Working on a new page for the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library's website and I hope to have it finished by the end of the day. The Directory and Community Guide for Starke County will have a listing of contacts for child care, workplace training, counseling, elderly services, emergency assistance, scholarships, plus a listing of the governmental units - towns, township trustees - and other sources.
https://sites.google.com/site/northjudsonwaynetwplibrary/directory-and-community-guide-for-starke-county
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Starke County Commissioners Award Bridge Design Bids
Posted on March 7, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The number of structurally deficient bridges in Starke County is dwindling. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners last night five of the seven bridges are scheduled for repair and completion this year.
The commissioners last night awarded design contracts for three bridges to South Bend-based Jones, Petri, Rafinski. They bid a total of $48,868 to design the new bridges on County Road 25 North just west of 600 East over Eagle Creek and on 800 South over Bogus Run just east of 200 West.
Ritzler told the commissioners the firm does efficient designs. He also asked them for a quote to design the replacement bridge on 100 East over Robbins Ditch just north of 400 North. The commissioners accepted their price of $25,000 for the work, contingent on county attorney Marty Lucas double checking the propriety of doing so.
Ritzler says the department is keeping an eye on eight additional bridges that aren’t structurally deficient yet but that will need to be replaced within the next decade or so.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The number of structurally deficient bridges in Starke County is dwindling. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners last night five of the seven bridges are scheduled for repair and completion this year.
The commissioners last night awarded design contracts for three bridges to South Bend-based Jones, Petri, Rafinski. They bid a total of $48,868 to design the new bridges on County Road 25 North just west of 600 East over Eagle Creek and on 800 South over Bogus Run just east of 200 West.
Ritzler told the commissioners the firm does efficient designs. He also asked them for a quote to design the replacement bridge on 100 East over Robbins Ditch just north of 400 North. The commissioners accepted their price of $25,000 for the work, contingent on county attorney Marty Lucas double checking the propriety of doing so.
Ritzler says the department is keeping an eye on eight additional bridges that aren’t structurally deficient yet but that will need to be replaced within the next decade or so.
Hoosier Lottery Encourages Responsible Play
Posted on March 7, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the Hoosier Lottery encourages players to be responsible in their wagering.
The Hoosier Lottery offers a free online money management course . It provides four modules of practical knowledge on topics like creating a budget, buying a home or car, managing credit and planning for retirement.
Indiana Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director Jerry Long says many people require money management skills to maintain a large win long term.
Help is available 24 hours a day from the Indiana Problem Gambling Referral Line at 1-800-994-8448.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the Hoosier Lottery encourages players to be responsible in their wagering.
The Hoosier Lottery offers a free online money management course . It provides four modules of practical knowledge on topics like creating a budget, buying a home or car, managing credit and planning for retirement.
Indiana Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director Jerry Long says many people require money management skills to maintain a large win long term.
Help is available 24 hours a day from the Indiana Problem Gambling Referral Line at 1-800-994-8448.
Monday, March 6, 2017
4/2/2017 From the Farm Cooking Show with Phil Potempa
Join Columnist and Published Cookbook Author Phil Potempa for a feast of fun and surprises as he recreates on stage the charm and traditions of the family farm kitchen he writes about each week in his popular “From the Farm” newspaper column. Phil, joined by family members and the special guests readers have come to know from his writing, will prepare seven courses of favorite recipes, with time to spare for prizes and giveaways, all in a 2-hour whirlwind of entertaining, inviting and appetizing down-home hospitality.
Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 2:30pm at The Theater at the Center (1940 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana)
Tickets: $25
Brunch $23 plus tax
Buy Tickets Here
Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 2:30pm at The Theater at the Center (1940 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana)
Tickets: $25
Brunch $23 plus tax
Buy Tickets Here
Starke County Commissioners to Consider Responsible Bidder Ordinance
Posted on March 6, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners will consider adoption of a responsible bidder ordinance on first reading when they meet tonight. Such policies set clear and objective criteria contractors must meet in order to be eligible to bid on public works construction projects.
