Thursday, July 31, 2014

It's Time To Mango!

Just visit the library's website, go to "Access Your Library" in the middle of the page, click on the orange button, and follow these instructions to communicate in another language.


Purdue Extension of Pulaski County Learning Lab Computer Classes

Computer Classes at Purdue Extension of Pulaski County Learning Lab will be starting up again soon.

The following classes will be offered at either 1-3 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Eastern time, at the County Building in Winamac.  Cost of the classes is $30 each and you can sign up by calling 574-946-3412.

Getting Started With Computers – August 4th, 5th, and 7th OR September 9th, 10th, and 11th.

Basic Word – September 2nd and 4th OR October 27th and 28th

Intermediate Word – September 22nd and 25th

Basic Excel – August 11th and 14th OR October 1st and 2nd

Intermediate Excel – September 16th and 18th OR October 22nd and 23rd

Power Point – October 6th and 7th

Publisher – October 8th and 9th

EBay (Free Class) – September 30th (6 to 8 p.m. only)

Appointments Still Available For Free Dental Exams For Qualifying Children.

La Porte, Indiana – The Indiana University Health La Porte Dental Center is offering free dental exams to children with no dental insurance.  The exam is offered by appointment only at the following times:
August 4th from 8-10 a.m
August 5th from 8-10 a.m.
August 6th from 4-6 p.m.
August 7th from 8-10 a.m.
August 8th from 8 to 10 a.m.
August 13th from 4-6 p.m.
The exam meets area school requirements.  During the exam, Dr. Robert Grace or Dr. Manogna Katakam will do a visual exam and create a dental map of the child’s teeth and diagnose any decay or problems.  Children who need follow-up care may be referred for follow-up appointments at the IU Health La Porte Dental Center or to a community dentist who can meet their needs.  All children also will receive a free bag of dental-related gifts for participating.  The La Porte Hospital Foundation is providing funding.  To make an appointment, please call 219-326-1943.

The IU Health La Porte Dental Center provides quality dental care to children and adults with low income and no dental insurance, focusing on educating children on prevention.  The dental clinic accepts Medicaid patents.  The center operated through the support of IU Health La Porte Hospital, grants through the Indiana State Department of Health and the La Porte Hospital Foundation.

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The Mission of Indiana University La Porte Hospital is to improve the health of our patients and communities.

Kersting's "Learn To Ride" Provides Opportunity for Area Youth & Adults

Kersting’s Cycle Center & museum opened in 1962, sparked by owner Jim Kersting’s passion for the joy and freedom of riding motorcycles.  Kersting’s hopes to pass along that enthusiasm for motorsports by offering “Learn To Ride” training sessions to interested youth and adults at their 8774 W. 700 N. facility.  The program is off to a solid start and the initial season of training is scheduled for each Saturday now through Labor Day weekend.

Sales Manager Jason Kersting initiated the not-for-profit training effort.  “We’re just trying to get a few more people outdoors on a two-wheeler.  Motorcycle riding is a sport just like any other.  It is physically demanding and can be dangerous if you don’t practice, focus and pay attention.”  The “Learn To Ride” program is not considered formal training.  Kersting commented, “It’s just giving folks a chance to learn the basics.”  Program participants are required to wear long pants, helmets, and a shoe that covers the ankle.  Long-sleeve shirts and eye protection are also recommended.  (Safety-wear and accessories are available for purchase at Kerstings.)

Jason’s son, Josh continues the family tradition, passing along his acquired generational knowledge and enthusiasm for motorsports as a “Learn To Ride” coach.  “Josh learned to ride when he was four”, Jason reflected.  “I just put him on the motorcycle and told him where the throttle and brakes were.  He was a natural rider and apparently, a pretty good teacher.”  Josh coached recent “Learn To Ride” participant Emilee Richardson.  “Emilee was riding on her own within 20 minutes and had a smile from ear to ear throughout the four-hour session,” Josh reflected.

Cost for the program is $25 to cover fuel and expenses.  Sessions are limited to six riders per day.  Visit Kersting’s Cycle Center or call (574) 896-2974 to schedule a “Learn To Ride” experience for yourself or your child.

Kersting’s Cycle Center and Museum is a full-line, Harley-Davidson and Yamaha facility offering motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, motorclothes, accessories, parts and services located four miles south of North Judson, Indiana on Highway 39.

