Thursday, October 30, 2014

4-H Enrollment Begins on Saturday

NOTICE NEW ENROLLMENT DEADLINE - JANUARY 15, 2015

     Enrollment for the 2015 4-H year will begin on Saturday, November 1st and end Thursday, January 15, 2015.  If you fail to enroll by the deadline you will not be permitted to exhibit at the 2015 Starke County Fair.  Please feel free to contact the Extension Office, 574-772-9141, if you need assistance, we will also have a computer available in the office for your use.

     You may complete the enrollment process at https://in.4honline.com.

     State 4-H Program fee is $15.00 per member; with a maximum of $45.00 per family.  You can pay this fee online at the time of enrollment or in person at the Extension Office.  Families of more than three 4-H members must pay (check or cash) in the Extension Office to receive the $45.00 family rate.  Please keep in mind that this fee must be paid by the enrollment deadline of Thursday, January 15, 2015.

     We are all looking forward to a great year 2015.


Halloween Safety Tips for Parents

Published: October 30, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

With Halloween trick-or-treating tomorrow evening, parents are urged to consider safety tips before children leave the house.

Keep costumes short to prevent children from tripping and falling. Add reflective tape to dark costumes to keep children visible at night. Children are encouraged to wear make-up instead of wearing a mask for better safety.

Children should stop at familiar homes and remind them to not enter a stranger’s home or car. Only trick-or-treat at homes will outdoor lights illuminated. If they will be out after dark, give them a flashlight and suggest they travel in well-lit areas.

Children should not eat candy until parents inspect each piece.

Motorists are reminded they should do their part to make Halloween safe for children. Drive cautiously and below the speed limit while in town during trick-or-treat hours. Excited children may dart out into traffic at any time. Turn on your headlights even during the daylight hours so your vehicle is more visible to children.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Are You, Or Do You Know, A Female Veteran?


11/1/2014 Spaghetti Dinner, Bake Sale & Silent Auction

The Knox Pop Warner JRPW Cheer Squad will have a Spaghetti Dinner, Bake Sale & Silent Auction at the Knox VFW on November 1st, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets are Adults = $7; children aged 5-10 = $3; 4 and under free.

11/2/2014 Lasagna Dinner

Fire and Faith Worship Center (301 Lane Street, North Judson) will have a Lasagna Dinner, with tossed salad and drink on November 2nd from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets are Adult = $6.99.  There will also be a children’s menu available for $1.

11/8/2014 Artisan Bazaar & Bake Sale


11/1/2014 Hamlet United Methodist Church Fall Feast

Hamlet United Methodist Church will have their Fall Feast in the Church Fellowship Hall on November 1st from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tickets are Adults = $8; ages 6-12 years $4; preschool free.

11/1/2014 HillBilly Breakfast

Little Dove Community Baptist Church, ¼ mile North of Toto Road on Range Road, will have their Famous All You Can Eat Hillbilly Breakfast on November 1st from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. CST.  They will be serving sausage, eggs, fried apples, and homemade biscuits & gravy.

Tickets are Adults = $6; ages 6-12 = $3, and 5 & under free. Carry outs will be available.

Free delivery in Starke County for orders of $30 or more; call 249-5747.

11/1/2014 Free Clothes Give-Away

On Saturday, November 1st, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Knox United Methodist Church (201 S. Shield Street, Knox, Indiana) is having a free give away of clothes, winter coats, shoes and miscellaneous items.

They will also be serving lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Want To Be A Storm Spotter?

Registration is open for the 2015 Skywarn Storm Spotter Training!

US National Weather Service Training will run from Feb 3 to Mar 23. Sign up now!

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/iwx/program_areas/outreach/index.php

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Halloween Raises Awareness to those with Food Allergies

Published: October 28, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

Parents who have kids with food allergies need to be cautious this Halloween when trick or treating. A bag of Halloween candy isn’t all treats for the one in thirteen U.S. kids who suffer from certain food allergies. IU Health Laporte Hospital Nurse Practitioner Kim Minich encourages parents to go trick or treating with their children to make sure they do not eat candy until they get home. Parents should inspect each piece of candy.

“Kids that are excited they are going to open anything you know but letting them make sure they get home read through those labels and most parents are pretty good to know the ingredients and things like that but always reading through. I would say not to accept any homemade goods. Because you don’t know with the kitchens the way they were prepared things like that,” said Minich.

Minich added that there are some gluten free candies out there for children with allergies to eat as an alternative.

