Community members continue to voice their support for Winamac High School’s former boys basketball coach. Kyle Johnson was removed from the coaching job in a controversial decision by the Eastern Pulaski School Board last month.
Knox City Council Approves New Vehicle for Building and Code Compliance Officer
The purchase of a new vehicle for the Knox Building and Code Compliance Officer was approved at last night’s city council meeting. Compliance Officer Kenny Pfost has been utilizing his personal vehicle since the old city-issued vehicle broke down.
Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston mentioned that the $36,000 needed for the vehicle purchase will be split up between three separate accounts. He said that $10,000 would come out of the cumulative capital development repairs and maintenance fund, $8,600 would be from rental registration and $17,400 will be come from the edit account for the Knox Industrial Park. Continue reading
Lake District Zoning Changes Attract Many to Culver Public Hearing
The Culver Town Council opened a public hearing Tuesday night for comments concerning several zoning ordinance changes recommended by the plan commission.
The Lake District, or L1, zoning amendments drew a crowd of residents in that district who spoke out against changes to front and rear yards and side yard setbacks.
Winamac Golf Cart Ordinance Receives Unanimous Council Approval
The ordinance regulating golf carts within the Town of Winamac was adopted with unanimous approval at Monday night’s town council meeting.
Town Attorney Justin Schramm mentioned that the addition of a registration fee deadline of January 31st was the only change made to the document since the last time council members looked over the ordinance. Specific stipulations about registration and operation as well as particular penalties are included in the ordinance.
There is a fee of $25 for each cart registered and the registration is effective for one year. All registration fees are deposited in the Winamac Police Department’s Continuing Education Fund. At the time of registration, the operator will be issued two numerical identification decals that should be affixed to the front and rear fender of the cart in areas where they’ll be visible when it is in operation. Continue reading
New Restaurant to Utilize Vacant Building in North Judson
Starke County residents should keep their eyes peeled for the opening of a new restaurant in a familiar location.
The drive-in restaurant at 45 S Main Street in North Judson has been sitting vacant for about two seasons. Pop’s Pit Stop at the Point will be replacing Birky Farm’s Piggies and Cream in the near future.
Currently the new buyers are working to finalize the deal with the local realtors of Osborne Advantage Real Estate and luxury vacation rentals in Southern California. Donna Osborne said she expects the deal to be closed within the next 7 to 10 days. If you’re looking for a huge investment in buying real estate, better read this post about this turn-key property management post for more valuable info!
She shared a few things about the new place, explaining that rather than only being open seasonally, the buyers proposed keeping it open year-round. She added that they have expressed interest in doing promotional give-aways at local games and bringing back the car shows to the place. They are also currently in the process of locating and re-installing the original signature ice-cream cone statue that previously stood at the corner. Continue reading
Pulaski County Council Creates Preliminary Economic Revitalization Area for Metal Fab Engineering
A Pulaski County manufacturer may soon be seeking a tax abatement. The county council approved a resolution Monday creating a preliminary economic revitalization area for Metal Fab Engineering.
Eastern Pulaski Teachers to See Slight Raise, As Part of Master Contract
The Eastern Pulaski School Board approved the corporation’s master contract with the Eastern Pulaski Teachers Association Monday. As part of the deal, teachers will get a slight pay increase, according to Superintendent Dan Foster. Continue reading
Knox City Council Meets Tonight
The Knox City Council will discuss funding for a new building and code compliance vehicle when they meet at 7 p.m. tonight. They will also consider the 2018 Holiday Schedule as well as the City Council and Board of Works meeting schedules for next year.
The council will receive a report from Ron Gifford of the Starke County Economic Development Foundation. Mayor Dennis Estok and Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston will also provide reports. Continue reading
Winamac Town Council Approves Request to Purchase Public Alert Service
Utility customers in the Town of Winamac will soon have the opportunity to be directly notified of various alerts thanks to a request submitted by 1st Deputy Clerk Kim Burke.
At Monday’s Winamac Town Council meeting, Burke told members about a system called Public Alert which would allow her to individually send members of the community notifications that would impact them specifically.
“We can send out like emergency snow removal when we need them all to park on one side of the street, waterline breaks, if we close down a road. From what I understand, they can rig it up with our billing system.” Burke provided a potential example, “I can go in there and say ‘look, these people on Burson Street, you’re water’s shut off, we have a break’ and I can send them an alert.” Continue reading
Culver Town Council to Meet Tonight
The Culver Town Council members will hold a public hearing tonight to gather comments on an amendment to the Culver Zoning Ordinance.
