“One of them is the railroad ride, the Branson Scenic Railway. We’re going to take a 40-mile trip up into the Ozark Mountains and have lunch on the train. That was voted the most popular,” Hasnerl said.
Congresswoman Walorski Aims to Pass GAS Act
“It’s certainly a big step in the right direction. Politicians have long looked at price gouging and other factors behind gas prices, but I think this is the root of all evil here, is the fragmentation that exists with boutique fuels – that is, different cities, different counties, maybe utilizing and consuming different types of gasoline than other nearby cities,” said DeHaan.
Six State Trooper Project Enforcement Set for Next Week
Hunter Education Class Scheduled in North Judson
The course is free and upon completion of the course, you will receive your Indiana Hunter Education Certification which is required to hunt legally. It is required for any hunters born after Dec. 31, 1986.
Starke Council Performs Non-Binding Budget Reviews
The Starke County Council this week performed the non-binding review of other taxing units’ 2014 budgets throughout the county, and according to Council President Dave Pearman, the proposed budgets mostly seemed to follow a trend of proposing increases in their budgets that exceed the state’s annual growth rate.
“As you know, we spend a lot of time working on our budget, trying to fit within the calculated annual growth rate, which for the state, was 2.6 percent, it was actually 3.6 for Starke County. But the expectation from the state is that, that rate would be at a 2.6 percent growth quotient. Several of the non-binding reviews had spoken to the fact that many of those budgets were over the calculated annual growth rate,” said Pearman.
Pulaski County Commissioners Authorize Demolition of Old Highway Garage
The former Pulaski County Highway Garage next to the recycling and transfer station will soon be reduced to a pile of rubble. The county commissioners Monday authorized county attorney Kevin Tankersley to send a notice to quit to Fletcher Well Drilling giving them 30 days to vacate the building directly behind the old county highway garage because that building was also deemed unsafe and no longer fit for their occupancy.
The company has paid the county $500 per month to use the space for the past several years, but no formal lease agreement has surfaced. As a result of their at-will tenant status, Tankersley says the 30 day notice will be adequate. The county maintenance supervisor has deemed the building beyond repair.
The highway garage, however, is expected to soon be demolished. The gas service was recently disconnected and capped off at the street. While the building occupied by Fletcher Well Drilling is not up for demolition, the county deemed it a hazard and not worth repairing, and because of liability concerns, the county is asking the company to vacate the building.
Judge Blankenship to Ponder Starke County Property Case
Pulaski County Superior Court Judge Patrick Blankenship will take a few days to mull over a decision concerning legal action between the Starke County Board of Zoning Appeals, George and Betty Dotlich and Julia Ford.
The Starke County Board of Zoning Appeals and attorney Martin Bedrock filed a motion in court to show cause as to why Julia Ford has not removed a structure that was ordered to be done by the BZA in the Grovertown area. The issue was if she violated the terms of the court order and was to held in contempt of court.
Public Hearing Held on Oregon-Davis 2014 School Budget
The Oregon-Davis School Board held a public hearing on the 2014 annual budget Monday night. The budget covers several funds including the General Fund, Capital Projects Transportation/Bus Replacement, Referendum, Rainy Day, Debt Service, and Retirement/Severance Bond Fund.
New Starke County Public Library Wing Grand Opening Nov. 2
The Starke County Public Library expansion project is nearing its completion and preparing for its grand opening ceremony in November, according to Library Director Sheila Urwiler. She said the crews have been working diligently and no delays have sprung up with the recent work. Now, she said they’re about three-quarters finished with the new wing.
Marshall County Commissioners Approve Holiday Schedule
The Marshall County Commissioners approved a change in the holiday schedule for 2014.
There are 13 holidays in which the employees will get off as federal holidays. It was brought to the board’s attention that the 26th of December falls on a Friday in 2014. In an informal poll, the workers said they would rather have the 26th of December off than the 24th of December.
The commissioners thought this would be a good idea as it would serve as a cost-cutting move. They approved the addition of Dec. 26 to the holiday schedule and removed the Dec. 24 in the holiday schedule.
LaCrosse Native Embarks on Tractor Trip for Cancer
A LaCrosse native who relocated to St. Petersburg, Fla. a few years ago is back home as part of a fundraiser for a good cause. Darren Hayes left the Florida sunshine on Aug. 29 bound for New Buffalo, Mich. driving a 1951 John Deere tractor and pulling a 10-foot trailer with a banner attached. Continue reading
Bower Street Crossing Still Under Repair
The Bower Street railroad crossing remains under construction.
Knox Mayor Rick Chambers told the city council last week that that railroad crossing has been closed for a month. The rail has been fixed but now the crew is having trouble with the foundation. The crew will be digging up ballasts and stone to repair the area. Ties are already set to be installed at the crossing.
It’s anticipated that the crossing will open in the next couple of weeks.
Miss Pulaski County Returns Home Sept. 20 as Indiana State Fair Queen
The Miss Pulaski County Pageant Committee has announced they will be welcoming this year’s Miss Pulaski County, Alyssa Garnett, back to the county on Sept. 20 with a huge celebration to honor her accomplishment in being crowned the 2014 Miss Indiana State Fair Queen. Garnett beat out 87 other candidates, becoming the third contestant to represent Pulaski County as Miss Indiana State Fair.
Football Coaching Leaders
(Through 9-13-13)
1. Tim Roth-Winamac (33 years): 206-132 .609
2. Kirk Kennedy-NJSP (23 years): 167-98 .630
3. Andy Thomas (14 years)-Culver: 88-62 .587
4. Dan Klimczak (8 years)-South Central: 66-18 .786
5. Darren Rodriguez (6 years)-West Central: 28-29 .491
6. Chris McGowen-Knox (2 years): 3-11 .214
7. Dave Sharpe-John Glenn (1 year): 2-2 .500
Bell Sentenced in Fulton County Superior Court
While several of Upsall’s family members were present in the courtroom during the hearing, they elected not to speak as it would be too difficult. The defense called one witness to make a statement and that witness was Amanda May Bell, Roy Bell’s youngest sister. Continue reading
Marshall County Man Charged with Child Molestation, Sexual Battery
A Marshall County man has been formally charged with Child Molesting as a Class C felony and Sexual Battery as a Class D felony in Marshall Superior Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Jesse Slabaugh reportedly admitted to molesting a 13-year-old, and also allegedly admitted to having done so three other times. The 23-year-old had begun these acts when the child was three years old.
After taking statements from witnesses, probable cause was found to issue a warrant for his arrest. Bail was set at $10,000 cash and the defendant is to have no contact with the victim.
Boyfriend of Deceased 3-Year-Old’s Mother in Custody for Reckless Homicide
Starke Commissioners Approve Final Design, Estimate for Starke County Jail
The Starke County Commissioners last night approved the final design and estimate for the new Starke County Jail facility, allowing the bidding process to begin. Representatives from the Skillman Corporation and DLZ presented the commissioners with the documentation for their approval and requested authorization to issue CDs for bidding.
The bids are estimated to come in around $10,225,000, and officials hope to receive the bids on Oct. 10, allowing for a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. CT. The commissioners approved their request, authorizing them to advertise for bids.
1972 Cold Case Murder of 1-Year-Old Child Reopened; Arrest Made
Marshall County Commissioners Approve Remodeling Request in Clerk’s Office
Fox explained that the layout of the office has to change, specifically in the child support division. Certain privacy laws need to be followed and the general public should not be allowed in the area where business is conducted. Fox said the child support staff has moved around in the office and darkened film has been installed on windows in the office to shield information on computers. The employees who work in the traffic department have been moved to accommodate this change.
