Nathan Origer Begins as New Pulaski County Community Development Commission Director

Posted on Author WKVI

The Pulaski County Community Development Commission has a new Director. Nathan Origer has been in the office for a little over a week and he says he’s ready to begin his duties.

“If you’ve got a business looking to expand here in the County, I’m the guy who’s going to help you look for grants, navigate the abatement process, the revolving loan fund process, and also potential companies coming into the County,” said Origer. “I’m going to be giving them all the reasons why Pulaski County is where they should bring their operation. I’m going to work with the community and county government, small project development, and work with the PACE program on workforce development.”

Origer was asked what aspects Pulaski County has to attract businesses.

“I think we’ve got a government that is looking forward to entertaining new clients and businesses. There are communities with strong infrastructure. Winamac is doing a sewer separation project right now to improve theirs. Medaryville is undertaking a new storm water project so they will have better drainage over there. We’ve got a good agriculture base so we could look into value added products. We’ve got a rail line on the west side of the county and we’ve got a rail bank on the northeast side of the county. We do have one U.S. Highway that has connections to some pretty important places and we’re close to I-65. It’s just an ideal location where you’ve got quality of life, lower cost of living, and still close enough to the big markets for a company to do what it needs to do.”

Pulaski County Property Tax Bills Mailed; Explanation of Homestead Credit Line Item

Posted on Author WKVI

Property tax bills in Pulaski County were mailed out last week and you may be concerned with the absence of a homestead credit you won’t see on line 4b of your statements.

The state homestead credit has been phased out statewide. On March 14th, 2008, the Indiana General Assembly passed the property tax reform bill House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1001-2008. One component of the bill was a change in the way state property tax relief is delivered.

Beginning with 2008-pay-2009 property taxes, the State permanently assumed school and welfare costs formerly paid from property taxes in exchange for a phase-out of the property tax credits offered in the past. This lowered the property tax rate but also reduced the amount of credits given. This credit has been phased out over the past three years, so property tax bills will have likely changed in 2009, 2010, and 2011 in part as a result of this phase-out. For homesteads, the phase-out of the state homestead credit becomes complete for 2010-pay 2011 property taxes. This credit is reflected on Line 4b of your tax statement.

You should still be receiving both the homestead standard deduction and the homestead supplemental deduction. The sum total of all deductions is indicated on Line 2a of your tax statement. Each deduction is also itemized in Table 5 of the tax statement. These are the deductions you are confirming by completing the pink verification form.

Latest Filings for 2011 Municipal Election

Posted on Author WKVI

Thirteen people have filed for candidacy for the 2011 Municipal election in the Starke County Clerk’s office. The two latest candidate filings include Donald Kring for Knox City Council and Bob Yung for Hamlet Town Board.

Clerk Evelyn Skronski explained that candidates filing for positions in the North Judson and Hamlet town elections have until August 1st to file while candidates for the City of Knox election have until February 18th to file. In general, Primary Elections are not held for the candidates of major parties, the Democratic and Republican parties, in towns under a population of 3,500 unless the town has adopted an ordinance to nominate candidates at a primary election. This applies for candidates running for positions in Hamlet and North Judson. If there is a party opposition on any of the seats open for candidacy in North Judson or Hamlet, a Town Convention will be held to determine the candidate for the General Election. Those are typically held in August.

The same rules apply for candidates in Pulaski County in the towns of Winamac, Medaryville and Francesville. One candidate has filed for candidacy for the 2011 Municipal Election. Christina Hoffa has filed for Winamac Town Clerk-Treasurer.

First Baby of 2011 Arrives at Pulaski Memorial Hospital

Posted on Author WKVI
Pulaski Memorial Hospital

The first baby in Pulaski County arrived Tuesday afternoon at Pulaski Memorial Hospital. Katilyn Michelle Baker arrived at 3:56 p.m. ET. Katilyn’s parents are Lisa Nicholson, and Levi Baker of Star City. There are plenty of relatives awaiting little Katilyn’s arrival home, including a “big” sister Madison Elizabeth who is 18 months old.

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While the Weather Remains Calm, INDOT Prepares for More Winter Weather

Posted on Author WKVI

We’ve enjoyed a few snow free days in this new year, but don’t get too excited. As we all know, Indiana weather can change quickly from one day to the next which means we could see another big snow event at any time.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is ready for the next event as their top priority is snow and ice removal. INDOT uses all available resources to keep roads open, maximize the mobility of the traveling public and help minimize accidents due to winter traveling conditions.

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Minor Earthquake Hits Central Indiana

Posted on Author WKVI

An earthquake about five miles below the ground hit north central Indiana shortly before sunrise Thursday morning.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 3.8 magnitude earthquake centered five miles southeast of Greentown, Indiana. According to published reports, the Indiana Geological Survey had no records of an earthquake this size in Central Indiana ever.

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Week in Review for December 20th-24th, 2010

Posted on Author WKVI

Here is a look at some of the news that made the news in the Kankakee Valley this week:

Pulaski County Officers elected into office in the General Election were sworn into office Tuesday afternoon. Officers were sworn in by Pulaski Circuit Court Judge Michael Shurn and Superior Court Judge Patrick Blankenship.

Starke United

Starke United Executive Director, Edie Hall, told WKVI that the WKVI-Starke United Auction netted $7,669.

