS Sees Third Ambulance-Versus-Deer Crash in Less Than Five Months
Another ambulance-versus-deer crash will mean a repair bill of almost $10,000 for Pulaski County Emergency Medical Services. It happened the day before Thanksgiving, according to EMS Director Bryan Corn. He told the county commissioners Monday that the ambulance was on its way to a 911 call, when it hit the deer.
Culver Police Chief Voices Concern with Allowing Alcohol in Beach Lodge
The idea of allowing alcoholic beverages in the Culver Beach Lodge during private events drew a mixed reaction during a public input session held by the town council Tuesday. Such a move might make it easier to hold weddings at the new Damore Amphitheater, followed by a reception in the Beach Lodge. The town is looking at putting policies in place that would allow people to rent the amphitheater, including potential fees and guidelines.
Police Chief Wayne Bean said he didn’t think that allowing alcohol would be a good idea in the long-term. He was skeptical that beverages would always stay inside the building. He also said that he’d been to almost all current wrestling shows taking place and that beverages never really were a good thing. He was also worried that it may lead to individuals bringing their own drinks to the park outside of permitted events. Another resident felt that allowing alcohol would be bad for the town’s image and questioned whether the decision would sacrifice the town’s park facilities for the chance at bringing in more money through facility rentals.
Continue readingStarke County Police Still Looking for Koontz Lake Robbery Suspects
The Starke County Sheriff’s Department continues investigating an armed robbery at a Koontz Lake gas station Monday night. Sheriff Bill Dulin says that as of Tuesday afternoon, his department has gotten numerous tips, but so far, “nothing has produced solid information that would lead to a suspect.”
Pulaski County EMS Director to Step Down Friday, Interim Director Appointed
Pulaski County EMS Director Bryan Corn made his resignation official during Monday’s county commissioners meeting. “I did send you guys a letter,” he explained. “I’ll go ahead, and we’ll make it public. We’ll make it official. I will be resigning my position as the EMS director. That will be effective this coming Friday, December 7.”
Gas Prices May Soon Head Back Up, Pending OPEC Announcement
The steady drop in gas prices may soon come to an end. GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the average price of gas in Indiana has dropped from almost three dollars a gallon at the start of October to $2.20 on Monday. “But that may soon coming to a halt,” he says. “Oil prices are up sharply on the prospects that OPEC will cut oil production when it meets later this week at its annual meeting. In addition, there’s some optimism that a trade deal could be looming between the U.S. and China, thus bolstering the economy in the near short-term future.”
Hamlet Town Council Schedules Public Hearing for Comprehensive Planning Process
The Town of Hamlet is moving forward with a comprehensive plan. Council member Brian Earnest says town officials have chosen a planning consultant, following several hours of interviews. As the next step in the process, a public hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 12 at 5:00 p.m.
Pulaski County May Consider Lease Purchase Agreement for Next Ambulance
Financing options for a new ambulance were presented to the Pulaski County Commissioners last month. Angie Deming with Republic First National out of Rochester explained that the company specializes in lease purchase agreements. “Really, a lease purchase is no different than a loan,” she explained. “The only thing that makes this program different than a loan is that a loan is going to have a fixed term; regardless of what happens here at the county, you’re required to make the payment. However, with the lease purchase plan, it has a clause that’s called a non-appropriation clause in it.”
Main Street Officials to Hold Public Input Session Thursday on the Future of Downtown Winamac
Boosting opportunities for Downtown Winamac is the goal of an upcoming visit from National Main Street Center consultants. Winamac is one of seven Indiana Main Street communities that volunteered to take part in a pilot program sponsored by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
Oregon-Davis PTA Plans ‘Pictures with Santa’ Fundraiser, During Next Week’s Christmas Programs
The recently-established Oregon-Davis PTA is coming up with some creative ways to raise money for the school corporation. “During our Christmas programs on December 11 and 12 at the high school, the PTA will be taking pictures with Santa and have hot cocoa and cookies available,” Superintendent Dr. Don Harman explains. “Pictures will be five dollars, to have a student take their picture with Santa, and so, then, the PTA is obviously trying to raise funds to help the school district.”
Pulaski County Commissioners to Hear from Outgoing Circuit Court Judge, EMS Director Tonight
Two Pulaski County officials will discuss their upcoming departures with the county commissioners tonight. EMS Director Bryan Corn is scheduled to discuss his resignation. He announced his intention to resign last month, but his resignation hasn’t formally been accepted by the commissioners yet. Meanwhile, outgoing Circuit Court Judge Michael Shurn will discuss some end of term items.
Local Schools Looking to Implement Graduation Pathways for Students Struggling to Pass ISTEP
Local school administrators are looking toward the state’s new Graduation Pathways as a way to help current students struggling to pass the ISTEP. Knox High School Principal Dr. Elizabeth Ratliff told the school board last week that the initiative provides more options to students planning careers in various skilled trades.
Bids for Paving Work, Dump Truck Sought by Pulaski County Highway Department
The Pulaski County Highway Department is seeking bids for paving work, as well as a new dump truck. Highway Superintendent Terry Ruff told the county commissioners last week that he wants to have cost estimates ready for the next round of Community Crossings grants. The state program covers up to 75 percent of the cost of qualifying road work.
Oregon-Davis Woodworking Students Create Lamp to Honor Richard Jensen
Oregon-Davis woodworking students have created a memorial of sorts to a longtime pillar of the local community. Following the death of Richard Jensen, his wife donated a lot of the wood that he’d collected to the high school. Over the past few months, students have taken some of those wood pieces and assembled them into a table lamp, which they plan to present to Mrs. Jensen.
