Posted on September 5, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The annual Starke County Chamber’s Golf Outing is coming up soon and it isn’t too late to get involved. Join the Chamber on Friday Sept. 15 at the Hamlet Golf Course. The event is not limited to members only, anyone can play.
The day will start off with at 11 a.m. with a lunch. The outing will also feature more than golf; other games, drinks and door prizes will be available throughout the day until 5 p.m. CT.
Businesses and individuals have the chance to sponsor a hole for $50 or two holes for $75. Golf prices are $75 per person or $250 for teams. That price covers the cost of golf, lunch and a cart. In order to register, contact the Chamber Office by emailing info@starkecountychamber.com or call 574-772-5548.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Inmate Health Care Costs Create Challenges for Starke County Sheriff’s Department
Posted on September 2, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Health care for jail inmates has led to some budgetary concerns for the Starke County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Bill Dulin told the county commissioners last week that what inmates pay for medical services isn’t covering the cost of providing them. “Currently, inmates are charged $15 for each visit for nurses, doctor visit, dentist, mental health visits, and they’re also charged five dollars for medication that they receive,” he explained. “From January until now, we brought in $2,217 and some change. The way that it’s going now, it’s not sustaining what we’re doing.”
He added that simply raising those charges won’t help, since many inmates are unable to pay the fees as it is. County officials plan to look into using other funds, including the Jail CEDIT, to help cover the deficit of nearly $5,600.
Another challenge is that inmates with untreated medical conditions are coming into the jail, meaning it’s now up to the county to cover the cost of treating them. Dulin pointed out that two inmates currently need surgery. “This one guy, in particular, got into a car wreck a month ago,” Dulin said. “And now he’s coming in, and now he wants his arm fixed.”
Meanwhile, the sheriff’s department is taking steps to reduce health care costs. Dulin said he’s hired a dentist who’s willing to see inmates in the jail, saving the cost transporting them and several guards to a dentist’s office. But that’s led to another problem. The dentist’s bill apparently left out several important pieces of information, like which inmates were seen, when, and what treatment was provided.
County Attorney Marty Lucas said that could lead to some legal issues. “What I would want to see if you’re going to continue to work with the guy, definitely you got to, you just got to get that level of documentation because the trouble is then so we pay for the dental services and then the person says we didn’t give them dental services,” Lucas said. “We get sued for not giving them dental services after giving them dental services, we pay for the dental services, and lose the lawsuit, too.”
Those concerns have caused a dental bill of over $13,000 to be left unpaid until now. Sheriff Dulin recommended that the commissioners approve the payment, with the understanding that more detail will be required going forward.
At the same time, the sheriff’s department plans to help eligible inmates sign up to receive Medicaid benefits upon their release. The goal is to help former inmates get treatment for mental health and other issues, so they don’t end up back in jail.
While the commissioners supported the idea, Commissioner Kathy Norem wasn’t entirely convinced it would do much good. “It might help somewhere in a bigger city or somewhere,” she said, “but here, where we have nothing but drug addicts, it’s not a problem of them getting off their meds. They had too many meds.”
Dulin said the Medicaid sign-up program will be offered to inmates once a month and will cost the county $15 per person.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Health care for jail inmates has led to some budgetary concerns for the Starke County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Bill Dulin told the county commissioners last week that what inmates pay for medical services isn’t covering the cost of providing them. “Currently, inmates are charged $15 for each visit for nurses, doctor visit, dentist, mental health visits, and they’re also charged five dollars for medication that they receive,” he explained. “From January until now, we brought in $2,217 and some change. The way that it’s going now, it’s not sustaining what we’re doing.”
He added that simply raising those charges won’t help, since many inmates are unable to pay the fees as it is. County officials plan to look into using other funds, including the Jail CEDIT, to help cover the deficit of nearly $5,600.
Another challenge is that inmates with untreated medical conditions are coming into the jail, meaning it’s now up to the county to cover the cost of treating them. Dulin pointed out that two inmates currently need surgery. “This one guy, in particular, got into a car wreck a month ago,” Dulin said. “And now he’s coming in, and now he wants his arm fixed.”
Meanwhile, the sheriff’s department is taking steps to reduce health care costs. Dulin said he’s hired a dentist who’s willing to see inmates in the jail, saving the cost transporting them and several guards to a dentist’s office. But that’s led to another problem. The dentist’s bill apparently left out several important pieces of information, like which inmates were seen, when, and what treatment was provided.
