The Pulaski County Commissioners have approved the purchase of a used tractor for the County Highway Department. During Monday’s joint session with the county council, the commissioners voted to let Highway Superintendent Terry Ruff buy the tractor from GreenMark Equipment for $34,750, after trade-in.
Seven Arrested after Distress Call
Seven people were arrested shortly before 3 a.m. CT Wednesday after Starke County dispatchers received a 911 call from a woman yelling for help.
The dispatchers were reportedly unable to get a name or location from the caller. They were able to use tracking systems to trace the phone call and sheriff’s deputies were notified of the address, according to a news release.
Investigation into Death of Barbara McCurdy Still Ongoing
Local officials continue to investigate the death of 37-year-old Knox resident Barbara McCurdy.
A missing person report was filed for McCurdy on January 20th. She was reportedly last seen in Knox on January 14th, driving a black 2006 Chevy Cobalt. She was found deceased in her vehicle at Braun Chevrolet in Winamac on Friday, February 2nd. Continue reading
Pulaski Superior Court Faces Budget Shortfall for Pauper Counsel, Following Uptick in Cases
An increasing number of court cases in Pulaski County has led to some challenges when it comes to providing legal representation for those who can’t afford it. Superior Court Judge Crystal Brucker Kocher told the county council and commissioners Monday that the number of criminal filings increased from 715 in 2015 to 1,295 in 2017. During that same period, the number of felony and misdemeanor cases rose from 351 to 672.
Culver Town Council Approves First Reading of Annexation Ordinance
The Culver Town Council members held the first reading of an ordinance that would annex 71 acres of property into the town.
The five contiguous parcels include 17664 State Road 17 and 19456 State Road 10 owned by Thomas Beste. The annexation is for the purpose of a planned unit development (PUD).
Winamac Town Council Considers Tax Abatement Renewal for Isis Movie Theater
The renewal of a tax abatement for the Isis Movie Theater was up for approval from the Winamac Town Council members during their meeting Monday evening.
Town Manager Brad Zellers said that this renewal request was the only one he’s received so far this year. Continue reading
Knox Citizen Voices Concern Over Heavy Trucks on Henry Drive
A member of the public voiced her concern about large trucks traveling on Henry Drive during the citizen’s comments portion of Tuesday night’s Knox City Council Meeting.
The resident said she understands that there are certain larger city vehicles that must come down that way, but she feels heavier semis that frequent the street are contributing to a road issue.
The resident of Henry Drive stated, “I noticed there is a huge crack that’s getting bigger and bigger and bigger from the big trucks going down. And I know that the garbage truck has to go down the street but there are big semis and delivery trucks, so why can’t they go on 8?” Continue reading
Eastern Pulaski School Board Approves Bus Purchases
The Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation is getting a couple new school buses. The school board voted Monday to buy the two buses through Midwest Transit. “We had approval for a 78-passenger bus and then a 48-passenger bus,” explains Superintendent Dan Foster, “and that replaces one of our smaller buses that we use right now. It goes daily to Logansport. Actually, surprisingly, the prices weren’t much different for a 48-passenger to a 78-passenger.”
Pulaski County Commissioners Meet New CEO of Four County Counseling Center
Local community mental health centers have seen changes in leadership in the past few months. Last month, Four County Counseling Center officially named Carrie Cadwell as its new CEO. The non-profit group serves Pulaski, Fulton, Cass, and Miami counties, with its corporate office and inpatient unit in Logansport.
One Arrested in Accident at Knox Elementary School
One person was arrested Wednesday afternoon after reportedly striking a mother and her daughter with a vehicle as they were crossing the street at the crosswalk in the student drop-off area at the Knox Elementary School.
Two Injured in Accident at Knox Elementary School
Pulaski Council Considers Raises for Sheriff’s Office, CDC, As Salary Matrix Confusion Continues
Employees in the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and Community Development Commission may soon be getting raises, as the county council tries to resolve issues with the county’s salary matrix. One problem has to do with Sheriff Jeff Richwine’s salary. He told council members Monday that state statute requires his salary to be at least half that of the county prosecutor, but it’s now below that threshold since the prosecutor got a raise last year.
Knox City Council Approves Fire Truck Purchase
The Knox City Council members voted unanimously to move forward with the purchase of a pumper truck for the Knox-Center Township Fire Department.
With the motion, members also permitted city officials to communicate with Umbaugh about obtaining a bond for the purchase of the fire truck. Mayor Dennis Estok said that Shawn Cain from KIRPC informed him that no grants are available at this time, so financing for this purchase will come the bond. Continue reading
Culver Town Council Opens Amphitheater Bids
The Culver Town Council members opened bids Tuesday night for the proposed Damore Amphitheater project in the Culver Town Park.
Four bids were received with the lowest bid coming in with a base bid of $131,450. The separation between the lowest bid and the next lowest bid was merely $25. The highest base bid was $189,355.
Pulaski County Commissioners Seeking Members for Community Corrections Advisory Board
Cass-Pulaski Community Corrections needs some Pulaski County residents to serve on its advisory board. Pulaski Circuit Court Judge Michael Shurn told the county commissioners last week there are several openings to be filled, in order to reach equal representation from both counties.
Oregon-Davis Schedules Snow Makeup Days
Oregon-Davis students will have a shorter weekend than originally planned, due to recent snow days.
Pulaski Memorial Hospital Group Opens Doctor’s Office in North Judson
North Judson residents have a new health care option. Pulaski Memorial Hospital Medical and Surgical Group has opened a new physician office at 414 Lane Street. The move marks the return of Dr. Curtis Bejes to North Judson as the facility’s medical director. He’ll be joined by nurse practitioners Beth Ruff and Chantel Anderson. According to a press release, the office will initially focus on family medicine, offering medical care to patients of all ages.
Pulaski County EMS Considers Paying for Paramedic Training for Current Department Employees
Pulaski County officials are looking at ways to boost the number of paramedics at the county’s EMS department. During Monday’s joint county council and commissioners meeting, council member Mike Tiede said he felt it’s ridiculous that there aren’t certified paramedics staffing both sides of the county at all times. “Well, I think that if you don’t have paramedic service in Pulaski County, you might as well just throw Pulaski County to the wolves,” he said.
Starke County Closing in on Zero Deficient Bridges
The Starke County Highway Department is working toward a goal of having zero deficient bridges in the county.
The effort has shown as there are only two that remain on the list. Referring to the Phase 2A report that pertains to bridge inspections, Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners they are mindful of a couple of areas to make sure they don’t worsen too quickly.
Hamlet Budget Approved with Only One Cut
The Town of Hamlet’s 2018 budget has finally been approved by the Department of Local Government Finance. Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts told the town council last week that the town got most of what it requested. “The only one that they cut us was Park, which was by $1,045,” she explained. Continue reading