8/2, 4, 6, & 9/2014 North Judson Soccer Sign Up


Quote of the Month - August 2014


8/23/2014 16th Annual Bluejay Golf Outing


8/3/2014 Benefit Breakfast/Bake Sale for Frank Kida


REMINDER TO NORTH JUDSON RESIDENTS FROM THE CLERK-TREASURER’S OFFICE

The Town of North Judson has several special circumstances that require permits. Below is a list of the more frequently required permits (list may not be inclusive):
Pet Tags (dog and cat) – annually
Temporary Pool – annually prior to installing
Permanent Pool – prior to installing
Yard Sale
The following types of “construction” projects require a permit
prior to beginning the project (list may not be inclusive):
New Structure (Residential or Commercial)
Additions
Signs
Porch
Decks/Patios/Lean To
Fences
Electrical
Sidewalk
Demolition
Utility Sheds
Structural Improvements/Inspection
NOTE: Fees are associated with all of the above permits.

ORDINANCE VIOLATION CITATIONS MAY BE ISSUED FOR NON-COMPLIANCE INCLUDING ASSOCIATED FINES. These fees and fines are according to a schedule of fees/fines, as shall be modified from time to time by the Town Council and made available for public inspection in the Clerk-Treasurer’s office located at 204 Keller Avenue.

We remind the public that failure to be aware of the Ordinance requiring a permit is not a defense to the issuance of a ticket.

We encourage all residents to contact the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office (open M-F 8-4, closed noon to one) at 574-896-3340 for more information.

8/8/2014 Back-to-School Shots and Physicals Available at Health and Wellness Fair

By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Published: July 31st, 2014

HealthLinc in Knox is celebrating National Health Center Week. On Aug. 8 from 3 until 6 p.m. a variety of free activities will be offered at their location behind IU Health Starke Hospital. One of the main offerings is no-cost back-to-school physicals and immunizations for youngsters who do not have health insurance.

Appointments are necessary to access those services. Call 574-772-7400 to schedule.

A number of walk-in services are available as well, including story time, yoga, ju-jitsu demonstrations and backpacks with school supplies. Lots of community vendors will be set up, and singer Megan Nicole will perform.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Starke County Council Approves North Judson Library Appropriation

By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Published: July 30th, 2014

The North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library is set to replace three air conditioning units installed in 1997 with money from their rainy day fund. Director Jane Ellen Felchuk says two units were replaced last year, and the remaining two will be swapped out in the next year or two.

They will all be replaced with high-efficiency units, with an ultimate goal of putting them on a staggered replacement schedule. The library is also using rainy day fund money to fix leaking box gutters on the original building.

In order for the library to spend the money, the Starke County Council had to approve an additional appropriation. Such action is common for capital improvements like the ones planned at the library.

Additional funds will be used to buy a new computer server and additional and replacement public access computers. Felchuck says the technology upgrades will help the library better serve the public. They are being purchased through a nonprofit technology clearinghouse for libraries and schools and the Net Literacy Computer Opportunity program through the state library.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Golf Cart Ordinances Regulate Rules of the Road

By: Anita Goodan, WKVI
Published: July 29th, 2014

Riding on golf carts has become a summer activity enjoyed by all outside of the golf course, especially those that live along the shores of Bass Lake and Koontz Lake.

Golf cart operators are advised to remember the rules of the road. Per the county statute, no person may operate a golf cart on any county road unless the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.

Golf carts are prohibited from operation on state highways. The vehicle cannot be driven on a state highway or across a state highway as cited in state law. Operators must be 16 years of age and older.

A golf cart permit has to be purchased for legal operation in the county and proof of insurance must also be provided.

The city of Knox and the town of North Judson have developed similar ordinances. A copy of the ordinance can be found in each clerk-treasurer’s office.

Click on the link to see Starke County’s ordinance: Golf Cart Ordinance.  Here is North Judson’s ordinance: North Judson Golf Cart Ordinance.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Updating the North Judson War Memorial Drinking Fountain

The North Judson American Legion is in the preliminary planning stages of updating the War Memorial on the North Judson Water Fountain.  Because of the cost involved in casting a new plaque, there will need to be at least a minimum number of names (not known at this time) to be added for this project to move forward.