County Attorney Marty Lucas said that could lead to some legal issues. “What I would want to see if you’re going to continue to work with the guy, definitely you got to, you just got to get that level of documentation because the trouble is then so we pay for the dental services and then the person says we didn’t give them dental services,” Lucas said. “We get sued for not giving them dental services after giving them dental services, we pay for the dental services, and lose the lawsuit, too.”
Those concerns have caused a dental bill of over $13,000 to be left unpaid until now. Sheriff Dulin recommended that the commissioners approve the payment, with the understanding that more detail will be required going forward.
At the same time, the sheriff’s department plans to help eligible inmates sign up to receive Medicaid benefits upon their release. The goal is to help former inmates get treatment for mental health and other issues, so they don’t end up back in jail.
While the commissioners supported the idea, Commissioner Kathy Norem wasn’t entirely convinced it would do much good. “It might help somewhere in a bigger city or somewhere,” she said, “but here, where we have nothing but drug addicts, it’s not a problem of them getting off their meds. They had too many meds.”
Dulin said the Medicaid sign-up program will be offered to inmates once a month and will cost the county $15 per person.
Next Month’s Starke County Community Health Fair to Feature Free Flu Shots, Health Screenings
Posted on September 2, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Free flu shots will be offered during this year’s Starke County Community Health Fair. It will be held Tuesday, October 17 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Knox Middle School gym.
The event has previously been held in May, but Starke Hospital Regional Community Relations Manager Stacey Kellogg says it’s been moved to the fall, as more people are anticipating flu season and other health issues. She says flu shots will be offered free of charge to adults while supplies last.
Free blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index screenings will be available. The health fair will also feature interactive exhibits on CPR, cardio pounding, self defense, and more. On top of that, visitors will be able to learn more about various medical services from doctors and nurses.
Those planning to attend next month’s Starke County Community Health Fair can register online at starkehealthfair.eventbrite.com. Vendors can request a space at starkehealthfairvendors.eventbrite.com.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Free flu shots will be offered during this year’s Starke County Community Health Fair. It will be held Tuesday, October 17 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Knox Middle School gym.
The event has previously been held in May, but Starke Hospital Regional Community Relations Manager Stacey Kellogg says it’s been moved to the fall, as more people are anticipating flu season and other health issues. She says flu shots will be offered free of charge to adults while supplies last.
Free blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index screenings will be available. The health fair will also feature interactive exhibits on CPR, cardio pounding, self defense, and more. On top of that, visitors will be able to learn more about various medical services from doctors and nurses.
Those planning to attend next month’s Starke County Community Health Fair can register online at starkehealthfair.eventbrite.com. Vendors can request a space at starkehealthfairvendors.eventbrite.com.
FFBT Donation Helps Feed Hungry Hoosiers
Posted on September 2, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
On the opening morning of the Indiana State Fair in early August, Indiana Pork’s Million Meals program received a generous $10,000 donation from First Farmers Bank & Trust.
The Vice President Commercial Production Manager for FFBT, Jeff Rodibaugh, said as the largest agricultural bank east of the Mississippi river, the bank recognizes production agriculture as the back bone of their business, as well as the state. He said that the Million Meals program is a great way to honor Indiana’s farmers and employees by sharing the blessings of agriculture with the less fortunate members of our communities.
Since the Million Meals program was established back in 2009, it has been able to provide more than one million ground pork meals to those in need. The Million Meals program works in partnership with the association representing Indiana’s food banks, Feeding Indiana’s Hungry.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
On the opening morning of the Indiana State Fair in early August, Indiana Pork’s Million Meals program received a generous $10,000 donation from First Farmers Bank & Trust.
The Vice President Commercial Production Manager for FFBT, Jeff Rodibaugh, said as the largest agricultural bank east of the Mississippi river, the bank recognizes production agriculture as the back bone of their business, as well as the state. He said that the Million Meals program is a great way to honor Indiana’s farmers and employees by sharing the blessings of agriculture with the less fortunate members of our communities.
Since the Million Meals program was established back in 2009, it has been able to provide more than one million ground pork meals to those in need. The Million Meals program works in partnership with the association representing Indiana’s food banks, Feeding Indiana’s Hungry.
