Two Important Meetings In Starke County This Week

Posted on Author WKVI

Two important meetings are scheduled to be held this week in Starke County.

The first, the Knox City Council will be meeting on Tuesday to discuss their proposed water rate increase. Discussion will be held over Umbaugh and Associates’ recommendation to increase the water utility rate by $6.70 a month and the council will vote on whether or not to approve an ordinance increasing the water rate. A public hearing will also be held, and the meeting will take place at Knox City Hall at 7 p.m.

A special meeting for the North Judson Town Council will be held on Thursday at 4 p.m. CT to discuss the North Judson Industrial Park. According to Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry, expected attendees include Town Superintendent Marshall Horstmann, Charlie Weaver and Larry Wickert of the Starke County Economic Development Foundation.

Northern Indiana Power From The Past Kicks Off Next Week

Posted on Author WKVI
This was one of the many working displays from last year's Power from the Past show in Winamac.

The 35th annual Northern Indiana Power from the Past begins next week, a celebration which will feature Ford and Fordson Tractors.

The preview night is set for Wednesday, July 18 with HAP’S Chicken Bash from 4:30 to 7 p.m. ET, sponsored by the Boy Scout Troop 229. The headline event for this year’s Power Show is a performance by Nashville Country Recording Artist Levi Riggs.

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Bike Rodeo to Take Place at Winamac Town Park

Posted on Author WKVI

A “Bike Rodeo” is scheduled at the Winamac Town Park as part of the Kiwanis Club’s annual Kid’s Day on Tuesday, July 24. Area children are invited to bring their bicycle from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and promote safe bicycling riding habits in an effort to reduce accidents involving children.

The event will feature a course with safety stations where riders will learn proper riding skills and habits, as well as how to better control the bicycle and general road rules. Through bicycle and helmet inspections will be offered by Zac See of Breakaway Bikes and Fitness in Peru, and children that complete the safety course will be eligible for prizes including helmets, horns, and handlebar streamers.

This event is organized by the Winamac Safe Routes Task Force, a diverse team of local business leaders, educators, local government, health professionals and private citizens, and is funded by a Safe Routes to School grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation.

Ted Hayes Begins New Career

Posted on Author WKVI
WKVI Groundbreaking in 1987 (L to R) LeRoy Gudeman, Harold Weinberg, Tom Bell, Ted Hayes, Ralph Harbison and Mike Gurrado (missing from the picture-Almo Smith)

To all of my WKVI friends,

Today, I begin a second career in Knox.  After 43 years at the radio station, I have formed a new company, Hayes Media Solutions.  In the early stages, I will be publicizing information from IU Health Starke Hospital.  In my almost 50 years in broadcasting, I have always been interested in health-related issues, so this new task will be a labor of love.

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Tom Berg’s World Record Attempt Begins Monday

Posted on Author WKVI
Tom Berg

WKVI’s Tom Berg will soon make his attempt at breaking the world record for the longest continuous radio broadcast by a single host.

His attempt will begin Monday, July 9 at 5 a.m. and will end at midnight on July 16.

The record had been set by an Italian DJ at 182 hours and just a few weeks ago, a Belgian DJ broke that record by staying on the air continuously for 184 hours. That record could be broken again if Tom is successful in his attempt to break the record at 187 hours.

Volunteers are coming in to help witness the event and everything will be documented for the Guinness World Record officials. After the officials review the submitted material, it will then be announced if the record has been broken.

Listen all week next week for Tom Berg’s Guinness Book of World Record attempt on K99.3 WKVI!

Funeral for Former Starke County Sheriff to Be Held Tomorrow

Posted on Author WKVI

Funeral services for a former Starke County Sheriff will be held tomorrow afternoon.

Wilkus Minix passed away Wednesday, July 5 at the Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac. He was the Starke County Sheriff from 1995 to 1998, and he was also an officer for the North Judson Police Department and the Starke County Sheriff’s Department.

He was a member of the Starke County VFW and the Knox American Legion. He also served as a California Township Advisory Board member and was a former precinct committeeman for the Republican Party.

Funeral services will be tomorrow at 1 p.m. CT at the Braman and Son Memorial Chapel in Knox with visitation today from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. He will be interred in the Crown Hill Cemetery in Knox.

American Veterans Traveling Tribute Comes To A Close Today

Posted on Author WKVI

Today is the last day to pay tribute to the many service members who fought for America’s freedoms and paid the ultimate price. The American Veterans Traveling Tribute and Vietnam Wall Replica is an outdoor event held on the PNC baseball field, illuminated and open for 24 hours a day since Tuesday, July 3. The exhibit will close at 11 a.m. this morning.

