News – Page 1220 – WKVI Information Center

The Starke County Youth Club held the 7th annual Radiothon yesterday on WKVI.

Executive Director Irene Szakonyi said it was a great event.

“We had an absolutely fantastic day,” beamed Szakonyi. “This community comes through every year for our kids and so we can chalk this up to another really great day.”

Several testimonials were given by students and leaders of the club. Organizations, residents and businesses donated just over $42,000 during the six-hour event, which was the fundraising goal.

LaPorte City Police Department Shooting Review Board Completes Investigation

The LaPorte City Police Department Shooting Review Board completed an investigation on an incident involving the fatal shooting of a resident’s aggressive dog.

According to LaPorte City Police Chief Adam Klimczak, Officer Chris Schoof was dispatched to 316 G. Street in LaPorte on Tuesday, April 29 to look for a wanted person. While on the property, the 50-pound dog broke its collar and charged at the officer while barking and showing its teeth. Officer Schoof tried to retreat but due to the dog’s aggressive actions and that the occupants did nothing to stop the action, the officer was forced to fire two shots into the animal.

Marc Hayden Named Culver Park Superintendent

A new Culver park superintendent has been hired.

Marc Hayden was chosen as the new park superintendent by the Culver Parks and Recreation Board during a meeting on April 21. According to a report in The Culver Citizen, Hayden has 18 years of experience as the head of the Plymouth parks and has worked recently at Lifeplex in Plymouth. He was chosen after the park board reviewed 11 applications for the position.

Retiring Ancilla President Reflects on School’s Role

The 47^th class of graduates from Ancilla College in Donaldson will go through commencement exercises today. It’s the last ceremony for Dr. Ron May. He’s retiring June 30^th after serving as Ancilla College president for the past eight years.

“Ancilla is probably in terms of my own personal philosophy and professional philosophy about what a two year college should be, what the first two years of college should be like, is almost a perfect fit for me. I just believe in the mission of the college and the values and philosophy that drives it, and what we do there in terms of trying to change the lives of students,” May said.

He added many of the students who attend Ancilla probably would not have an opportunity to go to college otherwise. Continue reading →

Lunch Prices to go up at West Central Schools

The West Central School Board members approved several agenda items including the school board meeting dates, pay dates, and the budget calendar.

Superintendent Charles Mellon said there was a slight change in cafeteria prices for next school year.

“Just lunch is the only change,” explained Mellon. “The lunch price will increase by ten cents next year.”

Final Knox Spring Leaf Pick Up Starts Monday

If your weekend plans include yard work, you may be in luck if you live within the Knox city limits.

The final spring leaf pick up of the year will take place Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 9. Residents should place leaves in the street along the curb and not in the alley. Brush and limbs will be picked up each Thursday by the Knox street department. However, debris left over from professional tree trimming or removal jobs will not be taken by the city. The tree company is responsible for disposing of them.

Farmer Assists Trooper in Arrest

Photo provided by a trooper who was flying his personal aircraft in the area at the time. — Photo provided by trooper who was flying his personal aircraft in the area at the time.

A farmer helped an Indiana State Police trooper make an arrest last week.

A trooper spotted an erratic driver in Kosciusko County and a chase ensued. The suspect was able to get away but the trooper later saw the suspect’s vehicle parked in a driveway at 4985 N. 920 W. in Etna Green. The officer exited his car and found the suspect running through a farm field. The trooper returned to his car and paralleled the man on 400 North as the man began to run faster through the field.

Marshall County Sheriff’s Department Issues Scam Alert

Marshall County Sheriff’s Department officials are warning residents of a local scam.

Several reports have been made to police that an agency claiming to be collecting funds for the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department is calling residents for donations. The caller claims that funds are being raised to donate teddy bears to local police.

Ernest Dale Wireman Sentenced in Starke Circuit Court

Ernest Dale Wireman, 40, was sentenced in Starke Circuit Court this week.

