News – Page 1406 – WKVI Information Center

After pleading guilty to two counts of Intimidation as a Class C felony, Shelby Thomas received his sentence in the Starke Circuit Court Thursday. Thomas had pleaded guilty to the felonies and admitted to threatening to kill Officers James Upsall and Dave Combs while armed with a 10-inch knife.

Thomas was sentenced to seven and a half years for each charge to be served consecutively, giving him a sentence of 15 years in the Department of Corrections. The court recommended to the DOC that he be entered into the CLIFF program. None of his sentence was suspended.

Starke County Traffic Safety Partnership to Participate in Click it or Ticket Campaign

Officers from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department and Knox and North Judson Police Departments will be participating in the “Click it or Ticket” campaign beginning May 18th through June 3rd.

This blitz, coordinated by the Indiana Governor’s Council on Impaired or Dangerous Driving, allows officers to patrol during this seat belt enforcement period. All drivers and passengers are encouraged to wear their seat belts at all times in a motor vehicle. If you don’t wear your seat belt, you will receive a traffic citation. No warnings will be given.

Lift Station “Could Fail Tomorrow,” Says Chambers

Knox Mayor Rick Chambers reminded the city council members that the lift station at Clabaugh Drive and U.S. 35 is going to have to be replaced in the near future. That information came out of a report by Wastewater Superintendent Kelly Clemons.

“I had her get some figures. We need to know how much growth is expected south of that point. A new lift station would cost $188,000,” Chambers said.

Knox Mayor Wants Flags to Fly For Memorial Day

With Memorial Day a little more than three weeks away, Mayor Rick Chambers is trying to get flags up on U.S. 35 to show the city’s patriotism. Chambers says a large number of items are required to mount the flags.

“We need brackets, poles, flags, stainless steel bands– everything to get flags up on 35. There are 35 light poles on the highway with lights on them in the city limits,” said Chambers.

Prayer Breakfast Held Thursday Morning in Knox

A Prayer Breakfast was held yesterday morning at the Knox Community Center in observation of the National Day of Prayer.

The Master of Ceremonies was Pastor Ed Hasnerl of the Eagle Creek Church and the guest speaker was Dr. Ron May, President of Ancilla College. May summed up the message he gave to the crowd.

Legacy of Women To Hold Spring Event Sunday

starke county legacy of women final — Starke County Legacy of Women Committee members

The Legacy of Women will hold their spring event Sunday, May 6 at the Knox Middle School. Sherri Bartolli explained that the event will include a number of programs and speakers, as well as prizes and food.

“We have entitled the program ‘Extreme Coupon, More Bang for Your Buck.’ We do have three speakers who are going to be our entertainment this year, plus we will have silent auction baskets, vendors, food and some door prizes,” Bartoli said.

Two Vans Worth of Goods Donated to the Phoenix House

The North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library recently held a drive for the Phoenix House. They collected consumable items such as paper towels, toilet paper, and laundry detergent.

Roslynn Bejes mobilized the community, the schools, and businesses into supporting the organization. The goods that were collected filled two vans to capacity. In addition, the history, science, and English departments at the high school collected the most items.

North Judson-San Pierre Student Dies

The North Judson-San Pierre student body is experiencing the loss of one of their own today. Superintendent Lynn Johnson made the announcement today (Thursday) at Noon.

“We are very saddened by the death of one of our students,” said Mrs. Johnson. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and their loss. Right now, our focus is assisting our students, staff and families during this difficult time.”

The school is not releasing the name of the student and an investigation into the student’s death is being conducted by the Starke County Coroner and the Indiana State Police.

Funeral arrangements are pending with the O’Donnell Funeral Home in North Judson.

Three Contested Races in Pulaski County

Absentee voting is underway in Pulaski County with three local contested races: County Commissioner District One, County Commissioner District Two, and the County Council At-Large position.

Republicans Kenneth Boswell and Terry Young compete for the position of County Commissioner for District One, while Republicans Larry Brady and Michael Tiede battle for District Two. The County Council At-Large position is contested by Republicans Brian Ledley, Steven Nellans, Roger Querry, Douglas Roth, and Jerry Sullivan, Jr.

Braun Corp. Announces Launch of BraunTaxi

To better serve the needs of taxi passengers with disabilities, the Braun Corporation has announced the launch of BraunTaxi, a new brand that will encompass all of its taxi products. Jim Probst says the brand has recently announced an upcoming roll-out. Continue reading →

Free Screenings Available Tomorrow At Starke Health Fair

The Annual Starke County Health Fair will be held tomorrow. Various free screenings will be available along with a number of prizes, says Ashley Norem of IU Health Starke Hospital.