North Judson-San Pierre School Board Celebrates Improved Test Scores

Published: October 28, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

The effort teachers at North Judson-San Pierre schools have put into preparing students to take ISTEP tests is paying off. Superintendent Lynn Johnson says test scores from 2009 to 2014 reflect steady gains. Math scores have gone from 62-percent proficiency in 2009 to 81 percent in 2014 for grades 3 through 8. During that same time period English/Language Arts scores have improved from 66 to 77 percent.

Johnson also notes the growth has been sustained over a period of time. Rather that peak and dip, she says students are showing steady year-to-year gains according to the data. She and corporation testing coordinator Venita Cunningham shared that information with the school board last week.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Halloween Tips For Dog Owners


North Judson School Photos Find New Home

Published: October 25, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

The class composite and group photos of North Judson and North Judson-San Pierre High School graduates will soon have a new home. They were recently displaced from Grand Central Station in downtown North Judson after a church took over that space. North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Lynn Johnson told the school board this week those photos will be on display at the new North Judson Town Hall when it opens later this year.

The town is moving into the bank building on Lane Street next to Ray’s Super Foods. First Farmers Bank and Trust donated that building to the town earlier this year, and it is being refurbished for occupancy. The bank has a newer building behind the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library and no longer needs the other space. Johnson says the photos will be on loan for display at the town hall.

11/10/2014 Property Taxes Due Nov. 10

Published: October 27, 2014
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

 Property taxes are due soon in the Starke County Treasurer’s Office.

Treasurer Kasey Clark told WKVI News that taxes are due in her office on Monday, Nov. 10.

Taxpayers may mail those payments or visit the office on the ground floor of the Starke County Annex building Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make a payment. A drop box is also available outside the office.

Property taxes may also be paid online at www.starketax.net. Follow the instructions carefully.

Drop off payments at the North Judson or Monterey branches of the Bank of Monterey, 1st Source Bank in Knox, First Farmers Bank and Trust in North Judson or Knox, or Demotte State Bank in Knox.

Last Week to Vote Absentee

Published: October 27, 2014
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

This is the last full week to vote absentee in the General Election.

So far, Starke County has reported 661 walk-in, mail-in and travel board votes. Marshall County has reported 730 absentee votes and Pulaski County has reported 278 machine votes this far.

In Starke County, in-office absentee voting is today through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the second floor meeting room in the courthouse. The same hours will apply for Saturday, Nov. 1. Evening voting hours are available tomorrow and Thursday, Oct. 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT.

Pulaski County absentee voting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET in the Pulaski County Courthouse from now until Friday. On Saturday, voting at the courthouse will be open from 8 a.m. to noon ET.

Absentee voting in Marshall County will be available today through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The clerk’s office will be open on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.

The last opportunity to vote absentee in all counties is Monday, Nov. 3 from 8 a.m. to noon local time.

If you plan on voting absentee, you must have a photo I.D. In most cases, an Indiana Driver’s License, Indiana photo I.D. card, U.S. Passport, or Military I.D. may be used when verifying I.D. before casting a ballot.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

10/25/2014 Rummage Sale


10/31/2014 Bethlehem Baptist Church Fall Fest


11/2/2014 All Saints Catholic Church Fall Festival


11/2/2014 Knights of Columbus Turkey Dinner


10/28/2014 Food Pantry @ Knox United Methodist Church

Food Pantry @ Knox United Methodist Church, 201 S. Shield Street, on Tuesday, October 28th from 9  - 11 a.m.

Partnered with Food Bank of Northern Indiana; must bring a photo ID and your own bags.

10/25/2014 Washington Township Fire Dept. Fish Fry

Washington Township Fire Department Fish Fry @ the corner of State Rd. 23 & Division Road.  Saturday October 25, 2014  from 4:30 to ??

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

11/1/2014 Vesper Circle Bazaar


10/31/2014 San Pierre Fire Department Family Halloween Party


10/24/2014 AYCE Fish Fry

St. Vincent de Paul Society/St. Thomas Aquinas Conference AYCE Fish Fry on Friday, October 24th from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Knox Moose Lodge.

Tickets are $9.  Carry outs will be available.

Check Addresses of Sex Offenders before Halloween

Published: October 22, 2014
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI
 
Parents should be aware of who is living in the area before taking children trick-or-treating.

Online tools are available to learn the location of sex offenders in a certain area.

There are currently 35 registered sex offenders in Starke County, 21 sex offenders listed in Pulaski County, 88 offenders in Marshall County and 183 sex offenders in LaPorte County.

