Volume 129 Issue 6 February 8, 2005
Front Page News
Please enjoy news stories from this week's Journal. For more local news, pick up this week's issue at newsstands all over Pulaski County!
Pulaski County to observe Eastern Time
By Scott Allen - Pulaski County now positively knows what time it will be when April 2, the start of Daylight Savings Time for most of the country, rolls around.
A joint public hearing between the County Council and Commission was held on Monday, Feb. 6, at 9:55 a.m. in the Commissioners' Room of the Courthouse, to gather the public's preference on a time zone for Pulaski County.
The meeting was announced not long after the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) January recommendation that Pulaski County be placed in Central Time. Many area residents were in uproar over the decision, feeling that the county had been alienated from the rest of the state.
County officials were also displeased. Originally, the Commissioners endorsed Central Time, because all the surrounding counties had endorsed the same. When the DOT announced in October its recommendation to place Pulaski County on Eastern Time, nearly no argument was heard to the contrary, as the counties to the east and west were also placed on Eastern.
The Commissioners and the Council organized this public hearing with the intent of making a decision to petition the DOT for a switch based on the public's opinion. Citizens wishing to speak at the meeting were asked to sign up and state their preference for Eastern or Central.
A large crowd of people packed themselves into the Commissioners' Room of the Courthouse, and when not another soul could fit inside, Pulaski County residents stood outside, filling the hall and the stairwell. News crews from various television stations as well as reporters from newspapers made their way through to catch the proceedings.
Commissioner Terry Young spoke first on behalf of the Commissioners. "Our intent was to keep Pulaski County in sync with the majority of area counties," he said. He explained the purpose of the hearing and the position of the Commissioners.
County Council President Samuel Frain gave a statement as well: "No one here has a predetermined decision. We are here to make a decision that is best for the majority of the people."
It was first requested that those who could speak on behalf of commerce and education speak first. Chuck Mellon, Superintendent of West Central schools, went first. He reported that the school corporation would prefer to remain on Eastern Time, as West Central students go to White County schools for vocational training. "We've always been a border county, but Gillam Township (Jasper County) is used to [the time change]," he said.
Richard Brown spoke for Central Time, stating that according to the sun, that is the time Pulaski County should keep. "Does anyone have the power to change the sun?" he said.
Brad Schuldt, superintendent of Culver Community Schools, spoke on behalf of his school corporation. "I would urge you to switch Pulaski County to Eastern Time for the good of the 220 students in your county," said Schultz.
Clint Henry made an argument for Central Time. He commented that it would be beneficial for agriculture to be aligned with the commodities market in Chicago, and that children should get to school during daylight hours.
Dr. Robert Klitzman, superintendent of Eastern Pulaski Schools, preferred that Pulaski Co. be on Eastern Time. Scheduling, he said, would be horrendous when sending kids to another time zone (Cass County) for them to receive core requirements to graduate. "We're not an island, we need to work with those around us," he said.
Francesville Drain Tile's Steve Overmyer wanted Eastern Time as well. "More than 95% of our business is to the east and south. We would be happy to stay in Eastern Time," Overmyer said.
Mont Hoover preferred Central Time, because that, he said, is where the sun is. He did not want it at the risk of isolation, however. Willis Gudeman had his say, as well. "The majority of the working class would prefer Eastern Time," he said. "I thought it went pretty smooth before [Gov. Mitch Daniels] came long. I've got kind of a joke for you: I'm a republican, and I voted for him!" Gudeman went on to say, "We are good people, we have a nice work ethic. Let's have one time for Indiana."
When everyone that wished to speak had voiced his or her thoughts, Commission President Mike Tiede told the crowd, "To me, its Eastern Time. I got a hundred calls, and ninety-five were for Eastern."
Commissioner Terry Young then made a motion that Pulaski County Commissioners petition the DOT for a reversal of their decision and place Pulaski County into the Eastern Time Zone. Richard Sommers seconded that motion, and it carried unanimously.
Councilwoman Rita Carpenter motioned that the Council petition the DOT to change Pulaski County to the Eastern Time Zone. Dave Brockett seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Terry Young then made a motion that the Pulaski County Commissioners adopt a home rule if the DOT does not place Pulaski County on Eastern Time by April 2, and Richard Sommers seconded. The motion passed.
Art Sutton made the same motion for the Council, and Jay Sullivan seconded. Their motion passed unanimously.
Sam Frain then urged everyone present to write all state legislators if they were in favor of Indiana under a unified time zone. "Send a message with just four words: One state, one time!" Frain said.
The Commission and the Council then adjourned the public hearing at 10:45 a.m.
The result of the meeting was one of relief for most of the county, and certainly for the governing bodies. Commissioner Terry Young commented after word, "I thought [the public hearing] went wonderful, smooth, a lot of good input. I'm amazed it came to this; we tried to keep everyone on the same page, and [the DOT] kind of dropped the ball on us. I think this is the best for the majority of the people."