He had three cases before Judge Kim Hall. Wireman pleaded guilty to a charge of Domestic Battery as a Class D Felony. He was sentenced to 18 months in the Department of Corrections with no part of the sentence suspended. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance as a Class D felony. Wireman was sentenced to 18 months in the Department of Corrections with no part of the sentence suspended.

Allergies Could Worsen This Season

Allergy sufferers are in for a long spring as the “Polar Vortex” has turned into the “Pollen/Allergy Vortex”.

The slow start to spring has delayed the blooming of trees. With the delay, the trees will be blooming at the same time grasses are blooming which will create a dramatic rise in pollen.

Two Sentenced in Starke Circuit Court

Two women were sentenced in Starke Circuit Court on Wednesday.

Natasha Long pleaded guilty in a plea agreement with the State to a charge of Theft as a Class D felony. She was sentenced to 24 months in the Department of Corrections with all of that time suspended to be served on probation. She also pleaded guilty to a charge of Possession of Marijuana as a Class A misdemeanor. Long was sentenced per the terms of the agreement which called for 12 months in the Starke County Jail. That sentence was suspended to be served on probation. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 24 months on probation.

Watch out for a Microsoft Scam

The Better Business Bureau is urging consumers to beware of callers claiming to be from Microsoft.

In this latest scam, a “Microsoft caller” randomly calls consumers and explains that a computer that is in use in their possession has a virus or needs an update. The caller then gives instructions on what to do to fix the problem. Eventually, the scammer will ask for credit card information so the proper software can be purchased or the caller will “fix” the problem if you follow instructions.

Use Common Sense When Celebrating This Graduation Season

May 2, 2014May 2, 2014WKVI

Graduation season is upon us.

Pulaski County Sheriff Michael Gayer says it’s easy to get caught up in celebrations and make poor decisions when getting behind the wheel of a car.

“Sometimes that excitement gets out of hand and it leads to traffic accidents, people being arrested for alcohol abuse at parties and things like that,” said Sheriff Gayer. “We would just encourage all of the seniors graduating that they exercise due caution in their celebrations.”

7th Annual Starke County Youth Club WKVI Radiothon Begins Today

Starke County Youth Club participants, volunteers, members and community leaders will take over the WKVI airwaves today to share information about and raise money for the nonprofit organization. The club provides enrichment programs for local youngsters. Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says they are tied to the state’s curriculum standards. and lesson plans accompany every activity. They stress Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, STEM for short, activities in a outside-the-box type of way.

“It’s everything from science experiments like you might remember from middle school, to teaching kids, even young ones, what engineering is about. How do you engineer a bridge? What kind of materials can you use? What’s stronger, this material or that material? All of those skills help prepare the next workforce.”

Szakonyi says careers in STEM fields are the wave of the future and adds its an exciting time to be teaching youngsters about math and science concepts. Continue reading →

Practice Safe Driving Habits during Motorcycle Awareness Month

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

All motorists and motorcyclists are reminded to share the road and to practice safe driving habits. Motor vehicle operators are urged to be aware of motorcycles especially at intersections and while making turns and lane changes. As it is difficult to accurately judge the time, speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle, make sure you check the position of an oncoming motorcycle two or three times before driving through an intersection or making a turn.

Officials Determine Cause of House Fire

May 1, 2014May 1, 2014WKVI

Thank you to WKVI listener Marcia Lockner for the photo of Sunday's fire on 175 N. at U.S. 35 — Thank you to WKVI listener Marcia Lockner for the photo of Sunday’s fire on 175 N. at U.S. 35

The cause of the house fire on 175 North just east of U.S. 35 in Starke County on Sunday was determined as arson.

Knox-Center Township Fire Chief Kenny Pfost said there were many areas of origin. The home was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived at the scene. Firefighters were battling a woods fire at the time the house fire was called into the Sheriff’s Department. Hamlet and Washington Township firefighters assisted at the scene along with water and manpower support from the Koontz Lake Fire Department.