Tobacco Cessation Classes Offered at Fitness Forum Sports and Wellness

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Smokers who would like some hands-on help to kick the habit can sign up for classes offered at Fitness Forum Sports and Wellness at LifePlex in Plymouth. American Lung Association Certified Freedom From Smoking Instructor Cindy Riester will lead the seven-week program. Classes start Monday, June 2. Riester will offer resources to quit, skills to manage weight and stress and group support during the eight classes. They meet Mondays through July 14 from 6 until 7:30 p.m. EDT and on Wednesday, June 18. That’s the scheduled quit day. Participants must register by May 30. The program is partially grant funded by the Marshall County local coordinating council and Governor’s Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana. The out-of-pocket cost for participants is $40 and includes a bonus two-month membership to Fitness Forum Sports and Wellness for those who successfully complete the course. Call Riester at 574-936-2333 to register.

Knox Fireworks Committee to Hold Fundraiser for County Event

Posted on Author WKVI

The Knox fireworks committee will hold a fundraiser on June 21 to help gather funds for this year’s extravaganza.

The Saturday, July 5 celebration event will be at the Starke County Airport. The gates will open around 6 p.m. CT with the fireworks show at dusk. Several vendors will be available so you can go early and get a snack and listen to some music before the show begins.

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Starke County Youth Club Receives Operation Round Up Grant

Posted on Author WKVI
Starke County Youth Club Executive Director Irene Szakonyi and Amanda Steeb from Kanakee Valley REMC
Starke County Youth Club Executive Director Irene Szakonyi and Amanda Steeb from Kanakee Valley REMC

The Starke County Youth Club is benefiting from Kankakee Valley REMC members who choose to round their monthly bills up to the nearest dollar. The organization received a $3,000 Operation Round Up grant from the electrical cooperative. SCYC Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says the money will provide supplies for the many science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) projects the club offers at sites across Starke County. She says the activities the club offers in an after-school setting help youngsters develop critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills and build confidence. Visit www.thescyc.org for more information. Kankakee Valley REMC is a member-owned rural electric cooperative serving approximately 18,000 members throughout portions of Starke, Pulaski, Porter, Lake, Marshall, St. Joseph and LaPorte Counties. Members who take part in Operation Round Up donate an average of $6 per year, which is then distributed to local nonprofit organizations throughout the service territory.

 

Mint Festival Father/Grandfather of the Year Deadline Nears

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The deadline to enter the annual North Judson Mint Festival Father & Grandfather of the Year contest is fast approaching. Entries are due Saturday, May 31. Any child from the North Judson – San Pierre School District can nominate their father or grandfather. The essay must be in a child’s handwriting and include the name of their father or grandfathers as well as their name, an address and phone number. All local NJ-SP children are encouraged to get involved. Proposals can be sent to Father/Grandfather of the Year, Mint Festival, P.O. Box 33, North Judson, IN 46366.

Job Fair and Butterfly Garden Planned at Library

Posted on Author WKVI
Henry F. Schricker Library
Henry F. Schricker Library

The Henry F. Shricker Public Library in Knox is offering programs for everyone this weekend. Elwood Staffing is sponsoring a job fair tomorrow from 10 a.m until 2 p.m. This program is open to all local adults and will take place in the meeting room of the library.

On Saturday, local man Jack O’Malley will be hosting a program and planting flowers that attract monarch butterflies. This opportunity is aimed at young adults but open to everyone. This special gardening event happening at 10 a.m Saturday, but it will run all weekend. This is the first of several summer programs in the butterfly garden at the library. For more information regarding library programs you can contact Andrea Brown at abrown@starkecountylibrary.org or call her at 574-772-7323.

What are the Drivers Saying?

Posted on Author WKVI

This week, NASCAR heads to Delaware to get around the challenging track they call the “Monster Mile”.  Editor’s note: This is my favorite track because of the challenge of the surface and endless strategy it provides a race team.  Plus, it has character – a real one in Miles the Monster.

