The Pulaski County Commissioners may sign an agreement to implement internal controls on the county government’s handling of finances.
Community Leader Passes Following Battle with ALS
A former Starke County elected representative and community servant has passed.
Pulaski County Farmland Gathers Second Appraisal for Planned Sale
Pulaski County has completed a second appraisal of county-owned farmland.
The request was made several weeks ago by the county commissioners to ensure the value of the land near Winamac was indeed fairly determined by an initial report. Cash from selling the farmland will likely be used to acquire another piece of farmland near Medaryville for the development of the westside rail-served industrial park.
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Pulaski Commissioners to Consider EMA Department Request
The Pulaski County Commissioners will hear from their usual slate of department heads, Monday evening.
Pulaski Commissioner Addresses Some Recent Online Criticism
A Pulaski County Commissioner who has been known to enter into some heated exchanges with representatives of the Community Development Commission struck a softer tone, Monday night.
Price Point Getting Close for Pulaski Westside Industrial Land Acquisition
Pulaski County Soon to Begin Work on Internal Controls
The Pulaski County government is preparing to adopt internal financial controls, but they’re a bit displeased with the cost associated with the state mandate.
Work on Pulaski County ATV Ordinance Continues
The Pulaski County Commissioners may revisit the much discussed ATV ordinance at their Monday meeting.
Pulaski County Commissioners Discuss Former Sportsman’s Property Monday
The Pulaski County Commissioners will receive an update on the former Sportsman’s Bar and Grill when they meet this evening.
Pulaski County Commissioners Sign-off on Election Board Emergency Plan
The Pulaski County Commissioners have taken steps to ensure Election Day activities continue in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
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Pulaski County Makes Call for Diplomacy Following Heated Discussions
Pulaski County Commission President Terry Young has issued a statement following recent events that led to a heated exchange of words.
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Pulaski Commissioners Expect Final Say in Plan Director Hire
The Pulaski County Commissioners have action planned for Monday that may lead to the naming of a new county building inspector.
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Pulaski Commissioners Express Dissatisfaction with Fairgrounds Site
The Pulaski County Commissioners may soon investigate the possibility of changing the location of the Pulaski County Fair.
This year’s fair carried on, but changed the location of several events due to heavy rainfall and flooding in the Winamac area. The Pulaski County Fair and 4-H grounds are located near the Winamac Town Park next to the Tippecanoe River.
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Pulaski Recorder, Auditor Offices to Be Open for Evening Property Research
Pulaski County Recorder Lynn Wilder and Auditor Sheila Garling requested that they open their offices for residents in the county during the evening for the purpose to research properties.
Wilder told the Pulaski County Commissioners that there are often times residents come in to research properties and they don’t have enough time to complete their research or it’s just inconvenient to come in during the work day. They would like to open their offices two times a week, at night, to offer that time to residents to look at their properties or historic properties and they will be able to answer any questions or concerns the public may have. The pair assured the Commissioners that there would not be any additional cost to the taxpayers to have this service available to them.
The Commissioners approved the request and WKVI will be notified when the offices will be open for this activity.
Starke County Commissioners Terminate Treasurer Employees
The Starke County Commissioners Thursday removed county treasurer Linda Belork from office. The action was taken after the commissioners received a state audit of the office in which there were a considerable number of irregularities found. The commissioners have filed a complaint for default on the surety bond and damages. The surety bond company, Ohio Casualty Insurance, and Treasurer Linda Belork are named as defendants in the suit. Commissioner Kathy Norem asked for the removal, seconded by Jennifer Davis.
Gayer Explains Purchase of “Mango Tango” Charger
The Pulaski County Commissioners discussed with Sheriff Mike Gayer why a vehicle was purchased without their approval. Gayer said that he was under the impression that, because the vehicle is a necessary tool to the Sheriff’s Department, it fell under the type of purchase that did not need approval from the Commissioners. Gayer also stressed that he was not trying to circumvent the system and he meant no disrespect, and he purchased the vehicle as inexpensively as possible.
Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Purchases Vehicle Without Approval
A bill for the purchase of a new police vehicle for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department was brought to the Commissioner’s attention this week, and to their annoyance, they discovered it was a purchase they had not approved. The Commissioners had previously passed a resolution that required they approve all purchases over $500 before they can be made, but the new vehicle, a 2011 Dodge Charger with a total price tag of $23,000, had not even been brought to the Commissioners attention before it was purchased.
Starke County Commissioners Approve Ordinance Restricting Weapons at Courthouse
The courthouse is now a weapon-free zone, thanks to the ordinance passed by the Starke County Commissioners at their recent meeting. A public hearing was held regarding the proposed ordinance that would restrict firearms and other weapons at courthouse facilities as well as other public meetings. There was no public comment, and the Commissioners voted to approve the ordinance.
“We’re just trying to protect our court, protect our judge, protect the people who work at the courthouse, and also us,” said Commissioner Dan Bridegroom.
Larry Brock Seeks Ambulance Repair Grant
EMS Director Larry Brock presented his report to the Pulaski County Commissioners on Monday. Brock is seeking grants for repairing two ambulances and purchasing a generator for their Winamac station.
“We are seeking a ambulance grant to replace two of our ambulances , rechassis them, and a second grant for a generator for the Winamac station,” said Brock. “We have some rust damage due to a light that’s rusting in, of course because it’s on top of the ambulance it may fall through and we need to take care of that issue right away.”
Starke County Council Approves Bridge Inspection Expenses
At the request of the highway department, the Starke County Council approved the spending of $135,000 for bridge inspections throughout the county. In total, 67 bridges are to be inspected, with the expense coming out of the county’s cumulative bridge fund, which can only be spent on bridges.
The bridge inspections are a necessary expense, especially when given the current state of the bridges in Starke County. Three bridges were recently closed, and three others are in danger of being reduced to one-lane to allow for repairs.
