Posted on January 30, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The IRS is warning payroll and human resources professionals of an email scam aimed at stealing proprietary employee information.
Scammers use the name of a corporate officer to request employee W-2 forms from payroll or human resources departments. IRS officials caution employees to double-check any executive-level or unusual requests for lists of W-2 forms or Social Security numbers. They say last year scammers who successfully obtained information used it to try to file fraudulent tax returns for refunds.
The bogus emails will contain, for example, the actual name of the company’s CEO. That practice is called “spoofing.” In the phony email, the person will ask for copies of everyone’s 2016 W-2 and earnings summaries or an updated list of all employees with information like their home addresses, dates of birth and Social Security numbers.
Be wary if you get any such request and double check by sending a new email to the person asking for the data before hitting reply and complying.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Pet Tags & Contractor's Permits Renewal Before 2/15/2017
REMINDER TO NORH JUDSON RESIDENTS
The Town of North Judson has several special circumstances
that require permits. Here is a list of
permits that must be renewed on or before February 15, 2017:
Pet Tags (Annually):
Dog and cat, spayed or neutered = $10 each
Dog and cat, NON spayed or neutered = $25 each
After February 15, 2017, additional $10 fee will be added
Contractor’s Permits (Annually):
New = $50
Renewal = $25
After February 15, 2017, all Contractor’s Permits $75
Seeds Started for Starke County Inmate Garden
Posted on January 26, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Inmates at the Starke County Jail are getting a jump on this year’s garden. Warden Phil Cherry says they planted 15 flats of flower and vegetable seeds this week. Right now they’re in a hallway at the jail and will be moved into the greehouses behind the facility once they get a little bit bigger.
This will be the second year of the garden program. Inmates tend the plants, pull weeds, make sure everything is adequately watered and assist with the harvest. Fruits and vegetables grown by the inmates are prepared in the kitchen and served as part of their meals. Last year surplus items were donated to local nursing homes.
The county’s efforts were recently recognized by the Indiana Department of Correction, which presented the facility it’s Heartland Award. The Starke County garden program received the most votes of any facility in the state in a Facebook contest.
In addition to tending crops, inmates also look after 36 chickens, which produce 20 or so eggs daily.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Inmates at the Starke County Jail are getting a jump on this year’s garden. Warden Phil Cherry says they planted 15 flats of flower and vegetable seeds this week. Right now they’re in a hallway at the jail and will be moved into the greehouses behind the facility once they get a little bit bigger.
This will be the second year of the garden program. Inmates tend the plants, pull weeds, make sure everything is adequately watered and assist with the harvest. Fruits and vegetables grown by the inmates are prepared in the kitchen and served as part of their meals. Last year surplus items were donated to local nursing homes.
The county’s efforts were recently recognized by the Indiana Department of Correction, which presented the facility it’s Heartland Award. The Starke County garden program received the most votes of any facility in the state in a Facebook contest.
In addition to tending crops, inmates also look after 36 chickens, which produce 20 or so eggs daily.
Indiana Gets Mostly F’s in Latest State of Tobacco Control Report
Posted on January 26, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The American Lung Association’s 2016 State of Tobacco Control Report finds Indiana is failing in its efforts to reduce tobacco use. The 15th annual report grades states and the federal government on policies to prevent and reduce tobacco use. It notes Indiana has not increased the age of sale for tobacco products to 21 and has one of the lowest tobacco tax rates in the country.
An estimated 20 percent of Indiana residents currently smoke, according to Monique French with the American Lung Association of Indiana. She calls on Indiana policymakers to implement the policies and programs called for in ‘State of Tobacco Control’ that would save lives and protect kids from a lifetime of addiction.
The report assigns grades based on whether federal and state laws protect Americans from the enormous health toll tobacco use takes on lives and the economy. A new grade added to this year’s report looks at efforts to increase the minimum age of sale to 21.
French says close to 95 percent of adult smokers try their first cigarette before the age of 21. She believes increasing the minimum age of sale for tobacco products to 21 will significantly reduce youth tobacco use and save thousands of lives nationwide.
Indiana’s grades are below:
The American Lung Association in Indiana calls on state officials to act on these shortcomings and priority areas that need to be addressed to meet state goals.
In this year’s “State of Tobacco Control,” the federal government earned an “F” for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulation of Tobacco Products.
Although the American Lung Association applauds the release of the final rule that gave FDA authority over all tobacco products, the report recognizes the Obama Administration’s failure to proceed with other key initiatives including requiring graphic warning labels on cigarettes and the federal government’s failure to move forward on issuing a rule to end the sale of menthol cigarettes nationwide – despite the recommendations from an FDA expert advisory committee.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The American Lung Association’s 2016 State of Tobacco Control Report finds Indiana is failing in its efforts to reduce tobacco use. The 15th annual report grades states and the federal government on policies to prevent and reduce tobacco use. It notes Indiana has not increased the age of sale for tobacco products to 21 and has one of the lowest tobacco tax rates in the country.
