Week in Review for June 20th-24th, 2011

Here is just some of the news that made the news in the Kankakee Valley this week:

Starke County Jail

The Starke County Commissioners revisited the issue of a new Starke County Jail after inmate Jack Haut brought a class action lawsuit against the County over conditions at the jail. This week, the Starke County Council approved the transfer of $100,000 to help fund the County’s defense in the lawsuit.

The Knox City Council members told Knox Mayor Rick Chambers no when he asked the Council if they would be interested in selling Sandy Acres Park. It is assumed the land would be used for a business venture.

Pulaski County Commissioners

The Pulaski County Commissioners discussed the purchase of a mower and possible repairs to a forklift and buildings at the Pulaski County Recycling Center. The Commissioners also approved a request by Recorder Lynn Wilder to seek quotes on a new recording system. New software could cost $55,0000.

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an accidental shooting that occurred Sunday. Parts of a projectile fired from a rifle by Robert Avery of Winamac reportedly struck Dawn Vanaman in the neck. He was shooting at a chipmunk and Vanaman got in the line of fire.

Monterey Elementary School

The Culver Community School Corporation is looking at enrollment for the fall and the Corporation understands that they could lose elementary students to other school corporations because of the closure of Monterey Elementary.

Mint Farmer, Mike Materna, has plead guilty to one count of violating the federal Clean Water Act in District Court in South Bend. He reportedly released hot water discharge into a ditch near his mint distillery that allegedly scalded a dog to death.

Starke County Commissioners

The Starke County Commissioners failed to approve a dog kennel ordinance for the third time. Over 60 residents were packed into the Commissioners meeting room Monday who disagree with many of the aspects of the proposed ordinance.

The Starke County Library Board asked the Starke County Council for a $2 million bond issue to renovate and expand the Henry F. Schricker Library in Knox.

Knox City Police detectives continue to investigate the death of a three-year-old Knox boy.

A forum to discuss gas prices was held in LaPorte Tuesday night.

Pulaski Memorial Hospital

Pulaski Memorial Hospital CEO Rick Mynark informed the Pulaski County Commissioners that the hospital is signing an agreement with Keeney Ambulance and Transport Service to provide quicker patient transfer service.

The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld a sentence in Starke Circuit Court that was appealed by James Ritenour, Jr. Ritenour, Jr. was sentenced to eight years in the Indiana Department of Corrections on an Attempted Battery charge.

The Starke County Council approved a salary increase and a car for a paramedic EMS Director. The Advanced Life Support Committee announced that they expect to have a paramedic chase vehicle in operation by the first of the year.

Governor Mitch Daniels stopped visited Kersting’s World Motorcycle Museum on Thursday.

The Starke County P.T.A.B.O.A. Board met this week to review land values. The figures are in the Assessor’s office for review.

And that is just some of the news that made the news in the Kankakee Valley this week.