N.J.-S.P. Prepares to Close 2015 Books

December 15, 2015AuthorMary Perren, WKVI 

The agenda for tonight’s North Judson-San Pierre School Board meeting includes passage of the necessary resolution to move money around to close the books on the fiscal year budget. Superintendent Lynn Johnson previously said at least $1 million in cuts would be necessary to end the year in the black. The source of those cuts is unclear at this time.

Voters who reside within the school district overwhelmingly rejected the call for a general fund tax increase to offset declining revenue due to a combination of state funding cuts and declining enrollment.

The school board is also faced with hiring a replacement for Johnson, who announced last month she is retiring at the end of December. Board members have met several times in executive session to receive information about and interview prospective employees. However any hiring decision must be made during a public meeting. That is not specifically listed on the agenda distributed in advance of tonight’s meeting, although it may be covered under personnel items. Johnson has indicated she’s willing to stay on beyond Dec. 31, 2015 if necessary to ensure a smooth transition.

Other items on tonight’s agenda include approval of an agreement for special education services through the JESSE cooperative and approval of a GoSolutions agreement.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the N.J.-S.P. Central Office.

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Students Encouraged to Prepare for FAFSA

December 14, 2015AuthorMichael Gallenberger, WKVI 

 

Graduation may still be a few months away for high school seniors, but it’s not too early to start thinking about financial aid for college.

Ancilla College Director of Financial Aid Marcy Hopple says the Free Application for Federal Student Aid will be available to students considering college starting in a few weeks, “They can start completing the form as early as January 1, so they need to start gathering their tax documents and getting ready to start filling the form out.”

She says there are some steps students and their families can take now to be ready to fill out the application, “For now, they can get their check stubs ready, but then in January they should start getting their W-2s from their employer or their 10-99 forms and then completing their tax form itself. Once they do that, they can start completing the FAFSA. They can also complete it without completing their tax return; they can estimate what their income’s going to be.”

In addition to federal aid, there are also state grants available. Hopple says even for students who aren’t sure whether they’ll be attending college in the fall, it’s a good idea to fill out the application, “There’s no obligation to attend college. It’s free to file. They want to make sure they get it filed by March 10, in case they do decide to go to school in Indiana, and include an Indiana school. That way, they’re considered come August. If they decide they want to go somewhere, then they’re considered for Indiana grants ahead of time.”

She says some form of financial aid is available to families of all income levels. For more information, visit fafsa.gov.

Indiana State Police Post Adds Five New Troopers

December 12, 2015AuthorMichael Gallenberger

Probationary Troopers Carlson, Adam, Alberts, Brasseur, and Crowder

A North Judson native is among five new troopers being assigned to the Indiana State Police Lowell Post. Corey Adam recently graduated as part of the 75th class of the Indiana State Police Academy. He and four other probationary troopers are now starting their three months of field training alongside veteran officers at the Lowell Post.

Adam is a graduate of North Judson-San Pierre High School and served three years of active duty in the U.S. Army as a chemical specialist. He’s currently an active member of the Indiana National Guard military police. Also recently assigned to the Lowell post is Probationary Trooper James Brasseur. He’s a Portage native who’s currently studying criminal justice at Purdue. Probationary Trooper Robert Crowder III, also of Portage, owned a business in Hobart before joining the state police. The two other new troopers are Brandon Alberts of Peru and Will Carlson, originally of Chicago.

While at the State Police Academy, the new troopers received about 929 hours of training in law enforcement techniques and investigation skills. The Indiana State Police Academy is accepting applications for its next class until January 6. Click here for more information.

12/23/2015 IU Health LaPorte Hospital Offers Safe Sitter Course

December 12, 2015AuthorMichael Gallenberger, WKVI 

Local teenagers have the chance to learn potentially life-saving babysitting skills by taking part in a Safe Sitter course being offered at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

Organizers say the program gives babysitters hands-on practice in how to handle emergency situations. It’s also designed to teach them how to spot dangerous situations, so they can stop injuries before they happen. Participants will also learn how a child’s age affects how to care for them, as well as basic CPR, first aid, and choking rescue. The course will also offer tips in dealing with behavior problems and running a babysitting business.

It will be held on December 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information or to register your child, call 219-326-2322.

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12/11/2015 Festival of Lessons & Carols @ Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church

Organist Michael Booth, Director of the North Judson-Wayne Township Library, will present Lessons and Carols, a Christmas Program on Friday evening, December 11, at 6:30 PM  at Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church.  The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century.  In this service, nine Scripture lessons recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News.  Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson's message and a brief prayer.  The service is open to the public.

Prevent the Flu During National Influenza Vaccination Week

December 11, 2015AuthorMichael Gallenberger, WKVI 

 

The flu season may be off to a mild start this year, but it’s still important that you get a flu shot. That’s the message state health officials are working to get out this week during National Influenza Vaccination Week.

The Indiana State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge everyone six months and older to get their yearly flu shot. They say the vaccine can take up to two weeks to fully take effect, so getting a shot now is the best way to protect yourself and your family over the holidays. State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams says this year’s vaccine is a good match for the circulating viruses, and he encourages all Hoosiers to make sure they’re protected.

Influenza viruses can be caught by inhaling droplets spread when people who have the flu sneeze or cough. People can also get infected by touching contaminated objects and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose.

In addition to getting a flu shot, health officials say you can prevent the spread of the flu and other diseases by washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze, and staying home if you’re sick.

Secretary of State Warns Hoosiers of Dangers of Asset Recovery Firms

December 11, 2015AuthorMichael Gallenberger

People who’ve lost money in an investment scam are at risk of becoming victimized a second time by companies offering to help them recover their money or bring the perpetrator to justice.  That’s according to an advisory issued Thursday by Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson. 

It says these third-party asset recovery companies typically approach investors who’ve lost thousands of dollars to fraudulent investment schemes, months after they’ve realized what’s happened. The companies often use high-pressure sales tactics to get the investor to hire them. They typically charge large upfront fees, and many promise to offer legal assistance, even though they may not actually be law firms. Instead, they conduct a quick search using information that’s already publicly available. Then, they send demand letters to the people behind the initial scheme. They also file a complaint with state and federal regulators, a service they offer directly to residents for free. Additionally, the complaints filed by third-party asset recovery companies are often based upon information that’s too old for legal action and involve companies no longer in business or ones that have already been subjected to regulatory action.

If you’re a victim of investment fraud, the Secretary of State’s Office recommends contacting its Securities Division to file a complaint directly. They also say to ask for specifics before using the services of a recovery firm, including the names and license numbers for attorneys working at companies claiming to provide legal services. Most importantly, remember that defrauded investors rarely recover any lost funds, and when money is recovered, it’s usually only a small percentage of what was lost.

To contact the Secretary of State Securities Division, visit in.gov/sos/securities or call 317-232-6682.