Posted on September 9, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Starke County is among the first to implement a change in pretrial release procedures recommended by the Indiana Supreme Court. It allows arrestees who do not pose a threat to public safety to be released from jail without bail or bond if they are not a flight risk or a danger to themselves or others.
Doing so will reduce expenses for local jails and enable many arrestees to return to their jobs and provide support for their families, according to the Court’s order adopting the new rule. It also contends the change will eliminate the unfair incarceration of poor people who are not able to purchase a bail bond or pay a bail deposit.
The pretrial release procedures do not apply to murder or treason defendants, arrestees who are on pretrial release not related to the incident that is the basis for the present arrest or those who are on probation, parole or other community supervision.
Judges are to use an evidence-based risk assessment approved by the Indiana Office of Court Services to determine an arrestee’s risk of flight or danger. Statements made as part of that process are not admissible against the arrestee in any criminal or civil proceeding other than pretrial.
If the court determines the arrestee is to be held subject to money bail, the court is authorized to determine the amount and decide whether it may be satisfied by surety bond and/or cash deposit. The court may also set and establish a partial cash payment of bail upon certain conditions. They include the arrestee’s agreement that all court costs, fees and expenses associated with the proceeding shall be debited from the partial payment. If the court authorizes the acceptance of a cash partial payment to satisfy bail, the arrestee must agree that a failure to appear as scheduled means it will be forfeited and additional amounts to satisfy the full bail amount, court costs, fees and expenses will be due.
Starke County’s participation in the program is effective immediately. St. Joseph, Allen, Bartholomew, Hamilton, Hendricks, Jefferson, Monroe and Tipton Counties are also taking part. The rule will be expanded statewide on Jan. 1, 2018.
Friday, September 9, 2016
Starke County Park Board Gets Strategic Plan Seed Money
Posted on September 9, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Park Board will soon be able to move forward with the development of a strategic plan following action this week by the county commissioners. They agreed to appropriate up to $15,000 from the cumulative capital development fund for that purpose. Having a strategic plan in place will open up grant funding opportunities for the park board.
Commissioner Kathy Norem proposed the expenditure to give the volunteer board a boost to get started, and the commissioners approved it unanimously. She suggested possibly getting a Purdue University student to assist with the plan to save the county money.
The Starke County Park Board’s next meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 20.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Park Board will soon be able to move forward with the development of a strategic plan following action this week by the county commissioners. They agreed to appropriate up to $15,000 from the cumulative capital development fund for that purpose. Having a strategic plan in place will open up grant funding opportunities for the park board.
Commissioner Kathy Norem proposed the expenditure to give the volunteer board a boost to get started, and the commissioners approved it unanimously. She suggested possibly getting a Purdue University student to assist with the plan to save the county money.
The Starke County Park Board’s next meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 20.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
North Judson Centennial Program of Events
Yep, that first weekend of September 1966 was a busy one. For months the community had been preparing for the big event - men growing beards, women sewing clothes for the family, the funeral of Muggs and Clara, organizing entertainment events and meals. And in 5 short days it would all be over, at least for the next 100 years.
Railroad Township Questioned on School Board Appointment Process
Posted on September 8, 2016
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The process of appointing North Judson-San Pierre School Board members was discussed during Wednesday’s Railroad Township Advisory Board meeting. School officials, as well as local residents, are considering whether the appointed school board should be changed to an elected one.
As part of that process, Larry and Deb Wappel approached the Railroad Township Advisory Board to learn more about how it goes about appointing school board members. Advisory board member Gus Eckert said the process is pretty simple. “We vote on them,” he said. “Basically, when Pat [Goin] came up, there was a recommendation. I forget who even was going out at the time, and then we just voted on them and she was elected. And that’s the last we’ve ever had to do.” He adds that over the past several years, the township has simply reappointed Goin, since no one voiced any objections and no one else expressed interest in the seat.
The Wappels were concerned that the township didn’t do more to notify the public when the position would come up for reappointment. Railroad Township Trustee Mandy Thomason says that will change when the seat is up for reappointment again next year. She says the township will advertise for a school board member, and the public will have a chance to offer input.