Council President Sam Frain was pleased, as well. "I thought it was a great turnout by the public. I think we listened to the opinions of the people, and made the best decision for Pulaski County." When asked what Frain thought about defying the federal government's ruling, he said, "We're not defying the federal government. We're setting up a system so that our residents will know what time it is on April 2."
"I just can't believe that the DOT would turn us down after the large percent of employers, schools, and people, I'd say 90% of the county, has put in for Eastern Time," said Commissioner Richard Sommers.
It was learned later that day that in response to the public hearing, Congressman Chris Chocola sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta. "As the DOT considers the Pulaski County time zone change request, I urge DOT to base its decision on the factual evidence provided by local governments, chambers of commerce, businesses, and county residents. I also encourage DOT to take into account any overwhelming time zone preference expressed by the local community," he stated in his letter.
Now that Pulaski County knows for certain what time its clocks will read this summer, we can only hope that the U.S. Department of Transportation changes its mind in support of what the citizens have overwhelmingly spoken in favor. If not, the county will have its home rule, and will remain on Eastern Time, for the benefit of our people.
Robbery suspect arraigned
Brandon Carlson
By Scott Allen -
Aaron Frederick Harlow, the man accused of attempting to rob the First National Bank of Monterey, was arraigned last Thursday afternoon in Pulaski County Circuit Court by Judge Michael Shurn.
At 2:30 p.m., Harlow was read the charges against him, and informed of the possible consequences by Prosecutor Stacey Mrak. An initial plea of "not guilty" was entered.
The state alleges that Harlow entered the First National Bank of Monterey, main branch, and presented a note to the teller demanding money. The teller complied, but when he turned to flee, bank vice-president Alan Chesser determined that Harlow was not armed and confronted him. A struggle ensued, two other bank employees helped detain Harlow, and he was restrained until police arrived.
He has been charged under Indiana Code 35-42-5-1, which defines robbery as taking property from another person by using or threatening the use of force on any person or by putting any person in fear. Because Harlow did not have a weapon in his possession during the robbery, it is considered a Class C felony, which carries a maximum penalty of four years incarceration and a $10,000 fine.
Judge Shurn determined that Harlow is 36-years of age and has three years of college education. He has a wife and children, although they do not live with him. His current residence is listed in Bloomington, where he resides with his parents. As he does not have any property valued over $500, Judge Shurn appointed Jasper County attorney Robert Montford to serve as public defender for Harlow.
A pre-trial omnibus will be held on XXXXXXX. Currently, Aaron Harlow is being held in the Pulaski County Jail with bail set at $500,000.
Commissioners give final OK to new Prosecutor's Office
By Scott Allen - The Pulaski County Board of Commissioners met in a regular session meeting on Monday, Feb. 6, shortly after 8 a.m., after commencing a brief executive session.
Commissioners Richard Sommers, Terry Young, and President Mike Tiede were all present, as well as Auditor Tom Shank.
County Council President Sam Frain came forward first to discuss a public hearing regarding the time zone issue. His suggestion was to have a sign-up sheet that would indicate the visitors' preferences for the Central or Eastern Time zone, and to give each person who wished two minutes to speak and explain that preference. The Commissioners agreed.
Frain also said that county attorney Alan Hizer suggested that along with a resolution sent to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in support of the public's choice of time zone, the county should adopt a home rule naming that choice as our time zone, even if that choice was not recognized by the DOT. "Two or three southern Indiana counties are watching to see what we do," he said. "We won't be alone in our decision." The Commissioners agreed to take Frain's suggestion under advisement.
Next, Dale Fishtorn, county building maintenance supervisor, informed the Commission that the Clerk's Office staff is concerned with the electrical wiring in their office. Consequently, Fishtorn is having new wiring installed in the office to ease their minds.
Fishtorn also stated that a new pickup was received for use in his department, and so the County Highway Department's truck was returned. An old fire truck that was no longer operational was signed over to the White Post Fire Department in lieu of the White Post Trustee.
After the Commissioners approved payroll, claims, and the minutes of their last meeting, they approved some requests to by the phone company to dig on 300 W. and 200 N.
Next, the board approved a request for additional funds in the amount of $80,000, for the construction of the new Prosecutor's Office in the Justice Center.
The Commissioners discussed possible appointees to the K-IRPC advisory board, but had not picked anyone yet. Then, they approved Steve Seifert as the new Veteran's Service Officer, and Carroll Lange to serve on the Alcohol Board.
The Commission next signed an agreement between themselves and D.T. Construction services, the contractor for the new Prosecutor's Office. Then, they signed an agreement from a strategic planning group associated with the Indiana Housing Needs and Assessment community grant. The board reviewed an environmental permit issued to the Town of Winamac for sewer work to be performed on the north end of the town, and signed it.
