The Pulaski County Commissioners have agreed to hire an outside attorney to help update the county’s wind turbine regulations, but not before discussing the issue with residents for over an hour Monday. The extra legal help was recommended by County Attorney Kevin Tankersley and Community Development Commission Executive Director Nathan Origer.
Culver School Board Explores Referendum Possibility During Study Session
Knox School Board to Consider Moving Fifth Grade, Hiring New Corporation Treasurer
The Knox School Board is expected to consider the relocation of fifth grade classes tonight. Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart brought the idea to the school board last month, after a recent facilities study found some extra space at Knox Middle School.
Board members will also decide whether to approve the hiring of a new corporation treasurer and business manager. According to the advance meeting agenda, Dawn Bailey has been recommended to replace Sherry Fort, who’s retiring at the end of next week.
In other business, the Knox School Board is scheduled to hear a park board presentation and get information about the Starke County Community Foundation’s Hardesty Memorial Endowment. Tonight’s Knox School Board meeting starts at 6:30 at the Knox Schools Administrative Office.
Pulaski County Child Abuse Prevention Event Planned for Thursday
Pulaski County officials are holding an event this week to raise awareness of child abuse. “It is Thursday, April 19 at 12:30 at the Pulaski County Courthouse Lawn,” County Commissioner Kenny Becker announced during last week’s joint county council and commissioners meeting. “There’ll be a face painter, music, activities, community speakers at the event.” He added that the goal of the event is to offer residents resources, educational ideas, and actions they can take to prevent child abuse.
Eastern Pulaski School Board Approves Middle School Math Textbooks
LaPorte Man Charged for Making Child Pornography, Explosives
A LaPorte man is accused of making child pornography and explosives. Eric R. Weiler, 45, was charged in a six-count indictment before a South Bend District Grand Jury, according to U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch.
Pulaski County to Get Less Than Previously Expected for Wrecked Sheriff’s Department Pickup Truck
Pulaski County’s insurance payout for a wrecked police vehicle is a bit less than previously expected. Sheriff Jeff Richwine previously announced that the county would get over $20,000 for a 2012 pickup truck that was totaled in an accident several months ago. Last week, he told the county council that the check will only end up being for about $17,000.
Starke County Park Board Denied Operation Round Up Grant for Bass Lake Beach Improvements
Hamlet Officials Plan Bank Switch
The Town of Hamlet will soon be switching banks. “I don’t know how I’d do it, but I would like to switch to 1st Source,” Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts told the town council last week. “A lot of switching around to do, but it would benefit the town.” A 1st Source Bank representative met with council members to discuss the change.
Pulaski County Commissioners to Discuss Bridge Inspection Contract
A bridge inspection contract will be up for discussion during this morning’s Pulaski County Commissioners meeting. Highway Superintendent Terry Ruff and Jeff Larrison with United Consulting are expected to explain the contract proposal for the 2018-through-2021 bridge inspection cycle.
Culver School Board to Continue Discussing Summer Programs
The Culver School Board will continue discussing plans for summer school when it meets tonight. The summer band program, as well as the appointment of a summer school teacher for the middle/high school, will be up for board consideration. Board members approved plans for the elementary school’s IREAD remediation program earlier this month.
Pulaski County, Francesville Officials to Meet with Wind Energy Developer
Pulaski County and Francesville officials will meet with the developer of a proposed wind farm next week. In a Facebook post Thursday, county officials said representatives from RES Americas will meet with several elected and appointed officials from the town and county this coming Tuesday.
Starke County Forest Access Improvement Work to Begin Soon
Work is expected to start soon on a new road and parking lot at the Starke County Forest. County Attorney Marty Lucas says an update on the project was given to the Starke County Park Board this week. “The project was delayed a little bit due to the flooding has kept Highway Superintendent [Rik] Ritzler very busy,” Lucas says, “and we hope to get that moving in the next few days.”
Pulaski Commissioners Approve Equipment Purchases for Transfer Station, Highway Department
A couple big-ticket equipment purchases were approved by the county commissioners Monday. The Pulaski County Transfer Station is getting a new truck with roll-off hoist.
Hamlet Council Approves Utility Equipment Purchases
Hamlet’s utility employees are getting some new equipment. Water and Street Superintendent Fred Rowe told the town council Wednesday that the water plant’s chlorine room needs a new scale, in order to remain in compliance. Council members approved the purchase of a double digital scale, for just over $22,000.
Eastern Pulaski School Board Approves Teacher Retirements
Oregon-Davis Superintendent Discusses Funding Options, As Referendum Approaches
If the Oregon-Davis school referendum fails to pass, property owners may still find themselves paying higher taxes in the coming years. That’s according to Superintendent Dr. Don Harman. The school corporation is asking voters to consider a property tax of up to 29 cents per $100 of assessed valuation for an eight-year period, replacing a 19-cent tax that’s set to expire next year.
Bass Lake Beach Gate House Insurance Settlement Finalized
Pulaski County Public Library to Get New Elevator, Flood Repairs
The Pulaski County Public Library in Winamac will soon be getting some upgrades. Executive Director MacKenzie Ledley told the county council Monday that a new elevator will be installed, among other improvements. Continue reading