WKVI Information Center

Annabella Piunti was crowned Miss Bass Lake and Kelly Reed is the first runner up. WKVI’s Tom Berg served as master of ceremonies.

Little Miss Bass Lake Elizabeth Combs, Tom Berg and Little Mister Bass Lake Ashton Walker — Little Miss Bass Lake Elizabeth Combs, WKVI”s Tom Berg and Little Mister Bass Lake Ashton Walker.

Area Coach and Players Participate in North/South All-Star Game

July 22, 2013Anita Goodan

(L-R) Matt Hurford, Tim Roth, Zach Shidler

The Kankakee Valley was well represented at the 46th annual North/South All-Star football game. Winamac coach Tim Roth was honored with being named the head coach of the North team which also included Zach Shidler of Winamac and Matt Hurford of Culver. On an incredibly warm evening both Hurford and Shidler saw a considerable amount of playing time throughout the game, which ended with the South winning 27-6. While Hurford played his usual defensive end position, Shidler lined up as a wide receiver and had a pass reception in the 4th quarter. Despite the outcome of the game, Roth, Shidler, and Hurford were all smiles afterwards and acknowledged that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they will never forget. Continue reading →

NIPSCO Reports Theft of Copper Wire

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft of between 8,000 and 9,000 feet of copper wire from the NIPSCO Burr Oak Substation on 15^th Road. NIPSCO officials discovered the thefts Friday morning and believe the copper wire was stolen sometime between Tuesday, July 16 and Friday morning. Anyone with information is asked to call the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office at 574- 936-3187.

LaPorte County Plane Crash Claims Pilot’s Life

The FAA and NTSB are investigating a small plane crash yesterday morning in LaPorte County that claimed the life of the pilot. Benjamin Hubbard, 36, of South Bend was flying a single-engine plane from Niles to Plymouth when it crashed around 7 a.m. in a field southeast of Rolling Prairie, according to our reporting partners at WNDU-TV. A neighbor notified the police that a possible crash had occurred. The man told the station the plane turned around several times above his house and was banking quite hard, then he didn’t hear it any more. LaPorte County dispatchers received another 911 call around noon saying the wreckage had been found. That call came from another pilot, who had left the airport in Niles, Mich. around 6:30 yesterday morning with Hubbard. The two were planning to meet in Plymouth, but when his friend didn’t show he retraced his route, found the wreckage and called 911.

WKVI News Reporter Embraces Walking Challenge

A 36-year-old radio news reporter decided it was time to make a change. She was not eating healthy, was overweight and the only activity she participated in was bowling in league action twice a week. Other than household chores, she wasn’t active.

When the Moving Starke County Forward organization offered the walking challenge, Anita (Goodan) Soltis knew this was her chance to make a difference.

Court Hearing Set for Today for Greg Wireman

An initial hearing in a case involving Starke County Sheriff’s candidate Greg Wireman will be held today at 10 a.m. ET in Pulaski Superior Court.

Greg Wireman was summoned to appear in court on a charge of Impersonating a Public Servant. The charge was filed May 31 in Pulaski County after Starke County officials recused themselves from the case.

Commissioners Staff Veterans Service Office With Volunteer

The Starke County Veterans Service Office will remain open while the person who regularly staffs it is out on medical leave. Terry Turner stepped up and offered to staff the office on a volunteer basis until Gordon Richie is able to return to work. The commissioners discussed the matter and took Turner up on his offer, subject to his ability to pass a drug test and background check. His appointment is temporary but indefinite, as it’s uncertain when Richie will be able to come back. If he opts not to return, the commissioners will advertise for a replacement and conduct interviews. Had they not found a replacement, veterans who have questions or need help accessing VA or other benefits would have had to go outside the county to do so.

Multiple Injuries Reported in Plymouth Crash

A wreck last night in front of the Tri-Way Drive-In Movie Theatre in the 4000 block of Michigan Rd. in Plymouth resulted in multiple injuries, according to police. The extend of the injuries is not known, according to our reporting partners at WNDU-TV. Dispatchers received the first 911 call just after 10 p.m.

Marshall County Commissioners Discuss Jail Nurse Contract, Tort Claim

Marshall County Sheriff Tom Chamberlin approached the commissioners last week requesting payment for a part-time nurse for the jail on a bi-weekly basis instead of the standard monthly basis.

Chamberlin explained to the commissioners that he tried to include the position in a contract with IU Health for the jail physician but a long delay in securing that contract has provided problems. He has hired a nurse with the proper qualifications to work a maximum of 20 hours per pay period at a rate of $25.00 per hour.

Offices up for 2014 Election in Starke County

By the looks of the campaign signs posted in parts of Starke County, you can see there will be a battle on the ballot for Starke County Sheriff. What other Starke County offices are up for election in 2014?

