Potential upgrades to the Bass Lake Beach will be discussed during tonight’s Starke County Park Board meeting. According to the advance agenda, board members will discuss a grant received for the beach project. The park board has been working on plans to restore the sand, and install glacial stone to prevent future erosion, as well as damage to the seawall.
All posts by Michael Gallenberger
Judge Rejects Jason Cooke’s Second Plea Agreement
Another plea agreement from Jason Cooke has been rejected in Starke Circuit Court. He’s charged with the October 2015 robbery of Sescoe Wireman. Cooke is accused of hitting Wireman in the head, and taking money, prescription medication, an Indiana ID card, and multiple credit cards from him. Wireman died a few days later, but a murder count against Cooke was dropped last February.
Residents Urged to Disinfect Flood-Impacted Wells
Those using wells are urged to take a few steps to keep their drinking water safe, following recent floods. The Starke County Health Department reminds residents not to use the well water, as long as the well casing is submerged in flood water.
Pulaski County Commissioners Approve Updated EMS Policies, at Request of Billing Company
Pulaski County Emergency Medical Services continues to see success with an outside billing company, according to EMS Director Bryan Corn. “Last month, they deposited $31,509.50, and that’s still them kind of working on some of our older reports,” he told the county commissioners last week. They haven’t even kind of hit a lot of our new stuff yet.”
Knox School Board Approves Resolutions to Finance Facility Improvements
The Knox School Board continues making financial arrangements for the school corporation’s $5 million facility improvement project.
Medaryville Council Considers Water Tower Options
The Medaryville Town Council continues planning for a new water tower. Last week, representatives from Commonwealth Engineers reviewed the different types of water towers with council members, and made some recommendations for replacing the town’s current one, according to Clerk-Treasurer Judy Harwood.
Eastern Pulaski School Board to Consider Paving Project Bid
Local Disaster Emergency Declared for Starke County
The Starke County Commissioners have declared a local disaster emergency. It says that Starke County “has been impacted and is immediately threatened by widespread flooding along rivers and streams, in low elevation areas and elsewhere throughout the county.” As part of the declaration, citizens are urged to comply with emergency measures, cooperate with public officials in executing emergency operations plans, and obey the directions of officers.
Knox Elementary School to Reevaluate Student Pickup and Drop-off Procedures, Following Accidents
Some recent traffic accidents have Knox Elementary School reevaluating its pick-up and drop-off procedures. Last week, a mother and daughter were taken to the hospital after they were injured in an alleged hit and run incident in the drop-off area.
Pulaski County Commissioners Approve Contract for Election Day IT Support
The Pulaski County Election Board is getting some outside help with Election Day IT support. The county commissioners Tuesday approved a contract with IT Consultant Willie DeGroot for the May primary and November general elections.
Oregon-Davis School Corporation to Work with Cheryl Lyn Welter Family Charitable Foundation
The Oregon-Davis School Board has agreed to work with the Cheryl Lyn Welter Family Charitable Foundation to help with expenses for underprivileged students. Harold Welter discussed the foundation with board members Monday, according to Superintendent Dr. Don Harman.
Medaryville Council Sells Police Car for $1,020
The Medaryville Town Council has finalized the sale of an unneeded police car. Council members held off on selling the 2009 Dodge Charger last month, after bids came in lower than expected. Continue reading
UPDATED: Starke County to Remain at Travel Watch, Numerous Roads Remain Closed
Starke County will remain at a travel watch. Emergency Management Agency Director J. Nier did consider increasing that to a travel warning this afternoon. She says she’s now confident that the higher level won’t be necessary, but she urges citizens to use extreme caution while driving and to stay away from flooded areas.
Knox Wastewater Concerns Continue
The City of Knox is urging residents to take precautions for possible sewage backups. As of Friday morning, the Knox Wastewater Treatment Plant is running above capacity, according to Mayor Dennis Estok. He’s still asking residents and businesses to reduce consumption and use of water and make sure basement and bathroom floor drains are plugged.
Starke County School Officials to Work Together on Improving School Safety
Last week’s school shooting in Florida has prompted Starke County school officials to work together to improve students’ safety.
Knox Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart told the school board Tuesday that he’s been coordinating safety discussions with the Starke County prosecutor. “Nick Bourff has come in and met with me this week and said, ‘How can I help?’ And so we are pulling all of the school safety specialists in the county together, and we’re going to meet right here in about a week, and our principals and our staff will be here, as well. And we’re going to be reviewing what can we do here in Starke County to make it even safer than what it is.” Continue reading
Pulaski County Attorney to Research Legal Options for Regulating Wind Turbines
Concerns about new wind turbines in Pulaski County have prompted County Attorney Kevin Tankersley to learn more about the county’s legal options. In the past several months, a number of filings have been made with the Federal Aviation Administration for possible wind turbines in the Francesville and Star City areas.
Francesville Town Council Looking into Concrete Repairs for Fire Station
The Francesville Fire Station may soon need some concrete repairs. Clerk-Treasurer Linda Bennett says the topic was discussed during Monday’s town council meeting. “In the fire department bay and at the back approaches, the concrete is cracking and sinking,” she explains, “so we’re going to get bids to see what it’ll cost to fix it.”
Oregon-Davis School Board Gets Update on Apex Digital Learning Program
Oregon-Davis High School students are taking advantage of an online learning tool. The school board got an update Monday on the Apex program, according to Superintendent Dr. Don Harman. “We have 24 seats,” he explains. “I think 13 students have earned 17 credits.”
Judge Requests More Time Before Accepting Jason Cooke’s Plea Agreement
The man accused of the October 2015 robbery of a Knox man will have to wait until at least Monday to learn his fate. Jason Cooke is charged with hitting Sescoe Wireman in the head, and taking money, prescription medication, an Indiana ID card, and multiple credit cards from him. Wireman died a few days later, but a murder count against Cooke was dropped last February.
Flooding Leads to Sewer System Concerns in Knox
Knox officials are asking residents to prepare for possible sewage backups, stemming from recent flooding. Mayor Dennis Estok says the current flood conditions have the city’s wastewater treatment plant running near capacity.