“The Health Fair includes various free screenings along with free give away prizes. One of the items will be a beautiful red leather IU Health Starke Hospital tote,” said Norem.

Knox Man Arrested Following Pursuit

A Knox man was arrested on Friday following a pursuit incident in Starke County.

When a police officer observed a motorcycle traveling south on 1025 East from 300 North, an attempt was made to initiate a traffic stop but the driver did not halt to police. Police say that the driver, Raymond Higdon, looked over his shoulder, saw the officer, and immediately took off.

WKVI Visits Starke County Youth Club at Elementary School

May 3, 2012May 2, 2012WKVI

SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA — Ted Hayes spoke with teacher Cristy Back about the organization.

With the Starke County Youth Club Radiothon creeping closer each day, WKVI visited one of the organization’s “homework rooms” yesterday at the Knox Elementary School. Teacher Cristy Back explained that the students are always kept busy.

“Right now they are working on homework from their second grade classroom. If they don’t have homework, we give them work sheets or let them read a book,” Back said.

Usually the members work on their own, but if they do need help there is tutoring available. Back explained that a lot of progress is made after school, and the extra help comes in handy.

Knox City PD Moves to New Building

Knox-City-Police-Office — Each officer now has their own work space

The Knox City Police Department has moved to its new office in a building purchased from Dean Wells last year, located across from City Hall.

The move was made last week, and gives the police department much more room,
as each officer now has a desk and work area plus garage space for the police cars and more space for evidence and records. Continue reading →

Logansport Man Arrested on Battery Charges

A Logansport man was taken into custody on Friday after allegedly battering his estranged wife and children.

Matthew Quaife’s wife was reportedly moving items out of their house in North Judson and according to police, Matthew Quaife allegedly went “crazy” and battered his wife and children.

Quaife was arrested on three counts of Battery, as a Class D Felony and he is currently in the Starke County Jail on $75,000 surety bond and is to have no contact with the alleged victims. He has not yet had his preliminary hearing in Starke Circuit Court.

Starke County Youth Club Radiothon Nearing

Each day brings Starke County Youth Club Radiothon closer, and Irene Szakonyi, Executive Director of the Youth Club, says they are getting ready for the event which is planned for Friday, and she encourages everyone to make a donation. Szakonyi explained that the club gives students the opportunity to collaborate with many different schools and organizations across the country.

“We really appreciate that we are able to collaborate not just with our school corporations, but with other local agencies, too. We feel like we can be part of that network that brings people together, whether it’s Purdue Extension and 4-H programs, or Junior Achievement and Starke United. All the way across the board we feel like we have partners in helping kids and families succeed,” said Szakonyi.

Szakonyi will explain more about the event tomorrow, and on Friday, the radiothon will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spring Tax Sale Brings In Over $800,000

The Spring Tax Sale held last week brought in over $800,000, according to Starke County Interim Treasurer Kasey Clark. In all, 54 properties were sold, including a quarter-million-dollar home and property at Bass Lake.

Next up will be a certificate sale, followed by a Fall Tax Sale.

Tough Choices Ahead for Starke County TRIAD

The Starke County TRIAD organization recently met and discussed the future of the organization. Starke County Triad is comprised of members from law enforcement, senior citizens, and members of organizations concerned for senior welfare. The organization meets quarterly.

Joan Haugh, Executive Director of Community Services of Starke County, explained that the organization will soon have some tough choices to make.

“At the meeting, we did discuss how often we should meet and should we consider partnering with LaPorte County TRIAD because they may have more resources at their fingertips,” said Haugh. “We are going to have another meeting July 23rd and we would like to have a few more of the regular members in attendance before we make any final decisions on whether we should partner, whether we should disband, or keep going as we have been going,” said Haugh.

Bank Account Approved for Harvest Days Expenditures

The City of Knox has voted money for a bank account for Harvest Days expenditures. The city council voted to approve $500 at the request of Michelle Bechtel, as Mayor Rick Chambers explained.

“Michelle Bechtel has taken over the chairmanship of the Harvest Fest. She has filed a Certificate of Incorporation and obtained an Employee Identification number from the I.R.S. She has also set up a bank account, and needs funds for postage, and miscellaneous bills she has right off the bat. I’ve explained to her at the end of the year a complete financial report of all expenditures and receipts is expected,” Chambers said.