WKVI Information Center

Daniels,-Mitch — Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels

Education and local government reform were the two main topics presented by Governor Mitch Daniels at his State of the State address Tuesday night. The points he stressed were the expansion of charter schools, merit pay for teachers, and the elimination of township government. He chastised those who favor longevity over talent.

“Today’s teachers make more money not because their students learn more, but just by living longer and putting another certificate on the wall,” Daniels said. “We have seen Teachers of the Year laid off, just because they weren’t old enough. This must change.”

State Representative Nancy Dembowski Concerned about Governor’s Education Proposals, Job Creation

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels gave his State of the State Address Tuesday night and State Representative Nancy Dembowski was concerned that the Governor did not talk about job creation.

“The Governor, in my view, failed to speak about the one most important issue that faces our State right now because we have an unemployment rate that is still hovering around ten percent and I don’t believe I heard the Governor talk a great deal about jobs, other than to say that we were an ‘isle of prosperity’. I challenge him to come to District 17 and see whether or not it is such an ‘island of prosperity’.”

Comments Show Residents not in Favor Lisa Owens’ Possible Early Prison Release

A deluge of posts came into the comment area on the WKVI Discussion Board about the story on Lisa Owens yesterday. Owens is the woman who is reportedly going to get an early release from prison after being convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter in the death of her husband in 2001. Owens was sentenced to 40 years by then Starke Circuit Court Judge David Matsey after being found guilty of shooting and killing her husband in the shower. Current Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall was the Prosecutor in the case.

Congressman Donnelly has Extra Security While Visiting with Constituents

In the wake of the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Saturday, government officials seem to be taking a second look at their safety. Congressman Joe Donnelly was in Elkhart on Tuesday to talk to a middle school class. Four uniformed policemen were on hand, too.

Donnelly said he was not particularly worried about his own safety, but wanted people coming out to events where he is to feel safe.

Starke United Receives Grant from NIPSCO

Edie & Mike C. Nipsco Check — Mike Charbonneau presents a $5,000 grant check to Edie Hall

Starke United announced this week of a $5,000 grant from NIPSCO to provide funds to cover 2012 campaign marketing expenses. Starke United Executive Director, Edie Hall, said this gift is “thrilling” and indicated that without the funds Starke United would have a much more difficult time paying for the advertising and marketing materials.

Starke County Health Board to Meet Tonight

The Starke County Health Board will meet tonight in their first meeting of the new year. This will be the first meeting for new members Bev Fraine and Jennifer Davis. There will be election of officers for the year and a discussion of the retirement of Environmentalist David Singleton.

The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. in the Health Office in the Starke County Courthouse.

January 13, 2011January 7, 2011Lenny Dessauer

1-13 Happiness

Economy Auto Sales Collects Cash and Food for Starke County Food Pantry

Food Bank Pic — George Mammarella presents Joan Haugh with cash and food donations

After a recent food drive, George Mammarella of Economy Auto Sales presented Community Services of Starke County Diector, Joan Haugh, with a cash and food donations of over $1,200 for the Starke County Food Pantry.

Executive Producer of “Haven” Jim Dunn Interview

January 12, 2011Lenny Dessauer

Executive Producer of Syfy’s show “Haven” stops by WKVI for a visit.

Dunn Interview

State Troopers Car Hit While Directing Traffic

Crawfordsville-January 11th, at approximately 7:29 p.m., a trooper with the Indiana State Police was assisting with traffic control on I-74 westbound near the 36 mile marker when a semi rear ended his patrol car.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Kyle Wentland has revealed that Sergeant Randy Gritten was sitting in his fully marked patrol car with emergency lights and flares partially in the left hand lane. Sergeant Gritten was attempting to move traffic into the right lane so a wrecker could pull out an ambulance. The lights and flares were visible for over a mile. A Maroon 2001 International semi pulling a trailer driven by John E. Brandle, 59 years old from Rock Island, IL was westbound following another semi running 52 miles an hour. Brandle decided to pass the semi and pulled out into the left lane. While passing the other semi, Brandle’s se Continue reading →

Friday Night Mixed League 01/07/11

January 12, 2011WKVI

Friday Night Mixed League 01/07/11
Team Standings:
1. Alley Acres 50.0-26.0
2. 4-Alarm Fire 48.0-28.0
3. Dolezal Family 44.5-31.5
4. Mariah’s Hill 41.5-34.5
5. Good Friends 41.0-35.0
6. Hard Times 38.0-38.0
7. Rollin’ Thunder 37.0-39.0
8. Undecided 33.5-42.5
9. Raiders 33.0-43.0
10. Baugh Construction 31.5-44.5
11. Feel the Power 29.0-47.0
12. O’s Tap 29.0-47.0
Continue reading →

Thursday Night Ladies Sandburr League 01/06/11

January 12, 2011WKVI

Thursday Night Ladies Sandburr League 01/06/11
Team Standings:
1. Sew What Embroidery 47.0-17.0
2. Area Services 41.0-23.0
3. WKVI Radio 35.0-29.0
4. Mirror Images 35.0-29.0
5. Mark’s Body Shop 34.0-30.0
6. Smith’s 30.0-34.0
7. Norton’s Packaging 30.0-34.0
Continue reading →

Knox Woman Sentenced to 40 Year Prison Term in 2001 Could be Released from Prison this May

A story that shocked the listening area almost 10 years ago is being updated this week. On May 21st, 2001, Lisa Owens shot and killed her husband Jeff, leaving his body in the shower for several days. In a trial, she was found guilty of an amended charge of Voluntary Manslaughter and sentenced to 40 years in prison.

WKVI News has found out this week that Lisa Owens could be released from the Rockville Correctional Facility as early as May 23rd of this year.

Indiana Senate Committee on Judiciary to Consider Senate Bill 105

Indiana’s Senate Committee on Judiciary will meet today to consider State Senator Ed Charbonneau’s proposal designed to help insolvent communities better manage their debts. Senate Bill 105 would offer financially stressed communities options including the appointment of a financial manager and ability to declare bankruptcy.

Under Charbonneau’s measure, local governments in the red could request the State to appoint a financial manager. This manager would work to make governments solvent again by addressing community affairs and helping to restructure debt and financial obligations.

Spotlight on Hoosier Custom Plastics

January 12, 2011June 28, 2022WKVI

WKVI will be introducing you to industry in the County and today, we turn the spotlight on Hoosier Custom Plastics on Hamilton Ave in the Knox Industrial Park.

Gordon Schenk is the Chief Financial Officer and Ted Hayes talked to him recently about the business that has been in operation since 2004. Schenk talked about the business, including products produced at the 17,000 sq. ft. plant.

Starke Memorial Hospital Board Retains Officers; Name Change Later this Month