In order to have any person listed on the War Memorial they must have lived in the North Judson-San Pierre school district for a minimum of 10 consecutive years.

So if you, or someone you know, wish to submit a name you can contact the North Judson-Wayne Township Library.

Mango Languages are Coming!

Have you ever wanted to brush up on that foreign language class you took in high school or college? Are you currently taking a course and need to put in more practice time but don’t have the time to visit the language lab?

The North Judson-Wayne Township Library has joined Mango Languages and starting in August we can offer residents of Wayne Township lessons in over 60 different languages that you can access online. And if you know someone who comes from another land and needs to practice English, there are also 17 English courses for non-English speakers.

You can do a quick start to see where you stand and by creating a log in profile you can keep track of your progress. Mango offers fast and easy basic courses that teach you polite conversations or you can do a complete course which offers more in-depth instruction.

All you'll need to start is a computer or mobile device, an internet connection, and your library card.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Bass Lake Festival Pageant Results

By: Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Published: July 24th, 2014

The winners of last weekend’s Bass Lake Festival Pageant walked away cash prizes as well as other gifts. Friends and family gathered at the Bass Lake Property Owners Association building over the weekend to witness this year’s Bass Lake Festival Pageant.

The title of Little Miss Bass Lake went to 4-year-old Leah Novotney. Her mini escort was 4-year-old Isaiah Allsop who was granted the title of Little Mister Bass Lake. Both lucky little winners received $50 each. Stephanie Thompson was the pageant coordinator for the 3 to 6 category.


In the 14 to 18 age category, Jill Piunti was the coordinator. The runner-up in this category was 18-year-old Kristen Von Bampus who received $150. The title of Miss Bass Lake 2014 and $300 went to 14-year-old Sadie Spratley. As Miss Bass Lake, Spratley will be required to award best of show at car show, send off the 5K run and bike race and present the awards for those events, have a radio interview and be a part of the parade Sunday morning.

8/9/2014 North Judson Town-Wide Yard Sale Scheduled

By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Published: July 24th, 2014

North Judson residents taking part in the upcoming town-wide yard sales have until Tuesday, Aug. 5 to get their sale on the map that will be distributed throughout the community. The sales are Saturday, Aug. 9 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., rain or shine.


Yard sale permits for that day are $5 instead of the usual $10 and are available at the clerk-treasurer’s office. Map listings can include up to five items available at your sale location. Those maps will be available for pickup at several North Judson businesses prior to the sale. Contact the North Judson Clerk-Treasurer’s Office at 574-896-3340 for more information.

The Crossing Set to Open Next Week in Knox

By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Published: July 24th, 2014

Starke County’s newest school is set to open on Friday, Aug. 1. The Crossing has leased the old Sears retail location south of Knox on U.S. 35 for its alternative school. The mission statement on the Goshen-based nonprofit organization’s website says The Crossing believes in “empowering struggling students to become contributing members of their communities through academics, job training and faith-based mentoring.”

Earlier this year, The Crossing contracted with Knox, North Judson-San Pierre and Oregon-Davis Schools to serve students who have been expelled, dropped out of school or have otherwise fallen through the educational cracks. The schools identified youngsters who might be good fits for the program. So far eight have enrolled in the program, which offers a mix of classroom and vocational training. Mark Bailey is the local board president. He says students can enroll year-round in the school, but those who sign up by Sept. 12 will count toward their host corporation’s enrollment number for the sake of state funding. The Crossing will get a share of that money to defray tuition expenses. Bailey adds The Crossing will not turn any students away who enroll after that date and says scholarships are available. Open houses at the local site are scheduled Wednesday, July 30th, and Thursday, July 31st, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.


Find more information online at http://crossingeducation.com.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

7/27/2014 Bass Lake Lions Club Pancake & Sausage Breakfast

The Bass Lake Lions Club Annual Pancake & Sausage Breakfast will be held on Sunday, July 27th from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Bass Lake/California Township Fire House on Hwy 35.

7/26/2014 Living Water Christian Church Fish Fry

Living Water Christian Church is having a Fish Fry to help build a Fellowship Hall.  The event will be held Saturday, July 26th, from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Knox Community Center, 55 E Lake St., Knox, Indiana, 46534.

