The Knox School Board will consider contracts during tonight’s meeting. Administrator contracts will be up for approval, along with an administrative assistant contract.
All posts by Michael Gallenberger
Pulaski County Council Defers Action on Salary Matrix Update
Confusion remains over Pulaski County’s salary matrix, in spite of a new set of written guidelines. Last month, the county council adopted a written set of “Matrix Rules” to help department heads interpret the pay structure that’s already in place. But during last week’s meeting, Auditor Laura Wheeler said the matrix itself would have to be updated to comply with the guidelines, and presented a proposed update to the salary ordinance.
Starke Park Board Discusses Stellar Communities Application, Bass Lake Beach Restrooms
A Stellar Community designation could be a way to bring improvements to the Bass Lake Beach. That was the suggestion given to the Starke County Park Board last week.
Culver School Board to Decide on Referendum Tonight
The Culver School Board is expected to decide tonight whether to put an operating referendum on the November ballot. In an operating referendum, school districts ask voters for permission to raise property taxes up to a certain amount over a period of up to eight years. That money is then used to help fund teacher salaries and educational programs. Continue reading
Eastern Pulaski School Board Raises Adult Breakfast Price, Ratifies Food Bids
A state audit has prompted an adjustment in the adult breakfast price at Eastern Pulaski Schools. Superintendent Dan Foster told the school board last week that school food authorities have to be audited once every three years. “They come in. They check your prices. They look at your calories. They just check everything out,” he explained. “It’s a federal program, so they want to make sure federal dollars are being spent appropriately.”
Pulaski County Commissioners to Get Updates from Coroner, Building Inspector, Sheriff
The Pulaski County Commissioners will get updates from several department heads this morning. Coroner John Behny is looking to wrap up the purchase of the former Winamac Masonic Lodge, so it can be converted into a morgue and office space. The county council and commissioners took action to approve the purchase last month, but the commissioners still have to authorize the actual $50,000 payment.
Proposed Updates to Pulaski County’s Wind Turbine Regulations Now Available for Review
Pulaski County has released the list of proposed changes to the county’s wind turbine regulations. The Pulaski County Advisory Plan Commission spent several months on the proposal, after residents expressed concern over a potential wind farm development.
Pulaski County Officials Continue Working on Masonic Lodge Purchase
The Pulaski County Coroner’s Office is pushing the county council and commissioners to finalize the purchase of the former Winamac Masonic Lodge as close to the original deadline as possible. Last month, the council and commissioners approved a joint ordinance to purchase the building for $50,000 from the Royal Center Masonic Lodge. The plan is to convert it into a dedicated morgue and coroner’s office, which the county has lacked until now.
Starke County Park Board Facilitates Picnic Table Donation for Koontz Lake Shoreline
The Koontz Lake shoreline will be getting some new picnic tables, thanks to an anonymous donor and some help from the Starke County Park Board.
Dollahan Sentencing Rescheduled for August, to Accommodate Attorney Switch
Jan Dollahan Jr.’s sentencing hearing has once again been pushed back, as Dollahan switches defense attorneys. Back in April, a jury found Dollahan guilty of criminal recklessness and invasion of Privacy. Neighbors said he shot multiple rounds at their property, in an incident in May of 2016.
Flooring Company to Resolve Issues with Winamac High School Gym Floor
The Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation will not be financially responsible for issues with the high school gym floor.
Pulaski County Council May Look at Property Taxes to Resolve Budget Shortfalls
The Pulaski County Council is working to make sure the maintenance department has enough money to pay its part-time employees through the end of the year. Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Johnston reminded council members Monday that they’d cut money for part-time pay when they put together this year’s budget. “You guys, at that time, told me to come back halfway through the year and request enough to cover the rest of the year,” he explained. “It’s for $30,016 for Part-Time Help.”
Additional Upgrades Planned for Bass Lake Beach Gate House
The Bass Lake Beach gate house may soon be getting some more upgrades. Much of the structure had to be repaired after a pickup truck reportedly crashed into it back in November.
Local Residents Arrested in South Bend Drug Investigation
Two Knox residents were among six people arrested, following a State Police drug investigation in South Bend. Officers say it began when they got a complaint of possible drug activity in the 2000 block of Morris Street.
Pulaski County Council to Consider Bond for Monterey Library Improvements
The Monterey-Tippecanoe Township Public Library is looking to make up to $400,000 in building improvements, and it’s planning to issue a bond to pay for them. Library Director Renita Potthoff discussed the project with the Pulaski County Council Monday. “In the old Carnegie building, which will be 100 years old this year, we’re having a lot of moisture and water damage,” she explained. “That needs to be all water-proofed. And that’s in the hundred-year-old building that we’re just trying to preserve.” A new well may also be added.
Construction Starts on Starke County Forest Access Road
Work has begun on the Starke County Forest’s new access road. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that his crews began the process earlier that day, working on clearing the site.
Eastern Pulaski Paving, Concrete Work Behind Schedule
Paving work on the Eastern Pulaski Schools campus is being held up by the concrete portion of the project. Superintendent Dan Foster gave an update to the school board Monday.
Bass Lake Beach Patio Repairs Underway, Following Installation of Glacial Stone
Upgrades at the Bass Lake Beach continue to move ahead. During Tuesday’s Starke County Park Board meeting, it was reported that the glacial stone has been installed, with some help from the Starke County Highway Department. The goal is to protect the facility from incoming waves and prevent future erosion.
Recent Survey Finds Perceived Trust, Communication Issues at Eastern Pulaski Schools
When it comes to the public perception of Eastern Pulaski Schools, the corporation scores high for safety, security, and school-community connections, but there are some issues with shared decision-making, communication, and trust. That was the overall finding of a recent climate audit conducted by Sycamore Educational Consulting.
Pulaski County Courthouse Elevator Project Ahead of Schedule
The Pulaski County Courthouse’s new elevator may be done ahead of schedule. That’s what Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Johnston told the county council Monday. “If you guys remember, it had a deadline of October, to be complete by the beginning of October,” he explained, “but we’re looking at the middle/end of August to the beginning of September, and we’ll be done. So really good progress there.” Johnston said all the block has been delivered to start building the new shaft.
