Brooke Webb Sentenced in Starke Circuit Court

Posted on Author WKVI
Brooke Webb

Brooke Webb, charged with multiple counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Visiting a Common Nuisance after she was arrested at a residence in Knox on Nov. 23, 2011, appeared in the Starke Circuit Court Monday morning for her plea and sentencing hearing.

Webb was sentenced to three years in the Department of Corrections for Possession of a Controlled Substance as both a Class D felony and a Class C felony. One year of that sentence has been stayed, and one year will be served on probation. In addition, the court will allow her to serve the one remaining year on home detention. The rest of the charges against her were dismissed as part of the agreement.

Accused of battering his girlfriend in March, David Zachary was to appear for his plea and sentencing hearing in the Starke Circuit Court this week as well. However, due to an incomplete questionnaire, the pre-sentence investigation was not complete. A status hearing has been scheduled for Zachary on June 14 at 8 a.m., when they will learn if the pre-sentence investigation has been completed.

Eastern Pulaski School Board Approves New Middle School Principal

Posted on Author WKVI
Dr. Robert Klitzman
Dr. Robert Klitzman

Eastern Pulaski School Superintendent Dr. Robert Kltizman announced that the school board members have approved the employment of a new middle school principal.

“We hired Mr. Ryan Dickenson as the middle school principal,” announced Klitzman. “Mr. Dickenson has 13 years of teaching experience, all at the middle school level, at a couple of school corporations. For the past four years, he has been the assistant principal/athletic director at Bremen schools. He is credited by administrators at Bremen of being key in the turnaround Bremen has experienced academically. He’s got a great faculty to work with and a great staff. We look forward to Mr. Dickenson’s start in the fall.”

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Starke County Sheriff Requests Three New Police Cars

Posted on Author WKVI
Sheriff Oscar Cowen
Sheriff Oscar Cowen

Starke County Sheriff Oscar Cowen has informed the county commissioners that he is in need of three new cars.

Commission President Kathy Norem asked Cowen to come back with actual quotes, a listing of the current fleet with years in service, and their current mileage.

She also asked Cowen to look at trucks, stating they “have better resale value.”

West Central School Corporation To Undergo Maintenance Over Summer

Posted on Author WKVI
West Central School Superintendent Charles Mellon

Maintenance workers at the West Central School Corporation will be busy this summer with several projects. Superintendent Charles Mellon outlined those projects, which include work at both the elementary school and the high school.

“In the elementary school, we will be replacing the lights in the classrooms and hallways and we’re going to upgrade the pool’s filtration system,” commented Mellon. “There’s always a little bit of carpeting that we do throughout the corporation. We’re sanding down and refinishing the high school gym floor and replacing the black boards with marker boards throughout the corporation.”

Crops Not Taking Kindly To Unpredictable, Dry Weather

Posted on Author WKVI

The topsy-turvy weather pattern that occurred early this spring saw many farmers planting earlier than usual. Now, the hot temperatures with little moisture is taking a toll on the young corn crop. La Porte County Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension Educator for Purdue University Eugene Matzat explained that the corn crop isn’t doing the greatest.

“Obviously the corn crop needs a drink of water. It’s showing some signs of stress. Corn that is relatively tall is probably about hip high, and it’s showing signs of moisture stress. I saw some corn late last week that was curling up trying to conserve moisture,” said Matzat.

Unfortunately, there’s no relief in sight as Matzat also noted that no rain is forecast for the immediate future.

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Rex Miller Announces Retirement From Oregon-Davis

Posted on Author WKVI
Oregon-Davis School Superintendent Dr. Steve Disney

“He could and did fill almost every position in the school system. We’re losing a great employee.” Oregon-Davis School Superintendent Steve Disney said these kind words about Rex Miller as he announced his retirement from the system.

During his tenure, Miller has been, among other things, the athletic director, media specialist, assistant principal, and even subbed as a bus driver occasionally. He retired as the dean-administrative assistant.

“He was an Oregon-Davis Bobcat through and through. He and his wife Brenda moved to this school system, and they never left. Rex was a strong community member who was willing to do whatever he could for the O.D. kids,” said Disney.

Boater Stumbles Upon Old Bass Lake Diving Board

Posted on Author WKVI

Do you ever remember diving off the diving board at Bass Lake? What year was it? Well, you might never dive off of it again, but because of the low water at Bass Lake the old diving board and platform have been discovered. A boat struck the items in about four feet of water, and although at first no one knew what it was, it was soon discovered that the platform had four polls on each corner and a rug on top of the deck.

On another note, Starke County’s most famous bridge – the one that went over Eagle Creek – has been removed. The wooden bridge was the site of a near-tragic event that occurred in April 1996 when a runaway school bus went over the bridge before a student, John Waldron, stopped it in a field.

