Posted on February 2, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
There are many scammers who pose as government officials in order to swindle unsuspecting individuals out of money.
In the past, we’ve warned about IRS, FTC and Social Security imposters, but in the latest reported scam, people say they are receiving emails from someone claiming to be Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
In the email, the fake Secretary of State alerts the recipient that they are owed a payment and claims that this was discovered during an FBI and CIA investigation. They go on to say the person will receive an ATM card with $1.85 million on it and even provides a phony PIN code. The catch is that they then ask individuals to provide personal information and pay a $320 fee.
Be aware of the fact that no government agency will ever instruct you to pay a fee to collect funds owed to you. Even if money was owed to you, the Secretary of State would not be sending a personal message.
If someone claiming to be from the government calls or emails you and says you’ve won a prize, owe money or you might go to jail and that the only way to get that prize, or get out of trouble, is if you make a payment right way, someone is likely attempting to scam you. Under no circumstances do you need pay them, provide them with information or even reply with a response.
What you should do is immediately contact the FTC.
Friday, February 2, 2018
North Judson Town Council Members Address Leftover Financial Matters of 2017
Posted on February 2, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
North Judson Town Council members took care of some final financial business from 2017 when they met in a special session earlier this week.
Monday night, members approved a resolution to transfer appropriated funds from various motor vehicle highway accounts. Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe explained that while meeting with Umbaugh representatives, he was alerted there were a few adjustments that needed to be made to keep everything in the black.
The resolution transferred $22,530 from the Motor Vehicle Highway (MVH) motor equipment, cold patch, street salaries, employer FICA and SUTA, fuel funds into an MVH other expenses fund.
The approved resolution ensures that all accounts are balanced going into the 2018 fiscal year. The full version is included with this story on our website WKVI.com
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
North Judson Town Council members took care of some final financial business from 2017 when they met in a special session earlier this week.
Monday night, members approved a resolution to transfer appropriated funds from various motor vehicle highway accounts. Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe explained that while meeting with Umbaugh representatives, he was alerted there were a few adjustments that needed to be made to keep everything in the black.
The resolution transferred $22,530 from the Motor Vehicle Highway (MVH) motor equipment, cold patch, street salaries, employer FICA and SUTA, fuel funds into an MVH other expenses fund.
The approved resolution ensures that all accounts are balanced going into the 2018 fiscal year. The full version is included with this story on our website WKVI.com
Knox Habitat for Humanity Home Nearly Complete Thanks to Dedicated Volunteers
Posted on February 2, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Habitat for Humanity Home in Knox is nearing completion, according to organization representative Carolla Heilstedt.
“We’ve got flooring and cabinetry in, paint is done. So our next phase is going to be light fixtures, which they’ve started on, the rest of the plumbing fixtures, the vanities and interior doors.”
Volunteers have been working on the home at 301 E Delaware Street since September. They meet from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday. They look for professional and amateur workers, and invite anyone interested in helping to show up to the site on those days.
She said they’re incredibly grateful to everyone in the community who assists. Heilstedt added that the assistance even extends beyond construction, with some local individuals and organizations providing meals for the volunteers.
She said Knox resident Hope McIntire should be able to move into the home by mid-February. Additional landscaping work will be tackled in the spring, once the weather breaks.
According to Heilstedt, Hope has done a great job putting in the “sweat equity” for the home, meaning that she’s been a part of the process of constructing her new residence. That is one of the requirements when someone signs up to receive a Habitat home.
She added that McIntire was proactive in making sure that she fit all the specified criteria for the home-build. Heilstedt encourages individuals to check out the Starke Pulaski Habitat for Humanity website in order to see the specifications.
Heilstedt said they typically do home-builds every other year due to the amount of resources and labor that it entails. She said that downtime will allow people to do their research and be prepared for the next project.
If you have any questions about the program or if you wish to inquire about donating meals or volunteering, call 574-896-2811.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Habitat for Humanity Home in Knox is nearing completion, according to organization representative Carolla Heilstedt.
“We’ve got flooring and cabinetry in, paint is done. So our next phase is going to be light fixtures, which they’ve started on, the rest of the plumbing fixtures, the vanities and interior doors.”
