WKVI Information Center

There is no more Starke Memorial Hospital. Well, there is a hospital at the corner of Culver Road and Heaton Street, but the name of the facility was officially changed Thursday. In keeping with the Clarian change throughout the system Starke Memorial will be known as Indiana University Health-Starke Hospital.

“Talking with Spencer Grove from the Indiana Hospital Association said that this is absolutely the first time we’ve changed the name for Starke Hospital,” said CEO Linda Satoski. “It is an exciting day across the entire State of Indiana, moving to the IU Health name and the assurance that it gives our patients, our communities to quality of care, education and research.”

Marvin McLaughlin Honored as 2010 Henry F. Schricker Award Winner

January 21, 2011January 25, 2011WKVI

Marvin-McLaughlin-and-family — Marvin's family Front row: Nancy Leonard, Chuck Leonard, Lynette Altman, Barbara McLaughlin (wife), Marvin McLaughlin, Sarah Altman, Evan Altman. Back row: David Altman, Barbara McLaughlin, Alan McLaughlin

The Honorable Judge Marvin McLaughlin was celebrated last night as the 2010 Henry F. Schricker Service Award winner. With family, friends and dignitaries in attendance, the Judge was praised for living a life of “service before self” which was the motto of the former Governor.

In his acceptance speech, the Judge talked about setting aside politics and working for the good of your community, county, and country.

News from the North Judson Town Board

North Judson Town Marshal, Doug Vessely, reported to the North Judson Town Board that the Police Department is short one full-time police officer. The position will need to be filled soon, however the Department is not taking applications at this time.

Vessely reported that the new 2011 Crown Victoria car has been delivered to the Department. The light package and other equipment has not yet been installed in the car so it won’t be in service until next week.

Frigid Air Moves into the Kankakee Valley

Fast dropping temperatures are here, setting up the coldest day of the year. The Kankakee Valley is only expected to get up to 12 degrees today.

A wind chill advisory is in effect until 11:00 a.m. CT/Noon ET. Wind chills could get as low as -10. When you head out today, wear multiple layers of clothing. Don’t forget to wear a hat as a large portion of heat escapes from the head. Make sure you let the water run in a thin stream so the water pipes don’t freeze.

Bella Vita Representatives Give Presentation to Knox Community School Board

The Knox Community School Board heard a presentation about the new Bella Vita pregnancy resource center that will be opening on U.S. 35 in Knox in March.

“David Bullock, one of our former teachers who retired a few years back, has been involved with the non-profit organization called Bella Vita,” explained Superintendent A.J. Gappa. “Mr. Bullock and Susanne Lange, also of Bella Vita, were at the Board meeting just to give an informational presentation to the Board and would like to establish a positive relationship between the schools in Starke County and Bella Vita.”

Wishes Granted for Two Culver Students

Tina-Stacey-and-Culver-Student-Council — The Culver Student Council proudly displays the check that will help grant wishes for two students

Two youngsters were given their wish this week by students at Culver Community High School. The Student Council raised over $10,000 to send the two students to Disney World and Sea World.

“My Student Council has closed their Make-A-Wish Foundation donation fundraiser and they have raised $10,461.79 in five weeks,” said Student Council Sponsor, Tina Stacey.

January 21, 2011January 14, 2011Lenny Dessauer

1-21-11 Socrates

Northwest Indiana Forum Elects Managing Board of Directors

The Northwest Indiana Forum membership elected its 2011 Managing Board of Directors at its annual meeting last week at the Horseshoe Casino.

Among the new directors elected to continue are: Linda Woloshansky, Center of Workforce Innovations; Ed Volk, LaPorte Municipal Airport; Charles Weaver Starke County Economic Development Foundation; and Bill Wellman, Whiteco.

Hamlet Police Officers Arrest Two after Short Foot Pursuit

Hamlet Police officers arrested a Grovertown man and a Knox man after a short foot pursuit Wednesday night.

Hamlet Police Chief, Jeremiah Patrick, told WKVI that police were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on old U.S. 30 and the vehicle fled from police. The vehicle traveled through a field and wrecked into a ditch at 600 North.

Starke County Commissioners Move Forward with Video Conferencing at Starke County Jail

The Starke County Commissioners this week voted to approve a request for Video Conferencing at the Starke County Jail. The technology would allow arraignments to be done from the jail, without having to take prisoners to the courtroom.

The cost will be shared between the County, Knox City Court, and the Prosecutor’s office. Both audio and video will be provided by a fiber optic line. Families who want to watch the proceedings can do so on flat screen T.V.s that will be mounted in the courtrooms. The equipment will cost $6,061.00.

Starke County Prosecutor Talks about Decision to Replace Chief Deputy Prosecutor

Starke County Prosecutor Nicholas Bourff, in an exclusive interview Wednesday with WKVI, talked about the need to replace his Chief Deputy, Todd Wallsmith, with former Chief Prosecutor Mary Ryan.

“There were several factors that led to a quick decision,” said Bourff. “I knew going into it that this was going to be an issue I’d have to face. About a month ago when I gave an interview here, I said ‘if I’m creative enough with how I handle this, I think I can work through it’. I really did think that and then I got into the office and I learned that in order to make it work, I was going to have to absorb not only the previous Prosecutor’s case load, but also the previous Chief Deputy’s case load.”

Knox Community School Board Approves Retirement of Middle School Principal Steve Cronk

The Knox Community School Board approved the retirement of Middle School Principal, Steve Cronk, at its meeting Monday night.

“Mr. Cronk, who has worked in a number of school corporations throughout Indiana, but who has been at the Knox Middle School as Principal for the last number of years, decided it’s finally time to sit back and enjoy life a little bit,” said Superintendent A.J. Gappa. “He has submitted a letter of retirement that will take effect on June 30th. The Board regrettably accepted that resignation. It’s kind of a bittersweet personnel report when you accept the retirement of a person who has meant a lot to a lot of the kids at the Middle School here.”

Henry F. Schricker Awards Banquet to be held Tonight

January 20, 2011January 25, 2011WKVI

Marvin-McLaughlin-and-Jennifer-Davis — Marvin McLaughlin

The 2010 Henry F. Schricker Awards Banquet will be held tonight at the Knox Community Center. Honored will be former Starke County Circuit Court Judge and current County Councilman, Marvin McLaughlin, of North Judson.

When interviewed recently by Ted Hayes, Judge McLaughlin remembered the man of whom the award is named, the late governor Henry F. Schricker.

Candidates Begin to File for 2011 Municipal Election

jeff berg and greg matt — Jeff Berg (L) and Greg Matt file for candidacy in the Starke County Clerk's Office

The Starke County Clerk’s Office helped sign up candidates Wednesday for the 2011 Municipal Election. Jeff Houston filed for Knox City Clerk-Treasurer and Rick Chambers has filed for Mayor of Knox. Jeff Berg and Greg Matt filed for seats on the Knox City Council. Debra Sue Goble filed for Hamlet Clerk-Treasurer, Connie Miller filed for North Judson Town Clerk-Treasurer and Dan Anderson filed for a seat on the North Judson Town Board.

In Pulaski County, Christina Hoffa has filed for Winamac Town Clerk-Treasurer.

The deadline to file is Friday, February 18th.

Photo provided.

January 20, 2011January 14, 2011Lenny Dessauer

1-20-11 Dresser

Culver Students Help Make Wishes Come True

The Make-A-Wish Foundation will receive more than over $10,000 this afternoon in the name of two Culver students.