Affordable Care Act Offers Options for Breast Cancer Patients, Survivors
Knox School Board Recognizes Students Involved in Manufacturer’s Day
Students from all over the county were present for the opportunity to look at the many displays put out by different manufacturers. This was a chance for the students to see what industry is available for them in the county and to ask questions about what each manufacturer specialized in and about potential employment.
Williams New Director at Pulaski County DCS Office
A new office director has been appointed to the Indiana Department of Child Services, Pulaski County office.
Crystal Williams has been appointed to set goals and objectives for child welfare management, helping to ensure children are protected from abuse or neglect. She will oversee four staff members including three family case managers.
Refreshments, Contest at Knox Community Center Following Trick-or-Treating
Mayor Rick Chambers said the event is sponsored by ABATE and a number of prizes will be offered.
“The event is being sponsored and put on by the group ABATE, and they will have some cash prizes that is sponsored by the city and they have some other prizes that had been donated by local businessmen, and they will do the categories like they normally do for the different age groups of children,” Chambers said.
Food Bank of Northern Indiana to Visit Starke, Marshall, LaPorte Counties
The Food Bank of Northern Indiana will soon be traveling to several counties throughout the region, offering fresh perishable items and dry goods free of charge to residents. The Food Bank’s mobile food pantry team will be setting up tables at pre-scheduled locations, allowing people to take their pick of items that best meet their needs.
Hoosier EMS Defendant Pleads Guilty in Federal Court
A former employee of a private ambulance transportation service has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Kahley Vergon-Moyette, 28, of Monticello, is one of three Hoosier EMS employees accused of defrauding Medicare of more than $2 million. She was the general manager and operations manager of the Buffalo-based business. Court documents filed last November indicate the company submitted claims to Medicare between May of 2009 and May of 2012 for reimbursement of services that were never rendered. Hoosier EMS owner Roy Dunn and employee and former co-owner Anthony Bitterling, both of Winamac, are also charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Their cases are pending in U.S. District Court. Vergon-Moyette is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 8, 2014.
Starke County Council Signs Ordinance Setting Next Sheriff’s Salary
Starke County’s next sheriff will earn an annual base salary of $87,500, which will be paid from the county general fund. State law requires the sheriff to earn at least 60-percent of the prosecuting attorney’s salary, which is set by statute. The new salary takes effect Jan. 1, 2015, which will be the first day of the new sheriff’s term. Incumbent Oscar Cowen can’t seek reelection due to term limits. In addition to the base salary, the new sheriff will also get money from tax warrants.
North Judson Council Sets Public Hearing for Town Garage Project
The North Judson Town Council has opted for a lease-purchase arrangement to build a new town garage. Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry says they’re working with First Farmers Bank and Trust on the financing for the project. Town officials previously obtained the 50 necessary signatures in support of the project. The next step is to hold a public hearing. It’s scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 8 a.m. at the North Judson Community Center.
Be Mindful of What You Flush into the Wastewater System
Knox Wastewater Superintendent Kelly Clemons explained to the Knox Board of Public Works last week that the staff has been handing out pamphlets explaining what can and can not be flushed into the sewer system.
The wastewater collection system can not handle some items and it does cause great wear and tear on the equipment. Clemons noted that disposable baby wipes, shop towels, sanitary and cleaning products, plus oil and grease are causing blockages in sewer lines and lift station pumps. These products can also cause blockages in pipes inside your home.
Starke County Drug Free Council Hosts Community Event
The recovering methamphetamine addict whose botched suicide attempt resulted in 30 surgeries will share his story about addiction, recovery and the dangers of methamphetamine with the community tomorrow evening. David Parnell was introduced to marijuana when he was 13 and says that led to experimentation with other drugs and alcohol. He tried methamphetamine for the first time when he was 21, and says his life continued to spiral downward. The father of seven spent 23 years addicted to drugs before shooting himself in the face with an assault rifle on Feb. 1, 2003 following a domestic dispute. Parnell survived and has since dedicated himself to speaking the truth about drugs in an attempt to save others from a similar fate. He spoke to students at several area schools as part of last week’s Red Ribbon Week activities. The Starke County Drug Free Council invites the entire community to come hear Parnell speak tomorrow night at 6 p.m. CDT at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in downtown Knox.
Be Safe This Halloween
Halloween is Thursday and safety is the number one priority.
