Young people who plan to work this summer need to be aware of the tax consequences of doing so. For instance, an employer is required to withhold federal and state taxes from your check. The amount is determined after you complete a W-4 Employee Withholding Allowance Certificate, which your employer will submit to the IRS. Tip income is also taxable and should be reported to your employer and the IRS. Money earned doing work for others is also taxable. This includes jobs like babysitting and mowing lawns. Keep good records of expenses incurred, like gas for your lawn mower. You may be able to subtract them from the amount of taxes you owe and lower your taxes. Active duty pay for students enrolled in ROTC is taxable, but the subsistence allowance you get while in advanced training is not.
Food Finders Mobile Food Pantry Schedules Medaryville Stop
The mobile food pantry is on a roll! Pulaski County residents who meet income guidelines can receive assistance from the Food Finders Food Bank Mobile Pantry at the Medaryville Town Park on Friday, June 6 from 11 a.m until 1 p.m Eastern Standard Time. The provided food will include fresh produce, essential non-perishable items, breads, and assortment of frozen foods. In 2012 Food Finders provided over 6 million pounds of food across the Mid-Northern area of Indiana. Hoosier families in need can benefit greatly from what mobile food pantries have to offer. Anyone in need of emergency food assistance is invited to attend the free event. For questions regarding income guidelines, any other information or in order to make a donation you can contact Food Finders at 765-471-0062 or http://food-finders.org/.
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Knox High School Graphics Department Earns National Award
After competing only one year prior, the Knox Community High School graphics department was noted in the Phoenix Challenge National Magazine for taking home a silver award for Flexo Press printing. Flexography is used for producing labels on packages. It utilizes a raised rubber plate to imprint on products. Candy wrappers, bottles of pop, anything you see in the store with a label on it was most likely produced with Flexo Press printing. This is the second year that Knox has sent students and their graphics teacher, Mr. Sullivan, to Charlotte, NC for the Phoenix Challenge. Schools from all over the nation and Canada compete in the program. The Knox team ranked third in the nation. The students who participated this year were Sarah Horstman, Elizabeth Radelja, Mario Rodriguez and Nathan Lynch. Thanks to their success this year, the Phoenix Challenge program will continue to be funded through the Knox School Corporation in years to come.
Officials Break Ground on $100 Million Expansion Project in LaPorte
Governor Mike Pence helped Alcoa dignitaries break ground Thursday morning on a $100 million expansion project next to its current facility in LaPorte.
The 320,000 square foot addition will enable 329 new workers to produce nickel-based superalloy jet engine parts. It will allow Alcoa to go beyond the structural engine component assembly for business and regional jets to large commercial aircraft. The plant will also increase the company’s capacity to supply engines for narrow-body aircraft, which are the top-selling jet engines in the world.
Father and Son Face Meth Charges in Marshall County
A father and son face drug charges in Marshall County following a traffic stop late Tuesday night on U.S. 31 near U.S. 6. The driver, Marshall Smith Sr., 52, of Mishawaka was believed to be under the influence of a controlled substance, according to a news release from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department. The passenger, Marshall Smith Jr., 28, was reportedly found to be in possession of synthetic marijuana. Officers detained both men and searched the vehicle. That’s when they reportedly found more than three grams of what appeared to be methamphetamine packaged for resale. Both men were arrested. Marshall Smith, Sr. faces charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person, operating a vehicle while intoxicated controlled substance, dealing and possession of more than three grams of methamphetamine. Marshall Smith, Jr. was charged with possession of marijuana with a prior charge, dealing and possession of more than three grams of methamphetamine. Bond was set at $20,000 cash. Formal charges are pending with the Marshall County Prosecutors Office.
Tobacco Cessation Classes Offered at Fitness Forum Sports and Wellness
Smokers who would like some hands-on help to kick the habit can sign up for classes offered at Fitness Forum Sports and Wellness at LifePlex in Plymouth. American Lung Association Certified Freedom From Smoking Instructor Cindy Riester will lead the seven-week program. Classes start Monday, June 2. Riester will offer resources to quit, skills to manage weight and stress and group support during the eight classes. They meet Mondays through July 14 from 6 until 7:30 p.m. EDT and on Wednesday, June 18. That’s the scheduled quit day. Participants must register by May 30. The program is partially grant funded by the Marshall County local coordinating council and Governor’s Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana. The out-of-pocket cost for participants is $40 and includes a bonus two-month membership to Fitness Forum Sports and Wellness for those who successfully complete the course. Call Riester at 574-936-2333 to register.
