Week in Review for February 27th-March 2nd, 2012

Here is a look at some of the news that made the news in the Kankakee Valley this week:

Conservation Keith Wildeman takes possession of the alligator found dead in Starke County

Jeff Brewer and Steve Brewer found a dead alligator in the Kankakee River in Starke County on Sunday. If anyone knows anything about this incident, call the Indiana Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-TIP-IDNR.

The Starke County Tourism Board reorganized with Julie Dessauer named President. John Hensler was named Vice President, Thom Morin, Secretary and Tabitha Dillner, Treasurer.

Oregon-Davis Jr./Sr. High School

The proposed Oregon-Davis operating referendum on the May ballot will not impact the Circuit Breaker. Curt Pletcher of Umbaugh and Associates said that unless the school was doing a large construction project, the county will not be affected by the tax levy increase – if it is passed.

Gas prices are hitting record levels for the beginning of the year and Don Good from the Good Oil Company in Winamac says it’s not because of supply and demand. It’s speculation on activities occurring in the Middle East. Some are saying we will see $5.00 a gallon by summer.

Indiana State Police Detectives continue to investigate the shooting that occurred Thursday night in Marshall County that claimed the life of Mark Albright, 62, of Plymouth.

Johnathan Hummel

A second suspect in the CVS robbery incident in December has been arrested. Jonathan Hummel is in the Starke County Jail and faces charges of Dealing a Narcotic Drug, two counts of Armed Robbery, Resisting Law Enforcement, Criminal Mischief, Forgery, Attempted Forgery, and Theft. He is being held on a $500,000 surety bond.

Jasmine White of Plymouth was arrested after she reportedly hit the Plymouth Fire Station with her vehicle causing damage.

Emergency crews were called to an accident in the San Pierre area yesterday on U.S. 421 after a passenger vehicle crossed the center line into the path of a semi. The accident caused both vehicles to burst into flames. The semi was hauling mattresses and it took San Pierre and North Judson-Wayne Township fire crews three hours to extinguish the fire. No serious injuries were reported.

Claims of impropriety have been brought against Starke County Sheriff Oscar Cowen by a former deputy of the department.

The Coalition Against Domestic Abuse recently received a $10,000 grant from the Operation Round-up Trust grant program from Kankakee Valley REMC. The money will be used toward the construction of additional space at the Phoenix House.

Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall rejected a plea agreement for Jenny Keeton yesterday. She is charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor as a Class C Felony and Dealing in a Schedule II Controlled Substance as a Class A Felony.

Craig Madsen

Craig Madsen of San Pierre was arrested Tuesday night when Pulaski County police found 78 loose prescription pills in his pocket after being taken into custody for Public Intoxication at the Winamac High School. He was also reportedly intoxicated while at the boys sectional basketball tournament.

The Oregon-Davis Elementary School has been named a most improved school and Superintendent Dr. Steve Disney, Elementary Principal Bill Bennett and four elementary teachers are in Indianapolis today to be recognized for that honor.

James Ritenour III

James Ritenour III was arrested Sunday after an alleged battery incident with his mother. He has been charged with Battery, Intimidation, Criminal Recklessness, and Interference with Reporting a Crime.

The Starke County Economic Development Foundation is moving to a new location. The organization is moving from the Knox downtown area to 1915 Heaton Street by Christos Restaurant.

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