An estimated 20 percent of Indiana residents currently smoke, according to Monique French with the American Lung Association of Indiana. She calls on Indiana policymakers to implement the policies and programs called for in ‘State of Tobacco Control’ that would save lives and protect kids from a lifetime of addiction.
The report assigns grades based on whether federal and state laws protect Americans from the enormous health toll tobacco use takes on lives and the economy. A new grade added to this year’s report looks at efforts to increase the minimum age of sale to 21.
French says close to 95 percent of adult smokers try their first cigarette before the age of 21. She believes increasing the minimum age of sale for tobacco products to 21 will significantly reduce youth tobacco use and save thousands of lives nationwide.
Indiana’s grades are below:
- Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs – Grade F
- Strength of Smokefree Workplace Laws – Grade C
- Level of State Tobacco Taxes – Grade F
- Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco – Grade F
- Minimum Age of Sale for Tobacco Products to 21 – Grade F
The American Lung Association in Indiana calls on state officials to act on these shortcomings and priority areas that need to be addressed to meet state goals.
In this year’s “State of Tobacco Control,” the federal government earned an “F” for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulation of Tobacco Products.
Although the American Lung Association applauds the release of the final rule that gave FDA authority over all tobacco products, the report recognizes the Obama Administration’s failure to proceed with other key initiatives including requiring graphic warning labels on cigarettes and the federal government’s failure to move forward on issuing a rule to end the sale of menthol cigarettes nationwide – despite the recommendations from an FDA expert advisory committee.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Demolition Planned for Downtown North Judson Building
Posted on January 24, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A dilapidated downtown North Judson building may soon be heading for demolition. The building at 205 and 207 Lane Street was found last year to have numerous safety violations, including a broken window, unsecured doors, falling debris, and roofing issues.
After town officials determined the owners did not make the required repairs, a motion for default judgment was approved in Starke Circuit Court back in November. Now, newly-appointed town attorney Justin Schramm has been advising the town on how to proceed. Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins says Schramm is currently drafting a letter to the owners of the property.
Collins says if the process moves ahead according to plan, the town council could award a bid for demolition at its March 6 meeting.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A dilapidated downtown North Judson building may soon be heading for demolition. The building at 205 and 207 Lane Street was found last year to have numerous safety violations, including a broken window, unsecured doors, falling debris, and roofing issues.
After town officials determined the owners did not make the required repairs, a motion for default judgment was approved in Starke Circuit Court back in November. Now, newly-appointed town attorney Justin Schramm has been advising the town on how to proceed. Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins says Schramm is currently drafting a letter to the owners of the property.
Collins says if the process moves ahead according to plan, the town council could award a bid for demolition at its March 6 meeting.
Monday, January 23, 2017
North Judson in Need of Plan Commission Members
Posted on January 21, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Town of North Judson is looking for some new planning commission members.
Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins says the town’s board of zoning appeals, unsafe hearing board, and planning commission all reorganized for 2017 Wednesday. However, she says the planning commission still needs one to two more people.
Those interested may contact the Town of North Judson at 574-896-3340 for more information.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Town of North Judson is looking for some new planning commission members.
Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins says the town’s board of zoning appeals, unsafe hearing board, and planning commission all reorganized for 2017 Wednesday. However, she says the planning commission still needs one to two more people.
Those interested may contact the Town of North Judson at 574-896-3340 for more information.
Friday, January 20, 2017
N.J.-S.P. School Board Vacancy Causes Confusion for School and Town Officials
Posted on January 20, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The process of replacing a member of the North Judson-San Pierre School Board has led to confusion for both the board and the North Judson Town Council. The school board decided Tuesday to put off choosing a replacement for Mike Sharkozy until applicants can be re-interviewed in public.
Sharkozy represented the Town of North Judson on the appointed school board. While it’s generally up to the North Judson Town Council to pick the town’s representative, in this case, it’s actually the school board’s responsibility. Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins says three attorneys looked into the issue. In the end, it was determined that while the town council makes an appointment every four years, filling vacancies at other times is up to the school board.
However, the school board did invite the town council to help with the process, and two council members took part. Collins said they ranked the five applicants and gave those results to the school board for consideration.
Then, an apparent miscommunication between school and town officials caused Town Council President Wendy Hoppe to announce Monday the appointment had been delayed because of a breach of confidentiality. But the following day, the school board said the actual problem was a violation of Open Door Law, since the applicants’ interviews did not take place in a public meeting.
Council members have decided not to take part in re-interviewing the applicants. Collins says they feel they’ve already made their recommendation, and it’s now up to the school board to move forward.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The process of replacing a member of the North Judson-San Pierre School Board has led to confusion for both the board and the North Judson Town Council. The school board decided Tuesday to put off choosing a replacement for Mike Sharkozy until applicants can be re-interviewed in public.
