CVS Robbery Suspect In Custody

 
 

A LaPorte man police there say robbed the CVS drug store early Saturday morning was arrested a short time after the early morning holdup. Officers responded to an alarm just before 1 a.m. to the store on Lincolnway. An employee told the officers a man came to the pharmacy with a note requesting specific medications. Continue reading

Bid for Emergency Bridge Repair Comes in Over Budget

The lone bid to replace this bridge over the Yellow River on 700 East came in significantly over budget.
The lone bid to replace this bridge over the Yellow River on 700 East came in significantly over budget.

The lone bid to fix the bridge on Starke County Road 700 East over the Yellow River came in significantly higher than county officials had anticipated. LaPorte Construction bid $106,872 for the emergency repair. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler says that figure is between $50,000 and $60,000 more than he had budgeted for the work. As a result, repairs that were to begin today and be finished by Aug. 15 have been delayed indefinitely. Continue reading

Saturday Morning Fire Under Investigation

 
 

An investigator from the state fire marshal’s office will be in Starke County today to determine the origin and cause of a Saturday morning house fire. The Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department was called to an unoccupied home at 8875 East 25 North in Knox just after 5 a.m. and remained on the scene for nearly two hours.

Prevent Heat-Related Issues While Working

  
 

Summer is in full swing and it’s important to remember to stay hydrated in the heat.

Hydration is especially important to workers in construction zones, commercial bakeries and laundries, foundries, transportation and utilities, agriculture, landscaping services, and more.

Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Make sure plenty of water is on hand at your work site. You should not wait until thirst determines your need for water. Drink five to seven ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes, or one bottle of water an hour, to keep hydrated.

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Kid’s Closet Ministry Schedules School Supply Drive

Look for these donation boxes at the Knox and North Judson Dollar General stores throughout the month of July.
Look for these donation boxes at the Knox and North Judson Dollar General stores throughout the month of July.

The Kid’s Closet Ministry at North Judson United Methodist Church is taking steps to equip Starke County youngsters with supplies for the start of school. They are hosting their second annual “Pack-a-Backpack” event on Aug. 4 and 5 at the church from 5 until 6:30 p.m. for all youngsters in need who attend local schools. First they need supplies. Continue reading

Summer Safety: Water Tips

swimsafelyThere’s no time like the summertime! 8 person hot tubs are a must-have accessory for a family party. It’s finally warm enough to go swimming. As you’re breaking out your bikini or swim trunks, take some time to remember certain safety measures to practice when it comes to water. The Red Cross has a number of helpful tips for disaster prevention.

Never leave a child unattended! Even if lifeguards are present, there should be a designated familiar adult easily accessible to the child. Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a life jacket or some kind of flotation device. Teach children to always ask permission before going near water. Practice the “buddy system” when swimming, even if at a public pool or beach.

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NIPSCO Updates Power Restoration Timeline

 
 

NIPSCO officials say most customers in their service area should have electricity by 10 p.m. tonight, and service to the rest should be back on sometime tomorrow. Monday night’s storms left 128,000 total customers across northwest Indiana in the dark. NIPSCO crews and workers from other utility companies in Indiana and surrounding states have been working around the clock since to restore power. As of 11:30 a.m. CDT, 32,000 customers are still without power. Continue reading