ISDH Begins Toxicology Pilot Program to Improve Coroner Consistency in the State
Posted on September 2, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Center for Disease Control said that Indiana is one of the three worst states for overdose fatality reports because of inconsistencies in the way coroners test and fill out death certificates. In an effort to improve that reporting, the Indiana State Department of Health’s Division of Trauma and Injury Prevention launched a toxicology pilot program that works with coroners and allows them to order either a basic or more comprehensive panel.
Currently, no national standards exist for toxicology testing and tests conducted often vary by coroner’s office, capacity and funding. The limited toxicology testing may be due in part to the increasing number of deaths due to opioids which could result in coroners lacking the necessary resources needed to implement comprehensive toxicology testing panels.
Comprehensive toxicology testing is vital to properly indentify drugs, specifically opioids. County coroner’s offices are responsible for conducting investigations and determining when an autopsy is required during investigations. During an autopsy, toxicological laboratory tests might be performed to determine the types of drugs present.
However, the substances tested for and circumstances which the tests are performed vary from county to county. As a result, certain tests may not capture particular synthetic substances, potentially limiting the understanding of changing and emerging drug threats.
In order to improve methods ISDH will be working with five Indiana counties during the pilot program that will run until the end of October. During that time, ISDH will be using grant funding to pay for the toxicology testing on suspected overdose deaths. The goal of the project is to increase the number of tests ordered and improve the reporting of drug-specific data.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Center for Disease Control said that Indiana is one of the three worst states for overdose fatality reports because of inconsistencies in the way coroners test and fill out death certificates. In an effort to improve that reporting, the Indiana State Department of Health’s Division of Trauma and Injury Prevention launched a toxicology pilot program that works with coroners and allows them to order either a basic or more comprehensive panel.
Currently, no national standards exist for toxicology testing and tests conducted often vary by coroner’s office, capacity and funding. The limited toxicology testing may be due in part to the increasing number of deaths due to opioids which could result in coroners lacking the necessary resources needed to implement comprehensive toxicology testing panels.
Comprehensive toxicology testing is vital to properly indentify drugs, specifically opioids. County coroner’s offices are responsible for conducting investigations and determining when an autopsy is required during investigations. During an autopsy, toxicological laboratory tests might be performed to determine the types of drugs present.
However, the substances tested for and circumstances which the tests are performed vary from county to county. As a result, certain tests may not capture particular synthetic substances, potentially limiting the understanding of changing and emerging drug threats.
In order to improve methods ISDH will be working with five Indiana counties during the pilot program that will run until the end of October. During that time, ISDH will be using grant funding to pay for the toxicology testing on suspected overdose deaths. The goal of the project is to increase the number of tests ordered and improve the reporting of drug-specific data.
Indiana Ranks 10th in Adult Obesity, According to Annual Report
Posted on September 2, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Nearly one in three Hoosiers are now considered obese, giving the state the 10th highest adult obesity rate in the country. That’s according to the most recent State of Obesity report, issued this week by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
It found that 32.5 percent of Indiana adults had a body mass index of at least 30 in 2016. That rate has remained relatively stable in recent years, but it’s 12 percentage points higher than it was back in 2000 and more than 19 percent higher than in 1990.
Hoosiers between the ages of 45 and 64 are most likely to be obese, with a rate of 38.4 percent in 2016. Indiana is doing a bit better when it comes to childhood obesity, with 14.3 percent of kids between the ages of 10 to 17 considered obese.
The State of Obesity report also looks at what states are doing to reduce obesity. Of the 21 policies the report looks at, Indiana has implemented 12 of them. For example, the state requires elementary, middle, and high school students to take part in physical education, but does not set a minimum amount of time, as some other states do. At the same time, Indiana is one of only five states to require recess in elementary schools.
For more information or to read the complete report, visit StateOfObesity.org.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Nearly one in three Hoosiers are now considered obese, giving the state the 10th highest adult obesity rate in the country. That’s according to the most recent State of Obesity report, issued this week by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
It found that 32.5 percent of Indiana adults had a body mass index of at least 30 in 2016. That rate has remained relatively stable in recent years, but it’s 12 percentage points higher than it was back in 2000 and more than 19 percent higher than in 1990.
Hoosiers between the ages of 45 and 64 are most likely to be obese, with a rate of 38.4 percent in 2016. Indiana is doing a bit better when it comes to childhood obesity, with 14.3 percent of kids between the ages of 10 to 17 considered obese.