The American Veterans Traveling Tribute exhibits cover every war and display unique dog tags of every service person who lost their life in the War on Terror. A 360-foot Vietnam Wall replica is also on display, and distinguished speakers, invocations, patriotic performers, and other attractions are available at the tribute.

Everyone is encouraged to pay tribute to all who fought and died for this nation, and the educational exhibits bring a great learning experience for entire families. Donations and volunteers are needed and greatly appreciated, and proceeds from the event will go to veterans’ causes. Donors will be listed on the American Veterans Traveling Tribute website.

Free CNA Class Offered In Valparaiso July 18

Posted on Author WKVI

A free CNA class will be available at the Valparaiso Golden Living Center facility on July 18.

Thirty applications are available for this course beginning Monday, July 9 at the Valparaiso Golden Living Center facility at 9 a.m. CT. A test will be given on Thursday, July 12 at 9 a.m. for applicants. The test will consist of basic English comprehension and math, and for those who pass the test on the first attempt, an interview will be set up and they could be placed in a class.

The class will be run from July 18 to Sept. 12, and the best part of this CNA class? It’s free! However, participants will need to purchase a white uniform, white shoes, a watch with a seconds hand and a binder for papers. For more information, call instructor Kay Brown at (219) 462-6158.

Cops Cycling For Survivors Ride Begins Monday

Posted on Author WKVI

The 10th annual Cops Cycling for Survivors bicycle ride across Indiana kicks off Monday, July 9 with a departure ceremony at 9 a.m. ET. The ceremony will take place at the Law Enforcement/Firefight Memorial next to the State Capitol in downtown Indianapolis.

Fifty-three cyclists are participating in the ride and will depart shortly after the keynote comments of Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse. The departure will take the group east toward Greenfield on the first leg of their 13-day journey to cover nearly 1000 miles bicycling the perimeter of Indiana.

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Temperature Exceed 95 Degrees Today – Stay Hydrated

Posted on Author WKVI

With temperatures still expected in the 90s today, it’s important to be safe while in the heat.

An excessive heat warning continues today so remember to stay hydrated and stay in an air-conditioned shelter during the hottest parts of the day. Check on homebound and elderly family members or neighbors several times a day to make sure they are staying hydrated and not showing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Statewide, nearly 1.5 percent of all emergency department visits the past few days were heat-related. One person was admitted into the Emergency Room at IU Health Starke Hospital for heat exhaustion.

Week in Review for July 2nd-6th, 2012

Posted on Author WKVI

Here is a look at some of the news that made the news in the Kankakee Valley this week:

The proposed golf cart ordinance in Marshall County will be discussed by the Commissioners in a public hearing setting on Monday, July 16th. No time has been set for the hearing, but the Commissioners will be meeting at 10:00 a.m. ET to go over regular business. There are a few residents upset with the ordinance that restricts the use of golf carts around the county’s lakes. The ordinance does not include use on any other roadway. The ordinance also requires a driver to have a driver’s license and proof insurance must be present at all time when operating a cart. Other provisions have also been set and will be discussed during the public hearing. Continue reading →

Alcohol, Drugs Not Factor In Fatal Marshall County Accident

Posted on Author WKVI

The toxicology report has been received by the Marshall County coroner in the case of a double fatal accident that occurred June 28.

Coroner Bill Cleavenger said that 16-year-old Vincent Cody Poczik and 16-year-old Hunter Brandt of Plymouth were negative for both alcohol and drugs. Cleavenger said that this eliminates one element of the investigation. It was initially believed that speed was a factor in the accident, although that has not been confirmed.

On the evening of June 28, Poczik was driving his car on 12 B Road, east of Olive Trail, when the vehicle left the roadway, struck a guardrail and flipped end over end. Cleavenger said Poczik and Brandt were killed instantly.

The accident remains under investigation with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.

No Fires Reported Over Holiday For Starke, Pulaski Counties

Posted on Author WKVI

Despite the controversy regarding Pulaski and Starke counties’ recent decisions to rescind their burn bans, no fires were reported on Fourth of July in either county.

The Starke County Sheriff’s Department reports that while they had no fire calls on the holiday, they did receive a number of noise complaints because of the fireworks. Overall, it was a safe Fourth of July for the county. No fires and no serious injuries were reported, and the Starke County fireworks celebration went off without a hitch.

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Culver Still Cleaning Up Storm Aftermath

Posted on Author WKVI
Culver Town Council Members Ed Pinder, Ralph Winters, Ginny Bess, Sally Ricciardi
Culver Town Council Members (from left to right) Ed Pinder, Ralph Winters, Ginny Bess, Sally Ricciardi

Culver Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim says the town has been busy cleaning up the remaining debris from last weekend’s series of storms. Many people lost power in the town through Saturday, and some residents were even without power until Sunday. Heim says the street department has been dealing with a large number of downed trees and limbs, but they are working their way through town cleaning up brush and debris.