Tickets are $8.50 for adults; $4.50 for children 5 and under.  The menu includes fish, coleslaw, baked beans, and a roll.  For tickets call 574-806-3645.

7/25 to 27/2014 Bass Lake Festival Schedule


8/4 & 5/2014 Pack-a-Backpack for Kids in Need in Starke County

North Judson United Methodist Church Kid's Closet Ministry is offering a FREE Pack-a-Backpack event for Kids in Need in Starke County on August 4th and 5th in the Fellowship Hall.

Registration is required.  All children MUST be present with a parent or adult guardian.

If you have any questions contact Linda at 574-806-0696.

7/28 to 8/1/2014 North Judson-San Pierre Bluejay Summer Football Camp

NJ-SP Bluejay Summer Football Camp will be held July 28th thru August 1st, 2014 at the High School field.

Grades 3, 4, & 5 - 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Grades 6, 7, & 8 - 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Cost is $35 per child to be paid the 1st day of camp (Make checks payable to Bluejay Football Camp)

Register on the first day of camp – July 28th.

2014-2015 North Judson-San Pierre School Registration

 North Judson-San Pierre School Registration, First day for students is August 13, 2014.

HIGH SCHOOL
9th to 12th Grades
All High School students must register

July 29th & 30th    8 a.m. to 11 a.m. & 12 noon to 3 p.m.       New to NJ-SP School Corporation

July 31st               9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Freshman Orientation


All Returning Students

August 5th       8 a.m. to 11 a.m. & 12 noon to 3 p.m.

August 6th       12 noon to 7 p.m.

August 7th       12 noon to 7 p.m.




MIDDLE SCHOOL
6th to 8th Grades
All Middle Students must register

July 29th & 30th      8 a.m. to 11 p.m. &12 noon to 3 p.m.    New to NJ-SP School Corporation


All Returning Students

August 5th      8 a.m. to 11 a.m. & 12 noon to 3 p.m.

August 6th      12 noon to 7 p.m.

August 7th     12 noon to 7 p.m.



ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
K to 5th Grades
Elementary students returning from the previous year should have already filled out their registration paperwork and do not need to register.

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION

        August 4th thru 8th     9 a.m. to 12 noon &; 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Meet Your Teacher Nights

          August 7th            Grade 1 – 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

          August 11th          Grade 2 – 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
                                     Grade 4 – 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

          August 12th          Grade 3 – 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
                                     Grade 5 – 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

          August 13th          Kindergarten “Get Acquainted Day”
                                     (Information concerning times will be mailed)

7/26/2014 Starke County ABATE’S Mule’s Memory Ride

Starke County ABATE’S Mule’s Memory Ride, Saturday, July 26th at Knox, VFW

Registration from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. CT

  • First bike out at 2 p.m.
  • Last bike back to VFW by 5:30 p.m.
  • $15 per person for ride and entertainment, Hog Roast and Music included
  • $10 per person for food, band & party. 
  • $5 per person for band after 9 p.m.

Music by “Half Track” begins at 7 p.m.

Proceeds to benefit Starke County Toyz-4-Kidz program.  For more information call 772-6842.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

7/10/2014 Bass Lake Festival Pageant Deadline

By: Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Published: July 9th, 2014

Don’t miss your chance to compete in one of this year’s Bass Lake Festival pageants! The registration deadline is Thursday, July 10th. Contestants ages 3 to 6 will compete in the Little Mister and Little Miss Bass Lake Pageant. Girls 14 to 18 can enter to participate in the Miss Bass Lake Pageant.

To be eligible, you must be a daughter, son, grandson or granddaughter of a Bass Lake Property Owner or a resident of Knox. The contestants will be judged for poise, showmanship, natural beauty, stage presence and an onstage interview.

A copy of your birth certificate must be included with the application. Rules and applications can be found here: Little Miss and Mister Bass Lake Rules and Application or Miss Bass Lake Pageant Rules and Application

The pageants are on Saturday, July 19th in the Bass Lake Property Owner’s Association Building. Contestants must be there at 3 p.m. Doors open to the public at 4 p.m for the Little Miss and Little Mister Bass Lake Pageant, and the Miss Bass Lake Pageant starts at 6 p.m.