The next item on the agenda was the review of a request for the county to sell land to Mark Mayflower. The property in question has a house on it, and after visiting it, Commissioners Tiede and Young decided that the house was only fit to be destroyed. The board considered selling the land with the stipulation that the house must be destroyed, but decided to review the situation before making a final decision.
Pulaski County Clerk Janet Kennedy approached the Commission to inform them that the current postage machine in her office will no longer be usable after Dec. 31, 2006, as it will no longer be compatible with the U.S. Postal Service. Kennedy brought with her price comparisons for new postage machines, and stated her preference. She also explained the benefits of leasing such a machine. After some discussion, the board decided to allocate $1900 for the lease of the machine, which will be used by several offices in the courthouse. The stipulation was added that the new machine should not be purchased until later in 2006.
Kennedy also requested a decision for polling places in Pulaski County. Some polling places were changed to be compliant with the Help America Vote Act's accessibility regulations. She needs to inform all voters of changes in their districts before the election, and is getting pressed for time. The Commissioners reviewed the recommended polling places and decided to approve them as presented.
Next, Teresa Hansen requested that the Commission allow the Pulaski County Health Department to begin charging for tetanus shots. While the medicine is free, the syringes, bandages, gauze, and paperwork are not. She requested that $5 be charged for the shots. The board approved.
Kenny Becker came forward to request that the Commissioners allow him to purchase a new phone system. He brought forward some tentative quotes, and the board agreed that he should get more prices and report back.
County Prosecutor Stacey Mrak requested that the Commissioners allow her to hire two Sheriff's Deputies as investigators. Their investigations would be conducted outside of their regular duties, and she will split the time between them. Mrak has the funds set aside for the position. The Commissioners approved.
At 9:55 a.m., the Commissioners recessed their regular meeting to begin a public hearing to address the time zone issue. The details of that meeting are in a separate story in this issue of the Journal.
When the meeting resumed at 11:05 a.m., Jan from the Assessor's Office requested that a new computer be purchased for Assessor Holly Van Der Aa. Her current computer is old, and needs to be replaced. A suitable new one can be purchased for $809, and the Commissioners approved the expense.
Larry Hoover, Director, and Morris Fagner of the Pulaski County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), informed the Commissioners of a $40,000 grant recently received. The grant is to be used for personal protection equipment, and were promised by the state of Indiana three years ago to the county if police, fire, and EMS personnel took specific training, which they had.
Hoover also wondered if the County Building Inspector's office could be moved from the County Highway Department to the Annex (County Building). This would open up offices at the Highway Department complex for the EMA, so that in case of an emergency at the courthouse, communication lines would still be open, and emergency procedures could still be carried out. It would also open room in the Courthouse for the assessor's office. The Commissioners agreed that such a move would have to be discussed.
With no further business left on the agenda, the Commission adjourned their meeting at 11:25 a.m. Their next meeting will be held on Feb. 20, at 8 a.m.
Sports
Lady Warriors win MWC, end season with 7-0 record
Winamac's Erika Redweik (32) scores two of her six points against Caston. Lady Comet Kaylyn Herrold (22) tries to block the shot. Waiting for a rebound is Winamac's Kara Crawford (24). Winamac won the Midwest Conference by defeating Caston 50-27.
Mike Ewing, Journal Sports
FULTON - Winamac won the Midwest Conference for the 16th time in 20 years with a 50-27 win over the Caston Lady Comets last Wednesday night.
The Lady Warriors had little trouble with Caston, which has been the case the last few years. Winamac led throughout the contest with leads at the quarter breaks 14-6, 30-11, 35-20 and 50-27.
Winamac was led in scoring by Kristen Alexander, with 13 points, who had one of her best games this season. Kara Crawford finished the night with 12 points, including numerous assists, dishing the ball off to teammates throughout the night. Steph Malott scored nine points all from behind the arc. The duo of freshmen Erika Redweik and Holly Krohn both added six points apiece. Janelle Fritz and Lisa Good both scored two points apiece to round out the scoring.
Caston was led in scoring by junior Jessica Kantzer with 11 points including a 3-pointer.
The Lady Warriors finished the regular season with a 13-7 record and 7-0 in the MWC, including wins over Tri-County, Tippecanoe Valley, Logansport and Mishawaka. Their losses came to Lewis Cass, Rensselaer, Manchester, Rochester, McCutcheon, North Judson and John Glenn. Winamac may get a chance to avenge their loss to Rensselaer. The Lady Warriors will play the winner of the North Newton vs. Rensselaer game in the second game of the North Judson girls sectional on Friday night, February 10. The sectional began last night (Tuesday, Feb. 7). Winamac will play at approximately 7:30 p.m.