Colleges and Men Urged to Lead Sexual Assault Prevention

  
 
A startling statistic has estimated that one in five women will be sexually assault during their college experience, prompting a new push to help schools do a better job with prevention and response to such incidents. The White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault has 90 days to come up with recommendations, which should include the training of college leadership and responders on treating the issue as the serious crime it is, said Anita Carpenter, chief executive of the Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

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Wind Chill Advisory Issued for Kankakee Valley

 

 
 

The Kankakee Valley is once again under a Wind Chill Advisory until noon Eastern/11 a.m. Central today. The combination of sub-zero temperatures and 5 to 15 mile-per-hour winds will make it feel like it’s 15 to 25 below this morning. Temperatures will climb above zero this afternoon, but wind chills will remain zero to 10 below. Frostbite to exposed skin can occur in as little as 30 minutes when wind chills are this cold. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves if you go outside.

Two Arrested on Drug Charges in Knox

 
 
Knox City Police officers arrested two people on narcotics charges on Wednesday, Jan. 29 after an investigation.

Officers had investigated the possibility of heroin and methamphetamine being dealt out of a Knox residence. On Jan. 29, officers arrived at the residence and took 28-year-old Seth Dickson and 22-year-old Olivia Chasse into custody.

Both have a preliminary charge of Possession of a Narcotic Drug, a Class D felony.

This case has been forwarded to the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office for review. Additional formal charges may be filed.

Would-be Candidates Have Until Noon to File

 
 
Candidates for political office in the May primary have until noon local time today to file the necessary paperwork to run for office. Several countywide and township positions are up for grabs. Voters in both Starke and Pulaski Counties will elect new sheriffs. Neither Oscar Cowen nor Mike Gayer can run again due to term limits. Voters in both counties will also elect a prosecuting attorney, coroner, clerk of the circuit court and assessor. County council seats in districts 1 through 4 are also on the ballots in both counties.

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Pulaski Commissioners to Hold Executive Session to Discuss Combs Reimbursement

Pulaski County Commissioners Larry Brady, Vice President Terry Young, and President Tracey Shorter
Pulaski County Commissioners Larry Brady, Vice President Terry Young, and President Tracey Shorter
The Pulaski County Commissioners have a tough decision on their hands after a family relocated by the Bridge 291 project submitted receipts for expenses after their deadline. Jeff Larrison with United Consulting told the commissioners that they have already paid $78,546 to the Combs family for expenses incurred by their relocation following the county’s acquisition of their parcel, but the family recently submitted receipts for $19,468 worth of expenses after the receipt deadline of Aug. 21, 2013.

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Town of Culver Awarded Safe Routes to School Funds

  
 
The town of Culver was recently awarded funds from the Federal Highway Administration through the Transportation Alternatives Program for a Safe Route to School project, aimed at increasing the opportunities for travel by walking for children and citizens of Culver.

The project looks to provide a safe route to schools, both private and public businesses, and the town park. Town Manager Dave Schoeff explained the money will go toward improving sidewalks and crosswalks in the town.

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Starke Commissioners Sign New Hope Proclamation

Robert Hinojosa
Robert Hinojosa
The Starke County Commissioners this week proclaimed each Tuesday in February “New Hope for Families Days,” urging all citizens of the community to participate in all efforts to make Starke County a model of a healthy community.

Bob Hinojosa, director of Starke County Community Corrections, approached the commissioners and introduced case manager Jordan MacKentire, who has been spearheading the effort. The proclamation came about as a result of the high level of drug abuse and addiction that is devastating the well-being of the Starke County community. Continue reading

Confusion Rampant Regarding Warning Level Travel Advisories

  
 
With the high number of local travel advisories that have been issued during this harsh winter, many people are left wondering how these travel advisories can affect them, their plans, and even their ability to go to work. During a “warning” level travel advisory, travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only, directing individuals to refrain from all travel, comply with necessary emergency measures, cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans, and obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

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Governor Announces Plans for Post-Weather Road Repairs

 
 
Hoosier highways have been wracked by potholes caused by this winter’s record snowfall, low temperatures and repeated freeze-thaw cycles that, combined, have created the perfect storm for producing potholes. Governor Mike Pence yesterday announced the state, through the efforts of the Indiana Department of Transportation, is taking action to repair state roadways.