Learn the addresses of these offenders before children go out to avoid these homes.

According to the United States Department of Justice, 80 percent of all addresses have at least one offender living within one mile. Forty-five percent of sexual assault victims are under the age of 12 and 75 percent of victims know their attacker. Over half of all sexual assaults occur within one mile of the victim’s home.

To view the addresses of sexual offenders, visit http://www.indianasheriffs.org/.

Leaf Pick Up Scheduled in North Judson

Published: October 22, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI
 
Leaf pick up is scheduled for the week of Nov. 3rd in North Judson. Leaves need to be placed next to the curb, not in the alley. Remember to keep all trash, branches and limbs out of the piles so the vacuum can pick up the leaves. If piles have anything other than leaves they will not be picked up.

North Judson-San Pierre Board Questions Balanced Calendar Alignment

Published: October 22, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

North Judson-San Pierre School Board members raised a question about the balanced calendar during their meeting last night. The proposed calendar moves the start of school to the first of August, adds longer breaks in the fall and spring that can be used for remediation if necessary and ends the school year the first of June. The first semester would still end in December before the two week Christmas break as it presently does.

Board members wondered what the earlier start to the school year would do to high school students who work for Pioneer detassling corn during their summer vacations.

Questions have also been raised about youngsters in 4-H who compete at the Indiana State Fair in August. Superintendent Lynn Johnson says she will talk to the other superintendents in the area about possibly starting school two weeks later and getting out in mid-June. She noted that would push the end of the first semester into January. However, students would still have some time to review lessons before taking final exams.

Extending the year into June would also accommodate the state-mandated I-Read exams, which are given to third graders in March and with re-tests in June. If school is still in session, the corporation could avoid the expense of summer school.

Johnson told the board she’s talked at length with Knox and Oregon-Davis Superintendents A.J. Gappa and Greg Briles. The corporations are part of the same vocational and special education cooperatives and share other resources like occupational therapists, so the superintendents want to make sure their calendars line up as closely as possible.

The North Judson-San Pierre School Board could vote on the balanced calendar at their Nov. 18 meeting. Johnson wants to hear from the public one more time before making a final decision. However a date for another presentation has not been announced.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

11/6/2014 Skronski Honored With Henry F. Schricker Award

Published: October 21, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

A longtime Knox High School teacher and farmer is the 2014 Starke County Chamber of Commerce Henry F. Schricker Award winner. The honor is given annually to a resident who embodies the former governor’s credo of “service before self.” Frank Skronski moved to North Judson from Chicago with his family as a young man. He joined the Navy, which is where he met his wife of 51 years, Evelyn Lippelt. After leaving the service he attended Elmhurst College and earned a degree from Northern Illinois University.

Skronski taught biology for 33 years in Knox and continued to farm. He also put his skills as a barber to use by frequently giving haircuts to the homeless. In the 10 years since he’s been retired from teaching Skronski has been active in numerous organizations, including Starke County Community Services, the Northwest Indiana Services, SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church and many other organizations. One of his most notable contributions is helping to found the St. Vincent DePaul organization in North Judson and recently helping to establish a second chapter in Knox. The organization focuses on helping those in need by providing services ranging from financial aid to furniture and rides to distribution of Christmas gifts.

Skronski will be honored on Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Starke County Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center. Contact the Chamber at 574-772-5548 to make reservations for the dinner.


Monday, October 20, 2014

10/22/2014 Starke County Health Department Schedules Flu Shot Clinic

Published: October 20, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI


The Starke County Health Department will conduct a flu shot clinic on Wednesday afternoon in their office on the first floor of the courthouse. Vaccines will be available free of charge for children with Medicaid, no insurance or insurance that doesn’t cover shots. Adult flu shots cost $20. Call the health department at 574-772-9137 for more information.

10/30 & 31 and 11/1/2014 Haunted Corn Maze


Wednesday, October 15, 2014

10/17/2014 INDOT Job Fair @ LaPorte District Office

INDOT is looking to hire seasonal workers for this winter. Potential employees should attend the Job Fair on Friday, October 17th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (CST) located at the INDOT LaPorte District Office (315 E. Boyd Blvd., LaPorte, 46350).

Positions are available across the entire Northwest Indiana District (Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Newton, Jasper, Starke, Pulaski, Marshall, Fulton, Cass, Carroll and White counties).

