The representative will be at the LaPorte City Hall, 801 Michigan Ave., from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to help you with problems you may have.
NWICA to Offer Food Voucher for Older Residents
Taxpayer Appeals Medaryville Mowing Ordinance Violation, Demands Rescindment
Novitzke Pleads Not Guilty; $1 Million Bond Remains
A Starke County man who was taken into custody following a pursuit incident spanning two counties received his initial hearing in the Starke Circuit Court yesterday. Julius Novitzke, who is currently held in the Starke County Jail on a $1 million bond, pleaded not guilty to charges of Resisting Law Enforcement, Receiving Stolen Property and Reckless Driving and requested a public defender due to his inability to pay for his own counsel.
Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall appointed attorney Timothy Lemon to Novitzke’s case due to the fact that Lemon is representing Novitzke in another case in the court. Novitzke will have to pay a $100 public defender fee to the clerk.
Grovertown Man Sentenced on Manufacturing Methamphetamine Charge
Adam Wagers, 23, pleaded guilty in a plea agreement with the state to a charge of Manufacturing Methamphetamine, a Class B felony. Judge Robert O. Bowen sentenced Wagers to 14 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections with four years suspended. In exchange for the plea of guilty, four other methamphetamine-related counts filed against him were dismissed.
Kirby Spokeswoman Responds to WKVI Inquiry
“since distributors of Kirby products are independently owned and operated businesses, the background checks run on their salespeople or ‘dealers’ are done by the distributors themselves. Distributors of Kirby products sign contracts, which require them to conduct background checks on all of their dealers entering consumers’ homes for purposes of demonstrating and/or selling Kirby home cleaning systems. Once a year, the distributors sign certifications that they are running background checks on all members of their sales force.”
Aaron Brewer Sentenced on Drug Charge
A man who admitted to having a lengthy drug abuse problem was sentenced in Starke Circuit Court Wednesday morning.
Aaron Brewer, 23, pleaded guilty in a plea agreement with the state to a charge of Possession of a Narcotic Drug (Heroin) as a Class D felony. He was incarcerated on May 27 of this year after he violated the terms of home detention by abusing heroin. A charge of Residential Entry from another case was dismissed.
Knox City Police Investigate Incidents at Two Nursing Homes
The Knox City Police Department is investigating one burglary and one attempted burglary at two nursing homes.
On Monday, June 17, officers were called to the Wintersong Village Nursing Home on Edgewood Drive for a burglary. Police discovered that the suspect(s) entered the business office and took cash.
LaPorte Man Sentenced to Four Years on Burglary Charge
An amended plea agreement between Christopher Webb, 26, and the Starke County prosecutor was accepted by Judge Kim Hall after a plea agreement submitted Tuesday was rejected. The previous plea agreement called for probation and Judge Hall would not accept a plea agreement with probation as Webb had not completed probation successfully in a prior sentence.
LaPorte Woman Arrested after Alleged Battery Incident
A LaPorte woman was arrested late Tuesday evening after an alleged assault.
A witness and one of the victims reportedly told LaPorte police that Kristina Yacconi, 34, came home intoxicated. Yacconi allegedly went into the kitchen and proceeded to assault one adult and the victim’s 10-year-old daughter. The witness pulled Yacconi off the victims and sat on her until the victims could leave the room. Yacconi left the residence.
Pulaski County Commissioners Approve Maintenance Expenses
Johnston told the commissioners that he is working on completing a number of maintenance projects, including some deficiencies that were found while repairing the air conditioning at the courthouse. The electrical work at the courthouse has also been completed, though they need to perform some follow-up tasks such as labeling the breaker box.
Meals on Wheels Funds Questioned by Marshall County Sheriff
The Meals on Wheels program is run out of the Marshall County Council on Aging organization and they have a contract with the sheriff’s department. The staff at the sheriff’s department prepares the meals for the Meals on Wheels program at a cost of $3.25 plus an overhead charge of 70 cents which includes labor and use of equipment.
Fireworks Season Approaching; Know Your Laws
The time for fireworks will soon be upon us, though some area residents are already lighting up the skies. The state has its own fireworks laws that specify when fireworks can be discharged, though a number of communities such as Winamac, Knox, and Plymouth have adopted their own ordinances that limit when and where fireworks can be used.
According to the state laws, fireworks can only be discharged at special discharge locations, the person’s property, or the property of another who has given permission to do so. Anyone under the age of 18 who wishes to use fireworks must be accompanied by an adult, and fireworks can only be lit before 11 p.m. and after 9 a.m. However, on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day and New Year’s Eve, fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
Kid’s Closet Ministry Aims to Provide Assistance to Starke County Children
“We’re running collections for gently used and new children’s and used clothes, and we have drop-off sites at the North Judson United Methodist Church, Route 10 Bar and Grill, Max Effex Fitness are accepting them for us,” said Lewandowski.
Knox High School Pool Open Tuesdays
Knox High School Principal Dr. Elizabeth Ratliff told the school board this week that the lifeguarding classes conducted at the high school pool went well.
Twenty-five residents have been certified as lifeguards in the classes that were offered earlier this month. Amy Nimetz said the five day classes that were held June 3–7 and June 10–14 were a success and they may be offered again.
Indiana DNR Reminds Boaters to Be Safe
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources reminds you to stay safe and in compliance this boating season.
All motorboat operators must have a valid driver’s license to operate on all Indiana public waters. Any person who is at least 15 years old may operate a motorboat if a boater education course is successfully completed and approved by the DNR.
CenturyLink Urges Businesses to Prepare for Severe Weather Season
CenturyLink is encouraging businesses to prepare for severe weather season by updating their business continuity and disaster recovery plans with resources that will minimize and eliminate risks.
CenturyLink officials advise you that a good plan should address four key elements: buildings, systems, equipment and personnel.
Sheriff’s Candidate Faces Charge of Impersonating a Public Servant
Walkerton-Lincoln Township Library Opens on Limited Schedule
St. Joesph County Auditor Peter Mullen told WKVI that the library was in arrears approximately $48,000 and the IRS contacted his office to file the necessary paperwork to put a lien on the library. The library closed in mid-May and just reopened on a limited schedule.
Starke County Council Amends Payment for Jail Suit Legal Fees
The public will get a first look at plans for a new jail east of Knox on State Road 8 during the July 22 council and commissioners meeting. That presentation is scheduled to take place at 5:30 p.m. at the county annex building.
