Swearing In Ceremony for Elected Officials Held in Pulaski County

Posted on Author WKVI
In front: Superior Court Judge Pat Blankenship and Circuit Court Judge Michael Shurn. Officers (L to R) Ron Powers, Tasha Foerg, Tom Roth, Stacey Mrak, Michael "Mick" Tiede, Alex Haschel, Joyce Weaver, Steve Van Der Aa, Holly Van Der Aa, Michael Gayer, Tracey Shorter

In a joint swearing ceremony, all candidates elected in the General Election in Pulaski County were sworn in by Circuit Court Judge, Michael Shurn, and Superior Court Judge, Patrick Blankenship.

One of those sworn into office was Tracey Shorter who will be the newest member of the Board of Commissioners on January 1st.

Besides being the first woman Commissioner in Pulaski County, she is also the youngest at age 42. Ted asked what prompted her to seek the office.

“I ran four years ago and the race was so close,” said Shorter. “Part of it was because there had never been a woman Commissioner and it became a goal of mine. I got sick and realized life is too short to wait so I ran. None of us knows what tomorrow holds. I’m excited. I think it shows a big win for the party but it also shows progress for our County as far as moving forward. I haven’t really done the background but I think not only am I the first woman, but I think I’m the youngest.”

Elected officials take their oaths of office

Like all counties, Pulaski has its share of pressing issues that will need to be addressed in 2011.

“Zoning is a big issue, whether or not we keep the County Home open, keeping our budget balanced and not borrowing what we don’t have. All of those things are huge,” said Shorter.

The following were sworn into office: Ron Powers, Pulaski County Council District 3; Tasha Foerg, Pulaski County Clerk; Tom Roth, Pulaski County Council District 2; Stacey Mrak, Pulaski County Prosecutor; Michael “Mick” Tiede, Pulaski County Council District 4; Alex Haschel Pulaski County Council District 1; Joyce Weaver, Pulaski County Surveyor; Steve Van Der Aa, Pulaski County Coroner; Holly Van Der Aa, Pulaski County Assessor; Michael Gayer, Pulaski County Sheriff; and Tracey Shorter, County Commissioner District 3.

Department of Education Releases Graduation Rates; Oregon-Davis over 90%

Posted on Author WKVI
Dr. Steve Disney

The Department of Education has recently released graduation rates for schools in Indiana and for the first time, Oregon-Davis has gone over 90%. Superintendent, Dr. Steve Disney, was understandably proud of the accomplishment.

“We’re just so proud and we do have one of the highest rates around,” said Dr. Disney.

Ted Hayes asked Dr. Disney what he attributes the increase to.

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North Judson Town Board Approves Second Reading of Synthetic Marijuana Ordinance

Posted on Author WKVI
North Judson Town Board
North Judson Town Board: (L to R) Dan Anderson, Jane Ellen Felchuk, Wendy Hoppe, Connie Miller (Clerk-Treasurer)

The North Town Board approved the second reading of an ordinance that prohibits the sale of synthetic marijuana during its meeting Monday night. A Public Hearing concerning this ordinance will be held on Monday, January 3rd, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. CT at the North Judson Civic Center. A third and final reading will be approved during the Board’s regular meeting that evening at 6:30 p.m. CT.

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World War II and Korean Veterans Can Register for Honor Flight

Posted on Author WKVI
Congressman Joe Donnelly greets Joe Smrt and Harvey Hammerlund during their Honor Flight visit in 2009

Last year, two Starke County World War II veterans, Joe Smrt and Harvey Hammerlund, were flown to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial by a veteran’s service organization called “Honor Flight”.

John Jordan, of Honor Flight, was asked if there will be an opportunity for additional World War II veterans to make the trip.

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Clara Belle Troike’s Famous Fruit Cake Arrives at WKVI

Posted on Author WKVI
Bob Troike presents Clara Belle's famous fruit cake to Ted Hayes

For over 25 years, Clara Belle Troike has provided a delicious fruit cake to the employees of WKVI radio. When Ted Hayes was on the air, he mentioned once that he had never tasted a fruit cake that he liked. Clara Belle put him to the test with one of her fruit cakes, and that turned Ted around forever. Since that time, Ted and the staff have received a delicious holiday fruit cake. We look forward to it every year.

Bob Troike presents the station's fruit cake to Tom Berg

Wednesday, the station’s fruit cake arrived; a big one for the gang and a smaller one for Ted. To answer a question posed by a listener some years ago, “the fruit cake is the virgin kind, with no alcohol added.”

Again, thank you Clara Belle for the fruit cake, and may you have a blessed Christmas.

