Unemployment rates are down from last year in Starke and Pulaski counties. Both saw their rates decline by four-tenths of a percent between October of 2016 and October of 2017, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
Record Amount of Traveling Expected this Thanksgiving
More than 50 million Americans will enjoy a trip this Thanksgiving. According to AAA, the 2017 holiday weekend will see the highest Thanksgiving travel volume since 2005 with people traveling by car, train, airplane and boat between Wednesday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 26.
Five Seriously Injured in LaPorte-Area Crash Sunday
Five people were seriously injured Sunday, after police say an SUV pulled into the path of an oncoming semi truck near LaPorte. Deputies with the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office say it happened around 7:00 p.m., at the intersection of State Road 2 and 18th Street, in front of the LaPorte County Fairgrounds.
Pulaski Council Approves Budget Transfer for $12,000 Washing Machine
Eastern Pulaski School Board Gets Update on Facility Upgrades, Discusses Traffic Flow
The Eastern Pulaski School Corporation continues to see progress on a few facility upgrades. Superintendent Dan Foster told the school board last week that the new elementary gym floor is finally done, after some earlier delays. Continue reading
Starke County Council, Commissioners to Meet Tonight
The Starke County Council members will consider several fund requests this evening.
They will have a presentation of a refund from NIPSCO and consider transfer requests from the auditor’s office and the clerk’s office. Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler will present transfer and additional appropriation requests and the sheriff’s budget will be discussed along with Sheriff Bill Dulin’s requests for fund transfers. The council members will also consider the 2018 salary ordinance and receive information from Starke County Economic Development Foundation Director Charlie Weaver. Continue reading
Knox City Council Talks Plans to Alleviate Side Walk Obstruction Issues
The topic of vehicles obstructing sidewalks has been discussed during council items at a few Knox City Council meetings recently.
In past meetings council members discussed the possibility of creating an ordinance to prohibit parking on sidewalks. At their meeting last Tuesday, Council Member Jeff Berg presented everyone with an existing ordinance that addresses side walk obstruction. Continue reading
Pulaski County Commissioners to Open Bids for Bridge Work on 700 North
The Pulaski County Commissioners will open bridge rehabilitation bids when they meet this morning. The bridge on County Road 700 North over Bogus Run is scheduled to get an upgrade next year, with money from last year’s round of Community Crossings grants.
Medaryville Council Hires New Ordinance Violation Attorney
The Town of Medaryville has hired a new attorney to deal specifically with ordinance violations. Blair Todd has been chosen to take over the job, according to Clerk-Treasurer Judy Harwood. Continue reading
Non-Renewal of Administrator’s Contract to Be Considered by Knox School Board Tonight
The Knox School Board is scheduled to consider the non-renewal of an administrator’s contract when it meets this evening. According to the advance agenda, board members will also be asked to approve an energy savings request for quotation.
Winamac Police Station Project Nears Completion
At the Winamac Town Council meeting last Monday it was revealed that the renovations to the new police station are nearly complete.
Employees with various departments have been working hard to complete aspects of the project that relate to their various positions. Town Manager Brad Zellers reported that since town employees were utilized for much of the work, they were able to save around $70,000 on the project. Continue reading
Culver Town Council Discusses Truck Purchase
The Culver Town Council members revisited quotes for a new truck for the utility department.
During the Oct. 24 meeting, Town Manager Jonathan Leist explained that the sewer plant truck is no longer in working order so a request was made by Utility Superintendent Bob Porter to purchase a new truck.
North Judson Town Council Meets Tonight
The North Judson Town Council will receive a presentation from Larry Wickert, Board President of the Starke County Economic Development Foundation, when they meet tonight.
The council members will revisit their discussion of town employee health insurance renewal.At their last meeting, their insurance broker John Howard presented them with a packet that they agreed to review and further discuss at tonight’s meeting.
Starke County Community Foundation Holiday Open House
The Starke County Community Foundation is holding a holiday open house on November 28th in conjunction with Giving Tuesday.
The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is celebrated annually as Giving Tuesday. It follows the popular shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday and is held as a way to kick off the charitable season. The initiative is meant to inspire individuals to give back locally.
Next Tuesday, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. come down to the Starke County Community Foundation office facility located in the former North Judson-San Pierre middle school office suite at 950 Campbell Drive. You can enjoy some holiday treats and learn about this year’s impact. Continue reading
North Judson Police Department Finds Fourth Full-Time Officer
The North Judson Police Department has been in the process of finding an additional officer to complete their force.
Back in September, North Judson Town Marshal Kelly Fisher told Town Council members that her department was searching for a fourth full-time officer.
For the time being, the full-time positions are filled by Fisher and Officer Frank Thomas and Officer Rico Simpson. She stated that she was proud of the work done by everyone in the department, but the addition of another full-time officer would help everything fall into place. Continue reading
Pulaski County Council Approves $35,000 Additional Appropriation for IT Department
The Pulaski County Council this week approved a $35,000 additional appropriation, to make up for a shortfall in the county’s IT budget.
Medaryville Police Policies Approved by Town Council
Medaryville Police officers have a new set of policies to follow. The new Standard Operating Guidelines were formally accepted by the town council Wednesday, according to Clerk-Treasurer Judy Harwood.
Amendments to Salary Ordinance Considered by Winamac Town Council
Amendments to the Winamac salary ordinance were considered on first reading when the Winamac Town Council met on Monday night.
Town Attorney Justin Schramm explained to council members that the first proposed change deals specifically with the salary of the parks and recreation department secretary.
He stated, “It changes the parks and recreation secretary from $30 a meeting to $1,000 payable the first pay period of December.” Continue reading
Culver Town Council Discusses Additional Appropriations
The Culver Town Council members held a public hearing this week to hear comments on a proposed additional appropriation ordinance.
Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim said it was hard to guess what money would be spent toward efforts going for the Stellar Communities Designation Program in 2017 when the budget process was conducted in late fall of 2016.
Knox Peppermint Parade Application Deadline Extended
The Knox Peppermint Parade is right around the corner and residents wanting to be a part of it have received a bit more time to sign up.
Originally, the deadline to register was set for Wednesday, November 22nd. However, in a Knox City Council meeting, Mayor Dennis Estok said so far they’ve only received a little over ten entries. He said he wants to provide some additional time for individuals who may be waiting to sign up until they know what the weather will be like the day of the parade. Continue reading
