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Michelle Erdmann
On Monday evening, Sheriff Michael Gayer was awarded with a Silver Star for his outstanding service to the community.
Pulaski County police and reserve officers as well as other Sheriff Department staff joined to surprise the Sheriff with the award.
In the history of the State Police, only 15 Silver Stars have been awarded in 75 years.
The award he received stated: “In the early morning hours of 9/21/08, Sheriff Michael L. Gayer, responded from his house to a suicidal male with a shotgun at the corner of Gordon St. and Brown St. in Francesville. Without regard for his own safety, he established communication with the subject, who had a shotgun threatening suicide and to shoot anyone that came near.
“Sheriff Gayer, through verbal communication, talked the subject into first giving up all the weapons in the house and eventually walking out, of his own free will and went, cooperatively, to get help.
“Sheriff Gayer’s actions not only contained a dangerous situation, but kept the police officers in the area, the public, and the suicidal subject safe. He orchestrated the scene, keeping others in supporting roles, in covered positions. While he was in harm’s way talking the subject into a peaceful solution.
“Sheriff Gayer’s dogged determination and concern for the welfare of the people of Pulaski County bring great credit to himself, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, the citizens of Pulaski County and the State of Indiana.”
Sheriff Gayer said he was not even thinking about the possible danger to himself as he spoke with the man, he was simply concerned for the safety and well being of others. It was not until the entire situation was over he even realized backup from the department had arrived.
Michelle Erdmann
The Pulaski County Council approved a number of transfers and additional appropriation requests during its monthly meeting Monday night.
Dale Fishtorn, maintenance, was approved for a $1,172.32 transfer to pay the Town of Winamac maintenance contract.
Ed Clark, recycling and transfer station, was given $11,000 in additional appropriations to pay bills and cover new-used tires for the Mac semi truck.
Larry Hoover, EMA, was approved for a $600 transfer to cover travel expenses for the rest of the year.
Stacey Mrak, prosecutor, was approved for $338 in total transfers. There was more discussion on the open investigator position. At this point, in order to hire a full time investigator with a benefits package, Mrak must reduce the full time victim assistance position to part time and give the benefits to the prosecutor position.
Mrak is concerned because a year and a half ago she agreed to two part time investigators to help save the county money. Now, she is in need of a full time investigator and feels she is now being punished for trying to help.
The council said the county simply cannot afford to add the benefit package. Auditor Tom Shank said there will be $170,000 in additional appropriations needed to cover group insurance for the year.
Deb Widup, probation, was approved for $500 in additional appropriations for PERF.
The Sheriff Department was approved for transfers and additional appropriations and is looking to fill one full time and three part time positions after some personnel changes.
Kenny Becker, highway, Sandy Hurd, county home, the commissioners, the auditor and the surveyor were also approved to make transfers.
Christi Hoffa asked the council to adopt two new salary resolutions, mainly regarding overtime. Department heads will receive a complete outline of a new salary ordinance once complete, hopefully by the end of the calendar year.
Before closing the meeting, the council agreed with Commissioner Paul Grandstaff that it is time to shop for new insurance at more competitive rates.
Michelle Erdmann
Winter Wonderland is less than a month away and the Chamber of Commerce is working diligently to make it an unforgettable experience.
The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce met for its regular monthly meeting last Wednesday and the holiday festival was the main topic of discussion.
Brandi Larkin, director of the Retail Committee, said she is still looking for volunteers.
Winter Wonderland is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 from noon to 8 p.m.
There will be a parade at noon to kickoff the event. Deadline to enter the parade is Dec. 1 and the Chamber is encouraging everyone to participate.
Santa will be in town all day as well as other holiday visitors like Frosty the Snowman. There will also be a live nativity and horse and buggy rides.
Vendors will be set up within designated buildings and Chris Smith said many vendors have already signed up. The sign-up cutoff date in Nov. 21.
“We want to have one day where the kids can go out and have fun and not break the bank for the parents,” Larkin said, reflecting on economical conditions.
On Dec. 3 at 5:30 children from local nursery and preschools will be hanging “birdfeeder” ornaments on the large pine tree on the northwest corner of the courthouse lawn. The lights on the tree will be lit then as well.
Each child that hangs an ornament will receive a coupon for free “Magic Reindeer Food.”
In other business, there was a good turnout at the Reality Store held at West Central High School on Oct. 31. Alex Haschel made mention that it would be nice to have more volunteers in the future.
Family Express, the newest business to join the Chamber, was chosen as Business of the Month for November for all their contributions to the community including muffins during the blood drive at Winamac High School.
The Chamber of Commerce meets the first Wednesday of each month at noon at the Winamac Municipal Utilities building.