The Pulaski County Commissioners have approved the purchase of a $124,000 dump truck for the County Highway Department. This week, the commissioners voted to accept the low bid submitted by Pozzo Truck Center. It was for a 2019 Mack truck.
North Judson-San Pierre School Board Establishes 2018-19 Calendar, Approves Policies
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board approved the 2018-2019 NJSP School Calendar when they met earlier this week.
The calendar establishes that the first student day will be August 8, 2018. Fall Break will start on October 15th and end on October 19th, while Thanksgiving break will run from November 21st through November 23rd and spring break will fall on the week running from March 25th through March 29th. The final student day will be May 23rd.
Additionally, revised board policies received unanimous approval on final reading at Tuesday night’s meeting. Continue reading
Cheryl Lyn Welter Family Charitable Foundation Now Accepting Grant Applications
Grant proposals are now being accepted for the Cheryl Lyn Welter Family Charitable Foundation. The application deadline for the first round of 10 grants is January 31st.
Last year, multiple local schools agreed to partner with the organization to provide assistance to underprivileged children in grades K-12.
Individuals have the ability to request funds to help with things such as special projects, field trip fees, school supplies and other scholastic items. Continue reading
North Judson Police Department to Convert Boardroom into Training Area
North Judson Police Officers will be tacking a renovation project soon, following a decision made by town council members on Monday.
At the first town council meeting of the year, Town Marshal Kelly Fisher requested permission to convert a scarcely used boardroom in the police department into a training area. She said that many of the officers have instructor qualifications so they could open the space up to host training classes for other local officers and to bring in some money for the department.
Council Members thought it was a good idea, but they wanted to ensure that the individuals who use the room for meetings wouldn’t feel ousted. Continue reading
Knox School Board Recognizes Lilly Endowment Scholarship Winner
Knox Community School Board members recognized High School Senior Elizabeth “Libby” McEntee who was recently chosen as the 2018 Starke County Community Foundation Lilly Endowment Community Scholar.
McEntee will receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to an Indiana college or university of her choice and a $900 yearly stipend for required books and equipment.
McEntee told the board members that she’s not quite sure which college she will attend. She is majoring in neurology.
Medaryville Council Holds Off on Selling Police Car, After Bids Lower than Expected
The Medaryville Town Council is considering its options before selling an unneeded police car. Bids for the 2009 Dodge Charger were opened during Wednesday’s council meeting, according to Clerk-Treasurer Judy Harwood.
Winamac High School’s New Athletic Internship Course Discussed During School Board Meeting
Winamac High School students have the chance to learn some valuable career skills while helping the school’s athletic department. Athletic Director Bill Ball discussed the school’s new Athletic Internship Course with the Eastern Pulaski School Board Monday.
Officers Raising Awareness of Human Trafficking
Officers from the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement and Motor Carrier Inspectors are teaming up with Ohio, Michigan and Illinois officers next week to educate motorists about the signs of human trafficking and to enforce laws that crack down on traffickers.
Starke County Council, Commissioners Finalize Appointments
The Starke County Council members made several appointments to boards and commissions when they met this week.
The council reorganized with a change in leadership. Brad Hazelton was elected as council president and Dave Pearman retained as council vice president. Freddie Baker opted to step down from leading the council. He held the position in 2016 and 2017.
Washington Township Board Keeps Community Building Rental Fees the Same
Rental rates for the Washington Township Community Building will stay the same for now. Township Trustee Cathy Benko says the possibility of raising the rates was brought up during Wednesday’s township board meeting. Continue reading
Pulaski County Commissioners Seeking Help with Financial Strategy
Declining income tax revenues have the Pulaski County Commissioners seeking some outside financial advice. They voted Tuesday to allow accounting firm Umbaugh and Associates to do a preliminary analysis and offer a proposal for helping the county put together a financial strategy.
Eastern Pulaski School Board Readjusts Pay Structure for Substitute Teachers
The Eastern Pulaski School Corporation is once again adjusting pay levels for substitute teachers. Substitutes who are licensed teachers will again be paid five dollars more per day than other substitute teachers.
Washington Township Exploring Financial Options for Fire Truck Purchase
Washington Township is looking to update its fleet of fire trucks, but some financial considerations have to be worked out before that can happen. Township Trustee Cathy Benko says the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department is dealing with aging equipment, and she’s been looking into getting a new truck for a while now.
County Council Clarifies Police Pay
The Starke County Council members cleared up some confusion on county police pay.
The council members approved a $5,000 raise for Starke County police officers for 2018, but they were unsure about the three percent raise that was proposed them in addition to the raise.
Knox School Board Updated on Graduation Rate, Transfer Information
The State Department of Education recently released the graduation rates for each corporation and Knox Community School Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart updated the board on the school’s statistics.
“The high school is at 94.5 percent which is the highest in the county,” said Dr. Recihhart. “The school ranks above the state average by about five percentage points.”
Woman Celebrates Birthday by Raising Funds for Oregon-Davis Students’ Lunch Accounts
North Judson Town Council Discusses Umbaugh Contract and Change to the Town’s Point of Contact
The North Judson Town Council members renewed the town’s contract with Umbaugh and Associates when they met Monday evening.
Council President Wendy Hoppe mentioned that Umbaugh really helped save the town money last year. The council members noted that the contract appeared to be identical to last years and Town Attorney Justin Schramm said he felt comfortable moving forward with it.
The contract secures Umbaugh for consulting services related to the 2019 Budget and any other financial matters. There’s a $7,000 maximum for budget consultation, but if all the time is not used then the town will not be charged the full amount.
Though no changes were made to the agreement itself, Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe mentioned that there has been a switch in who serves as the town’s point of contact. Continue reading
North Judson-San Pierre School Board Elects Board of Finance Officers
The North Judson San-Pierre School Board elected officers to their Board of Finance when they met Tuesday evening.
Members elected Sheila Akers to the President position and Jim Menis was elected to serve as secretary. Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin stated that Indiana state law requires the finance board to meet annually after the first of the year and on or before the final day of January. Continue reading
Starke County Community Corrections, Probation, Sheriff Asks for Letter of Support
The Starke County Community Corrections, in partnership with the Starke County Probation Department and the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, are working to submit a grant request for programs and funding.
Community Corrections Director Robert Hinojosa said this is the ninth year of requesting funding for community corrections and the second year for jail treatment programs and pretrial funding.
Pulaski County Commissioners Choose Paving Contractor for Community Crossings Projects
The Pulaski County Commissioners have once again taken action to chose a paving contractor for several miles of hot mix asphalt work. Town & Country Paving was selected by the commissioners Tuesday to resurface County Road 200 South from U.S. 421 to State Road 39 and County Road 400 East from 200 North to 400 North.
