The North Judson-San Pierre School Board met Monday night and approved a number of action items, including the adoption of a textbook series for the corporation’s new Business Math class. Superintendent Lynn Johnson explained the board adopted Pearson Scott Foresman for kindergarten through fifth grade as well.
Wounded Warrior to Receive Camo Van from BraunAbility
The life of Lance Cpl. Michael DeLancey, a native of Pinellas Park, Fla., changed entirely in 2006 when he was injured in Iraq. A sniper’s bullet pierced DeLancey’s spinal cord, paralyzing him from the waist down and damaging his lung. Today, however, this very deserving disabled veteran will be presented with an accessible Honda Entervan modified by BraunAbility, a Winamac manufacturer of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
Unsolicited Volunteers Hamper Disaster Recovery
Monetary assistance is the best way to help victims of the Oklahoma tornado. That’s the advice of officials with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters are advising Hoosiers about how to help Oklahoma citizens in need. The destruction in Oklahoma City has left communities in need of hands-on help and donations. Volunteers play a vital part in disaster recovery. However, Indiana VOAD President Chris Gilbert says, “Well-meaning individuals who simply show up to help without coordinating with disaster management personnel can complicate or even hinder response and recovery operations already underway. Become part of a coordinated effort.”
Law Tightened Regarding Synthetic Drugs
The law is once again being tightened regarding dangerous synthetic drugs, this time closing a critical loophole in the state’s previous ban by illegalizing the possession of or dealing in “look-alike” synthetic drugs. State Senator Jim Merritt’s legislation, Senate Enrolled Act 536, was signed into law this month by Governor Mike Pence and Merritt said he is glad to see the legislation passed as it was one of his top priorities this session.
Autopsy Reveals Marshall County Inmate’s Cause of Death
An investigation into the death of an inmate at the Marshall County Jail found that Kerry Alan Pinder, 44, died of natural causes.
Pinder was arrested April 6 on a charge Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and was awaiting his release from jail when the jail staff found him unresponsive in his cell the next morning.
Money Remains Best Way to Assist Disaster Victims
As the death toll continues to climb in the wake of yesterday’s horrific Oklahoma tornado, many people are asking what they can do to help. The American Red Cross and other disaster relief organizations are already on the ground providing food and supplies to first responders and setting up shelters for displaced residents. Giving money to organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army and other reputable nonprofit organizations is the fastest, most effective way to help victims of this and other disasters. While donations of food, clothing and household items are well intentioned, they need to be stored, sorted and given out to people who may be living in shelters or staying with friends or family members. Additionally, trying to warehouse and distribute items taxes local volunteer resources. Continue reading
Starke County Council Approves Jail Mediation Agreement
Starke County officials took a major step toward settling the federal class action lawsuit filed by inmates who claim jail overcrowding violates their civil rights. After some discussion, council members agreed to accept the mediation agreement worked out last month. County attorney Marty Lucas says it will cost the county $90,000 in attorney fees for the plaintiff’s counsel. The inmates who sued won’t get any money. Lucas says the negotiated amount is considerably less than the county would have paid had the lawsuit gone forward.
Pulaski Commissioners, Building Inspector Discuss Home Demolition
The Pulaski County Commissioners and Building Inspector Dave Dare held a discussion regarding an unsafe building at 533 N. Monticello St. in Winamac that Dare said is in very bad shape and needs to be addressed. He said the order to repair or demolish the building went out on April 24 and he received confirmation of its delivery via certified mail on April 26.
Knox Community School Board Approves Payment for Special Election
The Knox Community School Board approved an appropriation worth $21,000 in order to pay for expenditures for the special election held earlier this month.
The amount was a little more than estimated but now all of the expenses can be paid with the approval of this appropriation.
New Wing Beginning to Take Shape at Henry F. Schricker Public Library
The construction project at the Henry F. Schricker Public Library in Knox continues as the new addition begins to take shape. Library Director Sheila Urwiler said the construction crews are currently working on the wall framing and sheeting, roof framing, and structural steel aspects of the work and they will soon begin the roof trusses and exterior wall sheeting.
NJPD to Conduct Unclaimed Property Sale
The North Judson Police Department has announced that they will be holding an unclaimed property sale on Saturday, June 8 beginning at 10 a.m., when they will conduct an auction or sale of unclaimed recovered property as well as some items laying around the department.
A variety of items, including more than 35 bicycles, several stereo speakers, a few strands of wire, a few tools and a number of gasoline cans will be sold. Each bicycle will have a minimum price of $10.