Applicants Must Have
• Valid CDL
• Ability to pass a drug test successfully

Applicants Should Bring
• Resume
• Commercial Driver’s License and current medical examiner’s certificate
• Proof of High School Diploma or equivalent

Priority at the Job Fair will be given to those who apply online in advance at in.gov/spd/careers under the Job I.D.#: 592595

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

10/25/2014 Haunted House @ the Old North Judson Fire Station

Make plans to attend the annual Haunted House in the Old North Judson Fire Station.  The event, sponsored by the Friends of the North Judson Library, will have two sessions.  And, as in the past, there will be no admission charge.

The daylight hours of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. are for young children and the faint of heart.  You don’t have to worry, there won’t be anything too scary.

But if you think you are brave enough, come visit the Haunted House between the evening hours of 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.  That’s when the Halloween spirits will take charge and anything can happen.

Oh, by the way, you might want to wear two pairs of socks, just in case you accidently leave a pair behind.  Bwahhhhh ha ha ha ha!

Friday, October 10, 2014

10/11 & 10/13/2014 BMV Branches Will be Closed for Columbus Day Holiday

Published: October 10, 2014
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

All Bureau of Motor Vehicle branches in the state will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 11 and Monday, Oct. 13 for the Columbus Day holiday.

All license branches will resume business hours on Tuesday, Oct. 14, according to Don Snemis, Commissioner of the BMV.

For a complete list of branch locations and hours, visit http://www.in.gov/bmv.

10/10/2014 Kankakee Valley REMC Employees Give Back to Starke, Porter Counties

Published: October 10, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Gov. Mike Pence has declared this “Indiana’s Electric Cooperative Community Day.” Kankakee Valley REMC members are spending it giving back to the community. They are adding a new section of privacy and security fence at the Phoenix House in Knox. It’s a transitional facility for women and children who have left home to escape domestic violence. They are also painting a 700-foot-long fence for longtime REMC member Mrs. Dolores Hammerlund at her home on 350 West in Knox.

REMC members are also replacing the roof at Caring Designs resale shop in Valparaiso and installing security lighting and enhanced landscaping. Proceeds from the nonprofit shop support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault served by The Caring Place.

The Kankakee Valley REMC office in Wanatah is closed today to accommodate those service projects. Normal business hours will resume Monday.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

10/25/2014 Indiana Genealogy & Local History Fair

Join genealogy enthusiasts and experts on Saturday, October 25, 2014 for the 9th annual Indiana Genealogy and Local History Fair at the Indiana State Library. The fair will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  All events are FREE and open to the public.  Registration is not required.

Program Information
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Presenter: Joy Neighbors
Program: A Grave Interest
Cemeteries are a treasure-trove of genealogy records and information. Learn what to search for and where to look. Discover what information is found in Sexton’s records and burial registers. Look for clues at gravestones, plots, and throughout the entire cemetery. 
11:00 am– 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Joy Neighbors
Program: Reading Symbols
This presentation will focus on the various symbols and images found on gravestones. She will discuss the different meanings of symbols and learn what they can teach us about our ancestors’ lives and times in which they lived. Numerous examples will be presented and explained. 
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Presenters: Tim Poynter & Al Hunter
Program: Indiana State Library Ghost Investigation Findings
Ghost hunter Tim Poynter and local historian Al Hunter will be presenting the findings of their year long investigation of possible ghost sightings at the Indiana State Library. Steve Schmidt from the Indiana State Library will give a brief history of the library and surrounding property.

Midway Information
There will be a “midway” featuring information from genealogical and local history organizations and Indiana public libraries, as well as commercial vendors.

If you have any question please contact the Indiana State Library Genealogy division at: 317-232-3689, or visit the ISL Genealogy Fair page for more information.

The Indiana Genealogy and Local History Fair is sponsored by the Indiana State Library Foundation.

BMV Mails Excise Tax Refund Notices

Published: October 9, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Some Hoosiers who have registered vehicles with the state will be getting excise tax refund notices in the mail from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles within the next 30 days. The refunds date back to 2004 and are estimated at $29 million plus interest.

About 180,000 Hoosiers are entitled to refunds. That number represents 3.5 percent of those who registered vehicles over the past decade. BMV Commissioner Don Snemis says the agency will use all reasonable measures to locate everyone entitled to a refund, including follow-up mailings and the use of a national database to locate individuals who may no longer live in the state. He says the BMV is also developing a website to allow anyone entitled to a refund to print a claim form. The agency will also work with the attorney general’s office and turn a list of those entitled to refunds over to the Indiana Unclaimed Property program.

Snemis adds the BMV has also reorganized responsibilities for monitoring and supervising tax and fee collections and making sure they are consistent with state law.

