The North Judson-San Pierre School Board is looking at painful budget cuts to close the books on the current year and make ends meet next year. Superintendent Lynn Johnson and other officials will explain those in detail during a “fight for public education” forum tonight at the high school auditorium. Johnson says declining enrollment means N.J.-S.P. will not benefit from additional money in the new state budget. Continue reading
The Starke County Youth Club’s after-school programs help bridge the achievement gap for students. Executive director Irene Szakonyi says that’s disparity in performance levels among groups of youngsters. Research indicates children who come from low-income homes don’t perform as well on standardized tests as their more affluent classmates, nor do they get as good of grades. Szakonyi says 60 percent of children served come from low-income homes and start kindergarten behind their peers as a result. Continue reading
Indiana hunters harvested more than 120,000 deer in the 2014 season, according to information released this week by the state Department of Natural Resources. That’s down from the previous two years, but state officials say it reflects their efforts to reduce the deer population. Continue reading
The Starke County Youth Club’s after-school programs offered at sites around the county benefit more than just the students who take part in them. Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says they serve as a bridge between school and home for youngsters, for whom the most critical hours of the day are between 3 and 6 p.m. School is out, but parents aren’t home from work yet. Szakonyi says that’s the most common time for a child to be the victim of or the perpetrator of a violent crime. Continue reading
Get a sneak peak at one of the most anticipated movie releases of the summer tomorrow night at the Melody Drive-In at Bass Lake. The theatre will offer a special advance screening of “The Avengers Age of Ultron” at 8 p.m. The box office will open at 7, and the concession stand will be open as well. Continue reading
A months-long, multi-agency investigation into drug activity leads to an arrest. Continue reading
A pre-Kindergarten fair being held Tuesday in Knox may have some long-term health benefits.
The second annual event allows children and their parents to explore the various pre-school options available in Starke County. Booths will be available to distribute information to parents. Among those participating is IU Health Starke Hospital.
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An event designed to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect will be taking place in Starke County, Tuesday.
The Indiana Department of Child Services, along with several other organizations will be hosting a ceremony that highlights techniques that can be used to help spot, or even prevent child abuse.
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The Starke County Youth Club provides a strong mix of academic and enrichment activities to youngsters who take part in after-school programs at sites across the county. Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says the day begins with a little bit of decompression time and a healthy snack.
From there she says the focus shifts to homework. Continue reading
An alternative school with a location in Starke County is hoping to showcase what they’ve accomplished this year.
The Crossing Educational Center will be hosting their spring celebration on Thursday. Students will have the opportunity during the event to talk about what they’ve learned with parents, board members, and community members in attendance.
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Ancilla College will be giving prospective students some time to access their campus.
The Catholic based liberal arts school periodically hosts “Access Ancilla” Days. It’s designated as an open house to offer tours to interested students.
This year’s Moving Starke County Forward summer challenge is about ready to begin.
The kick-off event for the NASCAR-themed Healthy Challenge Series is set for this Saturday, May 2 at Wythogan Park at 10 a.m. Participants will start the Healthy Challenge Series by walking the pace lap around the park after the sign-up process.
Residents are urged to log steps that could include walking, biking, running, swimming, or hiking for a chance to win some NASCAR prizes. Steps or miles will be recorded every two weeks to reach a certain goal during that time. The first goal will be the Daytona 250. Participants are encouraged to log activity totaling 250 miles by May 16. Details on how to report those steps will be released this week. A different goal will be released shortly before the first deadline.
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board will soon have a new member. Board members are appointed, and the North Judson Town Council recently interviewed three candidates for their seat. It is currently held by Marshal Reimbold. Continue reading
Students at North Judson-San Pierre Elementary are ready to rock the ISTEP. Exams begin this week. On Friday teachers took a break from instruction for fun activities like movies, healthy snacks and class parties. The day was capped off by a rock concert on the high school football field from the ISTEP Crüe. The band consisted of principal Mike McBride, aka James Michaels, on guitar and lead vocals, drummer Tommy Lee Wilbanks, better known to many students as computer teacher Bob Wilbanks, and guidance counselor Chuck Rebeck, moonlighting as Crüe bassist Chucky Sixx. They jammed out to tunes like “Born to Take ISTEP,” “Keep on Testing Me Baby,” “Rock ‘n Roll All Nite (and ISTEP Every Day) and the always popular “Takin’ Care of ISTEP Business.” Continue reading
An event designed to enhance early educational opportunities in Starke County will be taking place on Tuesday.
The second annual Starke County Preschool Fair will be offering youth and their parents chances to explore the various pre-K outlets in Starke County, as well as a few of the enrichment activities for children.
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Mark your calendars, and get your checkbooks ready. The 8th Annual Starke County Youth Club Radiothon on WKVI will take place this Friday. Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says the organization has been serving youngsters with after-school, summer and recreational programs since 2001.
“It really is a wide variety of activities and projects to meet kids where they are, keep them learning, support working families and build community,” Szakonyi said. Continue reading
The CenturyLink equipment used by the Starke County Sheriff’s Office will be upgraded when they move into the new jail east of town. The county commissioners Monday approved an agreement for $1,431 for one-time upgrades and a monthly fee of $5.75 for the next three years. IT Director Joe Short advised the communications company is recommending new equipment at the new facility. Continue reading
A local organization is looking to provide women in the community with a bit of inspiration.
This Saturday at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center, a women’s fair called “Makeover Your Life” is being presented by the group Women Anchored in Hope. The fair is designed to help women build self esteem, with an emphasis on addiction recovery.
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Prom season is here, and graduation is right around the corner. Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin and Prosecutor Nick Bourff want local youth to celebrate both safely and soberly. Dulin notes it is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess or consume alcohol. In spite of that, he says young drivers make up a significant proportion of drunk drivers causing traffic crashes on Indiana’s roadways. Drivers under 21 who are caught driving with even a trace of alcohol in their systems will have their driving privileges suspended. Continue reading
