Adults who want to learn to weld or enhance their skills can take advantage of opportunities offered through the Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning. Classes offered through the SCILL Center’s Adult Welding Technology program meet two evenings per week for four hours at a time for 12 weeks. Continue reading
Arson Suspected in LaPorte Fire
Authorities in LaPorte believe a Sunday night fire at a McClung Street residence was deliberately set. The LaPorte Police and Fire Departments responded just before 8 p.m. to a home at 159 W. McClung Road, Apt. A and found the structure in flames. Continue reading
Knox Business Fire Investigation Delayed Until Friday
The investigation into the origin of a recent fire at a Knox business has been delayed. Knox-Center Township Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kenny Pfost says they will look into the cause of the Aug. 22 blaze at Standard Pallet on County Road 300 East on Friday. Continue reading
Rain Blamed For Culvert Collapse, Repair Delays
Rain is hampering efforts to repair a culvert that collapsed Monday, forcing the closure of a Starke County Road. County highway superintendent Rik Ritzler tells WKVI News the culvert on 125 West just north of 250 North collapsed Monday. A county highway crew is making repairs but was unable to finish the work yesterday due to the rain. Ritzler hopes they can wrap up the work today so the road can reopen. Until then 125 West is closed between 250 and 300 North. Continue reading
Angry Woman Arrested for Disorderly Conduct
A LaPorte woman who became upset when a police officer there told her she could not report the vehicle she co-owns with her boyfriend stolen just because he is in jail ended up behind bars herself early Sunday morning. Continue reading
Power Restored Across Kankakee Valley, More Storms Possible
The lights are back on for NIPSCO and Kankakee Valley REMC customers after a strong thunderstorm rolled through the area yesterday afternoon. Neither utility is reporting outages at this time. Yesterday more than 1,000 NIPSCO and 230 Kankakee Valley REMC customers were without power. Continue reading
Bridge Inspector Signs Off on 700 East Repair
A Starke County road that has been closed since April is once again open to traffic. The county’s bridge inspector signed off on the emergency repair on 700 East over the Yellow River. A log floating down the river struck the bridge supports, rendering the structure unstable and forcing the emergency closure. A field inspection performed Sunday recommended additional monitoring of the timber piles, as they are starting to deteriorate, but found the bridge is able to handle traffic again.
Pence and Walorski to Officially Open New U.S. 31
Gov. Mike Pence, U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski and other dignitaries will be on hand for tomorrow’s ribbon cutting and dedication of the new U.S. 31 between Plymouth and South Bend. The ceremony will take place at 2:30 p.m. EDT on State Road 4 at the new U.S. 31 interchange. The road will be closed in that area from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m. tomorrow afternoon. During that time traffic will not be able to enter or exit the new section of highway. Continue reading
Heat is on the Rise This Week
Summer is finally here. The hot days ahead remind us of some safety tips and guidelines to help you stay safe from the heat. Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch says hydrating is a key element to staying cool.
“People need to stay hydrated, try and stay in the shade, try and stay in cool area,” said Lynch.
With this week’s heat getting up to the level it will, Lynch says anyone can be susceptible to the heat.
“Any type of diabetes, heart conditions, respiratory problems. When the heat index starts getting up to where they are supposed to be this week, anybody’s susceptible.”
Starke County Sheriff’s Department Set to Hire Deputies
The Starke County Sheriff’s Department is set to make offers of employment to two deputies. The county commissioners reviewed the merit board’s prioritized recommendations of the five applicants during an executive session meeting. Continue reading
High Temperatures, Heat Indexes Predicted Today
We’re in for another hot, humid day across the Kankakee Valley. Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 80s to around 90 today. It will feel much warmer due to increasing humidity. By this afternoon the heat index is expected to be in the 95 to 100 degree range. Outdoor workers are urged to take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you have outdoor pets, make sure they have ample water and plenty of shade as well.
Medaryville Receives Grant for Wastewater Improvement Project
The town of Medaryville is the recipient of a $450,000 grant from the state Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) for a wastewater system improvement project. The money will be used to build a biodome structure into their current lagoons to meet Indiana Department of Environmental Management standards. Continue reading
Winamac Town Council Still Weighing Pool Options
The Winamac Town Council is still weighing its options with regard to the community swimming pool at the Pulaski County Family YMCA. Continue reading
Spotlight Breakfast Scheduled at The Crossing
Community members are invited to learn more about Starke County’s newest school during a spotlight breakfast. It’s scheduled at The Crossing campus on U.S. 35 next to Save A Lot on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 7:30 a.m. The faith-based alternative school opened recently and provides a combination of classroom and vocational training for students who have dropped out, been expelled or otherwise fallen through the cracks in the public school system. Continue reading
VNA Hospice Offers Grief Support Group
The Indiana University Health Hospital in La Porte is offering the Grief to Healing support program for those who would like to work through the grief of losing a loved one. Continue reading
Free Mortgage Help is Available for Those Struggling
Murder Defendant Out of Hospital, Jailed Without Bond
The rural Knox man accused of beating his wife to death, kidnapping a man from a business parking lot, stealing a Jeep at gunpoint in English Lake and leading authorities on a high-speed chase through three counties before shooting himself is back in Starke County. Detective Rob Olejniczak from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department and Jailer Joshua Kazee picked Gary Chavez up from the Cook County, Ill. jail today. Continue reading
Cause of Friday Fire Under Investigation
Volunteer firefighters from four local departments spent the better part of Friday battling a blaze at a Knox business. The Knox-Center Township Volunteer Fire Department was called to Standard Pallet on County Road 300 East around 2 a.m. Continue reading
Starke County Council Approves Transfers
Starke County officials have funds available to shred government documents a committee has decided no longer need to be stored after action this week by the county council. They approved a transfer of up to $10,000 from the commissioners budget for that purpose. They stress that entire amount of money may not need to be spent for document disposal. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners to Repair Vehicle for EMS Director
Interim Starke County EMS Director Keith Emigh will continue to drive a county-issued four-wheel-drive until a recently retired patrol car is road ready. The vehicle Emigh is currently using to travel between the EMS bases in North Judson, Knox and Grovertown will be transferred to plan commission director Terry Stephenson.
The patrol car was serviced locally by our talented auto mechanics in the area. Preventive maintenance on all types of vehicles is a huge responsibility for operators and drivers. A lot of information on this link: https://www.grandprixtimes.com/best-head-gasket-sealer
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