Top 10 Stories of 2010; Story #7

Posted on Author WKVI

Sonny Newbauer, Plant Manager at Hoosier Custom Plastics, was struck by lightning in the business’ parking lot on Tuesday, August 3rd.

Gordon Shank, owner of Hoosier Custom Plastics, told WKVI that day that he had heard a clap of thunder at 7:45 a.m., looked outside the plant, and saw Sonny Newbauer on the ground after he was struck by lightning. Newbauer, of Knox, was given CPR by a fellow employee and while still unconscious, he was taken to Starke Memorial Hospital. The medical staff sedated Newbauer and he was flown to a Fort Wayne Hospital.

Newbauer is still recovering from the incident.

Starke County Commissioners Discuss Prosecutor’s Claims

Posted on Author WKVI
Julianne Havens discusses claims with the Starke County Commissioners

The discussion between the Starke County Commissioners and outgoing Prosecutor Julianne Havens came to an amicable agreement Monday night. Havens had earlier submitted claims for law enforcement needs and the Commissioners questioned whether the funding was appropriate for the funding source. Havens, herself, eliminated some of the items from questionable categories.

“It gets complicated because I can use the IV-D fund for child support enforcement and for five years I’ve been using it to support child support,” explained Prosecutor Havens. “This year, I was going to try and focus on the enforcement aspect of it which, to me, means police. They agreed with my argument. However, they indicated that if an audit were to happen, the way they look at it is a proportional nexus. They are going to look at it whether or not the police are out supporting child support, making arrests, picking up people on body attachments and things of that nature. Their fear is that the proportionate nexus is not going to be enough for them to say that these funds that were spent were reasonable.”

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The 2010 Henry F. Schricker Award Winner is Marvin McLaughlin

Posted on Author WKVI
Marvin McLaughlin takes a moment to chat with Starke County Commissioner Jennifer Davis

The Starke County Chamber of Commerce announces that this year’s Henry F. Schricker “Service before Self” Award winner is Marvin D. McLaughlin. McLaughlin is well-known to all citizens in Starke County.

Marvin McLaughlin is known to most of us in the County as the “Honorable Judge Marvin McLaughlin” for his many years of service on the Starke County Circuit Court bench.

When Marvin McLaughlin was sworn in as judge, then-retired Governor Schricker said a few words. McLaughlin said this about Henry Schricker.

“Back in the 1950s when he ran for Congress, I worked as a volunteer on his campaign at the Statehouse,” said McLaughlin. “He was a very interesting person and he was very interested in you as an individual and he was a very appreciative person.”

He is a winner of the Sagamore of the Wabash, having been presented the award at his retirement recognition event from the bench in 1992.

Among his proud achievements is having been a 4-H leader.

“For 15 years I was a 4-H leader,” said McLaughlin. “When we first came to the County, that’s when Purdue had changed, saying that the agriculture teachers could no longer be 4-H leaders. In North Judson, we didn’t have a 4-H club. The kids had to go somewhere else. I started the club from scratch.”

Congratulations to Marvin McLaughlin of North Judson who is this year’s Henry F. Schricker Award winner for 2010. He will be feted at a banquet in January at the Knox Community Center.

Outdoor Christmas Decoration Contest Winners Chosen

Posted on Author WKVI

Knox Mayor, Rick Chambers, wants to congratulate the winners of the 2010 Outdoor Christmas Decoration contest.

First place went to Rachel Fletcher at 5675 S. 500 E. in Knox. Mr. and Mrs. Gene Wheeler and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Parkison, who live in the 400 block of Carlson Drive in Knox tied for second place and Mr. and Mrs. Stacey Griffith at 302 Main Street in Knox took third place.

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Additional Charges Filed Against Walkerton Man Involved in Police Standoff

Posted on Author WKVI
Donald Smith

Additional charges have been filed against a Walkerton man who told Starke County police officers to leave him alone or he would kill them or himself. Donald Smith, 33, engaged in a 45 minute standoff with officers before he was taken into custody on December 15th, from a camper he was occupying.

Smith has been charged with Dealing Methamphetamine, a Class B Felony; Possession of Precursors with a Firearm, a Class C Felony; Intimidation, a Class D Felony; and Theft, a Class D Felony. He has a bond of $75,000 through Starke Circuit Court.

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Knox and North Judson to Receive Grants for Storm Water Infrastructure Projects

Posted on Author WKVI

Christmas came early for Knox and North Judson officials. Lieutenant Governor, Becky Skillman, announced that 13 Hoosier communities will receive grants totaling almost $11 million dollars for storm water infrastructure projects. These grants are funded by an appropriation for disaster recovery efforts from the federal Community Development Block Grant program.

