Bass Lake Beach Equipped With Proper Safety Equipment
North Judson Town Council Approves Readings of Mowing, Yard Sale Ordinances
The North Judson Town Council members approved the first reading of an amended mowing ordinance Monday night.
The ordinance states that any grass, weeds or natural growth on any yard or lot shall not exceed eight inches in height. If a homeowner or renter allows the growth to exceed a height of eight inches, a citation will be issued. A notification will be sent to first time violators that gives them a time period of 10 days to mow the property. If compliance is not made within that time, town crews will perform the mowing and a lien in the amount of $250 will be placed against the owner’s property. A homeowner/renter will be sent only one notice per season. For second and additional violations per season, notice will be provided per Indiana Code.
INDOT to Close U.S. 421 Near Westville
Southbound U.S. 421 traffic will be directed to go east on U.S. 6, south on State Road 39, west on U.S. 30 and back to U.S. 421. Northbound U.S. 421 drivers will be detoured east on U.S. 30, north on State Road 39, west on U.S. 6 and back to U.S. 421.
While local roads can be utilized, this is the official detour recommended by the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Starke Commissioners Receive Highway Department Update
The Starke County Commissioners this week approved permits presented by Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler to allow CenturyLink to upgrade fiber optics in the area, requiring the company to perform work near the intersection of Toto Road and County Road 250 South.
Ritzler also presented the commissioners with his department’s monthly report and said mowing is progressing as planned, with the second cycle having been completed in most of the county. The third cycle in some areas has also been completed, though the chip-seal work has been hampered by inclement weather. He said the highway department is still working on that and has begun work in Washington Township.
Sign up Now to be a CASA Volunteer
Applications are now being accepted for training this fall for volunteers wanting to be part of the Starke County Court Appointed Special Advocate program, or CASA.
CASA volunteers work to help abused and neglected children find safe, permanent homes after they are taken from their primary homes and placed into temporary foster care. Every advocate is trained to be a voice for children’s best interest.
There are more and more children that need your help in Starke County.
If you are interested in being a volunteer, the beginning of the fall training class has been scheduled for Aug. 27. Call (574) 772-7200 for more information or email starkecountycasa@yahoo.com. The deadline to apply for this training is Aug. 6.
Motorcycle Crash Claims Bourbon Man’s Life
A July 3rd motorcycle versus deer crash on a Marshall County road claimed the life of a Bourbon man. Michael A Disher, 45, was eastbound on 9B Road between Hickory and Grape Roads when a deer ran into the roadway. He couldn’t avoid striking the animal and was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:45 p.m. by officials from the Marshall County Coroner’s Office.
Culver Boys and Girls Club Progressing With Programs for Children
LaPorte County Officials Investigating Jail Fire
Officials in LaPorte County are still looking into the cause of a July 4th fire in a jail cell that sent one inmate to the hospital and forced the temporary evacuation of about 40 others. The fire started just before 1 p.m. in a cell occupied by Marzano R. Shelly, 35, of Michigan City. He’s jailed pending trial on charges of murder, robbery, possession of a firearm by a violent felon and battery by bodily waste. Shelly was alone in the cell, according to “The Times,” and is believed to have tried to burn his mattress. It smoked but did not fully ignite. Matches and lighters are banned from the jail, so it’s unclear how Shelly may have started the fire. The cell is located in an area of the jail reserved for inmates with disciplinary problems. The other nearby inmates were shifted to another part of the jail for a few hours.
Leadership Starke County Looking for Future Leaders
An opening retreat is set for Friday, Sept. 6 where team and trust building activities will be reviewed as well as a personal assessment and what it is to be a leader.
Joan Haugh from Community Services of Starke County says it’s surprising what one can get out of this organization.
LaPorte City PD to Conduct Impaired Driving Patrols
Olympic Hopeful Meet and Greet at Alliance Bank in Rensselaer
Alliance Bank in Rensselaer will be hosting a meet and greet ice cream social in honor of Rensselaer’s own Olympic Team hopeful, Kyla Chapman. Chapman has been training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs since January in the hopes of competing in the 2016 Olympic Games as a triathlete.
Culver Graduate Receives Heartland Artists Art Award
North Judson-San Pierre School Board Reorganizes
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board held their reorganization and special meeting Wednesday morning, but the only real change to the board was the swearing-in of new board member Michael Shireman. Other than that, the rest of the board members remained the same and officers positions did not change.
Three Scholarships Available for Starke County Residents
Three scholarships administered by the Northern Indiana Community Foundation for the Starke County Community Foundation are available to Starke County residents this summer. These scholarships support students currently attending college, as well as non-traditional students
The Back Home Again in Indiana Scholarship is specifically for non-traditional students which helps those who wish to further their education and/or training as a way of enhancing their employment skills.
Boater Education to Be Offered at Koontz Lake
A boater education course will soon be held at the Koontz Lake Homeowners Association clubhouse, offered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and sponsored by the Koontz Lake Homeowners Association. The course is free of charge and lunch is provided as attendees will learn general information concerning boats and maintenance, information on making boating experiences safe and more comfortable, tips on how to be a more courteous vessel operator, and laws and regulations you must follow.
Justin Hines to Perform in Free Concert
Hines was recently featured on the CBS Sunday Morning Show and the Oprah Winfrey Network where he showcased his inspiring talent.
The concert is set for Wednesday, July 10 at 7 p.m. ET at the Winamac Town Park. Food will be offered along with face painting, balloon artists and more. Free will donations will be accepted and donated to the Ralph Braun Foundation to help those with physical disabilities afford mobility transportation.
IRS Offers Tax Tips for Newlyweds
With warm weather comes weddings, and the IRS is offering several tips for newlyweds when it comes to taxes. It’s important to ensure the names and Social Security numbers that are on your tax return match your Social Security Administration records, so if you’ve changed your name, report that to the SSA by filing a Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. This form can be obtained on their website at SSA.gov, by calling 800-772-1213 or by visiting your local SSA office.
Mexico Lindo Closed Temporarily Due to Electrical Fire
An inspector is expected to arrive at the business this afternoon to check out the damage and ensure that the business is safe to reopen, but Pfost said it’s unlikely the business will reopen today.
Bass Lake Beach Closed By State Sanitarian
