News – Page 1211 – WKVI Information Center

The two-year long discussion on the outdoor storage ordinance in the city of Knox could come to a close soon.

The Knox City Council voted last night to reject the plan commission’s outdoor storage ordinance as it doesn’t have wording to allow for special use.

The council members were not settled on a certain setback of an outdoor display at a business. The 25-foot setback was what needed to be changed and the council members were trying to decide the best way to go about that change.

Starke County Election Board Accepts Resignation, Discusses Issues at the Polls

May 28, 2014May 28, 2014WKVI

The Starke County Election Board met Tuesday morning to discuss some issues that arose during the Primary Election.

Pat Mitchell, who has been a member of the Starke County Election Board for many years, tendered his resignation. He cited declining health as his reason for resigning, but noted that he’s enjoyed serving the county in this capacity for many years.

Winamac Hotel Project on Hold

The hotel project in Winamac is in a holding pattern, according to Nathan Origer, Director of the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

He indicated that they are working out some details with the hotel company, Wisconsin-based Cobblestone Development.

“We are trying to get on the same page on some different financing options,” explained Origer. “We’re also still looking at final property options. We are still very eagerly looking for individuals in the Winamac area who are interested in learning more about investing in the project.”

Culver Community School Board Hires Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

A familiar face at Culver Community High School will be back next year in a dual role. Speech teacher Luke Biernacki is the new assistant principal for the middle and high schools and and athletic director for the entire corporation. The Culver Community School Board hired him last night after a brief executive session. Superintendent Dr. Vicki McGuire says combining the administrative roles will allow for more dedicated academic accountability by the principals, as well as working on improving graduation rates. Biernacki says the opportunity is a perfect fit for his career goals.

“I’ve had my administrative license for a couple of years and been looking to move up,” he said in an interview after the meeting. “I’ve always wanted to move up with this corporation. It’s been a wonderful experience for the past six years. What I love most is the people I work with and the students and the community. It’s the best I’ve ever seen, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.”

Biernacki adds he wants to continue to meet the students’ needs and provide them the best possible experience. He’s also looking forward to working with new Culver Community High School Principal Brett Berndt and coaches as he transitions into his dual role.

Pulaski County Commissioners Approve Emergency Well Replacement

Pulaski County Commissioners Larry Brady, Terry Young and Tracey Shorter

The Pulaski County Commissioners were forced call an emergency meeting last night after the well pump at the county recycling center quit. Maintenance supervisor Jeff Johnston scrambled to get prices for repair options. They ranged from a high of $11,250 to run 1,500 feet of water line and connect to the town’s infrastructure to a low of $2,450 to repair their existing well pump. The commissioners voted unanimously to hire Bill Montgomery Well Drilling to drill a new well and replace the existing infrastructure for a cost of $4,400. They noted this will solve the problem of having to heat the pump in the winter, as it will be located inside a building. Also the new well will last indefinitely. The commissioners cited concerns over having to make additional repairs had they opted to fix what was already in place. Tying into the town system was deemed too expensive an option, as it would carry a recurring monthly water bill. Johnston did not have a time frame on how long the work will take. He told the commissioners he will see that it starts as soon as possible. The commissioners had previously advertised a special session to discuss animal control for the county. That meeting was cancelled and has not yet been rescheduled.

Three Arrested on Drug Charges

May 28, 2014May 28, 2014WKVI

Plymouth city officers went to a home in the 700 block of Mansfield Street in Plymouth to serve and execute the warrant in a theft investigation. Upon searching the residence, officers reportedly found stolen property along with substances believed to be methamphetamine and heroin. Police also allegedly found drug paraphernalia inside the home. Continue reading →

LaPorte Man Arrested on Firearm Charges after Traffic Stop

A LaPorte man was arrested early last week after police found him in possession of a stolen handgun.

LaPorte police conducted a traffic stop after they found that Nathan E. Harrison, 33, had disregarded a stop sign at Hillcrest Street and Southmoor Avenue.

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Honors Fallen Heroes

May 28, 2014May 28, 2014WKVI

As they have for the past eight years, members of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department hosted the annual memorial service on May 27 in front of the Sheriff’s Department in Winamac.

This ceremony is held to honor the memory of three fallen officers from the Pulaski County police force. The department recognized Sheriff Charles Henry Oglesby, Sheriff Milo “Mike” Lewis and Deputy Sheriff Shadron Kiley “Shad” Bassett who were all tragically lost in the line of duty. Family members received honorary license plates from the station.

Older Adults Invited to Pulaski County Human Services Picnic

Older adults are invited to the Winamac Town Park today for the annual Pulaski County Human Services Senior Citizen Picnic. It takes place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the community building. Food and beverages will be provided. Blood pressure screenings will also be available. The documentary “Age of Champions” will be screened as well. The Pulaski County Human Services Von Tobel Center in Winamac and West Side Center in Medaryville will both be closed so staff members can attend the picnic, and home-delivered meals will not be provided.