However, she adds that state law doesn’t seem to provide much guidance for how appointed school board members may be chosen, other than saying that the decision’s up to the township advisory board. “I’ve not read all of the Indiana codes; we will be following those to the T,” she said. “I don’t know if we can form a committee kind of to pick out three good candidates from a committee and then have the board approve from there. It will be something I’ll be looking into.” Thomason also pointed out that Railroad Township’s school board member also represents Cass Township, even though Cass Township residents have no say over who is elected to the Railroad Township Advisory Board.
While Deb Wappel clarified that she had no complaints about Goin’s service on the board, Wappel was more concerned about the appointment process itself. She says that under the current system, new school board members often end up being chosen by their predecessors on the board.
More information on the appointment process is expected at the October 5 Railroad Township Advisory Board meeting. Meanwhile, the North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation will hold a public hearing on an appointed versus elected board Monday at 7 p.m. in the N.J.-S.P. High School auditorium.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The process of appointing North Judson-San Pierre School Board members was discussed during Wednesday’s Railroad Township Advisory Board meeting. School officials, as well as local residents, are considering whether the appointed school board should be changed to an elected one.
As part of that process, Larry and Deb Wappel approached the Railroad Township Advisory Board to learn more about how it goes about appointing school board members. Advisory board member Gus Eckert said the process is pretty simple. “We vote on them,” he said. “Basically, when Pat [Goin] came up, there was a recommendation. I forget who even was going out at the time, and then we just voted on them and she was elected. And that’s the last we’ve ever had to do.” He adds that over the past several years, the township has simply reappointed Goin, since no one voiced any objections and no one else expressed interest in the seat.
The Wappels were concerned that the township didn’t do more to notify the public when the position would come up for reappointment. Railroad Township Trustee Mandy Thomason says that will change when the seat is up for reappointment again next year. She says the township will advertise for a school board member, and the public will have a chance to offer input.
However, she adds that state law doesn’t seem to provide much guidance for how appointed school board members may be chosen, other than saying that the decision’s up to the township advisory board. “I’ve not read all of the Indiana codes; we will be following those to the T,” she said. “I don’t know if we can form a committee kind of to pick out three good candidates from a committee and then have the board approve from there. It will be something I’ll be looking into.” Thomason also pointed out that Railroad Township’s school board member also represents Cass Township, even though Cass Township residents have no say over who is elected to the Railroad Township Advisory Board.
While Deb Wappel clarified that she had no complaints about Goin’s service on the board, Wappel was more concerned about the appointment process itself. She says that under the current system, new school board members often end up being chosen by their predecessors on the board.
More information on the appointment process is expected at the October 5 Railroad Township Advisory Board meeting. Meanwhile, the North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation will hold a public hearing on an appointed versus elected board Monday at 7 p.m. in the N.J.-S.P. High School auditorium.
Starke County Realizes Savings on Bridge Replacement
Posted on September 8, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The low bid to replace the bridge on 1150 East just south of State Road 10 in Starke County came in significantly under budget. The commissioners Tuesday unanimously approved Mishawaka-based Northern Indiana Construction Company’s bid of $271,000 for the work. Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler says the county had estimated the project would cost $318,000.
Northern Indiana Construction was also the low bidder to replace the bridge on 250 West over Bogus Run. That project is scheduled to begin Oct. 1st and wrap up Nov. 21st, but Ritzler says it may start and end sooner.
Northern Indiana Construction is also replacing the bridge on 900 South half a mile west of U.S. 421 with a culvert. That work will get under way this month as well, according to Ritzler.
Design work is ongoing for bridges on 900 East south of State Road 10 and on 625 South just west of 875 East. Both should be ready for bid later this year.
Ritzler also told the commissioners recent repairs to the bridge on 700 East over the Yellow River, just north of State Road 8, mean farm trucks can once again use the route. USI Consultants began doing bridge inspections for the county this week.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The low bid to replace the bridge on 1150 East just south of State Road 10 in Starke County came in significantly under budget. The commissioners Tuesday unanimously approved Mishawaka-based Northern Indiana Construction Company’s bid of $271,000 for the work. Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler says the county had estimated the project would cost $318,000.