Heim says that the storm caused a bit of damage to properties in the town. Some homes were damaged, a porch was reportedly destroyed, and a limb fell through a home. Several cars were damaged by falling branches and other debris, and at least one pool was taken out by the storm.

On a positive note, construction for the Safe Routes to School project is still underway, and crews are currently replacing sidewalks down School Street. Heim says that they have been working on the project since the beginning of June.

Town of North Judson To Draft No-Tobacco Ordinance

Posted on Author WKVI
North Judson Town Board

The Town of North Judson has announced that it is in compliance with the new smoke-free air law as required by the state, but the town board has announced plans to draft their own, more stringent no-tobacco policy.

Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry says that the ordinance would not only prevent smoking, but all use of tobacco where smoking is prohibited. She says the ordinance would include park shelters because they are currently not covered by the state law, which only applies to enclosed structures. The board is interested in including these shelters in the no-tobacco policy because they feel the shelters are there for people to enjoy, and the board feels they have the right to enjoy them without having to tolerate tobacco smoke close to them.

The board will soon have the ordinance drafted and then read for approval at an upcoming meeting.

Henry says the board also commended the town’s street department on the good job they did over the weekend in cleaning up brush and debris from last weekend’s storms.

Pulaski County 4-H Fair Coming To A Close

Posted on Author WKVI

Today is the last day of the Pulaski County 4-H Fair.

The County Official Breakfast is today from 7 to 8 a.m., the Ultimate Showman Contest is at 10 a.m., the 4-H and open class exhibits will be released at 4 p.m. and the 4-H Auction will begin at 6 p.m. ET. The auction order will be sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, swine, then cattle.

The Starke County 4-H Fair will officially begin Monday, July 16.

Registration Schedule For Knox Schools Released

Posted on Author WKVI
Knox Community School Superintendent A.J. Gappa

Knox Community School Superintendent A.J. Gappa announced that the school registration schedule has been released this week.

“The high school, middle school and the elementary school released registration dates for the upcoming school year,” said Gappa. “I know it seems like the old school year just ended, but that information will be posted on the website and we will get that information out so everyone is aware of the registration times for the upcoming school year.”

The registration days will be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 31 through Aug. 2, at the Knox elementary and middle schools, and Aug. 1 and 2 at the Knox High School. To download a full schedule, click here.

Freshmen registration is Thursday, Aug. 9 from 8 to 11 a.m. Back to School Night is Monday, August 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. at all schools, and the first day of school for Knox students is Tuesday, August 14.

Hoosiers Suffering From Most Severe Drought In Years, Experts Say

Posted on Author WKVI

The dry conditions have put Indiana in the most severe drought Hoosiers have seen in a long time.

WKVI’s Accuweather.com Meteorologist Heather Zehr has been crunching the numbers with climatologists and while no records have been set, the amount of rainfall that fell in June was 2.25 inches below the normal June value of 3.79 inches. Only six days in June produced a measurable amount of rain with five days measuring .10 inches of precipitation. The only day that produced a greater amount was on June 28 with a half-inch of rain in that day. June was recorded as the 15th driest month on record at South Bend.

Cooler temperatures at the beginning of June helped hold the average temperature in South Bend at 71.5 degrees, which is 2.4 degrees above normal.

The entire state is experiencing drought conditions with 84 counties remaining under burn bans. The Starke County and Pulaski County Commissioners lifted the burn bans earlier this week. Officials continue to monitor the conditions.

Indiana Taxpayers To Receive Automatic Refund

Posted on Author WKVI
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels

According to Governor Mitch Daniels, a preliminary look at Indiana’s fiscal year data shows the state will close the year with reserves of more than $2 billion and a structural surplus, meaning annual revenue in excess of annual expenses of more than $500 million.

“Thanks to that amount and its overage beyond ten percent of next year’s budget, there will be a major infusion of money into Indiana pension funds, which are already the strongest in the country, and the first automatic taxpayer refund in state history,” said Governor Mitch Daniels. “So, what we can say today is that we have a double-digit discount for the typical Indiana taxpayer.”

Governor Daniels stated that you will receive the first automatic taxpayer refund when you file your state taxes in 2013. The Indiana General Assembly approved the Governor’s plan for an automatic taxpayer refund in 2011. The refund will clearly be in excess of $100 for a single filer or $200 for a joint return. The exact amount will not be known until the fall when the estimate will be made of how many tax returns will qualify. The median income tax payment was a little over $800 last year, so the refund will amount to more than ten percent.

For fiscal year 2013, the state is projecting a structural surplus of more than $400 million, resulting in the state’s reserves again exceeding $2 billion.