Posted on July 7, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Even though tax filing season is over, the Internal Revenue Service still urges taxpayers to beware of tax-related scams over the summer months. IRS officials say there are many variations, but most scams demand that taxpayers make an immediate payment to avoid being arrested.
In a new phone scam, a caller claiming to be from the IRS will tell the victim that two certified letters were mailed but returned as undeliverable. The scammer then demands that the taxpayer make a payment with a specific prepaid debit card, supposedly linked to the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.
The IRS reminds taxpayers that it will never demand immediate payment using a specific method like a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer. The IRS will also never threaten to immediately bring in local police to arrest a taxpayer or ask for credit and debit card numbers over the phone. Taxpayers must also be given the chance to question or appeal the amount owed.
The IRS also says that if you know you don’t owe any taxes, hang up immediately. If you’re not sure, you can check your tax account online at IRS.gov.
Friday, July 7, 2017
Blood Donations Desperately Needed
Posted on July 7, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Blood supplies are at critical levels at the local hospitals and the American Red Cross is asking for your help to replenish the inventory.
Red Cross officials say that only three percent of the U.S. population gives blood, which means repeat donors are picking up the slack to help maintain the blood supply. New blood donors are needed at this time of the year when school is out during the summer break. Many blood drives occur during the school year and it is difficult to plan donation drives during the summer vacation.
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Wednesday, July 12 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET at the Culver Community Junior/Senior High School. Another opportunity to give blood is Friday, July 28 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT at the VFW Post #748 in Knox. To schedule your appointment, use the free Red Cross blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Blood supplies are at critical levels at the local hospitals and the American Red Cross is asking for your help to replenish the inventory.
Red Cross officials say that only three percent of the U.S. population gives blood, which means repeat donors are picking up the slack to help maintain the blood supply. New blood donors are needed at this time of the year when school is out during the summer break. Many blood drives occur during the school year and it is difficult to plan donation drives during the summer vacation.
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Wednesday, July 12 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET at the Culver Community Junior/Senior High School. Another opportunity to give blood is Friday, July 28 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT at the VFW Post #748 in Knox. To schedule your appointment, use the free Red Cross blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Thursday, July 6, 2017
New Starke County EMS Director Appointed, EMT Interviews Start Today
Posted on July 6, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners appointed a new EMS Director during their meeting Wednesday night.
Interim Assistant Director Travis Clary was offered the position by the commissioners and he accepted the offer. Commissioner Kathy Norem noted that he will be placed on a probationary period for six months. He will be evaluated after three months and if his work is satisfactory Clary will receive a raise. If the commissioners continue to be satisfied with his work at the end of his probationary period, he will be bumped up to his intended salary of $59,000.
Norem noted that Clary’s experience as a paramedic will be beneficial in directing the department to the standard of which the commissioners are envisioning. Norem and Charlie Chesak approved the appointment. Commission President Donnie Binkley was not in attendance.
Prior to his appointment, Clary told the commissioners that he will be interviewing candidates to fill three open EMT positions. Seven candidates will be interviewed for the openings that Clary hopes will help cut down on overtime hours.
The applications for paramedics are lacking, but it’s a problem that departments across the area are experiencing. Clary said the department will continue their efforts in requesting applications for the available paramedic positions.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners appointed a new EMS Director during their meeting Wednesday night.
Interim Assistant Director Travis Clary was offered the position by the commissioners and he accepted the offer. Commissioner Kathy Norem noted that he will be placed on a probationary period for six months. He will be evaluated after three months and if his work is satisfactory Clary will receive a raise. If the commissioners continue to be satisfied with his work at the end of his probationary period, he will be bumped up to his intended salary of $59,000.
Norem noted that Clary’s experience as a paramedic will be beneficial in directing the department to the standard of which the commissioners are envisioning. Norem and Charlie Chesak approved the appointment. Commission President Donnie Binkley was not in attendance.
Prior to his appointment, Clary told the commissioners that he will be interviewing candidates to fill three open EMT positions. Seven candidates will be interviewed for the openings that Clary hopes will help cut down on overtime hours.
