One Dead, 15 Injured in LaPorte County Bus Crash

Posted on Author WKVI

 

 
 

Snowy roads are to blame for a New Year’s Day collision between a pickup truck and a charter bus in LaPorte County that claimed a life. It happened around 3:30 p.m. on U.S. 20 just east of County Road 450 in the Rolling Prairie area, according to our reporting partners at WNDU-TV. A pickup truck driven by 36-year-old John Kallok of Griffith was westbound, lost control on the slick road and swerved into the path of a chartered bus. First responders had to cut Kallok from the wreckage using the jaws of life. He was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force trauma. The 15 passengers on the bus were treated at area hospitals for non-life-treatening injuries. The bus was en route from Four Winds Casino in Michigan toward the South Bend area when the crash occurred. The driver managed to avoid striking a line of trees, drove through a ditch and skidded about 300 feet off the road into a cornfield.

Marshall County Commissioners Approve Pre-Payments

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
Along with the approval of year-end claims, the Marshall County Commissioners approved pre-payment for a new van for the Marshall County Corrections facility during a special meeting held Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Sheriff Tom Chamberlin told the commissioners that he would be purchasing a used 2013 Ford van from Oliver Ford that would be used to transport prisoners. There will be no trade-in as an older, smaller van will be used for local transfers.

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Operation Round Up Scholarships Available

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
Operation Round Up is offering a total of six scholarships for high school seniors who are planning to continue their education at a college or university in 2014. Operation Round Up Scholarships are available for students whose parents or guardians are Kankakee Valley REMC members and have been participating in Operation Round up since Jan. 27, 2014, which is one month prior to when the applications are due.

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Experts Warn of Risks Involved With Deregulation

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
While efforts are underway to develop a new energy plan, one idea being considered is the “customer choice” option, which would allow retail customers to choose their own electric supplier. While that may sound like a good idea, some experts warn that there are risks involved. Executive director Kerwin Olson of the Citizens Action Coalition agrees new energy policies are needed, but he said basic necessities like home heating must remain affordable.

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January Declared National Radon Action Month

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
Health agencies across the country are joining forces to raise awareness of the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. Radon is a naturally-occurring, invisible and odorless radioactive gas to which millions of Americans are unknowingly exposed. The federal Environmental Protection Agency estimates one in 15 homes in the United States contain high levels of radon. January is Radon Awareness Month. Property owners are urged to have their homes tested for high radon levels, especially if it’s been more than two years since such testing was performed. Find more information online at www.RadonMonth.org.

Head-On Collision Claims One Life, Injures Two

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

A head-on collision last night in Marshall County claims a life. The wreck happened around 8 p.m. in front of LaVille Elementary School, according to our reporting partners at WNDU-TV. Authorities say Tyler Ohara, 24, from Bicknell, crossed the median into oncoming northbound traffic and died on impact. Marshall County Coroner Bill Cleavenger stated that Ohara was killed instantly of blunt force trauma. Toxicology tests were completed but results are pending and could be delayed due to the New Year’s holiday.

Two people in the other vehicle were injured in the crash but their condition is unknown. The accident remains under investigation.

Culver Man Injured in Accident Outside Plymouth

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
Marshall County deputies responded to a single vehicle accident on Sunday where an SUV had gone off a steep embankment on Michigan Road near the south junction with U.S. 31.

Officers found the driver, Timothy Wilson of Culver, lying several feet away from the vehicle. According to the report, he was severely injured and had been in the elements for some time. He was airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend in an unknown condition. The accident is still under investigation. Speed and alcohol have not been rules out as a factor.

Marshall County deputies were assisted at the scene by Plymouth firefighters and EMS officials.

Marshall County Man Arrested After Driving While Drunk

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
A man was arrested by Marshall County officers after his truck was found off the roadway on 9B Road and Hawthorn Road Thursday evening.

Officers received notice about an unwanted guest at a home on 8C Road and as they were on their way to the scene, the suspect left the home and was reportedly intoxicated. Police arrived in the area only to find the suspect’s vehicle off the roadway and stuck in its position. The alleged suspect, Larry Thompson, 50, who was reportedly driving the vehicle was found hiding in a cornfield.

Thompson was booked into the Marshall County Jail on preliminary charges of Operating While Intoxicated and Public Intoxication. Formal charges are pending with the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office.

Starke Council Approves Transfer for Prosecutor’s Office

Posted on Author WKVI

David Pearman
David Pearman
The Starke County Council last night held a special meeting to take care of some end-of-year business and discussed a necessary transfer for the prosecutor’s office to ensure that none of their budget items are in the negative come the new year. Council President Dave Pearman told the council that the prosecutor’s office budget was negative $9381, and in the past, the council has approved a transfer from the pretrial diversion fund to cover the deficit.

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Culver Park Board Dissolves Park Activities Director Position; Advertises for New Superintendent

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
The Culver Park Board held a special meeting on Dec. 20 and according to a published article in the Culver Citizen, the park activities director position was eliminated.

It was suggested that the Donna McKee’s contract be reviewed to see when the contract ends as she was hired as the park activities director in January. Board member Patty Stallings stated that when a new park superintendent is hired, park activities planning would be absorbed by that department head.

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Culver Fire Department Honor Wall In Need of Bricks

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
To honor those who serve and those who have served the Culver-Union Township Fire Department, the department is erecting an Honor Wall located on the corner of Lake Shore Drive and State Street. The wall aims to honor local firefighters but it needs the community’s support in order to have the bricks made to honor each firefighter.

Bricks for active and former firefighters can be purchased by individuals but are limited to one brick per active member or honoree. In addition, the department has established a number of criteria that must be met.

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Designate a Sober Driver as Part of Your New Year’s Plans

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
It’s time to celebrate the end of 2013 and the start of 2014. Police officers ask that you celebrate responsibly. They will be out patrolling the roadways to make sure all are safe from drunk drivers.

Major John Boyd from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department told WKVI that the county’s DUI Taskforce officers will be out doing saturation patrols. The DUI Taskforce includes officers from the LaPorte and Michigan City Police Departments. Deputies will also be out with New Year’s holiday celebrations in mind.

The Starke and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Departments will have deputies out on patrol and will be on the lookout for intoxicated drivers.

Make sure you designate a sober driver if you plan on doing any alcohol-filled New Year’s celebrations.

Recent North Judson Fire Ruled Accidental

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

A North Judson family lost their home the day after Christmas due to an accidental fire. The North Judson-Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the home on Wesley Street around 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26 and remained on the scene for about two hours. Nobody was injured, but the family’s dog died in the blaze. Fire Chief Joe Leszek tells WKVI News the trailer fire was started by the homeowner trying to unthaw pipes.