Harvest season continues for local farmers.
Purdue Extension Agricultural Educator Phil Woolery says that when it comes to the major crops, farmers are just about done harvesting soybeans. Corn is taking a bit longer, though. Continue reading
Newton County Tree Stand Fall Prompts Hunting Safety Reminder
Hunters are reminded to stay safe while using tree stands. Over the weekend, an Illinois man broke eight bones in his neck and back when he fell from a tree stand while deer hunting in Newton County, according to Indiana Conservation Officers.
Culver Town Council Approves Increased Pay for Advanced Paramedics
The Culver Town Council approved an ordinance amendment that increases the hourly wage for a new advanced paramedic to a range from $10.00 to $15.50 an hour beginning Nov. 1.
EMS Director Kathy Hart thanked the council and noted that the increase will help attract advanced paramedics to the department. She said several applicants have turned away from the position after learning that the wages aren’t comparable to other area departments. This will allow Culver EMS to be more competitive when seeking applications. Continue reading
Francesville Student Awarded Secure Indiana Scholarship
Knox Board of Public Works Receives Updates on Unsafe Buildings
The Knox Board of Public Works learned that two property owners are working to update their unsafe structures with an attempt to eliminate demolition.
Lucia Valladares owns 6 N. Pearl Street and updated the board last week on her progress. She said she has hired a contractor to help her make the necessary upgrades as specified in the plans she gave the board a few months ago.
LaPorte, Bourbon Police Departments to Receive Grant Funding for Purchase of Body Armor
Some local police officers will soon have extra protection, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. Several Indiana law enforcement agencies have gotten 50-50 matching grants to help buy ballistic or stab-resistant body armor, as part of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership. That’s according to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.
RSVP Necessary for Next Drug and Tobacco Free Starke County Meeting
The next Drug and Tobacco Free Starke County meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 15 at 9:30 a.m. at the Starke County Jail.
Sheriff Bill Dulin graciously offered the alternate location to the organization. Chairperson Judy Jelinek said that following the meeting, the Sheriff will treat everyone in attendance to a free lunch. He advised everyone to bring along a guest to get informed, check out the jail facility and share a meal with the local authority figure and other community members. Continue reading
Culver School Board Scheduled to Ratify Collective Bargaining Agreement at Tonight’s Meeting
When the Culver Community School Board meets this evening they will discuss the ratification of the 2017-2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
A few weeks ago, Superintendent Karen Shuman shared that the teacher contract was 99 percent complete, they have just been working on correcting some language. She said the teacher’s union ratified the contract on October 24 and the next step is the board’s ratification tonight. Continue reading
State Fire Marshal Urges Residents Stay Safe While Heating Their Homes
As colder weather approaches, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security reminds residents to stay safe while keeping their homes warm. State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson says alternative heating sources, like space heaters and other devices are a big cause of home fires and fire-related deaths.
AAA Tips for Drivers Attending Halloween Festivities
Many individuals will be utilizing their vehicles this week for various Halloween festivities. A study by the National Retail Federation found that Halloween parties for adults have been growing in popularity over the past decade. This means more adults will be out and about celebrating around the same time kids are walking from house to house to collect candy. Triple-A is offering a few tips to ensure a safe and happy Halloween for everybody.
In 2009, AAA reported that fifty-eight percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. that happened on Halloween night in 2008 involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood-alcohol content of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state. Continue reading
Mayor of Knox Has Meetings Scheduled to Address Stray Animal Population
Mayor of Knox Dennis Estok is scheduled to have a meeting with the Humane Society as well as the company Neuter Scooter, to discuss the stray animal population problem within the city.
He told Knox City Council members last week that he plans to draw up a contract with the Humane Society in order to have a place to take the animals that they receive calls about. He said there is a possibility they will need to hire an individual to fill the role of animal control since there is currently no one in that position. Continue reading
Concerns Remain with Hamlet Railroad Crossing
The Hamlet Town Council is once again calling for repairs to the Starke Street railroad crossing. During Wednesday’s meeting, Council President Dave Kesvormas said the crossing continues to get worse. Continue reading
Knox City Council Continues Conversation over Downtown Parking Problems
A previously considered council item was visited once again at the Knox City Council meeting on Tuesday. Council member Bertha Blue asked Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston what he found regarding the city’s rules about vehicles obstructing sidewalks.
Houston said while researching, he was unable to locate a local ordinance but he did find a state statute that specifies parking is prohibited on sidewalks. He said while that would technically be enforceable, he thought the terms were not realistic for Knox.
“If you use the state statute,” Houston explained, “you’re looking at real big fines and stuff so we probably want to write a new one for the city.” Continue reading
Culver Town Council to Address Semi Parking Soon
The Culver Town Council may soon address semi truck parking in the residential areas in town.
Culver Town Manager Jonathan Leist commented that the issue was brought before the Culver Planning Commission this week. Leist said he will meet with Utility Superintendent Bob Porter and Police Chief Wayne Bean about a recommendation to bring before the council.
Knox Board of Works Responds to Stop Order on Permit
The members of the Knox Board of Public Works discussed a stop order on a construction permit at 325 Carlson Drive.
According to City Attorney Leslie Baker, the Knox Planning Administrator and Director of Building and Code Compliance Kenny Pfost issued an order to stop work on Sept. 15 on a steel carport at that residence.
Pressel, Indiana House Republicans Seek Interns for 2018 Legislative Session
College students looking for an internship have a chance to work with state lawmakers during their 2018 session. Indiana House Republicans are accepting internship applications through Tuesday.
Starke County Magistrate Recognized for Commitment to Further Education
Recently, Starke County Magistrate Jeanene E. Calabrese received the Indiana Judicial College certificate at the 2017 Judicial Conference.
Halloween Safety Reminders
Though Halloween isn’t officially until Tuesday, many areas will be celebrating early this weekend. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has a few tips to celebrate the festivities safely.
DHS reports that children are twice as likely to be killed by an automobile while walking on Halloween compared to any other time of the year. If you’re driving, be alert, drive slow and take extra time at intersections making sure no one is attempting to cross.
Walkers should also use sidewalks when they’re available. If there isn’t one, walk toward the far edge of the street and never cut through yards, alleys or across the road. Utilize crosswalks and be aware of potential oncoming vehicles. Continue reading
Medaryville Halloween Costume Judging Prompts Road Closure Tuesday Evening
Medaryville’s Halloween celebrations will lead to the closure of a downtown street Tuesday evening. After trick-or-treating wraps up at 7:00, the Medaryville Fire Department will have its annual costume judging for local children.