The applications for paramedics are lacking, but it’s a problem that departments across the area are experiencing. Clary said the department will continue their efforts in requesting applications for the available paramedic positions.
North Judson Council Votes to Proceed with Water Infrastructure Upgrades
Posted on July 6, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The North Judson Town Council is taking steps to upgrade the town’s water infrastructure. Council members voted Monday to proceed with a plan to rehabilitate the two water towers, add a well, and upgrade the existing well pumps, among other improvements.
To pay for the upgrades, the town will pursue a loan through the State Revolving Fund, as well as grant funding from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. That’s a different approach than the town’s taking with its wastewater projects, which the town plans to finance with a bond from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office.
While council members approved the wastewater projects last week, they held off on the water improvements, over concern with Commonwealth Engineers’ cost estimates for a new well. It would serve as a backup for the town’s existing wells. Town Superintendent Marshall Horstmann told council members this week that Commonwealth was able bring that cost down by about $130,000. “He took off the well house that they had originally put on there and replaced it with the type of well house that we’ve got on the existing wells now,” Horstmann explained.
However, much of that money was added back, after town officials asked that an altitude valve for the downtown water tower be added into the plan. While one was delivered when the tower was built over 20 years ago, an apparent oversight by the engineer meant it was never installed. That’s prevented the town from filling the water tower all the way.
As long as North Judson is able to get the OCRA grant, the town will be able to make all the proposed upgrades without increasing water rates. Otherwise, the town may have to scale back its plans, raise rates again, or pursue other grant opportunities. Council member Jane Ellen Felchuk said State Senator Ed Charbonneau’s office has told her about some new grants that may be available.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The North Judson Town Council is taking steps to upgrade the town’s water infrastructure. Council members voted Monday to proceed with a plan to rehabilitate the two water towers, add a well, and upgrade the existing well pumps, among other improvements.
To pay for the upgrades, the town will pursue a loan through the State Revolving Fund, as well as grant funding from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. That’s a different approach than the town’s taking with its wastewater projects, which the town plans to finance with a bond from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office.
While council members approved the wastewater projects last week, they held off on the water improvements, over concern with Commonwealth Engineers’ cost estimates for a new well. It would serve as a backup for the town’s existing wells. Town Superintendent Marshall Horstmann told council members this week that Commonwealth was able bring that cost down by about $130,000. “He took off the well house that they had originally put on there and replaced it with the type of well house that we’ve got on the existing wells now,” Horstmann explained.
However, much of that money was added back, after town officials asked that an altitude valve for the downtown water tower be added into the plan. While one was delivered when the tower was built over 20 years ago, an apparent oversight by the engineer meant it was never installed. That’s prevented the town from filling the water tower all the way.
As long as North Judson is able to get the OCRA grant, the town will be able to make all the proposed upgrades without increasing water rates. Otherwise, the town may have to scale back its plans, raise rates again, or pursue other grant opportunities. Council member Jane Ellen Felchuk said State Senator Ed Charbonneau’s office has told her about some new grants that may be available.
New N.J.-S.P. School Board Members to Be Sworn in During Reorganization Meeting Tuesday
Posted on July 6, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board will welcome some new members next week. Last Friday, Gerald Bacon was appointed as Jackson Township’s representative. The township board chose Bacon over Denise Cultice, after current school board member Michael Shireman did not seek reappointment.
A day earlier, the Railroad Township Board selected Susan McCormack as its school board representative, after interviewing four candidates. Railroad Township tried to make the appointment a week before, but it had to be redone because board members didn’t take the vote in public. McCormack was picked over Deb Wappel and Megan Korous. Cassandra Hine was also interviewed but withdrew from consideration.
Bacon and McCormack will be sworn in for four-year terms on Tuesday, during a 7:00 a.m. reorganization meeting at the North Judson-San Pierre Central Office. School board members will also plan for the next school year and make several yearly appointments. They will also pick a new school board president, to replace outgoing Railroad Township representative Pat Goin.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board will welcome some new members next week. Last Friday, Gerald Bacon was appointed as Jackson Township’s representative. The township board chose Bacon over Denise Cultice, after current school board member Michael Shireman did not seek reappointment.
