Local law enforcement now has the backing of a state statute when it comes to complaints of dog owners and loose dogs.
Starke County Commissioners to Meet Tonight
The Starke County Commissioners will receive an update from County Attorney Marty Lucas about the state statute governing loose dogs and dog bites. Commissioner Kathy Norem brought the idea of updating the county’s ordinance on loose dogs at a meeting in April after receiving several calls about unrestrained, vicious dogs.
Starke County Sheriff Discusses Community Service
Community service may make a comeback as a condition of a misdemeanor sentence after recent discussions with Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin, Jail Warden Phil Cherry and Starke County Chief Probation Officer Shawn Mattraw.
Knox Box Approved for Three Starke County Buildings
The Starke County Commissioners considered the purchase of a Knox Box.
Starke County Commissioners to Put Teeth into Dog Ordinance
Starke County Commissioners, Council Discuss Jail CAD System
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin shared information with the Starke County Council and Starke County Commissioners Monday night about the need for a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for emergency services.
Starke County Council, Commissioners to Meet Tonight
The Starke County Council members will discuss a request from Sheriff Bill Dulin about a new CAD system when they meet tonight. Sheriff Dulin said in a previous meeting that an update with the current system limits what the staff can use in terms of gathering pertinent information concerning drug cases for the application of grant funds. A new program could cost upwards of $150,000, which was the last preliminary estimate figured by Dulin, but he will have more information for the council members tonight.
Starke County Commissioners Question Coroner Invoices
The Starke County Commissioners asked Coroner Dannie Hoffer about some invoices recently submitted.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
The Starke County Commissioners signed a proclamation Monday naming the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Starke County.
Larry Harris representing the Starke County Coalition Against Domestic Abuse presented the proclamation for approval last week. The document stresses the need to address the issue as it’s a community problem where child abuse is preventable. Children in abusive situations often become involved in criminal and risky behavior, participate in substance abuse, and experience health problems.
Mattraw Named New Chief Probation Officer, Arrests Made in Recent Compliance Check
Starke County Commissioners Approve Reassessment Bid
Starke County Assessor Michelle Snowdon had the chance to review the bid for the reassessment process for the next few years and presented her findings to the Starke County Commissioners this week.
She said the bid seems to be in line with all specifications to conduct reassessments on Starke County properties from 2019 to 2022. The total bid came in at $575,800 which is about $23,000 less than the company’s last bid. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners Approve RV Ordinance
Starke County Building Inspector Terry Stephenson presented a proposed Recreational Vehicle Ordinance to the county commissioners this week which was previously recommended for approval by the Starke County Planning Commission.
Stephenson said the purpose of the ordinance is to provide standards for RV equipment utilized for temporary use without infringement upon residential properties.
Starke County Highway Department Working to Patch Potholes
Commissioners Review Campaigning Amendment to Employee Handbook, Candidate Signs
The Starke County Commissioners reviewed an amendment to the employee handbook pertaining to campaigning during office hours.
An amendment drafted by County Attorney Marty Lucas prohibits employees from using their county office or employment position to assist in any political campaign or coerce any other employee for political purposes. The document also suggests that it is improper to engage in any political activity during working hours.
Starke County Highway Superintendent Meets with FEMA Representatives
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler met with FEMA representatives last week to discuss flood damage to the county’s roads, bridges and culverts.
Ritzler told the Starke County Commissioners Monday night that there are three categories that the county qualifies for when it comes to reimbursement funding.
Starke County Commissioners to Meet Tonight
The Starke County Commissioners will have updates from several departments when they meet tonight.
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler will have a flood damage assessment update for the commissioners tonight along with other information from the highway department. EMS Director Travis Clary and Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie will provide an update as well as IT Director Mark Gourley.
Starke County Assessor to Review Reassessment Bid
Bids were opened last week for the next cycle of reassessments in Starke County.
Assessor Michelle Snowdon explained that the five year cycle of reassessment procedures is up and she advertised for bids for the next round. Crews take 25 percent of the county in the four years contracted and look at properties for any new buildings, buildings that may have been razed on a property, take measurements, and review the general condition of houses or structures. Snowdon said not all property owners go through the proper permitting process so these crews make sure all structures are recorded. Snowdon said the workers will then Continue reading
Water Damage Repaired at Starke County Annex Building
A malfunctioning sprinkler system recently caused several thousand dollars worth of damage in the Starke County Annex No. 1 building.
The Starke County Commissioners reviewed a contract last week with Paul Davis who completed repairs. The commissioners approved the work to be done during their previous March meeting, but didn’t have a contract in hand. The contract was signed last week.
Starke County Council, Commissioners to Meet Tonight
The Starke County Council members will consider the approval of a job description for a shift supervisor for the Starke County EMS Department when they meet tonight. EMS Director Travis Clary requested support from the commissioners for the four paramedics to oversee operations while he is unable to do so. A $.25 or a $.50 increase for those assuming those duties will also be considered. The council will also determine how to fund two cardiac monitors that were deemed an emergency purchase by commissioners earlier this month. The cost is just over $42,000.
New Paramedics on Staff with Starke County EMS
There are two new full-time paramedics on staff with the Starke County EMS Department.
EMS Director Travis Clary notified the Starke County Commissioners last week that one of the new hires started the week of March 5 and the other will begin duties this week. Two new full-time Basic EMTs were also hired. They are replacing two vacancies from resignations.
