Hamlet’s Starke Street rehabilitation project continues. Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts says the road remains closed, as paving contractor Walsh & Kelly rebuilds it from Plymouth Street north to U.S. 30. Pitts says she doesn’t have a specific timeline for when the work will be done.
Some Pulaski County Employees Asked to Give Back Pay Raises, Council Adopts Written Salary Guidelines
As the Pulaski County Council tries to clarify the county’s pay structure, department heads continue to express frustration over how it’s been implemented so far. Last month, Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Johnston complained that while two of his part-time employees got a pay raise after working for 630 hours with the apparent blessing of the council, the same increase wasn’t given to a third staff member. Now, he says the Auditor’s Office has not only taken away the raises from the first two employees, but that they’re now being asked to pay that money back. Continue reading
Downtown Winamac Trail Pavilion to Get New Floor, Ceiling
The pavilion next to the Winamac Parkway will soon get a few upgrades. During last week’s Winamac Park Board meeting, board member and town manager Brad Zellers said a concrete floor will be installed under the shelter, after a donor has offered to cover half of the cost. He expects the work to be completed soon.
Pulaski County Coroner’s Office to Move into Former Winamac Masonic Lodge
Pulaski Plan Commission Will Again Try to Narrow Down Proposed Wind Turbine Regulations Tonight
The Pulaski County Advisory Plan Commission will continue working on updates to the county’s wind turbine regulations tonight. The goal is to come up with a list of proposed changes to the county’s Unified Development Ordinance, to address concerns over a proposed wind farm. But after multiple meetings, the plan commission still hasn’t created anything solid enough to present for a public hearing.
Two More Drinking Fountains to be Donated to Winamac Park Board
The number of drinking fountains being donated to the Winamac Park Board is now up to three. Last month, the park board agreed to accept the donation of a decorative drinking fountain from a local resident. It will replace one that currently stands between the swinging bridge and the restrooms in the Town Park.
Pulaski Council to Consider Written Salary Guidelines, Funding for Courthouse Elevator Replacement
A set of written guidelines on Pulaski County’s pay structure are expected to be approved during tonight’s county council meeting. An 11-page draft document was presented to council members last month, and department heads were given a chance to offer input. The guidelines are designed to clarify a number of issues, including the pay rate for part-time employees and the process of amending the pay structure going forward.
Winamac Park Board to Look at Converting Tennis Court into Dual-Purpose Facility
The Winamac Park Board has come up with a solution that will let the town expand its pickleball facilities while keeping its tennis court. During last week’s meeting, board member Jon Chapman suggested resurfacing the remaining tennis court, but re-striping it for both sports. That way, when the court isn’t being used for tennis, it could be converted into two side-by-side pickleball courts by adding temporary nets.
Dog Waste on Pulaski County Properties Causing Headaches for Maintenance Staff
Koontz Lake Fire Department Rescue Vehicle Involved in Crash While Responding to Fatal Accident
Thursday’s fatal crash in Marshall County led to a second accident involving a Koontz Lake Fire Department rescue vehicle. The initial crash happened in the area of U.S. 6 and Quince Road just before 1:00 p.m., when Marshall County Police say a Chevy flatbed truck tried to pass a Buick Century that was about to turn left. The driver of the Buick, Judith Masterson, 69, of Plymouth, eventually died from her injuries.
State Road 23 Railroad Crossing in Ober to Close Next Week for Repairs
Recent Storm Causes Injury, Damage in Winamac Town Park
Pulaski County on Track to Save $25,000, After Outsourcing Lawn Care
Outsourcing lawn care appears to be working well for the Pulaski County government. Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Johnston told the county commissioners Monday it’s still a learning experience for both him and contractor TK Lawn Services, but he thinks it will be a good working relationship. “By the end of this year, I’ll have a solid understanding of how much contracting this out has saved the county,” he said, “but at this point, so far, it looks like about $25,000, when you figure all the different things in, from me not needing to replace one person that I lost, to fuel savings and that sort of thing.”
Flash Flood Warning Issued for Portions of Starke, Pulaski Counties
Those in southwestern Starke County and northwestern Pulaski County are urged to be on the lookout for flash flooding over the next few hours. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for those areas until 1:45 p.m. CDT Friday. Thunderstorms with heavy rain may cause flooding of small creeks and streams, as well as roads and fields. Drivers are urged to turn around if they encounter a flooded road.
Pulaski County Decides Not to Pay for Highway Department’s Damage to Underground Cable
Winamac Park Restroom, Toddler Playground Upgrades Will Have to Wait for Lengthy Grant Process
It may be a while before the Winamac Town Park gets its new restrooms and playground equipment. The park board’s application for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant has been turned in to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. But Park Board President Courtney Poor said Thursday that state approval is only half of the process. Continue reading
Kelly Shepherd Named Tri-Township School Superintendent
Pulaski County Courthouse Elevator Work Still Ahead of Schedule, Despite Shaft Issue
The Pulaski County Courthouse elevator replacement project remains ahead of schedule, in spite of a few hiccups. Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Johnston told the county commissioners Monday that work was at a standstill, after it was determined the elevator shaft would have to be moved by three inches.
Winamac Park Board to Decide on Future Pickleball Expansion
The Winamac Park Board will continue its discussion of the Town Park’s pickleball facilities tonight. A proposal has been brought forward to convert the remaining tennis court into two more pickleball courts, to accommodate a growing number of players.
Jury Returns Verdict in Zachary Christian Trial
Zachary Christian has been found guilty of domestic battery, but not the Level 6 felony charge of criminal confinement, according to the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office. Christian was accused of hitting a woman, refusing to let her move from a couch, and trying to take her phone when she tried to call police, in an incident back in February.