The auction begins at 10 a.m. at the North Judson Police Station, where the items will be displayed in the back near the garage area.
Karaoke Contest Planned as Part of Mint Festival Activities
Aspiring performers are urged to showcase their vocal talent during the North Judson Mint Festival Karaoke Contest. It’s scheduled Friday, June 14 at 6 p.m. at the St. Peter Lutheran School Gym in North Judson. C & D Entertainment is hosting and all ages are welcome to take part. Trophies will be presented for first, second and third place winners in the ages 1-12, 12-17 and 18 and up categories. Call Chuck or Donna at (574) 806-2501 to sign up by June 1.
Gov. Pence Signs Bill to Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse
The issue of over-prescription and abuse of controlled substances is being addressed by state senators and was signed into law this month by Governor Mike Pence. A bill introduced by State Senator Ron Grooms to crack down on the issue provides the Indiana Medical Licensing Board with the authority to regulate who can own and operate pain clinics prescribing controlled substances like hydrocodone and oxycodone.
Bremen Police Find Meth Lab, Two Arrested
Bremen Police Officers responding to a call about trespassers found an apparent meth lab inside a residence in the 400 block of South East Street. The incident occurred yesterday around 3:30 p.m. according to WNDU-TV. Brandon Shackelford and Raymond Van Blaricom are being held in the Marshall County Jail.
Leon D. Wuethrich
Funeral services for Leon D. Wuethrich, 91, of Selma, formerly of Francesville, are Friday, May 24 at 10:30 a.m. EDT at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville. Visitation is Thursday, May 23 from 3-8 p.m. EDT at the Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville and Friday, May 24 one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Marshall County Commissioners Approve WECS Ordinance
In a unanimous vote, the Marshall County Commissioners voted to approve ordinance 2013-04 which refers to amendments proposed for Wind Energy Conversion Systems.
Marshall County Plan Director, Ralph Booker, reminded the Commissioners of the proposed amendments and noted that the phrase “large wind systems” and “wind farms” were deleted from the Agriculture and Industrial zoning and “small wind farms” was added. The ordinance calls for a 2,640 foot setback of any wind turbine farm and basically disallows a Wind Energy Conversion System in Marshall County.
Knox Man Jailed on Heroin Charge
A Starke County Community Corrections inmate faces new charges after he was reportedly found to be in possession of heroin during a recent compliance check. Officers from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office accompanied corrections officials to check on Kurtis Singleton at a home northeast of Knox on Friday. They reportedly found heroin in his cigarette pack and arrested him for possession of heroin and maintaining a common nuisance. A female juvenile was also arrested.
ATV Rider Injured in Hit-and-Run Accident
A New Buffalo, Mich. man is hospitalized in South Bend following a Saturday night hit-and-run accident. It happened around 10:30 near County Road 1000 North and 150 East in LaPorte County. Matthew Ramsey, 21, was driving his ATV on the roadway when he was struck by a pickup truck. Ramsey was thrown from the ATV and run over by the truck, according to officials with the DNR law enforcement division. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Indiana Department of Natural Resources 24-Hour Dispatch Center at 812-837-9536.
Sarah Tabor Sentenced in Marshall County Superior Court 1
A former Plymouth resident was sentenced in Marshall County Superior Court 1 to 10 years in prison with four years suspended Friday after she pleaded guilty in a plea agreement to a charge of Manufacturing Methamphetamine.
The charge stems from an incident on Dec. 28, 2011 where Sarah Tabor, 21, was arrested in Starke County and told detectives that an active methamphetamine lab was in her apartment on Washington Street in Plymouth. Plymouth officers arrived at the scene and noticed a strong chemical coming from that apartment. They were concerned for the safety of the neighbors and gained entry into the apartment to locate and secure the source of the chemical smell. When inside, the officers found a backpack with items that are used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. After securing those items, officers exited the apartment to await arrival of the landlord who gave consent to search the apartment more thoroughly.
Starke County Council to Review Jail Settlement
County attorney Martin Lucas will present a proposed mediation agreement regarding overcrowding conditions at the county jail to the Starke County Council when they meet this evening. Jack Haut and several other inmates sued the county in April of 2011. Their lawsuit claims the cramped conditions violate their civil rights. The Starke County Sheriff’s Office has been sending prisoners to Pulaski County for the past year to alleviate the overcrowding, and the county is moving forward with plans to build a new jail east of Knox on State Road 8 and County Road 550 East.