Local Fire Departments Receive Grants

Posted on Author WKVI

73 rural and volunteer fire departments from 46 counties across Indiana have been awarded more than $310,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance grants from the Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR Forestry staff reviews grant applications and selects recipients based on population density, acres of public wildlands protected, and wildlife fire reporting to DNR Fire Control Headquarters. Grants can be used for training, installation of dry hydrants, or purchasing necessary firefighting equipment and personal protective gear. Local fire departments that receive grants must match the grant with cash or in-kind contributions.

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ATV Legalization Unlikely in Pulaski County

Posted on Author WKVI

Pulaski County Commissioner Kenneth Boswell told Commissioners Tracey Shorter and Michael Tiede that he has received requests to legalize the use of ATVs on county roads. There is a state law that restricts the use of ATVs on public roadways and according to state law, all ATVs must be registered through the DNR. Commissioner Michael Tiede was asked about the Board’s decision regarding this request:

“The county attorney said that that probably won’t happen because of the state law says that they’re not licensed vehicles. And also, I don’t know if we need four-wheelers and golf carts driving down the road at a slow pace, especially a golf cart on a road that’s 55 miles per hour,” said Tiede.

Wake Surfing and Teak Surfing Prohibited in New Law

Posted on Author WKVI

With the Bass Lake Festival coming up this weekend, the DNR would like to remind you that a new law went into effect July 1st that prohibits “Wake Surfing” or “Teak Surfing” behind certain motorboats.

Teak Surfing is now illegal behind all motorboats powered by an inboard engine, an inboard-outboard engine, or an outboard engine while the boat’s engine is running. This includes just hanging onto the swim platform with the motor is running.

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Starke County Commissioners Move Ahead with Bridge Repairs

Posted on Author WKVI
County bridge #156 over the Robbins Ditch

The Starke County Commissioners made a decision to move forward with repairs to Bridge #156 over the Robbins Ditch at 400 North and Range Road. The heavily traveled bridge was recently closed by an emergency order.

The State had approved a plan to rebuild the bridge but that would have meant two years of the structure being down.

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Fishing Season is Underway

Posted on Author WKVI

Do you have your boat dusted off for the fishing season? Conservation Officer, Keith Wildeman, says many people are doing just that. The fishes are not that big as what Jimmy John Shark caught, but they’re big enough to be proud of, if you’re lucky enough to catch one.

“A number of folks have been hitting Bass Lake and Koontz Lakes and the rivers,” said Wildeman. “Right now is a popular time for Walleye and Northern Pike fishing on the rivers. I’d like to remind folks to check the regulations. Regulations are available free of charge at most license vendors. Fishing licenses, up until March 31st, still require a 2010 fishing license as they are valid from April 1st to March 31st. Starting April 1st, the 2011 licenses are what folks are required.”

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Indiana DNR Unveils New Package of Deer Hunting Rules

Posted on Author WKVI

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has unveiled a new package of recommended changes to deer hunting rules that will be presented to the Natural Resources Commission at its January 11th meeting at Ft. Harrison State Park in Indianapolis.

The Natural Resources Commission withdrew its preliminary approval of an earlier plan because overwhelming public comment opposed shortening some segments of the deer hunting seasons.

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A Recap of the Top 10 Stories of 2010

Posted on Author WKVI

Story #10

Tony Kerby Memorial at the Yellow River

Tony Kerby lost his life in the Yellow River attempting to save his younger brother’s life. The good looking boy went in the treacherous waters to save his 8-year-old brother Dominick when the youngster slipped off a rock. Dominick was saved when a person in the park pulled him to safety, but Tony could not swim to the banks.

Community members were so saddened by the death that a cross was put at the site to honor his efforts and his life. The memorial was created by Shelby Clemons of North Judson, his wife, Danielle, and Misty Baldridge of Knox.

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Top 10 Stories of 2010; Story #10

Posted on Author WKVI

At the end of each year the members of the WKVI staff select the top 10 stories of the year. This is story #10:

Tony Kerby Memorial is placed by the Yellow River

Tony Kerby lost his life in the Yellow River attempting to save his younger brother’s life. The good looking boy went in the treacherous waters to save his 8-year-old brother Dominick when the youngster slipped off a rock. Dominick was saved when a person in the park pulled him to safety, but Tony could not swim to the banks.

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