They include proof of license to do work in the state, disclosure of any federal or state law violations, tax liens or delinquencies, description of the project management team’s qualification and experience, proof of participation in construction apprenticeship training programs and assurance the workers’ employment status will be properly classified.
Prospective bidders must also show proof of an employee drug testing plan as required by state law and proof of any required professional licenses. They must also list any projects of similar size or scope that they’ve completed and provide proof of adequate surety coverage.
Representatives of the Indiana-Illinois-Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting recently approached the commissioners to discuss the proposed ordinance. They note while state and local laws require public construction contracts to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, the law rarely defines “responsible.”
They contend that adopting a Responsible Bidder Ordinance ensures all contractors are able to compete on a level playing field, and employees are protected from exploitation, which in turn leads to greater taxpayer value.
Several local governing bodies in Indiana have RBOs on the books, including the Town of North Judson, LaPorte County and the LaPorte Community Schools.
Other items on the agenda for tonight’s Starke County Commissioners agenda are monthly reports from the EMS and highway departments. Tonight’s meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the annex building.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners will consider adoption of a responsible bidder ordinance on first reading when they meet tonight. Such policies set clear and objective criteria contractors must meet in order to be eligible to bid on public works construction projects.
They include proof of license to do work in the state, disclosure of any federal or state law violations, tax liens or delinquencies, description of the project management team’s qualification and experience, proof of participation in construction apprenticeship training programs and assurance the workers’ employment status will be properly classified.
Prospective bidders must also show proof of an employee drug testing plan as required by state law and proof of any required professional licenses. They must also list any projects of similar size or scope that they’ve completed and provide proof of adequate surety coverage.
Representatives of the Indiana-Illinois-Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting recently approached the commissioners to discuss the proposed ordinance. They note while state and local laws require public construction contracts to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, the law rarely defines “responsible.”
They contend that adopting a Responsible Bidder Ordinance ensures all contractors are able to compete on a level playing field, and employees are protected from exploitation, which in turn leads to greater taxpayer value.
Several local governing bodies in Indiana have RBOs on the books, including the Town of North Judson, LaPorte County and the LaPorte Community Schools.
Other items on the agenda for tonight’s Starke County Commissioners agenda are monthly reports from the EMS and highway departments. Tonight’s meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the annex building.
INDOT Closes U.S. 421 for Bridge Deck Replacement
Posted on March 6, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Motorists traveling north on U.S. 421 through LaPorte County will need to find a new route for the next few months. The Indiana Department of Transportation is replacing the entire bridge deck over the Bailey Road railroad tracks in Wanatah, just south of U.S. 30.
Work on the project starts today and will wrap up in mid-June. Until then the marked detour route around the closure uses State Road 8 to State Road 39 to U.S. 30.
Drivers in Northwest Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts at any time via the District’s social media channels, www.Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest or Twitter @INDOTNorthwest or online at http://www.trafficwise.in.gov.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Motorists traveling north on U.S. 421 through LaPorte County will need to find a new route for the next few months. The Indiana Department of Transportation is replacing the entire bridge deck over the Bailey Road railroad tracks in Wanatah, just south of U.S. 30.
Work on the project starts today and will wrap up in mid-June. Until then the marked detour route around the closure uses State Road 8 to State Road 39 to U.S. 30.
Drivers in Northwest Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts at any time via the District’s social media channels, www.Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest or Twitter @INDOTNorthwest or online at http://www.trafficwise.in.gov.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
North Judson-San Pierre Receives $8,000 Lilly Endowment Counseling Initiative Grant
Posted on March 4, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation has gotten a Lilly Endowment Counseling Initiative planning grant.
Superintendent Annette Zupin says N.J.-S.P. was awarded $8,000 through the program. “That will be used for guidance department professional development and also some computers for the guidance counselors to use with our students to help them when they need to apply for colleges, apply for scholarships, maybe register for the SAT,” she explains. “So that will be helpful in the guidance department.”