A day earlier, the Railroad Township Board selected Susan McCormack as its school board representative, after interviewing four candidates. Railroad Township tried to make the appointment a week before, but it had to be redone because board members didn’t take the vote in public. McCormack was picked over Deb Wappel and Megan Korous. Cassandra Hine was also interviewed but withdrew from consideration.
Bacon and McCormack will be sworn in for four-year terms on Tuesday, during a 7:00 a.m. reorganization meeting at the North Judson-San Pierre Central Office. School board members will also plan for the next school year and make several yearly appointments. They will also pick a new school board president, to replace outgoing Railroad Township representative Pat Goin.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Chicken Supporters Meet with North Judson Town Council, As Animal Ordinance Review Continues
Posted on July 5, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
North Judson’s chickens will be allowed to stay for at least a while longer, as the town continues to review its animal ordinance. Residents filled North Judson Town Hall Monday, as chicken owner Sarah Burkett spoke out against the town council’s decision to more strictly enforce the ordinance. It currently prohibits residents from keeping chickens and other farm animals.
The two main questions are whether the chickens Burkett currently has were grandfathered in, and whether residents should be allowed to have chickens, in general. About 15 people, many of whom live within the town limits, spoke in favor of allowing chickens Monday. There was even a “Save the Chickens” sign.
Supporters of an “urban chicken ordinance” say it would give people the chance to produce their own food, provide educational opportunities for children, and make North Judson more attractive to new residents. Some people added that chickens are less of a nuisance than dogs. Burkett presented copies of animal ordinances from Valparaiso and Chesterton, which both allow chickens.
However, resident Kay Cummins opposed allowing Burkett’s chickens to stay. Cummins said that not having to live next to farm animals was one of the reasons her family chose to live in North Judson several decades ago. But beyond that, she said as long as the town has an ordinance, it should be enforced, whether people like it or not.
Town Attorney Justin Schramm said that council members have three options going forward. “As of right now – and I’m sure people in the room will disagree – it is a legal ordinance,” he explained. “However, the town council has the right and it should either universally enforce it, universally, repeal it, or replace it with something you think would be more palatable to individuals.”
The chicken debate has escalated in recent weeks, after residents complained that certain people were being allowed to keep the animals, even though they’re technically prohibited. The town council granted Burkett an exception six years ago, but there’s an ongoing debate about whether that still applies to the chickens she has now.
Council members voted last month to ban all remaining chickens after this month’s Starke County Fair, after Burkett failed to provide them with requested documentation on the matter. During Monday’s meeting, though, Burkett presented minutes from town council meetings when the issue was discussed in August of 2011. She also complained that town officials never contacted her directly.
However, council member John Rowe disputed Burkett’s claims that the town was singling her out. “None of us went out seeking her chickens or a problem,” he said. “There was an issue brought to the board, like any other issue in the community, brought to us five. We talk about the issue. We review the issue. We review the ordinance. We review everything, and then we sit and talk like we are here tonight. So nobody went over there and tried to maliciously go after these chickens. I’m not for or against it. I want to hear both sides and figure out what’s best for North Judson, and I think I can speak for everybody on that.”
Council members didn’t offer much input Monday, but said they would review the information before taking any action. Schramm said that it wasn’t necessary for Burkett to formally appeal the council’s decision to remove the chickens, since no citations have actually be issued yet.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
North Judson’s chickens will be allowed to stay for at least a while longer, as the town continues to review its animal ordinance. Residents filled North Judson Town Hall Monday, as chicken owner Sarah Burkett spoke out against the town council’s decision to more strictly enforce the ordinance. It currently prohibits residents from keeping chickens and other farm animals.
The two main questions are whether the chickens Burkett currently has were grandfathered in, and whether residents should be allowed to have chickens, in general. About 15 people, many of whom live within the town limits, spoke in favor of allowing chickens Monday. There was even a “Save the Chickens” sign.
Supporters of an “urban chicken ordinance” say it would give people the chance to produce their own food, provide educational opportunities for children, and make North Judson more attractive to new residents. Some people added that chickens are less of a nuisance than dogs. Burkett presented copies of animal ordinances from Valparaiso and Chesterton, which both allow chickens.
