Plans to build a morgue in Starke County are on hold. Coroner-Elect Adam Gray advised the county commissioners he will use the facilities at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth as necessary for body identification and storage. Should an autopsy be necessary, Gray says bodies will be taken directly to the site where that examination will be done. Continue reading
The North Judson Town Council received an update on the new location of the town offices this week. The First Farmers Bank and Trust building on Lane Street was donated to the town back in August where it has been under reconstruction. Continue reading
The Culver School Board conducted a public hearing Monday evening concerning the superintendent’s contract. No public comments or questions where raised, and the hearing was closed within five minutes. Continue reading
The Food Finders Food Bank and the Pulaski County Human Services have partnered to bring the Mobile Food Pantry to Winamac every month. The Mobile Food Pantry will be this Friday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. ET at the Pulaski County Highway Garage, 1131 N. US 35. Continue reading
A pair of Ancilla College students are 2014-2015 nominees for the Phi Theta Kappa All-USA/Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team. Phi Theta Kappa is a two-year college national honor society. Continue reading
Suspended drivers have until Dec. 31 to take advantage of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ Reinstatement Relief Program. The Reinstatement Relief Program allows suspended drivers to pay temporarily reduced reinstatement fees and earn reinstatement, as long as all other legal requirements are met.
Don Snemis, Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, said the program offers a 50 percent discount on reinstatement fees before July 1, 2013 for operating without insurance. Customers may be responsible for providing proof of insurance, completing a driver safety program, paying court fees, or successfully passing a driver’s license written knowledge exam, driving skills exam or vision screening.
Seasonal camping is allowed at Bass Lake, but year-round storage of campers and other equipment is not. That’s the clarification Starke County Park Board President Marcia Bedrock got from the county commissioners during their meeting yesterday. Continue reading
The Knox Community School Board unanimously approved the Balanced Calendar Concept for the 2015-16 school year at its Monday night meeting. Specific calendar dates are yet undetermined, awaiting the scheduling of test dates from the State of Indiana.The Culver Community School Corporation adopted the balanced calendar concept last night making it the third school in the area to do so. The school board unanimously approved the plan. Superintendent Dr. Vicki McGuire says a set calendar cannot be made until test dates are released, but the concept will be put in effect.
The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation is holding a public meeting tonight at the high school auditorium. The Fight for Public Education presentation headlines the evening with what the future at N.J.-S.P. could be. A combination of declining revenue and enrollment over the last several years have resulted in drastic budget cuts. Continue reading
The Starke County Commissioners did not act on a proposed contract for the highway superintendent as planned. Commissioner Kent Danford was not at yesterday’s meeting, and his vote is needed in order for the measure to pass. President of the Commissioners Jennifer Davis clarified the measure can pass by a simple majority but said she does not want to vote on it since she is stepping down as a commissioner at the end of the year. Continue reading
The bridge over Eagle Creek on Starke County Road 800 East just north of 50 South is open to traffic again. The road has been closed for the past two months to accommodate its replacement. Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler also told the county commissioners yesterday the bridge on 900 South over Bogus Run just west of 100 West should be finished in the next week or so as well, depending on the weather. Continue reading
The three-member recount commission appointed last week by Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall to review the votes cast in two recent General Election contests will meet this morning at the courthouse. They’re looking into the outcome of the fourth district county council race between Democrat Pam Stalbaum and Republican Don White. The Republican Party filed a recount petition on White’s behalf after Stalbaum eked out a two-vote victory in the race to succeed Democrat Marvin McLaughlin. Incumbent Railroad Township Trustee Roger Chaffins, Sr. also filed a petition for a recount after losing to Republican Mandy Thompson by three votes. Continue reading
The Starke County Commissioners will revisit the notion of offering Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler a long-term contract when they meet this morning. President of the Commissioners Jennifer Davis is spearheading the effort in order to maintain continuity within the department. She notes Ritzler has a multiple-year plan for road and bridge improvements and wants to see that it is carried out.
Commissioner Kent Danford previously raised concerns about the precedent such an action would set. He says possibly offering Ritzler a contract is a “test case” and adds he will say no to anyone else who requests a long-term employment contract until he sees how this works. Commissioner Kathy Norem agrees and says the county commissioners need to approach any such matters with an abundance of caution. Danford agreed at the last commissioners meeting to meet with county attorney Marty Lucas before today and come up with contract language to address his concerns. Continue reading
The Knox Community School Board will consider the adoption of a balanced calendar when they meet this evening. It still features 180 instructional days. School starts the first of August and ends the first of June. Students get longer fall and spring breaks which can be used for remediation or enrichment activities. Continue reading
The Culver School Board will be discussing the Balanced Calendar concept tonight. During the last meeting the board received balanced calendar survey responses from families, students and faculty members. A total of 780 responses were received with 75 percent of the surveys saying yes, they would like to see a balanced calendar implemented. Continue reading
Applicants for health insurance coverage through the marketplace should be aware of scammers during this open enrollment period. Indiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Stephen W. Robertson says no one at Healthcare.gov needs credit card information in order to help you apply for insurance. This has happened to people who have called the toll-free number to sign up for coverage or ask questions about the plans offered in accordance with the Affordable Care Act. Robertson says scammers set up telephone numbers that are very similar to the Healthcare.gov number in hopes that someone will misdial. Continue reading
The Town of Culver is receiving more monetary assistance from the Culver Redevelopment Commission to go towards the new water treatment plant project. The commission announced last week at the town council meeting they will be giving $100,000 to the town. Continue reading
The flu season is underway and health officials urge you to take steps now to prevent the flu.
Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract and is spread by droplets from close contact with infected people or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, fatigue, cough, muscle aches and sore throat.
Some people are at higher risk of complications related to the flu including pregnant women, young children, those with chronic illnesses and/or compromised immune systems and the elderly.
