The Starke County Clerk’s Office has issued its first license for a same-sex marriage. Clerk Evelyn Skronski tells WKVI news the application was made Wednesday, June 25 at 3:45 p.m. That was just a few hours after a federal judge struck down Indiana’s ban on same-sex marriage on constitutional grounds. Continue reading
Starke County Program Encourages Youngsters to “Think Before You Act”
Youngsters between the ages of 12 and 17 and their parents will have a chance to see firsthand the consequences of continued delinquent behavior as part of an upcoming program offered by the Starke County Sheriff’s Department. Participants in the two-hour “Think Before You Act” program will get a guided tour of Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall’s courtroom and have a chance to talk to him about the problems they are experiencing.
Judge Kim Hall Rejects Plea Agreement in Arson Case
Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall rejected a plea agreement in the case of Sally Morin in a hearing Wednesday morning.
Morin, 48, of San Pierre is accused of arson with the intent to defraud as a Class C felony. It is alleged that she intentionally set her kitchen on fire at her Knox home by pouring gasoline and lighting it on fire on March 27, 2013. She admitted to the act in court in that she initially meant to claim insurance money.
Volunteers Needed to Plan Family Fun Day
A group of individuals from the Starke County Pride and Leadership Task Force and Moving Starke County Forward are in the early stages of planning a community family fun day. Right now they are still looking for volunteers willing to help out with the planning process. Some of the ideas that have been brainstormed so far are a scavenger hunt, various pre-approved, family-friendly musical acts and some other outside-the-box ideas that combine learning and fun. Continue reading
Rain Not Problematic Yet for Local Farmers
The recent rains aren’t causing widespread problems yet for local farmers, according to Purdue Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Chad Rushing.
Fight the Bite! Get Mosquitoes to Buzz Off
The recent rain means we will most likely see an increase in the number of these insects in the area. Mosquitoes thrive in hot and humid weather. They are also attracted to wetlands and wooded areas.
The best way to avoid the dreaded mosquito bite is to dress in protective clothing when outdoors and to use insect repellent. However, the biggest risk with mosquitoes is contracting West Nile Virus. Continue reading
Pulaski County 4-H Fair Starts Saturday
The Pulaski County 4-H Fair starts this weekend. One of the highlights is Saturday’s 4-H Achievement Royalty Ceremony. A total of six youngsters are in the running. Continue reading
Plymouth Officials Announce Pregis Packaging Solutions Expansion
A Deerfield, Ill.-based packaging company is expanding its operations in Marshall County. Pregis Protective Packaging Solutions currently operates a 360,000 square foot facility in Plymouth. The city council this week approved a tax abatement for the company’s $2.3 million local investment. Continue reading
Support Ancilla College With a Tax-Deductible Contribution
Ancilla College officials are closing out the school’s fiscal year with a final push to boost the school’s general fund budget. Known as the Ancilla Fund, it is used for day-to-day operating expenses at the two-year private college. Executive Director of Institutional Management Todd Zeltwanger says contributions in any amount are welcome. Continue reading
Starke County Historical Society Loans Horse to Library
A special piece from the Starke County Historical Society is on loan to a local library. Fred and Judy Parker of Boca Raton, Fla., formerly of Starke County, donated a 1920s antique carousel horse to the museum a few years ago. Until recently it’s been on display at the Starke County Museum. Space there is limited, so the historical society board wanted to find a special spot to display the piece for public enjoyment. Continue reading
Play it Safe When Using Fireworks
The Fourth of July is an exciting holiday filled with picnics and other celebrations that may include fireworks. Indiana State Police officers urge you to play it safe when using fireworks.
Only adults can purchase fireworks. A person 18 and older has to be present when anyone younger than 18 is using or possessing consumer fireworks. Children must be supervised at all times when fireworks are in use.
State Park Field Trip Request Deadline Approaching
Educators interested in taking students in grades K-12 on field trips to state parks or reservoirs can take advantage of the new field trip fund offered by the Indiana Natural Resource Foundation.
Monday June 30 is the deadline to submit applications for the Discovering the Outdoors Field Trip Grant Program. The grant application can be found here.
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits Available
Parents who work may be able to take advantage of the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit when they file their 2014 federal income taxes. A credit lowers the amount of money you have to pay. In order to claim this credit, expenses must be for one or more children under age 13 and must be work-related. This includes the cost of childcare while you are looking for work if you do not have a job. Continue reading
LaPorte Police Investigating Arson
A Thursday night fire at a LaPorte home was deliberately set, according to authorities. LaPorte Police and Fire responded to the residence in the 200 block of Cable Street at 9:18 p.m., according to a news release. The occupant said he was in the living room, heard a “splashing” noise, saw a moving light source and the bathroom burst into flames. Continue reading
Plymouth Officials Cut River Park Center Ribbon
A flood-prone area of downtown Plymouth is now a park for all to enjoy. U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly was among the dignitaries on hand for Saturday’s dedication of the city’s River Park Center. He praised the community’s ability to see a problem and continue to improve it and make it better, as they did by turning the former G&G Grocery and Harvey Mart location into a family-friendly recreational space. Continue reading
Traffic Stop Lands Lapaz Man in Jail
A Lapaz man faces a felony drug offense after an officer from the Marshall County Police Department pulled his car over for an equipment violation. James A. McMichael Jr. was stopped just after midnight on Friday, June 20 at the intersection of U.S. 31 and U.S. 6, according to a news release. The officer who pulled him over noted a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was allegedly in possession of marijuana. Police say McMichael failed several field sobriety tests and a certified chemical test at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth. He’s charged with operating while intoxicated and operating while intoxicated controlled substance.
New Fungus Could Destroy Indiana’s Walnut Tree Industry
A recently discovered fungus could potentially devastate the Indiana timber industry if not handled properly.
The fungus, Geosmithia morbida, causes Thousand Cankers Disease in trees and was discovered on small weevils in a black walnut plantation in Yellowwood State Forest in Brown County.
Ancilla College Offers Discounted Summer Courses
If you’re looking to get a head start on the fall semester, consider going to Ancilla College to save yourself some money.
Any summer classes through Ancilla are discounted $115. For early bird high school students, rising juniors and seniors can take courses for $125 per credit hour. Some high school students earn their Associates degree before even graduating from high school by taking summer courses. This gives you the unique advantage to start out right after your senior year as a junior in college.
Starke County Relay for Life Gets Under Way Today
Starke County’s annual Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society gets under way today at noon at the Hamlet Fairgrounds. Organizers of the 18-hour event hope to raise $67,000 this year. Ericka Taylor-Joseph is in charge of fundraising. She says Starke County’s event consistently raises more money than those held in larger communities. Teams range in size from just a few members to 30 or more. Taylor-Joseph says while organizers would like each team to have a participant on the track at all times, it’s not a requirement. Continue reading
American Pickers Coming to Indiana
The History Channel’s hit program, American Pickers is coming to Indiana!
Are you a unique individual with a lot to offer? You could be just who Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are looking for. The search is on for colorful characters with interesting items. They are searching for people with extensive collections.
Currently they are not looking for any pottery, appliances, depressed glass or agricultural equipment.