Any questions can be directed to pageant coordinator Jill Piunti at 219-365-9148.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Not a 4-H Member? No Problem!

By: Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Published: July 8th, 2014

Are you looking for a way to exhibit your cooking or craft skills? Purdue Extension has a way for you to do so at the Starke County 4-H fair. The open class category allows for anybody to make entries.Categories include agriculture, gardening, cake decorating, sewing, cross stitching, quilting, ceramics, fine arts and photography. There are some special interest categories such as Christmas at the fair, holidays and special occasions, hobbies, collectibles and recyclables.

The entry date for exhibits with the exception of foods and flowers is Saturday July 12th from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Judging for this category starts at 12:30 p.m.

The entry date for non-gardening foods is Monday July 14th from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and judging will commence at 12:30 p.m.

The entry date for vegetables, fruits and flowers is Thursday July 17th from 9 a.m. until noon. Judging for the garden foods and flowers category will take place shortly after all entries are in.

All judging is closed to the public.

For more information contact the Starke County Branch of Purdue Extension at 574-772-9141.

Ride for a Reason: Kersting’s Annual Ride for the Muscular Dystrophy Association

By: Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Published: July 8th, 2014

The weather is just right for riding motorcycles. If you’re riding anyways, why not do so for a good cause? Chapter 1326 of the Kankakee Valley Harley Owners Group is teaming up with Kersting’s Cycle Center to host their annual ride for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Saturday, July 12th. The cost per bike is $20 and with a passenger the cost is $30. All proceeds go to the MDA and covers the cost of the buffet at the end of the ride. Registration is from noon until 2 p.m (EST) the day of the ride. The first 200 riders to register will receive 2014 Harley Davidson MDA collector pins.

The group will leave Kersting’s at 2 p.m.(EST) and journey to the final destination at the Route 10 Restaurant in North Judson. Assistant Director Mike McBride tells riders to prepare for a picturesque excursion through the surrounding area.

“The rides about 70 miles long and it should be a fairly scenic ride down through Pulaski county, and then back into Starke County. Around Bass Lake, that kind of thing.” said McBride.

When the ride finishes at the Route 10 Restaurant there will be a buffet, a drawing with prizes ranging from $20 to $100 and a DJ on the scene playing music. Feel free to come out this Saturday enjoy a long ride, show off your motorcycle and to contribute to a great cause.

Bid for Emergency Bridge Repair Comes in Over Budget

By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Published: July 8th, 2014

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.

The road has been closed since a tree floating down the Yellow River earlier this year struck the bridge supports. Ritzler reviewed the bid and thinks the significant cost overrun may be a result of a misunderstanding as to the scope of part of the work. He tried to reach the contractor yesterday while the commissioners were meeting to get a clarification but was unable to do so. For now, the project is in limbo until the commissioners either approve the bid or solicit new bids for the work. Any action will have to be taken during a special-called meeting, which requires 48 hour notice.

Monday, July 7, 2014

Kid’s Closet Ministry Schedules School Supply Drive

By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Published: July 7th, 2014

The Kid’s Closet Ministry at North Judson United Methodist Church is taking steps to equip Starke County youngsters with supplies for the start of school. They are hosting their second annual “Pack-a-Backpack” event on Aug. 4 and 5 at the church from 5 until 6:30 p.m. for all youngsters in need who attend local schools. First they need supplies.

Boxes will be placed at the Knox and North Judson Dollar General stores throughout the month of July for the collection of new school supplies. Volunteers are also needed to staff donation drives on Saturday, July 19 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at both stores. Shifts are two hours each. Contact Linda Lewandowski at North Judson United Methodist Church or at Norwayne Lumber in North Judson if you would like to help out.

Books vs. eBooks: And the winner is...

Libraries will always exist to fulfill your reading needs no matter which format you prefer.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Make the 4th of July Easy On Your Pets

July 4th is NOT one of my favorite days; but mom always has a special treat to help distract me from the noise. (Don't tell her, but I know that this year she bought me some pigs ears for when the neighborhood fills up with those loud booms.) I hope you all have have fun tomorrow, but please do your best to keep your pets and those of your friends and neighbors safe. - Love ya, Anubis



The following is from the Starke County Humane Society’s Facebook page:

July 4th is a terrifying day for most pets. Plan ahead to keep them calm and safe.