Starke County Highway Department Sets Road Improvement Record

Published: October 9, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

The Starke County Highway Department is wrapping up road improvements for the year. Superintendent Rik Ritzler says they’ve improved more than 120 miles of roads through a combination of chip and fog sealing, asphalt paving and wedging and crack sealing. That’s the most road miles improved in a single year by the Starke County Highway Department.

Ritzler notes this is the first year the county has fog and crack sealed. He notes this is an inexpensive way to keep water from prematurely deteriorating the roadways. Ritzler says it costs about $750 to crack seal a mile of roadway.

He adds the fog sealing was also successful. That process eliminates dust from a chip sealed road, helps seal in the chips, helps with ice and snow melting in the winter and generally looks better than a chip sealed road. Ritzler says that process costs about $1,500 per mile.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

INDOT Looking for Seasonal Workers

NOW HIRING - INDOT is looking to hire seasonal workers for the winter, mainly for snow and ice removal. Positions are available across the entire Northwest Indiana District (Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Newton, Jasper, Starke, Pulaski, Marshall, Fulton, Cass, Carroll and White counties).

Applicants Must Have:
- Valid CDL
- Ability to pass a drug test successfully

Prefer:
- High School Diploma or equivalent

You can apply online at in.gov/spd/careers under the Job I.D.#: 592595. Please share with anyone you think may be interested.

Become A Part of the Community Cantata Choir


10/11/2014 Youth Conference


NIPSCO Projects Lower Winter Heating Bills

Published: October 8, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

NIPSCO gas customers can expect to pay less to heat their homes this winter, according to the utility company’s forecast for home heating bills. Projections indicate they will be four percent lower than last year. That means an average savings of $22 over the winter heating season for residential customers.

NIPSCO officials note usage amounts could be higher than projected if temperatures are colder than normal. That was the case last year due to record-low temperatures during consecutive months. NIPSCO’s projections take into account market forecasts, supply trends, storage levels and other considerations.

http://www.wkvi.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/NIPSCO-Residential-Winter-Bill-Projection-2014-2015.pdf

Absentee Voting Now Open for General Election

Published: October 8, 2014
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

Voters can now vote absentee in a county clerk’s office for the November General Election.

In Starke County, in-office absentee voting will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. CT in the second floor meeting room in the courthouse from now until Oct. 31. The same hours will apply for Saturday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 1.

Pulaski County absentee voting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET in the Pulaski County Courthouse from now until Oct. 31. Two Saturdays have been set aside for absentee voting: Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to noon ET.

Absentee voting in Marshall County will be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. until Friday, Oct. 31. The clerk’s office will be open on Saturday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.

The last opportunity to vote absentee in all counties is Monday, Nov. 3 from 8 a.m. to noon local time.

If you plan on voting absentee, you must have a photo I.D. In most cases, an Indiana Driver’s License, Indiana photo I.D. card, U.S. Passport, or Military I.D. may be used when verifying I.D. before casting a ballot.

The absentee voting window opened yesterday. The Starke County Clerk’s office had 23 in-office voters while Pulaski County officials reported 25 absentee voters. Marshall County officials collected over 40 absentee ballots on Tuesday.

North Judson Public Library Collecting Donations for CADA

Published: October 8, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

The North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library is conducting their semi-annual drive of non-food donations for CADA this month. Items can be dropped off at the library from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Donations will also be accepted on Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Paper and plastic products are needed as a well as laundry soaps and dish detergents. Any cash donations would be converted into gift cards. Clothes will not be accepted.

Coalition Against Domestic Abuse or CADA has a transitional housing program called the Phoenix House. The staff offers classes in budgeting, nutrition, computers, parenting, domestic violence education, and other necessary life skills. The programs offered assist victims of domestic violence and their dependent children. The victims are allowed to stay in the Phoenix House for up to two years allowing them to get back on their feet. North Judson-Wayne Township Library’s Pat Caron says help and donations for CADA are always needed.

“We’re looking to make this a really big drive. I think the economy has forced an increase in domestic abuse, a lack of jobs. It’s a serious problem for not just Starke County but everywhere,” said Caron

Donations can be delivered to the Library until the end of the month. If you have any questions call the North Judson Library at 574-896-2841.

During the month of October the Friends of the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library are conducting their semi-annual drive for donations of non-food for CADA (Coalition Against Domestic Abuse).  You can drop off items at the library during business hours.