Volunteers have been working on the home at 301 E Delaware Street since September. They meet from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday. They look for professional and amateur workers, and invite anyone interested in helping to show up to the site on those days.
She said they’re incredibly grateful to everyone in the community who assists. Heilstedt added that the assistance even extends beyond construction, with some local individuals and organizations providing meals for the volunteers.
She said Knox resident Hope McIntire should be able to move into the home by mid-February. Additional landscaping work will be tackled in the spring, once the weather breaks.
According to Heilstedt, Hope has done a great job putting in the “sweat equity” for the home, meaning that she’s been a part of the process of constructing her new residence. That is one of the requirements when someone signs up to receive a Habitat home.
She added that McIntire was proactive in making sure that she fit all the specified criteria for the home-build. Heilstedt encourages individuals to check out the Starke Pulaski Habitat for Humanity website in order to see the specifications.
Heilstedt said they typically do home-builds every other year due to the amount of resources and labor that it entails. She said that downtime will allow people to do their research and be prepared for the next project.
If you have any questions about the program or if you wish to inquire about donating meals or volunteering, call 574-896-2811.
More Narcan Kits Made Available to Local First Responders
Posted on February 2, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
First responders in Marshall, Starke, and Pulaski counties will be able to get more Narcan kits. The Indiana State Department of Health has awarded a total of $127,000 to 95 first responder agencies in 34 rural counties. That will cover the cost of nearly 3,400 Narcan kits, training for first responders, and expanding referrals to treatment and recovery options.
State health officials say Narcan is a non-narcotic and non-addictive drug that can reverse opioid overdoses. They add that it’s especially important in rural areas, where residents may be many miles from the nearest health care provider.
Funding was awarded to counties with a higher number of emergency room visits for overdoses, more opioid prescriptions, and a lower use of Narcan by first responders, according to the ISDH. That money comes from a four-year, $3.2 million grant awarded to the State Department of Health back in October by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The State Department of Health says it’s already given more than 13,700 Narcan kits to local health departments, as part of its naloxone distribution program.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
First responders in Marshall, Starke, and Pulaski counties will be able to get more Narcan kits. The Indiana State Department of Health has awarded a total of $127,000 to 95 first responder agencies in 34 rural counties. That will cover the cost of nearly 3,400 Narcan kits, training for first responders, and expanding referrals to treatment and recovery options.
State health officials say Narcan is a non-narcotic and non-addictive drug that can reverse opioid overdoses. They add that it’s especially important in rural areas, where residents may be many miles from the nearest health care provider.
Funding was awarded to counties with a higher number of emergency room visits for overdoses, more opioid prescriptions, and a lower use of Narcan by first responders, according to the ISDH. That money comes from a four-year, $3.2 million grant awarded to the State Department of Health back in October by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The State Department of Health says it’s already given more than 13,700 Narcan kits to local health departments, as part of its naloxone distribution program.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
NIPSCO Lowers Requested Gas Rate Increase, Citing Federal Tax Reform
Posted on February 1, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
NIPSCO gas bills would still go up but not by quite as much, under an updated request with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The company says residential gas customers now paying $50 per month could expect to see their monthly bill increase to $58.10, rather than $59.80, as originally proposed.
NIPSCO says the original proposal was made back in September and is four months into a review process. Company officials expect a decision from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission during the second half of 2018.
They say the lower increase is due to the federal tax reform. Similar adjustments to electric rates are also being considered, according to NIPSCO.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
NIPSCO gas bills would still go up but not by quite as much, under an updated request with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The company says residential gas customers now paying $50 per month could expect to see their monthly bill increase to $58.10, rather than $59.80, as originally proposed.
NIPSCO says the original proposal was made back in September and is four months into a review process. Company officials expect a decision from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission during the second half of 2018.
They say the lower increase is due to the federal tax reform. Similar adjustments to electric rates are also being considered, according to NIPSCO.
Help Combat Childhood Hunger By Sponsoring a Food Service Program This Summer
Posted on February 1, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Indiana Department of Education is seeking participants for the 2018 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Rural areas such as Starke, Marshall and Pulaski Counties, are especially in need of services to help combat childhood hunger.
