City to require checks for carnival workers

He said some Indiana communities, including Portage, have previously required criminal background checks.

"Indiana doesn't require the background checks yet, but I expect it will in another year or two," he said.

Following a request by Mayor Brian Snedecor, the Board of Works last week asked that Sterling Crown Carnival provide criminal background checks to city officials.

The background checks will be scrutinized by Police Chief Rod Gonzalez, the Board of Works stipulated.

Snedecor said the city has hired Sterling Crown Carnival in past years and there's never been any problems with its employees.

But Snedecor said he doesn't want to take any chances.

"It's a public safety issue because carnival workers come in direct contact with residents from Hobart," Snedecor said.