A Plymouth man accused of hitting a Knox resident in the head and taking money, prescription medication, an Indiana ID card, and multiple credit cards from him will be in Starke Circuit Court for a plea and sentencing hearing today. The victim, Sescoe Wireman, died following the alleged incident.
Indiana Department of Homeland Security Collecting Property Damage Reports, Following Flooding
Those who’ve experienced property damage due to recent flooding can report it to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Department officials say homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations can all report uninsured damage caused by severe storms and flooding since February 15. That could include structural damage to homes, as well as the loss of personal property.
Updated Crisis Plan Presented to Oregon-Davis School School Board
School security continues to be addressed by local school officials, following last week’s school shooting in Florida. Oregon-Davis Superintendent Dr. Don Harman says the school corporation has been working on updating its crisis plan. “We’re looking at all different types of scenarios with crisis, whether that be a fire drill or tornado drill, or obviously intruder drill,” he explains. “But we’re also looking at death of a family member, death of a staff member, suicide.”
Proposed School Accountability Rule Raises Concerns from Knox School Officials
Local school administrators are keeping an eye on proposed changes to school accountability standards.
Tourism Advertising Campaign Approved by Pulaski County Commissioners
Pulaski County will once again advertise its tourism attractions to Chicago-area television viewers. The county commissioners Tuesday approved a $26,000 tourism marketing plan, recommended by the Community Development Commission.
North Judson-San Pierre School Board Approves Contractors for Lease Project
North Judson-San Pierre School Board members awarded several contracts for the corporation’s Lease Project when they met Tuesday evening.
Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin explained that when bids were opened in January, they discovered that they came in under budget. This will allow the corporation to move forward with some of their alternate bids which included upgrades to the baseball and softball fields, stairwell renovations, roofing and lighting work.
Zupin added that they will also be able to have signage installed on route 10 to inform motorists they’re nearing the NJSP campus. She said it will be an electronic sign where they will be able to put various school information and community announcements. Continue reading
Amended Salary Ordinance Fails to Pass on First Reading at NJ Town Council Meeting
An ordinance amending the approved 2018 salary ordinance was considered on first reading during Monday night’s North Judson Town Council meeting.
When the town council members passed the salary ordinance back in January, it included a 3 percent raise across the board, except for Town Marshal Kelly Fisher who forfeited her raise to supplement the raises of her officers.
In the initial ordinance, town council members were included in the individuals who would receive the raise. However, Town Attorney Justin Schramm said that due to when the ordinance was passed, that raise could potentially be seen as questionable by state officials. Continue reading
Park Board Information Presented to Francesville Town Council
The Town of Francesville continues exploring the idea of adding a park board.
Culver School Board Discusses Strategic Plan and Ongoing Policy Review
Parents of Culver Community School students may soon be asked to provide input on the school’s strategic plan.
Superintendent Karen Shuman said that when school board members met this week, they discussed the possibility of holding a public session in order to gather community feedback about the strategic plan. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners Hear Request on Road Abandonment
The Starke County Commissioners entertained a request from a resident about the abandonment of a road during their meeting this week.
Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler explained that resident Dan Gumz just bought property on 200 East north of 50 S. from 50 S. to the dead end and Division Road from 300 East to the dead end that meet. The previous owner gated the road to keep out trespassers and the county hasn’t maintained it for about 25 years, according to Ritzler. The road is in the county inventory. However Gumz asked if the county would like to abandon the road or resume maintenance.
Volunteers Needed for Knox Event Planning Committee
Knox Mayor Dennis Estok is searching for community members who want to help out with this year’s special city events.
The first 2018 meeting of the Knox Event Planning Committee will be held tonight at 6 p.m. in the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center. Mayor Estok said the meeting is open to the public and anyone looking to get more involved in the community is asked to come. Continue reading
Status Hearing Held for Alleged Murder Suspect Edward Blackburn
A status hearing for Edward Blackburn was held in Starke Circuit Court Wednesday afternoon.
As previously reported, Edward Blackburn, of Arkansas, formerly of Texas, is being charged with the murder of Cord Colgrove, of Knox. Court documents indicate that in March of 2017, Blackburn allegedly shot Colgrove in the head in front of three witnesses in rural North Judson. Continue reading
Flood Warnings Continue As Local Rivers Reach Flood Stage
Flood warnings continue throughout the local area, and some rivers could reach record levels in the coming days. In Plymouth, the Yellow River has risen above 17 feet, surpassing a record set in 1954, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday Travel Alerts and Road Closures in Pulaski and Starke Counties
Though the rain has stopped for now, there are still several roads in Starke and Pulaski Counties that are closed due to flooding and high water.
Starke County High Way Superintendent Rik Ritzler warns drivers that it is imperative to refrain from driving down the flooded area of a roadway. He said those roads are closed for a reason, and if you get stuck your rescue could divert resources that may be needed elsewhere.
He added that Starke County is on an orange “Watch” level travel alert due to flooding. He explained that a “Watch” means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. Continue reading
Knox School Board Votes to Pursue In-House Alternative High School Program
The Knox Community School Corporation may launch its own alternative high school this fall. On Tuesday, the school board agreed to let administrators continue working on plans for a “Redskin Academy.”
West Central Superintendent Discusses School Security Efforts, Following Florida School Shooting
In the wake of last week’s school shooting in Florida, local school superintendents are taking steps to reassure parents and students. West Central Superintendent Don Street issued a letter to the local community Monday.
Pulaski County Sheriff Credits K-9 with Saving Life
A Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office K-9 is being credited with saving a life. During Tuesday’s county commissioners meeting, Sheriff Jeff Richwine discussed a recent incident involving Deputy Seth Barton and K-9 Loki. “One of our people that was wanted was in a house up in Starke County,” he said. “They get there, this person’s actually stabbing himself. When they get there, Barton and Loki and a deputy from Starke County went into the house, and the guy made it clear that we wanted to kill himself and was still stabbing himself with a knife.”
Winamac Town Council Selects The Next Town Marshal
The Winamac Town Council members met for an executive session and a special meeting on Monday in order to consider and vote on a few different matters related to the Winamac Police Department.
At the last Winamac Town Council meeting, Town Marshal Mike Buchanan officially announced his retirement, which will take effect on July 1st. As a result of his announcement, council members met to consider who will serve as his replacement.
There were two current Winamac police officers who were interested in the position; First Sergeant Mark Hoffman and Deputy Marshal Brian Gaillard. Continue reading
Culver Community Schools to Implement E-Learning Days in 2018-2019 School Year
Culver Community School students will be participating in e-Learning in next school year.
Superintendent Karen Shuman said that when school board members met on Monday, they approved the calendar for the 2018-2019 school year.
Shuman explained that the calendar has three E-Learning days built in, to allow students and teachers to get familiarized with the system. Continue reading
Calendar Options Presented to Oregon-Davis School Board
The Oregon-Davis School Board is considering adjustments to the school calendar, starting next school year. Superintendent Dr. Don Harman says there are a couple areas of concern. “One is obviously looking at the Christmas break and how the Christmas break falls,” he explains, “and then also graduation. Right now, we have graduation on Friday. We’re looking at getting that to be on a Saturday.”
