Jury Returns Guilty Verdicts Against Chavez

 A jury of eight women and four men deliberated for about 90 minutes Friday night before returning guilty verdicts against Gary Chavez. He’s the Knox man accused of murdering his estranged wife, Kimberly Chavez of Portage, at his rural California Township home last June 6th, kidnapping an employee from Mark Bailey’s Discount Center and carjacking a couple in English Lake. Continue reading

Iconic Starke County Native American Sculpture Damaged

damaged statue 2An area general merchandise and surplus store says one of its iconic business draws has been vandalized.

Richard’s of Toto says that on the night of July 29th, video evidence seems to indicate that two individuals climbed the pedestal of its “Muffler Man” sculpture – a Native American fiberglass statue standing about 30 feet tall – and broke the arm. The sculpture is placed in front of the business.
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Immediate Area Included in Gov. Pence Disaster Declaration Request

Indiana Governor Mike Pence
Indiana Governor Mike Pence

Indiana must now wait following a formal request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking for a Disaster Declaration.

Governor Mike Pence sent the letter – which states 53 of Indiana’s 92 counties are in need of assistance due to rains and flooding that damaged crops across the Hoosier State. Indiana experienced record rainfall in June of this year, with the first half of July showing strong precipitation in the immediate area.
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Starke County Youth Club Receives Generous Donation from 1st Source Bank

1stSourceBank
1st Source Banking Manger Judy Caudill assisting SCYC members

The 1st Source Corporation, the parent company of 1st Source Bank is the largest locally controlled financial institution headquartered in the northern Indiana-southwestern Michigan area and has assets of $5.01 billion. For more than a century, 1st Source has been committed to the success of the communities it serves. Continue reading

Medaryville Town Wide Yard Sales Today

 
 

Bargains abound in Medaryville today. The community on U.S. 421 in Pulaski County is hosting town-wide yard sales all day. Several local residents are participating. Watch for signs as you head into town, and watch for pedestrian traffic as you drive through.

 

Murder Defendant Testifies, Closing Arguments Anticipated This Afternoon

 The fate of a Knox man accused of killing his estranged wife, kidnapping an employee from Mark Bailey’s Discount Center and stealing another vehicle in English Lake will soon be in the hands of a jury. Closing arguments are anticipated later today in the trial of Gary Chavez.

He was the lone witness for the defense and offered an often emotional account of his relationship with victim Kimberly Chavez. He said he felt “totally different” from the first time he went out with her and described their marriage as happy, affectionate and loving. Chavez admitted they argued about her son and some about money toward the end of their relationship. According to him they separated for 35 days about a decade into their marriage but reconciled and all was forgiven. Continue reading

Warm Weather Dries Fields, Presents Drought Stress

 
 

The warm streak in July has been somewhat welcome in area farm fields.

That’s according to Purdue Extension Agricultural Educator Phil Woolery. He says warming temperatures and a lack of precipitation in the area the second half of July has allowed time for soil to dry. That follows what is considered a record breaking year for moisture in June.
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State Rests in Murder Trial, Chavez Testimony Expected Tomorrow

 The state has rested its case in the trial of a Knox man accused of killing his estranged wife. Defendant Gary Chavez is expected to take the stand tomorrow morning as a witness for the defense. He’s also charged with kidnapping and carjacking in connection with the events that occurred on June 6, 2014. The Starke County Sheriff’s Office got a 911 call at 3:37 that afternoon from a man in English Lake reporting a carjacking. Earlier testimony indicates that’s where Chavez left kidnapping victim Bryant Wagner when his car ran out of gas. Det. Rob Olejniczak from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office testified that based on information from Wagner he went to Mark Bailey’s Discount Center and found the pickup truck Chavez left in the parking lot. Continue reading

State Could Rest in Murder Trial Today

 The state could wrap up its case this afternoon against a Knox man charged with murder, kidnapping and carjacking. They’ve called 12 witnesses so far to testify against Gary Chavez. He’s accused of killing his estranged wife, Kimberly Chavez, at his rural Knox home last June 6th, driving his pickup truck to Mark Bailey’s Discount Center, kidnapping an employee at gunpoint, driving his car to English Lake and stealing a Jeep Grand Cherokee from a couple there. Continue reading