Pulaski County Recycling Center Seeks Grant Money for Repairs

Posted on Author WKVI
Pulaski County Commissioners Tracey Shorter, Kenneth Boswell, Michael Tiede

Ed Clark of the Pulaski County Recycling Center approached the county commissioners yesterday, seeking approval of a $20,000 grant for the recycling center. The grant, which is actually the second installment of a $40,000 grant that is received each year, can be transferred to the recycling center at the discretion of the commissioners and the recycling center manager. The other half goes to fuel, tire repairs and other expenses. Clark said that there are several problems that the recycling center needs to fix, and the $20,000 would go to repairing these issues.

Continue reading →

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Investigates Accidental Shooting

Posted on Author WKVI

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department was called to an accidental shooting on Sunday, June 19th.

Robert Avery, of Winamac, told police that he saw a chipmunk on a woodpile they have by the house and decided he was going to shoot at it. According to police, his girlfriend, Dawn Vanaman, knew he was going to shoot at it but she was trying to keep her kitten from running into the line of fire and instead, Dawn got into the line of fire. Avery reportedly told police that parts of the projectile shot from a rifle hit Dawn in the neck area. Vanaman was airlifted to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. Vanaman told police that the shooting was an accident. Avery was reportedly drinking the day of the incident.

The reporting officer forwarded the case to the Detective’s Division for further review.

Culver Community Schools Tracking Direction of Monterey Elementary Students

Posted on Author WKVI
Culver Community School Superintendent Brad Schuldt

Since the closing of the Monterey Elementary School, there have been rumors that some of the students will go to the Eastern Pulaski School system, instead of going into Culver Community.

Culver Community School Superintendent Brad Schuldt was asked if he anticipates losing students because of the closure.

“We expected this to be an issue, and in fact, when we did some financial planning, the numbers that we used did include a reduction of students over the next two years,” said Schuldt. “Of course the big question is going to be how many students will be moving. That is a number that is changing rather regularly. I know that some of the families have requested transcripts to be sent to a new school corporation. That’s pretty much how we can keep track of people who have actually made the move.”

Continue reading →

Mint Farmer Faces Possible Prison Sentence

Posted on Author WKVI

Mike Materna is facing a possible prison sentence because he reportedly released hot water discharge into a ditch near his mint distillery, and that has many people “hopping mad.”

State Representative Tom Dermody (R-LaPorte) is one of the people who is outspoken in his feelings about this possibility. Dermody said, (and I quote),
“To be honest with you this scares me to death. This is nothing more than a rampaging federal government.”

Continue reading →

Knox City Council Discusses Horseback Riding in City Limits

Posted on Author WKVI
Knox City Council (L to R) Linda Berndt, Jeff Berg, Ron Parker, Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston, Mayor Rick Chambers, Attorney David Matsey, Ed Blue and Greg Matt

Although it has not become a huge problem so far, the Knox City Council members did discuss horseback riding in the city and parks at their most recent meeting.

Besides the problem of manure on the streets, there is a problem of riding in the parks. Horses can do a lot of damage if being ridden on a baseball field. In the discussion, Park Superintendent, George Byer, said there is evidence in the form of manure on the walking path, which makes it unpleasant for the walkers.

Continue reading →

Fire Officer Training this Weekend

Posted on Author WKVI

The Washington Township Fire Department will be the location of a two-day training session for current fire officers and is open to firefighters.  Topics of discussion include leadership, decision-making, risk management, strategy and tactics, root cause problem solving, customer service, training, and more. The sessions will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 25th and 26th, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT.

Continue reading →

Lawsuit Sparks Talk of New Starke County Jail

Posted on Author WKVI
Starke County Jail

Talk of a new Starke County Jail has surfaced again. The three Starke County Commissioners talked about visiting other county jails in Marshall, Fulton and Brown Counties to look at the configuration of the buildings.

The announcement of the fact that they would be touring these buildings was made during the June 16th meeting to discuss the Class Action Law Suit brought against the County by Jack Haut, a Starke County Inmate.

Continue reading →

Knox City Council Will Not Sell Sandy Acres Park

Posted on Author WKVI
Knox City Council #2
Back Row: Mayor Rick Chambers, Ed Blue, Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston, Greg Matt and Attorney David Matsey. Front Row: Linda Berndt, Jeff Berg and Ron Parker

A resounding “no” was given to Knox Mayor Rick Chambers when he asked the City Council members last week if they would be interested in selling the Sandy Acres Park. Chambers said that he had been approached about selling the property. Although not announcing who had approached him, it was assumed to be a business person wanting to locate, or re-locate on Heaton Street.

It was noted that in the Five Year Park Plan that there is not have enough park space. Recently, the Park Board has spruced up Sandy Acres and it has been used more according to Park Superintendent, George Byer.

USDA Summer Food Program Begins Today at North Judson-San Pierre Schools

Posted on Author WKVI

The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation will participate in the USDA Summer Food Service program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge who are 18 and younger.

Meals will be served in the North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School. Breakfast will be served from 7:45-8:15 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT. Adults may eat lunch at the Elementary School for a charge of $2.00.

