State Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The state’s unemployment rate went up a tenth of a percent to 5.8 percent. Since December 2013, Indiana’s labor force has grown by over 83,000 people that is nearly twice of any neighboring state, according to Indiana Workforce Development. December was the first month where Indiana’s unemployment rate has exceeded the U.S. rate. The U.S. rate has declined by two-tenths of a percent to 5.6 percent, mainly due to a decrease of 273,000 in the national labor force.

The lowest point of employment in the state was July of 2009 and Indiana has grown to a total of 267,000 private sector jobs today.

Continue reading →

Marshall County Safety Commission to Meet Today

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The Marshall County Safety Commission will meet for the first of its two meetings of the year this morning.

The commission members will develop strategies in emergency planning for schools, highways, emergency management, police, and health department.

During the fall meeting, programs were suggested to better gather information about how to handle bomb threats at school corporations and how to prepare for winter weather. A system for responding to emergencies was also discussed where communication plans were laid out. Those plans will be reviewed, and other thoughts given to help ensure all entities are on the same page when emergencies occur.

Continue reading →

Minimum Wage Proposal Invites Local Business Input

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

While business people are working on Building a Strong Brand: The Power of an Elevated Position, a bill has been filed in Indianapolis that could affect local businesses.

Senate Bill 41 looks to increase Indiana’s minimum wage from its current rate of $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour. If signed into law, the increase would put Indiana in line with other states implementing similar pieces of legislation.
Continue reading →

File Your Taxes, Complete Your FAFSA

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Income tax filing time means it’s also time to see where you stand in terms of need-based college financial aid for the 2015-16 academic year. Ancilla College Executive Director of Admissions Eric Wignall says you need to have family income information handy before visiting www.fafsa.gov to fill out the necessary form. Last year’s tax information can be used to estimate, and this year’s data can be plugged in after taxes are finished.

Continue reading →

Indiana Sheriff’s Association Offers Scholarship

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The Indiana Sheriff’s Association (ISA) is awarding college scholarship to high school students or college students who are pursuing a degree in criminal justice.

LaPorte County Sheriff John Boyd said there are 40 scholarships valued at $500 to qualifying students throughout the state. Sheriff Boyd said the ISA provides invaluable services to the citizens of LaPorte County and the county is pleased to be a part of the scholarship program.

The applicant must be an Indiana resident, a current member of the ISA or dependent child or grandchild of a current member of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, attend an Indiana college or university, major in a law enforcement-related field, and be enrolled is a full-time student.

Continue reading →

New Filings for Municipal Election

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The clerk’s office in Marshall County was busy tending to more candidates who wished to file for office for this year’s Municipal Election.

Former Democrat State Representative Gary Gook has filed for an at-large seat on the Plymouth City Council while Republican Larry Wattenbarger filed for Bourbon Town Council. Republicans William L. Daily and Rick Lee Graverson both filed for seats on the Bremen Town Council.

The city positions up for election will have a primary election while towns with a population under 3,500 will have town conventions if there is opposition on any positions on the ballot. If there is no opposition, all names will be on the General Election ballot in November.

Continue reading →

Marshall County Commissioners Approve Tax Sale Paperwork

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The Marshall County Commissioners last week approved an action to sign paperwork in order to move forward with a tax certificate sale.

In a previous meeting, Joe Edwards from SRI, Inc. told the commissioners that there were about 30 properties that were not sold in the 2014 property tax sale. These particular properties have been on the tax sale for years without interest by potential buyers.

A tax certificate sale could lower the price of the properties to heighten interest and to get the severely tax delinquent properties back on the tax rolls. The redemption period is a little quicker in a certificate sale. The average time period is 120 days.

Continue reading →

Prescription Drop-offs Continue Hazard Prevention Efforts

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The Starke County Sheriff’s Department says their prescription drug drop-off program continues to bode well.

A box sits in the lobby of the Starke County Jail that’s intended to act as a receptacle for the prescriptions. Drop-off programs are designed to protect water supplies, prevent taking expired medication, and reduce the spread of medications used as an illegal narcotic.
Continue reading →

Purdue Extension Works To Correct Meth Report Error

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The numbers may change slightly, but the message is still the same according to Purdue Extension.

A recently issued report ranked Starke County first in the state of Indiana in meth lab seizures. A team of researchers used population data to determine Starke County’s population, but in writing the report transposed the first two numbers – making the county’s population 32, 197 instead of the more accurate 23,197.
Continue reading →

Marshall County Commissioners Approve Prepayment Limit

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The Marshall County Commissioners this week discussed a prepayment limit for department heads.

Commissioner Deb Griewank suggested the change to the purchase ordinance so department heads can make county equipment purchases with a personal credit card that does not exceed $750. She said that it was brought to her attention that sometimes different departments need to purchase something online, but don’t have the time to wait for commissioner approval. Buildings and maintenance directors can find items on eBay for cheaper but then they have to wait to purchase the items pending approval. Time could cost them.

Continue reading →

Find the Right Plumber if You Experience Frozen Pipes

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Before more cold weather sets in, the Better Business Bureau wants you to be sure you be careful in hiring a plumber to help you in any repairs you may need to make due to freezing pipes.

BBB officials say plumbers need to be licensed and display their license number on their website, vehicles and marketing pieces. Ask for three estimates from different companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Be sure to understand if a plumber charges by the hour or a flat rate for work to be completed and get that agreement in writing. Keep a copy of that contract. It’s also good to break up the payments and offer the last payment when the work is done to your satisfaction.

Continue reading →

Marshall County Highway Supervisor Getting Quotes for Pug Mill

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The Marshall County Highway Department will be working toward getting a pug mill to save money on paving costs.

Supervisor of County Highways Jason Peters told the commissioners this week that they have been using Starke County’s pug mill and have patched roads with the stone, oil and sand mixture. Compared to a hot asphalt mix, having a pug mill will save the county thousands and thousands of dollars. He said the materials for other paving options are getting more expensive.

Continue reading →

Menominee Elementary School PTO Orders ADA Compliant Playground Equipment

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Menominee Elementary School students will soon be able to enjoy state-of-the art playground equipment that meets all of the standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act. The school’s PTO has been raising funds for the past decade to buy larger, more engaging equipment. Principal Steven Boyer says the new playground will sit atop rubber tiles that all students will be able to access. It also provides a number of activities that accommodate students with disabilities. Continue reading →

Indiana Failing To Make The Grade On Tobacco Control

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The American Lung Association says the state of Indiana needs to do more to enact tobacco control policies.

The “State of Tobacco Control 2015” report evaluates tobacco control policies at the state and federal level. It says Indiana failed to enact any policies that the American Lung Association believes will save lives. That led the state to receive a failing grade in tobacco prevention, taxes, and access to tobacco cessation services.
Continue reading →