What are the drivers saying about my favorite track – Dover International International Speedway?  Look and see what your favorite driver is saying. Continue reading →

Knox City Council Takes Final Action on Outdoor Storage Ordinance

Posted on Author WKVI
Knox City Council
Knox City Council

The two-year long discussion on the outdoor storage ordinance in the city of Knox could come to a close soon.

The Knox City Council voted last night to reject the plan commission’s outdoor storage ordinance as it doesn’t have wording to allow for special use.

The council members were not settled on a certain setback of an outdoor display at a business. The 25-foot setback was what needed to be changed and the council members were trying to decide the best way to go about that change.

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Starke County Election Board Accepts Resignation, Discusses Issues at the Polls

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The Starke County Election Board met Tuesday morning to discuss some issues that arose during the Primary Election.

Pat Mitchell, who has been a member of the Starke County Election Board for many years, tendered his resignation. He cited declining health as his reason for resigning, but noted that he’s enjoyed serving the county in this capacity for many years.

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Winamac Hotel Project on Hold

Posted on Author WKVI

The hotel project in Winamac is in a holding pattern, according to Nathan Origer, Director of the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

He indicated that they are working out some details with the hotel company, Wisconsin-based Cobblestone Development.

“We are trying to get on the same page on some different financing options,” explained Origer. “We’re also still looking at final property options. We are still very eagerly looking for individuals in the Winamac area who are interested in learning more about investing in the project.”

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Culver Community School Board Hires Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

Posted on Author WKVI

CulverHSA familiar face at Culver Community High School will be back next year in a dual role. Speech teacher Luke Biernacki  is the new assistant principal for the middle and high schools and and athletic director for the entire corporation. The Culver Community School Board hired him last night after a brief executive session. Superintendent Dr. Vicki McGuire says combining the administrative roles will allow for more dedicated academic accountability by the principals, as well as working on improving graduation rates. Biernacki says the opportunity is a perfect fit for his career goals.

“I’ve had my administrative license for a couple of years and been looking to move up,” he said in an interview after the meeting. “I’ve always wanted to move up with this corporation. It’s been a wonderful experience for the past six years. What I love most is the people I work with and the students and the community. It’s the best I’ve ever seen, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.”

Biernacki adds he wants to continue to meet the students’ needs and provide them the best possible experience. He’s also looking forward to working with new Culver Community High School Principal Brett Berndt and coaches as he transitions into his dual role.

 

 

 

Pulaski County Commissioners Approve Emergency Well Replacement

Posted on Author WKVI
Pulaski County Commissioners Larry Brady, Terry Young and Tracey Shorter
Pulaski County Commissioners Larry Brady, Terry Young and Tracey Shorter

The Pulaski County Commissioners were forced call an emergency meeting last night after the well pump at the county recycling center quit. Maintenance supervisor Jeff Johnston scrambled to get prices for repair options. They ranged from a high of $11,250 to run 1,500 feet of water line and connect to the town’s infrastructure to a low of $2,450 to repair their existing well pump. The commissioners voted unanimously to hire Bill Montgomery Well Drilling to drill a new well and replace the existing infrastructure for a cost of $4,400. They noted this will solve the problem of having to heat the pump in the winter, as it will be located inside a building. Also the new well will last indefinitely. The commissioners cited concerns over having to make additional repairs had they opted to fix what was already in place. Tying into the town system was deemed too expensive an option, as it would carry a recurring monthly water bill. Johnston did not have a time frame on how long the work will take. He told the commissioners he will see that it starts as soon as possible. The commissioners had previously advertised a special session to discuss animal control for the county. That meeting was cancelled and has not yet been rescheduled.

Three Arrested on Drug Charges

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Plymouth city officers went to a home in the 700 block of Mansfield Street in Plymouth to serve and execute the warrant in a theft investigation. Upon searching the residence, officers reportedly found stolen property along with substances believed to be methamphetamine and heroin. Police also allegedly found drug paraphernalia inside the home.  Continue reading →

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Honors Fallen Heroes

Posted on Author WKVI

pulaski county sheriff memorial 2As they have for the past eight years, members of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department hosted the annual memorial service on May 27 in front of the Sheriff’s Department in Winamac.