Sharkozy represented the Town of North Judson on the appointed school board. While it’s generally up to the North Judson Town Council to pick the town’s representative, in this case, it’s actually the school board’s responsibility. Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins says three attorneys looked into the issue. In the end, it was determined that while the town council makes an appointment every four years, filling vacancies at other times is up to the school board.
However, the school board did invite the town council to help with the process, and two council members took part. Collins said they ranked the five applicants and gave those results to the school board for consideration.
Then, an apparent miscommunication between school and town officials caused Town Council President Wendy Hoppe to announce Monday the appointment had been delayed because of a breach of confidentiality. But the following day, the school board said the actual problem was a violation of Open Door Law, since the applicants’ interviews did not take place in a public meeting.
Council members have decided not to take part in re-interviewing the applicants. Collins says they feel they’ve already made their recommendation, and it’s now up to the school board to move forward.
N.J.-S.P. Officials to Unveil New Logo, Slogan Saturday Night
Posted on January 20, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation hopes to use Saturday night’s county rivalry basketball game with Knox at the Bluejay Nest to unveil a new slogan and logo.
During the girls and boys double-header, student artwork will be displayed in the junior/senior high school cafeteria. Positive school programs will also be shared, and other information about courses and curriculum will also be available.
Knox fans are encouraged to stop by so they can learn more about agriculture/vocational dual credit opportunities. The classes will be scheduled in a two to three-hour block each day and will be available to students from other corporations, starting next fall.
N.J.-S.P. fans can also purchase t-shirts featuring the new slogan and logo during Saturday’s game.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation hopes to use Saturday night’s county rivalry basketball game with Knox at the Bluejay Nest to unveil a new slogan and logo.
During the girls and boys double-header, student artwork will be displayed in the junior/senior high school cafeteria. Positive school programs will also be shared, and other information about courses and curriculum will also be available.
Knox fans are encouraged to stop by so they can learn more about agriculture/vocational dual credit opportunities. The classes will be scheduled in a two to three-hour block each day and will be available to students from other corporations, starting next fall.
N.J.-S.P. fans can also purchase t-shirts featuring the new slogan and logo during Saturday’s game.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
N.J.-S.P. School Board Delays Appointment of New Member
Posted on January 19, 2017
Author Abby Adams, WKVI
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board is still discussing who they will appoint as a new school board member. Board member Derrick Stalbaum announced Tuesday they will be tabling this decision. “Although as a board we feel that we operate in good faith, we must admit that we made an error in the legal interpretation of the Indiana Code, resulting in a violation of the Indiana Open Door Policy,” he said. “Due to this, we will table the appointment of the new board member until the five candidates are interviewed, which will be open to the public.”
It was also announced by School Board President Pat Goin that the North Judson Town Council does not wish to participate in the appointment process.
Tuesday’s meeting also featured the award presentation and honoring of former board member Larry Lambert and outgoing member Mike Sharkozy. Both men were honored with a plaque to celebrate their service as well as a lifetime Blue Jay sports pass.
Lambert, who had been on the school board for 16 years, was honored to be given this award. While receiving the award Lambert said that he enjoyed his time on the board. He also stated that he wouldn’t be leaving the area anytime soon, “I’ll still be around, my family has been here for 160 years plus. Charge on!”
Sharkozy had his last school board meeting on Tuesday. He was sad to be leaving the board, but he stated his confidence in their work without him. “I’ve enjoyed my time on the board,” he said. “These are some great people. I know I am leaving it in good hands.”
Author Abby Adams, WKVI
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board is still discussing who they will appoint as a new school board member. Board member Derrick Stalbaum announced Tuesday they will be tabling this decision. “Although as a board we feel that we operate in good faith, we must admit that we made an error in the legal interpretation of the Indiana Code, resulting in a violation of the Indiana Open Door Policy,” he said. “Due to this, we will table the appointment of the new board member until the five candidates are interviewed, which will be open to the public.”
It was also announced by School Board President Pat Goin that the North Judson Town Council does not wish to participate in the appointment process.
Tuesday’s meeting also featured the award presentation and honoring of former board member Larry Lambert and outgoing member Mike Sharkozy. Both men were honored with a plaque to celebrate their service as well as a lifetime Blue Jay sports pass.
Lambert, who had been on the school board for 16 years, was honored to be given this award. While receiving the award Lambert said that he enjoyed his time on the board. He also stated that he wouldn’t be leaving the area anytime soon, “I’ll still be around, my family has been here for 160 years plus. Charge on!”
Sharkozy had his last school board meeting on Tuesday. He was sad to be leaving the board, but he stated his confidence in their work without him. “I’ve enjoyed my time on the board,” he said. “These are some great people. I know I am leaving it in good hands.”
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
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