Northern Indiana Construction was also the low bidder to replace the bridge on 250 West over Bogus Run. That project is scheduled to begin Oct. 1st and wrap up Nov. 21st, but Ritzler says it may start and end sooner.
Northern Indiana Construction is also replacing the bridge on 900 South half a mile west of U.S. 421 with a culvert. That work will get under way this month as well, according to Ritzler.
Design work is ongoing for bridges on 900 East south of State Road 10 and on 625 South just west of 875 East. Both should be ready for bid later this year.
Ritzler also told the commissioners recent repairs to the bridge on 700 East over the Yellow River, just north of State Road 8, mean farm trucks can once again use the route. USI Consultants began doing bridge inspections for the county this week.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Courthouse and Old Jail Renovations to Start Soon
Posted on September 7, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners are preparing for the start of renovations to the courthouse and former jail building. Bids for the work were opened last night and will be awarded during a special-called meeting next week. Meanwhile, the prosecutor’s office and the coroner’s office are moving out of the old jail so demolition work can begin immediately. The Starke County Health Department and Purdue Extension are also relocating from the first floor of the courthouse.
The prosecutor’s office will be based out of the Starke Circuit Court space at the new jail east of town during the construction, with the exception of the Child Support Division. It’s moving into office space on Edgewood Drive next to Duneland Dialysis due to the traffic volume in the office. The health department and Purdue Extension will also be located there. The county is leasing the space for $1,500 per month with an additional $100 for lawn maintenance and snow removal. The offices will be relocated this week so renovations can begin as soon as contracts are awarded.
The commissioners have worked out a short-term agreement with a local funeral home for body storage and are looking at building a pole barn-style structure for the coroner on the new jail site. They’re finalizing cost estimates and will have more information at their Sept. 19 meeting. Money for the building will come from the cumulative capital development fund.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners are preparing for the start of renovations to the courthouse and former jail building. Bids for the work were opened last night and will be awarded during a special-called meeting next week. Meanwhile, the prosecutor’s office and the coroner’s office are moving out of the old jail so demolition work can begin immediately. The Starke County Health Department and Purdue Extension are also relocating from the first floor of the courthouse.
The prosecutor’s office will be based out of the Starke Circuit Court space at the new jail east of town during the construction, with the exception of the Child Support Division. It’s moving into office space on Edgewood Drive next to Duneland Dialysis due to the traffic volume in the office. The health department and Purdue Extension will also be located there. The county is leasing the space for $1,500 per month with an additional $100 for lawn maintenance and snow removal. The offices will be relocated this week so renovations can begin as soon as contracts are awarded.
The commissioners have worked out a short-term agreement with a local funeral home for body storage and are looking at building a pole barn-style structure for the coroner on the new jail site. They’re finalizing cost estimates and will have more information at their Sept. 19 meeting. Money for the building will come from the cumulative capital development fund.
N.J.-S.P. Board Schedules School Board Input Meeting
Posted on September 7, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Residents of the North Judson-San Pierre School District will have a chance to publicly weigh in on whether the school board should be elected or appointed. The corporation has scheduled a public meeting on Monday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. in the N.J.-S.P. High School auditorium for the sole purpose of seeking input on the topic.
Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin says a neutral moderator will facilitate the meeting so board members can listen intently to the comments and not be distracted by keeping time, calling on speakers or responding to comments. She says the moderator will help assure the meeting is productive and effective.
Each person who wishes to speak will sign up ahead of time on a clipboard at the auditorium entrance. Each speaker will have a maximum of three minutes to speak and may only speak once. At the conclusion of the public statements, the pro-appointed and pro-elected positions may each have a representative make a summary statement lasting no more than five minutes.
The school board is also gathering public opinions about whether the school board should be appointed or elected via online survey, available at N.J.-S.P. Community School Board Input Survey.
The board will announce at their regularly scheduled Sept. 20 meeting whether they favor transitioning to an elected board or maintaining the appointed status quo. Should they opt for the latter, supporters of an elected board have advised they plan to proceed with a petition to bring the question to voters.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Residents of the North Judson-San Pierre School District will have a chance to publicly weigh in on whether the school board should be elected or appointed. The corporation has scheduled a public meeting on Monday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. in the N.J.-S.P. High School auditorium for the sole purpose of seeking input on the topic.
Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin says a neutral moderator will facilitate the meeting so board members can listen intently to the comments and not be distracted by keeping time, calling on speakers or responding to comments. She says the moderator will help assure the meeting is productive and effective.
Each person who wishes to speak will sign up ahead of time on a clipboard at the auditorium entrance. Each speaker will have a maximum of three minutes to speak and may only speak once. At the conclusion of the public statements, the pro-appointed and pro-elected positions may each have a representative make a summary statement lasting no more than five minutes.
The school board is also gathering public opinions about whether the school board should be appointed or elected via online survey, available at N.J.-S.P. Community School Board Input Survey.
The board will announce at their regularly scheduled Sept. 20 meeting whether they favor transitioning to an elected board or maintaining the appointed status quo. Should they opt for the latter, supporters of an elected board have advised they plan to proceed with a petition to bring the question to voters.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Starke County Predicts Relatively High Voter Turnout in November
Posted on September 6, 2016
Author Tyler Maffitt, WKVI
Starke County Clerk Vicki Cooley is preparing for a high voter turnout on Election Day, and she says they have good reason to think so.
Starke County reported 35-percent voter turnout for the primary in May of this year. That followed 2015’s primary where Starke County was the top performer in the state for voter turnout. Apart from the intensity of the presidential and congressional races, Cooley says there are other reasons residents may prefer voting in the general election.
“There are a lot of people that do not like to vote in a primary.,” says Cooley. “They don’t want to declare their party so they do come out more in the general election, usually.”
The Starke County Clerk’s office has been working for some time to prepare their offices for November 8th by processing voter registration – the deadline for which is in October – and cleaning up walking lists.
For November, Cooley says they plan to make the walking lists more efficient by alphabetizing them as opposed to listing residents by address.
Residents may also start preparing for Election Day in October. The clerk’s office offers practice voting services for individuals that may not have cast a ballot in many years, or are first time voters. Cooley says a date has not yet been set.
“It’s basically set up for the public to come in and see how to vote and see how it all works and to make sure that everything is set up correctly,” says Cooley.
Right now, the party chairs are likely working to organize and begin training pollworkers for Election Day. Cooley says their offices will also have a practice run prior to the start of ballot casting.
Author Tyler Maffitt, WKVI
Starke County Clerk Vicki Cooley is preparing for a high voter turnout on Election Day, and she says they have good reason to think so.
Starke County reported 35-percent voter turnout for the primary in May of this year. That followed 2015’s primary where Starke County was the top performer in the state for voter turnout. Apart from the intensity of the presidential and congressional races, Cooley says there are other reasons residents may prefer voting in the general election.
“There are a lot of people that do not like to vote in a primary.,” says Cooley. “They don’t want to declare their party so they do come out more in the general election, usually.”
The Starke County Clerk’s office has been working for some time to prepare their offices for November 8th by processing voter registration – the deadline for which is in October – and cleaning up walking lists.
For November, Cooley says they plan to make the walking lists more efficient by alphabetizing them as opposed to listing residents by address.
Residents may also start preparing for Election Day in October. The clerk’s office offers practice voting services for individuals that may not have cast a ballot in many years, or are first time voters. Cooley says a date has not yet been set.
“It’s basically set up for the public to come in and see how to vote and see how it all works and to make sure that everything is set up correctly,” says Cooley.
Right now, the party chairs are likely working to organize and begin training pollworkers for Election Day. Cooley says their offices will also have a practice run prior to the start of ballot casting.
Starke Clerk’s Office Continues Preparations for Election Day
Posted on September 2, 2016
Author Tyler Maffitt, WKVI
Election Day may not be until November, but the Starke County Clerk’s office is busy preparing for ballots to be cast.
Clerk Vicki Cooley says there’s a misconception that all of the work happens in the weeks leading up to Election Day, but she says their offices are working year-round to complete an array of tasks.
“We have new mapping from the state and using these maps and our addressing system, we find that we do have a few people in the wrong precinct, and even in the wrong county,” says Cooley.
It has taken the clerk’s office some time to correct and properly organize the maps for walking lists – which are used by candidates and their staffs to identify registered voters in local communities.
