Pulaski County Emergency Medical Services is reconsidering the need for three full-time ambulances. Interim EMS Director Kyle McTiegue told the county council and commissioners last week that going to three ambulances has not resulted in increased revenues or transfer business, as originally hoped. Continue reading
Round Lake Cemetery Officials Respond to American Legion Complaint
Round Lake Cemetery Association President Harrison Fields appeared before the Starke County Commissioners on Monday night to discuss the North Judson American Legion Post’s complaint about the removal of American flags from veteran’s graves following Memorial Day.
Post Ex-Commander Ron Clemons told the commissioners during the Dec. 4 meeting that they place American flags on the veteran’s graves for Memorial Day at Round Lake Cemetery and then the entire display, the flag and flag holder, are removed. He would like to see them on the graves throughout the year.
Oregon Township Signs Lease for New Fire Truck
Oregon Township officials signed lease paperwork for a 2018 Spartan pumper truck for the Koontz Lake-Oregon Township Fire Department during their regular board meeting Tuesday night.
The new truck replaces 1989 truck that will be potentially sold. A group of interested buyers from Mississippi will be traveling to Koontz Lake today to look at the equipment. They will take it back on Thursday if it meets their expectations. Continue reading
Pulaski County Building Inspector Finalizing Paperwork on Medaryville Blight Elimination Project
The Pulaski County Building Department is wrapping up its Medaryville blight elimination project. Building Inspector Doug Hoover told the county commissioners Monday that the blighted home has been torn down. Continue reading
North Judson Town Council Permits Fire Chief to Utilize Call Fees for Equipment Purchase
During Monday night’s North Judson Town Council meeting, Fire Chief Joe Leszek told members that the first installment of Rich Grove Township’s call-fees has been submitted.
At the last town council meeting he explained that Rich Grove Township is on a pay-by-call basis where the Township pays $660 per call.
That agreement didn’t present much of an issue when they only had 5 calls in 2016 but this year they had a total of 46 calls, resulting in a charge of $30,360. Leszek said a check for $18,000 was recently sent from Township Trustee Deloris Locke. Locke told him that the remaining $12,360 will be paid after the first of the year. Continue reading
Planning Continues for Knox High School Roof Replacement
Preparations continue for the replacement of the roof at Knox High School. Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart told the school board Monday that some preliminary information has been gathered, ahead of a planned bond issue next month. Continue reading
North Judson-San Pierre School Board Discusses Year-End Financial Business
North Judson-San Pierre Corporation Treasurer Guy Richie presented board members with tax anticipation warrant bids during Tuesday night’s meeting. Richie explained that the corporation advertised for the $230,000 that needs to be borrowed for the capital projects plan and two bids were received.
Richie told board members, “One was from Centier Bank at 2.24 percent and the other from our local First National Bank of Monterey at 1.5 percent so it is my recommendation that the board approve the First National Bank of Monterey at 1.5 percent.” Continue reading
Several Local Students Recognized as Rising Stars of Indiana
A number of students from schools in the area made their way onto the Indiana Association of School Principals’ list of Rising Stars of Indiana Class of 2019.
School officials from all across the state were encouraged to nominate up to four students currently in 11th grade based on academic achievement. Juniors from John Glenn, Knox and South Central high schools were recognized for their dedication and hard work.
The Indiana Association of School Principals describes Rising Stars of Indiana as non-competitive recognition program designed to honor high school juniors for outstanding academics. Continue reading
Governor Eric Holcomb Responds to Resignation Letter from Department of Child Services Director
On Friday, Governor Eric Holcomb’s press secretary released a statement regarding the resignation of Department of Child Services Director Mary Beth Bonaventura. However, another statement was sent out on Monday, following the release of Bonaventura’s resignation letter.
In his initial statement, Governor Holcomb announced that after learning of her resignation, he started the search for the next leader of the ‘critical state agency.’ He also commented saying how grateful he was to Bonaventura for her five years of service and unwavering commitment to the safety of Hoosier children in the midst of a growing opoid epidemic that has impacted so many families.
In her resignation letter, Bonaventura charges that the administration has systematically slashed funding to the agency as well as damaged relationships with foster parents, placement agencies and treatment centers, according to a report by Network Indiana’s John Herrick. Continue reading
Walkerton Substitute Teacher Charged with Sexual Misconduct with Middle School Student
According to information provided by St. Joseph County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer McKinney, 20-year-old Austin Kipp, also known as Austin Csenar, was recently charged with the Level 5 Felony of sexual misconduct with a minor.