Suggestions include:
 Paper towels
 Plastic wrap
 Foil
 Plastic bags
 Dish detergent
 Laundry soap
 Dryer sheets
 Sponges
 Toothpaste
 Tooth brushes
 Deodorant (no shampoo needed)
Any cash donations will be converted into store gift cards.

Thank you for your donations.

Sink Hole Repaired and Brush Pick Up Under Way in North Judson

Published: October 8, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

The sink hole on Sheridan Street in North Judson has been repaired. The barricades were removed Tuesday morning according to North Judson Town Clerk Donna Henry. JD Excavating completed the job for $14,984.

Brush pick up was delayed a few days last week for repairs on equipment. Pick up is finished on the north side of highway 10 and is continuing on the south side.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Jefferson Street Bridge in Plymouth to Close Thursday

Published: October 7, 2014
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

The Jefferson Street bridge in Plymouth will be closing beginning Thursday.

Michael Obergfell from USI Consultants told the Marshall County commissioners Monday morning that the concrete slabs by the bridge are not stable and the sidewalk is not reinforced. The bridge was rehabilitated in 1986 but a storm sewer line is leaking and may be causing stability issues.

Obergfell suggested that the commissioners close the bridge so crews can immediately fix the issue.

“What we looked at is putting a concrete cut-off wall there, particularly at the northwest corner, but it would work identically at all of the other corners. It’s our recommendation to do all four corners at this time, shut down the bridge for three to four weeks and get it done all at once,” said Obergfell.

Obergfell said he hopes the work can be done at the least cost possible and crews can diagnose and fix the problem.

“That would entail pulling out those concrete approach slabs and the sidewalks at each end, finding the source of the problem and fixing that and then properly back-filling it and building this cut-off wall so it doesn’t happen again.”

The big worry is a rather large gas line that is near the area so workers will proceed with caution.

He anticipates the cost to be around $100,000 but the cost will not exceed $130,000.

If an issue lies within the storm sewer line, the city of Plymouth would be responsible for costs associated with any necessary repairs.

The commissioners declared this an emergency and approved a notice to proceed.

Additional Stop Signs Added at Sporty’z Intersection

Published: October 7, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

The intersection of Starke County Roads 210 and 675 East at Bass Lake is now a four-way stop. The Starke County Commissioners approved that change in July. Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler opted to wait until exterior renovations at Sporty’z were finished before putting the signage up.

The intersection sees quite a bit of traffic in the summer from seasonal residents and patrons at both Sporty’z and Bielava Summer Resort. Ritzler says signs warning of the traffic pattern change will remain at all four approaches through next spring to make sure motorists are aware. The pavement has also been marked with reflective paint warning of the new stop signs.

Thank You to the SCYC-NJSP Students

Students at the SCYC-NJSP afterschool program have a weekly You & Me session where they focus on a community service project of their choosing.  Throughout the month of September they chose to make some fun caterpillar bookmarks, encouraging others to read.

They sent their creative works to the North Judson-Wayne Township Library where their friends would benefit from their creativity.

The Board and Staff of the North Judson-Wayne Township Library would like to thank all of the students for their thoughtful gift.  We have placed them at the front desk so they are available to anyone who comes into the library.  But if you want to see them in person you better hurry because they probably won’t last long.


10/11/2014 Autumn Leaves Fall Festival


10/11/2014 AYCE Chili & Loaded Potato Bar

After you go to the Autumn Fest at Norwayne Field why not stop in for the AYCE Chili & Loaded Potato Bar at Fire & Faith Worship Center, 301 Lane Street, North Judson (formerly Grand Central Station) on October 11th from 4-7 p.m.

Tickets for Adults are $7 for both Chili & Potato Bar; $5 for only one; tickets for Children 6+ are $4.50; Children 5 and under are free.  Also includes your choice of drink of – coffee, tea, or lemonade.

Come in and rest your feet from shopping, eat a great meal, and spend time with friends.  We’ll see you there!

Thursday, October 2, 2014

HALLOWEEN Happenings

We've added a HALLOWEEN Happenings section to our web page and will add events as we hear about them. Right now we have the hours for North Judson and Knox and a list of events at Tippecanoe River State Park.  Visit the site at  https://sites.google.com/site/northjudsonwaynetwplibrary/halloween-happenings

Mini Mint Festival Float

As part of their Indiana history lessons the fourth grade students at Spring Valley Elementary in French Lick get to choose an Indiana Festival for a project.  Using the theme of the festival, each student then creates a cardboard box float representing that festival.