The bridge has recently been taken out and a culvert installed. Highway workers brought the old wooden bridge to the highway garage property. It’s not known if it will be sold, scrapped, or used for parts.

From the WKVI Archives

Posted on Author WKVI

As the Starke County Jail Committee discusses an upgrade today, commissioners Don Thompson, Todd Troike, and Joe Weinberg were talking about an upgrade to the jail 39 years ago.

On June 3, 1973, the commissioners met with James Garman, an architect with M&W, Inc. Also in attendance at the meeting were Sheriff Harold Wyland and Auditor Jack Milner.

Some of the discussion items included whether to consider the feasibility to serve both county and city departments, whether to put a basement in the new building, and space requirements for 30 inmates. They also discussed where to place the drunk tank, interrogation rooms, booking offices, squad room, and laundry room. A brief debate was held regarding whether or not a kitchen was a requirement, and whether or not to add the sheriff’s living quarters onto the jail. Finally, they reviewed neighboring Jasper County Jail estimates that were quoted at $175,000 for cells and $500,000 for the building.

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Two Arrested After Police Find Stolen Rifle

Posted on Author WKVI

Two Winamac residents were arrested June 6 after Pulaski County officers found them to be in possession of a stolen firearm. Officers were called to a domestic dispute and, while information was being gathered concerning the alleged incident, they found a weapon after the suspect said there weren’t any weapons in the home.

Hollis Howard was asked about his status as a convicted felon after he confirmed he was a convicted felon, officers searched the home and found a .22 caliber rifle in the kitchen area. Howard stated that he had forgotten about the rifle and the weapon was in the home for his wife’s protection. He reportedly stated that he had gotten it from an uncle some time ago. Police ran the serial numbers of the rifle and discovered it had been reported stolen to the Hobart Police Department.

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Thousands of Dollars In Discrepancies Reported For North Judson

Posted on Author WKVI

Starke County Prosecutor Nicolas Bourff has confirmed that he has received a State Board of Accounts special report for the town of North Judson. The report covers the period of time between Jan. 1, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2011.

In the summary of the report, the field examiners who worked on the audit identified financial discrepancies totaling $74,408.67.

The largest discrepancy was in the cemetery lot sales category. Based on the information posted in the cemetery book, and the confirmations that were returned with receipts, the examiners determined that $40,350 was collected for cemetery lots sales but that amount was not receipted to the records. Former Clerk-Treasurer Connie Miller was requested to reimburse the town for this amount, and it was also noted that Miller required cash payments for the cemetery lot sales.

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Man Arrested Following Pulaski County Burglary

Posted on Author WKVI

One suspect was arrested Thursday, June 7 after a burglary incident in Pulaski County.

Police were called to 7102 W. 100 N. in response to a burglary in progress. Thomas Parker was caught inside the home, but he told police that he was at his uncle’s house and he was there to check on the mail. He said he had just taken his uncle to Indianapolis. Police contacted Parker’s uncle, who said that Parker was to check on the mail but he didn’t give Parker permission to be in the residence and he wanted to press charges.

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Mint Festival To Take Place This Weekend

Posted on Author WKVI

The 35th Annual Mint Festival begins Friday, June 15 and runs through Sunday, June 17. The event is held every year during the Father’s Day weekend and a Father and Grandfather of the Year are selected annually. Mint Festival President Terry Thompson has a few other items that will be featured during the event.

“We have a lot of vendors this year,” stated Thompson. “There are a lot of craft vendors and food vendors. We also have a lot of music. Mike McBride has a lot of live bands this year which include a lot of new bands for your entertainment.”

Don’t forget the parade on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m., and Thompson will discuss another unique aspect of the Mint Festival tomorrow.

Senator Jim Arnold Receives Award From Disabled American Veterans Department

Posted on Author WKVI
Senator Jim Arnold

The Disabled American Veterans Department of Indiana on Friday named State Senator Jim Arnold of LaPorte Legislator of the Year in recognition of his support for key veteran and military affairs issues at their annual state convention in Indianapolis. Arnold was previously recognized in April by the Michigan City chapter of the DAV for his dedication and commitment to Indiana servicemen and women.

Arnold said that because of his personal experience as an air traffic controller in the U.S. Air Force, these issues are particularly important to him. Since he joined the State Senate in 2007, Arnold has supported several legislative initiatives in support of Indiana’s veterans, including House Bill 1178 in 2010 – an act requiring post-deployment health evaluations of returning Indiana National Guardsmen and women to be conducted in person by a trained healthcare provider.

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Starke County EMS Director Says We Need Power Cots, Stair Chairs

Posted on Author WKVI
Paul Mathewson

Starke County EMS Director Paul Mathewson informed the Starke County Commissioners last week that he is looking into more modern equipment that might cut down on Workers Compensation Claims. He specifically said that he is pricing power-lifting cots and stair chairs.