  1. Keep them indoors if possible. 
  2. Comfort them with a "safe" place: crate, box, blanket or even under a bed. They need to feel "hidden." 
  3. Avoid the noise of fireworks by playing a radio or turn on a tv to muffle the sound of fireworks. 
  4. Keep a collar and ID tags on your pets. If you do not have ID tags, place a light colored collar on your pet and write your phone number on the collar in permanent marker. 
  5. If your pet goes missing, call the shelter immediately at 574-896-5060 to report it. Show your pet's picture to all of your neighbors and ask if you can check their outbuildings to look for your pet. Pets will seek cover quickly, when terrified by loud noises.


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

How to Access Our eBooks With Other eReader Devices


How to Access Our eBooks With Kindle Fire & Fire HD


How to Access Our eBooks With Apple Devices


How to Access Our eBooks With Android Devices



7/12/2014 Motorcycle Fun-Run

Ride for Cancer! Ride for Friends! 50/50 drawing at each Bar. Registration on July 12th @ The Wooden Nickel Restaurant Bar , in North Judson Indiana  - 11:00 am Central time

$20.00 per Bike. Bike run will start at 12:00 Sharp! All funds from Bike run and raffles will go towards Terri’s & Pat’s Cancer Fund, two sisters that are dying from Terminal Cancer, and the Billy Jr’s Cancer Fund, a brother that is fighting cancer.

7/14-19/2014 Starke County 4H Fair Highlights




7/13/2014 St. Vincent de Paul Pork Chop Dinner

Ss. Cyril & Methodius St. Vincent de Paul Society will have a carry out Pork Chop Dinner on July 13th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tickets are:
$8 for a one (1) pork chop dinner
$12 for a two (2) pork chop dinner

Dinner includes:  pork chop, baked potato, applesauce, seasoned green beans, and dessert.

Tickets are available at the Ss. Cyril & Methodius Rectory and at North Judson Auto Parts, 218 Lane Street.

7/12/2014 Annual Harley Davidson MDA Ride

2014 Annual Harley Davidson MDA Ride will take place on Saturday, July 12th.  All bikes welcome.

Cost:  $20 per bike, $30 with passenger (includes buffet)
Signup:  Noon to 2 p.m. EST

Group ride leaves Kersting’s at 2 p.m. EST and will be approximately 60 miles to final destination at Route 10 restaurant in North Judson.

Prizes awarded for:
1st place - $100
2nd place - $50
3rd place - $40
4th place - $20
2014 Harley Davidson MDA Collector pins given to first 200 riders to register.

Sponsored by Kersting’s Harley Davidson & Kankakee Valley Harley Owners Group Chapter 1326

All proceeds donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

7/6/204/14 Bass Lake Volunteer Fire Department Pancake & Sausage Breakfast

The Bass Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., will have a Pancake & Sausage Breakfast on Sunday, July 6th.  Serving will be from 7-11 a.m.  Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children, and $6 for all carry outs.

7/19/2014 School Supplies Drive @ Dollar General

There will be a school supplies drive at the Dollar General Stores in Knox and North Judson from 8am-2pm.

Kid's Closet Ministry, an outreach ministry at the North Judson United Methodist Church will be collecting school supplies for our annual Pack-a-Backpack Event for kids in need in STARKE COUNTY!

School Supplies List:
Binders – 1 inch
Backpacks
Clipboards
Colored pencils – 12 & 24
Compass
Composition Book – wide ruled
Crayons – 8 and 24 count
Elmer’s Glue and Glue Sticks
Erasers – pencil top
Erasers – pink bar
Expo Black Dry Erase Markers
Highlighters
Index cards – 3x5 inch
Kinder-Mat (Rest Mat)
Kleenex
Loose leaf paper – wide ruled
Markers – Crayola classic conical tip
Pens
Pencil bags
Pencil sharpeners – handheld
Pencils - #2
Pocket Folders (with & without prongs)
Protractor
Scientific Calculators
Scissors – blunt and pointed tip
Spiral Notebook – wide ruled
Sticky notes - square
Supply boxes
USB Flash drive
Vinyl Pocket Folders without prongs
Wipes – Baby or hand sanitizer
Ziploc Bags – Quart and Gallon

7/2/2014 US 30 BETWEEN US 41 & I-65 CLOSING FROM 10 P.M. TO 10 A.M.