Logan, who is a student at Spring Valley Elementary, chose the North Judson Mint Festival for his project.  His mother was kind enough to send us some pictures of his float to share with you.

Thank you Logan, we think you made a great choice and did a great job on your float.


Logan creating his float for the North Judson Mint Festival.


The back of the float.


Logan and his completed float. We think it's a first place winner.



North Judson Native Receives Robert E. Hamilton Award

Published: October 2, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

A longtime North Judson resident and businessman is the recipient of the Robert E. Hamilton Award from the Starke County Economic Development Foundation. Marv Peters was one of the initial members of the Starke County Development Foundation in 1985. He owned Marv’s Body Shop in North Judson from 1966 until his retirement in 1999 and continues to work on antique cars today. Peters is also the president of the North Judson Board of Zoning Appeals and serves as a member of the Starke County Alcoholic Beverage Board. He was president of the North Judson Town Council from 1979-83.

Peters has also been a dedicated and hard-working member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Judson for many years. He was church treasurer during the time the existing building was constructed and served as chairman of the investment committee during that time. In that capacity he made sure gifts from the congregation were stretched as far as possible to cover the costs of construction. Peters also sponsored the young people’s group at the church for several years and has opened and closed the popular “Sounds of Praise” each Sunday for more than 20 years.

Peters will be honored with the Robert E. Hamilton Award during today’s Starke County Economic Development Foundation Prospectus and Achievement luncheon at Knox Middle School. It’s awarded to a person who has contributed a great amount of service in the field of economic development as well as to the community as a whole. Past winners include Mat Swanson, Jack Lynch, Nancy Dembowski and Van Janovic.



Hunting Season Brings Awareness to Safety

Published: October 2, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

Deer hunting season is under way. Hunters who use tree stands need to be aware of some safety tips. Over the last five years, 182 hunting accident reports have been filed by the DNR with 100 of those involving falls from a tree stand.

Before the hunt, it is important to know your equipment. Check your stand as well as straps and chains to make sure they are working properly. Make sure you select a healthy, straight tree that is the right size for your stand. Avoid using climbing stands on smooth barked trees. During the hunt make sure you are harnessed to the tree as soon as you begin to climb up to the stand. Always raise and lower your firearm, bow or other equipment with a haul line. Make sure firearms are unloaded before attaching to a haul line. Don’t attach the haul line near the trigger or the trigger guard.


If you happen to fall, stay calm. Be prepared ahead of time to have emergency equipment such as a knife, cell phone, flashlight or whistle on you. Practice the three R’s: recover, relief and rescue. Attempt to recover and return to your stand. If that is not possible, exercise your legs by pushing against the tree, using another form of motion or your suspension relief device until help arrives.

Families from the Beginning Conference Planned in North Judson October 3rd & 4th

Published: October 2, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI
 
A North Judson native who has dedicated his life to teaching Biblical family life and creation ministry is hosting a family conference tomorrow and Saturday in North Judson. Dean Wickert and his wife, Lynn, have five children and five grandchildren. He says communication is critical.

“Pretty much anything you can think of that you’re going to run into in your marriage, whether it’s financial, whether it’s if you’re going to build a house or where you’re going to live, what kind of work you’re going to do, how many children you’re going to have, if you’re going to have children. All of those kind of things are things you need to prepare for. You don’t have to make the decision necessarily, but you need to talk about how we’re going to make that decision when the time comes,” Wickert said.

“There’s all sort of differences between men and women, but part of the joy of marriage is discovering them and realizing, ‘OK, I’m attracted to you because you’re different, but once we get married I have to be sure I don’t let those differences become an aggravation.’ A lot of times the same things that aggravate us about our spouse are the things we were attracted to before we were married, Wickert added.

Wickert says marriage is a spiritual commitment.

“God has very, very strong spiritual purposes for creating marriage. So if we can focus on our life with Christ, if we can focus on serving God through Jesus Christ, then our marriages will get better because we’re going to become more and more like Christ. The more we are like Christ the less we’re going to be troublesome to our spouse, and the less we’ll be troubled by our spouses.”

The Families from the Beginning workshop starts Friday evening at 7 p.m. at The Carpenter’s Yard in North Judson and continues Saturday until 3 p.m. Find more information online at http://familiesfromthebeginning.org/?page_id=226. Wickert says the conference is open to couples and individuals. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

10/23/2014 5th Annual Ladies Night Out

5th Annual Ladies Night Out, “Stepping Out In Faith,” October 23, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Carpenter's Yard, 301 Lane St., North Judson, Indiana.

