Kersting’s Annual Bike Blessing Tomorrow

Motorcyclists gather for the ride
Motorcyclists gather for the ride

Motorcycle enthusiasts once again have the chance to mark the start of the biking season with a Blessing of the Bikes tomorrow at Kersting’s Cycle Center south of North Judson. Pastor James Young from Heartland Christian Center in North Judson, a motorcycle rider himself, will share the message this year, before going around and blessing the bikes for safe travels. Continue reading

Local Heroin Use Grows, Look for Signs of Drug Activity

 
Heroin can be a brown or white powder or a thick, black substance, known as “black tar.”

Heroin use is a growing concern for local law enforcement. Detective Dave Combs with the Knox Police Department says it first showed up in Starke County a few years ago and quickly grew in popularity. He says it typically comes into the area from the south side of Chicago and South Bend. The drug is derived from the opium plant and is imported from Mexico. Combs adds users can buy a folded foil packet of heroin for about $20 and get high.  Continue reading

Downtown Revitalization Projects to Start in Hamlet

Hamlet Fall 5The downtown revitalization program for Hamlet was given a green light last night for starting Phase I of the project. This step includes some 200-feet of new sidewalk and curb and the installation of three new antique street lights. In another improvement program, a 50-50 sidewalk and handicap ramp was approved for installation at the Hamlet American Legion. Continue reading

Fireworks Test Planned at Wythogan Park

 The new venue for the annual Knox fireworks display will be put to the test next week. Mayor Dennis Estok told the city council Tuesday evening Mad Bomber will be at Wythogan Park on Wednesday, May 4th at dusk to set off a few practice shells and test visibility. Members of the Knox Fire Department will be standing by to assist. Continue reading

City Officials Clash Over Truck Route Fines

Knox Truck OrdinanceThe Knox City Council voted 3-2 to raise the fine for truck route violations from $50 to $150 after a spirited discussion. Mayor Dennis Estok contends the fine needs to be raised in order to deter local drivers from playing the odds and using Culver Road to get from U.S. 35 to the Knox Industrial Park instead of taking State Road 8. Councilman Tim Manns renewed his call for additional signs to alert truck drivers of the route.

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Starke Hospital CEO Touts Successes in Patient Care

 

Starke Hospital officials are recognizing some of the hospital’s accomplishments when it comes to specific areas of patient care. Hospital CEO Craig Felty says they continuously measure a variety of patient safety and quality of care indicators. This information is then reported to the federal government, but the hospital also uses it to make sure it’s offering the best care possible. Continue reading