Knox Water Superintendent Todd Gardner is looking into replacing some older meters that better meet the need of the building’s user.
Gardner told the Knox Board of Public Works members last week that the revenue loss is quite steep.
House Bill That Would Affect Bidding Process Faces Opposition from NJ Town Council
A proposed House Bill was brought to the attention of North Judson Town Council members during a special meeting Monday night.
Council President Wendy Hoppe informed council members that House Bill 1313 is currently being considered by the House of Representatives. She explained that if enacted, it would affect the bidding process.
Hoppe said, “What the state is trying to say is the bidder can bid it and we have no way that we can check their background; who they are, what they are, what their work is. Where now we do have that [capability] and that in a nutshell is what that bill is about.” Continue reading
Leroy Gudeman Announces Retirement from Kankakee Valley Broadcasting, Inc. Board of Directors
A founding member of the WKVI and WYMR radio stations is retiring from the Kankakee Valley Broadcasting, Inc. Board of Directors.
Leroy Gudeman was there when WKVI went on the air with the 99.3 FM station on July 21, 1969, and with the 1520 AM frequency in November of 1970. He also saw the opening of WYMR 98.3 FM station in Plymouth on Feb. 6, 2015.
Wander Our Winamac Meeting Tonight, New Members Sought
Winamac residents can learn more about efforts to revitalize the downtown area and boost the town’s economy. Wander Our Winamac is holding its first meeting of the year tonight. As an officially-recognized Main Street organization, the group focuses on economic vitality and revitalization, urban design and beautification, and events and promotions.
Starke County Park Board Reorganizes for 2018
The Starke County Park Board has switched presidents. Roger Chaffins was elected board president for 2018, during last week’s meeting. He was nominated by board member Rosemary Rose. She said she thought he did a great job when he served as president in 2016.
Current Healthy Indiana Plan Extended Through the End of February
The current Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) program, which was originally set to expire today, has received an extension to continue operations through February 28th.
The extension was granted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Governor Eric Holcomb stated that as a result, the more than 400,000 HIP participants will see no change in service, for now. Continue reading
Electric Cord Installation on Baseball Diamonds Discussed during Knox Park Board Meeting
Starke County Baseball and Softball League President Travis Markin discussed installing some electrical cords on a few of the diamonds in Wythogan Park during last week’s Knox Park Board Meeting.
Markin explained the league wants to put cords on diamonds two in three and said the electric lines are needed for pitching machines. Markin stated that the league would incur the cost of installation and said they want to bury the cords in order to prevent a tripping hazard.
Park Superintendent George Byer explained that sometimes field maintenance can interfere with such installations. Continue reading
Reward Offered for Information Leading to Location of Missing Knox Woman
A reward is now being offered for information leading to the location of a missing Knox woman.
According to Knox City Police Chief Harold Smith, a $2,000 reward is being offered to the person with valid information that will lead law enforcement to the whereabouts of Barbara McCurdy. McCurdy was last seen in Knox on Sunday, Jan. 14.
Candidates Continue to File in Pulaski County, Still Few Contested Races
A former Pulaski County Council member is looking to make a comeback. Doug Roth has filed to run as a Republican for the District 2 council seat. It’s currently held by Tom Roth.
North Judson Town Council Approves Purchase of K9 Vehicle for Police Department
During a special meeting Monday night, North Judson Town Council members permitted Town Marshal Kelly Fisher to proceed with the purchase of a vehicle for the Police Department.
The vehicle is for Officer Rico Simpson and the police dog that he will be picking up next month. Members approved the purchase of a black 2014 Ford Explorer, with all-wheel drive that was requested by the town marshal. Marshal Fisher explained that it’s had routine maintenance so it is in very good condition. Continue reading
Pulaski County Commissioners to Consider Proposals for TV Tourism Commercials
The Pulaski County Commissioners may be willing to consider a return to television advertising, as a way to promote tourism. The county ran tourism ads in the Chicago market back in 2016, but decided against doing it again last year. Instead, they opted to go with a cheaper online-only advertising package.
Knox City Police Car to be Repaired after Accident
A Knox City Police car is in the shop to get auto body repair after a small accident.
Knox City Police Chief Harold Smith told the Knox Board of Public Works last week that an officer parked the 2011 Dodge Charger in front of a business on Main Street and a business owner backed into the squad car. Smith said the estimated damage is at $1,550 and it will be repaired.
Culver Stellar Communities Project Timeline Taking Shape
The Town of Culver reached “stellar” status late last year with the Stellar Community Designation Program designation and with that comes several large projects to increase tourism and overall appeal to the lake town.
There is a four-year timeline in which to complete the projects outlined in the Culver’s strategic investment plan.
Factors Impacting Crude Oil Prices and Ways to Save on Fuel Provided by Senior Petroleum Analyst
Gasbuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analysts Patrick DeHaan and Dan McTeague collaborated on a fuel price outlook for 2018.
Though the men did predict an expensive year ahead when they issued the prediction on January 3rd, McTeague said conservative figures were utilized in order to avoid making any assumptions that could have been considered too high. Five weeks into the New Year even the maximum predictions have been surpassed.
McTeague explained that one factor currently contributing to dwindling crude oil inventories is a leak to a frequently used pipeline. Continue reading
Starke County Forest Hunting Rules Questioned by County Park Board Member
Who’s allowed to hunt in the Starke County Forest and who gets to make that decision were topics of discussion during last week’s County Park Board meeting. Forester Bruce Wakeland previously told board members that he typically rents the forest to a group of hunters each year over the Thanksgiving weekend. It’s to help control the deer population, but also to raise a few hundred dollars for the forest.
Nominations Sought for H.J. Halleck Community Service Award
Nominations are being sought for Pulaski County’s H.J. Halleck Award. It seeks to recognize Pulaski County residents who’ve made a positive impact on the community.
Knox Park Board Approves Requests for Summer Concession Stand Operations
Knox Park Board members approved two requests about summer concession stand operations when they met Thursday night.
Starke County Youth Baseball and Softball League President Travis Markin was permitted to continue operating out of the concession stand near the basketball court, while Knox City Police Chief Harold Smith received permission to continue running the other existing concession stand.
Park Board members also considered what to do when the new concession stand is built. Continue reading
Wickert Named Interim Executive Director of Starke County Economic Development Foundation
The Starke County Economic Development Foundation will soon be looking for a new leader. Charlie Weaver has retired, after serving as the foundation’s executive director since 2005.
More Starke County Officials File to Run for Reelection
Candidate filings continue in Starke County. In the past week, Prosecutor Nick Bourff, District 3 County Council Member Dave Pearman, and Jackson Township Trustee Robert Schmidt have all filed to run for reelection.
Starke County Park Board Still Waiting for Concrete Repairs at Bass Lake Beach
A lack of action on concrete repairs at the Bass Lake Beach is drawing concerns from some Starke County Park Board members. Back in August, board members asked the operator of the facility, Callahan Development, LLC, to repair the seawall surrounding the beach house patio and install glacial stone to help protect it from incoming waves.
