Gen-6 Test a Success at Charlotte Motor Speedway
It was music to the ears of race fans to hear the cars back on the track Wednesday after the NASCAR season ended on Nov. 17 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
This wasn’t specifically a race, but a test to gather data for the development of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series intermediate-track package for 2014.
Sixteen race teams and 30 drivers were on hand to test several changes to the Gen-6 car. Officials believe that the changes will enhance racing.
Richard Childress Racing Announces 2014 Plans
As expected, Richard Childress named Austin Dillon as the driver of the No. 3 Dow Chemicals Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in a press conference at Charlotte Motor Speedway Wednesday afternoon.
Executives from Dow Chemicals expressed their enthusiasm by expanding their partnership with NASCAR. The company already provides safety innovations in the sport and will sponsor 16 races with Austin piloting the No. 3.
One Dies in Starke County Accident
One person died after a two vehicle accident on U.S. 30 just east of 600 E. in Hamlet this morning.
The Starke County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call about the accident just before 10 a.m. After an investigation, officers found that a westbound semi and trailer had crossed the median and entered the eastbound lane and struck the SUV.
Sleeping Restaurant Patron Arrested on Firearm Charge, Theft Charges Pending
Two Arrested in Drug Investigation
As a result, Joseph Lippner of Knox was arrested on a preliminary charge of Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Heroin). Emilee Kajer of Knox was also arrested as part of this investigation on a preliminary charge Maintaining a Common Nuisance.
Donation Account Established for Knox Fire Victims
Sunday’s house fire in downtown Knox left two single mothers and seven children homeless. The blaze at 7 N. Bower Street started in a second floor bedroom, according to Knox-Center Township Fire Chief Kenny Pfost, who believes an electrical heater is to blame. Nobody was injured, but the families were able to salvage very little. The Kid’s Closet Ministry at North Judson United Methodist Church has stepped in to offer assistance, and the St. Joseph County American Red Cross chapter is providing temporary shelter. An account has also been set up at First Farmer’s Bank and Trust in Knox and North Judson if anyone would like to make a monetary gift to the Sexton Family Fire Fund.
U.S. 35 Bridge Opens to Traffic
Indiana Department of Transportation spokesman Matt Deitchley notified WKVI Tuesday that the bridge was open to traffic. The last part of the project which included finishing the final surface of the roadway, lane striping and median work was completed in the past few days.
Knox Council Increases Income Protection Benefit
The Knox City Council this week passed a motion increasing the city’s income protection insurance benefit from $300 per week to $1000 per week. The discussion originated from a fireman who was injured while investigating a fire, preventing him from working his full-time job.
Town of Winamac Hires Garbage, Recycling Collection Company
Pulaski Council Declines Exception in Pay Rate of Administrative Asst
Cerebral Palsy Won’t Keep Montana Resident From His Rock Star Dreams
Hometown pride runs deep, even when it is shown 1,519 miles away.
WKVI’s Anita Goodan has an old school friend who is helping her son with Cerebral Palsy reach rock star status. Casey Clark, who lives in Anita’s hometown of Shelby, Montana, is asking friends and neighbors to send her son, Gavin Gristy, Christmas cards. Clark said the main purpose of this venture is to show her son that even with his physical and speech ailments, he can reach his rock star status.
“My son has Cerebral Palsy and I wanted him to have a very special Christmas this year,” explained Clark. “Things kind of get hard for him at times. He has always dreamed of being a rock star, wanting fans and wanting to get mail. So, I decided to start a Facebook thing and ask all of my friends to send Christmas cards in his name so he can go through mail and get the mail. I had no idea it was going to explode into this huge extravaganza!”
West Central School Board Discusses Budget
Superintendent Charles Mellon said the corporation received the 1792 notice and the board reviewed the notice.
“I went through that with the board and explained the rationale behind some of the budget cuts with the main reason being the reduction in revenue coming in,” said Mellon.
State Changes Distribution Schedule for SNAP Benefits
Nominations for Henry F. Schricker Award Due Friday
This award is given to a Starke County resident who has exemplified the former governor’s attitude of “service before self.”
Freezing Temperatures Can Cause Burst Pipes
With the temperature expected to remain below freezing for the next several days, homeowners are urged to winterize their plumbing system to prevent frozen pipes. When water freezes, it expands, and when it expands within a pipe, it could burst and seriously damage property.
Pulaski Council Gives Go-Ahead For Forgivable Loan
Firefighters Respond to House Fire Sunday Morning
Fire Chief Kenny Pfost stated that the firefighters arrived at 7 N. Bower St. shortly after 10 a.m. and battled the blaze that was reportedly started by an electrical heater. The fire was contained to the second floor, but the first floor sustained smoke and water damage.
No assistance was called in and Pfost said the fire was extinguished fairly quickly. No injuries were reported.
Chipman Announces Candidacy for Marshall County Prosecutor
Current Prosecutor David R. Holmes announced that he will not seek re-election in 2014 for the position he’s held for a number of years. Holmes has served four full terms as prosecutor and served part of another to fill out a term when the elected prosecutor was appointed Circuit Court Judge.
Holmes was first elected as prosecutor in 1970.
A life-long Marshall County resident, Chipman, 59, will file his intention to run for prosecutor in January.
Five Arrested in Burglary and Robbery Investigation
A burglary and robbery incident was reported in May at a residence in the 5600 West block of County Road 300 North. During this event, a victim was confined and robbed. 34-year-old Shawn Sobolewski, 20-year-old Brandon Montano, 18-year-old Jonathan Surber and 16-year-old Bryan Parish, all of the Michigan City area, were arrested in this incident. According to police, due to the nature of the charge and age of Bryan Parish, he has been charged in LaPorte Circuit Court as juvenile court no longer has jurisdiction over him.