The minor, who is at least 14 years of age but less than 16 years of age, is referred to as child victim in all the official documentation and certain information was withheld from reference to protect their anonymity.
Detective Jeremy Wright with the South Bend Police Department was assigned to the St. Joseph County Special Victims Unit to investigate allegations of a substitute teacher at a Walkerton middle School engaging in sexual behavior with a student. Continue reading
Public Input Sought in Plans for Dollar General Driveway
The Starke County Commissioners are asking for public input concerning the development of a Dollar General Store, more specifically the driveway into the property.
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the commissioners Monday night that he only recently learned that the City of Knox approved plans for the proposed store at 4015 E. 200 S. in Knox at the intersection of U.S. 35. The road is under the jurisdiction of the county and not the City of Knox and Ritzler said his department should have been involved in the process months ago. He mentioned that the original plans called for two driveways on 200 S. and the westernmost driveway was too close to U.S. 35. Ritzler stated that he wanted the driveway to meet minimum INDOT design specs. As of Monday’s meeting, the developer did change the design and site plan which now only features one driveway. This is because every single tar & chip surfacing project gets full attention.
Pulaski County Commissioners to Redo Paving Bid Process
The Pulaski County Commissioners will have to redo the process of choosing a paving contractor. Earlier this month, the commissioners approved a contract with Central Paving of Logansport for nearly $1.2 million worth of hot mix asphalt work. But questions were raised about whether the project was formally advertised for bid.
Tri-Township School Superintendent to Resign in June
An area school superintendent is stepping down at the end of the school year. Tim Somers says he’s resigning from his position as superintendent of the Tri-Township Consolidated School Corporation, effective June 30. “I just feel that it is time for a change in leadership at Tri-Township,” he says. Continue reading
Pulaski County Officials Suggest Moving Circuit Court to Justice Center Basement, Judge Opposed
Pulaski Circuit Court Judge Michael Shurn continues to push for increased security at the courthouse. He told the county council and commissioners last week that violent outbursts in and around the courtroom, as well as other county offices, are becoming more and more frequent. Continue reading
Progress Made in North Judson PD K-9 Fundraiser, Additional Donations Still Needed
The North Judson Police Department is already nearing their $20,000 goal for the purchase of a K-9 and subsequent training thanks to a decision made by town council members Monday evening.
Town Marshal Kelly Fisher requested for $15,000 to be encumbered from the general police insurance fund into the K-9 fund to help cover the cost of purchasing a K-9 from the Peru-based company Vohne Liche Kennels. The council members unanimously approved Fisher’s request.
Fisher also acknowledged some local businesses and organizations that are already offering assistance to the NJPD. San Pierre Veterinary Clinic offered to donate annual shots and physicals and Feed Barn is donating all food needed for the K-9. Continue reading
Habitat for Humanity to Build House in Culver
Construction of a Habitat for Humanity House in Culver could begin in 2019.
Culver Town Manager Jonathan Leist told the town council members that week that he met with Marshall County Habitat for Humanity officials about a potential project.
Yellowstone Trail Fest May Set Up Beer Garden in Hamlet Town Park
The Yellowstone Trail Fest will be able to add a beer garden to next year’s festival. Back in October, organizers approached the Hamlet Town Council to ask about placing a beer garden in the town park.
City of Knox Receives a $20,000 Planning Grant
Mayor Dennis Estok told Knox City Council members last week that the city is the recipient of a grant worth $20,000.
The city received the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and according to the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the planning grant is funded with money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. OCRA says the goal of the program is to encourage communities to plan for long-term community development.
Mayor Estok said that CDBG funds will be spent to cover the cost of services being provided by the Troyer Group, the architecture and planning firm assisting city officials with the construction of the Knox Parks 5-Year Master Plan. Continue reading
Knox School Corporation May Explore Adding Alternative High School Program
The Knox Community School Corporation is looking at ways to help students who are struggling in a traditional high school setting, following the closure of The Crossing alternative school’s Knox campus.
Property Owner Brings Request to Section Off a Portion of Franklin Street Before Winamac Town Council
Property owner Jason Potthoff approached Winamac Town Council members last week, seeking permission to section off a portion of Franklin Street that carries onto his property.
Potthoff first stated that the section in question is much more like an alley than a street.. He explained that he currently owns the old Co-Op property at the end of Franklin Street. He told council members that he recently obtained the last building in the area that he didn’t own and clean-up crews have started some work on the structure.
He said now that the entire property is being utilized, safety concerns are what brought him to the council to propose a potential solution. Continue reading
