If Pulaski County doesn’t take action to secure its court system, the state may decide to step in. That’s what Circuit Court Judge Michael Shurn told the county council Monday. “The Supreme Court promulgates what we call administrative rules,” he explained. “Security’s always been in the administrative rules. And they had a committee that suggested ‘should’ in some of the stuff. And the board which controls all of the judges sent to the Supreme Court the rule I gave you, which was created by the committee, again, with revisions, and it said ‘It shall,’ not ‘should.’”
All posts by Michael Gallenberger
Starke County Park Board to Discuss Bass Lake Beach and Campground, County Forest
The conditions of the Bass Lake Beach and Campground will continue to be discussed during tonight’s Starke County Park Board meeting. Concerns that the facility’s operator, Callahan Development, LLC, reportedly hasn’t addressed safety issues at the facility have led county officials to look at the possibility of making the repairs themselves. Specifically, the beach house patio was the topic of a heated discussion during last month’s meeting.
Winamac Park Board Looks to Cut Down More Trees this Fall
The Winamac Park Board is looking to remove some more trees by the end of the year. During last week’s meeting, board member Jon Chapman noted that there’s still money available in this year’s tree removal budget, and he felt the park board should make the most of it. “I think it’s really important that we get someone that’s going to be there and get the work done before December 31,” he said, “not just who somebody on the town board says, ‘Use them,’ because I want it done before the end of the year, so we don’t lose the money.”
Parents Invited to Tour West Central School Renovations during Open House Next Week
The West Central School Corporation will soon celebrate the completion of its “secure entrance and utilization of space” project.
Pulaski County Commissioners Agree to Replacement of Justice Center Fire Alarm System in 2019
The Pulaski County Justice Center will get a new fire alarm system next year. Last week, the county commissioners agreed to let Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Johnston proceed with the project. He told them that the county council has agreed to earmark $39,000 in the 2019 budget, but he’s still trying to get another quote to possibly bring that cost down.
Winamac Park Board Finalizes 2019 Budget Proposal
The Winamac Park Board is asking for a slight increase in its Park budget. Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger reviewed the 2019 budget proposal during last week’s board meeting. She explained that it’s about $900 larger than this year’s budget. Berger said the park board has been doing a good job of staying within its budget, and if spending and revenue projections hold true, the park board can expect to increase its cash reserves by almost $15,000 by the end of 2019.
Pulaski Council to Consider Salary Update, Monterey Library Bond Resolution Tonight
The Pulaski County Council will consider a salary matrix amendment when it meets tonight. Auditor Laura Wheeler first proposed the changes back in July, following the adoption of a set of written “Matrix Rules” the month before. However, council members had questions about whether the EMS Department should be added into the matrix, and if so, how to do it.
West Central School Board Finalizes Metal Detector Policy
New metal detectors have arrived at the West Central School Corporation. Last week, the school board finalized a policy update when it comes to how they’ll be used, according to Superintendent Don Street. “I think it’s important to note that the handheld metal detectors are designed for individual searches based on reasonable suspicion,” he says.
Pulaski Courthouse Elevator Replacement On-Schedule, but Slower than Originally Agreed
The replacement of the Pulaski County Courthouse elevator is on track to be complete by its October construction deadline. The problem is that the original legal agreement called for it to be installed by the end of September. The project is part of a larger effort to make the courthouse compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, after the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit over a lack of accessibility.
West Central School Board Prepares for New School Funding Structure
The West Central School Board is moving forward with preparations for the corporation’s 2019 budget. A major change from the current budget is the consolidation of four of the corporation’s funds into two, as part of Indiana’s overhaul of the school funding structure.
Winamac Parks’ New Drinking Fountains to Arrive Soon
Winamac’s parks are a step closer to getting some new drinking fountains. Park board members previously agreed to accept the donation of two decorative drinking fountains for the Town Park. An ADA-compliant drinking fountain is set to be placed along the trail, in the area of the basketball courts. The other fountain would replace the one that currently stands between the swinging bridge and the restrooms. Board members had also agreed to share the cost of a drinking fountain to be placed in Rinehart Park.
Pulaski Commissioners Amend Ordinance, to Pay for EMA Radio Equipment Move
The Pulaski County Commissioners have agreed to a funding arrangement for the relocation of the Emergency Management Agency’s radio equipment. The EMA is moving from the courthouse to the former Winamac Masonic Lodge. Moving the radio antennas is expected to cost $10,000.
Winamac Park Board Weighing Options for Additional Maintenance Help
The Winamac Park Board is looking to add some more maintenance help. Based on a recent work session on the upkeep of the town’s parks, Park Board President Courtney Poor says he’s come to the conclusion that Park Manager Dave DeLorenzo needs more help.
Pulaski County to Collect Unpaid Debts by Intercepting State Income Tax Refunds
If you owe Pulaski County money, the county will soon be able to garnish your state income tax refunds. The county commissioners Tuesday agreed to take part in the Tax Refund and Exchange Compliance System.
Another Round of Policy Updates Presented to Knox School Board
Groups using Knox school facilities would officially be banned from holding events with alcohol or betting, under a policy proposal presented to the school board last month. Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart said that would mean that outside organizations wouldn’t be allowed to hold bingo events at school facilities, but raffles held by school groups could continue, since they wouldn’t fall under this policy. It’s one of several policy updates recommended by policy consultant NEOLA.
Winamac Park Board to Discuss Drinking Fountains, Budget
The Winamac Park Board will get an update on drinking fountains when it meets tonight. Board members previously agreed to accept the donation of two decorative drinking fountains for the Town Park and to share the cost of another drinking fountain to be placed in Rinehart Park.
Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputy Recognized for Lifesaving Actions
A Pulaski County Sheriff’s deputy is being credited with saving the life of a Bass Lake man over the Labor Day weekend. Deputy Branson Eber was eating dinner at Poblanos in Winamac when it happened, according to Sheriff Jeff Richwine. “Some person in there starts choking, falls over, and he does the Heimlich maneuver and gets him recovered,” Richwine told the county commissioners Tuesday. “And so when I get to work this morning, I’ve got a message from a lady from Bass Lake saying, ‘Hey, I wanted to thank you for having such a good deputy. He just saved my husband’s life at Pablanos, and we’re forever grateful.’”
Knox School Board Gets Update on High School’s Former Pit Area
Knox High School’s pit area may be gone, but it continues to be a topic of discussion during school board meetings. Principal Dr. Elizabeth Ratliff told board members last month that the area where the pit used to be has gotten some new furniture. “The nice part is the kids love it,” she said. “So we’re seeing anywhere from 25 to 30 kids sitting in there every day. By being able to spread out the chairs, they’re really enjoying it, taking good care of it. So that’s been a very positive addition, also.”
David Spohn’s Sentence Upheld by Indiana Court of Appeals
A Starke County man found guilty of domestic battery has had his prison sentence affirmed by an appellate court. David Spohn had appealed the two-and-a-half-year sentence given by Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall, arguing that it was “inappropriate in light of his character and the nature of the offense.”
Knox Schools Continue Adjusting Student Drop-Off, Pickup Procedures
Knox Elementary School is rolling out a new student pickup procedure. Principal Michelle Tarnow recently told the school board that the goal is to make the process more efficient and convenient, but above all, safer.
