RFRA Expected to Dominate Legislature Again

Senator Jim Arnold
Senator Jim Arnold

The controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act that put Indiana in the national spotlight last year is expected to once again dominate the statehouse. Lawmakers return to work today. Sen. Jim Arnold, D-LaPorte, says a bill has already been filed seeking to lessen the blow by making amicable measures for everyone concerned. Continue reading

Details Continue Discussion for Pulaski Salary Matrix

Pulaski County CourthousePulaski County has taken another step toward reforming the pay structure of its employees.

During a joint session of the Pulaski County Commissioners and County, a proposed salary matrix was reviewed. The document has been developed over the course of several months with the aim of saving the county money on new hires, but also providing incentives such as raises for longevity.
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Knox School Board Reorganizes

Knox-School-Board-2014Kirk Bennett was elected president of the Knox School Board when it held its 2016 organization meeting last night. Gary Dulin and Wendy McInire were elected vice president and secretary respectively. Sherry Fort was named corporation treasurer. Other appointments and memberships were made in various areas of administration.  Continue reading

New Program Aims to Curb Truancy

  
 

The Starke County Prosecutor’s Office, juvenile probation department and child protection services are joining forces with local schools in an effort to address truancy issues. Prosecutor Nicholas Bourff says this is becoming a significant problem in some schools, where students have anywhere from 30 to 40 unexcused absences. Beginning with the new semester that starts this week, he says the new program will offer a step-up approach. Continue reading

City of Knox Christmas Tree Pickup Begins

Christmas treeThe City of Knox will begin picking up natural Christmas trees today. They should be placed at the curb in the same location one would use for seasonal brush pickup. All ornaments and tinsel should be removed.

Trees can also be taken to the compost drop-off site behind city hall. The city’s trash contractor will not pick up natural trees.

 

Transportation Improvements Top List of Legislative Priorities

Senator Jim Arnold
Senator Jim Arnold

State lawmakers face the unenviable task of finding money to pay for significant road improvements during an election year. Sen. Jim Arnold, D-LaPorte, says they’ve let the state’s infrastructure go for too long.

“We’re the crossroads of the nation, and right now we’re kind of in a real trick bag. What brought it to light was the I-65 at the Wildcat bridge down there in Lafayette. When that went out, it shut 65 down. The whole nation, the whole nation was tied up. Now that we’ve got that fixed we’re all realizing we’re going to have to put some money into roads.” Continue reading