Starke County Plan Commission Grants Permit to Julia Ford

Posted on Author WKVI
Bruce Williams explains the permitting issue in this case to the Starke County Planning Commission

The Starke County Plan Commission was informed by Building Inspector Bruce Williams this week that he has granted Julia (Povilaitis) Ford a permit for a structure that is placed at 6690 East 250 North in rural Grovertown.

The original permit that he had granted was eventually revoked by the BZA board because it was issued as a Type One Manufactured Home. Williams acknowledged that the permit issued on January 11th of this year was a Commercial Unit, but said it was to be converted to a Single Family Dwelling.

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Starke County Jail Committee Holds Final Informational Meeting

Posted on Author WKVI
Starke County Jail

The third in a series of informational meetings on the Starke County Jail was held at Oregon-Davis High School last night.

Those in attendance heard plans for a bill to be heard in the state legislature that would allow the Starke County Council to adopt an ordinance imposing an additional county economic development income tax rate for the purpose of financing, constructing, acquiring, and equipping a county jail and related buildings and parking facilities. Although this method of funding a project has not been agreed upon by the Jail Committee, if passed by the legislature it would be a funding tool to be used exclusively or in tandem with a property tax levy to fund a new jail.

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Dorene Matzat Honored at Henry F. Schricker Dinner

Posted on Author WKVI
Deb Mix, Dorene Matzat and Dorothy Osinski

Dorene Matzat was honored last night as this year’s Henry F. Schricker Award winner at the annual Starke County Chamber of Commerce dinner at the Bass Lake Property Owners Association building.

After hearing accolades given by several friends and her daughter before the award ceremony itself, those assembled heard the story of a woman who always put “service before self.” Whether it was taking an ill and lonely veteran to the VA for treatment, making a delicious meal for community events, singing in the Community Choir, or making a scared little girl feel comfortable on the first day of classes at the Lutheran School, Dorene was always there.

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Knox Community School Board Receives Facility Study Update

Posted on Author WKVI

Knox Community School Superintendent, A.J. Gappa, gave the School Board an update on the Elementary School Facility study:

“I told them that we had taken most of the teachers, the certified staff, from the Elementary on a tour of the building. If we decide to proceed with any facility improvements, the staff will be aware of what’s going on and can answer questions on their own because they’ve seen everything,” stated Gappa.

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Jerrold Minix Arrested on Active Warrants

Posted on Author WKVI
Jerrold Minix

Former Starke County resident, 31-year-old Jerrod L. Minix, was arrested on two active arrest warrants on Tuesday.

Police in LaPorte County received information on the whereabouts of Minix and officers from the Michigan City Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, LaPorte City Police Department and the United States Marshals Service set out to arrest Minix. They arrived at 115 Tall Timbers Court in Michigan City and surrounded the residence. Police then conducted a search of the residence after speaking with the female owner of the residence and Minix was found hiding underneath insulation in the attic. Minix was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Michigan City Police Department.

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Southern Indiana Music Boosters Group to Hold Fundraiser for Drew Shearin Memorial Scholarship Fund

Posted on Author WKVI
Drew Shearin

Drew Shearin’s legacy has lived on through his loved ones and his music during these past few months. The Knox High School student died in a car accident in Starke County in October.

The Silver Creek High School Band Booster program in Sellersburg, Indiana is hosting a benefit concert for the Drew Shearin Memorial Scholarship fund. Coordinator, Hannah Gibson, said the fundraiser includes performances by students participating in the Indiana State School Music Association Solo and Ensemble event.

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Four Charges Filed Against William Blankenship III

Posted on Author WKVI
William Blankenship

William Blankenship III, 22, of Knox, was in Porter County Superior Court 1 in Valparaiso yesterday for his initial hearing.

Porter County Prosecutor Brian Gensel has formally charged Blankenship with Escape as a Class C Felony, plus Auto Theft, Fleeing Law Enforcement, and Criminal Mischief as Class D Felonies. Blankenship pleaded not guilty to all charges and bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety.

Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford’s court has scheduled an omnibus hearing for Blankenship on May 7th, a pre-trial hearing on June 4th and his jury trial is set for July 9th at 1:00 p.m. in Porter County Superior Court 1.

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Eric Corey Dies at the age of 25

Posted on Author WKVI
Eric Corey

The young man who inspired so many with his gallant fight against Lou Gehrig’s Disease has passed away at the age of 25.

