Donnelly Announces Deadline for Service Academy Nominations

Joe Donnelly
Senator Joe Donnelly

Hoosier students interested in pursuing a nomination to one of our nation’s service academies need to submit an application to U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly’s office by Friday, Sept. 25.

In a statement Donnelly says it’s a “privilege” to nominate outstanding young Hoosiers to the Armed Forces’ service academies each year. They include the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.; The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.’ The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. Continue reading →

West Central Still Seeking Some Staff Positions

 

When the West Central School Board met Thursday evening they discussed a plethora of back-to-school matters. One agenda item under personnel matters was the current need for a High School English teacher and a band director middle and senior high school.

An update about facility renovations was also provided. Over the summer custodians have been working diligently to replace carpet and install new energy saving lighting.

Superintendent Don Street said that Monday, August 10 will be the first teacher day back. The Tuesday of that week will be another teacher preparation day as well as meet the teacher night for students in grades K through 5 from 6 to 7 pm eastern. Wednesday, August 11 will be a half day for teachers and students return on Thursday August 13th.

State Police Warn of Call Spoofing Scam

  
 

The Indiana State Police confirm the published telephone number for their general headquarters in downtown Indianapolis has been spoofed over the last few days. That’s the practice of masquerading as someone else by falsifying the number as it appears on the call recipient’s caller ID display. In this case, people across the country receiving the calls saw 317-232-8248 come up. Sometimes the caller reportedly spoke with a “thick Indian accent” and claimed to be from the Indiana State Police. He then proceeded to ask for personal information from the caller and threatened arrest if they did not comply. Continue reading →

Starke County Chamber Hosts Business Ribbon Cutting, Chamber After Hours

ribbon cuttingCelebrate the opening of a new business in Starke County at an upcoming Chamber After Hours mixer at the visitor center. Adventures By Tracy – CruiseOne is celebrating its grand opening on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. Guests will explore the world of travel and learn about cruising, resorts and tours and group and incentive travel. They can enter to win a free seven-night cruise from Norweigan Cruise Lines and door prizes. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served.  Please RSVP by Monday, Aug. 17 by calling 574-772-0809 or emailing trust@cruiseone.com. Continue reading →

Stay Alert on Amusement Rides

ferris-wheel-434283_640Keep safety in mind when you visit carnivals, fairs and theme parks and hit the rides. Indiana Department of Homeland Security spokesman John Erickson says you shouldn’t board a ride if there’s even the slightest doubt about its safety, and you should not let your children board it either.

He says most rides are safe, but adds adults need to take appropriate action if anything is broken, improperly maintained or not functioning. First tell the ride’s operator about your concerns. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, let the ride company’s management know, and if necessary the venue operator. Erickson says an inattentive ride operator should also be reported. Unresolved concerns should be reported to the state’s ride safety hotline at 1-888-203-5020 or rides@dhs.in.gov.  Continue reading →

Red Cross Seeks Volunteers for AmeriCorps

acSince the founding of the Red Cross AmeriCorps in 1994 more than 800,000 members have contributed over 1 billion hours in service across the nation by tackling pressing problems and mobilizing millions of volunteers for the organizations they serve. If you’re looking to make a real difference in your community and wish to gain new skills and experience then you should consider signing up for the Red Cross AmeriCorps. Continue reading →

GoFundMe Page Set Up for WKVI Morning Show Host

Tom BergMonday, Aug. 3 marked WKVI morning show host Tom Berg’s five year anniversary at the Voice of the Valley. He celebrated it in a Chicago hospital. Oncologists at Cancer Treatment Center of America confirmed his diagnosis of cancer in his colon, liver, lungs, lymph nodes, lining of his abdomen and possibly his stomach. Seeing as they cannot cure it, it has been deemed terminal. Continue reading →

North Judson Republicans to Caucus

 
 

Plans are being developed after it was learned the Town of North Judson will be hosting a Town Convention.

The decision was handed down by the Starke County Clerk’s office after Jesiah Clemons’ paperwork to run for the North Judson Town Council’s Ward 2 seat as an Independent was rejected. Clemons had previously filed to run as a Republican for the seat, which was accepted by the County Clerk’s office.
Continue reading →

Overdose Awareness Day Event Planned in Starke County

Overdose awareness
The ribbons on the lawn at IU Health Starke Hospital represent local victims of overdoses over the past seven years.

Starke County holds the dubious distinction of having the highest rate of average accidental poisoning by exposure to drugs, medications and biological substances in 2009 and 2010. That’s according to mortality data from the Indiana State Department of Health. Local leaders are working to raise awareness of the problem. They’ve placed 61 ribbons on the lawn at IU Health Starke Hospital – one for each of the lives lost to drug overdose over the past seven years. Continue reading →

Library Board Approves Facilities Upgrades

Henry F. Schricker Library
Henry F. Schricker Library

Major repairs will be made to the parking lot of the Schricker Main Library in Knox sometime in the next two weeks, weather permitting. Library officials advise every effort will be made to minimize inconvenience to patrons while the work is being done and stay open as much as possible. A bulldozer, two dump trucks and other equipment will be parked at the library during the project. It’s been in the planning stages for several months but was delayed due to rain.

Library director Rose Frost says fines will be forgiven during the repair process in case people can’t park to return materials. Continue reading →

Starke United Fund Launches Capital Campaign

Starke United EmblemThe Starke United Fund supports initiatives that promote financial stability and independence, programs that help children and youth succeed and projects that strengthen and support families and improve the health of our community. Each year, members with the Starke United Fund work to create long-lasting change by addressing the underlying issues in our community and empowering citizens.

Starke United works in collaboration with various other agencies and members of the community. Last year thanks to generous donations, nearly $30,000 was granted to many of Starke County’s non-profit organizations. Starke United works very hard to assist as many people as possible, but they can’t do it alone. As the 2015 Starke United Fund Campaign kicks off, you are asked to join in and lend a hand. Continue reading →

Vote for Kids Closet Ministry in SafeCo’s Make More Happen Contest

makemorehappenKids Closet Ministry assists the youth of Starke County year-round. From providing backpacks and school supplies at the start of the school year to doling out winter wear in the colder months, Kids Closet Ministry is constantly there for the children in the area. Now you have a chance to give back to this generous organization with Safe-Co’s a Make More Happen program. Continue reading →