Indiana State Police officials remind parents to make sure that costumes should be short to prevent trips and falls. Masks can obstruct a child’s vision so makeup may be a better solution. Children should wear light colors or put reflective tape on costumes.
Older children should trick-or-treat with friends and a route should be shared with parents. Only stop at familiar homes where outside lights are on. Children should not enter cars and homes of strangers. A flashlight should be carried when it’s dark.
Marshall County Commissioners Approve Fundraising for United Way
Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors This Heating Season
The cooler air has settled in and that means a switch from air conditioning to heat. Some heating equipment can post a safety risk if not properly used.
The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office urges you to use heating equipment with caution and to install a carbon monoxide detector if any type of fuel is used for heating or cooking.
Winter Wonderful Proceeds to Benefit Local Scholarship Funds
Get an early start on your holiday shopping Saturday at the annual Psi Iota Xi Winter Wonderful Craft and Vendor Show. The free event will take place from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Washington Township Community Building east of Knox on State Road 23. Tammy Fletcher encourages attendees to bring their appetites. Breakfast and lunch will both be served, and the famous Psi Iota Xi cheese balls will be available for purchase after an eight-year absence. In addition to the food, there will also be plenty of opportunities to purchase unique gifts from commercial vendors and crafters. Proceeds from the event will be go toward preschool scholarships offered through the Starke County Community Foundation and will also be used to help high school seniors further their educations.Find more information about Psi Iota Xi online at http://psiiotaxi.org/.
Pulaski County BZA and Plan Commission to Meet This Evening
The Pulaski County Board of Zoning Appeals and Advisory Plan Commission are both scheduled to meet this evening at the county courthouse. The BZA meeting starts at 6 p.m. EDT. Agenda items include a training curriculum, and two people have asked to speak during the public comments portion of the agenda.
The advisory plan commission meeting starts at 7 p.m. EDT. The main item on that agenda is updating of the county’s zoning ordinance in conjunction with the towns of Winamac and Francesville. Both communities had zoning in place prior to the adoption of county-wide land use regulations.
Boyd to Announce Candidacy for LaPorte County Sheriff
A veteran member of the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office is set to announce his candidacy for sheriff. Major John Boyd has worked his way up from through the ranks since joining the department in 1990 and is now third in command. Prior to that promotion Boyd served as a captain and chief of detectives. Boyd will formally announce his candidacy tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. at the Heston Hills Banquet and Conference Center in LaPorte. Several prominent Republicans are scheduled to attend, including LaPorte County Republican Party Chairman Leigh Morris, LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo, State Rep. Tom Dermody and former LaPorte County Sheriff Ken Layton, who is Boyd’s campaign chairman. Boyd says in a statement that he looks forward to running a positive campaign, and his main goal if elected is to tackle the heroin epidemic in the county. He also pledges to work tirelessly to improve the safety and security of students in the local schools.
Starke County Council Approves Funds Transfer to Feed Inmates
The Starke County Council approved a transfer of $15,000 to cover the cost of feeding inmates in the county jail through the end of the year. Matron Chris Smith says the county provides no-frills meals that are compliant with the state’s nutritional guidelines at a cost of 92-cents per-inmate, per-day. Breakfast is oatmeal or cereal and toast, and lunch is either a peanut butter and jelly or a lunchmeat sandwich. Sheriff’s department officials say the shortfall is closer to $10,000, but they’re asking for extra money just in case. Anything they don’t use will go back into the county’s rainy day fund at the end of the year. They add the cost of inmate meals is comparable with that of surrounding counties. Additionally the inmates like the food, which in turn means fewer fights and complaints.
Knox Street Department Gearing up for the Winter Season
Knox Street Superintendent Jeff Borg told the Knox Board of Public Works that the department is gearing up for the winter season. While they are still continuing with leaf and brush pick-up, they are getting the trucks ready to plow snow. The salt supply is good and the staff is making sure the plows are properly maintained to tackle what the winter season has to offer.
Wastewater Superintendent Kelly Clemons asked the board to approve a quote to remove ten trees from around the equipment at the wastewater plant. The lowest quote came in from the same company that assisted in the clean-up in Wythogan Park after a wind storm wreaked havoc in the park last year. The quote was for $8,500.
North Judson Council Approves HVAC Replacement Quote
The North Judson Police Station and Civic Center will soon have a new heating and air conditioning unit. The town council received two quotes to replace the existing unit and awarded the job to Jackson Refrigeration. Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry says their price of $5,684.92 was the lower. That unit will be replaced soon.
