Allen County Council members will hear a request Thursday for an additional $400,000 to cover inmate medical costs this year.

The county budgeted $1.1 million for inmate health care last year. Just about $6,500 remained in the fund as of July 27. Sheriff Ken Fries used monthly costs through July to estimate the amount needed through the end of this year.

He also had to return to the council last year to request more money.

The law requires the county to cover inmate health care costs, which have been exploding in recent years.

Fries said last year he suspected some inmates had themselves intentionally jailed so they could receive medical care.

Allen County Auditor Tera Klutz said council members are looking for ways to meet unanticipated costs without tapping the county’s rainy day fund.

Back to school

It’s back-to-school time for many Allen County students and teachers. Classes start this week at East Allen, Northwest Allen and Southwest Allen county school districts, along with several charter schools.

Motorists should take extra care this week. Look for increased pedestrian traffic at school crossings and be aware that some first-time riders will be learning school bus safety.

Classes begin next Monday at Fort Wayne Community Schools, along with IPFW and Ivy Tech Community College.

Legislative meetings

Indiana lawmakers have a full agenda with summer study committee sessions this week.

Committee meetings on education, pension management, environmental issues, census data, drivers’ education and the state fair all are scheduled.

The Select Commission on Education meeting is likely to draw the most attention. The panel, which is co-chaired by Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, will hear a presentation from the Indiana Department of Education on proposed rules and existing rules and policies regarding teacher evaluation and licensing. The proposal, known as REPA II, has drawn complaints from teachers, administrators and teacher educators.

Under its provisions, school principals would need only a bachelor’s degree, and superintendents only a master’s degree.

Fair observance

All activity at the Indiana State Fair will pause at 8:46 p.m. today, exactly one year after the stage collapse that killed seven people. All rides, games, music and other activity will stop for a moment of silence.