In addition to sheriff, the prosecuting attorney’s position is up for election as well as county clerk; county auditor; county recorder; county coroner; county assessor; county commissioner district 2 (California, Center and Davis Townships); county council district 1, district 2, district 3 and district 4; center township assessor, and all township trustees.

Movie Crew to Start Filming in Culver in August

Bearfruit Films is planning to shoot a movie in Culver on Aug. 5.

Fifty to 60 cast and crew members will in town beginning Aug. 3 to begin shooting the film “Little Savages”.

The movie plot involves children by the name of Savage who befriend two outsiders. They go on a mission to find hidden treasure somewhere in the town of Culver. Their quest is interrupted by bullies who are looking for the same treasure. Who will be the winner in this adventure?

Maxinkuckee Players to Undertake First Operetta

The Maxinkuckee Players production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will take to the stage in six performances beginning Friday, July 26 at the Culver Community High School Auditorium.

Maxinkuckee Players member Brian Liechty explained that Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is based on the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. He is sold to be a slave, but because of his ability to interpret dreams, he becomes the right hand man of Pharaoh and saves Egypt from famine.

Feds Offer Tax Benefits for Military Members

Members of the military may qualify for tax benefits from the federal government. Special IRS rules apply to military members on active duty, including those serving in combat zones. They can help lower your federal taxes and make it easier to file your return. These include deadline extensions, combat pay exclusions, earned income tax credit, deductions for moving expenses, uniforms and reservist travel. Additionally, educational and subsistence allowances paid to students enrolled in ROTC are not taxable, although active duty pay is. Military members who are discharged may also be able to deduct some of the expenses associated with transitioning back to civilian life, including the costs of job hunting, travel, resume preparation and job placement agency fees and moving expenses. Visit http://www.IRS.gov for more information.

Multiple Injuries Reported in Plymouth Crash

July 22, 2013WKVI

A wreck last night in front of the Tri-Way Drive-In Movie Theatre in the 4000 block of Michigan Rd. in Plymouth resulted in multiple injuries, according to police. The extend of the injuries is not know, according to our reporting partners at WNDU-TV. Dispatchers received the first 911 call just after 10 p.m.

Shooting Suspect Turns Himself In

July 20, 2013WKVI

The suspect in Thursday’s late night shooting at a Francesville residence surrendered Saturday afternoon at the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. Barry Danford, 50, of Francesville, was booked into the jail just after 4 p.m. He reportedly shot his wife, Rhonda Danford, 55, in the arm during an argument. She called the police, but her husband left before they showed up. Rhonda Danford’s injury was not life-threatening, and she was taken to Pulaski Memorial Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, SWAT team members fanned out across the area in search of Barry Danford but were unsuccessful in tracking him down. Charges are pending.

SCEDF Pleased With Works Councils Mapping

Governor Mike Pence this week unveiled a map of the 11 regions for the Indiana Works Councils, councils which he said will bring educators and employers together to evaluate and develop career and technical education that meets the demands of employers in each region. The Indiana Works Councils were created with the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 465, which the governor signed into law on April 15.

Commissioners Vote Against Holiday Pay for Lawson

Starke County Commissioners unanimously agreed not to pay a former sheriff’s department employee holiday pay to which he claims he is entitled. Ron Lawson contends he is owed for 15 holidays, based on the county policy manual. However, sheriff’s department employees are not covered by the county’s manual, and a memo from then-Sheriff Bob Sims dated July 28, 1999, states that if a holiday falls on an employee’s day off and not be eligible for holiday pay. Lawson’s attorney Todd Wallsmith hinted broadly that he was willing to negotiate a settlement for his client through a mediator, but the commissioners opted instead not to pay.

Starke County Commissioners Discuss Golf Cart Ordinance

Starke County’s lack of a golf cart ordinance is causing problems for residents of its two lake communities. Members of the Bass Lake Property Owners Association have asked the commissioners to look into setting a policy. Many people use golf carts to get around at both Bass and Koontz Lakes, often with no regard for motorized vehicles or low-light conditions when they are difficult to see. The commissioners discussed the matter but did not take any formal action. Several communities have adopted ordinances that allow golf carts equipped with slow moving vehicle signs and headlights to be operated on public roads if the owner obtains a permit to do so, and the state has a law on the books that sets regulations that must be followed.

Marshall County Highway Department to Suspend Dirt Distribution

Marshall County Highway Superintendent Neal Haeck told the commissioners Monday morning that the dirt giveaway at the highway department is going well. However, he recommended that the program be suspended Aug. 1 until after the summer construction. The commissioners agreed with his request.