Starke County will soon switch to a new court software program. IT Director Joe Short says the Windows-based Odyssey program will replace the DOS-based CSI program that’s currently in use. The switch will also save the county the $25,000 a year they are currently paying for a maintenance contract. Continue reading
WKVIdol Signing Competition Sign-ups
It is that time of year again, WKVI is on the search for Starke County’s next singing sensation. The WKVIdol contest will take place during the Starke County 4-H fair on Monday July 13 at 8 pm. Continue reading
Embattled Veterans Service Officer Files Grievance Against County Commissioners
A Starke County employee who was relieved of his duties during Monday’s commissioners meeting has filed a grievance seeking to be reinstated. The commissioners voted 2-0 to replace Veterans Service Officer Terry Turner with Mark Gourley. Commissioner Don Binkley made the motion to terminate Turner, and President of the Commissioners Kent Danford seconded it. Commissioner Kathy Norem did not vote.
After the meeting Danford said he has received several complaints about Turner. Continue reading
N.J.-S.P. School Board Reaffirms Support for Title 1 Program
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board this week reaffirmed support for the federal Title 1 program. It provides resources to schools with high percentages of students from low-income families to offer extra academic help. Superintendent Lynn Johnson says the corporation will be able to add more grant-funded assistance for students. Continue reading
“Mint” to be Seen in 2015
The North Judson Mint Festival continues today and tomorrow with plenty more for you and the family to do. Start the day off with a pancake breakfast from 7 am until 10 am at the Masonic Lodge. If you’re still hungry and looking for bit of friendly competition, attend the pie eating contest at 11 am at Lane St & Sycamore. Continue reading
Cooking with Mint Cookbook Available this Weekend at the Mint Fest
For the first time you can take part of the Mint Festival home with you. A new cookbook compiled of various recipes from the Cooking with Mint contests over the last 37 years will be available for purchase at this year’s festival. Continue reading
Hamlet Native Publishes Memoir of Growing Up in Starke County
A man who grew up in Hamlet, went to school and worked there, before completing college, earning a PHD, and going on to a career, Michael S. Haro, has written a autobiography of his early years in the northern Starke County town. Continue reading
Summer Season Brings Increase in Utility Bills
Summer begins this Sunday and warmer temperatures often come with it.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is providing tips to help combat the increase in electric bills.
Counselor Dave Stippler says the summer season should be a time to remember to use electricity more wisely. Doing so can not only ease the cost of running utilities, but also prevent excess workload on the electric grid.
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Indiana Beach Set to Celebrate Anniversary on Father’s Day
There’s more than corn in Indiana and that’s been the case for nearly nine decades now. Indiana Beach is set to celebrate their 89th anniversary this Sunday, June 21st. Continue reading
American Idol Audition Bus Schedules Indy Stop
For the first time in the 15 years of American Idol history, hopeful Hoosier performers have a chance to audition right here in our home state. The free open auditions are set for Thursday, June 25 in Indianapolis at 100 W Georgia St. The line will open at 6 am and registration will follow an hour later at 7 am. Continue reading
Superintendent Gappa Plans to Continue Work in Face of Contract Expiration
Knox Community Schools Superintendent A.J. Gappa says he plans to fulfill what remains of his contract.
Gappa spoke with WKVI News after it was learned he was provided written notice of non-renewal. That means members of the Knox School Board voted not to further extend the contract they have with the Superintendent during their meeting, Monday.
Near Record Tippecanoe River Flooding Possible
Near-record flooding is possible along the Tippecanoe River near Ora, according to the National Weather Service. They’ve extended the flood warning there until further notice. Continue reading
State Law May Affect Elections, Limit City Judge Candidates
A new state law may dictate the outcome of a contested race in Starke County’s general election this November.
House Enrolled Act 1110 is being applied to candidates seeking a position as Judge of a Town Court. Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed the legislation into law in May of this year.
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Starke County Commissioners Approve Use of Force Policy for Community Corrections
Starke County Community Corrections officers who choose to undergo initial and continuing education training can carry firearms on duty after action Monday by the Starke County Commissioners. Program Coordinator Shawn Mattraw says the community corrections board approved a use of force policy, which was also reviewed by county attorney Marty Lucas.
No Contraband Found in Inmate Belongings
No contraband was found in the personal belongings of the 62 Starke County Jail inmates, according to Sheriff Bill Dulin. Continue reading
Due Diligence Ongoing in IU Health Starke Affiliation Agreement
IU Health LaPorte and Starke Hospitals continues to work through an affiliation phase with Community Health Systems.
The announcement was made in March of this year, but before any agreements can be finalized, due diligence must first be completed. Work to verify information about the hospital group by Community Health systems has been going on for several months.
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North Judson Mint Festival Starts Today!
The North Judson Mint Festival kicks off today with the opening ceremony commencing at 5 pm in Norwayne Field. Immediately following the opening ceremony, the winners of father and grandfather of the year will be announced. Tonight’s entertainment includes music by High Noon and Elwood Splinter Band from 5:30 until 11:00 pm.
Knox School Board Gives Superintendent Notice of Non-Renewal
The Knox School Board may soon be moving in a different direction.
During Monday’s School Board meeting, members approved giving Superintendent A.J. Gappa a written notice of non-renewal. That means his time with the district could be coming to an end.
N.J.-S.P. Officials Prepare for School Funding Referendum
North Judson-San Pierre School officials are preparing to ask taxpayers within the corporation to support a $1.5 million tax increase over the next seven years to fund school operations. The school board will formally authorize the process during their July meeting. Continue reading
Rainfall Brings Drainage Efforts in Local Fields
Rains over the last several days have left plenty of water in fields.
According to Purdue Extension Agricultural Educator Phil Woolery, the standing water may be at a point that it’s now causing poor root growth. In severe cases, this amount of moisture can lead to seedling death.
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