Pulaski Commissioners to Discuss EMA Lifetime Appointment Ordinance Today

Whether Pulaski County’s Emergency Management Agency director should have a lifetime appointment will be discussed by the county commissioners this morning. County Council member Kathi Thompson brought up the issue during last week’s joint session. She said the county’s ordinance granting a lifetime appointment has taken away some flexibility with the county’s budget.

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Pulaski County Council Member Creates List of Cost Saving Ideas for Commissioners

As Pulaski County’s budget discussions continue, one county council member has come up with a list of ideas for the county commissioners to explore that might cut costs and increase revenue. Kathi Thompson presented her discussion points during Monday’s special council meeting, with all three commissioners in attendance.

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Pulaski County Council Votes to Move Ahead with Funding for West Annex Work

Pulaski County Council: back row: Mike Tiede, Kathi Thompson, Brian Young; front row: Scott Hinkle, Rudy DeSabatine, Jay Sullivan (not pictured: Ken Boswell)

Pulaski County’s newest government building is costing more than originally thought. Last year, the county purchased the former Winamac Masonic Lodge and has since converted it into the West Annex, housing the Coroner’s Office and Emergency Management Agency.

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Pulaski County Council Finalizes Additional Appropriations, Reappoints Library Board Member

Pulaski County Council: back row: Mike Tiede, Kathi Thompson, Brian Young; front row: Scott Hinkle, Rudy DeSabatine, Jay Sullivan (not pictured: Ken Boswell)

The Pulaski County Council finalized more than $70,000 in additional appropriations this week. A large chunk of that was pension and vehicle funding for the Sheriff’s Department, according to Auditor Laura Wheeler.

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Pulaski County Council Wants More Information Before Moving Ahead with Funding for Radio Tower

The Pulaski County Council has decided to hold off on funding arrangements for a radio tower, amid concerns that it was purchased without the proper permission and that it may not actually be needed. When the Emergency Management Agency’s move to the West Annex was being planned last year, former maintenance director Jeff Johnston said moving the necessary radio equipment would cost about $10,000.

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Pulaski County Coroner ‘Tickled to Death’ with New Facilities

After months of work, the Pulaski County coroner’s new morgue and office space is fully up and running. Coroner John Behny gave an update to the county council and commissioners last week, saying the facility is proving to be a good thing. “I just scratch my head. That place is amazing,” he said. “From what we started with just a few weeks ago to now, we’re tickled to death, just tickled to death. So is everybody else that has to come in there.”

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Warming Center Plans in Place in Pulaski County, Town of Culver

Residents of Pulaski County and the Town of Culver who may find themselves without heat may take advantage of area warming centers. In Pulaski County, the Emergency Management Agency office at 108 North Franklin in Winamac and the Francesville Fire Station are set to be used as warming centers if needed, according to EMA Director Sheri Gaillard. Pulaski County residents who need to use a warming center are asked to call the Sheriff’s Department at 574-946-6655.

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Pulaski County Commissioners Approve Updated Hazardous Material Response Plan

An updated hazardous material emergency response plan was approved by the Pulaski County Commissioners last week. Emergency Management Agency Director Sheri Gaillard said the plan is almost the same as last year’s version. “The only additions to it or changes to it were training dates for hazardous material,” she explained, “and the Winamac fire chief and the Francesville fire chief were changed.”

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Pulaski County Commissioners to Revisit EMA Radio Equipment Move, Justice Center Fire Alarm

Pulaski County Commissioners: Mike McClure, Jerry Locke, Kenny Becker

The Pulaski County Commissioners will continue discussing plans to move the Emergency Management Agency’s radio equipment to the former Winamac Masonic Lodge. Last month, Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Johnston suggested looking into whether the county’s DRMO funds could be used. That money comes from the sale of former military equipment owned by the county.

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