The Marshall County Commissioners will meet on Monday, June 30 in an executive session in their quest to find a new highway department superintendent.
The purpose of the meeting will be to interview an applicant for the position.
Knox Water Line Project to Close Road in Front of Post Office
Knox Mayor Rick Chambers updated the city council members last night about a water line project in front of the U.S. Post Office that is expected to that road for today only.
Street department crews, water department crews and sewer department crews will tackle the project on Washington Street between Shield Street and Portland Street. Mayor Chambers said Water Superintendent Todd Gardner believes this will help decrease the freezing pipe issues in that area.
Oregon-Davis School Board to Advertise for Fuel Bids
The Oregon-Davis School Board members decided to advertise for bids for gasoline and diesel fuel for the 2014-2015 school year.
Superintendent Greg Briles said they will be looking for fuel bids and another aspect after experiencing problems at the school’s campus this winter.
LaPorte Man Turns Himself in on Drug Charge
A LaPorte man turned himself into the LaPorte County Jail after a warrant was issued for his arrest on a charge of dealing in a schedule III controlled substance (suboxone) which is a Class B felony.
Kyle Shumate, 24, surrendered himself on Monday. He was released from jail after posting a $2,500 bond. Shumate will appear soon for an initial hearing in LaPorte County Circuit Court.
Support Ancilla College With a Tax-Deductible Contribution
Ancilla College officials are closing out the school’s fiscal year with a final push to boost the school’s general fund budget. Known as the Ancilla Fund, it is used for day-to-day operating expenses at the two-year private college. Executive Director of Institutional Management Todd Zeltwanger says contributions in any amount are welcome. Continue reading
Knox Board of Public Works to Meet Today
The Knox Board of Public Works will be meeting this morning at 9:30 a.m.
The board members will hear an update from Street Department Superintendent Jeff Borg who will have an update on paving and other projects in his department. Water Superintendent Todd Gardner will have an update on water lines issues and fire hydrant replacement. Wastewater Superintendent Kelly Clemons will also discuss operations at the treatment plant.
Starke County Historical Society Loans Horse to Library
A special piece from the Starke County Historical Society is on loan to a local library. Fred and Judy Parker of Boca Raton, Fla., formerly of Starke County, donated a 1920s antique carousel horse to the museum a few years ago. Until recently it’s been on display at the Starke County Museum. Space there is limited, so the historical society board wanted to find a special spot to display the piece for public enjoyment. Continue reading
Play it Safe When Using Fireworks
The Fourth of July is an exciting holiday filled with picnics and other celebrations that may include fireworks. Indiana State Police officers urge you to play it safe when using fireworks.
Only adults can purchase fireworks. A person 18 and older has to be present when anyone younger than 18 is using or possessing consumer fireworks. Children must be supervised at all times when fireworks are in use.
CASA Volunteers Needed in Starke County
The Starke County Court Appointed Special Advocate program is seeking ordinary people to do an extraordinary job.
CASA is currently taking applications for it’s fall volunteer training classes. CASA volunteers work to help abused and neglected children in Starke County who have been taken from their homes and placed into temporary foster care. They help these children find safe, permanent homes where they can thrive. Each advocate undergoes training to be a powerful voice for the children’s best interest.
State Park Field Trip Request Deadline Approaching
Educators interested in taking students in grades K-12 on field trips to state parks or reservoirs can take advantage of the new field trip fund offered by the Indiana Natural Resource Foundation.
Monday June 30 is the deadline to submit applications for the Discovering the Outdoors Field Trip Grant Program. The grant application can be found here.
Police Investigate Shooting in LaPorte
Officers from the LaPorte City Police Department are looking for more information in a shooting early this morning at Ellian’s Pub/Avenue Bar in the 600 block of Michigan Avenue.
Witnesses told police that an African American man confronted another African American man which escalated into gunfire. The victim was shot once and the suspect fled the establishment in an unknown vehicle.
The Crossing Officials Working Toward Opening Aug. 1
Plans are coming along for The Crossing alternative school in Starke County.
According to Jena Bontrager from The Crossing’s corporate office, a local board has been formed with Mark Bailey as the president of that board.
A building for classes has been secured. The Starke County Crossing will be holding classes in the old Sears building in the Mint Leaf Plaza. Bontrager said there will be some remodeling inside the building to create walls and different areas that would help in the education process.
Road to Close for Water Line Work in Knox
Knox Water Department crews will be working on a water line in front of the U.S. Post Office and that street will need to be closed in order to make the necessary repairs.
According to Mayor Rick Chambers, the work will begin on Wednesday on Washington Street at the intersection of Bower Street. The entire length of Washington Street from Shield Street to Portland Street will be closed throughout most of the day on Wednesday.
Marshall County Government to Move Foward with Bond Refinancing
The Marshall County Commissioners and the Marshall County Council met in joint session Monday morning to discuss the possibility of refinancing the bonds the county took out when the Marshall County Jail was built back in 2006.
The bond for the jail project was roughly $15 million in 2006 and $11 million is still outstanding. The county is hoping to lower their payment of $1.2 million per year until 2026.
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits Available
Parents who work may be able to take advantage of the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit when they file their 2014 federal income taxes. A credit lowers the amount of money you have to pay. In order to claim this credit, expenses must be for one or more children under age 13 and must be work-related. This includes the cost of childcare while you are looking for work if you do not have a job. Continue reading
Knox City Council to Meet Tonight
The Knox City Council will meet tonight where the members will have discussions on the tall grass ordinance and the 2015 salary ordinance.
Mayor Rick Chambers told the council at the last meeting that he has sent several letters to residents concerning rank vegetation and the ordinance will be reviewed tonight for changes.
Winamac Man Arrested on Burglary Charge
A Winamac man is in the Pulaski County Jail after an alleged burglary incident at an abandoned residence on 800 W.
A witness told Pulaski County Sheriff’s deputies that a man stole items from the home and fled in a pickup. The witness followed the suspect, Travis Wireman, as Wireman fled. Wireman reportedly threw items at the witness while driving and crashed into a tree at 750 N. and 750 W. The suspect then fled on foot.
LaPorte Police Investigating Arson
A Thursday night fire at a LaPorte home was deliberately set, according to authorities. LaPorte Police and Fire responded to the residence in the 200 block of Cable Street at 9:18 p.m., according to a news release. The occupant said he was in the living room, heard a “splashing” noise, saw a moving light source and the bathroom burst into flames. Continue reading
Plymouth Officials Cut River Park Center Ribbon
A flood-prone area of downtown Plymouth is now a park for all to enjoy. U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly was among the dignitaries on hand for Saturday’s dedication of the city’s River Park Center. He praised the community’s ability to see a problem and continue to improve it and make it better, as they did by turning the former G&G Grocery and Harvey Mart location into a family-friendly recreational space. Continue reading
Traffic Stop Lands Lapaz Man in Jail
A Lapaz man faces a felony drug offense after an officer from the Marshall County Police Department pulled his car over for an equipment violation. James A. McMichael Jr. was stopped just after midnight on Friday, June 20 at the intersection of U.S. 31 and U.S. 6, according to a news release. The officer who pulled him over noted a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was allegedly in possession of marijuana. Police say McMichael failed several field sobriety tests and a certified chemical test at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth. He’s charged with operating while intoxicated and operating while intoxicated controlled substance.
