Investigators Testify in Salvage Yard Arson Trial

 
 

The arson trial of a Knox man whose business went up in flames a year ago yesterday will resume Monday morning. A pair of investigators from the state fire marshal’s office testified in James Campbell’s trial yesterday. They both took part in the investigation in the fire that destroyed the buildings Campbell owns at the intersection of U.S. 35 and Toto Road which were home to C&C Salvage, Starke County Recycling and Campbell’s Tire Barn and Shop. Both agree the fires were set and started in two areas of the shop. Continue reading

Ritz Touts Reading in Education, Criticizes Standardized Assessments

Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz
Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz

One of Indiana’s most staunch advocates for public education ventured to Plymouth on Thursday.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz was the invited guest speaker at the Marshall County Reading Council’s spring banquet. Between promoting several of her initiatives in elective office, Ritz took time to criticize the way standardized tests are being utilized, as well as their effect on student learning.
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Sen. Donnelly Believes Ample Time Exists For Hoosier Line Fix

Joe Donnelly
Senator Joe Donnelly

U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly is continuing comments on the operation of the Hoosier State Line.

The four-day per week train between Indianapolis and Chicago was initially anticipated to cease service on April 1st of this year. That announcement came after a Federal Railroad Administration decision that would require Indiana to serve as a railroad carrier.
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Starke County Officers Make HTV Arrest

 
 

Starke County Sheriff’s Department officials say a man is in custody for having too many traffic violations.

Information released by the department says that the K-9 officer conducted a traffic stop on Tuesday. The vehicle was being driven by John Schacht. Police say they ran his information through Starke County Dispatch only to find that he’s considered a Habitual Traffic Violator.
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Starke County Park Board Developing Property List

  
 

The Starke County Park Board is continuing its efforts to develop a list of county properties that have been, or can be, designated as parks to be placed under the authority of the board. The Bass Lake Beach has already been designated as such a property by the county commissioners. The five-member park board has planned an inspection visit to the beach property sometime next month. Continue reading

Marshall County Commissioners Discuss Lawsuit over Stolen Documents

  
 

The Marshall County Commissioners got an update on a class-action lawsuit against a company who allegedly stole thousands of dollars worth of data from the recorder’s office.

County Attorney Jim Clevenger told the commissioners that the lawsuit involves Marshall County and several other counties against Black Knight Real Estate Data Solutions. Recorder Marlene Mahler previously told the commissioners that the company reportedly took 2,700 documents totaling 39,000 pages out of the computer system without going through the proper channels. The recorder’s office would normally charge $1 per page so the company would owe $39,000. The lawsuit seeking damages would triple that amount.

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Fire Investigator Testifies In Arson Trial

  Testimony continued this morning in the case of a man accused of burning down his salvage business.

As of this afternoon, the jury continued to hear from the day’s first witness. WKVI reporters at the scene say the witness is Larry Cooper, a contract fire investigator hired by James Campbell’s insurance company. Campbell is the owner of C&C Salvage, and is on trial for arson charges.
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Firefighters Testify in Arson Trial

 
 

The first firefighters to arrive at the scene of a blaze at a Knox business testified yesterday in the arson trial of its owner. James Campbell is accused of setting fire to his salvage yard and tire shop on U.S. 35 at Toto Road last March 20st. Barry Sanders from the Bass Lake Fire Department was the first to arrive. He showed up in his personal vehicle with his sons about five minutes after the notification went out. Sanders was recovering from shoulder surgery but still came out to assist. He testified his concern was for Campbell’s house, which is located just south of the salvage yard. Sanders said he knocked loudly on the doors and windows for several minutes until the heat drove him away, and nobody answered. Earlier witnesses testified Campbell was at the shop until around 5 p.m. Firefighters were notified at 5:17 p.m., according to dispatch records. Continue reading

Legislation Would Allow Inmates E-mail Access

DermodyLegislation sponsored by State Representative Tom Dermody will be signed into law.

According to a press release from the LaPorte Republican’s offices, the legislation would allow for additional options for prison inmates to correspond with their families. The Indiana Department of Corrections is required to provide necessary items to send mail through the postal service.

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