Starke County Youth Club Joins CASA Family Day to Help Keep Kids Drug Free

Statistics indicate that nine out of ten Americans who meet the medical criteria for addiction began smoking, drinking or using other drugs before the age of 18.

Adolescence is a critical period for the initiation of drug use and the subsequent consequences. That is why the Starke County Youth Club wants to ensure that parents are forming meaningful connections with their children to encourage open dialogue throughout childhood, into the teen years and beyond. Continue reading

Winamac Town Council Passes New Procurement Card Resolution

Winamac Town Council members considered a resolution Monday night that would take the place of one that was established a few years ago.

As previously reported, Winamac Town Council members passed a resolution back in 2016 that would authorize the use of procurement cards from the BMO Harris Bank out of Illinois.

At the time, they couldn’t acquire the cards because the Town didn’t have a recent audit. After one was completed, Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger reminded the council about the resolution. Continue reading

Knox Parks Department to Benefit from Gator Purchase Approved by City Council

The Knox City Council approved the purchase of a John Deere Gator when they met last Tuesday.

Mayor Dennis Estok explained that the City has been considering purchasing a Gator to assist the individual who mows the lots around town. He currently pushes his mower from place to place because he doesn’t have anything to cart it around in. Estok added that it could also be utilized to supervise events down at the park.

Additionally, the Parks Department has been looking into options for a Gator with four seats to replace the one they have which only has two. Continue reading

Small Town Kindness Embodied in Recent Donation to the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department

Assistant Chief Dave Pearman, Melba Shilling and Rick McCann

A 1970 American LaFrance Aero Chief Fire Truck that made its way from Stark County, Ohio to Starke County, Indiana has a new home at the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department thanks to a local donor.

The truck has a boom that extends up to 90 feet and is fully functional. Assistant Fire Chief Dave Pearman said department officials are extremely grateful to Melba Shilling for providing this donation. Continue reading

Residents Urged to Take Advantage of Today’s Environmental Day Collection Event at the Starke County Highway Garage

At this week’s Knox City Council meeting, Mayor Dennis Estok urged residents to take advantage of an opportunity to rid their homes and yards of hazardous waste and clutter during the annual Starke County Environmental Day.

According to information provided in a promotional flier, all Starke County residential property owners are welcome to swing by the County Highway Garage from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. today to properly dispose of various unwanted items and household hazardous waste in a safe, drive-thru environment. Continue reading

Winamac Police Officer Commended, Town Council Weighs in on Decal Decision

A Winamac Police Officer was commended during Monday night’s town council meeting.

During Town Marshal Mark Hoffman’s report, he noted that since school is back in session, they’ve increased patrols around there, specifically when students are getting on and off the busses. Councilwoman Judy Heater commented on the performance of Officer Brian Gaillard. Continue reading

Today is the Public Premiere of the Documentary “Lake Maxinkuckee: A History”

Community members have a chance to see a free screening of a new documentary entitled “Lake Maxinkuckee: A History” at 10 a.m. today.

The Antiquarian and Historical Society (AHS) of Culver will present the film at the train station-depot in the town park on Lake Shore Drive. It is about 30 minutes long and will feature original footage shot in the area as well as historical photos and videos. Continue reading

Winamac Cemetery A Topic of Concern At Town Council Meeting

A Winamac resident came before the town council this week to discuss the state of the town cemetery. At Monday’s Town Council meeting, long-time resident Al Breyfogle shared a story about his son’s cemetery plot.

He explained that his son passed away in October last year and was buried in the Winamac Cemetery. Breyfogle explained that he was notified when the headstone came in and when he went to take a look at it, he was dismayed to find that the cemetery was not mowed. Continue reading

Vintage Steam Engine Train to Roll Through Knox Shortly After 11 a.m. Today!

A railroad relic will be making its way through the Knox area via the Norfolk Southern Railway.

Starke County citizens have a chance to catch a glimpse of a steam engine train today. Dr. Walter Fritz contacted WKVI News to share some information about this opportunity. He noted that it will be coming through the Knox area around 11:15 a.m. Continue reading

No Public Comments Provided During Winamac Budget Hearing

Winamac Town Council members held a brief public hearing over the proposed budget for 2019 when they met Monday night.

According to Indiana Gateway for Governmental Units, the Town of Winamac has a total budget estimate of $1,625,712 for next year. Within the budget, officials have placed $1,088,702 in the general fund and $25,000 in the rainy day fund. Continue reading

Mayor of Knox Signs Proclamation Establishing Society of Saint Vincent DePaul Week

Rose Vonbampus, Beverly Casey, Georgiana Kipp, Mary Kleinfehn, Joan Stepien and Theresa Minix pictured with Mayor Dennis Estok

When Knox City Council members met this week, Mayor Dennis Estok informed them about a proclamation he signed on Tuesday.

He told members, “I signed a proclamation proclaiming the week of September 29th as the Society of Saint Vincent DePaul Week.” Continue reading

Digital Message Board for the City of Knox to be Installed Soon

As motorists pass through the gates of Knox today they may notice a minor addition. However, over the next week or so they can expect to see a major one.

Mayor Dennis Estok told council members last night that work has begun at the site where the new message board will be installed. The footer has been poured and the pole has been placed. The remainder of the sign anticipated to be erected by Friday. Continue reading