Ancilla College SGA Donates Penny Wars Proceeds to Charity

Posted on Author WKVI
Joel Thomas proudly wears his “winner’s costume”
Joel Thomas proudly wears his “winner’s costume”

The Ancilla College Student Government Association recently concluded campus-wide “Penny Wars” to raise money for the organization and area charities.

Faculty, staff and students volunteered to have their face on a tea jug in order to raise money for a group or charity of their choice. In all, 10 volunteers took part, including: Dr. Tom Buchanan (faculty) for the Marshall County Historical Society, Chelsea Chalk (faculty and PTK rep) for Culver Boys & Girls Club, Jacob Cross (student) for Military Family Association, John Gough (faculty) for the Neighborhood Center, Kristin Korcha (faculty) for Relay for Life Starke County, Jill Neidlinger (faculty and SGA rep) for Ancilla College Emergency Fund, Allen Renz (student and Dance Club rep) for Ancilla College Emergency Fund, Joel Thomas (faculty) for Marshall County Humane Society, Steve VanDerAa (faculty) for Relay for Life Marshall County, and Sr. Carleen Wrasman (staff) for Sojourner Truth house.

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National Weather Service Issues Tippecanoe River Flood Warnings

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Flood warnings have been issued for the Tippecanoe River near Ora and above Winamac until further notice. Recent heavy rainfall has caused minor to moderate flooding, according to the National Weather Service. The Ora warning takes effect this evening. Late this morning the river was at 10.9 feet and rising. Flood stage near Ora is 12 feet. It’s expected to rise above that tonight and crest near 13.5 feet early Tuesday morning. At 14 feet extensive flooding of homes and low-lying areas begins. The Tippecanoe River above Winamac is also on the rise. At noon today it was at 7.9 feet. Flood stage is 10 feet. It’s expected to exceed that very early Sunday morning and crest near 11.1 feet around 8 p.m. Tuesday. At 11 feet extensive residential flooding is in progress. Continue reading →

Tax Professional Offers Tips for Filers Who Itemize Deductions

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Procrastinators had best hurry in order to file their federal and state income tax returns on time. Taxes are due April 15.

While some filers opt for the standard deduction, others are able to lessen their tax burden by itemizing deductions. H&R Block Senior Tax Advisor Michelle Bachtel says while it’s important to keep thorough records in order to support deductions, you may still be able to itemize even if your record keeping isn’t the best. She says some things such as mortgage interest, property taxes, withholding taxes and such can be recreated or proven with canceled checks. Other types of deductions for things like medical mileage and unreimbursed work expenses need to be documented more thoroughly.

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Starke County Extension Homemakers Offer Scholarship

Posted on Author WKVI

Purdue Extension LogoThe Starke County Extension Homemakers want to give a hand up to a local woman who is looking to complete her education or improve her vocational skills. They are offering one $200 scholarship to a Starke County woman who is 21 or older. Applicants need not be members of an Extension Homemakers Club. May 15 is the application deadline, and the winner will be notified in June. Applications and more information are available from the Purdue Extension—Starke County office at the courthouse or by calling 574-772-9141.

National Weather Service Issues Flood Warning, Wind Advisory

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The National Weather Service has extended the flood warning for the Kankakee River at Davis Route 30 until further notice. Last night at 9 the river was at 10 feet there and rising. Flood stage there is 10 feet. The Kankakee is expected to crest at 11.5 feet early tomorrow morning and begin falling. At 11 feet, flooding of secondary roads near the river begins. We’re also in for a blustery day, so hang on to your hats. The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory, which takes effect at 1 p.m. EDT/noon central and continues through mid-evening. Southwest winds of 25 to 30 miles-per-hour, with gusts to 45 are expected. Isolated gusts of up to 50 miles-per-hour are possible. This will make driving difficult, especially for tall vehicles like vans and SUVs. Large limbs may fall, and isolated power outages are possible.

Severe Weather Predicted Thursday Night into Friday Morning

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Severe weather is predicted for the Kankakee Valley into Friday morning.

Heavy rains may create high water areas and flooding on roads. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road – the depth of water is not always obvious. Do not drive around a barricade as they are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.

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No Injuries Reported in Toto House Fire, Cause Remains Under Investigation

Posted on Author WKVI

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An investigator from the state fire marshal’s office is headed to Toto this morning to determine the origin of last night’s house fire. North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Chief Joe Leszak tells WKVI news flames were coming from the living room and an upstairs bedroom of the home at 0470 West Toto Road . Nobody was home at the time, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters were called out at 7:50 last night and left shortly after 10 p.m.

No Injuries Reported in House Fire Near Toto

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department responded to a house fire near Toto last night and spent more than two hours getting the blaze under control. The house is located west of Toto between 100 West and Range Road, according to dispatchers with the Starke County Sheriff’s Office. No injuries were reported. Firefighters were called out at 7:45 last night and left shortly after 10 p.m. There’s no word yet on the extent of the damages. We’ll update our story as soon as we talk to the fire chief.

Starke County Unemployment Grows Slightly

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Starke County’s unemployment numbers rose in February to 9.1 percent which now ranks the county 8th in the state.

The state rate is 6.1 percent which is down .3 percent for February.

Eighty-seven counties rose in unemployment in February, including all of the surrounding counties. Pulaski County was up .4 percent to 6.2 percent unemployment, Marshall County rose to 7.2 percent and LaPorte County rose to 9.4 percent and is now ranked third in the state in terms of unemployment.

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Starke County Youth Club, WKVI Partner for 7th Annual Radiothon

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The 7th annual Starke County Youth Club Radiothon will take place right here at WKVI on Friday, May 2.

Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says the club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of local children.