However, resident Kay Cummins opposed allowing Burkett’s chickens to stay. Cummins said that not having to live next to farm animals was one of the reasons her family chose to live in North Judson several decades ago. But beyond that, she said as long as the town has an ordinance, it should be enforced, whether people like it or not.
Town Attorney Justin Schramm said that council members have three options going forward. “As of right now – and I’m sure people in the room will disagree – it is a legal ordinance,” he explained. “However, the town council has the right and it should either universally enforce it, universally, repeal it, or replace it with something you think would be more palatable to individuals.”
The chicken debate has escalated in recent weeks, after residents complained that certain people were being allowed to keep the animals, even though they’re technically prohibited. The town council granted Burkett an exception six years ago, but there’s an ongoing debate about whether that still applies to the chickens she has now.
Council members voted last month to ban all remaining chickens after this month’s Starke County Fair, after Burkett failed to provide them with requested documentation on the matter. During Monday’s meeting, though, Burkett presented minutes from town council meetings when the issue was discussed in August of 2011. She also complained that town officials never contacted her directly.
However, council member John Rowe disputed Burkett’s claims that the town was singling her out. “None of us went out seeking her chickens or a problem,” he said. “There was an issue brought to the board, like any other issue in the community, brought to us five. We talk about the issue. We review the issue. We review the ordinance. We review everything, and then we sit and talk like we are here tonight. So nobody went over there and tried to maliciously go after these chickens. I’m not for or against it. I want to hear both sides and figure out what’s best for North Judson, and I think I can speak for everybody on that.”
Council members didn’t offer much input Monday, but said they would review the information before taking any action. Schramm said that it wasn’t necessary for Burkett to formally appeal the council’s decision to remove the chickens, since no citations have actually be issued yet.
Starke County Commissioners to Meet Tonight
Posted on July 5, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners will meet tonight where contracts will be signed for the elevator at the courthouse. Paperwork from K-IRPC and DLZ will be approved in that process.
The search for a Starke County EMA Director is on tonight’s agenda. The commissioners will be discussing making it a full-time or part-time position. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler will have a report from the highway department, Maintenance Director Jim Coad will present a fire contract for the second annex building, and EMS Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie and Assistant Director Travis Clary will provide a department report.
The commissioners will discuss the 2018 proposed budget timeline and Clerk Vicki Cooley will request the purchase of a copier.
The commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. CT tonight in the commissioners meeting room in the Starke County Annex Building.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners will meet tonight where contracts will be signed for the elevator at the courthouse. Paperwork from K-IRPC and DLZ will be approved in that process.
The search for a Starke County EMA Director is on tonight’s agenda. The commissioners will be discussing making it a full-time or part-time position. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler will have a report from the highway department, Maintenance Director Jim Coad will present a fire contract for the second annex building, and EMS Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie and Assistant Director Travis Clary will provide a department report.
The commissioners will discuss the 2018 proposed budget timeline and Clerk Vicki Cooley will request the purchase of a copier.
The commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. CT tonight in the commissioners meeting room in the Starke County Annex Building.
Monday, July 3, 2017
North Judson Council Discusses Financing Options for Water, Wastewater Upgrades
Posted on July 3, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The North Judson Town Council has taken the first step toward upgrading the town’s wastewater infrastructure.
The first priority is to improve its combined sewer overflow, to bring the system into compliance with Indiana Department of Environmental Management regulations. Town officials also want to modernize the wastewater treatment plant. The projected cost for all those upgrades is $3.1 million.
Accounting firm Umbaugh and Associates believes the town can make those improvements without any more rate increases, beyond those set to take effect next month. During a special town council meeting last week, Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins recommended that the town make all the upgrades at once. “Typically, we are behind the ball on most things, so I think we need to look at the future,” she said. “If it’s not going to cost us any more money to do this, we may need to maximize what we can do, and the interest rates are only going to be this low for a certain amount of time.”
To make the upgrades, the town council voted to pursue a 40-year bond through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office. However, that financing plan depends on whether Rural Development will let the town refinance its outstanding sewer bond as part of the process.
