Hand-held metal detectors may soon be coming to Knox Schools. The school board voted Tuesday to accept the state’s offer to provide metal detectors free of charge to Indiana schools.
All posts by Michael Gallenberger
Hamlet Council to Allow Paving Companies to Adjust Railroad Street Project Bids
The Hamlet Town Council spent almost an hour Thursday trying to bring its proposed Railroad Street project in line with the town’s budget. The town plans to apply for a Community Crossings Grant to cover 75 percent of the cost, while the rest would likely come out of Hamlet’s Economic Development Income Tax Fund.
Enrollment Up at Culver Community Schools
The Culver Community Schools Corporation is reporting some positive enrollment figures. Superintendent Karen Shuman shared the results of last Friday’s official count during Monday’s school board meeting. “We are up 24 students [over] last year, so we’re at 774, where last year, we were at 750,” she said. “So that is good.”
Pulaski County Council Continues Discussing Tax Hike to Balance Reassessment Budget
A tax increase would still be needed to balance Pulaski County’s Reassessment budget, but it may not have to be as large as originally thought. Assessor Holly VanDerAa discussed several budget concerns during the county council’s public hearing on the 2019 budget Wednesday.
Knox School Board Hires Architect to Develop Plans for Future Facility Upgrades
The Knox Community School Corporation is moving ahead with exploring possible facility improvements. On Tuesday, the school board voted to hire architectural firm Schmidt Associates to develop plans for future construction. The firm recently completed a facilities study for the corporation, and board members felt it made sense to stick with the same company.
Culver School Board Approves Debt Collection Policy Revision, Raises Adult Lunch Price
The Culver School Board finalized an update to the corporation’s debt collection policy Monday. Superintendent Karen Shuman said school officials have been reevaluating the way they go about making sure people resolve their negative account balances.
Unsafe Property Updates Given to Culver Town Council
Hamlet Town Council to Award Bid for Railroad Street Improvements Tonight
The Hamlet Town Council is expected to choose a contractor for its Railroad Street project tonight. The project would upgrade the road west of Starke Street with wider pavement, possibly new sidewalks, and other improvements. Last week, the town council opened bids from three companies. They ranged from just over $318,000 to nearly $344,000 for the entire project, but the town has the option to scale it back.
Knox School Corporation Looking to Partner with City to Add School Resource Officer
The Knox Community School Corporation is still looking for ways to add a school resource officer, even after the Starke County Sheriff’s Department was unable to secure funding. During Tuesday’s school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart said he and other school officials are now exploring whether the City of Knox could step in. Continue reading
Pulaski County Council to Discuss Assessor’s Budget, During Tonight’s Public Budget Hearing
How to balance the Pulaski County Assessor’s budget is expected to be a topic of discussion when the county council holds its public budget hearing tonight. Assessor Holly VanDerAa has been asking council members to think about raising the reassessment tax, to help keep up with rising costs. But they had decided to wait for an analysis of the county’s finances that’s currently under consideration.
Marshall County Crossroads Finalizes Next Round of Stellar Application
Officials around Marshall County are putting the finishing touches on the latest Stellar Community application. A group called Marshall County Crossroads – made up of the county government, along with the county’s six municipalities – is a finalist for this year’s Regional Stellar Designation.
New Entrance Nearly Ready at Culver Community Middle/High School
Culver Community Middle/High School’s new main entrance is just about done. “All glass is in,” Superintendent Karen Shuman told the school board Monday. “All rooms are created. All plumbing is into the nurse’s station. All painting is completed. All furniture has been delivered. And all carpet has been replaced that needed replaced. So at this point, we are just waiting for trim to be finalized and cleaning of the whole zone to make it shine.”
Pulaski County Commissioners Appoint Temporary Veterans Service Officer
The Pulaski County Commissioners have decided to appoint a temporary veterans service officer. Commissioner Kenny Becker suggested Monday that someone be put in place to fill in for Ed Fleury. “He’s had an operation,” Becker explained. “He’s going through some therapy. I think we need a temporary.”
Pulaski County Highway Department Seeks $20,000 Reimbursement for U.S. 421 Detour
The Pulaski County Highway Department hopes to get $20,000 from the Indiana Department of Transportation to repair a short section of County Road 300 North. The county commissioners approved a contract with INDOT Monday.
Mint Opportunities Explored in Starke County
Culver School Board Approves OCRA Sub Agreement for Cavalier Sports Park
The Culver School Board approved an agreement related to the development of the Cavalier Sports Park Monday. Superintendent Karen Shuman says the project is part of Culver’s Stellar Community Designation. “They’re putting three soccer fields, a concession stand with restrooms, and a small toddler park, and then expanding the parking,” she told board members.
Knox School Board to Discuss School Resource Officer, School Safety
The Knox School Board will continue discussing a potential school resource officer position tonight.
Culver Council Extends Contract with Maxinkuckee Yacht Club for Sailing Lessons
The Maxinkuckee Yacht Club will be able to continue its kids’ sailing lessons at the Culver Beach, but further contract negotiations are expected in the coming months. The town council last week voted to extend its current agreement with the yacht club through the end of January. For the past four summers, the group has been using the beach to host Saturday morning sailing lessons, along with four-day sailing camps.
Culver Town Council to Contribute $100,000 to Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Council
The Town of Culver has quadrupled its contribution to a levee project near Lake Maxinkuckee. Last week, the town council agreed to chip in $100,000 over the next four years to the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Council for its project to upgrade the Kline levee.
No Major Changes Proposed for 2019 Hamlet Budget
The Hamlet Town Council reviewed its 2019 budget proposal last week. It calls for a total budget of just over $467,000. About $323,000 of that would be the town’s General Fund. The Motor Vehicle Highway Fund would be budgeted at $58,200, while the Park budget would be $11,900. Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts noted that there are no major changes from the 2018 budget.
