The North Judson-Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department spent about two hours battling a blaze at a home southeast of town early this morning. Continue reading
No Injuries Reported in Early Morning House Fire
Surgery Delays Murder Trial, Prompts Reevaluation of Jail Medical Contract
A murder trial scheduled to start April 13 in Starke Circuit Court has been pushed back to at least July so the defendant can have surgery deemed medically necessary by a provider under contract with the county. Gary Chavez is accused of beating his estranged wife, Kimberly Chavez, to death at their rural California Township home last June. From there police say he drove to Mark Bailey’s Discount Center, kidnapped an employee and drove to English Lake where he’s accused of stealing a second vehicle. Chavez then led police on a high-speed chase into LaPorte and Porter Counties, according to court records. He’s accused of stealing a third vehicle in Kouts and continuing into Lake County. Police there say Chavez shot himself in the face when officers in Crown Point managed to stop his vehicle. He was airlifted to a Chicagoland area hospital and released to the custody of the Starke County Sheriff last August. Chavez remains in jail. Continue reading
Knox School Board Announces Elementary School Construction Timeline
Construction of the addition to the Knox Elementary School is expected to begin within 30 days, Dana J. Wannemacher, vice president Barton Coe Vilamaa, architects and engineers, reported to the Knox School Board last night. Weather and scheduling were cited as contributing to about a month’s delay in breaking ground. The board approved details of the kitchen and cafeteria area and equipment. Continue reading
Starke Election Board Leaves Voting Hours Alone After Previous Approval
The Starke County Election Board advertised early and absentee voting hours, and then considered changing them the day before it’s supposed to start.
Following a vote at their last meeting to set the hours for voting prior to the primary election, Starke County Clerk Vicky Cooley brought a proposal to the board to reduce the number of hours early voting can take place.
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New Starke County Jail Nearing Completion
To use a baseball analogy, construction of the Starke County Sheriff’s Department and Detention Center has rounded third base and is heading for home plate. That’s how Dion Katsouros from Skillman Corporation described the project to the Starke County Building Corporation during their monthly meeting. Continue reading
Culver School Board Approves Library Board Appointment
The Culver School Board has decided to move forward with a regular position appointment.
The school corporation in Culver holds a seat on the Monterey-Tippecanoe Township Public Library Board. Christine Sellers has held the seat previously. Her term on the Library Board expired in early March.
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Don’t Forget Any Income When Filing Your Taxes
Federal and state income taxes are due in eight days. Michelle Bachtel from H&R Block in Knox says it’s important not to exclude any sources of income.
“Pretty much all income, whether it’s reported or not reported, is taxable unless the law specifically excludes it,” Bachtel said. “This includes non-cash income from things like bartering or exchanging of assets. Both parties are expected to include the fair market value of the item or services they received as income on their tax returns.” Continue reading
Winamac Woman Wanted on Warrant Arrested for New Meth Charges
A vehicle stopped in Pulaski County has led to the arrest of a Winamac woman on multiple charges.
Sheriff’s Deputies were in the area of State Road 39 and County Road 100 North in Pulaski County, Saturday evening. Officers spotted the passenger of a vehicle they claim was wanted on two warrants. Those charges allege possession of methamphetamine and failure to appear.
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U.S. 35 Closed for Railroad Crossing Repairs
The good news is the rough railroad crossing on U.S. 35 in downtown Knox will soon be fixed. The bad news is the road will be shut down so those repairs can be made. Starting today the highway is closed between East John and East Bender streets. Continue reading
Local Physician Taking Leave of Absence from Practice
A local physician with deep roots in Starke County is making a change. Dr. Curtis Bejes is a North Judson native who has been practicing medicine in his home town for 18 years.
“Although I’ve enjoyed my time here immensely, I’ve decided to take some time away from my practice,” Bejes said. He added he’s not selling his home or leaving the area for good. He is taking a year off to do other things. Continue reading
Commissioners to Consider Starke County Sheriff’s Request for a Second K9
The Starke County Commissioners could consider Sheriff Bill Dulin’s request for a second K9 when they meet this evening. Dulin previously asked the commissioners for their blessing to raise funds through donations to buy a dog capable of detecting drugs and tracking people. He says the dog would only be purchased if enough money was raised to do so. Continue reading
Today is Primary Voter Registration Deadline
Monday is the final day for those looking to vote in the municipal primary election to register.
Forms must be turned into the voter registration office by 4:00 p.m. or, at the very least, postmarked by today. Voters can register to cast their ballot online, in-person, or through the U.S. Postal Service. Registration can be completed through the local county election office or at any BMV office.
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Taxes Are Due Next Week – Who Needs to File?
Federal and state income taxes are due April 15. Michelle Bachtel with the H&R Block office in Knox says anyone whose income exceeds the filing threshold set by the IRS needs to file a tax return. Thresholds are based on your age and filing status, which is either single, married filing joint, married filing separate, head of household or qualifying widower.
Income requirements vary, but Bachtel offers a general guideline. Continue reading
Culver School Board To Review Library Board Appointment
The Culver School Board will meet this evening to review an otherwise light agenda.
The school corporation happens to hold a seat on the Monterey-Tippecanoe Township Public Library Board. That position is required to be reappointed every so often.
IU Health Clarifies Negotiating Period with Community Health Systems
A hospital group that serves Knox, LaPorte, and the surrounding areas made a big announcement earlier this week.
IU Health is entering into an exclusive negotiating period with Community Health Systems. That company is based in Tennessee.
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Deadline Approaching for Knox Sidewalk Replacement Program
Time is running out for Knox residents and business owners to sign up for the city’s 50/50 sidewalk replacement program. The city will split the cost of new sidewalks with qualified owners. Requests must be submitted to the mayor’s office by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 17 and will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis until available money runs out. Continue reading
Applications For Starke County Grants Available
Culver Parks Department To Teach Fly-Fishing Basics
The Town of Culver’s Park Department will be hosting an event to teach fishing enthusiasts more about the craft.
Participants in the workshop can learn about fly-fishing, in specific. According to information from the Park Department, various line types, casting techniques, and safety will be reviewed.
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Hoosier Lottery Jackpot Hits $12.3 Million
Tonight’s Hoosier Lottery Jackpot is worth a whopping $12.3 million. It’s been steadily growing since Oct. 2, 2014 when it was last hit. Tickets cost $1 per play. Hoosier Lotto players have a chance to win other prizes as well. Matching two of six numbers is good for a free Hoosier Lotto ticket, and matching three of six pays $3. Prizes for matching four or five of the six numbers are based on sales. Continue reading
INDOT to Close U.S. 35 to Repair Tracks in Knox
The rough railroad crossing on U.S. 35 in Knox will soon be fixed. Starting Monday INDOT officials plan to close the highway between East John and East Bender Streets to fix the crossing. INDOT’s official marked detour takes motorists around the work using State Roads 8, 39 and 10 to get back to U.S. 35. Drivers of passenger cars can use city streets to bypass the closure. The road is set to reopen on Monday, April 13. Continue reading