Council members also voted to hire Bose McKinney & Evans as the bond counsel for the project, at the recommendation of Town Attorney Justin Schramm. Construction is estimated to begin in 2019.
Meanwhile, the town council is also considering various improvements to the town’s water infrastructure, such as rehabilitating the two water towers, adding a well, and upgrading the existing well pumps. To cover the cost, council members plan to pursue a grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. However, they decided not to make any decisions yet on the water projects, until they can get some more detailed cost estimates from Commonwealth Engineers.
They plan to continue the discussion during their regular meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at North Judson Town Hall.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The North Judson Town Council has taken the first step toward upgrading the town’s wastewater infrastructure.
The first priority is to improve its combined sewer overflow, to bring the system into compliance with Indiana Department of Environmental Management regulations. Town officials also want to modernize the wastewater treatment plant. The projected cost for all those upgrades is $3.1 million.
Accounting firm Umbaugh and Associates believes the town can make those improvements without any more rate increases, beyond those set to take effect next month. During a special town council meeting last week, Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins recommended that the town make all the upgrades at once. “Typically, we are behind the ball on most things, so I think we need to look at the future,” she said. “If it’s not going to cost us any more money to do this, we may need to maximize what we can do, and the interest rates are only going to be this low for a certain amount of time.”
To make the upgrades, the town council voted to pursue a 40-year bond through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office. However, that financing plan depends on whether Rural Development will let the town refinance its outstanding sewer bond as part of the process.
Council members also voted to hire Bose McKinney & Evans as the bond counsel for the project, at the recommendation of Town Attorney Justin Schramm. Construction is estimated to begin in 2019.
Meanwhile, the town council is also considering various improvements to the town’s water infrastructure, such as rehabilitating the two water towers, adding a well, and upgrading the existing well pumps. To cover the cost, council members plan to pursue a grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. However, they decided not to make any decisions yet on the water projects, until they can get some more detailed cost estimates from Commonwealth Engineers.
They plan to continue the discussion during their regular meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at North Judson Town Hall.
Chicken Debate to Continue During North Judson Town Council Meeting
Posted on July 3, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
North Judson’s chicken debate is expected to continue during tonight’s town council meeting. The town’s existing animal ordinance prohibits chickens and other farm animals from being raised within the town limits, but there are still some chickens in town.
Last month, the town council voted to enforce the ordinance and remove all remaining chickens after this year’s Starke County Fair. But resident Sarah Burkett says the town council previously decided to let her keep her chickens. She feels the apparent reversal unfairly singles her out. Burkett says many people support the idea of allowing residents to raise chickens in town, and she’s been encouraging them to speak up during tonight’s council meeting.
The town council has already announced plans to review the animal ordinance. Town officials have suggested allowing farm animals on properties that meet certain size requirements and specifically prohibiting the feeding of feral cats.
In other business tonight, council members are expected to get an update on the town’s new compliance officer position. The part-time employee would issue warnings and citations for tall grass and other code violations. Applications for the job were due last Friday.
Tonight’s North Judson Town Council meeting starts at 6:30 at the town hall.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
North Judson’s chicken debate is expected to continue during tonight’s town council meeting. The town’s existing animal ordinance prohibits chickens and other farm animals from being raised within the town limits, but there are still some chickens in town.
Last month, the town council voted to enforce the ordinance and remove all remaining chickens after this year’s Starke County Fair. But resident Sarah Burkett says the town council previously decided to let her keep her chickens. She feels the apparent reversal unfairly singles her out. Burkett says many people support the idea of allowing residents to raise chickens in town, and she’s been encouraging them to speak up during tonight’s council meeting.
The town council has already announced plans to review the animal ordinance. Town officials have suggested allowing farm animals on properties that meet certain size requirements and specifically prohibiting the feeding of feral cats.
In other business tonight, council members are expected to get an update on the town’s new compliance officer position. The part-time employee would issue warnings and citations for tall grass and other code violations. Applications for the job were due last Friday.
Tonight’s North Judson Town Council meeting starts at 6:30 at the town hall.
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