Many people are traveling this time of year so the roads can be quite hectic. Be sure to buckle up before taking off for a drive. Also ensure that all passengers are secured in their safety belts or car seats.
Winter Wonderland or Winter Wasteland?
Between Thanksgiving and New Years day, the average household produces about 25 percent more waste than normal. Continue reading
Toys You Don’t Want to See Under the Christmas Tree
Each year the Public Interest Research Group releases a Trouble in Toyland report, disclosing which toys are unfit to be sold. This year more than 150 toys were either recalled or taken off of store shelves as a result of the report. 
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Autopsy Scheduled Today for Unidentified Woman Found Near Bremen
An autopsy will be performed today on the Jane Doe found Friday morning near Bremen. A walker found the partially charred body in a rural area just off 5th Road between Hawthorn and Grape Roads. Continue reading
Starke County Officials Seeking 2015 Board Appointees
The Starke County Council and Commissioners are seeking qualified, community-minded individuals to serve on a variety of boards and commissions in 2015. Many of the seats require specific party affiliation under Indiana Code. It is determined by the prospective nominee’s vote in the most recent primary election or a letter of support from the party chairman. Currently seated board members may be given preference for a subsequent term. Continue reading
Retirement Party Planned Today for Pulaski County Sheriff
Pulaski County Sheriff Mike Gayer is retiring after two terms in office. Members of the public are invited to celebrate with him today at the sheriff’s office in Winamac. The party will take place from noon until 1:30 p.m. EST in the sheriff’s training room.
Historically Low Gas Prices Greet Holiday Travelers
Davis Presides Over Final Commissioners Meeting, Cowen Honored
Jennifer Davis has presided over her final meeting as president of the Starke County Commissioners. Instead of seeking reelection to that body, Davis opted instead to run for a seat on the Starke County Council.
“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to serve,” Davis said at the conclusion of Monday’s county commissioners meeting. Democrat Don Binkley is taking her place.
Davis attended yesterday’s reception at the Starke County Sheriff’s Department in honor of Sheriff Oscar Cowen. He’s held that office for eight years and is stepping down due to term limits. Democrat Bill Dulin will take over as sheriff in January.
N.J.-S.P. Academic Team Recognized
The North Judson-San Pierre Academic Team was given the Blue Jay Way award at the school board meeting this week for winning the annual spell bowl competition last month. The school hosted the elementary competition for 11 schools in five different classes competing against each other. Continue reading
Meetings in Culver Rescheduled for the Holidays
The Culver Town Council and Culver Community School Board have rescheduled their meetings over the next two weeks in light of the holidays. Continue reading
Body Found in Marshall County, Sheriff’s Department Investigating
Authorities in Marshall County are investigating after a woman’s body was found in a rural area near Bremen. Continue reading
North Judson-San Pierre Students Stage Sit-In
Students at North Judson-San Pierre High School staged a sit-in today to protest the school’s decision to move the band to the auditorium and turn the music suite into a weight room. Superintendent Lynn Johnson says in a letter to choral and band parents “the intention is not to devalue music.” She says the existing second floor weight room behind the bleachers is no longer structurally sound and must be located on the ground level. Johnson adds major renovations are not possible at this time due to financial concerns.
Her letter explains physical education is a required course of study for high school students, and the curriculum includes physical conditioning. Johnson says “this means all high school students use the weight room, not just athletes”.
Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $125 Million for Tonight’s Drawing
Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot is worth a whopping $125 million, which is the largest in six weeks. Tickets for the multi-state jackpot are $1 each and are available at more than 4,000 Hoosier Lottery retailers nationwide. Continue reading
PFC Frank Ono Added to South Shore Wall of Legends
Starke County’s most decorated veteran is the recipient of another honor. PFC Frank Ono is among the latest South Shore Wall of Legends inductees. The wall is located at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond. Continue reading
Hometown Collaboration Initiative Team to Visit Pulaski County
A team of state officials will be in Pulaski County today to meet with local officials. The county is one of six finalists for the state’s new Hometown Collaboration Initiative. It seeks to help small communities expand their pipeline of local leaders, strengthen and expand jobs by building on existing economic assets and to improve attractiveness and quality of life of their hometowns. Pulaski County Economic Development Director Nathan P. Origer says he’s pulled together a group of 14 community members as part of the process. Continue reading
Judge Seeks to Fill Vacancy on Starke County Park Board
Last week’s resignation of a Starke County Park Board member has created a vacancy on that recently-populated board. Mike Meadows was named to the panel by Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall, who is now looking to appoint his replacement. Continue reading
N.J.-S.P. Approves Board Policies
Marsha Reimbold and Patricia Goin
The North Judson-San Pierre School board approved board policies this week. Among the many policies in place, the school’s wellness policy was updated to be compliant with federal law. It incorporates guidelines into the school’s cafeteria food, vending machines and physical activity practices.
State Offers New Travel App
A free mobile app that provides county travel status updates and alerts for Indiana is now available. The State of Indiana created the Indiana Travel Advisory app in light of the state’s travel status map on IN.gov generating nearly five million unique visitors between Dec. 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014.
City of Knox Christmas Decoration Winners Announced
The city of Knox was shining bright with Christmas spirit Wednesday night as judges deciphered which decorations would be deemed most magnificent. The decoration committee had many honorable mentions, but three houses stood out more than the rest and their owners walked away with cash prizes. Continue reading
Attempted Murder Defendant Makes Initial Court Appearance
A Star City man who faces attempted murder and aggravated battery charges in connection with a Sunday incident plans to hire his own attorney. Kevin E. Holcomb, 45, appeared in Pulaski Circuit Court on Wednesday, Dec. 17 for an initial hearing. Continue reading
