Pulaski County voters overwhelmingly supported a first-time candidate and two people who have previously held the offices they are seeking. Former state conservation officer Jeff Richwine was the runaway winner in the Republican sheriff’s primary. He got 1,064 votes to Brian Gaillard’s 444. Jeff Heims finished third with 323. Richwine will face former two-term sheriff Paul Grandstaff in the Nov. 4 General Election. He got 446 votes, and his challenger Jeff Jenkins pulled in 126. Grandstaff also served four years as a county commissioner after his term as sheriff ended. Continue reading
Francesville Man Formally Charged in Thursday Shooting Incident
The Francesville man accused of shooting his wife in the arm during an argument late Thursday night is charged with criminal recklessness while armed with a deadly weapon resulting in serious bodily injury. That’s the official charge filed against Barry Danford, 50, by Pulaski County Prosecutor Stacey Mrak. The injury to Rhonda Danford, 55, was not life threatening, and she was treated at Pulaski Memorial Hospital. Barry Danford left the scene of the shooting before the police arrived. Members of the SWAT team fanned out across the area in search of him but were unsuccessful in tracking him down. Danford surrendered Saturday afternoon at the Pulaski County Justice Center and was booked into the jail just after 4 p.m. The charge is a C felony, which is punishable by up to eight years in prison.
Trial Date Set For Vierke, Charged With Child Molesting, Incest
A trial date has been set for a Winamac man who faces charges of Child Molesting and Incest.
Daniel Vierke, 38, was arrested on the charges in March after Pulaski County Prosecutor Stacey Mrak filed a probable cause affidavit and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has a no-contact order with the victim.
During a pre-trial conference in Pulaski Circuit Court on Thursday, the State of Indiana filed a motion for a jury trial setting which was granted to begin Jan. 15 at 8:30 a.m. ET.
The final pre-trial and plea agreement deadline is set for Dec. 17.
Pulaski County Prosecutor Requests Sales Tax Reimbursement
Pulaski County Prosecutor, Stacey Mrak, asked the Commissioners to reconsider their decision to deny the reimbursement of sales tax on some purchases previously made. She told the Commissioners that it should be paid and that county tax dollars are not being spent in this reimbursement. The payment would be less than $20.
Commission President Michael Tiede was asked about their decision regarding Mrak’s request.
“The board was for the office holder to fill out the reimbursement for sales tax and then submit it to the auditor and the auditor will take care of it from there,” said Tiede.
Swearing In Ceremony for Elected Officials Held in Pulaski County
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.”
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.
