The North Judson Town Council will hold a public hearing for the budget tonight at 6 p.m. CT in the community center. If anyone has any comment on the 2015 budget, those remarks will be heard during that time.
Marshall County Commissioners to Meet Today
The Marshall County Commissioners will receive an update from Umbaugh and Associates on the process of refinancing the 2006 jail bonds.
The commissioners and council members approved a decision to begin paperwork to reduce the payments on the bonds each year. The county also wants to have flexbility to keep the funds in reserve to either pay off the bonds sooner or apply those funds for additional capacity at the jail or operational costs due to sentencing changes and the potential impact.
Voter Registration Open Now, Ends Oct. 6
Voter registration is open now until Monday, Oct. 6 at the end of the business day at the county courthouses.
If you need to register to vote or have questions about your current registration, call the Starke County clerk’s office at (574) 772-9160 or the Pulaski County clerk’s office at (574) 946-3313.
Absentee voting in Starke County and in Pulaski County begins Oct. 7.
Testing of Voting Machines Set in Marshall County
The Marshall County Election Board invites voters to test voting machines in a test session this week.
Testing will be of the automatic tabulating equipment to be used in the General Election on Nov. 4. This will allow all voters to familiarize themselves with the voting process and to properly cast ballots.
Donnelly and Walorski Thank Veterans for Their Service
U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly and U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski paid a visit to Starke County over the weekend. Both took part in Saturday’s veterans program organized by the Blue Star Mothers. After a parade down Main Street, both spoke in front of the veterans monument at the Starke County Courthouse. Donnelly said the sacrifices of those who have served in our nation’s armed forces ensure we can live our lives in safety and in freedom. Continue reading
Keselowski Collects First Win in Chase, Wins Second Consecutive Race
He battled back from outside the top ten twice on the day to capture the first win in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in the MyAFibStory.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. This was his second consecutive win and fifth win on the season.
Keselowski now moves into the second round in the Chase grid called the contender round. He and 11 others will make the move after the race at Dover International Speedway two weeks from now.
Here’s how the rest of the Chase drivers did in the race:
Debut in ARCA Series a Great Start for Reeves
Josh Reeves brought home the No. 40 FRYESTRONG/Texas Sales Dodge in 23rd position Saturday night in his ARCA Series racing debut at Salem Speedway in Indiana.
Reeves reported a tight condition throughout much of the race. He started in the 21st spot and had worked his way up to 17th when a right front tire caused trouble for the driver about halfway through the 200-lap race. Reeves was able to keep the car from sustaining any damage and the entry for the Carter 2 Motorsports team had a positive showing in the contest.
Busch Wins Fourth Truck Series Race
He started the race from the rear of the field twice and still managed to win the Lucas Oil 225 Saturday night at Chicagoland Speedway.
Kyle Busch passed 61 trucks throughout the race after having to start the race in the 32nd spot and charging to the front. A speeding penalty after the competition caution on lap 32 sent Busch back to the end of field but he was back up battling for the lead within 20 laps.
The racing surface, although one of the roughest on the schedule, provided many grooves for the drivers to find their way around the 1.5 mile track. At times there were drivers fanning out four wide for position.
Chavez to Receive Court Appointed Attorney
Gary Chavez told Judge Pro Tem Daniel Murphy in Starke Circuit Court Friday morning that he will not be able to afford a private attorney.
A status hearing was held in his case on Friday to see where Chavez was in terms of obtaining counsel. He hasn’t been represented since he appeared for his initial hearing in August. Murphy informed Chavez that a court appointed attorney will be assigned to his case.
Enterovirus Cases Confirmed in Indiana
Four Lake County children have been diagnosed with enterovirus D68. The cases were confirmed by state health officials on Friday.
The Indiana State Department of Health is working with local health departments and hospitals to detect others with the illness.
State health officials have already reported a higher than expected level of respiratory illnesess statewide for this time of year.
Starke County Sees Spike in Workers’ Compensation Premiums
Workers’ compensation insurance premiums for Starke County employees have spiked for the coming year. The annual increase of nearly $60,000 is blamed on the county’s prior claims history. Premiums are determined based on three years worth of data. Continue reading
Eastern Pulaski School Board Approves Contracts
The Eastern Pulaski School Board approved administrator contracts for another year.
Superintendent Dan Foster said the process has been delayed with the new evaluation system.
Many Activities Going on in Knox this Weekend
Downtown Knox will be bustling today with a veteran’s parade and the free WoodStarke Festival at Wythogan Park. The parade organized by the Blue Star Mothers will begin at 10 a.m. CT at Five Star and concludes at the Starke County Courthouse. U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly, Representative Jackie Walorski and veterans will speak on the courthouse steps after the parade concludes. Veterans, service members and their families are invited afterward to lunch at Knox United Methodist Church. Continue reading
Farmers Market Festival Scheduled Today in Winamac
The Farmers Market Festival returns to downtown Winamac today.
Festivities begin with the Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast from 7 until 10 a.m. EDT in the AlightLife parking lot at the corner of Monticello and Pearl Streets. Live music gets under way at 11, followed by a puppet show at 1.
Local craftsmen and artisans will have their wares available, and food and treats will also be offered. Activities include face painting and games for the kids.
Knox Schools Awarded Field Trip Grant
Knox third grade students will get to go to Potato Creek State Park thanks to the Discovering the Outdoors Field Trip grant.
The grant program is administered through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation and allows students to participate in field trips to parks and reservoirs to engage them in learning about Indiana’s fish, forest, wildlife, natural habitats and conservation. The grant money helps with transportation costs, program fees and classroom supplies for the field trips to local state parks. Indiana has 24 state parks and eight reservoirs eligible for field trip funding.
Marshall County Democratic Party Opening Headquarters Today
The Marshall County Democratic Party is kicking off the fall campaign season today with the grand opening of their party headquarters. Joe Bock, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, will be on hand for this morning’s festivities. They get under way at 9 a.m. EDT in room one of the Walnut Center at 304 Walnut Street in Plymouth. Coffee and refreshments will be served.
NOAA Weather Service Transmitter Repaired
LaPorte Woman Indicted on Embezzlement, Tax Fraud Charges
A former LaPorte County deputy auditor has been charged with embezzling more than $150,000 from the LaPorte County government and committing tax fraud.
The federal grand jury indictment against Mary Ray, 66, of LaPorte was returned on Wednesday which charges Ray with two counts each of theft of government monies and making false statements on a tax return.
IU Health LaPorte and Starke Hospitals Searching for New Strategic Partner
IU Health officials are looking for a new strategic partner to serve the health care needs of Starke and LaPorte Counties. Leadership has decided that’s the best approach to create the strongest strategy going forward, according to a news release. IU Health LaPorte Hospital President and CEO G. Thor Thordarson said in a statement, “We have a strong plan for taking care of our community that includes investing in new facilities, best people, and leading-edge technology. We will work with an organization that is as dedicated as we are to this mission.”
Fill the Food Pantries During Hunger Action Month
September is hunger action month. It’s a time to help fellow community members who are hungry.
One in five children go hungry everyday and more older adults are utilizing food pantries for their needs. Volunteers at area food pantries are doing what they can to assist families in times of need and the best way you can help is to donate.
Both food pantries in Starke County and in Pulaski County are in need of canned soups, canned fruits and vegetables, boxed cereals, pancake mixes, syrup, peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, and pasta and sauces. Other items needed include toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, diapers, feminine products, dish soap, laundry soap, and body soap.
