A second victim of a Friday fire at a rural Knox home has died. A representative from the Allen County Coroner’s Office in Fort Wayne tells WKVI news Linda Manns, 51, died at 10:50 p.m. Saturday from complications due to that fire. She suffered extensive thermal burns, and her death was ruled accidental. Continue reading
Knox Fire Victim Dies at Fort Wayne Hospital
A second victim of a Friday fire at a rural Knox home has died. Officials with the Starke County Sheriff’s Department advise WKVI News Linda Manns, 51, died Saturday at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. Continue reading
Pulaski County Council May Reconsider Closing Pleasant View
At least one member of the Pulaski County Council feels the decision to slash funding for Pleasant View Rest Home from the 2015 budget was made in haste. Councilwoman Alex Haschel did not attend the Oct. 13 meeting when that vote was cast. It passed 3-2 with Councilmen Mick Tiede, Roger Querry and Tom Roth in favor of not funding the home and Ron Powers and Doug Roth opposed. Council President Jay Sullivan only votes in the event of a tie. Haschel announced plans during the Nov. 11 council meeting to bring a motion tonight to rescind the prior council action and restore funding for the home. Should that motion pass, the procedural protocol is unclear, as the county’s budget has already been submitted to the state. Continue reading
Starke County EMS to Bill for Non-Transport Services
Starting Jan. 1, patients who are treated by Starke County EMS but refuse transportation to the hospital will be billed for services. Several nearby counties have such a policy on the books already, and the Starke County Commissioners last week approved one. EMS officials say charging for things like lift assistance and routine checks will help cover the costs of things like fuel and medical supplies. Continue reading
Eastern Pulaski School Board to Consider Building Plans Tonight
The Eastern Pulaski School Board will review the final design for the proposed $14 million building renovation project when they meet this evening. It includes upgrades to the elementary, middle and high schools. Main entrances will be secured and restrooms will be updated. 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
Marshall County Council to Review CVB Budget
The Marshall County Council will review the annual Convention and Visitors Bureau budget when they meet this morning. Other agenda items include various requests for transfers and appropriations in order to close the year out in the black. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. EST on the second floor of the Marshall County building.
Winamac Town Council Meeting Tonight
The Winamac Town Council will meet in regular session tonight at 7 p.m. EST. The meeting will take place at the Municipal Utility Complex across from the Plymouth Tube on State Road 14.
N.J.-S.P. Middle School Collecting Pennies for Patients
The North Judson-San Pierre Middle School Student Council is sponsoring a Pennies for Patients drive through the Indiana chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Proceeds will help Indiana youngsters who suffer from blood diseases. Student council members hope to raise $4,000. Continue reading
Enjoy the Sounds of the Season at Knox Music Programs
Annual Christmas music programs are scheduled at the Knox Elementary School starting with 3rd grade students today. The 2nd grade, tomorrow; 1st grade, Wednesday, Dec. 10th; and kindergarten students, Thursday, Dec. 11th. All programs begin at 6 p.m. in the Knox Elementary School gymnasium. A “Book Fair” for students and parents follows each concert.
Christmas Cantata This Sunday
The 17th annual Community Christmas Cantata will take place Sunday at the Knox United Methodist Church. The Community Cantata Choir will present “Born Is The King, It’s Christmas.” This musical event tells the story of Christ’s birth in an exciting and upbeat way. Continue reading
House Fire Claims Child’s Life
A two-year-old child is dead as a result of a Friday morning fire at a rural Starke County home. The Bass Lake Fire Department responded to a residence in the area of 700 South and 300 East just before 7:30 a.m. yesterday They pulled two adults from the blaze but were unable to find a two-year-old child in time. Continue reading
Knockner Drive Reopens to Traffic
Starke County motorists can bypass Knox traffic by taking County Road 300 East/Klockner Drive from Culver Road to State Road 8. The contractor in charge of the road improvements through the Knox Industrial Park advised WKVI News last evening the intersection of Klockner Drive and Culver Road is open to traffic again in all directions. Continue reading
LaPorte Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Charge
A LaPorte man pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court to a drug charge. Continue reading
N.J.-S.P. Business Manager Outlines Financial Challenges
A combination of steady declines in enrollment, changes in public education funding and additional unfunded mandates are taking a toll on the North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation. Business manager Guy Richie says the state changed the way public schools are funded in 2008. Instead of basing funds on local property taxes, money now follows the child.
That means when children move away, so does the tuition support. Richie says it’s never in such a way though that the corporation can eliminate one staff member and make up the difference. Instead the enrollment declines are scattered, which makes cutting expenses more challenging. Continue reading
Arnold Appointed Ranking Democrat on Four Senate Standing Committees
A state lawmaker whose district includes half of Starke County will serve as the ranking Democrat on four standing committees when the Indiana General Assembly convenes next month. Sen. Jim Arnold of LaPorte will serve in that capacity on the Senate Ethics Homeland Security and Transportation; Public Policy; and Veterans Affairs and the Military Committees. Continue reading
Starke County EMA Gets Grant Money for Radio Upgrades
Starke County will be able to upgrade the radios used by police departments, firefighters and other emergency responders without a cost to the county thanks to a grant from the state. Continue reading
West Central School Board Balances Books, Buys Buses
The West Central School Corporation is ready for 2015. Board members closed the books on 2014 when they met Thursday by passing a resolution to move money as necessary to end the calendar year in the black. It also encumbers funds from 2014 accounts for use in 2015. Continue reading
Culver Community Middle School Students Want Trip to Kings Island
The Culver Community Middle School recently raised money to help the 8th grade students go on an end of the year field trip to Kings Island. Both 7th and 8th grade students from the middle school participated in a Nov. 21 lock-in with games and food. Continue reading
Christmas Lights on Display in Pulaski for 25th Year
For the past 25 years, traffic has picked up significantly in the town of Pulaski this time of year. The annual Christmas lights are on display and will remain so through the end of the year. Enjoy a great lighted barn scene, a giant wreath, a nativity scene, bears throwing packages across the street, a fountain, Santa in a helicopter and an airplane, skaters, a paddleboat and much more.