This program provides funding assistance to meal service sites in low-income areas where children may lack access to good nutrition during the summer months.
SFSP reimburses local sponsors that provide healthy, cost-free meals and snacks to children 18-years-old and younger when school is not in session.In addition to providing free meal services to the community, many sponsors offer additional educational or physical activities.
Last year, over 270 Indiana sponsors served more than three million meals and snacks at about 1400 feedings sites across the state. Schools and qualified community organizations are encouraged to join the cause and current sponsors are being asked to consider expanding their existing programs.
Sponsorship is open to public and private nonprofit groups, including local governments, religious organizations, summer camps, recreation centers, and others. Sponsors are trained on how to plan, operate and monitor a successful program. All new sponsors are required to attend a training workshop.
The application deadline for potential SFSP sponsors is April 30. For more information on becoming a sponsor or to sign up for training, click here.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Indiana Department of Education is seeking participants for the 2018 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Rural areas such as Starke, Marshall and Pulaski Counties, are especially in need of services to help combat childhood hunger.
This program provides funding assistance to meal service sites in low-income areas where children may lack access to good nutrition during the summer months.
SFSP reimburses local sponsors that provide healthy, cost-free meals and snacks to children 18-years-old and younger when school is not in session.In addition to providing free meal services to the community, many sponsors offer additional educational or physical activities.
Last year, over 270 Indiana sponsors served more than three million meals and snacks at about 1400 feedings sites across the state. Schools and qualified community organizations are encouraged to join the cause and current sponsors are being asked to consider expanding their existing programs.
Sponsorship is open to public and private nonprofit groups, including local governments, religious organizations, summer camps, recreation centers, and others. Sponsors are trained on how to plan, operate and monitor a successful program. All new sponsors are required to attend a training workshop.
The application deadline for potential SFSP sponsors is April 30. For more information on becoming a sponsor or to sign up for training, click here.
NJ Town Council Members Invited to Attend K9 Pick-Up at Vohne Liche Kennels
Posted on February 1, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
On Monday night, North Judson Town Marshal Kelly Fisher invited council members to tag along with NPJD as they venture to Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Indiana on Tuesday, February 20th.
Marshal Fisher mentioned that Officer Rico Simpson will have over 300 dogs to choose from. The chosen animal will then go home with Officer Simpson for a week in order for them to bond and get familiarized.
After the week is complete, Simpson will attend six weeks worth of training, five days a week at the Vohne Liche facility. Fisher said the officer will be commuting back and forth rather than staying down in the area for the full six weeks.
The K9 vehicle was picked up yesterday and Fisher said it will be equipped and operable in time for the dog’s arrival.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
On Monday night, North Judson Town Marshal Kelly Fisher invited council members to tag along with NPJD as they venture to Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Indiana on Tuesday, February 20th.
Marshal Fisher mentioned that Officer Rico Simpson will have over 300 dogs to choose from. The chosen animal will then go home with Officer Simpson for a week in order for them to bond and get familiarized.
After the week is complete, Simpson will attend six weeks worth of training, five days a week at the Vohne Liche facility. Fisher said the officer will be commuting back and forth rather than staying down in the area for the full six weeks.
The K9 vehicle was picked up yesterday and Fisher said it will be equipped and operable in time for the dog’s arrival.
Starke County Highway Department Ready for More Snow
Posted on February 1, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Crews at the Starke County Highway Department have been working on maintaining the snow plows and hauling more sand in between snow events this week.
Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler said some of the plows in the fleet underwent maintenance during this quiet time.
“We had one day this winter where we had five trucks go down and we have five spares,” said Ritzler. “If one more truck went down, we were going to have an area without a truck. We were a little worried about that. In this lull period, the mechanics have gotten caught up. Right now we have five spares ready to go and all trucks are running pretty well.”
He noted that there are 16 snow plow driver areas in the county.
“We also have a smaller dump truck that does the Koontz Lake and Bass Lake areas and some of the subdivision areas, and we have anywhere from two or three pickups throughout the county in subdivision areas as well. We expanded that a little bit this year and we’re going to do it again next year.”
