Body of Knox High School Graduate Found

DNR law enforcementThe body of a missing former Knox High School graduate has been recovered.

Late last night, a boater and a member of the United States Coast Guard located 29-year-old Ron Wood, Jr.’s body approximately one mile off the shore of Lake Michigan near the far west border of Central Beach in Porter County, according to Indiana Conservation Officers. Continue reading →

Ruth Sabin Home Celebrates 125 Years

6-27-14 Ruth Sabin Home picAs an 84-year-old woman who became a widow in 1886, Ruth Sabin found herself alone so she wished to develop a haven for other women like her. In an extraordinary act of philanthropy, she gave $25,000 toward land and construction of an institution. She didn’t stop there, she went on to establish a trust fund with an initial contribution of $33,000 to support the Ruth Sabin Home.
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Keep Your Child’s Reading Skills Sharp this Summer

6-27-14 Summer Reading picA recent survey of one-thousand parents revealed that only one in three read with their child every night and half admitted that their children spend more time with TV or video games than with books. As daunting as those statistics may be, the staff at Henry F. Shricker Library in Knox is doing their part to get kids excited about reading.

The head of the children’s department at the library Janine Tuttle-Gassere warns of the dangers of going a whole summer without reading.

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Starke County Program Encourages Youngsters to “Think Before You Act”

starke-county-jail-outsideYoungsters 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.

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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.

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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 →

Fight the Bite! Get Mosquitoes to Buzz Off

6-16-14 mosquito picThe 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 →

Starke County Historical Society Loans Horse to Library

Starke County Library HorseA 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.

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Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits Available

abc-blocksParents 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

ArsonA 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 →