Friday, March 3, 2017

North Judson-San Pierre School Board Approves WiFi Upgrades, Locker Purchase

Posted on March 3, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation will be getting a bit of a technology upgrade, as well as some new lockers.

Last week, the school board gave permission to proceed with a WiFi project. Superintendent Annette Zupin says the corporation currently has enough bandwidth to handle new devices, but more access points are needed. “Right now, if we bring new devices over to the elementary school, the access points don’t allow for those devices to be used,” she explains. “So we’ll improve that, and then at some point we’ll be able to make a decision as to how we want to move forward with devices for our students.”

Last week, the school board also approved the purchase of new lockers for the junior/senior high school. Zupin says the current lockers are original to the building. “They are getting old, getting more difficult to fix,” she says. “And the main thing, though, is that they do not fit the backpacks, and so that’s a safety issue. Right now, our students are using backpacks, and those should go in lockers but they don’t fit. So we will be getting new lockers this summer.”

Zupin says the two projects will be funded with money from last year’s general obligation bond issue.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

2017 Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments


Starke Council Takes Step to Set Tax Rates

Posted on March 2, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

The Starke County Council will vote to reestablish a couple of tax rates when they meet in a few weeks. The cumulative bridge and cumulative capital development funds have both dropped off and need to have rates set again.

The proposed cumulative bridge fund rate is .027 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Proceeds are earmarked for the replacement of bridges on county roads.

The proposed cumulative capital development fund rate is .03 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Money in the cume cap fune is used for non-budget, big-ticket items like new vehicles, equipment and unanticipated building repairs and maintenance.

The council conducted the required public hearing on the proposed rates at their meeting last week. Members will vote to set the rates for taxes payable in 2018 when they meet on March 13.

2017 BASIC RIDERCOURSE For Motorcyclists

Ride Safe Indiana (RSI) offers a Basic RiderCourse for beginning motorcyclists and a Basic RiderCourse 2 for riders who want to improve their skills. The RSI Basic RiderCourse is designed for beginning riders of all ages and uses the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) curriculum. Five hours of classroom instruction prepares you for 10 hours of practical riding exercises in a controlled, off-street environment. Motorcycles are provided free of charge for your use during the course.

To become a safer, more responsible rider, RiderCoaches will also discuss:

  • Types of motorcycles
  • Layout and operation of the basic controls
  • Types of safety gear worn for protection and comfort
  • How alcohol and other drugs impair a rider's ability

Next you'll move to the riding range and your RiderCoach (an experienced motorcyclist certified by MSF) will start you off with straight-line riding, stopping, shifting and turning. You'll gradually progress to swerving and emergency braking.

The course concludes with a knowledge test and a riding-skill evaluation. Once you have successfully completed your training course, you will be happy knowing you have gone the extra mile to develop your own safe riding techniques

Click Here to Find a RiderCourse Near You

Kersting’s “Learn to Ride” Classes start March 23 and continue through October.  Fee is $175.  Call Katie at (574) 896-2974.

North Judson-San Pierre Sees Mid-Year Bump in Enrollment

Posted on March 2, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation is reporting a mid-year enrollment increase. Superintendent Annette Zupin says the winter ADM count was taken February 1. “We had 1,051 students,” she says. “So that was up 26 from our September ADM.”

The corporation has experienced declining enrollment over the past several years, which in turn affects the amount of money it gets from the state. While demographic changes have been blamed for the declines, the school corporation has also been keeping an eye on students transferring out of the district.

Indiana State Police Announce March Enforcement Blitz

Posted on March 2, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

The Indiana State Police and local law enforcement agencies are teaming up to crack down on aggressive and impaired drivers during the month of March.

ISP Superintendent Doug Carter says March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day are festive occasions, and the law enforcement community wants to ensure they are celebrated safely.

The increased patrols are supported by federal funding allocated to the state police from the Traffic Safety Division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). Troopers will work overtime to conduct observational patrols and sobriety checkpoints around the clock.

Last March in Indiana there were 495 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 231 injuries and 11 fatalities. Additionally, during the same period, crash reports indicate 1,128 collisions occurred due to dangerous driving, resulting in 260 injuries and two fatalities. Dangerous driving includes factors such as speed too fast for weather conditions, distracted and fatigued driving.

Crashes resulting from dangerous and impaired driving are preventable. The Indiana State Police and ICJI encourage revelers to plan a safe way home before the celebration begins. Do not drive impaired, and call 911 if you see a drunk driver on the road. Also, if you know someone is about to drive or ride under the influence, take their keys and help make arrangements to get them home safely.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Congratulations 2017 Indiana Math Bowl Team

Congratulations to the Mathbowl Team for getting a 3rd at the competition.

Monday, February 27, 2017

3/3/2017 Deadline to Sign Up For Starke County Young Artists' Conference



North Judson Looking for Demolition, Mowing Contractors

Posted on February 27, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The Town of North Judson is moving ahead with the demolition of a downtown building, but so far no one has expressed interest in doing the work. Town officials decided to tear down the building at 205 and 207 Lane Street after they determined the owners did not make the required repairs to bring the building up to safety standards.

Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins says the town has not yet received any demolition bids. The town council had tentatively planned to choose a contractor next Monday. Contractors interested in doing the work may contact the town offices at 574-896-3340 for more information.

Collins adds the town’s also looking for contractors to mow the lawns at Highland and Pioneer cemeteries this year. Mowing bids will be accepted until April 3.

Starke County Community Foundation Accepting Grant Applications

Posted on February 27, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

Grant applications are available from the Starke County Community Foundation for a variety of nonprofit organizations. Some of the awards have deadlines, while others do not.

Last year’s grant recipients include Community Services of Starke County. Last year the nonprofit agency, which provides services for elderly and disabled individuals, received $3,500 to help pay for a transportation van.

Another recipient was The Crossing alternative school. It serves students who have dropped out of school or who have just been released from the Indiana Department of Corrections. Last year the program got a $3,200 grant to assist with student job training and to purchase a deep freezer for the student lunch program.

Click Starke County Community Foundation grant application to learn more and apply.