The City of Knox will pick up leaves next week. They need to be placed in the street along the curb, and not in the alley. Also the Knox Street Department will pick up brush and limbs each Thursday, but they will not take brush left over from professional tree jobs. That material is the responsibility of the removal company. Continue reading
Sen. Donnelly Shows Support for Bulletproof Vest Grant
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly says he supports an extension of a grant program that helps law enforcement.
The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act was proposed for extension through 2020. It’s managed through the Department of Justice. The grant helps state and local police forces purchase the vests to improve safety.
INDOT Prepares for Busy Travel Weekend
The combination of the Men’s Final Four in Indianapolis and spring break traffic will make for a busy weekend on Indiana’s highways. Of the four teams playing in the NCAA tournament, three are within a five-hour drive of Indiana. INDOT advises motorists should also expect additional traffic on interstates 65, 69, 74 and U.S. 31. Officials say contractors will pull back construction barrels and barricades as much as possible on highways to welcome basketball fans. Some road restrictions will remain in place for ongoing projects, though. They include I-65 north of Louisville for construction of a new Ohio River bridge and I-74 in Montgomery County between State Road 25 and U.S. 231. U.S. 31 is also down to one lane in each direction north of Indianapolis between State Roads 38 and 32 in Westfield. I-69 is reduced to one lane in each direction on weekdays as well for bridge rehabilitation at State Road 4 near Ashley. Continue reading
Participants Wanted for Knox Yard Sale, Spring Bazaar
The Knox City-Wide Yard Sales are coming up, and organizers are looking for participants. Sale dates are May 14 through the 17th. Permit fees are waived for residents, and spaces are available in the Knox Moose parking lot for anyone who lives outside the city limits but would like to take part. They can be reserved for any or all days. Sales can also be included on a free map. Call 574-772-2098 for more information or to save your spot. Continue reading
Utility Provider Encourages Marking Service Lines Prior to Spring Work
A local utility provider is encouraging safety before individuals or businesses begin any spring and summer excavation projects.
NIPSCO says April marks National Safe Digging Month and is encouraging residents to call the national “call-before-you-dig” number 8-1-1 two days prior to starting work. The 48 hour suggestion allows work crews to properly mark utility lines to avoid problems.
Contractors Reminded of Sidewalk Replacement Program Registration Deadline
Time is running out for contractors to registerto participate in the City of Knox 2015 Residential/Business Sidewalk Replacement Program. Stop by the Knox Planning Commission office at 101 W. Washington St. between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays through Thursday, April 9 and from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday, April 10 to sign up. Continue reading
Indiana Department of Revenue Aims to Prevent Identity Theft
The Indiana Department of Revenue has implemented programs to help deter tax refund fraud and identity theft. They have already stopped more than $5.3 million in attempted identity theft and refund fraud this year.
Increased security features confirm the identity of each Indiana resident before processing tax returns. As part of the program, more than 179,000 taxpayers have been asked to complete an Identity Confirmation Quiz that features four questions and takes three minutes to complete. Those required to complete the quiz receive a letter with directions from the Indiana Department of Revenue. It can be completed online or over the phone. Once the quiz is successfully done, his or her refund will be processed and delivered within 14 days if electronically filed and within 12 weeks if filed by paper.
Pulaski County Human Services Turns 40
An organization that works in conjunction with the Pulaski County government celebrated a milestone at the end of March.
Pulaski County Human Services has been in operation for the past 40 years. The non-profit organization provides assistance for elderly and low income residents.
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Avoid Giving Live Animals as Easter Gifts
If you insist on giving baby bunnies, chicks and ducks as Easter gifts, stick to stuffed animals. Starke County Humane Society Director Shanna Lloyd says while live pets are cute, they are also a lot of work.
“These are farm animals, and the chances of them doing well and thriving outside of a farm environment are not good. Most chicks and ducklings and bunnies that are purchased, for example at pet stores or at farm stores and given as gifts, do not survive to see their first birthday.” Continue reading
Bike Shop Holds Ribbon Cutting Under New Management and Location
A business has decided to have a new opening in Culver after changing ownership and changing locations.
Joe Barnes took over Ride On Bike Rentals in January of this year. After more than one month spent taking inventory and making preparations, the shop hosted a ribbon cutting in late March.
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DNR Hunting and Fishing Licenses Available Online
Indiana hunters and fishermen can purchase their annual licenses from retailers or through the DNR website. Annual licenses are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the next year and are available for residents and non-residents. Seasonal fishing, hunting, trapping and combination licenses are also available. Find more information online at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2380.htm. Continue reading
Many Offices Closed in Observance of Good Friday
If you have business to conduct with a government body tomorrow, you may want to phone first. Starke, Pulaski and Marshall County government offices are all closed in observance of Good Friday. Indiana is one of 13 states that give employees the day off. BMV offices that are normally open on Fridays will be closed. Normal business hours will resume on Saturday. Mail will be delivered on Friday, and federal government offices will be open.
Local Chamber Businesses Against Indiana Religious Freedom Bill
The local business community is chiming in on an issue that has garnered national attention.
A survey was conducted by the Starke County Chamber of Commerce about the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The bill was signed into law earlier this year by Governor Mike Pence.
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Unemployment Rates Dropped in February
North Judson Officials Move Into New Town Office Building
The North Judson Clerk-Treasurer’s Office and Water Department are settling into their new space. The town offices are now located in the former bank building at 310 Lane Street. First Farmers Bank and Trust donated the structure to the town last year. Continue reading
LaPorte Police Department Releases Operation Pull Over Results
Officers from the LaPorte Police Department worked an extra 84.5 hours during a recent 10-day Operation Pull Over enforcement blitz. They were on high alert for various moving violations that create safety hazards for other motorists. Prior to the blitz officials analyzed crash data from 2014 to determine the 10 most common contributing factors and the most dangerous days and hours for crashes. Officers used that data to concentrate their efforts in areas where they would do the most good. Continue reading
Culver Sends Town Objectives to Committee for Recommendations
The Town of Culver has decided to assign a few tasks to committee for planning projects over the next five years.
Members of several commissions have been working to create a five-year action plan. The document will be included in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. It typically helps guide the Town in the completion of certain goals.
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Chamber: Advertising Company Using Questionable Tactics
Some questionable business tactics are being used to sell advertising.
That’s according to a notice sent by the Starke County Chamber of Commerce to its member business. The Chamber says it was notified by members that local businesses had been receiving phone calls from companies claiming to sell advertising for maps.
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IU Health La Porte and Starke Hospitals Announce Exclusive Negotiations With CHS Subsidiary
IU Health LaPorte and Starke Hospitals may partner with Community Health Systems, Inc. to strengthen the health care needs of the area. The IU Health LaPorte Hospital Board has entered into exclusive negotiations with a CHS subsidiary and IU Health, according to a news release sent late Monday afternoon. Final details will be worked out during a due diligence period. The proposed limited liability company will include IU Health LaPorte and Starke Hospitals and all related entities, including physician practices. Continue reading
Culver Schools Extended Fridays Begins This Week
The Culver School Corporation is playing catch-up due to the number of weather related school delays and cancellations.
It was announced earlier this month that Culver Schools is altering the official calendar through the second Friday in May. The changes stem from a school closing on March 3rd of this year due to icy conditions.
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