One of the real dangers for EMS personnel is bringing patients from their home to the ambulance. Many back injury claims have been submitted in the past, and Mathewson said it would pay off in the long run to cut down on these injuries.

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Five Entrepreneurial Spirits To Receive Scholarships

Posted on Author WKVI

Five young business people will be presented with college scholarships for their outstanding entrepreneurial spirit today from members of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Nolan Sampson of Union Mills and a student from South Central Junior-Senior High School will be awarded scholarships. Sampson currently runs a mowing business with one employee and has 30 clients, and he says this business has been thriving throughout his high school career. He plans to go to college at Purdue this fall and to continue with his business in the Union Mills area. Sampson plans on focusing more on the agricultural side of business while at Purdue and after he graduates.

The scholarship presentation will be made at noon at the Hilton Downtown in the Vincennes Room in Indianapolis.

West Central School Board Signs Renewable Energy Contract

Posted on Author WKVI
West Central School Superintendent Charles Mellon

The West Central School Board signed a renewable energy credit contract. Superintendent Charles Mellon explains what that means for the corporation.

“Companies buy renewable energy credits – this is in connection with our wind turbine – that way they can say they are part owner of someone who is doing something along the ‘green lines,’ as far as not polluting the air. As a part of that, the corporation was awarded $67,000 for that right to those companies,” Mellon said.

The contract is for an eight-year period and when that time period is up, the board can renegotiate or send it out for bid. The corporation is only responsible for one thing.

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More Than $3000 Raised For Starke County Shop with a Cop

Posted on Author WKVI
Starke County Conservation Officer Keith Wildeman, Jeremiah Patrick, Harold Smith, James Upsall, Rob Olejniczack, Rich Gast, Caitlyn Hinshaw, Melissa Osburn, Sandy Binkley, Hugo Reese, Chris Kisela, and Bob Leffert participated in last year's Shop with a Cop event.

Nearly $3,200 was raised Saturday in a fundraiser held by the members of the Kankakee Valley Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #129.

The proceeds will be used to fund the “Shop with a Cop” program in Starke County. The money will be used to purchase much-needed school clothes and school supplies for the 2012-2013 school year, and children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade will get to shop for these items with the help of members of the FOP.

Last year, the FOP was able to help 33 children, spending between $100 to $150 per child. Several businesses helped with donations for raffle items and more.

Knox City Police Department Officer and FOP President Chris Kisela will announce plans for the Shop with a Cop program as we get closer to the start of the school year.

Hoppe Receives Most Influential Woman in Construction Award

Posted on Author WKVI
Wendy Hoppe, North Judson Town Council President and SCEDF Director receiving her award.

Starke County Economic Development Foundation Board Member Wendy Hoppe has been named the recipient of a Northwest Indiana Most Influential Woman Award, presented at the Radisson Hotel in Merrillville on May 31.

This was the second year for such awards, with Hoppe being named as the Most Influential Woman in the category of construction.

This is the second year a SCEDF Board member has won an award. Diane Thalman, vice president, was the inaugural winner in the 2011 category of Most Influential Woman in Economic Development.

Wendy Hoppe is currently the North Judson Town Council president for 2012. She was the first licensed female plumbing contractor in Indiana. Wendy is well known at the state level and is sometimes the subject of referrals when other females inquire about the possibility of obtaining a plumbing license.

Her next goal is to hold classes for females in the community to learn the basics of plumbing so that they might feel comfortable in performing some of the more routine tasks that they might face. Hoppe is in her eighth year on the Starke-Pulaski Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors.

Pulaski County Human Services Offers Summer Cool Program

Posted on Author WKVI

The Summer Cool Program is being offered through Pulaski County Human Services, Inc. and the North Central Community Action Agencies.

The program provides an additional $65 toward an electric utility for those who signed up for the winter energy assistance program. New applications will be taken by appointment starting July 2. Air conditioners will be available on a first come, first served basis to current and new residents who are eligible. In order to receive this benefit, you must be financially eligible based on the income guidelines of the program, have a person living in your home who is elderly or disabled, or have a child under the age of six.

For more information, call (574) 946-6500 or toll-free at (877) 946-4211 and schedule an appointment. The Summer Cool Program ends Aug. 31.

Center Township Alumni Gather To Reminisce About Center School

Posted on Author WKVI

Before they were “Redskins,” they were “Blue Streaks.” That was the what the Center Township sports teams were called before the school burned to the ground in 1942. After the fire, the students from Center Township came into Knox.

Legend has it that the blue in the uniforms of Knox sports teams is in honor of the Center Township School – after all, one of the most famous of all Knox High School graduates, Harold Weinberg, attended the school until it burned.

On Sunday, several of the students who attended the school gathered at the Community Services building to enjoy a meal, look at pictures, and reminisce about their school days at Center.

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