North Judson Town Board Approves Additional Match Money for Railroad Projects

Posted on Author WKVI
North Judson Town Board: Dan Anderson, Wendy Hoppe, Jane Ellen Felchuk, Attorney Cassie Hine and Clerk-Treasurer Connie Miller

The North Judson Town Board approved a request by the Railroad Committee to increase the Town’s match for grants for railroad improvements. The extra money will come out of the railroad fund. The IRSF grant match was previously approved for $48,175 and the Railroad Committee needed an additional $13,423. The request was approved for a total grant match of $61,598. With the Town’s grant match, the total IRSF grant will be approximately $233,000. The Railroad Committee is also applying for a T-Grant and the town’s match will be $20,540 which will also come out of the railroad fund.

The grant money will be used to rebuild railroad crossings, install drainage pipes, railroad ties, switches, and many other improvements.

Culver Community School Corporation Mourns Death of High School Business Teacher

Posted on Author WKVI
Michael Schwartz

The Culver Community School Corporation is mourning the death of high school business teacher, Michael Schwartz. He passed away at the age of 57, Saturday, at his residence in Plymouth.

According to Principal Albert Hanselman, Schwartz was a avid sports fan who had attempted to visit every big league baseball park in his lifetime. He was a Dodgers fan, although he said the Cubs were his second favorite.

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30 Meth Labs Dismantled in Starke County by the Indiana State Police in 2010

Posted on Author WKVI

The Indiana State Police-Lowell and Bremen Districts released methamphetamine lab statistics from the counties they serve. 6 meth labs have been seized by the Department in LaPorte County and in Pulaski County, 6 in Jasper County, 7 in White County, 16 in Fulton County, 15 in Cass County, and 53 in Marshall County.

30 meth labs were seized by Indiana State Police in Starke County.

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Friday’s ‘Ted Hayes Remembers’ Show to Feature the old Sears Store in Downtown Knox

Posted on Author WKVI
Dick Pettinato

If you remember when downtown Knox was a vibrant shopping area, you probably remember the huge Sears Store that employed several dozen employees.

Dick Pettinato was one of those employees, and this week Mr. Pettinato will be Ted Hayes’ guest on “Ted Hayes Remembers”. The program can be heard at 12:20 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT each Friday on WKVI-FM.

North Judson-San Pierre School Board to Discuss the Future of the Marching Band Program

Posted on Author WKVI
The North Judson-San Pierre Marching Band performs in an Invitational in October

A discussion of the marching band program is on the agenda for tonight’s North Judson-San Pierre School board meeting. The numbers have dropped to 14 which is not comparable to other schools the size of North Judson-San Pierre.

Superintendent Lynn Johnson told WKVI News yesterday that no decision has been made as to what to do with the program. She and the School Board looks forward to any positive input parents and the community have on this issue.

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Joe Smrt Celebrates 95th Birthday

Posted on Author WKVI
Ursala and Joe Smrt

Valentine’s Day has been a special day for 95 years for a prominent Starke County resident. Joe Smrt turned 95 yesterday, and his fellow VFW members surprised him with a party at the post.

“What better comradeship could you ask for than something like this? It was a complete surprise when Ben told me they were planning something for me ” said Smrt.

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IU Health-Starke Hospital Welcomes New Employee

Posted on Author WKVI
Craig Felty

Indiana University Health-Starke Hospital announces the employment of Craig Felty as the Director of the Emergency Department and House Supervisor.

Felty has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and is pursuing a Masters Degree.

He is married to his wife, Tricia, and is the father of five children. The family resides in Hebron.

Moore Family to Move into Habitat for Humanity Home this Saturday

Posted on Author WKVI
Steve Morrison (far L.) and some of the many volunteers who helped build the home for the Moore family

Tracy and Tim Moore will be moving into their new Habitat for Humanity home Saturday in Winamac. The 1,050 square foot home was built in six months by volunteers for the Moores who have two children and another on the way.

Steve Morrison is the President of the Starke/Pulaski Habitat for Humanity Organization and tells us about the the selection process.

