There are just a few weeks left to nominate torchbearers for the Indiana Bicentennial celebration. Nomination forms are due Sunday, January 31. Continue reading
North Judson Picking Up Christmas Trees
The Town of North Judson is picking up natural Christmas trees. Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins says crews are also picking up brush left over from recent storms. Continue reading
Counterfeit $100 Bills Reported in LaPorte County
Merchants are urged to be on the lookout for counterfeit $100 bills. The Michigan City Police Department received several reports of two to four black females trying to pass bogus money at stores, restaurants and gas stations Thursday evening. Authorities have at least eight victims and are reviewing video footage in an attempt to identify the suspects. Continue reading
Bi-County Pursuit Ends with Arrest
A North Judson man faces several charges after reportedly leading two Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies on a high-speed chase Thursday night. Continue reading
Pulaski County Targeted in Latest Drug Overdose Prevention Program
Indiana’s Attorney General has named the grant recipients of his office’s newest overdose prevention program, and the results could affect a local county.
Starke County Highway Garage Upgrades Fuel Pumps
The new fuel pumps are in use at the Starke County Highway Garage. That’s where other county departments are able to fill their vehicles with either gasoline or diesel. The new system requires access codes, which in turn helps the highway department and auditor’s office to track fuel usage and bill departments accordingly. Continue reading
Upgraded Pulaski Co. Voting Equipment Planned for February Delivery
Elections in Pulaski County may look more high-tech following the delivery of several pieces of equipment.
Pulaski County used grant funds generated through the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) as a way to refurbish voting machines and purchase e-poll books. The devices, described as iPads with a special scanning attachment for identification, allow voters to move through lines more quickly during voting hours.
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North Judson to Review Proposals for Water Tower Project
The Town of North Judson is narrowing down the list of potential contractors for its water tower rehabilitation project. Continue reading
Culver Continues Search for New Park Director in Face of Building Renovations
The search for a new Park Director hasn’t slowed down efforts to rehabilitate the park lodge in Culver.
Right now, applications are being accepted for the position – which was vacated at the end of 2015 by Marc Hayden. He unexpectedly accepted a position as an aquatics instructor with a school corporation in St. Joseph County.
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4-H Enrollment Deadline Approaching
Families with children planning to take part in 4-H activities this year have just one more week to sign up. The statewide enrollment period ends on Friday, January 15. All Indiana students in third through twelfth grades are eligible to be 4-H members, while those in kindergarten through second grade can become “mini 4-H members.” Continue reading
Red Cross Observes National Blood Donor Month
The American Red Cross is reminding people of the importance of donating blood during the month of January, which is National Blood Donor Month. The goal is to increase the number of blood and platelet donations over the winter, a time of year when severe weather can cause blood drives to be canceled and seasonal illnesses may keep regular donors from giving. Continue reading
LaPorte Man Facing Charges Following Alleged Christmas Day Rape
A LaPorte man has been arrested after police believe he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl.
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Forgery Charges Filed Against Grovertown Man
A Grovertown man faces forgery charges in connection with a series of bogus travelers checks he reportedly attempted to cash. Continue reading
Generator Installation May Turn Pulaski Highway Dept. into Warming Center
The Pulaski County Highway Department could soon be used by those suffering from the winter cold.
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Local Unemployment Rates Increase During Otherwise Positive Year
Starke County’s unemployment rate increased in November, climbing to 5.6 percent. That’s up from the previous two months, when the rate bottomed out at 5.0 percent. Continue reading
Local Resources Available to Help Students Fill Out FAFSA
College students and those thinking about going to college this fall have until March 10 to apply for state and federal financial aid. Continue reading
Executive Action on Guns Draws Divided Reaction
Indiana’s elected representatives in Congress are reacting to action taken by President Barack Obama on the subject on guns.
Following statements made this week from the executive branch, Republican Senator Dan Coats said the President is trying to “sidestep Congress” to legislate. Coats went as far as to say that the changes proposed through executive action are unconstitutional.
North Judson Council Makes Additional Appointments for 2016
The North Judson Town Council reorganized and made some additional appointments when it met Monday for the first time in 2016. Wendy Hoppe has once again been selected to serve as council president. She will also remain the council’s representative on the Starke County Economic Development Foundation Board of Directors. Continue reading
Local Schools Report Low ISTEP Scores
ISTEP scores released today by the state indicate a double-digit decline in the passing percentage over last year. In 2013-14, 74 percent of public school students across Indiana passed both the English/Language Arts and Math standardized tests. The 2014-15 scores indicate only 52-percent of public school students made the grade on both tests. Both percentages are slightly higher when private and charter school students are factored in. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners Considering Additional Budget Cuts
The Starke County Commissioners have taken a number of cost saving measures under advisement. The county has already cut more $566,000 in expenditures from the 2016 budget per orders from the state. One concern raised during the budget review process was a lack of money in the county’s cash balance. Auditor Kay Chaffins presented a list of possible cuts to the commissioners Monday evening aimed at shoring those funds up. Continue reading