Pulaski Chamber of Commerce Seeking Halleck Award Nominations

Posted on Author WKVI

 

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominates for the H.J. Halleck Community Service Award. According to their press release, “Every town, every city is blessed with a handful of individuals who selflessly donate their time, energy and hard work to make their community a better place for everyone to live.”

These people often give their time and energy for years without recognition or gratitude, and so to rectify that, the Chamber of Commerce will recognize such outstanding individuals by awarding the H.J. Halleck Community Service Award to one deserving individual each year. Continue reading →

A Shooting at Purdue University Results in One Death, One Arrest

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

One person was taken into custody this afternoon after a shooting in the Electrical Engineering building on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette.

Police responded to the campus shortly after noon Eastern Time after a gunman shot and killed a person he was reportedly targeting.  The identity of the shooter or the victim has not been released.  There is no further threat on the campus.

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National Weather Service Cancels Lake Effect Snow Watch

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The Lake Effect Snow Watch for Starke County has been canceled, but bursts of heavy snow are still possible this morning. That snowfall combined with gusty northeast winds at 15 to 25 miles per hour with gusts of up to 30 will lead to areas of blowing and drifting snow. Visibilities may be reduced to less than half a mile at times, according to the National Weather Service. Snowfall amounts of between 2 and 4 inches with as much as 5 inches in a few areas is possible before the snow diminishes. Travel may become difficult in spots, especially along west-east untreated roads. Motorists are urged to use caution this morning.

 

Construction Crew Finds Human Skull in Valparaiso

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

An excavating crew in Porter County makes a grisly discovery. Contractors for the Precision Pipeline Company found a human skull late Monday morning and notified the Porter County Sheriff’s Department. Detectives searched the area but did not uncover any additional human remains. A forensic anthropologist from the University of Indianapolis reviewed digital photos of the skull and said he believed it to be of pre-1940s origin. Conservation officers took possession of the remains and instructed the Precision Pipeline Company to cease digging in the area where the skull was found. The DNR Historical Preservation and Archeology Division will analyze the remains to determine the skull’s age and origin.

Starke Highway Department Gets Green Light for Inspection Supervisor

Posted on Author WKVI

Starke County Highway Superintendent Stephen "Rik" Ritzler
Starke County Highway Superintendent Stephen “Rik” Ritzler
The Starke County Highway Department will soon be on the search for a new employee after the county commissioners last night gave authorization for Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler to create a new position in his department. Ritzler asked that the commissioners approve his request to ultimately hire a construction inspection supervisor, which would allow the county to forgo hiring inspectors for projects.

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Police Continue to Look for Sex Offender

Posted on Author WKVI

Mark Giffin
Mark Giffin
Officials at the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department are continuing in their efforts to locate a sex offender that has failed to register.

Pulaski County Sheriff Michael Gayer said Mark Griffin, 51, whose last known address was 7934 Lake Street in Monterey, was convicted in Florida of child molestation and lewd acts with a child under the age of 16.

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No Injuries in Hamlet House Fire

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
A house fire in Hamlet Saturday night was contained to one room and no one was injured.

According to Hamlet Fire Chief Bob Goetz, the late-night fire was contained to the bedroom of the home on Davis Street. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and the state fire marshal will be on the scene later today.

The Hamlet Fire Department was assisted by the Knox-Center Township Fire Department and the Koontz Lake Fire Department.

January is National Radon Action Month

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
This month is National Radon Action Month according to the Environmental Protection Agency as health agencies throughout the country joining forces to promote awareness of the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. The American Lung Association, Centers for Disease Control and National Cancer Institute all agree that radon is a national health problem and encourage radon testing during the January awareness drive.

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Expert Urges Hoosiers to Be Honest About Alcohol Consumption

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

A new study from the CDC claims too many Hoosiers are drinking heavily and not being honest about it, with at least 38 million Americans consuming too much alcohol and only one in six ever discussing the behavior with a doctor. Experts say alcohol screening and brief counseling can reduce drinking on an occasion by 25 percent in people who drink too much, but according to Dr. Louis Profeta, an emergency physician with St. Vincent’s Hospital, it’s hard to screen patients because they often aren’t truthful about their alcohol intake.