Demotte State Bank Plans Relay for Life Golf Outing

Golfers can take to the links for a good cause Saturday. The Demotte State Bank Relay for Life team is hosting a golf outing at Chesapeake Run Golf Course. There’s still time to sign up or sponsor a hole. All proceeds go to Starke County Relay for Life. Candice Miller says golfers will also have a shot at a large prize. Cambe Chevrolet has donated a new car, and the first golfer to hit a hole-in-one will win it.

The Demotte State Bank team is one of several taking part in the Starke County Relay for Life on June 21 and 22^nd at the Hamlet Fairgrounds. Miller says it’s a very family-oriented event that raises money for and awareness of cancer research. She adds it’s special to her for personal reasons because a lot of her family members have been affected by or lost their lives to cancer. Miller is also a cancer survivor. She calls Relay for Life a “really excellent organization” and says she tries to promote it in any way she can.

Stop by Demotte State Bank to sign up for Saturday’s Relay for Life Golf Tournament or to get more information about hole sponsorship opportunities.

Bass Lake Watercraft Accident Injures Two

May 27, 2014May 27, 2014WKVI

A Memorial Day accident on Bass Lake sends two people to the hospital. A personal watercraft driven by Jeremy Hershman, 33, of Willets, Calif. hit a watercraft operated by Amanda Marsh, 26, of North Judson, at a right angle, according to a news release from the DNR. Both were thrown into the water. Marsh was able to right her craft and drive it back to the shore. A boater helped Hershman into a pontoon boat and took him to shore for treatment. Starke County EMS took both to IU Health Starke Hospital. Marsh was treated for minor injuries and released. Hershman suffered broken ribs, fractured vertebrae and fluid on the lungs. He was transferred to Memorial Hospital of South Bend for additional treatment. Both Marsh and Hershman were wearing life jackets when the crash occurred. It’s still under investigation.

Starke County Election Board to Tackle Complaints from Primary Election

The Starke County Election Board members will meet today at 9 a.m. to go over several complaints issued during the Primary Election.

The board members will discuss complaints from the poll workers, from candidates and supporter and about the food vendor. Remedies will be considered for the General Election.

A candidate has withdrawn and more information will be available during the meeting.

The Starke County Election Board will meet in the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse.

Knox City Council to Meet in Special Session

The Knox City Council will meet in regular session tonight where the council members will once again look at the outdoor storage ordinance that has come back from the plan commission.

Building Commissioner Bruce Williams told WKVI that the ordinance has not changed from what the council previously reviewed. Knox Mayor Rick Chambers told the council members at their last meeting that same thing and it just has to have final action.

Pulaski County Commissioners to Meet in Special Session Tonight

The Pulaski County Commissioners will meet in special session tonight to discuss several items pertaining to the animal control office.

The commissioners will have time to openly talk about the Pulaski Animal Center and the animal control officer. The commissioners are attempting to decide which direction to take with each entity.

Demolition Order Tabled, Changes Made to WECS Ordinance

Pulaski County Building Inspector Dave Dare and David Weber presented a demolition order for an unsafe property on U.S. 421 in Francesville but it was tabled as property owner, Lawrence Sears, could not be located and wasn’t properly notified of the order.

Dare said he attempted certified mail and a response was not delivered. A public advocate for Sears said that he has not been able to respond due to a medical issue and the commissioners voted to table the order for 90 days until Sears has a chance to properly respond.

Fletcher Cemetery Association Raising Money to Restore Veterans Monument

The Fletcher Cemetery Association is raising money to restore this veterans monument.

Members of the Fletcher Cemetery Association want to restore and expand the monument there dedicated to the memory of local men and women who served in our nation’s armed forces. The statue dates to the 1950s, and there is no more room to add names to it. Fletcher Cemetery Association Board Member Hobart Martin says the foundation is also giving way. The board hopes to raise enough money through private donations to move the monument east of its current location, pour a new foundation and add commemorative bricks nearby with more names. Fletcher Cemetery is located at the intersection of County Road 400 North and County Road 700 East. Martin says the cemetery gets no funds from the federal, state or local government. All maintenance and upkeep is done through lot sales and donations. Any business or individual who gives at least $500 to the monument restoration will have a commemorative block engraved to acknowledge their support. However Martin says gifts in any amount are welcome. The Hamlet American Legion and several local businesses have already contributed to the project. Click here Fletcher Cemetery Association to read more about how you can contribute to the monument restoration.

Move “Another Step Forward” During This Summer’s Walking Challenge