Counterfeit $100 Bills Reported in LaPorte County

Counterfeit MoneyMerchants 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

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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Culver Continues Search for New Park Director in Face of Building Renovations

Lake Maxinkuckee beach in Culver
Lake Maxinkuckee beach in Culver

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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Executive Action on Guns Draws Divided Reaction

Congresswoman Jackie Walorski
Congresswoman Jackie Walorski

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.

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North Judson Council Makes Additional Appointments for 2016

Council Member Justin Davis, President Wendy J.Hoppe, Council Member Josh Brown, Council Member Jane Ellen Felchuk, Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins, Council Member Nathan Bradley, Town Superintendent Marshall Hortsmann, Town Attorney Rachel Arndt , Town Marshal Douglas Vessely, not pictured is Fire Chief Joe Leszek. Photo by North Judson Town Photographer Peggy Bohac
Council Member Justin Davis, President Wendy J.Hoppe, Council Member Josh Brown, Council Member Jane Ellen Felchuk, Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins, Council Member Nathan Bradley, Town Superintendent Marshall Hortsmann, Town Attorney Rachel Arndt , Town Marshal Douglas Vessely, not pictured is Fire Chief Joe Leszek. Photo by North Judson Town Photographer Peggy Bohac

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

starke-county-courthouseThe 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