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Vote Center Decision to Come by 2012 in Starke County

Posted on Author WKVI

The General Assembly has passed a proposal to allow any Indiana county to use centralized vote centers instead of neighborhood polling precincts. We asked Starke County Clerk, Evelyn Skronski, what comes next.

“Now it is up to each County Election Board to resolute that we do indeed go ahead and establish these voting centers,” replied Skronski. “The Commissioners and the County Council would have to approve this. Throughout Starke County I think about five voting centers would be in the numbers for us to handle that many and to make it convenient for the voters. The biggest issue here is the reduction of the cost of the elections.”

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Knox City Council to Consider Written Contract for Water and Sewer Customers

Posted on Author WKVI
Knox City Council #2
Back Row: Mayor Rick Chambers, Ed Blue, Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston, Greg Matt and Attorney David Matsey. Front Row: Linda Berndt, Jeff Berg and Ron Parker

Knox municipal water and sewer customers might be asked to sign a written contract for services in the near future. That subject was discussed at last week’s Knox City Council meeting.

Attorney David Matsey said most small town utilities demand a signed contract. He said the information could be used in court in case a party doesn’t pay or “skips” without making payment for the services provided.

One ticklish part of the contract would be how to identify the homeowner or tenant. Asking for a drivers license number or social security number must include protection for identity theft.

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West Central Technical Review Committee Discusses Wind Turbine Project

Posted on Author WKVI

The West Central Technical Review Committee met recently to discuss the wind turbine project.

“At our last meeting, we were actually going over the proposal from Performance Services, Inc.,” said Superintendent Charles Mellon, a Committee participant. “We talked about the identification of the site. It’s actually going to be on the AG plot. Of course there’s different studies including environmental studies that have taken place. We talked about the development plan and there’s still a lot of components yet to put in place. We’re still waiting on NIPSCO to finalize rates. The final meeting will take place February 25th. The earliest our Board would make a final decision would be on March 17th.”

If the project goes as planned, the turbine could be operational in November of this year.

SCILL Center Students to Attend Chicago Auto Show

Posted on Author WKVI
Mark Anderson
Mark Anderson

SCILL Center instructors, students and several chaperones will be attending the Chicago Auto Show this Wednesday.

“The great thing about the Auto Show is that we get to see just about every car manufactured that there is,” said Instructor Mark Anderson. “These kids are going to be able to see cars that are $1 million Bentleys, Maybachs, and cars that you may not encounter any other time in your lifetime. We’re also going to see engine cutaways and what we’re pushing them for is green. We want them to see all of the electric cars. We really want them to key in on those because by the time they get out of our program and out of college, those are more likely the cars they’re going to be working on.”

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Knox Middle School Students, Staff Raise $600 for American Heart Association

Posted on Author WKVI

Knox Middle School faculty and students recently participated in a fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

“We decided that the best way to raise money to help the American Heart Association was to sell Heart Association t-shirts and arrange a pie-in-the-face competition for Valentine’s Day,” explained Knox Middle School Principal, Steve Cronk. “By combining those two exercises, we have raised over $600.”

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Starke County Commissioners Approve Resolution for Travel Expenses

Posted on Author WKVI
Starke County Commissioners ( L to R ) Kathy Norem, Dan Bridegroom, Jennifer Davis

The Starke County Commissioners passed a resolution this week that would be used as a guideline for all office holders and staff to follow when traveling. The subject came up when several claims from December came in over what is recommended by the State.

In question were lodging and food claims turned in by some officials and staff members who attended the Newly Elected Prosecutor’s Conference and Attorney General’s Winter Meeting.

Attempting to answer questions on the claims were current Prosecutor, Nicholas Bourff, and his Chief Deputy, Mary Ryan. Discussed were claims turned in by then-Prosecutor Julieanne Havens, Mary Ryan, Jeff Williams, and Ryan Bratcher.

It was noted that all claims did not surpass the limit, but the Commissioners reminded Bourff and Ryan of the limits. The County will pay $6.50 for breakfasts and lunches, and $13.00 for dinner. The difference between what is allowed and the receipts for meals and lodging will be paid for by the attendee. The Commissioners also instructed those traveling to attempt to car pool when possible.