1/30/2016 Karaoke at Knox VFW Post #748

North Judson Council Signs Off on Patrol Car Purchases

January 19, 2016AuthorMary Perren, WKVI 

Council Member Justin Davis, President Wendy J.Hoppe, Council Member Josh Brown, Council Member Jane Ellen Felchuk, Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins, Council Member Nathan Bradley, Town Superintendent Marshall Hortsmann, Town Attorney Rachel Arndt , Town Marshal Douglas Vessely, not pictured is Fire Chief Joe Leszek. Photo by North Judson Town Photographer Peggy Bohac

The North Judson Police Department once again has four patrol vehicles in its fleet. The town recently purchased two 2014 ½ Dodge Chargers to replace a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria and a 2013 Charger that were destroyed in a fire last October.

Their insurance company covered all but $3,800 of the vehicle replacement costs. Town Marshal Doug Vessely told the council last night they’re also reimbursing more than $17,000 in costs for unattached equipment that was in the two cars. That list includes rifles, shotguns, cameras, vests and other tactical gear.

The council approved the payment voucher for the cars and signed off on the proof of loss documents for the insurance company. The addition of two new cars mean North Judson likely won’t have to purchase patrol vehicles for another three to four years.

N.J.-S.P. School Board to Discuss 2016-2017 Calendar

January 19, 2016AuthorMichael Gallenberger

The North Judson-San Pierre School Board will discuss the 2016-2017 school calendar when it meets this evening. Board members will also decide whether to approve the purchases of a bus and food services equipment.

Also up for discussion will be Starke County’s new Project Attend initiative. It’s a collaboration between local schools and government agencies that provides a series of steps to follow if students reach certain levels of unexcused absences. After the regular School Board meeting, the Board of Finance will also convene to elect its president and secretary and approve the corporation’s depository bank.

Tonight’s meetings start at 7 p.m. at the N.J.-S.P. Central Office.

More American Households Qualify for Free File Tax Services Posted on

January 19, 2016AuthorTyler Maffitt, WKVI 

The Internal Revenue Service is looking to help more middle income households file their tax returns for free.

This year, the Free File Alliance and the IRS have re-launched the Free File program. For 2016, there are 13 tax software providers that have made their federal tax return products available for free.

Gross income requirements to file a free tax return have been altered from $60-thousand to $62-thousand in 2016. That affects 70-percent of American taxpayers according to information provided by the IRS.

State tax returns work a bit differently. A growing number of states have been working to make preparation and filing free, but the choice to apply a fee is largely left up to the preparation service.

The Free File Alliance says they have also been working to increase the security of tax documentation – with more identity theft safeguards. Information is also provided which allows taxpayers to get information about how to safeguard themselves against identity theft and potential tax fraud.

More than 46-million people have used the Free File service. Free File software may be used immediately to prepare your tax return. More information is available on the IRS website.

Looking for College and FAFSA Information?

With FAFSA season upon us you might want to check out the links we have listed under "College - FAFSA" on the North Judson-Wayne Township website.  The links will help you find which college has the degree you want; how to prep for ACT, SAT, GRE, & LSAT; how to find online colleges; help in filling out the FAFSA and so much more. 

https://sites.google.com/site/northjudsonwaynetwplibrary/college-fafsa

Clerk’s Office to Close For Software Training Through 1/29

January 15, 2016AuthorMary Perren, WKVI 

Starting today, the Starke County Clerk’s office will be closed for an hour each day to accommodate staff training. It will occur between noon and 1 p.m. each weekday through Jan. 29th.

Clerk Vicki Cooley and her staff are learning the new case management software program Odyssey. It will go live Feb. 1st. The state has provided the clerk’s office and Starke County Courts 11 new computers and a new printer as part of the transition to a statewide system.

Odyssey will maintain criminal and civil case records and allow them to be shared easily with courts in other jurisdictions as well as other federal, state and local agencies like the BMV and law enforcement. Once it’s in place, state officials say Odyssey will allow the state’s trial courts and clerks to manage the more than 2 million cases filed annually faster and more efficiently.

Sign Up For Puppet Time With Book Buddies

Book Buddies is for children from Kdg through 5th grade. Over a 5 week period they will create their own puppets, learn a play, and then perform the play for the public the 6th week. 

Have Mom or Dad reserve your spot by calling Kelsie Purcell at 574-896-2841, sending her a message at Purcellkelsienjwt@gmail.com, or stop in at the North Judson-Wayne Township Library between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. 

See you here!

Consumer Information Catalog Ceases Publication

Consumer Information Catalog, produced by the US Government since 1971, will no longer be printed after the Winter-Spring 2016 edition. But you can link to and order hundreds of online publications and resources at their website: USA.gov/explore.

It's Time to Sign Up for Tot Time @ the North Judson-Wayne Township Library!

If you're between 18 months and 3 years of age you'll want to come to the North Judson-Wayne Township Library for stories about the letters from  A to F.  The fun will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon and you'll get to take home a craft. 

Have Mom or Dad reserve your spot by calling Kelsie Purcell at 574-896-2841, sending her a message at Purcellkelsienjwt@gmail.com, or stop in at the North Judson-Wayne Township Library between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. 

See you here!

It's Time to Sign Up for Story Hour @ the North Judson-Wayne Township Library!

If you're between 3 and 5 years of age you'll want to come to the North Judson-Wayne Township Library for stories and crafts about Manners & Feelings.  The fun will run from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.. 

Have Mom or Dad reserve your spot by calling Kelsie Purcell at 574-896-2841, sending her a message at Purcellkelsienjwt@gmail.com, or stop in at the North Judson-Wayne Township Library between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. 

See you here!