A request to pave Pulaski County Road 700 South may depend on a future State Road 39 project. Back in March, residents approached the county commissioners asking them to pave a portion of 700 South west of State Road 39. They were back this week looking for an update.
New Basic EMTs, Paramedic Hired
The Starke County EMS personnel roster is getting a facelift.
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary informed the commissioners on Monday night that he recently hired three basic EMTs and a paramedic. Clary was promoted to director in July which left his paramedic job open. Clary conducted other interviews this week to fill other part-time paramedic positions within the department.
Public Hearing Scheduled for North Judson Sewer, Water Projects
North Judson residents will have a chance to weigh in on proposed water and sewer upgrades. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the town hall, before the regular town council meeting at 6:30. It’s a required step before the town can pursue financing for the projects.
Culver Town Council Passes Ordinance for Additional Appropriation
The Culver Town Council approved the second and third readings on an ordinance this week authorizing an additional appropriation of funds for a new ambulance.
During the council’s last meeting, Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim explained that the money wasn’t earmarked in the budget for the replacement of an older truck. The appropriation is in the amount of $63,932.50 which is the town’s portion of the purchase. The other half is coming from Union Township for the same amount.
Starke County Park Board Requests Repairs to Bass Lake Beach House Patio
The operator of the Bass Lake Beach is being asked to make some improvements to the beach house patio. A group of local residents and Starke County Park Board members has been working on a plan to stabilize the seawall surrounding the site. To help find a solution, they’ve obtained the original drawings from the seawall’s installation in 1988.
Shop with a Cop Event a Success
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #129 recently held an event to assist children in the Starke County area.
FOP President Chris Kisela said that the members of the organization took 60 children shopping at Kohl’s in Valparaiso for back-to-school clothing on Sunday, Aug. 6.
Fundraising efforts helped in this endeavor to help children get something new for the new school year. Fundraisers to help more children next year will be coming soon.
Photo provided
Sponsors Sought for Hamlet Movie in the Park
The Starke County Movies in the Park series is coming to the Hamlet Town Park next month, and organizers are asking for some local businesses to help sponsor the event. Town officials first approved the idea this spring, but plans didn’t come together until Wednesday’s town council meeting.
LaPorte County Man Gets Stuck Under SUV, While Trying to Stop it from Rolling Away
A LaPorte County man was trapped under an SUV for roughly 45 minutes Thursday afternoon, after it reportedly rolled away from the motor home it was attached to. The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office says it happened just before 12:30 p.m. in the 4800 block of North 600 West, near Michigan City.
First Group of Federal Inmates Arrive at Pulaski County Jail
The Pulaski County Justice Center is now housing federal inmates. Sheriff Jeff Richwine told the county commissioners Monday that the first 10 arrived last week. Continue reading
La Porte Jail Inmate Death Investigation Complete
A La Porte County inmate died of an accidental overdose of the narcotic fentanyl. That’s according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office whose investigators say the drug was smuggled into the jail and Andrea Roberts, 35, ingested a lethal amount of the drug.
The jail supervisor found Roberts unresponsive in her cell on Saturday, July 15 and attempted to resuscitate her. She was later pronounced dead at the La Porte Hospital.
The La Porte County Coroner’s Office conducted a full forensic autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
Highway Superintendent Updates Commissioners on Bridge Projects
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler updated the county commissioners this week on work done on deficient bridges in the county.
Only four deficient bridges remain. He said plans are complete for bridge #58 on County Road 800 South over Bogus Run, bridge #36 on County Road 25 North over Eagle Creek and bridge #154 on County Road 100 East over the Robbins Ditch. Those projects will be bid in September and finished next year.
Funding Ready for Knox Community Center Renovations
Funding is in place for the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center renovation project.
North Judson Compliance Officer Has Issued 16 Warnings, Town Council Discusses 214 Lane Street
The Town of North Judson is seeing results with its new compliance officer. So far, Joe Leszek has written about 16 warnings, leading to 12 responses, according to Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins. She says the new part-time position has improved communication, when it comes to getting people to cut their grass or move their vehicles, after they’ve been neglected for a length of time.
Hamlet Police Department Seeks New Reserve Officers
The Hamlet Police Department is looking for more reserve officers. The town council Wednesday authorized Town Marshal Clint Norem to advertise for additional reserves.
Town of Culver Awarded Grant Funds
Culver Town Council President Ginny Bess Munroe announced Tuesday night that the town is the recipient of $270,000 in Regional Cities grant funds.
The council plans to use that grant money toward solving a lack of housing for potential residents of Culver. The plan is to build the Sandhill Farms workforce development housing facility on Jefferson Street. The building would include 24 apartments with one, two or three bedroom units. The town match toward the project will fund infrastructure to the proposed housing development which includes water and sewer lines and sidewalks.
Starke County Forest to Proceed with Timber Sale
Winamac Park Board Updated on River Tubing Excursions, Approves Circus Performances
Winamac is once again attracting tourists looking to spend a few hours on the Tippecanoe River. Park Manager Dave DeLorenzo told the town’s park board last week that Cannonball Productions’ first visit of the year went well.
North Judson-San Pierre School Board Reviews 2018 Budget Proposal during Work Session
Starke County Deputies Investigating Report of Shots Fired
205 and 207 Lane Street Demolished
The demolition of 205 and 207 Lane Street in Downtown North Judson is complete. Crews began tearing down the partially-collapsed structure last Monday, and they were done by the end of the week, according to Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins.
