Youngsters between the ages of 12 and 17 and their parents will have a chance to see firsthand the consequences of continued delinquent behavior as part of an upcoming program offered by the Starke County Sheriff’s Department. Participants in the two-hour “Think Before You Act” program will get a guided tour of Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall’s courtroom and have a chance to talk to him about the problems they are experiencing.
Judge Kim Hall Rejects Plea Agreement in Arson Case
Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall rejected a plea agreement in the case of Sally Morin in a hearing Wednesday morning.
Morin, 48, of San Pierre is accused of arson with the intent to defraud as a Class C felony. It is alleged that she intentionally set her kitchen on fire at her Knox home by pouring gasoline and lighting it on fire on March 27, 2013. She admitted to the act in court in that she initially meant to claim insurance money.
Knox Police Chief Gives Update on New Officer, Computers
Knox City Police Chief Clint Norem updated the Board of Public Works members on operations in his department on Wednesday morning.
He said that the new officer’s physical has been completed and that information will be sent to PERF. After that is approved, he can go through the necessary training and he continue as a patrolman on the force.
Two Sentenced in Starke Circuit Court
Two offenders were sentenced in Starke Circuit Court on Wednesday morning.
David Risner, 54, of North Judson pleaded guilty in a plea agreement with the state to a charge of possession by a meth offender as a Class D felony. Risner purchased a product containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine and he wasn’t aware that it was against the law for him to purchase it. He was previously convicted on a possession of precursors or chemical reagents charge in June 2011 and by law he cannot purchase that certain product with that prior conviction. Continue reading
Heeter Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison
Plymouth woman was sentenced to 10 years in the Indiana Department Corrections after pleading guilty in a plea agreement with the state to charges of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and neglect of a dependent.
Amanda Heeter admitted to Judge Robert O. Bowen in Marshall Superior Court 1 that she conspired with two other defendants to manufacture methamphetamine in her home on Loon Court in Plymouth. She also admitted that the act of manufacturing methamphetamine placed a dependent child in danger.
Donations Coming in for Fireworks Celebration in Starke County
The fireworks celebration hosted by the city of Knox is scheduled for July 5 at the Starke County Airport.
A recent fundraiser at Downtown Depot raised $1,562 and business donations have totaled $1,976 so far. Another fundraiser is scheduled for this Friday, June 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT at the Knox Moose Family Center. The Starke County Commissioners personally donated money toward the event as well as the town of Hamlet and the town of North Judson.
Volunteers Needed to Plan Family Fun Day
A group of individuals from the Starke County Pride and Leadership Task Force and Moving Starke County Forward are in the early stages of planning a community family fun day. Right now they are still looking for volunteers willing to help out with the planning process. Some of the ideas that have been brainstormed so far are a scavenger hunt, various pre-approved, family-friendly musical acts and some other outside-the-box ideas that combine learning and fun. Continue reading
Rain Not Problematic Yet for Local Farmers
The recent rains aren’t causing widespread problems yet for local farmers, according to Purdue Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Chad Rushing.
Knox City Council Members Discuss Tall Grass Ordinance
The Knox City Council members were presented with changes to the ordinance pertaining to the removal of weeds and other rank vegetation.
One change would amend the administrator of the notices to the Knox Board of Public Works instead of the clerk-treasurer’s office. Another change amends the way the notices are delivered. The notices don’t have to be sent by certified mail anymore which would cut down on expenses. The letter may be sent by first class mail to the owner or an officer with the police department can deliver it.
Fight the Bite! Get Mosquitoes to Buzz Off
The recent rain means we will most likely see an increase in the number of these insects in the area. Mosquitoes thrive in hot and humid weather. They are also attracted to wetlands and wooded areas.
The best way to avoid the dreaded mosquito bite is to dress in protective clothing when outdoors and to use insect repellent. However, the biggest risk with mosquitoes is contracting West Nile Virus. Continue reading
Pulaski County 4-H Fair Starts Saturday
The Pulaski County 4-H Fair starts this weekend. One of the highlights is Saturday’s 4-H Achievement Royalty Ceremony. A total of six youngsters are in the running. Continue reading
Plymouth Officials Announce Pregis Packaging Solutions Expansion
A Deerfield, Ill.-based packaging company is expanding its operations in Marshall County. Pregis Protective Packaging Solutions currently operates a 360,000 square foot facility in Plymouth. The city council this week approved a tax abatement for the company’s $2.3 million local investment. Continue reading
Arrest Made in LaPorte Shooting
A suspect has been arrested in a shooting incident at Ellian’s Pub on Michigan Avenue in LaPorte yesterday morning.
An intense investigation by the LaPorte City Police Department, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, the Michigan City Police Department and the U.S. Marshal Service found evidence that led to the arrest of Shirron Taylor, 32.
Matt Kenseth Looking for Win at Kentucky Speedway
NASCAR is headed to a track this weekend that is described as having lots of character. Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky has a rough surface which throws off some drivers when maneuvering their cars around the 1.5 mile oval.
Matt Kenseth will be racing in both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races this weekend. Kenseth said Tuesday afternoon that he’s not sure if tire wear will be a concern with the surface being so rough. He will figure that out when he does a tire test there in his Nationwide car this afternoon.
Marshall County Commissioners to Interview Candidate for Highway Superintendent
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.