Continue reading →

North Judson Town Board Discusses Pool Fills, Mowing Ordinance

Posted on Author WKVI
North Judson Town Board: Dan Anderson, Wendy Hoppe, Jane Ellen Felchuk, Attorney Cassie Hine and Clerk-Treasurer Connie Miller

The North Judson Town Board members discussed pool fills at their recent meeting. The Board approved the action of pool fills but an ordinance will be constructed to outline the fees. The Board approved the fee of $.03 a gallon for water and $.80 a mile for fuel. A credit card will also need to be provided to ensure payment. A bill will not be sent.

Continue reading →

Taylor Quella Prepares for Miss Indiana Outstanding Teen

Posted on Author WKVI
Taylor Quella

Taylor Quella, a Knox High School incoming Senior, is in Zionsville this week participating in the Miss Indiana Outstanding Teen competition. Taylor is the daughter of Kathy and Pete Quella.

Ted Hayes talked with Taylor before she leaves for the competition. He asked her what she has been doing to get ready since early November when she was selected Queen of the local pageant.

“I’ve had mock interviews, I have gotten my wardrobe all ready and I have gotten my nails done and I’m just preparing every day,” said Quella. “Wednesday, we go down there for good until around Saturday. We have rehearsals every day until the final competition on Friday.”

Continue reading →

Box Tops, Cambell’s Soup Labels due into Knox Community Elementary School this Week

Posted on Author WKVI

The Knox Community Elementary School is still collecting box tops and Campbell’s UPC labels and PTO President, Shelly Kemble, says if you have any labels to turn in, you need to get them in this week.

“The collection of Box Tops from the 2010-2011 school year totals a little over $4,000,” said Kemble. “You may drop off any box tops at the Knox Community Elementary School Main Office at door number 1 until June 22nd. We will start back up with the drop off after the 2011 school year begins in August.”

Forestry Discussion Tomorrow at Country Kettle Restaurant

Posted on Author WKVI
Bruce Wakeland

The Arrow Head Country RC&D Forestry Committee and Forester Bruce Wakeland invite you to the Country Kettle in Knox, tomorrow, to discuss issues you may be having in your woodland areas.  The event will be tomorrow, June 21st, from 7:00-8:30 a.m. CT.

Wakeland and representatives from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Purdue, Consulting, and Industry Foresters will be available for conversation and questions.

Continue reading →

WKVI Announces Fall Trip

Posted on Author WKVI
Showboat Branson Belle

WKVI is announcing plans for its fall motorcoach tour to Branson. See the beautiful Ozark Hills burst into Fall colors.  Listen to WKVI throughout the day for Ed Hasnerl with the details.

The four-day, three-night trip inclues shows in which you’ll see Andy Williams and Ann-Margaret at Andy’s “Moon River” Theatre, and the Oak Ridge Boys as they celebrate their 30th Anniversary of their hit, “Elvira!”.

You’ll enjoy a dinner and show cruise on the crystal clear waters of Table Rock Lake while on the Showboat Branson Belle and you’ll spend a morning at the “National Harvest Festival” in Silver Dollar City plus much, much more.

Call (574) 772-6241 and Ed will send you all the information in the mail.

P.E.O. Chapter B Hosts State Convention in Indianapolis

Posted on Author WKVI
Members of the Knox/North Judson P.E.O. Chapter B host the state convention in Indianapolis

Twelve members of the Philanthropic Educational Organization Chapter B in Knox and North Judson recently traveled to Indianapolis to attend the State P.E.O. Convention held at the Wyndham West Hotel and Convention Center.

Chapter B hosted the Golden Girl Luncheon honoring 34 women who have been members for 50 years. Approximately 570 members and guests attended the luncheon with Chapter B providing the decorations, programs, entertainment and biographies of the Golden Girls. All 144 chapters in Indiana, representing 5,642 members, sent delegates and guests to the convention.

Continue reading →

Starke County Commissioners Discuss Class Action Lawsuit

Posted on Author WKVI
Starke County Commissioners ( L to R ) Kathy Norem, Dan Bridegroom, Jennifer Davis

The Starke County Commissioners met yesterday to discuss the Class Action Suit brought against the County by inmate Jack Haut. Because the suit is not covered by insurance, the County must come up with the money for legal expenses. County Attorney, Marty Lucas, advised the Commissioners that it will cost a minimum of $100,000 in attorney fees. And he said don’t expect a quick resolution.

Haut, in his suit, is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief because of the conditions at the Starke County Jail. One part of the suit is the claim that the jail is consistently overcrowded.

Continue reading →

Police Continue to Investigate Alleged Attempted Abduction

Posted on Author WKVI

A week after a Parkview Heights woman reported an attempted abduction of a child, Knox City Police still are investigating. Officer Harold Smith said yesterday that they have few leads outside of those given by the woman.

The incident was reported to have occurred Thursday afternoon, June 9th. At that time, the woman said a man entered her fenced-in backyard and attempted to grab her one-year-old toddler. Amber Howard said the possible abduction began with the man knocking her seven-year-old daughter off of a swing and onto the ground.

Continue reading →