This ceremony is held to honor the memory of three fallen officers from the Pulaski County police force. The department recognized Sheriff Charles Henry Oglesby, Sheriff Milo “Mike” Lewis and Deputy Sheriff Shadron Kiley “Shad” Bassett who were all tragically lost in the line of duty. Family members received honorary license plates from the station.

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Older Adults Invited to Pulaski County Human Services Picnic

Posted on Author WKVI

Pulaski County Human ServicesOlder adults are invited to the Winamac Town Park today for the annual Pulaski County Human Services Senior Citizen Picnic. It takes place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the community building. Food and beverages will be provided. Blood pressure screenings will also be available. The documentary “Age of Champions” will be screened as well. The Pulaski County Human Services Von Tobel Center in Winamac and West Side Center in Medaryville will both be closed so staff members can attend the picnic, and home-delivered meals will not be provided.

Demotte State Bank Plans Relay for Life Golf Outing

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Golfers can take to the links for a good cause Saturday. The Demotte State Bank Relay for Life team is hosting a golf outing at Chesapeake Run Golf Course. There’s still time to sign up or sponsor a hole. All proceeds go to Starke County Relay for Life. Candice Miller says golfers will also have a shot at a large prize. Cambe Chevrolet has donated a new car, and the first golfer to hit a hole-in-one will win it.

The Demotte State Bank team is one of several taking part in the Starke County Relay for Life on June 21 and 22nd at the Hamlet Fairgrounds. Miller says it’s a very family-oriented event that raises money for and awareness of cancer research. She adds it’s special to her for personal reasons because a lot of her family members have been affected by or lost their lives to cancer. Miller is also a cancer survivor. She calls Relay for Life a “really excellent organization” and says she tries to promote it in any way she can.

Stop by Demotte State Bank to sign up for Saturday’s Relay for Life Golf Tournament or to get more information about hole sponsorship opportunities.

 

 

Bass Lake Watercraft Accident Injures Two

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

A Memorial Day accident on Bass Lake sends two people to the hospital. A personal watercraft driven by Jeremy Hershman, 33, of Willets, Calif. hit a watercraft operated by Amanda Marsh, 26, of North Judson, at a right angle, according to a news release from the DNR. Both were thrown into the water. Marsh was able to right her craft and drive it back to the shore. A boater helped Hershman into a pontoon boat and took him to shore for treatment. Starke County EMS took both to IU Health Starke Hospital. Marsh was treated for minor injuries and released. Hershman suffered broken ribs, fractured vertebrae and fluid on the lungs. He was transferred to Memorial Hospital of South Bend for additional treatment. Both Marsh and Hershman were wearing life jackets when the crash occurred. It’s still under investigation.

Marshall County Economic Development Corporation to Implement New Program in June

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The Marshall County Economic Development Corporation will launch the Business Expansion and Retention, or BEAR, Program next month.

This program will implement the first area-wide structured program using industry standards to access area businesses.

The Chairman of the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation, Bill Davis, said it’s important for them to talk to area businesses to see how they can assist them in making future expansion plans.

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Starke County Election Board to Tackle Complaints from Primary Election

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The Starke County Election Board members will meet today at 9 a.m. to go over several complaints issued during the Primary Election.

The board members will discuss complaints from the poll workers, from candidates and supporter and about the food vendor. Remedies will be considered for the General Election.

A candidate has withdrawn and more information will be available during the meeting.

The Starke County Election Board will meet in the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse.

Knox City Council to Meet in Special Session

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The Knox City Council will meet in regular session tonight where the council members will once again look at the outdoor storage ordinance that has come back from the plan commission.

Building Commissioner Bruce Williams told WKVI that the ordinance has not changed from what the council previously reviewed. Knox Mayor Rick Chambers told the council members at their last meeting that same thing and it just has to have final action.

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