The proposed changes include lowering the number of parking spaces for general commercial businesses in the C2 district, changing the sign ordinance to allow lighted signs, changes to the height and visibility requirements for fences in the L1 district, also changes in the side yard setback area in the L1 district. Additionally, the ordinance creates permit requirements for solar power systems and building permits for roof and shingle replacement. Continue reading
Winter Weather Preparedness Week
It is Winter Weather Preparedness Week and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is encouraging Hoosiers to become better equipped to deal with the approaching winter season.
IDHS provided a couple of tips to help inspire individuals to be actively involved with winter preparedness now through November 18th.
Use this week to create or maintain a home readiness kit that may be needed during winter storms. Kits should include a first aid kit and necessary medications, extra clothing, shoes and blankets as well as copies of important documents such a photo ID and Social Security cards. It would be helpful to have a battery-powered or hand crank radio and flashlight. Also include food and water for up to three days, with one gallon of water per person per day. Continue reading
Two Knox Men Arrested in Plymouth, Following Report of Shoplifting
Pulaski County Sheriff Granted Permission to Sell Automatic Firearms to Starke County
Ten automatic firearms owned by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office will soon be sold to the Starke County Sheriff’s Office. Last week, the Pulaski County Commissioners authorized Sheriff Jeff Richwine to sell the ten MP5s.
Teacher Contracts, Arrest Policy to Be Considered by Eastern Pulaski School Board Tonight
The Eastern Pulaski School Board is expected to consider teacher contracts during tonight’s meeting. A compensation plan for employees not covered under the collective bargaining agreement will also be up for approval. Meanwhile, a policy requiring school employees to report all arrests and criminal charges to the superintendent will be considered on second reading.
Real Estate Taxes Due Today
This is a quick reminder to Starke County residents that real estate taxes are due today, if you are interested in the real estate market, you should check this darien homes for sale.
Tax payment drop off locations include 1st Farmers Bank, Demotte St Bank and 1st Source Bank in Knox, 1st Famers Bank and Bank of Monterey in North Judson or Bank of Monterey in Monterey.
There is also a drop box outside of the Starke County Treasurer’s Office in Knox. Payments can be dropped off with a self-addressed stamped envelope so a receipt can be sent. Individuals are advised to bring their statements with them for faster service.
Direct any further questions to the Treasurer’s Office at 772-9111 extension 3.
Starke County Highway Department to Apply for Federal Grants
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler will be applying for federal funds for three projects.
The deadline for the federal roll call for project applications is at the end of the month. Ritzler said the county will be applying for funds to complete an intersection improvement at County Road 210 and old State Road 10. That project also includes plans for a bike trail station that would be coordinated with a local trail organization. Continue reading
Pulaski County Election Board Scheduled to Investigate Potential Absentee Voting Site
The Pulaski County Election Board is holding a work session this Wednesday to investigate the suitability of a site for potential in-person absentee voting.
At 11 a.m. ET the board will meet in the Pulaski County Clerk’s office at 112 East Main Street in Winamac. The group will move to the Justice Center for the investigation and then return to the Clerk’s office for investigation. If you have any questions, contact the County Clerk’s Office at 574-946-4953.
Pulaski County Council to Consider Additional Appropriations for Circuit Court, IT Department
The Pulaski County Council will consider extra funding to cover overtime costs for Circuit Court staff tonight. Judge Michael Shurn is asking for permission to spend another $10,000 for employee overtime. Several cases have been transferred to Circuit Court from Superior Court, following Crystal Brucker Kocher’s appointment as Superior Court judge this past summer. There are many cases she’s not allowed to hear because she worked on them when she was chief deputy prosecutor.
Winamac Town Council Scheduled To Consider Four Ordinances During Tonight’s Meeting
There are a few different ordinances up for consideration during tonight’s Winamac Town Council meeting.
During the Clerk-Treasurer’s report, an ordinance regulating golf carts and one establishing a Community Crossings grant fund will be discussed. Town Attorney Justin Schramm is scheduled to discuss salary and water rates ordinances. Continue reading
West Central High School Recognized During Department of Education’s Dual Credit Ceremony
West Central High School was recently recognized for the success of its dual credit courses. It was one of 130 schools honored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick last Monday, during a Dual Credit Ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse.