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News from the Winamac Town Board

Posted on Author WKVI
Winamac Town Hall

At their recent meeting, the Winamac Town Board members approved the salary ordinances for employees and elected officials. A one-and-a-half percent increase was approved.

Brad Zellers, Wastewater Superintendent, told the Board members that the lack of grass sitting in the streets has made a difference. Earlier this year, the Town Board was concerned about how the clippings were clogging the sewer system, especially during rain events. Zellers said he will be able to determine the true success of that change in the Spring when he and his staff vactor the sewer lines. Zellers reported to the Board that they been repairing several small pumps and will start on building improvements in the remaining portion of the pole building this winter.

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Government Offices Will be Closed for Christmas Holiday

Posted on Author WKVI

Several government buildings will be closed due to the Christmas holiday.

The Post Office will be open Friday from 8:00 a.m. to Noon CT only. Mail will not be delivered until Monday, December 27th. The Starke County Courthouse and the Pulaski County Courthouse will be closed Thursday and Friday this week. The Bureau of Motor Vehicle branches will be closed Friday and will resume normal hours of operation on Tuesday, December 28th.

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Knox Community Center Damage Over $18,000

Posted on Author WKVI
Chairs and tables were damaged at the Knox Community Center

The estimated amount of damage done to the Knox Community Center on December 11th comes to $18,713.03. 25 tables and 112 chairs were damaged and the carpets were stained during a wedding reception held at the facility.

The City of Knox continues to work with Nicole Dobson and Brandon Bailey who have reportedly told the City that they are taking responsibility for the damages.

During the December 14th Knox City Council meeting, the Council members talked about increasing security measures at the Community Center to discourage this type of behavior.

Starke County Auditor Michaelene Houston Leaves Auditor’s Office after 22 Years

Posted on Author WKVI
Michaelene Houston

It is the end of an era in the Starke County Auditor’s office. Michaelene Houston spent 22 years either as a Deputy Auditor, or Auditor herself. She served as Deputy Auditor under Pam Fletcher and Mike Haugh.

“November 30th, 1984, I started as Deputy Auditor for Pam Fletcher and I worked for her for two years and one month and then Mike Haugh became Auditor and I worked for him for four years,” explained Michaelene Houston. “I then ran for the office and I was Auditor for two terms. I couldn’t run for a third consecutive term so I ran for Commissioner and I was Commissioner for four years. Then I ran for Auditor again and now I’m on my second and final term as Auditor.”

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Top 10 Stories of 2010; Story #8

Posted on Author WKVI

Story number 8 is fresh on our minds. It’s the early blizzard of 2010, and it occurred just a few days ago. With mind boggling snowfall amounts in the Kankakee Valley, all governmental offices, some businesses, and all schools took the day off last Monday, December 13th.

Wanatah had 33 inches of the white stuff to top the charts, although some Starke County locations recorded near 20. Our own Tom Berg and Lenny Dessauer took turns staying overnight at the station to keep everyone informed of the storm’s fury.

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John Brooke Fails to Attain Plea Agreement; Trial Set for February

Posted on Author WKVI
John Brooke

John Brooke, a suspect in events surrounding a shootout at Bass Lake in February, and his attorney, Dale Allen, told Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall Monday afternoon that they have failed to come to a satisfactory plea agreement with the court so they will move forward to trial.

The trial will begin on Monday, February 21st, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. CT and will last the week. Allen said there could be up to 50 witnesses called to take the stand. A final status hearing will be held on January 26th to ensure all paperwork is prepared for trial.

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Knox City Council Approves Knox Industrial Park Name Change

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

At the recent meeting of the Knox City Council, Starke County Development Foundation Director, Charles Weaver, requested that the Council change the name of the Knox Industrial Park to the Starke County Rail Park. The Council unanimously approved the name change and the proposal will be taken to the Starke County Commissioners for approval. The name was changed to give it a county feel rather than a city feel.

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Hoosiers Can Resume Collecting Unemployment Benefits

Posted on Author WKVI

Hoosiers are now eligible to resume collecting the federally funded unemployment extensions. Approximately 90,000 Hoosiers who exhausted or were at risk of losing benefits have become eligible again.

In order to qualify for these retroactive benefits, Hoosiers will need to complete their weekly vouchers through Uplink, Indiana’s online filing system. Hoosiers will need to complete a voucher for each week of benefits they want to collect.

About 30,000 Hoosiers saw an interruption in their benefits due to Congressional delay.

There is no increase in the number of potential weeks of benefits. Ninety-nine weeks remains the maximum length of time someone can collect.