Water Line Project for New Jail Complete

Posted on Author WKVI
This building on SR 8 at CR 550 E will soon house the new Starke County Sheriff's Office and Detention Center.
This building on SR 8 at CR 550 E will soon house the new Starke County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center.

The Knox Board of Public Works received an update on the water project for the new Starke County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center.

Knox Mayor Rick Chambers said the project should be complete today.

“The weather has finally broken so we have gotten caught up,” explained Chambers. “The contractor has gotten in there and pretty much finished his job. The water line has been de-sanitized and pressure checked. There will be some additional work to be done. The line will have to be moved – it’s been deflected too much so we will go in and correct that problem, but should be up and operational within the next day or so.”

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Marshall County Deputies Arrest Knox Residents on Drug Charges

Posted on Author WKVI
Crystal Singleton
Crystal Singleton
Earl Beem Jr.
Earl Beem Jr.

 A man and woman from Knox face felony drug charges in Marshall County after being pulled over for speeding Tuesday.

A sheriff’s deputy stopped their SUV near the intersection of Harrison Street and Oak Road. The police report indicates Marshall County K9 Jax indicated the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. Officers reportedly found Crystal Singleton of Knox to be in possession of heroin and found drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. The officers reportedly found heroin on passenger Earl Beem as well. He also had two outstanding arrest warrants, including one for a felony parole violation.

Singleton and Beem both face numerous charges in Marshall County.

Knox City Council Discusses Proposed Burn Permit, Tables Action

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The Knox City Council tabled burn permit request from IDEM and the Starke County Economic Development Foundation (SCEDF).

SCEDF Director Charlie Weaver explained that several trees need to be felled in three sites covering 32.8 acres in the industrial park and in order to economically rid the area of the timber debris it would be burned. The area left would be seeded with a portion left for greenspace and the other for economic development. Plans to expand industry and to create jobs is in the future thinking of the development foundation.

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Starke County Officials Appoint Committee to Study Wheel Tax

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Starke County Council members want more information about proposed wheel tax rates, types of vehicles that would be taxed and how any funds generated would be used for road improvements before making any decision about implementing such a tax. County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler will chair a committee comprised of council members Marvin McLaughlin, Freddie Baker and Bob Sims and Commissioner Kathy Norem. After they discuss the details, a public input meeting will be scheduled to further explain the process. Ritzler has streamlined the highway department’s operations since taking over but says efficiency can only go so far. “Our limiting factor is the oil and stone that we use to improve roads. We have a certain amount of funding sources, we used them all. The only way of increasing is a user tax that is available to us, a user fee. 47 of the 92 counties in Indiana have it. Of the counties that don’t have it, many have an additional source of funding that’s not available to us, and that’s riverboat gambling money. We are in the bottom fifth of road conditions in the state,” Ritzler told the council. Continue reading →

Knox City Council Meets Tonight

Posted on Author WKVI
Knox City Council
Knox City Council

The Knox City Council will meet in regular session tonight.

Senator Jim Arnold will have a legislative update, Charles Weaver from the Starke County Economic Development Foundation will discuss the 300 East construction project, and Brian Trappe will have a Toll Brothers tax abatement update.

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Knox Man Plans to Present Dog Park Plans to Park Board

Posted on Author WKVI

dog picA Knox man is on a mission to establish an off-the-leash park in the city limits for dogs and their owners. Chuck Richardson has collected 100 or so signatures in support. “People have dogs, and they have to work. These dogs are left in apartments or houses all day long. When people come home, they need a place to take their dogs for exercise, where dogs can exercise and play and get acquainted with other dogs, and people can get acquainted with other people,” Richardson said.

Plymouth has a dog park, and Richardson has spoken extensively with officials there. He says such facilities offer several “Residents can gather and socialize, allow owners to observe their dog with other dogs, allow dogs a space to play and companionship with other dogs, promote responsible pet ownership, give dogs a place to exercise thus reducing barking and other problem behavior, and provide seniors and disabled owners an accessible place to exercise and have companionship.” Continue reading →

The Starke County Youth Club Radiothon is Friday!

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The Starke County Youth Club Radiothon is set for Friday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT on K99.3 WKVI.

Testimonials, special guests and challenges will be featured on the air as volunteers answer the phone to take your pledges toward this worthwhile youth organization.

The SCYC provides high quality homework assistance, engaging enrichment activities, and recreational centers with adults who care. SCYC provides innovative services to children and families every day at four sites across the county during the school year and the summer.

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Fire Hydrant Flushing Scheduled for This Week in Knox

Posted on Author WKVI

HydrantFire hydrant flushing in the City of Knox will take place Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25.

Flushing will take place during the day. If you come across standing water in the road, drive carefully or turn around and take a different route. If you experience rusty water, turn on the faucet and let the water run until it runs clear.

Water Superintendent Todd Gardner said crews flush fire hydrants to flush out any iron and sediment out of the water system that has collected over the summer months.

If you have any questions, call the Knox Water Department at (574) 772-4461.

Meeting Set to Discuss a Dog Recreation Park

Posted on Author WKVI

dog picA meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 19 to see what the interest is in creating a dog recreation park in Knox.

Those spearheading the idea ask that all dog owners/lovers attend the 10 a.m. meeting at the Henry F. Schricker Public Library in Knox to learn about information needed to get a dog park approved in the city limits.

Chuck Richardson previously told WKVI that he presented a list of names on a petition to start a dog park at the Knox Park Board meeting last month, but the board members reportedly told him that they would like to see people attend their next meeting who are in favor of the incident.

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Adult Learning Center Registration Dates Announced

Posted on Author WKVI

Center of Workforce InnovationsArea adults who want to take their high school equivalency test or brush up on some other skills can register now for classes in Starke County offered through the Center of Workforce Innovations Adult Learning Centers. Courses prepare individuals for the new Indiana High School Equivalency test, which replaces the GED. Courses in basic reading, math and language are also available. Some sites offer English as a Second Language instruction as well.

Classes in North Judson meet at the North Judson Wayne Township Public Library on Keller Avenue. Registration for that site is Monday, April 21 at 10 a.m. Call 574-896-2841 for more information. Registration for classes in Knox takes place each Monday and Wednesday except Monday, April 21 at the Starke County WorkOne office on North Shield Street. Call 574-249-8720 for more information.

Junior Achievement Bowl-a-Thon Strikes Tonight

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

It’s an activity your family, friends or co-workers can enjoy and you’ll be helping a youth organization at the same time. It’s the annual Junior Achievement Bowl-a-Thon.

The Bowl-a-Thon is tonight at 6 p.m. CT at Bowlaway Lanes in Knox and teams are needed to help gather funds for Junior Achievement. Bridget Markin, a Junior Achievement representative, says this fundraiser is a worthwhile program for Starke County students.

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No Burn Ordinance in Effect in the Knox City Limits

Posted on Author WKVI

The weather has dipped below the level where it was over the weekend, but meteorologists say it will be nice again this weekend which could lead to outdoor chores.

The Knox City Council members want to remind residents that there is a no burning ordinance within the city limits. According the ordinance listed on www.cityofknox.net, “no person shall start, kindle, cause, allow or maintain any form of leaf burning or wood burning of any kind, on private or public property, except as specifically authorized”.

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Call 811 Prior to Digging

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Knox City Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston reminded those in attendance in Tuesday’s city council meeting to call before you dig if you’re planning outdoor projects.

Call 811 two business days before starting any digging project to have underground utility lines marked. If you don’t call 811 before a digging project, not only do you subject yourself to injury but you could be fined up to $10,000 or more and the cost to repair damages.

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