North Judson Town Council members encumbered funds for repairs to the wall at Norwayne Field when they met Tuesday night. Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe explained that the wall that runs along Highway 10 is missing stones in some spots and there are places where it is crumbling.
A total of $4,400 that was left over from building improvements was encumbered to pay Schamber Masonry for work on the Norwayne Field wall. Continue reading
If you’re looking to adopt a pet, remember that even animals that come from a tough situation deserve a chance at a loving home. That’s according to Starke County Humane Society Executive Director Shanna Lloyd.
The winners of Hamlet’s 2017 holiday decorating contest have been announced.
Mayor Dennis Estok addressed a couple of reminders during his report at this week’s Knox City Council meeting. Mayor Estok announced that pick-up for live Christmas trees will begin on Tuesday, January 2nd.
He stated, “Basically, you dispose of them the same way you do with brush, you know front of the curb, front of the house, where we would routinely pick up brush during the summer.” Mayor Estok specified that the trees should not be bagged and they must be bare.
Additionally, the mayor issued a reminder about winter pet safety at Wednesday night’s meeting. He wants Knox residents to be aware that the city has ordinance that allows officials to enforce the humane treatment of animals. Continue reading
As the holiday season continues, Hoosiers are reminded to keep an eye on the live Christmas trees in their homes. The average Christmas tree lasts for about a month after purchase, before it begins to dry out and become a fire hazard, according to the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. When a tree’s needles drop, it’s time to remove it.
Businesses seeking financing through Pulaski County’s Revolving Loan Fund have some new guidelines to follow.
Knox City Council members held the first reading over the amended ordinance regulating obstruction of sidewalks, streets and railroad crossings for the City of Knox when they met Wednesday evening. Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston mentioned that the ordinance was created by taking their existing sidewalk obstruction ordinance and combining it with additional specifications that are addressed in state statute.
The majority of feed back from council members was specifically about the section regarding placement of vehicles. Certain members were seeking clarification about the section which indicates that vehicles cannot be within fifty feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. Continue reading
The Hamlet Town Council has approved several budget transfers to close out 2017. As each year’s budget comes to a close, local governments typically look for leftover money in various line items and use it to balance out shortfalls in other parts of the budget.
The Culver Town Council members took action Tuesday night to make sure budget funds will be balanced at the end of the year.
A resolution to transfer funds within departments and department funds was unanimously approved.
An ordinance to encumber funds for 2017 was also considered. A lot of the money to be encumbered is for paving.
North Judson Town Council members refrained from encumbering funds for a new tractor for the utility department when they met Tuesday night. Council members conferred that they were under the impression they were waiting until springtime to take any action on that purchase.
Councilman Josh Brown stated he’d like to know what the intended purpose for the tractor would be before they establish a specific amount intended for the purchase. Brown said he wasn’t aware of any reasons the tractor would be a necessary piece of equipment. Continue reading
The Medaryville Town Council approved a few yearly appointments when it met for the final time of the year last week. Council Vice President Suzanna Wilcoxon was once again selected to represent the town on the Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission, according to Clerk-Treasurer Judy Harwood. The town council also renewed its contract with Town Attorney Amber Lapaich.
The Starke County Council and Commission members will meet tonight to clear up any budget balancing issues before the end of 2017.
Several departments cleared up some budget issues last week including Starke County EMS, Starke County Highway Department and the Starke County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff may have additional budget transfers to present during tonight’s meeting. The government officials will also wrap up any other business that may come before them tonight.
Unemployment rates continue to drop in Starke and Pulaski counties. Starke County’s November unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, according to the latest report from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. That’s the same as it was in October, but a drop of sixth-tenths of a percent from November of 2016.
For most tax payers, December 31st is the last day to take actions that will impact 2017 tax returns, according to the IRS.
For instance, charitable contributions are deductible in the year made. This means donations charged to a credit card before the end of the year count for the 2017 tax even if the bill isn’t paid until 2018 and checks made to a charity count for 2017 as long as they’re mailed by the last day of the year.
Taxpayers are urged to refrain from preparing their tax returns until all necessary forms and documents are received. Needed documentation includes W-2 forms from employers and 1099 forms from banks and other payers. Continue reading
Flags are ordered to be flown at half-staff on Thursday in Pulaski and Lake Counties in memory of U.S. Marine SSgt. Tyler James Fox who recently passed away while on active duty.
The order is directed by Governor Eric J. Holcomb who notes that flags will be at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of his funeral which is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 28.
Holcomb asks that residents, businesses owners and government agencies do this in honor of SSgt. Fox’s courageous service and dedication to duty.
Pulaski County continues to review its tax abatement procedures. Community Development Commission Executive Director Nathan Origer gave an update to the county commissioners last week. Continue reading
A recent Operation Pull Over blitz led to 11 arrests and more than 100 citations for the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office. The 24-day enforcement effort was funded with federal highway safety money administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Officers say they’ll continue to crack down on impaired driving, seat belt violations, and other crimes, through the remainder of the holiday period.
The Culver Town Council members approved the second reading of the proposed traffic ordinance when they met Tuesday night.
The traffic ordinance designates a congested motor vehicle traffic and pedestrian area on Lakeshore Drive and signage will be placed between 508 Lakeshore east to 824 Lakeshore Drive. The ordinance also creates a no parking zone for 50 feet from the intersection on both sides of the street on Batabano and South Plymouth Street.
The Town of Medaryville plans to sell an unneeded police vehicle. The town council decided last week to seek bids from interested buyers, according to Clerk-Treasurer Judy Harwood.
