N.J.-S.P. Business Manager Outlines Financial Challenges

Posted on Author WKVI

North Judson-San Pierre Admin buildingA combination of steady declines in enrollment, changes in public education funding and additional unfunded mandates are taking a toll on the North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation. Business manager Guy Richie says the state changed the way public schools are funded in 2008. Instead of basing funds on local property taxes, money now follows the child.

That means when children move away, so does the tuition support. Richie says it’s never in such a way though that the corporation can eliminate one staff member and make up the difference. Instead the enrollment declines are scattered, which makes cutting expenses more challenging. Continue reading →

Arnold Appointed Ranking Democrat on Four Senate Standing Committees

Posted on Author WKVI
Senator Jim Arnold
Senator Jim Arnold

A state lawmaker whose district includes half of Starke County will serve as the ranking Democrat on four standing committees when the Indiana General Assembly convenes next month. Sen. Jim Arnold of LaPorte will serve in that capacity on the Senate Ethics Homeland Security and Transportation; Public Policy; and Veterans Affairs and the Military Committees. Continue reading →

Christmas Lights on Display in Pulaski for 25th Year

Posted on Author WKVI

Pulaski Lights EntryFor the past 25 years, traffic has picked up significantly in the town of Pulaski this time of year. The annual Christmas lights are on display and will remain so through the end of the year. Enjoy a great lighted barn scene, a giant wreath, a nativity scene, bears throwing packages across the street, a fountain, Santa in a helicopter and an airplane, skaters, a paddleboat and much more.

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Hoosier Lottery Adds Sunday Drawings

Posted on Author WKVI
Hoosier Lottery
 

The Hoosier Lottery is adding three new drawings. Starting tomorrow, midday drawings will take place each Sunday for the Daily 3, Daily 4 and Quick Draw games. Currently, midday drawings for all three games are conducted Monday through Saturday. The Sunday drawing schedule will match the existing schedule for Monday through Saturday drawings. The cut-off for ticket purchase will be 1:10 p.m. Eastern and the drawing will occur at or about 1:20 p.m. Continue reading →

Reyes Sentenced to 17 Years in DOC

Posted on Author WKVI

A Grovertown man was sentenced to serve 17 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections during a hearing in Starke Circuit Court yesterday.

Ryan Reyes, 19, pleaded guilty in a plea agreement with the state to two counts of child molesting as a Class B felony in two separate cases and criminal mischief as a Class D felony in a separate case.

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Culver Woman Sentenced to Probation

Posted on Author WKVI

A Culver woman was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty in a plea agreement with the state to a charge of possession of methamphetamine as a Class D felony that was reduced to a Class A misdemeanor.

Erin Schoberg was sentenced to 12 months in the Starke County Jail. All of the sentence was suspended to be served on probation. Schoberg told Judge Kim Hall that she was in possession of a half of a pill that was in her purse.

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Pence Education Agenda Draws Mixed Reviews

Posted on Author WKVI

North Judson-San Pierre Admin buildingGov. Mike Pence’s education agenda for the upcoming legislative session draws mixed reviews from a local school administrator who is looking to the General Assembly for meaningful reform. North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Lynn Johnson agrees with some of the things the governor is suggesting, such as accountability that takes into account student growth.

The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation has lost millions of dollars due over the past several years due to a combination of state funding cuts, declining enrollment and unfunded mandates. During a Tuesday night public forum, Johnson said the legislature needs to increase the amount of money it pays corporations per enrolled student. That’s also among the items on Pence’s agenda. Continue reading →

Teacher Performance Grants Awarded to Several Local Schools

Posted on Author WKVI

Indiana Department of EducationEducators at several local schools will receive a share of the $30 million in Teacher Performance Grants awarded by the state to more than 1,300 schools. Funds were given to schools with students earning ISTEP+ or end of course assessment passing scores of 72.5 percent or above or with a growth in graduation rates of 5 percent ore more from the previous year. Teachers who are rated effective or highly effective under Indiana’s teacher evaluation system for the 2013-2014 academic year will be paid based on student performance. Continue reading →

Pulaski County EMA Director Gets Grant to Purchase Equipment

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Pulaski County EMA Director Larry Hoover presented the commissioners Monday night with paperwork for an EMPG grant worth $8,485.29.

Hoover told WKVI News that he will be using the grant money to purchase rescue equipment. The piece of equipment that will be the most costly is a trailer in which to house the equipment. He plans on purchasing heavy lifting air bags and other equipment needed to aid workers in emergency situations.

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Winter Wonderland Event in Winamac Set for Saturday

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce’s Winter Wonderland event is tomorrow in downtown Winamac from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.

Several craft and business booths will be set up in different locations including the Vurpillat Opera House, fire station, Refined, Christian Church and the New Beginnings Church. Local businesses will have sales for Christmas shoppers. The Lion’s Club toy drive and the craft and bake sale will be at the Pulaski County Human Services building, the Iris-Elm Garden Club holiday arrangement show will be at the train depot and the boy scouts coat drive will take place on the courthouse lawn.

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