Starke County has chosen to receive $11,262 in federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board for Phase 31.
The national board is made of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, the Jewish Federations of North America, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and United Way Worldwide.
The Marshall County Council members approved the Marshall County Grant Approval and Administration Policy Monday morning.
Auditor Penny Lukenbill explained that all departments who apply for federal funds should file paperwork with her office to better report to the state board of accounts. The paperwork will include a detailed description of what the grant money will be used for and include a plan of spending. The council and commissioners will look over the paperwork and pre-approve the grant request and it can be filed on the federal level.
With tax season coming up soon, Northwest Indiana Community Action is looking to once again hold their Asset Building Campaign, a program aiming to help prepare and file taxes for low-income families. Jackie Frain with Pulaski County Human Services explained the program not only benefits the low-income families by helping them afford winter coats, pay utility bills and even save for homeownership, it also benefits the community as a whole.
An internationally known speaker with a checkered past will soon be visiting the area to spread his message about the dangers of methamphetamine. David Parnell is not only an author, husband and father of seven who hails from Tennessee, but he is also a methamphetamine and suicide survivor, recovering addict and alcoholic, former drug dealer and convicted felon, who has since devoted his life to educating others about the horrific effects methamphetamine can have on one’s life.
Anyone with information the fires is urged to call the state’s arson hotline at 1-800-382-4628. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest or conviction. Callers can remain anonymous.
The prosecutor’s office has acquired a new deputy prosecutor out of St. Joseph County and Prosecutor Holmes asked that the probationary period be waived so full status can be obtained. Holmes stated that she has had four years of experience outside of the office and does not need the normal training period for her duties in the office. The communication between the outgoing deputy prosecutor and the new deputy prosecutor is a little lacking, but that should clear soon. The council approved the request.
Plymouth Park and Recreation Department Superintendent Michael Hite said the park is located right in the heart of the city.
Sheriff Oscar Cowen said the scammer will tell you that a debit card that you have with First Farmers Bank is lost and you need to press numbers on your phone and give out personal information in order to remedy the situation.
Sheriff Cowen noted that many times the person receiving the call will not even have an account with First Farmers. He assured that this is a scam and not to give any untrusted source any personal information, including your debit card, credit card, Social Security Number, or banking information.
The Better Business Bureau cautions you to avoid being scammed. When donating to charities, make sure they are legitimate. Confirm the charity’s corporation partners by checking online and verifying sources. Do not give cash and make a check out to the organization and not to the individual. It is best not to give out your credit card number or other personal information in response to unsolicited donation requests. Keep records of your donations with receipts, canceled checks or bank statements to document your giving for taxes.
The fire that destroyed a vacant home on County Road 300 East just south of Binkley Drive last Friday morning was deliberately set, according to fire investigators. The Knox-Center Township Fire Department was dispatched to the scene around 1 a.m. and remained on the scene for about six hours. An investigator from the state fire marshal’s office was called in to determine the cause. Firefighters were called back to the residence around 5 last evening for a rekindle and spent 90 minutes or so there.
Anyone with information the fires is urged to call the state’s arson hotline at 1-800-382-4628. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest or conviction. Callers can remain anonymous.
The Knox-Center Township Fire Department was called back to the scene of a fire they spent six hours battling early Friday morning. The vacant home in the 1300 South block of 300 East, just south of Binkley Drive apparently rekindled just after 5 last night. Firefighters were on the scene for about 90 minutes. The cause of Friday morning’s fire is still under investigation.
A report of an underage drinking party at a home on Tribue Drive in Knox early Sunday morning resulted in 16 arrests for illegal possession of alcohol. Deputies from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the North Judson and Knox Police Departments responded just before 2 a.m. In addition to the arrests, a 15-year-old was taken home and released into the custody of his or her parents, according to a news release from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff Tom Chamberlin will also appear before the council to ask for a waiver of employee probationary period. Jay Bahr, the executive director of the Marshall County Economic Development Commission, will have an update for the council members.
The animal science students from the North Judson-San Pierre High School will hear from Dr. Megan Nemechek of Rensselaer Swine Services in a presentation in which the students will learn how farmers are using innovation and technology to grow healthier food.
The presentation will be Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 8:35 a.m. at the high school where Dr. Nemechek will highlight how ongoing advancements in agricultural science are helping farmers raise better food while using fewer natural resources than ever before. She said farmers use 41 percent less water and 78 percent less land to raise pigs than they did 50 years ago.
Indiana’s pork industry contributes more than $3 billion to the state’s economy each year.