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National Weather Service Issues Lake Effect Snow Watch

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

We’re in for another significant snowfall. The National Weather Service has issued a Lake Effect Snow Watch for late tonight through tomorrow evening. Snow accumulations in excess of 10 inches are possible within what’s described as a “narrow but intense” snow band. Heavy snow with snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour are possible. Blowing and drifting may also occur, with north winds of between 10 and 20 miles per hour. As a result, visibilities may be reduced to one-quarter mile or less, roads may become slick and snow-covered, and roads may become impassable. The WKVI Information Center will be staffed tonight to bring you the very latest on this storm, including any closings or delays or travel advisories. Check our closings and delays page frequently for updates.

DNR Law Enforcement Responds to Snowmobile Fatality, Wrecks

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Several snowmobile accidents, including one fatality, were reported over the weekend. The fatality occurred on Lake Manitou in Fulton County early Sunday morning, according to DNR officials. They say James Downs III, 51, of Rochester, was operating his snowmobile alone when the accident happened. Friends found him around 6 a.m. Sunday pinned under his snowmobile. Initial findings indicate Downs was approaching the shoreline, turned too sharply and was thrown from his snowmobile. Officials with the Fulton County Coroner’s Office say he died of blunt force trauma to his chest and torso. Speed, alcohol and reduced visibility are possible contributing factors to the crash, but toxicology results will not be available for several weeks. Continue reading →

Races Shape Up As More Candidates File

Posted on Author WKVI

 

The latest round of candidate filings for the May primary includes two incumbent Starke County Council members, one of whom already has a potential general election opponent. Republican Anthony “Tony” Radkiewicz, Sr. and Democrat Jennifer Davis are both running for the District 2 County Council seat. Davis is giving up her seat on the county commission to run for the council. District 2 includes part of Center and California Townships. Council President David Pearman has also filed for reelection in council district 3, which runs south through the southern half of Oregon Township through Washington and North Bend Townships. Republican Talia Reed has also filed her candidacy for the Starke County Council District I seat. It includes the rest of Center and Oregon Townships along with the Davis and Jackson precincts.

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MCEDC Narrows Search for Director

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
Over 70 resumes have been received by the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation board members and a decision on a candidate should be made by the end of the first quarter.

According to a published report in the Pilot News, former director Jay Bahr resigned in November since taking the lead position in April of 2013 and the corporation has been relying on staff already in place to complete the duties of the director.

Board Chairman Bill Davis told the publication that the applications have been narrowed to less than 12 and four of the candidates will meet with the board for final interviews.

Marshall County Commissioners to Meet Tuesday

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
With today being Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Marshall County Commissioners will meet tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. ET in the commissioners’ meeting room on the second floor of the Marshall County Building.

EMA Director Clyde Avery will present more sub-grant agreement applications, Sheriff Tom Chamberlin will discuss prepayment of vehicle purchases, and Highway Superintendent Neal Haeck, County Attorney James Clevenger, and Auditor Penny Lukenbill will present reports.

The commissioners are also expected to approve the 2014 covered bridge certification, an addendum to the Purdue Extension contract and a revised contract for the county attorney.

Knox, Oregon-Davis School Boards to Meet Tonight

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
Government and school board meeting schedules are getting back on track after the massive snow storm canceled many of the regular meeting the first part of the month.

The Knox Community School Board members will meet for their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. CT in the administrative office in the Palmer wing of the elementary school. The board members will consider the following items: a resignation and other personnel items, a resolution, an authorization to transfer funds, an authorization to carry over CPF funds to 2014 and the cancellation of outstanding checks.

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4-H Enrollment Under Way

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
Annual enrollment for 4-H continues through the end of the month. Starke County Extension Director and 4-H Youth Development Educator Elisabeth Smith says it’s a youth enrichment program for youngsters in grade school through high school.

“Our traditional 4-H program starts in 3rd grade and goes until a member is in 12th grade or 10 years. Prior to that, in order to introduce the kids and get them excited about 4-H, we have what’s called “Exploring 4-H.” That’s for our youth in kindergarten through 2nd grade,” said Smith.

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Financial Aid Meeting Set for Jan. 29

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
Those needing information on how to pay for college are invited to attend a presentation at the Knox High School to gather that information.

The director of financial aid at Ancilla College, Kathy Mills, will be at the school on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. CT where she will assist parents with the FAFSA form as well as answer any questions related to financial aid.

This paying for college presentation is open to all students, parents or community members who are interested in attending. Senior students and their parents are highly encouraged to attend.