ISTEP scores released today by the state indicate a double-digit decline in the passing percentage over last year. In 2013-14, 74 percent of public school students across Indiana passed both the English/Language Arts and Math standardized tests. The 2014-15 scores indicate only 52-percent of public school students made the grade on both tests. Both percentages are slightly higher when private and charter school students are factored in. Continue reading
The Starke County Commissioners have taken a number of cost saving measures under advisement. The county has already cut more $566,000 in expenditures from the 2016 budget per orders from the state. One concern raised during the budget review process was a lack of money in the county’s cash balance. Auditor Kay Chaffins presented a list of possible cuts to the commissioners Monday evening aimed at shoring those funds up. Continue reading
This is the first day for candidates seeking county-wide elected office to declare their intentions to run. Continue reading
The controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act that put Indiana in the national spotlight last year is expected to once again dominate the statehouse. Lawmakers return to work today. Sen. Jim Arnold, D-LaPorte, says a bill has already been filed seeking to lessen the blow by making amicable measures for everyone concerned. Continue reading
Kirk Bennett was elected president of the Knox School Board when it held its 2016 organization meeting last night. Gary Dulin and Wendy McInire were elected vice president and secretary respectively. Sherry Fort was named corporation treasurer. Other appointments and memberships were made in various areas of administration. Continue reading
The Starke County Public Library is kicking off its winter reading program this week with activities for people of all ages. This year’s theme is Sweet Adventures in Reading, based on the game Candyland. Continue reading
The Starke County Prosecutor’s Office, juvenile probation department and child protection services are joining forces with local schools in an effort to address truancy issues. Prosecutor Nicholas Bourff says this is becoming a significant problem in some schools, where students have anywhere from 30 to 40 unexcused absences. Beginning with the new semester that starts this week, he says the new program will offer a step-up approach. Continue reading
The Starke County Commissioners will organize for the year when they meet this evening. That includes choosing a president and vice-president among themselves and deciding who will represent their interests on various boards and commissions. Continue reading
The City of Knox will begin picking up natural Christmas trees today. They should be placed at the curb in the same location one would use for seasonal brush pickup. All ornaments and tinsel should be removed.
Trees can also be taken to the compost drop-off site behind city hall. The city’s trash contractor will not pick up natural trees.
Customers of a local bank are reportedly receiving scam telephone calls advising their information has been compromised. Continue reading
Minor flooding of the Tippecanoe River near Ora is expected to occur over the weekend. A flood warning remains in effect until late Sunday night. Continue reading
![Dennis Estok [right] takes oath of office](https://wkvi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/20151230_1742471-e1451544938902-300x247.jpg)
State lawmakers face the unenviable task of finding money to pay for significant road improvements during an election year. Sen. Jim Arnold, D-LaPorte, says they’ve let the state’s infrastructure go for too long.
“We’re the crossroads of the nation, and right now we’re kind of in a real trick bag. What brought it to light was the I-65 at the Wildcat bridge down there in Lafayette. When that went out, it shut 65 down. The whole nation, the whole nation was tied up. Now that we’ve got that fixed we’re all realizing we’re going to have to put some money into roads.” Continue reading
There isn’t much time to consider bills outside of major initiatives this year, but State Representative Doug Gutwein says he’ll be making a push once again to help retired teachers.
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Flood warnings are in effect through early next week for a couple of low-lying problem spots. Continue reading
New and returning City of Knox elected officials will be sworn in this evening. Members of the public are invited to the 5:30 p.m. ceremony at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center. Continue reading
A Knox man who tried to flee from a Starke County Sheriff’s Deputy late Monday night didn’t get very far, thanks to the newest member of the department. Det. Sgt. Adam Gray and K9 Zardoz responded to the area of U.S. 30 north of U.S. 35 around 11:30 p.m. and quickly tracked down 33-year-old Earl W. Beem of Knox. Continue reading
A local state representative says he is looking forward to the possibility of additional road funding for local governments.
The short session of the Indiana General Assembly will convene next week. The list of contested topics is relatively short at this time, but is expected to fill out once bills are introduced in committee.
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An agreement between IU Health LaPorte Hospital, Community Health Systems and Indiana University Health will mean greater access to medical care for local residents and provide an economic boost to Starke and LaPorte Counties. That’s according to officials from the three entities, who announced details of a new healthcare partnership in a joint news release. Continue reading