FROM INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, NORTHWEST

Set your Facebook phasers to "Share", folks! We have a MAJOR emergency closure to tell you about.

All of U.S. 30 will be closed, between U.S. 41 and I-65, beginning tonight at 10pm. The roadway will not reopen until 10am tomorrow morning.

Those awful storms on Monday night knocked down several power lines which dropped 70,000 volts on our U.S. 30 traffic signals. They are fried beyond repair and must be replaced. So, at 10pm tonight U.S. 30 must be shut down so NIPSCO can repair the power lines, then INDOT must replace numerous signals.

This is a MAJOR undertaking and closing the road is the only option since crews will be dragging huge cables across the road all night. We'll all work as quickly as we can, but if problems arise it's possible U.S. 30 could be closed longer than 10am Thursday. We'll keep you posted right here on Facebook and on Twitter, @INDOTNorthwest.

Please direct all your anger c/o Mother Nature.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

7/6/2014 Starke Historical Society Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social



Hey, the Ice Cream Social is coming again at the Starke County Historical Society's Museum.  It is always a great time to socialize with 100's of your neighbors in and around Starke County with a Delicious Bowl of Ice Cream.

And if you have a collection of historic items, bring them along to show your friends and neighbors. We have had exhibits of antique cars, motor cycles, trucks, tractors, fire engines, arrowheads, fire arms, military vehicles, native wood turnings, fishing lures, dolls, and many others.  We've had spinning wheel demonstrations and have been entertained by dulcimer players.   Plus, you will want to look at the exhibits in the Museum.

If you have an exhibit you would like to bring, call me, Jim Shilling, 574-772-4311


Skeeter Small's 1914 Studebaker will be 100 years old this years !!!


Welcome Home Heroes Parade on September 13th

By: Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Published: July 1st, 2014

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.

All veterans are invited to participate and receive recognition for their nobility. The plan is to line-up behind Five-Star, go down Main Street and walk to the Starke County Courthouse. Following the parade, there will be a few special speakers on the courthouse steps.

The South Bend Medical Foundation will also have their bloodmobile set up, and have agreed for every successful donation they will donate $5 to the local chapter of Operation Care Package.

This event is a way to express gratitude to each and every person who has served for this country. Any questions can be directed to Sandra Boldt via email at, bluestarmom@sbcglobal.net

Indiana's New Criminal Codes Take Effect Today

By: Anita Goodan, WKVI
Published: July 1st, 2014

 After nearly 37 years, the criminal codes in Indiana will change today which will create six levels of felonies. Credit time will also change.

Robert Hinojosa, Director of Operations at Starke County Community Corrections, said the change stemmed from a lack of proportionality.

“A study was done in Indiana to look at Indiana’s prison population and when that study was concluded they found that a lot of offenders were in prison for relatively small level crimes – small-level property crimes and low-level drug crimes. They were serving substantial sentences – sometimes even longer than individuals who had been charged and convicted of more serious crimes. The whole issue was to look at the sentencing guidelines and to see how Indiana can prove sentencing by keeping lower risk offenders in community and higher risk offenders in scarce prison beds,” stated Hinojosa.

Until the law is in effect for about a year and new offenders move through the system, Hinojosa is not sure yet how that will affect Starke County Community Corrections.

“This was a complete rewrite of the criminal code so no one is really sure exactly how much those changes are going to affect our populations.”

The new felony classes include Murder and Levels 1-6. The misdemeanor counts will remain the same. A murder conviction will carry a range of 45-65 years, Level 1 sentence includes 20-40 years, Level 2 10-30 years, Level 3 3-16 years, Level 4 2-12 years, Level 5 1-6 years, and Level 6 six months-2.5 years.

As of today, offenders convicted of Level 6 felonies or misdemeanors will get one day credit for every day served. Offenders convicted of any other level felony will receive one day credit for every three served. If an offender is sentenced and receives a credit Class C classification, that offender will have one day credit for every six days served. Credit Class D does not offer any days credit.

Marshall County Sheriff Tom Chamberlin recently told the commission and council members that he isn’t sure how it will affect his inmate population there for another year or so. That’s when the offenders will be moving through the court system and receiving their sentence.

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