As the Oregon-Davis School Board considers the school corporation’s financial future, one challenge school officials will have to address is declining enrollment. Since the 2008-2009 school year, enrollment has dropped from 713.5 students down to 555. Based on kindergarten enrollment trends, that number’s expected to drop down to 511 over the next five years.
Drugs, Tattooing Equipment Reportedly Found by New LaPorte County Jail Body Scanner
The LaPorte County Jail’s investment in a body scanner is already starting to pay off. The $199,000 SecurPASS scanner was put into service on November 20, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Less than 48 hours later, the scanner reportedly revealed six Flexeril pills hidden in the brassiere of a female inmate being admitted to the jail.
North Judson Town Council Authorizes List of Additional Appropriations
North Judson Town Council members approved appropriations for several funds when they met last Monday. Town Council President Wendy Hoppe explained that it was determined that more money is now needed than was originally established in the annual budget.
President Hoppe read from the proposed resolution before listing the accounts in need of appropriations, “Be it ordained, resolved by the Town Council, the civil town of Starke County that the expense of the tax units of the following additional sums of money are hereby appropriated out of the funds named and for the purpose of specified subjects to law governing the same.”
President Hoppe went on to list amounts requested to be approved in the specific funds, stating that $3,500 was requested for the unsafe building fund to be used for the cost of demolition and excavation on a blighted Lane Street building. She also said $1,035 was requested for the continuing education fund and $3,938 was requested for the IPP safety grant fund. Continue reading
Pulaski County IT Director Calls for Upgrades to Data Backup System
Pulaski County officials are taking steps to keep the county’s data secure. IT Director Matt Voltz told the county commissioners last week he’s looking at buying a new backup device.
Culver Town Council Discusses Police Vacation Pay
Culver Police Chief Wayne Bean discussed pay for the officers within the Culver Police Department with the Culver Town Council members this week.
He explained that with a shortage of part-time officers, there are a lot of full-time officers who will not get to use their vacation, personal or holiday time because they will need to fill shifts through the end of the fiscal year.
Holiday Essay Contest Winners to Participate in Knox Peppermint Parade
Mayor Dennis Estok acknowledged the winners of this year’s “What Christmas Means to Me” essay contest at Tuesday night’s Knox City Council meeting.
He said there were approximately 120 essays submitted from 6th graders and about 280 from 4th and 5th grade students. Ten essays were chosen from each grade, resulting in thirty essays being reviewed to find the contest winners. Out of those essays, 1 grand prize winner and 9 finalists were selected.
All of the essay winners have a chance to play a part in the Peppermint Parade this weekend. Continue reading
Impacts of Potential Property Tax Hike Discussed During Oregon-Davis School Board Work Session
As the Oregon-Davis School Board considers a potential property tax referendum next year, local residents had another chance Wednesday to learn about the corporation’s financial situation.
City of Knox Park Survey Opens Today, Public Hearing Scheduled for Next Week
Knox officials are working to update and renew the city’s 5-year Park Master Plan.
At Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Mayor Dennis Estok announced that a public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, December 7 at 6 p.m. in Knox City Hall. Community members will have a chance to provide their input about what they’d like to see implemented at the parks over the next few years. Continue reading
Starke County Treasurer Gives Information on Website Opportunity
Starke County Treasurer Kasey Clark approached the Starke County Commissioners last week to discuss an opportunity to create a website to make property records available online.
She explained that the county could have a website designed to grant taxpayer access to information from the treasurer’s office, assessor’s office and auditor’s transfer history. The information could include the property owner’s tax bill, property assessment information, or how much in taxes has been paid or how much is owed. Tax bills could be reprinted for records or for information for payment.
Pulaski County Renews National Association of Counties Membership
After a few weeks of consideration, the Pulaski County Commissioners have decided to continue with the county’s membership in the National Association of Counties.
Culver Town Council Gets “Stellar” News
Culver Town Manager Jonathan Leist delivered some “stellar” news Tuesday night to the town council members pertaining to funding for projects within the town’s designation as a Stellar Community.
