Classes resume at West Central on Wednesday, but elementary school students will be learning remotely.
Continue readingWest Central Middle/High School to Resume In-Person Classes Wednesday, Elementary School to Use Remote Learning
Knox School Board Adds Administrative Office Renovations, Parking Lot Work to Building Project
The Knox School Board has expanded the scope of the upcoming renovations to the administrative office. Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart says another $200,000 in renovations there has officially been added into the school corporation’s building project.
Continue readingCost of HVAC Upgrades Continues to Draw Frustration from Oregon-Davis School Board
Oregon-Davis School Board members continue to voice frustration that the $6 million the school corporation borrowed for HVAC upgrades won’t go as far as what they were apparently told. Engineer Kevin Livingston with guaranteed savings provider EMCOR presented some updated plans and cost estimates during last week’s meeting.
Continue readingKnox Schools to Use CARES Act Funding to Offer Teacher Stipends
Knox school officials have finalized the 2020-2021 teacher contract. The school board ratified the document of agreement last week, following almost unanimous approval from the Knox Federation of Teachers, according to Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart.
Continue readingMasks, Hand Sanitizer Donated to Eastern Pulaski Schools
The local community continues chipping in, to keep Eastern Pulaski students safe during the pandemic. Superintendent Dara Chezem says the school board recently accepted donations of disposable and washable masks, as well as hand sanitizer from Casey’s General Store and the Star City Lions Club. There was also an anonymous donation to pay off negative student lunch accounts, according to the draft meeting minutes.
Continue readingKnox Community School Corporation Extends Virtual Learning for Another Week
Students at the Knox Community School Corporation will continue to learn from home for another week.
Continue readingKnox City Police Department Seeking New Officer
The Knox City Police Department will soon be adding to its force. Police Chief Harold Smith told the board of works Wednesday that his department is currently down three officers. Mayor Dennis Estok added that officers are getting burned out and wouldn’t be able to use their vacation time, due to the shortage.
Continue readingHamlet’s New Message Board Up and Running after Years of Planning
After more than two years of planning and discussion, the Town of Hamlet now has an electronic message board. It’s been installed in front of the town hall, near the corner of Starke and Pearl streets.
Continue readingN.J.-S.P. Superintendent Plans to Keep School Open As Long As Staff’s Available
The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation has been “very fortunate” when it comes to COVID-19, according to Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin.
Continue readingKnox City Council Finalizes One-Percent Pay Raise for City Employees
Knox city employees are getting a one-percent pay raise next year. The city council gave its final approval to the 2021 salary ordinance Tuesday. Pay levels for elected officials, appointed board members, and the city’s attorneys will stay the same.
Continue readingKnox Board of Works to Consider School Corporation’s Crosswalk and Signage Plans
A couple of items related to the Knox Community School Corporation’s building project will be up for the board of works’ approval this morning. Board members will consider plans for a Culver Road crosswalk and signage for the middle school.
Continue readingKnox City Council to Consider 2021 Salary Ordinance Tonight
A proposed one-percent pay raise for Knox City employees will be up for the city council’s final approval tonight. The 2021 salary ordinance will be up for final reading.
Continue readingN.J.-S.P. School Board to Get Update on Elementary School Project, COVID-19 Tonight
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board will get an update on COVID-19, as well as the elementary school expansion and renovation project tonight. Preliminary plans call for the construction of a new gym, allowing the existing one to be repurposed, as part of a larger $10 million project. But architecture firm Fanning Howey is expected to present more detailed drawings and cost estimates tonight, according to Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin.
Continue readingCulver-Union Township Fire Department Welcomes New Aerial Truck
The Culver-Union Township Fire Department’s new aerial truck was officially put into service Monday. Residents had a chance to take a look at the new ladder truck during a fire department open house. Monday’s celebration followed more than two years of work and fundraising.
Continue readingStarke County, Hamlet to Seek Funding for Future Upgrades to 500 North
A major route to Hamlet could be getting an upgrade, but not for another five years. The town council recently agreed to team up with the Starke County Highway Department to apply for funding to widen and resurface County Road 500 North/Indiana Avenue from U.S. 35 to County Road 750 East.
Continue readingN.J.-S.P. School Board Approves Capital Projects, Bus Replacement, Crisis Plans
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board finalized a number of annual plans last month. Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin said the corporation’s crisis plan is similar those used by other schools. “It does have resources available in it, roles, responsibility, who’s responsible for different situations, and recommended protocols,” she explained.
Continue readingKnox City Council Approves Resolution for CARES Act Spending
The Knox City Council passed a resolution last week allowing CARES Act funding to be used to reimburse public safety payroll costs. Mayor Dennis Estok reminded council members that the city got almost $115,000 to spend on COVID-19-related expenses, but said the guidelines for spending it had changed.
Continue readingHydrant Flushing to Take Place in Knox, Culver
Knox residents may notice some brown tap water over the next few days. That’s because the Water Department is currently flushing its fire hydrants. The Mayor’s Office says the water is safe to drink, and it can be cleared up by running cold water from a bathtub or outside faucet. The hydrant flushing is scheduled to wrap up next Friday.
Continue readingWinamac Volunteer Fire Department Adding Two Historic Trucks to Fleet
The Winamac Volunteer Fire Department is adding a couple historic trucks to its fleet. The department was recently able to acquire a 1946 American LaFrance truck that originally belonged to them, after more than a year of discussions. Firefighters plan to use it for parades and promotional appearances. The town council last week officially agreed to take ownership and pay the $126 annual insurance cost.
Continue readingKnox School Superintendent Elaborates on Switch to Virtual Learning
Knox Community School Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart is hoping an extra week out of school will help get things closer to normal. When students return from fall break next week, they’ll attend class virtually, rather than in-person.
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