Tickets are on sale at Bailey’s Discount Center for $5 per person.  Limited seating is available.

10/11/2014 Kickin’ It Country with Starke United

Come on down to the Nancy Dembowski Community Center in Knox, Indiana on October 11, 2014 for a great time.  Visitin’ starts at 6 p.m.; Chuckwagon at 7 p.m.; and Hoedown will be from 8-11 p.m. (all times CST). 

Tickets are $20 per person; $150 for an 8 person table; and there will be a cash bar.

Send your check by October 3rd to:
Starke United
c/o Barb McLaughlin
6755 S. St. Rd. 39North Judson, Indiana  46366Or call 574-896-2000
Together we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.  We invite you to be a part of the change.


Starke United is Kickin It Country

Published: October 4, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

Starke United is Kickin’ It Country next weekend at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox. The Saturday evening event will help raise funds for Starke United. It will begin at 6 p.m. with country-themed food and music. Western outfits are encouraged for everyone to ‘Kick it Country’. Line dancing and prizes are planned throughout the evening.

Starke United raises money and awards grants to people and organizations throughout the County. Representative Barb McLaughlin says it is a helpful organization in the community.

“Starke United was formed a number of years ago in Starke County. Essentially we are to Starke County what United Way is across the country and it’s a means for our people to direct their charitable giving toward this organization and then the different entities in the county apply to Starke United for a grant,” said McLaughlin.

McLaughlin adds that this event will be a fun evening. It is $20 per person to attend and $150 for an eight person table. A cash bar will be available along with appetizers to start the evening. To reserve your spot and get more information call Barb McLaughlin at 574-896-2000.

October Drive for CADA

During the month of October the Friends of the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library are conducting their semi-annual drive for donations of non-food for CADA (Coalition Against Domestic Abuse).  You can drop off items at the library during business hours.

Suggestions include:
Paper towels
Plastic wrap
Foil
Plastic bags
Dish detergent
Laundry soap
Dryer sheets
Sponges
Toothpaste
Tooth brushes
Deodorant (no shampoo needed)

Any cash donations will be converted into store gift cards.

Thank you for your donations.

Pull Your Tabs For Riley!

Correction:  
The date of the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast 
is October 12th.  




10/10/2014 Chili Supper

There will be a Chili Supper before the NJ-SP vs West Central football game in the Ss. Cyril & Methodius Church Parlor on October 10th from 4-7 p.m.  This is sponsored by the North Judson-San Pierre Knights of Columbus.

Tickets are $5 and carry outs are available.

10/12/2014 Pork Chop Dinner

St. Peter Lutheran School PTL Pork Chop Dinner will be held October 12, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tickets are $8.  For more information contact the school at 574-896-5933 or Mandy Peters at 574-806-4778.

10/5/2014 Henny Penny Chicken Dinner

Henny Penny Chicken Dinner at the North Judson United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 210 Central Avenue, on October 5, 2014.  They will be serving all you can eat chicken, potatoes, coleslaw, bread, dessert, & drinks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tickets are Adults = $9, 12 & Under = $4.50, Preschool = Free.  The proceeds support missionaries in Africa.

10/4/2014 Spaghetti Dinner & Bake Sale

Community Gospel Baptist Church (located on the corner of E. New York and S. McGill in Knox) is having a Spaghetti Dinner and Bake Sale on October 4th from 4-6 p.m.  They will also be serving Ham & Beans.

Tickets are Adults = $6, Children 6-12 = $3, 5 & under = Free.  All proceeds will go towards Thanksgiving Food Baskets.  For more information call 574-249-1417 or 772-3399

10/1/2014 Deer Archery Season Opens Today

Published: October 1, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Deer archery season opens today in Indiana. All hunters must be licensed and must use legal archery equipment as defined by the DNR. These include long bows, compound bows or recurve bows and arrows. The bow must have a pull of at least 35 pounds. Arrows must be tipped with broadheads that are metal, metal-edged or napped flint; chert or obsidian. New this year, hunters can use a draw-loc device with archery equipment during archery season.

Crossbows are also legal hunting equipment. They must have a mechanical safety and pull of at least 125 pounds. An archery or crossbow license is required. Hunters who possess a valid Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting or Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting/Fishing License can also legally hunt during archery season, as can those with an deer license bundle, bonus antlerless license or youth license. Archery season continues through Jan. 4, 2015. Visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/7389.htm for more information about deer hunting regulations in Indiana. Deer can be harvested from one half hour before sunrise until one half hour after sunset.