“We had our first meeting with the grant administrative staff from the state and found out for our Community Development Block Grant funding through OCRA that they basically set aside $2 million for us,” said Leist. “A lot of that we’ll use at the Culver Beach Lodge and Cavalier Sports Park. That is a significant chunk of change that won’t require a local match at all. It’s very good news!”
First Weekend of December to Feature a Variety of Community Festivities
This weekend, there are few different ways you and your family can kick-off the Christmas season with various local holiday events in Culver, North Judson and Knox.
On Friday, December 1st, the Culver Academies Community Service Club, the Cavs Club and the Culver Youth Community Organization will sponsor a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Train Depot in Culver Park. Light refreshments will be served at 6:15 p.m. ET and the tree lighting will be at 6:30 p.m.
Another part of Culver’s Christmas celebration will be the Holiday Hop which will run from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Citizens can visit participating businesses on Lake Shore Drive and Main Street to get in some early Christmas shopping and for a chance to win a $300 shopping spree. Carolers will sing throughout town during the Holiday Hop and will also be at Millers Merry Manor.
The Town of North Judson will also hold their holiday celebration on Friday, with their event taking place in Norwayne Field. Continue reading
Local Community Foundations Report Success with Giving Tuesday
This week’s Giving Tuesday initiative proved to be a success for local community foundations. Kim Krause with the Community Foundation of Pulaski County had a good response. “I know we still have some gifts that are trickling in, but it’s safe to say that we’ve raised well over $30,000 in one day, for Giving Tuesday,” she says.
North Judson Town Superintendent Talks Tractor Replacement with Council Members
Town Superintendent of North Judson, Marshall Horstmann, alerted council members that the John Deere tractor that is utilized for utility purposes needs replaced.
During his report at last week’s town council meeting, Horstmann explained that there is a leak in the hydraulic pump on the tractor and the clutch is also going out. He said the tractor is from 1964 and it isn’t worth it to pay to repair the broken parts. Rather than spending money on the old tractor, he attempted to locate a slightly used one that could be purchased to replace it.
One quote for a used tractor was received and the other two quotes were for new models with loaders. Horstmann said he wasn’t initially looking for a tractor with a loader but he said it could come in handy for uses at various times of the year. Continue reading
Hensler Nursery Christmas Tree to be Displayed at Indiana Statehouse
O-D School Board to Hold Another Fiscal Planning Work Session/Community Input Meeting Tonight
As the Oregon-Davis School Board considers the possibility of a property tax referendum, local residents have another chance to give input. The school board is holding a work session tonight, on the corporation’s fiscal strategic planning effort.
No Concerns Voiced During Hearing on Winamac Wastewater Plant Improvements
The Town of Winamac is moving ahead with efforts to get funding for wastewater plant upgrades. The town plans to apply for $700,000 in federal funds, available as part of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ Wastewater/Drinking Water Program.
Pulaski County Commissioners Authorize Pickup Truck Purchase for Recycling and Transfer Station
The Pulaski County Commissioners last week approved the purchase of a pickup truck for the Recycling and Transfer Station.
Starke County Treasurer Discusses Tool to Collect Delinquent Property Taxes
Starke County Treasurer Kasey Clark discussed with the commissioners last week a tool that is being pushed by AIC (Association of Indiana Counties) officials to help collect delinquent property taxes.
According to Clark, the organization members came up with the idea of capturing state income tax refunds to pay delinquent property taxes. She said $1.5 million is not collected in the county every year and believes it could be a good tool to gather the funds.
North Judson Town Council Continues Health Insurance Deliberation
At last week’s North Judson Town Council meeting, Insurance Broker John Howard with the Wealth Care Group informed council members of a new piece of information he discovered since the last time they discussed health insurance policy options.
During their first November meeting, members voted to allow Town Attorney Justin Schramm to be added to the insurance policy in lieu of paying him a retainer fee. Board member Josh Brown inquired about a similar possibility for council members.
A last Monday’s meeting, Howard explained that the town attorney and council members are classified as 10-99 employees and their current health insurance provider, United Health Care, does not allow those types of employees to be added to the group plan. Continue reading