The State of Obesity report also looks at what states are doing to reduce obesity. Of the 21 policies the report looks at, Indiana has implemented 12 of them. For example, the state requires elementary, middle, and high school students to take part in physical education, but does not set a minimum amount of time, as some other states do. At the same time, Indiana is one of only five states to require recess in elementary schools.
For more information or to read the complete report, visit StateOfObesity.org.
Friday, September 1, 2017
Local Red Cross Volunteer Heading to Houston
Posted on September 1, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
A local woman who volunteered during past natural disasters such as the Henryville Tornado and Hurricane Sandy will be deploying to Houston this weekend to assist the Red Cross with mass care efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Sherry Fagner is a former Incident Management Team member of the District 2 Task Force who now serves as the Lead Disaster Action Team member for Pulaski and Starke Counties. Fagner will be providing assistance in one of the mega centers that has been set up in the Houston area.
Several fellow members of the Indiana District 2 chapter have already been deployed to Texas to assist with Mass Care, which is an umbrella term that covers a plethora of jobs that volunteers could be responsible for once they make it to the mega centers.
“Anything you see on the news that is in a shelter, that’s what we do,” she said “Anything to do with client casework, if there’s immediate needs for people that are in the shelter, could be making sure that cots are set up, could be just about a whole range of items.”
Fagner said that the best advice she has to individuals interested in helping is to make a monetary donation to a nationally recognized charity. Money allows the organization to buy needed supplies right away rather than fishing through donated goods. Sherry’s flight leaves Saturday morning from the airport in South Bend. She will be deployed for two weeks.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
A local woman who volunteered during past natural disasters such as the Henryville Tornado and Hurricane Sandy will be deploying to Houston this weekend to assist the Red Cross with mass care efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Sherry Fagner is a former Incident Management Team member of the District 2 Task Force who now serves as the Lead Disaster Action Team member for Pulaski and Starke Counties. Fagner will be providing assistance in one of the mega centers that has been set up in the Houston area.
Several fellow members of the Indiana District 2 chapter have already been deployed to Texas to assist with Mass Care, which is an umbrella term that covers a plethora of jobs that volunteers could be responsible for once they make it to the mega centers.
“Anything you see on the news that is in a shelter, that’s what we do,” she said “Anything to do with client casework, if there’s immediate needs for people that are in the shelter, could be making sure that cots are set up, could be just about a whole range of items.”
Fagner said that the best advice she has to individuals interested in helping is to make a monetary donation to a nationally recognized charity. Money allows the organization to buy needed supplies right away rather than fishing through donated goods. Sherry’s flight leaves Saturday morning from the airport in South Bend. She will be deployed for two weeks.
Petroleum Analyst Provides Some Perspective on Indiana Gas Prices
Posted on September 1, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Gas prices may be up 24 cents from last year’s average but compared to individuals on the east coast, drivers in Indiana won’t be seeing much of an impact from Hurricane Harvey at the pump. According to GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Daniel McTeague, Indiana’s gas prices are impacted by the Chicago Spot Market, not the New York Market.
This is important because there is a major difference. “The price impact of Hurricane Harvey and the flooding and on going outages of several refineries down there really affects the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.” McTeague said, “For us here in Indiana what happens in the Chicago spot market is important. For instance, it went up about 4 cents a gallon, whereas New York went up about 25 cents.”
McTeague said that drastic difference reflects the fact that much of the product that comes out of the affected Gulf Coast area typically makes its way to the states in the East rather than here to the Midwest. He is not expecting to see any major increases in this area any time soon.
However if the regions that are experiencing shortages have to start looking elsewhere for supply then there is a possibility local prices could go up. McTeague said there is no way to know right now if that could happen, it all depends on how long it takes for refineries to be rehabilitated.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Gas prices may be up 24 cents from last year’s average but compared to individuals on the east coast, drivers in Indiana won’t be seeing much of an impact from Hurricane Harvey at the pump. According to GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Daniel McTeague, Indiana’s gas prices are impacted by the Chicago Spot Market, not the New York Market.
This is important because there is a major difference. “The price impact of Hurricane Harvey and the flooding and on going outages of several refineries down there really affects the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.” McTeague said, “For us here in Indiana what happens in the Chicago spot market is important. For instance, it went up about 4 cents a gallon, whereas New York went up about 25 cents.”
McTeague said that drastic difference reflects the fact that much of the product that comes out of the affected Gulf Coast area typically makes its way to the states in the East rather than here to the Midwest. He is not expecting to see any major increases in this area any time soon.