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Swearing In Ceremony for Elected Officials Held in Pulaski County

Posted on Author WKVI
In front: Superior Court Judge Pat Blankenship and Circuit Court Judge Michael Shurn. Officers (L to R) Ron Powers, Tasha Foerg, Tom Roth, Stacey Mrak, Michael "Mick" Tiede, Alex Haschel, Joyce Weaver, Steve Van Der Aa, Holly Van Der Aa, Michael Gayer, Tracey Shorter

In a joint swearing ceremony, all candidates elected in the General Election in Pulaski County were sworn in by Circuit Court Judge, Michael Shurn, and Superior Court Judge, Patrick Blankenship.

One of those sworn into office was Tracey Shorter who will be the newest member of the Board of Commissioners on January 1st.

Besides being the first woman Commissioner in Pulaski County, she is also the youngest at age 42. Ted asked what prompted her to seek the office.

“I ran four years ago and the race was so close,” said Shorter. “Part of it was because there had never been a woman Commissioner and it became a goal of mine. I got sick and realized life is too short to wait so I ran. None of us knows what tomorrow holds. I’m excited. I think it shows a big win for the party but it also shows progress for our County as far as moving forward. I haven’t really done the background but I think not only am I the first woman, but I think I’m the youngest.”

Elected officials take their oaths of office

Like all counties, Pulaski has its share of pressing issues that will need to be addressed in 2011.

“Zoning is a big issue, whether or not we keep the County Home open, keeping our budget balanced and not borrowing what we don’t have. All of those things are huge,” said Shorter.

The following were sworn into office: Ron Powers, Pulaski County Council District 3; Tasha Foerg, Pulaski County Clerk; Tom Roth, Pulaski County Council District 2; Stacey Mrak, Pulaski County Prosecutor; Michael “Mick” Tiede, Pulaski County Council District 4; Alex Haschel Pulaski County Council District 1; Joyce Weaver, Pulaski County Surveyor; Steve Van Der Aa, Pulaski County Coroner; Holly Van Der Aa, Pulaski County Assessor; Michael Gayer, Pulaski County Sheriff; and Tracey Shorter, County Commissioner District 3.

WKVI Crew has Lunch at Kostas in Winamac

Posted on Author WKVI
(L to R) Nathan Welter, Gus Ress, Deb Ress, Lenny Dessauer, Patty Norwick, Kay Gudeman, Anita Goodan, Harold Welter, Chris Milner, Ed Hasnerl, and Tom Berg

The WKVI staff took a trip to Winamac, Wednesday, for a scrumptious lunch at Kostas Restaurant. We’d like to thank Gus Ress and his friendly staff for hosting us. It gave the staff a chance to greet restaurant patrons, including Mr. and Mrs. David Bennett, Bill Webb, Sheriff Mike Gayer, and Deputy John Rogers.

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Many Activities are Scheduled Saturday and Sunday in the Kankakee Valley!

Posted on Author WKVI

Even though Christmas Eve is a few days off, many children in our area will get some gifts early. The Starke County Abate organization will be handing out toys, clothing and food items to 90 families at the Bass Lake Golf Course on Saturday. “It will be at the Bass Lake Golf Course,” said Abate President, Terry Young. “We have 90 families that will be coming out this year. They were all sent out invitations to come. There are 240 kids and all the families will have a turkey and all kinds of gifts. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will also be there.” When it comes to a big heart for children, the 290 members of Abate are in the forefront.

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Week in Review for December 6th-10th, 2010

Posted on Author WKVI

Here is just some of the news that made the news in the Kankakee Valley this week.

Diana Jedynak, 67, died of fire related injuries after her home caught fire early Monday morning in Washington Township. Indiana State Fire Marshal, Fred Sumpter, said the investigation into the cause of the fire was postponed due to the weather conditions and the integrity of the structure.

Northwest Indiana Forum, Inc.

The Northwest Indiana Forum’s Board of Directors have voted to acknowldge the organization’s service territory to extend beyond Lake, Porter, LaPorte and Starke Counties to include Newton, Jasper and Pulaski Counties.

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Number of Influenza Cases Down in Starke and Pulaski Counties

Posted on Author WKVI

Influenza has not been a big scare yet in Starke or Pulaski Counties.

Starke County Health Nurse, Frank Lynch, said that flu numbers are down right now and no cases of H1N1 have been reported. Whooping cough has been a great concern around the state this season but no cases have been reported in Starke County. Lynch would like to remind Starke County residents that flu shots are available at his office, both adult and child doses. He also recommends that residents wash their hands frequently to avoid getting the flu and spreading germs. Call the Health Department at (574) 772-9137 to make an appointment to get your flu shot.

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October Statistics from the Indiana State Police, Lowell District

Posted on Author WKVI
ISP Logo

Indiana State Police, at the Lowell District, recently released statistics for the month of October.

Troopers issued 1,410 traffic citations and wrote 3,071 traffic warnings. Troopers also arrested 50 drunk drivers and made 93 criminal arrests. Lowell District includes Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Pulaski and Starke Counties.

The Indiana State Police offers these safety tips for the holiday shopping season: Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you. Park in a well-lighted area and be sure to lock your car. Use extra caution when walking to and from your car, preferably with a friend and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay with a check or credit card whenever possible. If you notice suspicious activity when you are shopping, contact the store’s security department or the nearest police agency.