Despite the amount of snow the area has gotten, Ritzler said the highway department has a good supply of road salt.
“We were lucky. The last two years the winters have been relatively mild. What we’ve done – we go through the state bid. As part of the bid, we put in how much salt we think we’re going to need. Because of the bulk, we get a lot lower prices that way. We have to get 80 percent or 120 percent of what we bid. In a lot of places, because they didn’t need to use much salt the last two years, they just got their 80 percent minimum. We decided to get our 120 percent maximum and store the salt here. Even though we’ve used more salt this winter we’re still way below our quota for this year.”
In 2014, the county almost ran out of salt with all of the snow events that year.
Ritzler said the crews have been busy catching up the sand supply to get ready for more snow. Accumulating snow is predicted in the forecast for Saturday.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Crews at the Starke County Highway Department have been working on maintaining the snow plows and hauling more sand in between snow events this week.
Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler said some of the plows in the fleet underwent maintenance during this quiet time.
“We had one day this winter where we had five trucks go down and we have five spares,” said Ritzler. “If one more truck went down, we were going to have an area without a truck. We were a little worried about that. In this lull period, the mechanics have gotten caught up. Right now we have five spares ready to go and all trucks are running pretty well.”
He noted that there are 16 snow plow driver areas in the county.
“We also have a smaller dump truck that does the Koontz Lake and Bass Lake areas and some of the subdivision areas, and we have anywhere from two or three pickups throughout the county in subdivision areas as well. We expanded that a little bit this year and we’re going to do it again next year.”
Despite the amount of snow the area has gotten, Ritzler said the highway department has a good supply of road salt.
“We were lucky. The last two years the winters have been relatively mild. What we’ve done – we go through the state bid. As part of the bid, we put in how much salt we think we’re going to need. Because of the bulk, we get a lot lower prices that way. We have to get 80 percent or 120 percent of what we bid. In a lot of places, because they didn’t need to use much salt the last two years, they just got their 80 percent minimum. We decided to get our 120 percent maximum and store the salt here. Even though we’ve used more salt this winter we’re still way below our quota for this year.”
In 2014, the county almost ran out of salt with all of the snow events that year.
Ritzler said the crews have been busy catching up the sand supply to get ready for more snow. Accumulating snow is predicted in the forecast for Saturday.
Local Election Officials Urge Voters to Make Sure They’re Registered, Ahead of May Primary
Posted on February 1, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Those planning to vote in the May primary must register to vote, if they haven’t already. If you’re not sure if you’re registered, check before registering again. That’s the advice of Pulaski County Election Board Chair Jon Frain.
He says the state has been having issues with people registering twice. Frain jokes that while he likes the enthusiasm, it leads to confusion with duplicate registrations. On the other hand, if you and a family member have the same name, Frain recommends that you check to make sure you’re each registered separately.
You can check your voting status online at IndianaVoters.com, or by contacting your local county clerk’s office. The Pulaski County Clerk’s Office can be reached at 574-946-3313. Those planning to vote in the primary have until April 9 to make sure they’re registered.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Those planning to vote in the May primary must register to vote, if they haven’t already. If you’re not sure if you’re registered, check before registering again. That’s the advice of Pulaski County Election Board Chair Jon Frain.
He says the state has been having issues with people registering twice. Frain jokes that while he likes the enthusiasm, it leads to confusion with duplicate registrations. On the other hand, if you and a family member have the same name, Frain recommends that you check to make sure you’re each registered separately.
You can check your voting status online at IndianaVoters.com, or by contacting your local county clerk’s office. The Pulaski County Clerk’s Office can be reached at 574-946-3313. Those planning to vote in the primary have until April 9 to make sure they’re registered.
Township Consolidation Bill Advanced by House Committee, Local Officials Express Concerns
Posted on February 1, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A bill that aims to reduce the number of townships in the state will soon be considered by the full Indiana House of Representatives. Under House Bill 1005, townships with a population of less than 1,200 would be required to merge with other townships by 2023. That would impact townships in Marshall, Starke, and Pulaski counties.