Starke County Youth Club Receives Operation Round Up Grant
The Starke County Youth Club is benefiting from Kankakee Valley REMC members who choose to round their monthly bills up to the nearest dollar. The organization received a $3,000 Operation Round Up grant from the electrical cooperative. SCYC Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says the money will provide supplies for the many science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) projects the club offers at sites across Starke County. She says the activities the club offers in an after-school setting help youngsters develop critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills and build confidence. Visit www.thescyc.org for more information. Kankakee Valley REMC is a member-owned rural electric cooperative serving approximately 18,000 members throughout portions of Starke, Pulaski, Porter, Lake, Marshall, St. Joseph and LaPorte Counties. Members who take part in Operation Round Up donate an average of $6 per year, which is then distributed to local nonprofit organizations throughout the service territory.
Mint Festival Father/Grandfather of the Year Deadline Nears
The deadline to enter the annual North Judson Mint Festival Father & Grandfather of the Year contest is fast approaching. Entries are due Saturday, May 31. Any child from the North Judson – San Pierre School District can nominate their father or grandfather. The essay must be in a child’s handwriting and include the name of their father or grandfathers as well as their name, an address and phone number. All local NJ-SP children are encouraged to get involved. Proposals can be sent to Father/Grandfather of the Year, Mint Festival, P.O. Box 33, North Judson, IN 46366.
Job Fair and Butterfly Garden Planned at Library
The Henry F. Shricker Public Library in Knox is offering programs for everyone this weekend. Elwood Staffing is sponsoring a job fair tomorrow from 10 a.m until 2 p.m. This program is open to all local adults and will take place in the meeting room of the library.
On Saturday, local man Jack O’Malley will be hosting a program and planting flowers that attract monarch butterflies. This opportunity is aimed at young adults but open to everyone. This special gardening event happening at 10 a.m Saturday, but it will run all weekend. This is the first of several summer programs in the butterfly garden at the library. For more information regarding library programs you can contact Andrea Brown at abrown@starkecountylibrary.org or call her at 574-772-7323.
Culver Community School Board Hires Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
A familiar face at Culver Community High School will be back next year in a dual role. Speech teacher Luke Biernacki is the new assistant principal for the middle and high schools and and athletic director for the entire corporation. The Culver Community School Board hired him last night after a brief executive session. Superintendent Dr. Vicki McGuire says combining the administrative roles will allow for more dedicated academic accountability by the principals, as well as working on improving graduation rates. Biernacki says the opportunity is a perfect fit for his career goals.
“I’ve had my administrative license for a couple of years and been looking to move up,” he said in an interview after the meeting. “I’ve always wanted to move up with this corporation. It’s been a wonderful experience for the past six years. What I love most is the people I work with and the students and the community. It’s the best I’ve ever seen, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.”
Biernacki adds he wants to continue to meet the students’ needs and provide them the best possible experience. He’s also looking forward to working with new Culver Community High School Principal Brett Berndt and coaches as he transitions into his dual role.
Pulaski County Commissioners Approve Emergency Well Replacement
The Pulaski County Commissioners were forced call an emergency meeting last night after the well pump at the county recycling center quit. Maintenance supervisor Jeff Johnston scrambled to get prices for repair options. They ranged from a high of $11,250 to run 1,500 feet of water line and connect to the town’s infrastructure to a low of $2,450 to repair their existing well pump. The commissioners voted unanimously to hire Bill Montgomery Well Drilling to drill a new well and replace the existing infrastructure for a cost of $4,400. They noted this will solve the problem of having to heat the pump in the winter, as it will be located inside a building. Also the new well will last indefinitely. The commissioners cited concerns over having to make additional repairs had they opted to fix what was already in place. Tying into the town system was deemed too expensive an option, as it would carry a recurring monthly water bill. Johnston did not have a time frame on how long the work will take. He told the commissioners he will see that it starts as soon as possible. The commissioners had previously advertised a special session to discuss animal control for the county. That meeting was cancelled and has not yet been rescheduled.
Older Adults Invited to Pulaski County Human Services Picnic
Older adults are invited to the Winamac Town Park today for the annual Pulaski County Human Services Senior Citizen Picnic. It takes place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the community building. Food and beverages will be provided. Blood pressure screenings will also be available. The documentary “Age of Champions” will be screened as well. The Pulaski County Human Services Von Tobel Center in Winamac and West Side Center in Medaryville will both be closed so staff members can attend the picnic, and home-delivered meals will not be provided.
Demotte State Bank Plans Relay for Life Golf Outing
Golfers can take to the links for a good cause Saturday. The Demotte State Bank Relay for Life team is hosting a golf outing at Chesapeake Run Golf Course. There’s still time to sign up or sponsor a hole. All proceeds go to Starke County Relay for Life. Candice Miller says golfers will also have a shot at a large prize. Cambe Chevrolet has donated a new car, and the first golfer to hit a hole-in-one will win it.
The Demotte State Bank team is one of several taking part in the Starke County Relay for Life on June 21 and 22nd at the Hamlet Fairgrounds. Miller says it’s a very family-oriented event that raises money for and awareness of cancer research. She adds it’s special to her for personal reasons because a lot of her family members have been affected by or lost their lives to cancer. Miller is also a cancer survivor. She calls Relay for Life a “really excellent organization” and says she tries to promote it in any way she can.