However if the regions that are experiencing shortages have to start looking elsewhere for supply then there is a possibility local prices could go up. McTeague said there is no way to know right now if that could happen, it all depends on how long it takes for refineries to be rehabilitated.
There’s Still Time to Sign-up for Starke County’s Leadership Training Class
Posted on September 1, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Individuals interested in learning leadership skills while simultaneously getting a new perspective on Starke County’s history, culture, challenges and opportunities should join the Starke County Community Leadership Training Class. The program is still looking for 5-6 more participants for the class that starts September 22nd.
The deadline for acceptance into the program is September 15th. The required application and instructions on where to send it can be found here:
Starke Co Leadership Application
Class facilitator Jim Jessup says that interaction with fellow classmates and current community leaders is a key component of the experience. Aside from leadership training, participants should expect to hone skills such as networking and personal development. They will also have the chance to learn more about social services, local government, law enforcement and economic development.
The class meets once each month from September until May from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at various locations in Starke County. The class is $300 to attend and that covers the cost of meals, transportation, materials and instruction. Payment plans and partial scholarships may be available to those who need financial assistance.
If you have any questions, contact Executive Director of Community Services of Starke County, Charmaine Dunkel at 574-772-7070.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Individuals interested in learning leadership skills while simultaneously getting a new perspective on Starke County’s history, culture, challenges and opportunities should join the Starke County Community Leadership Training Class. The program is still looking for 5-6 more participants for the class that starts September 22nd.
The deadline for acceptance into the program is September 15th. The required application and instructions on where to send it can be found here:
Starke Co Leadership Application
Class facilitator Jim Jessup says that interaction with fellow classmates and current community leaders is a key component of the experience. Aside from leadership training, participants should expect to hone skills such as networking and personal development. They will also have the chance to learn more about social services, local government, law enforcement and economic development.
The class meets once each month from September until May from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at various locations in Starke County. The class is $300 to attend and that covers the cost of meals, transportation, materials and instruction. Payment plans and partial scholarships may be available to those who need financial assistance.
If you have any questions, contact Executive Director of Community Services of Starke County, Charmaine Dunkel at 574-772-7070.
North Judson-San Pierre Program in Place to Assist Student Achievement
Posted on September 1, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
A program implemented this school year allows 7th and 8th grade students at North Judson-San Pierre more time to study the subjects of language-arts and math. The 7th and 8th Grade Academy is approximately 70 minutes of Math and 70 minutes of English class daily. The students sit through the length of a regular class session and then an additional 20-25 minutes is allotted for teachers to engage with students in more detail.
Junior/Senior High School Principal Jim Polite said eager faculty members have been working diligently to ensure the extra time is used in the best possible way.
“There’s been a lot of positive collaboration that’s occurred between the staff members.” Polite said, “Over the summer, on their own, they took the initiative to attend workshops together and things of that nature and I really feel like that’s going to help us move in a positive direction as we go forward”
Students attend classes based on their personal ability. Remedial classes focus on specifically helping students in areas where they may be struggling. Honors classes use the extra time for class discussion and various activities they wouldn’t have time for during a regular class session. Polite said this initiative was developed to help middle school students be prepared for what’s to come in high school classes. Teachers, students and parents have all responded positively to the 7th and 8th Grade Academy.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
A program implemented this school year allows 7th and 8th grade students at North Judson-San Pierre more time to study the subjects of language-arts and math. The 7th and 8th Grade Academy is approximately 70 minutes of Math and 70 minutes of English class daily. The students sit through the length of a regular class session and then an additional 20-25 minutes is allotted for teachers to engage with students in more detail.
Junior/Senior High School Principal Jim Polite said eager faculty members have been working diligently to ensure the extra time is used in the best possible way.
“There’s been a lot of positive collaboration that’s occurred between the staff members.” Polite said, “Over the summer, on their own, they took the initiative to attend workshops together and things of that nature and I really feel like that’s going to help us move in a positive direction as we go forward”
Students attend classes based on their personal ability. Remedial classes focus on specifically helping students in areas where they may be struggling. Honors classes use the extra time for class discussion and various activities they wouldn’t have time for during a regular class session. Polite said this initiative was developed to help middle school students be prepared for what’s to come in high school classes. Teachers, students and parents have all responded positively to the 7th and 8th Grade Academy.
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