“We provide everything from academic support, helping kids with their homework or providing individual tutoring, to giving kids enrichment experiences like culture, drama and music. Also connecting kids with their families and the larger community through guest speakers service projects and community service endeavors,” Szakonyi says.

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North Judson-San Pierre Elementary Kindergarten Registration Scheduled

Posted on Author WKVI

NJSP ElementaryProspective kindergarten students and their parents are invited to check out what North Judson-San Pierre Elementary has to offer.

The school’s kindergarten registration will take place Tuesday, April 8 from 5 until 7 p.m. Youngsters will get to visit the kindergarten classrooms and meet the four kindergarten teachers. Principal Mike McBride and staff will also be there to answer questions and help parents with the registration process.

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Culver Community Schools to Consider “Balanced Schedule”

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

 

Culver Community High School will consider moving to a "balanced schedule".
Culver Community High School will consider moving to a “balanced schedule”.

The Culver Community School Corporation is one of many area schools to consider moving to a “Balanced Calendar” in the near future. The Balanced Calendar approach would not mean a year-round school approach, but rather would spread out the required 180 school days over the course of the year, allowing regular break time for holidays, spring and fall breaks, as well as remediation periods. A meeting will be held on Wednesday April 9th at 7:00 p.m. EDT in the Culver Community High School Auditorium to present the possible benefits of the calendar change. Attendees will be asked to fill out a survey regarding their opinions at the conclusion of the meeting.

New Program Aims at Processing State Excise Violations More Efficiently

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

A new program is being launched to aimed at processing State Excise Police violations more efficiently.

The program, Fast Track, will have the capability of processing certain violations, particularly those allegedly who have occurred at locations where public safety has become an issue. Those include public nuisance charges, use or sale of controlled substances, prostitution, over service of alcohol resulting in death or serious injury and any other cases concerning public safety repeat violations that indicate a disregard for the law.

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MoonTree Studios Presents Funds to Food Bank of Northern Indiana

Posted on Author WKVI
Sr. Mary Baird, PHJC, presents a check to Food Bank of Northern Indiana Executive Director Milton Lee. The money was raised during the first Empty Bowls Project at MoonTree Studios.
Sr. Mary Baird, PHJC, presents a check to Food Bank of Northern Indiana Executive Director Milton Lee. The money was raised during the first Empty Bowls Project at MoonTree Studios.

The Center at Donaldson’s March 15th Empty Bowls soup supper as part of a help to fight hunger was an incredible success, raising over $2,100. Nearly $600 dollars was collected from the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Sisters during their province-wide meeting in early March. All of the money raised was recently donated to The Food Bank of Northern Indiana for Marshall and Starke Counties. Continue reading →

Single-Vehicle Fatality Claims Plymouth Woman’s Life

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

A single-vehicle crash Monday evening near Grovertown claimed a Plymouth woman’s life. Cathryn Ellison, 24, of Plymouth, was westbound on 300 North just west of 1100 East, lost control of her vehicle and was ejected, according to information provided this morning by the Starke County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a report of a vehicle in a ditch. Ellison was trapped underneath it. Starke County Chief Deputy Coroner Doug O’Donnell pronounced her dead at the scene. Her official cause of death is listed as traumatic asphyxiation. Coroner Kris Rannells tells WKVI news that means the weight of the vehicle on top of her would not allow her to breathe. The Hamlet Police Department, Koontz Lake, Hamlet and Washington Township Fire Departments and the Indiana State Police assisted the Starke County Sheriff’s Office at the scene. The Indiana State Police will be reconstructing the crash.

 

Local Superintendent Reacts to Indiana’s Withdrawl from Common Core

Posted on Author WKVI

Indiana Governor Mike Pence recently signed legislation withdrawing Indiana from the Common Core math and reading standards. The Common Core is an outline on what students should be learning in those subjects.

Governor Pence said he believes the state’s students are best served by education decisions made at the state and local level. The legislature previously required the State Board of Education to draft new standards by grade.

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Oregon-Davis Balanced School Calendar Meeting Rescheduled

Posted on Author WKVI
Oregon-Davis Jr./Sr. High School
Oregon-Davis Jr./Sr. High School

Oregon-Davis parents are invited to a community meeting tomorrow evening at the school to learn more about the balanced calendar approach several school corporations are considering.

A free spaghetti dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria prior to the informational meeting at 6. The district’s technology plan will also be covered, and other topics will be discussed as well.

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Divorce Can Create Sticky Tax Filing Situations

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Even with the help of a good divorce attorney representing you, a divorce can have ramifications that must be taken into account. In this case, we discuss the fact that parents of divorced dependent children may face extra challenges when it comes to preparing their income taxes. For additional divorce guidance visit https://www.thetxattorneys.com/articles/texas-child-support-not-always-as-easy-as-it-looks. Seek the services of experienced divorce lawyers to ensure you’ll be guided in every aspect of your divorce including your finances.

H&R Block Senior Tax Advisor Michelle Bachtel says that’s one of the more common questions she gets. Generally she says the IRS says whoever the child remains with the majority of the year is the person who gets the claim. Family court lawyers Melbourne specializes in representing their clients in family laws such as divorce, separation, child custody, and child support.

“Sometimes though divorce lawyers near Kingston decrees will grant the non-custodial parent the claim,” Bachtel said. “That’s when you hear people refer to splitting an exemption. The custodial parent is still entitled to some credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, where the non-custodial parent who gets the exemption is entitled to the child tax credit. It is possible to split an exemption, but there are some very strict rules for doing that.” You can go to this site to talk with a family law attorney. Find a law firm that provides divorce attorney services if you have any legal questions about your divorce proceedings.

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