The Pulaski County Commissioners voted 2-1 to place an employee into the general foreman position at the highway department.
Traditionally, the superintendent appoints the employees in his department, but Commissioner Bud Krohn, Jr. said he wanted a “political change”.
“It’s time for a change. I got elected, and that’s what I’d like to do,” said Krohn.
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly had a few topics he wanted to hear discussed prior to last night’s State of the Union address.
On a conference call yesterday, Donnelly stressed the importance of further supporting military service members. Key among those opportunities, according to Donnelly, is ensuring adequate access to mental health.
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Individuals can begin filing their taxes today, and area tax professionals say a bit of assistance can help reduce tax liability.
Changes in the tax code take effect each year. According to H&R Block Tax Professional Michelle Bachtel, individuals will need to ensure that this year they don’t overlook steps when it comes to reconciling their healthcare situation.
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Members of the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce are currently accepting nominations for the H.J. Halleck Community Service Award.
A Pulaski County resident is recognized each year for his or her outstanding community spirit. The award winner is honored for his or her time spent on improving the life in Pulaski County through a variety of projects. Those who are nominated have willingly given time and energy without the gratitude and recognition they deserve.
More candidates have filed for the municipal election.
The Starke County Clerk’s office saw three new filings this past week. Two Incumbents filed for office including Republican Donna Henry for North Judson Clerk-Treasurer and Democrat Brian Earnest for Hamlet Town Board in Ward 1. Democrat Bertha Blue filed for an at-large seat on the Knox City Council.
The flu has been the cause of 85 deaths in Indiana this year. Officials have determined that that number is higher than the total number of deaths in each of the previous ten years.
The flu season has just reached the halfway point.
State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams says it’s important to get to a health care provider right away if you have flu symptoms. Those symptoms include a fever of 100 degrees or greater, headache, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, or sore throat.
Indiana’s first lady, along with the Indiana State Department of Health, have announced a new initiative.
The campaign called “Labor of Love” looks to raise awareness about infant mortality in the Hoosier state. According to a press release, Indiana ranks near the bottom compared with other states for infant mortality.
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Plans are in their preliminary stages, but the Culver Plan Commission may help decide whether a local restaurant can expand their current location.
Papa’s Pizza, located in the 800 block of North Lake Shore Drive, has submitted plans to add onto their kitchen and provide additional seating for customers.
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Pulaski County Commissioner Bud Krohn, Jr. brought up the idea of adding another position out at the county highway garage when they met last week.
He suggested a working supervisor position be created at the Pulaski County Highway Garage and requested a pay raise for that position of $750. He thought that another supervisor position could improve productivity at the highway garage. Krohn said that it would not be an additional employee but just an additional position.
Students from several organizations at Winamac Community High School took time to volunteer for the Salvation Army during the holiday season. Principal Rick DeFries says they raised a significant amount of money for the organization during their annual bell ringing campaign. Of the $5,600 raised, the students brought in $2,500. DeFries told the Eastern Pulaski School Board an estimated 10 groups raised that amount of money in 20 hours.
State park patrons are encouraged to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service on Monday by signing up to volunteer at an Indiana State Park in 2015. Opportunities include maintaining trails, assistance with clerical work and helping out at nature centers. More information about volunteering can be found online at stateparks.IN.gov/2443.htm. Continue reading
The Pulaski County Council this week discussed an ordinance that pertains to allowing sheriff’s deputies to be issued a firearm, retired ID card and retired badge after serving honorably for a minimum of 20 years.
In this case, Paul Grandstaff retired in December after serving over 20 years with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, including two terms as sheriff, and he has requested the retention of his shotgun that he first received when arriving on staff at the department.
January is considered an optimal time to conduct radon tests in your home or business.
The Environmental Protection Agency has decided to designate January as national Radon Action Month. Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that can lead to numerous health problems.
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The Pulaski County Council reorganized for the year where Jay Sullivan was retained as president of the fiscal body while Roger Querry was appointed as vice president. The council also welcomed newly elected member Linda Powers.
Sheriff Jeff Richwine told the council that three new deputies have been hired and he requested $6,000 to be transferred so a part-time officer can cover their absence while they’re at the academy. Two officers will be sent to the academy in March and one officer will go after the first two come back. When the officers complete their training, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department should be fully staffed with eight deputies. The transfer was unanimously approved.
A design team from a local company has been honored for their innovation in high efficiency oil-fired furnaces.
According to a release from the Starke County Economic Development Foundation, engineers from Thermo Products were recently inducted into the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana.
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Winamac is looking for individuals that may have an interest serving in local government.
The Winamac Town Board reorganized itself last week, but on Monday night, found itself looking for residents to fill open slots on the Town’s various commissions.
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Pulaski County is one of Indiana’s inaugural Hometown Collaboration Initiative communities. The program seeks to help small communities expand their pipeline of local leaders, strengthen and expand jobs by building on existing economic assets and improve attractiveness and quality of life of their hometowns. Lt. Gov. Sue Ellsperman offered her congratulations via YouTube video announcement, saying she’s a strong proponent of growing rural Indiana. Continue reading
Pulaski County Prosecutor Daniel Murphy approached the county council this week to ask the council members to accept his full-time employment and wages as he begins his four-year term in the office. That request was unanimously approved.
Crystal Sanders was appointed as deputy prosecutor.
He also asked for a transfer of $6,000 to satisfy the installation of money to the pre-trial diversion line item in the budget. The prosecutor requested that the money be moved from the pre-trial diversion user fees.
If you made a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking, you will soon have a program to help you stay smoke-free, presented by IU Health Starke Hospital, Moving Starke County Forward and Porter-Starke Services.
Cindy Reister, who is an American Lung Association-trained facilitator, will lead eight small group sessions to help participants get personalized attention to quit smoking. Evaluation studies show that individuals, who participate in small group sessions like this Freedom from Smoking Clinic, are more likely to stay smoke-free one year later than those who try to quit on their own.
Longtime Eastern Pulaski School Board member Joe Cunningham will continue serving as the president of that body after the board reorganized for the year. Deke Demarco was elected vice-president, and Terri Johnston was chosen secretary of the board. Continue reading