Zupin adds that N.J.-S.P. is one of several local schools to benefit from Lilly’s Counseling Initiative.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation has gotten a Lilly Endowment Counseling Initiative planning grant.
Superintendent Annette Zupin says N.J.-S.P. was awarded $8,000 through the program. “That will be used for guidance department professional development and also some computers for the guidance counselors to use with our students to help them when they need to apply for colleges, apply for scholarships, maybe register for the SAT,” she explains. “So that will be helpful in the guidance department.”
Zupin adds that N.J.-S.P. is one of several local schools to benefit from Lilly’s Counseling Initiative.
Friday, March 3, 2017
Community Services of Starke County Names New Executive Director
Posted on March 3, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Community Services of Starke County has a new executive director. The board of directors selected longtime employee Charmaine Dunkel to head the nonprofit agency.
Dunkel has served as interim executive director since Becky Anspach was terminated in January. She’s previously worked as an administrative assistant, energy assistance intake specialist and nutrition site manager at Community Services of Starke County and will take over as executive director immediately.
Dunkel holds a bachelor of human resource management from Indiana State University and a MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Community Services of Starke County provides services to low-income and senior citizen Starke County residents. They include information and assistance, outreach, public transportation, nutrition services like homebound and congregate meals, energy assistance programs, the food pantry and homemaker services.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Community Services of Starke County has a new executive director. The board of directors selected longtime employee Charmaine Dunkel to head the nonprofit agency.
Dunkel has served as interim executive director since Becky Anspach was terminated in January. She’s previously worked as an administrative assistant, energy assistance intake specialist and nutrition site manager at Community Services of Starke County and will take over as executive director immediately.
Dunkel holds a bachelor of human resource management from Indiana State University and a MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Community Services of Starke County provides services to low-income and senior citizen Starke County residents. They include information and assistance, outreach, public transportation, nutrition services like homebound and congregate meals, energy assistance programs, the food pantry and homemaker services.
Starke County Council Establishes Courthouse Security Officer Position
Posted on March 3, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Sheriff’s Office will be in charge of security at the courthouse once renovations are finished. Sheriff Bill Dulin told the county council last week he will need more part-time officers to handle the responsibility.
After discussing the best approach, the council agreed to create and fund a new “security officer” position within the sheriff’s office. They also agreed to appropriate $50,000 from the county economic development income tax earmarked for the jail to pay the officers.
Larry Keiser will still serve as chief of court security and will be in charge of scheduling the staff.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Sheriff’s Office will be in charge of security at the courthouse once renovations are finished. Sheriff Bill Dulin told the county council last week he will need more part-time officers to handle the responsibility.
After discussing the best approach, the council agreed to create and fund a new “security officer” position within the sheriff’s office. They also agreed to appropriate $50,000 from the county economic development income tax earmarked for the jail to pay the officers.
Larry Keiser will still serve as chief of court security and will be in charge of scheduling the staff.
Starke County CASA Volunteers Needed
Posted on March 3, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Volunteers are needed in Starke County to shepherd abused and neglected children through the court system. Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASAs for short, represent the best interests of children in state custody during all of their court proceedings. Their recommendations carry a lot of weight when it comes to determining a permanent placement for youngsters.
Volunteers are asked to commit between five and 15 hours per month visiting children and gathering information. They also accompany the youngsters to whom they are assigned to court hearings.
The first of 10 training sessions begins on March 21st. All will be scheduled in the evenings. Call 574-772-7200 or email starkecountycasa@yahoo.com for more information.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Volunteers are needed in Starke County to shepherd abused and neglected children through the court system. Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASAs for short, represent the best interests of children in state custody during all of their court proceedings. Their recommendations carry a lot of weight when it comes to determining a permanent placement for youngsters.
Volunteers are asked to commit between five and 15 hours per month visiting children and gathering information. They also accompany the youngsters to whom they are assigned to court hearings.
The first of 10 training sessions begins on March 21st. All will be scheduled in the evenings. Call 574-772-7200 or email starkecountycasa@yahoo.com for more information.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)