With 549 residents as of the 2010 census, Jackson Township in Starke County is among those that would be forced to consolidate. Trustee Robert Schmidt is concerned that a larger unit would be less in-touch with its constituents. “We’re in a farming community, at least where we are, and a lot of the farmers and different people around here depend on somebody as a direct source of contact,” he says. “They want to know how their money’s specifically being spent in the township, and if they’re getting something in return for it or if we’re taking care of the needs of that specific township, whereas a couple of them put together, it kind of gets further away from that feeling of personal contact with people.”
In Pulaski County, 10 of the 12 townships would have to merge. But Community Development Commission Executive Director Nathan Origer says the bill wouldn’t do enough to streamline local government. “There’s nothing . . . that townships do, even if they do these things very well, that couldn’t be done at the county level,” he says, “while at the same time – and this isn’t something that the proposed bill addresses . . . you could get so much more accomplished by having a county manager. At least in Pulaski County – I can’t speak for every single county – a lot of the money currently held by and collected each year by townships could be redirected towards funding a professional administrator.”
But when it comes to things like poor relief, Schmidt believes that individual townships are better suited to help local residents. “Especially with some of the people that are struggling and don’t have a job or have lost their job or need some help with something, they want to know that there’s some more of a specific thing to their township and area that they can touch base with,” he says, “as opposed to going to get in line with 10,000 or however many other people in the county that may have a need, that their chances of being helped are less likely.”
While Origer believes the township level of government should be eliminated, he thinks the township boundaries that have been in place for years are worth keeping. But he says House Bill 1005 would do neither of those things. “With the current bill, you’re stealing their very township identities, and you’re still going to pay somebody to be a trustee and pay people to be board members. You might have fewer in each county, but you’re still going to be paying people to do something that somebody else could be doing more efficiently.”
The township consolidation bill passed out of the House Committee on Ways and Means Monday, after getting the approval of the Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform last week. It now goes to the full house for discussion.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A bill that aims to reduce the number of townships in the state will soon be considered by the full Indiana House of Representatives. Under House Bill 1005, townships with a population of less than 1,200 would be required to merge with other townships by 2023. That would impact townships in Marshall, Starke, and Pulaski counties.
With 549 residents as of the 2010 census, Jackson Township in Starke County is among those that would be forced to consolidate. Trustee Robert Schmidt is concerned that a larger unit would be less in-touch with its constituents. “We’re in a farming community, at least where we are, and a lot of the farmers and different people around here depend on somebody as a direct source of contact,” he says. “They want to know how their money’s specifically being spent in the township, and if they’re getting something in return for it or if we’re taking care of the needs of that specific township, whereas a couple of them put together, it kind of gets further away from that feeling of personal contact with people.”
In Pulaski County, 10 of the 12 townships would have to merge. But Community Development Commission Executive Director Nathan Origer says the bill wouldn’t do enough to streamline local government. “There’s nothing . . . that townships do, even if they do these things very well, that couldn’t be done at the county level,” he says, “while at the same time – and this isn’t something that the proposed bill addresses . . . you could get so much more accomplished by having a county manager. At least in Pulaski County – I can’t speak for every single county – a lot of the money currently held by and collected each year by townships could be redirected towards funding a professional administrator.”
But when it comes to things like poor relief, Schmidt believes that individual townships are better suited to help local residents. “Especially with some of the people that are struggling and don’t have a job or have lost their job or need some help with something, they want to know that there’s some more of a specific thing to their township and area that they can touch base with,” he says, “as opposed to going to get in line with 10,000 or however many other people in the county that may have a need, that their chances of being helped are less likely.”
While Origer believes the township level of government should be eliminated, he thinks the township boundaries that have been in place for years are worth keeping. But he says House Bill 1005 would do neither of those things. “With the current bill, you’re stealing their very township identities, and you’re still going to pay somebody to be a trustee and pay people to be board members. You might have fewer in each county, but you’re still going to be paying people to do something that somebody else could be doing more efficiently.”
The township consolidation bill passed out of the House Committee on Ways and Means Monday, after getting the approval of the Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform last week. It now goes to the full house for discussion.
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