The Community Services of Starke County Food Pantry will be able to assist even more families in need, thanks to a timely contribution. Ed and Deb Troike were selected as the Starke County winners in the Monsanto Foundation’s America’s Farmers Grow Communities program. As the winners, they chose the organization to receive a $2,500 donation from America’s Farmers Grow Communities and the Monsanto Fund. Continue reading
Oregon-Davis Streamlining Website With Anticipated Launch
The Oregon-Davis School Corporation will have a new look on the World Wide Web.
A launch date for an updated website has not yet been determined, but the school board reviewed the design and content during Wednesday night’s meeting.
Continue reading
LaPorte County Authorities Investigating Possible Hypothermia Death
The cold weather may be to blame for the death of a woman in LaPorte County. Sheriff’s deputies there were dispatched to an address in the 3500 East block of State Road 4 around 10 a.m. Continue reading
Wind Chill Advisory Issued for Kankakee Valley
A wind chill advisory remains in effect for the Kankakee Valley until 11 Eastern, 10 Central. Dangerous wind chills of between 10 and 25 below zero are expected due to a combination of very cold air and strong winds. Bundle up if you do go out, as hypothermia can occur quickly. Area schools have delayed the start of classes this morning as a result of the cold temperatures. Find a complete list at http://www.wkvi.com/closings-and-delays/
Murder Defendant’s Trial Remains On Schedule
The trial for a Knox man accused of beating his wife to death at their rural California Township home, kidnapping an employee from the Mark Bailey’s parking lot, stealing a second car in English Lake and leading authorities on a high-speed chase through four counties last June is still on schedule to start in April. Continue reading
Continuing Cold Leads to State Homeland Security Recommendations
First FEMA, and now the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is advising against being out in the bitter cold.
Wind Chill readings were expected to be in the double-digits below zero. Cold weather moved into the area yesterday, but will continue through midday. Wind gusts may not be helping matters, but the IDHS says they are urging residents to take precautions against the cold.
Continue reading
Pulaski County Murder Defendant Due Back in Court in April
The final pretrial conference for a Denham man who is accused of killing his live-in girlfriend is scheduled April 9 in Pulaski Circuit Court. Paul Katschke is charged with murder in connection with the Aug. 11 death of Amber Renee Taylor, 34. Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies and first responders found her dead at the couple’s home after receiving a 911 call about a dead, 30-something-year-old woman. Continue reading
N.J.-S.P. School Board Approves Budget Transfers
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board transferred a few dollars in their fiscal year budget on Tuesday night.
According to the discussion, certain dollar figures were reallocated to help with the school corporation’s operating.
Continue reading
Amid Concerns, Oregon Davis Approves Balanced Calendar
A rescheduled meeting did nothing to quell the debate among board members of the Oregon-Davis School District.
The group, like many other school corporations, considered a balanced calendar proposal that would put their class days more in line with area vocational schools and other school corporations.
Continue reading
Starke County Council Hits Pause on Highway Department Pay Scale Request
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler’s request to reorganize the wage scale for truck drivers is on hold for right now. He presented the concept to the county council Monday evening as a way to level the playing field between new hires and experienced employees who have worked for the county for several years. Continue reading
Fords Sue County Over Zoning Issue
A Grovertown couple who was ordered to remove an improperly placed structure from their property are suing the county for damages as a result of their ordeal. Walter and Julia Ford’s lawsuit names former Starke County Building Commissioner Bruce Williams, the Starke County Board of Commissioners and Board of Zoning Appeals of Starke County as defendants. Continue reading
Knox Man Sentenced to Prison for Burglary
A Knox man who pleaded guilty to burglary in connection with a break-in at a friend’s home last January was sentenced to 10 years in prison for that offense with none of that sentence suspended. Glenn Manns, 29, was also ordered to pay $250 in restitution to Arthur Norem, Jr. Court documents indicate Manns and James Royce stole copper, automobile parts, shotguns, a rifle, bows, knives and other items from Norem’s home. Royce has already been sentenced to 20 years in the Department of Corrections. Continue reading
Sen. Charbonneau Hopes Bills Improve Government Ethics
State Senator Ed Charbonneau has introduced three bills in the Indiana Senate and hopes all three will play a role in improving ethics in Indianapolis.
According to a press release from Charbonneau’s offices, the bills authored by the Valparaiso Republican will promote stronger ethics by ensuring a quicker recovery for misappropriated funds, providing protections for whistleblowers, and giving greater options for filling clerk-treasurer seats at the local level.
Continue reading
Congresswoman Promotes Tax Deduction Incentive to Combat Food Insecurity
Congresswoman Jackie Walorski was in Mishawaka yesterday to promote a tax deduction sought for permanent extension.
According to a press release, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that encourages donations. The bill, also known as the Fighting Hunger Incentive Act permanently extends the deduction for businesses to donate food inventory to local food pantries.
Continue reading
Report Ranks Indiana High in Youth Suicide Risk
A recently released report shows Indiana ranking with a relatively high suicide risk among young people.
The “Kids Count In Indiana 2015” Data Book says suicide has been the second-leading cause of death for residents between the ages of 15 and 24 in the Hoosier State. The report covers numerous topics, including health, population, and economic data.
Continue reading
NJ-SP Schools See Benefits of Balanced Calendar
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board has decided to follow suit and adopt their next school year calendar.
During last night’s meeting, the group reviewed the proposed balanced calendar. The balanced calendar removes time during the summer to allocate days off more evenly throughout the school year. Continue reading
Wind Chill Advisory Takes Effect This Afternoon
A wind chill advisory will take effect this afternoon and remain in place through midday tomorrow. Dangerous wind chill values between 10 and 25 below zero are expected late this afternoon through tomorrow morning. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can lead to hypothermia and frostbite in 30 minutes or less. If you have to be outside, wear a hat and gloves and protect exposed skin.
Area RadioShack Locations Untouched by Bankruptcy Filing
Two retail electronics locations in the immediate area will not be closed despite hundreds of locations shutting their doors around the country.
The company announced February 5th they filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections with the help of chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyers in Oklahoma City. Right now, an asset purchase agreement has been signed with General Wireless to acquire up to 2,400 company-owned stores.
Continue reading
Knox School Board Prepares for Building Project
The Knox School Board reviewed building plans and proposed budget figures for the elementary school addition project with a representative of the architectural firm of Barton-Coe-Vilamaa when it met Monday night. Bids will be considered on March 24th, Construction is expected to start at the end of April. Continue reading
North Judson Considers Revising Fee Schedule
The North Judson Town Council has decided to review a few alterations to their fee schedule.
During Monday night’s meeting, Council members saw proposals to change or even remove certain fees on first reading. Changes can be made to gain revenue, or even remove items that are viewed as unnecessary.
Continue reading