Stop by Demotte State Bank to sign up for Saturday’s Relay for Life Golf Tournament or to get more information about hole sponsorship opportunities.
Bass Lake Watercraft Accident Injures Two
A Memorial Day accident on Bass Lake sends two people to the hospital. A personal watercraft driven by Jeremy Hershman, 33, of Willets, Calif. hit a watercraft operated by Amanda Marsh, 26, of North Judson, at a right angle, according to a news release from the DNR. Both were thrown into the water. Marsh was able to right her craft and drive it back to the shore. A boater helped Hershman into a pontoon boat and took him to shore for treatment. Starke County EMS took both to IU Health Starke Hospital. Marsh was treated for minor injuries and released. Hershman suffered broken ribs, fractured vertebrae and fluid on the lungs. He was transferred to Memorial Hospital of South Bend for additional treatment. Both Marsh and Hershman were wearing life jackets when the crash occurred. It’s still under investigation.
Fletcher Cemetery Association Raising Money to Restore Veterans Monument
Members of the Fletcher Cemetery Association want to restore and expand the monument there dedicated to the memory of local men and women who served in our nation’s armed forces. The statue dates to the 1950s, and there is no more room to add names to it. Fletcher Cemetery Association Board Member Hobart Martin says the foundation is also giving way. The board hopes to raise enough money through private donations to move the monument east of its current location, pour a new foundation and add commemorative bricks nearby with more names. Fletcher Cemetery is located at the intersection of County Road 400 North and County Road 700 East. Martin says the cemetery gets no funds from the federal, state or local government. All maintenance and upkeep is done through lot sales and donations. Any business or individual who gives at least $500 to the monument restoration will have a commemorative block engraved to acknowledge their support. However Martin says gifts in any amount are welcome. The Hamlet American Legion and several local businesses have already contributed to the project. Click here Fletcher Cemetery Association to read more about how you can contribute to the monument restoration.
Move “Another Step Forward” During This Summer’s Walking Challenge
Starke County residents are encouraged to take “another step forward” this summer. That’s the name of the second annual “Moving Starke County Forward” walking challenge. Last year 250 residents collectively walked 27,000 miles between Memorial Day and Labor Day. That’s enough to lap the globe three times. This year’s goal is a more ambitious 50,000 miles. Coordinator Ryan Greer hopes 500 people will sign up. He adds miles don’t have to be earned by walking. Other types of physical activity like swimming, bicycle riding and jogging can also be logged toward the total. A kickoff event will take place Saturday, May 31 at 10 a.m. at Wythogen Park in Knox. If you can’t make it, registration sheets are available at local libraries, city and town halls and can be picked up throughout the summer. More information about this year’s walking challenge and other initiatives is also available on the Moving Starke County Forward Facebook page.
Starke County Commissioners Revise Nepotism Policy
The Starke County Commissioners have revised their nepotism policy to mirror state law. The county has had an ordinance on the books since 2011 to address favoritism granted to relatives without regard to merit. The changes bring the county’s policy in line with a state law that’s since been passed. County attorney Marty Lucas says it defines a relative as a parent or stepparent, a child or stepchild, a brother, sister, stepbrother or stepsister, niece or nephew, daughter-in-law or son-in-law. For purposes of the ordinance, an adopted child is the same as a natural child. Brother and sister includes brother and sister by half-blood. It otherwise leaves the ordinance the same. Lucas says this change will make potential legal challenges to the law easier to defend. The policy only applies to county government employees who work in the same office or department.
INDOT Construction on Hold during Memorial Day Weekend
Starke County Council Considering Revised Innkeeper’s Tax
The Starke County Council will consider a revision to the innkeeper’s tax when they meet on Monday, June 16. The county already has a tax on the books for hotels, motels and other rental lodgings. The proposed policy clarifies that taxes are to be reported on forms provided by the county treasurer and is due to that office no more than 20 days after the end of the month in which it is collected. An addition to the ordinance sets a civil penalty for non-payment at 100 percent of the amount of the annual uncollected tax, plus taxes due. The proposed change passed on first reading during Monday’s council meeting.
N.J.-S.P. Hosts Summer Food Service Program
The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation will take part in the federal summer food service program this year. Free breakfast and lunch will be available to all children through age 18 each Monday through Thursday from June 9 through 26. Food will also be served to adults who are enrolled in a state approved education program for the mentally or physically disabled. All meals will be served at the North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School cafeteria. Breakfast will be offered from 7:30 until 8 a.m. daily. Lunch will be served from 11:15 a.m. until noon. Adults may eat there for a nominal charge. Adult breakfasts cost $1, and lunches are $2.
