The Medaryville Town Council approved a few yearly appointments when it met for the final time of the year last week. Council Vice President Suzanna Wilcoxon was once again selected to represent the town on the Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission, according to Clerk-Treasurer Judy Harwood. The town council also renewed its contract with Town Attorney Amber Lapaich.
All posts by Michael Gallenberger
Unemployment Rates Down from Last Year in Starke, Pulaski Counties
Unemployment rates continue to drop in Starke and Pulaski counties. Starke County’s November unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, according to the latest report from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. That’s the same as it was in October, but a drop of sixth-tenths of a percent from November of 2016.
Winamac to Revive Economic Development Commission to Help Evaluate Tax Abatement Requests
Pulaski County continues to review its tax abatement procedures. Community Development Commission Executive Director Nathan Origer gave an update to the county commissioners last week. Continue reading
LaPorte County Police Make 11 Arrests, Issue Over 100 Citations During Operation Pull Over Blitz
A recent Operation Pull Over blitz led to 11 arrests and more than 100 citations for the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office. The 24-day enforcement effort was funded with federal highway safety money administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Officers say they’ll continue to crack down on impaired driving, seat belt violations, and other crimes, through the remainder of the holiday period.
Medaryville Council Decides to Sell 2009 Police Vehicle
The Town of Medaryville plans to sell an unneeded police vehicle. The town council decided last week to seek bids from interested buyers, according to Clerk-Treasurer Judy Harwood.
Pulaski County Commissioners Approve Insurance Switch
Pulaski County will have a new insurance provider in 2018. The county commissioners voted last week to switch to Bliss McKnight. The company’s premium is about $5,500 more than what the county’s current provider was offering for next year, but still about $6,000 less than what the county paid in 2017.
Medaryville Town Council Approves $43,000 Rainy Day Fund Transfer
The Town of Medaryville has some leftover money, as 2017 comes to an end. Clerk-Treasurer Judy Harwood says the town council transferred $43,000 in unused money into its Rainy Day Fund last week.
Mobile Health Unit to Offer Free Screenings in Knox, North Judson in January
LaPorte Hospital’s Mobile Health Unit will be making stops in North Judson and Knox during the month of January. Residents will be able to get free body mass index and blood pressure screenings. Information will also be available on cervical cancer and winter weather preparedness.
Pulaski County Highway Department’s Head Mechanic Agrees to Tool Rental Fee, Instead of Pay Raise
Pulaski County appears to have reached a deal with its Highway Department’s head mechanic. He technically won’t be getting the pay raise he asked for, but he has agreed to an arrangement in which the county pays to rent his tools.
Medaryville Council Approves 2018 Salary Ordinance, Receives Applications for Maintenance Job
The Medaryville Town Council has finalized the town’s 2018 salary ordinance.
INDOT Launches Mobile App
Just in time for holiday travel, the Indiana Department of Transportation has launched a new mobile app. It offers statewide, real-time traffic information – like current traffic speeds, road conditions, and travel advisories – for interstates, U.S. highways, and state roads. Users can also get custom alerts on accidents, road closures, and construction, and report hazards to INDOT.
State Funding Available to Help Early Childhood Education Providers Serve More Children
Early childhood education providers can apply for a share of nearly $4 million in state funding to help them boost their offerings. The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is offering grants to help schools and child care centers serve more children and increase the quality of their services. Specifically, grants can be used for teacher training, classroom materials, or family engagement activities.
Pulaski County Commissioners Finalize Updates to Unified Development Ordinance
Updates to Pulaski County’s Unified Development Ordinance were finalized by the county commissioners Monday.
State Health Officials Tout Success of Naloxone Kits
Opioid-antidote Narcan is having an impact on the number of overdose deaths. According to the Indiana State Department of Health’s winter newsletter, the rate of unintentional drug poisoning deaths increased by nearly 900 percent from 1999 to 2015. In 2016, over 1,800 Hoosiers died from drug poisoning, mainly from opioids.
New Hires Approved by Knox School Board
The Knox School Board approved a few personnel items during this week’s meeting.
Pulaski County EMS Considering Ways to Address Ambulance, Staffing Issues
Pulaski County Emergency Medical Services is reconsidering the need for three full-time ambulances. Interim EMS Director Kyle McTiegue told the county council and commissioners last week that going to three ambulances has not resulted in increased revenues or transfer business, as originally hoped. Continue reading
Pulaski County Building Inspector Finalizing Paperwork on Medaryville Blight Elimination Project
The Pulaski County Building Department is wrapping up its Medaryville blight elimination project. Building Inspector Doug Hoover told the county commissioners Monday that the blighted home has been torn down. Continue reading
Planning Continues for Knox High School Roof Replacement
Preparations continue for the replacement of the roof at Knox High School. Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart told the school board Monday that some preliminary information has been gathered, ahead of a planned bond issue next month. Continue reading
Pulaski County Commissioners to Redo Paving Bid Process
The Pulaski County Commissioners will have to redo the process of choosing a paving contractor. Earlier this month, the commissioners approved a contract with Central Paving of Logansport for nearly $1.2 million worth of hot mix asphalt work. But questions were raised about whether the project was formally advertised for bid.
Tri-Township School Superintendent to Resign in June
An area school superintendent is stepping down at the end of the school year. Tim Somers says he’s resigning from his position as superintendent of the Tri-Township Consolidated School Corporation, effective June 30. “I just feel that it is time for a change in leadership at Tri-Township,” he says. Continue reading
