Fireworks Show a Success in Starke County

Posted on Author WKVI

The fireworks show at the Starke County Airport held one week ago today was well attended, according to Knox Mayor Rick Chambers.

Chambers told the Knox City Council members this week that with the fireworks committee’s fundraisers, gate collections, donations from the three county commissioners, several monetary donations from businesses and individuals, the town of Hamlet and a generous donation from the town of North Judson, the only loss the city of Knox will realize is $767. The show was $8,550 and $7,783 was collected.

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Scholarships Still Available Through Starke County Community Foundation

Posted on Author WKVI

Scholarships totaling nearly $30,000 have been given to 24 students through the Starke County Community Foundation and more scholarships are up for grabs.

Five additional scholarships are currently available to high school graduates and to non-traditional students.

The Back Home Again in Indiana Scholarship is specifically for non-traditional students and gives college scholarships as well as supporting those who wish to further their education and/or training as a way of enhancing their employment skills.

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Starke County Highway Department Stretches Road Repair Dollars

Posted on Author WKVI
Starke County Highway Department employees recently made asphalt and patch material for seasonal road repairs.
Starke County Highway Department employees recently made asphalt and patch material for seasonal road repairs.

Starke County Highway Department crews are ready to begin chip sealing roads. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners they will start in the Koontz Lake. He says they’ve made more than 6,000 tons of asphalt and more than 445 tons of patching material. Continue reading →

Defendants Sentenced in Starke Circuit Court

Posted on Author WKVI

Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall sentenced defendants in court Thursday after conducting several hearings.

Joshua Hansen, of Hamlet, pleaded guilty in a plea agreement with the state to charges of dealing in methamphetamine as a Class B felony and maintaining a common nuisance as a Class D felony. Judge Kim Hall accepted the plea agreement and Hansen was sentenced per the terms of that agreement. Hansen will serve eight years in the department of corrections with two years of the sentence suspended on the charge of dealing in methamphetamine and 18 months with no part of the sentence suspended on the charge of maintaining a common nuisance. He will serve two years on probation. If he successfully completes the CLIFF or GRIP program or other purposeful incarceration, he may petition the court for a modification of his sentence.

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Bid for Emergency Bridge Repair Comes in Over Budget

Posted on Author WKVI
The lone bid to replace this bridge over the Yellow River on 700 East came in significantly over budget.
The lone bid to replace this bridge over the Yellow River on 700 East came in significantly over budget.

The lone bid to fix the bridge on Starke County Road 700 East over the Yellow River came in significantly higher than county officials had anticipated. LaPorte Construction bid $106,872 for the emergency repair. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler says that figure is between $50,000 and $60,000 more than he had budgeted for the work. As a result, repairs that were to begin today and be finished by Aug. 15 have been delayed indefinitely. Continue reading →

Summer Safety: Water Tips

Posted on Author WKVI

swimsafelyThere’s no time like the summertime! 8 person hot tubs are a must-have accessory for a family party. It’s finally warm enough to go swimming. As you’re breaking out your bikini or swim trunks, take some time to remember certain safety measures to practice when it comes to water. The Red Cross has a number of helpful tips for disaster prevention.

Never leave a child unattended! Even if lifeguards are present, there should be a designated familiar adult easily accessible to the child. Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a life jacket or some kind of flotation device. Teach children to always ask permission before going near water. Practice the “buddy system” when swimming, even if at a public pool or beach.

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WKV-Idol Last Call

Posted on Author WKVI

Do you have what it takes to make it as a singer? Here’s a chance to show off your skills! WKVI is hosting a singing competition for kids at the upcoming Starke County 4-H fair.

The deadline to submit entries for the competition is Thursday, July 3. Continue reading →

Welcome Home Heroes Parade

Posted on Author WKVI

 

Women and men from all across our nation have been putting their lives on the line to defend the United States of America for centuries. The city of Knox is teaming up with the St. Joe Valley Blue Star Mothers of Indiana #6 to honor those heroes with a welcome home parade. It will take place on Sept. 13th. Continue reading →

Starke County Economic Development Director Discusses Industrial Park Road Work

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Preparation is the driving force behind road projects on Starke County 300 East through the Knox Industrial Park. Work will start next week on the reconstruction of the State Road 8 and 300 East intersection as well as on the widening of 300 East between Pacific Avenue and Culver Road.

“We’re making it attractive and possible for companies to come into Starke County to invest and to hire people. To do that we have to have the site ready,” Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charles Weaver tells WKVI News. “We have to have a place where they can build, hence the tree project. We have to have a place that they can get access to – the road projects. We have to make it safe, because we have on these same roads school buses going down them, we’ve got tractor-trailer rigs, we’ve got personal cars, we’ve got grain trucks. It’s not safe now.” Continue reading →