Kim Ferraro with the Hoosier Environmental Council said it’s an important issue this year because of several proposed policy measures aimed at significantly weakening protections from polluting industrial livestock operations.
Knox City Police Department Investigating Infant Death
Officers were called to the Woods Apartment complex at 701 E. Danker St. after dispatchers received a report of an infant who was not breathing. Medics from Starke County EMS arrived at the scene and were assisted by officers in the care of the infant. The child was transported to IU Health Starke Hospital and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
This incident remains under investigation with the Knox City Police Department. Foul play is not suspected, however an autopsy is scheduled for today. The child’s name is currently being withheld pending the outcome of the investigation.
Marshall County BZA Approves Variance for Power Plant
LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office Excited About Video Visitation
Knox Students Raise Pennies for Vance
Pulaski County Council Approves Additional Funds for Recycling Center
Knox City Council Receives Revenue Projection
Knox City Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston reported to city council this week that the revenue projection looks little lean when it comes to the budget.
Houston explained that $6,000 has been cut from EDIT fund and other places will be out money. However, the certified shares will get a boost of $2,000. The 1782 form has not yet come back from the state which will mandate where the city will need to cut from the 2014 budget.
Houston also told the council that 34 delinquent utility notices have been sent out. As a result, $3,926.83 has since been collected with $1,000 still outstanding.
NJ-SP Graduate Honored for 25 Years of Service to ISP
Superintendent Douglas G. Carter presented awards in the form of certificates and longevity medals to the five troopers.
Eastern Pulaski School Board Extends Administrator Contracts
Superintendent Dan Foster said the change in leadership at the corporation had delayed this process, but the board forged ahead with approving all contracts.
“We did go ahead and extend all of the principal’s contracts and the Athletic Director’s contract for an extra year,” explained Foster. “Their contracts are effective June 30, 2015 now instead of just this next summer.”
“Messiah” to be Performed Sunday at Ancilla College
“Messiah” is considered one of the greatest pieces of Christian music ever written. Embedded in the famous piece is the “Hallelujah Chorus” which is the most familiar movement.
Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Underway
With yearly open enrollment now underway, Hoosiers with Medicare Part D or an Advantage Plan are being urged to take a fresh look at their coverage. According to AARP spokesman Seth Boffeli, during the enrollment period, it’s important that all beneficiaries review their plans.
“Just take a look at what their coverage is, think about if it’s meeting their needs. See if there might be something that might cost a little less but cover just as much – and make those decisions. So, it’s an important time for seniors,” Boffeli said.
Heroin Causing Problems in Pulaski County
A dangerous drug is making a resurgence in the area, as Pulaski County Sheriff Michael Gayer said the county has seen its third death as a direct result of a heroin overdose. Gayer said the third death was less than a week ago; the man was found by a roommate with heroin and paraphernalia nearby.
Gayer explained it’s difficult to combat this new danger in the community, as thus far, it’s staying under the radar.
LaPorte County Metro Operations Unit Investigations Result in Three Arrests
Investigators from the LaPorte County Metro Operations Unit recently arrested three people on drug-related charges. Dayle R. Pace, 27, of LaPorte, is charged with the A felony offense of dealing heroin. She’s being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond and is due to appear in court on Friday. Shane Ransom, 33, of LaPorte, is free on bond after being charged with the felony offense of dealing marijuana. So is Rebecca Johnson, 27, of LaPorte, who also faces a felony charge of dealing in marijuana.
The LaPorte County Metro Operations Task Force is comprised of investigators from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office and LaPorte Police Department. They are charged with investigating drug activity. Anybody with information about drug activity within their jurisdiction is urged to call them at (219) 325-9022.
National Adoption Day Ceremony and CASA Swearing-In Scheduled
Starke Circuit Court will be joining courts across the country in celebrating National Adoption Day on Friday, Nov. 22, when Judge Kim Hall will be swearing in new Court Appointed Special Advocates following a ceremony in his courtroom.
More than 3200 children currently in foster care in Indiana are ready and waiting to be adopted. National Adoption Day is a collective national effort to raise awareness of children like these who are waiting for a forever family. All of these children are in their situation through no fault of their own; many are in the foster care system because their birth parents were not protective and nurturing caregivers or chose to abuse or simply abandon them.
Warrant Issued for Sex Offender
The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a wanted sex offender and is asking for your help in locating him.
Stephen N. Rootes, 31, is wanted on a criminal arrest warrant issued by the LaPorte County Circuit Court for Failure to Register which is a Class C felony.
Knox Firefighter Raises Questions About Injury Claim
Knox-Center Township firefighter Wayne Noah and Fire Chief Kenny Pfost were at the Knox City Council meeting Tuesday night to raise questions about Noah’s injury claim through the city.
Noah was injured five weeks ago while assisting in an investigation at a fire scene. He fractured his ankle in the incident and has filed a claim through the city. He has received some money from the insurance but not all of what is owed to him. If you’re also having difficulty getting the compensation you’re entitled to, you may consider speaking with a workers compensation attorney.
Luncheon Scheduled for Potential Winamac Hotel Investors
Cobblestone Development specializes in building budget friendly accommodations for business travelers and others in small communities like Winamac. Developer John F. Seibert says the accommodations would be similar to those offered by a Holiday Inn Express or Hampton Inn. He adds hotels like the one his company is proposing take about five months to build.
Candidate Filing for 2014 Election in January
Candidate filing for the 2014 election is just two months away. Several members of the community have already announced intentions to seek their party’s vote for a chance to win a seat in local elections.
Starke County Clerk Evelyn Skronski said the first day to file for candidacy is Jan. 8, 2014. Her position is up for election in 2014 as well as prosecutor, auditor, sheriff, coroner, assessor, county commissioner district 2, county council districts 1-4, and Center Township assessor. The at-large and North Bend Township seats on the Culver Community School Board are up for election, as well as the California Township, Washington Township and Center Township Seat 1 on the Knox Community School Board and the District 1-3 seats on the Oregon-Davis School Board.
Winamac Seniors Present Policy Proposal to School Board
The Eastern Pulaski School Board heard a presentation from a group of seniors who developed a “bring your own device” policy as a class project for the board to consider for second semester.
Superintendent Dan Foster explained that this policy would allow students to bring in their own iPad, laptop, smart phone or technology device for use during the second semester. The seniors felt that they weren’t being treated fairly.
West Central Maintenance Officials Working on Boiler Issue
The West Central School Board recently learned that the boiler system needs repairs fairly quickly as the colder weather sets in.
Superintendent Charles Mellon explained that one boiler needs to be repaired and another needs replaced at the high school.
“It’s a three-phase unit so we are down to one boiler and we need one repaired rather quickly,” stated Mellon. “We don’t want to be caught having no heating system at all. We’re going to move rapidly on that.”
Mellon has discussed the issue with the maintenance director at the school corporation and repairs are ongoing at this time.
