WINAMAC — On Nov. 19 Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in Winamac. The department was alerted to the incident by Knox Police by a woman who had fled the address in Winamac to Knox, where she contacted law enforcement.

A search warrant was obtained for a probable cause arrest for Leonard Salyer, 30, of Winamac. There was a threat of weapons involved and deputies utilized drone support on the scene and negotiations were attempted.
Officers were able to approach and open the door of the residence but were unable to locate Salyer. The drone was deployed in the house to pinpoint the location of the suspect.
Salyer continued to be non-compliant with officer requests and K9 Officer Tiko kept the suspect in his location until deputies could attempt the arrest and were finally able to take him into custody.
Salyer is charged with intimidation with a deadly weapon, confinement, domestic battery, and resisting law enforcement.

All suspects are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department volunteer members held officer elections earlier in November.

Fire Chief Todd Jackson told the town council during their recent meeting that he was retained as chief, Nathan Henning was elected as assistant chief, Joe Leszek as captain, Eric Wappel as lieutenant, Brian Reading as treasurer, Jamie Salkeld, Doug O’Donnell as assistant captain, Tyler Tunis as assistant lieutenant, Paul Rains as medical officer, and Paul Newcomer as chaplain.

Jackson also reported that hose testing was completed and presented a claim for the cost of that testing which was unanimously approved.

The Culver Town Council members recently approved the hire of a new park superintendent.

Town Manager Kevin Danti recommended the hire of Crystal Moss as the new park superintendent. Her pay would be $22.00 an hour with full-time benefits. She has held the interim position since the former superintendent left a few months ago.

Moss has worked in the Culver parks system for the past three years and has a good working knowledge of operations there.

The council unanimously approved the hire of Moss who started in the position Monday, November 18.

Councilwoman Ginny Munroe asked the council to consider hiring former superintendent Amber Cowell as an independent contractor on an hourly basis to help Moss with any items that may require assistance. There would be a cap of 10 hours with the contract. The council will consider that contract in another meeting.

In other park news, the council unanimously approved the quote from F&H to put up and take down the festive Christmas display in the Culver Town Park for the season. The contract was approved at a cost of $5,200.

Entries for the Peppermint Parade in Knox are being accepted at the City of Knox Mayor’s Office.

This year’s City of Knox Hometown Christmas Peppermint Parade, presented by Mayor Dennis Estok, is set for Saturday, December 7 at 3:30 p.m. CT. The deadline to submit the application for an entry in the parade is Wednesday, November 27. No late entries will be accepted.

The parade will begin at the Knox Community School Corporation and travel north on Main Street. The parade will end at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center. After Santa is paraded down Main Street he will be at the Community Center to visit with the children and ask what gifts they are hoping for this Christmas. Hot chocolate will also be available.

The annual City of Knox Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be at 5 p.m. CT that evening outside of the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox. The Knox concert choir will sing Christmas carols before the event.

Completed applications may be mailed to the Knox Hometown Christmas Peppermint Parade, Knox Mayor’s Office, ATTN: Peg Travis, 101 W. Washington Street, Knox, IN 46534. They may also be emailed to ptravis@cityofknox.net. Parade information will be updated as necessary on the city’s website at www.cityofknox.net.

The Starke County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 37th annual Henry F. Schricker Service Before Self Awards Dinner, uniting elected officials, business owners, community members, and honored guests, including three of Henry Schricker’s descendants. The event celebrated outstanding individuals and organizations who embody Schricker’s legacy of selfless service.

The evening was made special with catering by 10-56 Brewing & Catering and beautiful décor by Bianca Rose Floral Design. Thank you to both businesses for their contributions to this memorable night.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Henry F. Schricker Service Before Self Award to Jerry Gurrado. A retired teacher and coach, Jerry continues to serve the community through his volunteer work with various boards and nonprofits. Congratulations, Jerry, and thank you for your extraordinary commitment to Starke County!

The Business of the Year award went to The Market, a cornerstone of Starke County for 40 years. Their enduring impact on the community is commendable—congratulations!

The Above and Beyond Awards recognized the following individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the county:
● Renew U
● The Starke County Libraries
● The Point Drive-In
● Alyssa Smith
● The Ober Arbor Gleaners
● The First National Bank of Monterey
● The Town of North Judson

The Chamber also extended gratitude to Northwest Health – Knox, our Platinum Sponsor, for their ongoing support of both the Chamber and the community.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and celebrated with us. Your presence and support truly made this event special. It is the collective spirit of our community that keeps Henry Schricker’s legacy alive.

In the photo are Susan Schricker, Mary Schricker Ecker, Jerry Gurrado, and Kathryn Schricker Kish

A man convicted of dealing in methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine in a one-day trial in Starke Circuit Court Wednesday, November 13 was taken into custody Wednesday, November 20.