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Starke Commissioners Approve CSI Maintenance Agreement

IT Director Joe Short
IT Director Joe Short
Starke County IT Director Joe Short appeared before the commissioners this week to present the updated maintenance agreement between the county and CSI, the provider of software for the judge, probation department and criminal justice department. County attorney Martin Lucas had previously reviewed the agreement and found one issue within the document.

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North Judson Town Board Reviewing Ordinance, Handbook

  
 
The North Judson Town Board is still reviewing the contractors’ permit ordinance and the employee handbook, according to Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry. She told WKVI that the board is still trying to determine whether or not any revisions are necessary for the contractor’s permit ordinance to ensure it is adequate, and the board is reviewing information from the state and county regarding their applications for contractors.

Henry said the matter will be discussed again at the next meeting.

In addition, the board is reviewing the employee handbook, but that matter was also tabled pending further review, Henry said.

Pulaski Commissioners Publicly Apologize to County Employee

Pulaski County Commissioners Larry Brady, Vice President Terry Young, and President Tracey Shorter
Pulaski County Commissioners Larry Brady, Vice President Terry Young, and President Tracey Shorter
The Pulaski County Commissioners this week offered a public apology to an employee who had undergone a traumatically embarrassing experience, after the commissioners had acted on some erroneous information. Commissioner Larry Brady read aloud a statement from the commissioners, apologizing to Christine Chapman and her family for any embarrassment suffered from “events involving her” last week.

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Financial Aid Night Scheduled at NJ-SP Schools

 
 
A financial aid night is set for Monday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. CT in the North Judson-San Pierre High School library.

A college representative will discuss the financial aid process with parents and students. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, form will be reviewed. The application must be completed online this year.

The deadline for the federal processor to receive the FAFSA is March 10.

If you have any questions, call North Judson-San Pierre High School Guidance Director Colleen McCarthy at (574) 896-2158 ext. 225.

Ancilla Hosts Blood Drive; Raises At Least 17 Pints

SGA Historian Dominic Harris keeps track of donors coming in
SGA Historian Dominic Harris keeps track of donors coming in
Ancilla’s Student Government Association recently hosted a blood drive through the American Red Cross, successfully collecting blood donations from 17 of the 21 volunteers. On Tuesday, Feb. 4, SGA Faculty Advisor Jill Neidlinger, President Amanda Amstutz, and many student volunteers helped prepare and organize the event, with students, faculty and staff turning out to donate.

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Shopping Carts Designed to Keep Groceries Safe, Not Kids

  
 
A new study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio has revealed shopping carts as a major source of injuries for children in Indiana and across the nation. Researchers found from 1990 to 2011, more than 530,000 children were treated in emergency rooms across the country for injuries associated with shopping carts – including falls, entrapment and carts that tipped over on them.

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Warning Level Travel Advisories In Place

  
 
The travel advisory levels for Marshall and Starke counties have been updated. The Emergency Declaration including the “Warning Level” travel advisory issued for Marshall County will no longer be in effect for the roads in the unincorporated areas of the county, and the town of Culver, beginning at 4 p.m. today. However, a “Watch Level” travel advisory will be put in place. During a “Watch Level” advisory, the public should remember that road conditions are hazardous and could be threatening to their safety. Only essential travel is recommended, such as to and from work, emergency situations, etc. Businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations should be implementing their emergency action plans.

Starke County will go to a red level WARNING at 4 p.m. CST today, which will restrict travel to emergencies only. Snow plows will remain out until 6 p.m. tonight and will go back out tomorrow morning at 5 a.m. If you have any questions, please direct them to Starke County Emergency Management at 574-772-9182.