“There are few people that I call my hero, but Eric Corey was that to me,” said Ted Hayes. “I had the privilege of being with Eric during the Turkey hunt he and his family put together for disabled youngsters and old people alike.”

“An avid hunter himself, Eric had traveled the world hunting and four years ago he told his mother that he wanted to give others the chance to hunt that he had. The first year it was just a few, but over the past two years, the Turkey Tracks hunt grew and at the opening night ceremonies Eric Corey was always the happiest person in the room.”

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Starke County Jail Committee Holds Second Informational Meeting

Posted on Author WKVI

The second informational meeting held by the Starke County Jail Committee was held last night in North Judson.

Those in attendance heard Todd Samuelson of Umbaugh and Associates talk about the funding of a new jail, using the figure $13.5 million. If property taxes were used to fund the project, the tax implication would be $.12 per $100.00 of net assessed value. The bond issue would be for a maximum of 20 years according to Samuelson. Some members of the committee said they are looking into a combination of property taxes and income taxes if a new jail were built.

The Jail Committee stressed that no decision has been made on whether to build a new jail, or not.

It was pointed out that Starke has the second oldest jail in the state with many problems arising over the past year.

The final information meeting will be tonight at the Oregon-Davis High School at 6:00 p.m.

House Democrats Fined $1,000

Posted on Author WKVI
Indiana Statehouse

The right to work squabble at the Statehouse kicked into high gear Wednesday with House Democrats again staying away from the chamber. For the second day, the Democrats held an open caucus in the rotunda. With that, Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma fined the 33 of the 40 lawmakers $1,000 for not coming back to the chamber.

17th District State Representative Nancy Dembowski was one of the Democrats who stayed away.

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Drew Shearin’s Music to be Recognized

Posted on Author Anita Goodan
Drew Shearin

The music of a Knox High School student who was killed in an auto accident last Fall will be featured at the Indiana Music Educators Association annual Professional Development Conference in Fort Wayne this afternoon.

Drew Shearin, one of the Drum Majors for the Knox High School band, will be recognized for the second time by the IMEA.  Last year, he was recognized for his instrumental composition called “Uncertainty” which was performed by the Lafayette Jefferson High School Orchestra.  Today, he will be recognized as the winner in the Choral Division for a work entitled “The Sweetest Air is Most Often the Thickest”.  His composition will be performed by the Butler University Chorale.

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Two Arrested in LaPorte County on Dog Fighting Charges

Posted on Author WKVI
George Wedow
Lisa Daube

The LaPorte County Metro Drug Task Force and the DEA have arrested two LaPorte County residents on animal fighting charges.

Police say federal and local arrest warrants were issued and George Wedow and Lisa Daube were arrested on Friday, January 13th at their residence at 5589 N. 600 West in LaPorte County. The investigation revealed a large dog fighting operation involving 12 dogs and dog fighting equipment at that address. 70 pounds of processed marijuana was also confiscated from the residence. Police also searched a Grovertown residence and found 19 more dogs.

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Starke County Police Arrest Two on Warrants

Posted on Author WKVI
Anne Marie Geller
Aaron Armes

Two people have been arrested on warrants involving drug charges. In December, Starke County police conducted a search warrant on a camper located on 200 South in Knox and found several items associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine and other controlled substances and drugs. Police also searched an area in the woods and found other items used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Arrest warrants were then applied for and approved for Aaron Armes and Anne Marie Geller who were known to live in the camper. Continue reading →

Township Trustee Bill to be Discussed in House Committee

Posted on Author WKVI

A bill that could impact all counties in our listening area could come up for a committee vote on Friday.

Members of a House of Representatives could vote on a bill that would dramatically change the way government operates in each county. If the bill became law, county residents would have the option of retaining or eliminating townships. The responsibilities the township trustees now coordinate would be handed over to the county. Even if voters decided through an election to keep the trustee offices. the responsibility in some areas would be changed. For instance, cemetery maintenance and weed control would move to the county, as well as the funding for poor relief.

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Starke County Jail Committee Holds Public Meeting

Posted on Author WKVI
Starke County Jail

A sparse crowd attended the first Starke County Jail Committee informational meeting at the Knox Middle School Cafeteria last night.

Sheriff Oscar Cowen addressed the needs at the jail and County Attorney Martin Lucas spoke on the impact a class action lawsuit could have on the project as it works its way through the court system. Starke County Council President David Pearman talked about the five options the committee is discussing.

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