High school students across Indiana will be able to study Native American culture, thanks to the efforts of a Knox man. Kenny Lone Eagle successfully advocated for its inclusion in a bill to offer the elective study of various ethnic and racial groups. Courses will be offered if at least 15 students in a school corporation sign up. Lone Eagle says it’s a big step. Continue reading
Lighting updates at North Judson-San Pierre Schools are already paying off for the corporation. The change from fluorescent to LED bulbs and fixtures will save considerable money over the long term. It also earned the corporation an energy efficiency rebate from NIPSCO. Major Accounts Manager Kelley Davies presented school corporation officials a check for $20,800. She says such rebates are an incentive for schools, businesses and individuals to invest in energy efficiency upgrades. Continue reading
Starke County’s April unemployment rate hit an 19-year low and posted a significant drop from March, according to the latest state jobs report. Continue reading
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a complaint of a possible police impersonator at the Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area in LaPorte County. Continue reading
The new chief nursing officer at Starke and LaPorte Hospitals will start her job next week. Continue reading
The Hamlet branch of the Starke County Public Library will be closed a few extra days this week to accommodate some updates. Continue reading
Saturday’s rain did not dampen the spirits of the Knox officials and Starke-Pulaski Habitat for Humanity volunteers who broke ground on their next project. Hope McIntire and her 5-year-old daughter Raelynn will occupy the new home at the corner of Prettyman and Delaware Streets once it’s built. Continue reading
A bill sponsored by Indiana’s two Senators aims to improve the quality of life for police officers. The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act passed the United States Senate unanimously last week. It was spearheaded by Sens. Todd Young and Joe Donnelly. Continue reading
Starke County Coroner Dannie Hoffer is looking for ways to save the county money and make his office more efficient. He told the county commissioners Monday his colleague in LaPorte County has an agreement with the hospital there to do a quick blood analysis on suspected overdose victims. He says if drugs are found in the bloodstream, a full autopsy is not needed to determine the cause of death. Continue reading
U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly is the co-sponsor of a bipartisan suicide prevention bill. It looks especially at veterans and young people. Continue reading
Hoosiers are urged to protect themselves against ticks when taking part in outdoor activities. The small, insect-like creatures are found in grassy, wooded areas throughout the state. Ticks tend to be most active during the late spring and early summer.
State health officials warn they can transmit a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Last year more than 200 cases of tick-borne illness were reported in Indiana. Continue reading
Indiana Sen. Joe Donnelly is pleased with the Justice Department’s appointment of a special counsel to investigate alleged ties between President Trump’s campaign and the Russians. During an interview on WKVI’s “Grossman in the Morning” Thursday, Donnelly said it’s important to find out what the facts are. Continue reading
Starke-Pulaski Habitat for Humanity officials will break ground on their next project tomorrow at 11 a.m. The home in Knox will be located at the intersection of Prettyman and Delaware Streets. Continue reading
Starke County will be able to implement plans to pave 123 miles of local roads with asphalt over the next decade without raising taxes, according to Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler. He presented options to the county council Monday. They include using money from the Local Roads and Streets and County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT) funds to draw down a maximum three-to-one funding match from the state. Continue reading
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin can replace several aging patrol cars following Monday action by the county council. They agreed to appropriate money from the Jail CEDIT and Therapeutic Community funds to cover the cost. Continue reading
The City of Knox is giving residents a hand with their spring cleaning this weekend. Dumpster Days begin tomorrow and continue through Saturday. Continue reading
Crop farmers are keeping an eye on the sky this week as they attempt to finish planting. The Indiana Farm Bureau estimates half of corn and soybean crops have been planted statewide. President Randy Kron says weather was ideal for most of April, but heavy rains at the end of the month, followed by cooler temperatures halted them in their tracks. Continue reading
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is joining an effort to raise awareness of water safety in advance of National Safe Boating Week. The agency is supporting tomorrow’s “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day.” It’s hosted by the National Safe Boating Council to raise awareness of different types of life jackets. Continue reading
Starke County’s truck route ordinance will take effect June 1 following adoption Monday by the county commissioners. It applies to all vehicles with a gross combined vehicle weight of more than 38,000 pounds, which is the same standard the state uses. They are prohibited from using light vehicle routes unless a free permit is issued by the highway department or they qualify for an exemption. Registered farm vehicles, delivery trucks and school buses are exempt. Continue reading
The Starke County Democratic Party will caucus on May 25th to select a new assessor. Rhonda Milner is stepping down from that elected position on May 26th. Continue reading
