A discount store chain with locations in Starke and Pulaski Counties is going out of business. Alco Stores is closing all of its 198 locations. The Coppell, Texas-based company filed for bankruptcy protection in the Northern District of Texas on Oct. 12 with the help of a bankruptcy attorney. Continue reading
Fifth Annual WKVI Food Drives Scheduled Tomorrow
The fifth annual WKVI Food Drive will take place tomorrow (Saturday) at two local grocery stores. Members of the radio station staff will be broadcasting live from Five Star in the Knox Mall and Sanders in the Winamac Plaza from 10 a.m. until noon CST, encouraging shoppers to stop by and donate non-perishable food or cash to help local families in need. Continue reading
Pulaski County EMS Director Still Looking for Paramedics
Pulaski County EMS Director Nikki Lowry told the commissioners Monday night that she has hired seven part-time personnel to help with the shortage of staff and training is ongoing this week.
While that helps cover shifts, Lowry explained that only one of those hired is a paramedic. All of the other new hires are basic life service trained only. One may move to a full-time position. She said at least one paramedic is needed per shift and there is one on each shift now.
Radioville Bowling Alley Owner Granted Demolition Extension
The old bowling alley in Radioville will soon be demolished.
Pulaski County Building Administrator David Dare explained to the commissioners last night that the structure is unsafe as the roof has caved in and the building can’t be salvaged. According to the demolition order, the building must be demolished by Dec. 30.
Bruder explained that she has some circumstances that won’t allow her to get the building torn down in that timeframe. She noted that the Countryside Bowling Lanes, Inc. is in her name but she needs to work out details with the other owners of the building which hasn’t been occupied in many years.
This is Winter Weather Preparedness Week
This week has been designated as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana.
Winter does not officially arrive until Dec. 21 and although snow has arrived in parts of Northern Indiana this season it’s never too late to craft an emergency plan.
Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery suggests that you stay informed about potential severe weather. If snow begins to fall in the area, slow down if you plan on driving. Give yourself plenty of extra travel time to reach your destination.
Generator Work Almost Complete at Health Department
Work continues on the generator for the Pulaski County Health Department.
Pulaski County Maintenance Director Jeff Johnston told the county council this week that the electrician is working on obtaining a small transformer to change the voltage for the generator. A gas line also needs to be ran in order for the generator to be fully operational.
Firearms Season Opens Today, Remember Safety
It’s the opening of the firearms season in the state.
Officials at the Department of Conservation ask that hunters be aware of firearms safety. Always positively identify your target. Don’t shoot at color, shape, sound and movement.
Treat every firearms as if it was loaded and point firearms in a safe direction. Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms. When hunting with a companion, if visual contact with that person is lost do not resume hunting until visual contact has been made and confirmed. Wearing hunter orange is the law.
Pulaski County Student Receives Indiana Homeland Security Foundation Scholarship
A student from Pulaski County is one of 15 from around the state receiving college scholarships from the Indiana Homeland Security Foundation for their college education. Cameron Owens has been an active member of the Francesville Volunteer Fire Department since July of 2013 and completed their cadet program. Owens received a $2,000 scholarship toward his education at Ball State University. Continue reading
Local Funeral Director Named to National Advisory Group
A local funeral director has been appointed to the National Funeral Directors Association Member Resources Advisory Group for 2014-2015. Samuel Frain of Winamac will assist NFDA in a variety of ways, such as evaluating existing member benefits; recommending new programs, products and services; reviewing and providing feedback on new resources; and assisting with the recruitment and retention of members from around the world for the betterment of the profession and the families it serves. Continue reading
Keep Pets Warm in Cold Weather
Temperatures are falling and it’s time to make arrangements to keep pets warm as winter arrives.
It might be a good idea to take your pets to the veterinarian to see if they have any condition that may make them more vulnerable to the cold temperatures.
When you take your pet outside, stay with them. As long as you start to feel cold, your pet will feel the same way so it’s best to bring them inside to keep warm. If your pets are strictly outdoor pets, make sure they have a warm, solid shelter against the wind, thick bedding and plenty of non-frozen water.
Murder Defendant to Undergo Mental Evaluation
A Denham man accused of killing his live-in girlfriend will undergo a court-ordered mental competency evaluation. Pulaski Circuit Judge Michael Shurn assigned a psychiatrist to examine Paul Katschke. He’s charged with murder in connection with the Aug. 11 death of Amber Renee Taylor, 34. Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies and first responders found her dead at the couple’s home after receiving a 911 call about a dead, 30-something-year-old woman. Continue reading
Pulaski County Council Considers Money Transfers for Sheriff’s Department
Pulaski County Matron Carrie Aaron brought several transfers for the county council members to consider to help with paying the part-time officers to help with the shortage at the sheriff’s department.
At last week’s commissioner’s meeting, Aaron and Detective/Sergeant Jason Woodruff requested a one-time adjustment to the handbook policy to pay those officers with holiday pay with the exception of 24 hours for each employee, which was approved. All PTO will be paid down to 50 hours. Two officers from White County and an officer from the Logansport Police Department will be working as part-time officers. An additional officer will be hired on a part-time basis. They are being trained.
Donations Needed for Pulaski County Toy Store, Holiday Food Box
Eastern Pulaski School Partners with Purdue
The Eastern Pulaski School Corporation has been selected by Purdue University to take part I a new program. The Center for Instructional Excellence is designed to better prepare prospective college students in high school for the next level of education. Continue reading
Pulaski CDC Requests Support of Council for Legislative Change in Use of CAGIT Funds
Pulaski County Community Development Commission Executive Director Nathan Origer asked for the county council’s support in overturning legislation to free up money for the CEDIT fund for economic development.
Origer explained that the CDC board recently discussed how the special CAGIT tax is used and believes it could be used in a different fashion. The lease of the jail bond is currently being paid for out of the CEDIT fund at a total of $261,000 per year.
Winamac Fourth of July Fireworks Show in Need of Community Support
The annual Fourth of July fireworks show held during the 4-H Fair in the Winamac Town Park is in need of community support. Continue reading
Winter Wonderland Event in Winamac Scheduled for Dec. 6
Winamac Town Council Terminates Conner
A longtime town of Winamac employee is now looking for work. The town council Monday decided to terminate Town Manager Jim Conner effective immediately. He has been the town manager for the past 15 years. Continue reading
Pulaski County Council Approves Jail Equipment Purchase
Pulaski County Maintenance Director Jeff Johnston brought the county council up to speed on the justice center equipment repairs and replacement.
He explained that the water heater replacement is already underway due to a directive from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
“Right now they’ve got one water heater doing the work of two and it’s on its last leg,” said Johnston. “They’re halfway through the installation process for the new system. The total cost for the water heaters is $65,790. That includes the system and all new piping. As we were taking the insulation off the large copper pipes up there, there were leaks and cracks throughout.”
