Starke County Commissioners Discuss Proposed Burn Ordinance
Approximately 20 people turned out Monday night to question the Starke County Commissioners about the proposed new burn ordinance. Numerous questions were asked about the ordinance which has been written to mirror the State’s ordinance on burning.
Many questions pertained to the enforcement of the new ordinance. The Sheriff’s Department, the Environmental Department and possibly even the Health Department will enforce the ordinance. If fire departments determine that a fire was set illegally or illegal materials were being burned, a report would be sent to the various departments mentioned for further action.
State Legislature to Discuss the Elimination of Township Government this Session
Will this be the session of the State Legislature when township government is done away with? Governor Mitch Daniels would like for it to be eliminated. Indiana has more than 1,000 townships. The Trustees and Advisory Boards are responsible for fire protection and poor relief, among other things.
WKVI News asked State Representative Nancy Dembowski (D-Knox) gives us her perspective on the possible elimination of township government.
Commissioner Davis Resigns from Starke County Health Board
After only one meeting, Starke County Commissioner, Jennifer Davis, has resigned from the seat she was named to on the Starke County Health Board. It was determined that the position she was named to was not one that requires a Commission representative. That being the case, Davis was named to be the Commission’s liaison on the Health Board, but not a voting member.
The seat she was named to was the one held by Bob Howard until December 31st, 2010. It will now have to be reappointed by the Commissioners.
Marshall County Habitual Traffic Violator Arrested in Griffith
An Habitual Traffic Violator from Marshall County has been picked up in Griffith. Jamie Lee Nitcher, 36, who now lists his address as Gary, was found to be a Habitual Traffic Offender in Marshall County in 2003. He lost his driving privileges for life, but when picked up early Friday morning police said he had three open beers inside his Dodge truck and admitted he’d been smoking marijuana. Charges of Operating a Vehicle after a Lifetime Suspension is a Class C Felony, punishable by a maximum of eight years in prison.
Eastern Pulaski Elementary School to Bridge Gap Between Preschool and Kindergarten
Eastern Pulaski Elementary Principal, Mrs. Jill Collins, reported a new plan to the Eastern Pulaski School Board that would help students bridge the gap between Preschool and Kindergarten.
“We’re setting up a series of meetings where we are going to invite Preschool teachers and students into our building during the day and evening at different times and we’ll put them in a classroom and we’ll bring some teachers in to talk with them about some of the things they’ll be doing in Kindergarten,” explained Eastern Pulaski School Superintendent, Dr. Robert Klitzman. “The students will be able to see the teachers now with the comfort of their Preschool teacher and the other students right there and the next year it won’t be such a traumatic situation.”
Knox Homecoming Royalty Crowned
Congratulations to Brittany Tetzloff and Patrick Ambrose who were crowned Knox Homecoming Queen and King Friday night. They were among twelve candidates eligible for the crown.
Photo by Jayme Goetz
Ice Fishing Safety Reminders
Conservation Officer, Keith Wildeman, is in today to discuss ice fishing safety.
“Ice is never safe just because it can always change depending on weather conditions,” said Wildeman. “If we have a heavy snow like we did a few weeks back, the snow acts as an insulator and the ice will not form as quickly or as hard.”
What is the rule of thumb about the thickness of the ice?
Winter Weather Advisory
Statement as of 12:22 PM CST on January 17, 2011/
Winter Weather Advisory
… Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 6 PM EST /5 PM CST/
this evening to noon EST /11 am CST/ Tuesday…
The National Weather Service in northern Indiana has issued a
Winter Weather Advisory for freezing rain and snow… which is in
effect from 6 PM EST /5 PM CST/ this evening to noon EST /11 am
CST/ Tuesday.
* Timing… a mixture of snow and freezing rain will spread into
the area tonight and persist Tuesday morning.
* Main impact… surfaces are likely to become icy causing slippery
travel and hazardous walking conditions.
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow… sleet… or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for
slippery roads and limited visibilities… and use caution while
driving.
Phil Potempa’s Monday Soup Recipe
Cheeseburger Soup:
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 chopped celery
1 carrot, shredded
1 large (33oz) can of 99% fat free chicken broth
2 (14 oz) cans of low-fat Cheddar-Broccoli soup
2 cups milk
2 cups cooked rice, brown or white
1 cup sour cream
Sunday Morning Mixed League 1/16/11
Sunday Morning Mixed League 1/16/11
Team Standings:
1. The Unknown 87.0-32.0
2. The Quest 72.0-54.0
3. WRJN 70.0-56.0
4. Split Heads 69.0-60.0
5. The Smelly Cats 66.0-57.0
6. Lucky #7 57.0-69.0
7. S*** Happens 55.0-71.0
8. Odd Balls 54.0-72.0
9. Strange Brew 53.0-73.0
10. Snowdon’s Lawncare 47.0-79.0
Continue reading
Starke County Health Board to Consider Combining Envrionmentalist and Food Inspector Duties
The Starke County Health Board is considering combining the Environmentalist position with the Food Inspector’s duties. Health Nurse Frank Lynch brought the suggestion to the Board last week.
David Kesvormas, who had been selected to do food inspections on a contract basis, was in attendance and said he would not be willing to be considered for the expanded position. The Board made no decision, but would be willing to look at the job description before deciding. Until that time, the Board is willing to consider Kesvormas for the Food Inspector’s position on a contractual basis.
Candidates May Begin Filing for Primary Election on Wednesday
The first day to sign up for the spring primary has been put back until January 19th. The delay is because of the Martin Luther King holiday on January 17th. The final day for sign up is February 18th.
It will be interesting to see if the Republican success in the fall election will carry over to the Town and Municipal election in 2011 in Starke County.
Elections will be held in Knox, Hamlet, and North Judson.
Late Canada Goose Season Opens February 1st
Here’s a note to you hunters. The Indiana DNR has passed a temporary rule continuing the the February Canada goose hunting season. The dates this year are February 1-15. The season will be open in selected counties to control the population of breeding Canada geese around urban areas.
2011 Maxinkuckee Players Summer Production Chosen
The Maxinkuckee Players have announced that its 2011 summer production will be Crazy for You. It ran for 1.622 performances on Broadway and won the 1992 Tony Award for Best Musical. Crazy for You is a high energy comedy which includes mistaken identity, plot twists and classic Gershwin music such as “I Got Rhythm”, “Embraceable You” and “Someone to Watch Over Me”.
Redistricting Could Mean A Different Political Option for Donnelly
In November, Second District U.S. Representative Joe Donnelly won a razor-thin victory to return to Congress. The moderate Democrat was locked in a close race with conservative Republican Jackie Walorski.
With redistricting coming up during this session of the legislature, the second district might not be a competitive district. It might have a distinct Republican flavor.
Robert L. Fraine Honored for 50 Years of Service with the Koontz Lake Fire Department
Residents of Koontz Lake and surrounding communities turned out Saturday afternoon to honor 50 year Koontz Lake firefighter Robert “Lynn” Fraine.
It all began for Lynn in August of 1960 when he made a commitment to help protect his community. Actually, it began a little earlier when the fire department would recruit high schoolers to help fight fires. Continue reading
