House Fire Remains Under Investigation in LaPorte
The fire occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Police and firefighters responded to the scene where a vacant home was found to be fully engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported at the scene and the fire remains under investigation.
If you know anything about this incident, or have any criminal or suspicious activity to report, call the LaPorte City Police Department at (219) 362-9446. You may also submit an anonymous crime tip online at http://www.lpcitypd.com.
Knox City Street Department Receives Grant
The Knox City Council learned this week that the city will be receiving new railroad signs and equipment.
Street Department Superintendent Jeff Borg applied for a grant for the signs in the amount of $2,681.20. Most of the signs are outdated and have lost their luster.
With this grant, the city will receive all new highly reflective signs that alert drivers of a railroad crossing. The grant will cover all new signs and poles for installation.
Pulaski Council Approves Transfer for Bridge 268
The county commissioners awarded a bid for the bridge’s inspection to JCI Bridge Group out of LaPorte, authorizing the company to inspect the bridge and shoreline to ensure there is no runoff or loose dirt that could develop problems. The original bid was in the amount of $176,527.32, and this additional expense was not foreseen.
Fox also informed the council that the decks are now on the bridge and the company is working on expansion joints and guardrails.
Eastern Pulaski School Board Approves Sound System Replacement
The Eastern Pulaski School Board approved a motion to replace the sound system in the middle school gym.
Superintendent Dan Foster stressed that the system has been very useful for the facility but it’s outdated.
“Dave DeLorenzo and the maintenance staff have had a lot of trouble with the sound system and it’s just an old system that needs some updating. We’re going to have that replaced,” explained Foster.
The system will be replaced in the next few months.
Knox Elementary School Students Participate in Carnival
The Knox Community Elementary School students participated in a carnival night Thursday night.
Guidance Counselor Connie Arndt said this was a great event to get the students and parents together and have some fun together on a school night. Dennis Fornelli helps coordinate the event and plans most of the activities throughout the night.
Arndt explained that it’s also a fundraiser for a school group.
“The student council earns money to help out the school and we buy different things for the school,” explained Arndt. “They get a lot of prizes. Hopefully, what we go for, is that they just have a fun time with their parents.”
This is an annual event and has been a successful fundraiser for the student council since its inception.
Greening of the Statehouse Gathering Today in Indianapolis
Kim Ferraro with the Hoosier Environmental Council said it’s an important issue this year because of several proposed policy measures aimed at significantly weakening protections from polluting industrial livestock operations.
Matt Crafton Wins NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship
All he had to do was start the Ford Ecoboost 250 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway Friday night and he would clinch the championship. When the command to start engines was made, Crafton did just that and won his first NCWTS championship in his 13-year career.
The race wasn’t as easy as getting the championship for Crafton. He was involved in an accident on lap 137 that caused a lot of damage to his truck. The pit crew worked hard to get him back out on the racetrack to make sure his truck remained in contention for the owner’s championship. A piece of metal was hanging under the front bumper of the truck and Crafton kept going to ensure that track position was not lost. He drove his truck into the champion circle a little battered, but the crunched metal didn’t photobomb his winning smile as he held onto the NCWTS trophy.
Kyle Busch Wins Nail Biter at Homestead
There wasn’t one green-white-checkered finish in Friday night’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) race, but three and Kyle Busch led all three to win the Ford Ecoboost 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Jeb Burton was the cause of the first G-W-C when he got into the wall and cut a right front tire. Kyle Busch was able to keep the lead as Johnny Sauter spun to cause a second G-W-C and a great restart for Busch earned him the win on the final G-W-C.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship Contender on the Pole for Sunday’s Race
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Matt Kenseth proved that he’s still a viable contender in the chase for the Sprint Cup trophy when he qualified his yellow No. 20 Dollar General Toyota on the pole for Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kenseth had the top speed of 177.677 mph.
Kenseth trails points leader Jimmie Johnson by 28 and leads Kevin Harvick by six points as they head into Sunday’s race where a new champion will be crowned.
Three Arrested after Standoff with Police in Pulaski County
Three people were arrested after a stand off with several members of law enforcement in Pulaski County Thursday night.
James Anthony Miller, 48, failed to return to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department after working at a local business as part of work release. The sheriff’s department was notified of Miller’s whereabouts at a residence north of Medaryville on U.S. 421. Two officers approached the house on foot in the dark and they could clearly see Miller, and two other people wanted on warrants inside the home.
Week 13 Football Picks
Harold’s Picks (54-10)
Winamac-28 Pioneer-27
Nathan’s Picks (48-16)
Winamac-35 Pioneer-21
Tom’s Blind Picks (34-30)
Pioneer over Winamac
Knox City Police Department Investigating Infant Death
Officers were called to the Woods Apartment complex at 701 E. Danker St. after dispatchers received a report of an infant who was not breathing. Medics from Starke County EMS arrived at the scene and were assisted by officers in the care of the infant. The child was transported to IU Health Starke Hospital and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
This incident remains under investigation with the Knox City Police Department. Foul play is not suspected, however an autopsy is scheduled for today. The child’s name is currently being withheld pending the outcome of the investigation.
Marshall County BZA Approves Variance for Power Plant
LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office Excited About Video Visitation
Knox Students Raise Pennies for Vance
Pulaski County Council Approves Additional Funds for Recycling Center
Knox City Council Receives Revenue Projection
Knox City Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston reported to city council this week that the revenue projection looks little lean when it comes to the budget.
Houston explained that $6,000 has been cut from EDIT fund and other places will be out money. However, the certified shares will get a boost of $2,000. The 1782 form has not yet come back from the state which will mandate where the city will need to cut from the 2014 budget.
Houston also told the council that 34 delinquent utility notices have been sent out. As a result, $3,926.83 has since been collected with $1,000 still outstanding.
NJ-SP Graduate Honored for 25 Years of Service to ISP
Superintendent Douglas G. Carter presented awards in the form of certificates and longevity medals to the five troopers.
Eastern Pulaski School Board Extends Administrator Contracts
Superintendent Dan Foster said the change in leadership at the corporation had delayed this process, but the board forged ahead with approving all contracts.
“We did go ahead and extend all of the principal’s contracts and the Athletic Director’s contract for an extra year,” explained Foster. “Their contracts are effective June 30, 2015 now instead of just this next summer.”