The deadline to register to vote in Starke County and around the state is October 11th. Registering after the deadline will enable a resident to cast a ballot in future elections, but not in November 2016.
Cooley says right now, the challenge is updating their registration list.
“They come in from different sources,” says Cooley. “The Bureau of Motor Vehicles, they walk-in, they bring registrations, other offices, directly from the state. All of these have to be processed.”
The clerk’s office can help voters locate the proper precinct location and assure already registered voters of their status prior to Election Day.
Cooley says she is anticipating a relatively high voter turnout in November.
Author Tyler Maffitt, WKVI
Election Day may not be until November, but the Starke County Clerk’s office is busy preparing for ballots to be cast.
Clerk Vicki Cooley says there’s a misconception that all of the work happens in the weeks leading up to Election Day, but she says their offices are working year-round to complete an array of tasks.
“We have new mapping from the state and using these maps and our addressing system, we find that we do have a few people in the wrong precinct, and even in the wrong county,” says Cooley.
It has taken the clerk’s office some time to correct and properly organize the maps for walking lists – which are used by candidates and their staffs to identify registered voters in local communities.
The deadline to register to vote in Starke County and around the state is October 11th. Registering after the deadline will enable a resident to cast a ballot in future elections, but not in November 2016.
Cooley says right now, the challenge is updating their registration list.
“They come in from different sources,” says Cooley. “The Bureau of Motor Vehicles, they walk-in, they bring registrations, other offices, directly from the state. All of these have to be processed.”
The clerk’s office can help voters locate the proper precinct location and assure already registered voters of their status prior to Election Day.
Cooley says she is anticipating a relatively high voter turnout in November.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Fall Colors, Local Agriculture on Display During Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Fall Excursions
Posted on September 1, 2016
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Summer may be coming to an end, but train riding season continues at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.
The museum’s Fall Harvest Train returns on October 1. HVRM Marketing Director Loretta Kosloske says it provides an opportunity to see the fall foliage, as well as get a glimpse of farmers working on this year’s harvest.
After that comes the Pumpkin Train on October 8, 15, and 22. Kosloske says the 75-minute excursion features a round trip to the Kankakee River at English Lake, before heading to the pumpkin patch south of State Road 10.
The annual Pumpkin Train typically attracts a mix of visitors and local residents, with many coming back year after year, according to Kosloske. She adds the Pumpkin Train is a big draw for the museum, making up a major potion of its income each year. The trains often sell out in advance.
In addition to the fall colors, the excursions also give visitors a chance to experience some vintage railroad equipment. Kosloske says visitors have the option to ride in one of several cabooses, a vintage commuter coach, or an open-air car. Those are flat cars with flooring, benches, railings, and a roof added to protect visitors from inclement weather. Trains are hauled by diesel locomotives.
Hoosier Valley’s train excursions wrap up the last Saturday of October with the Halloween Train, including a “Not-So-Scary, Scary Animal Show.”
Complete schedule and ticket information may be found at HoosierValley.org.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Summer may be coming to an end, but train riding season continues at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.
The museum’s Fall Harvest Train returns on October 1. HVRM Marketing Director Loretta Kosloske says it provides an opportunity to see the fall foliage, as well as get a glimpse of farmers working on this year’s harvest.
After that comes the Pumpkin Train on October 8, 15, and 22. Kosloske says the 75-minute excursion features a round trip to the Kankakee River at English Lake, before heading to the pumpkin patch south of State Road 10.
The annual Pumpkin Train typically attracts a mix of visitors and local residents, with many coming back year after year, according to Kosloske. She adds the Pumpkin Train is a big draw for the museum, making up a major potion of its income each year. The trains often sell out in advance.
In addition to the fall colors, the excursions also give visitors a chance to experience some vintage railroad equipment. Kosloske says visitors have the option to ride in one of several cabooses, a vintage commuter coach, or an open-air car. Those are flat cars with flooring, benches, railings, and a roof added to protect visitors from inclement weather. Trains are hauled by diesel locomotives.
Hoosier Valley’s train excursions wrap up the last Saturday of October with the Halloween Train, including a “Not-So-Scary, Scary Animal Show.”
Complete schedule and ticket information may be found at HoosierValley.org.
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