June is National Safety Month

June is recognized as National Safety Month and there are a number of things you can do to help keep yourself and your family safe this summer and all year-round.

Unfortunately, accidents and emergencies can pop up at any time and while you can’t control when they happen you can help by being prepared. Officials from Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion have a few helpful tips to keep in mind when it comes to staying safe. Continue reading

Starke County EMS Director Interviewing Paramedics, Issuing Recertifications

Paramedics are needed everywhere in the state and nationwide. Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary told the commissioners this week that they are interviewing paramedics for two full-time opportunities.

“We implemented a new standard of hiring which requires a written test, skills test and oral interview to get the best candidate possible,” said Clary. “If nothing else, we can get more part-time paramedics, but really no luck so far. It seems like there’s a shortage nationwide. I know Pulaski County and LaPorte County are kinda hurting. So, that’s where we’re at with that.”

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Lapaz Firefighters Receive Advanced CPR Certifications

A few members of the Lapaz-North Township Fire Department recently received their advance certification in CPR. They are now instructor certified in CPR and this advanced training will allow the firefighters to help train you in CPR.

The recent acquisition of CPR mannequins, thanks to a grant through the Marshall County Community Foundation, will allow the Lapaz Fire Department to become an American Heart Association training site and assist the public in becoming certified in CPR. The new mannequins will replace current models that have been in service for more than 15 years.

Top 10 Stories of 2010; Story #7

Sonny Newbauer, Plant Manager at Hoosier Custom Plastics, was struck by lightning in the business’ parking lot on Tuesday, August 3rd.

Gordon Shank, owner of Hoosier Custom Plastics, told WKVI that day that he had heard a clap of thunder at 7:45 a.m., looked outside the plant, and saw Sonny Newbauer on the ground after he was struck by lightning. Newbauer, of Knox, was given CPR by a fellow employee and while still unconscious, he was taken to Starke Memorial Hospital. The medical staff sedated Newbauer and he was flown to a Fort Wayne Hospital.

Newbauer is still recovering from the incident.