11/24/2014 Walorski Staffer to Hold Local Office Hours

Walorski Staffer to Hold Local Office Hours

Published: November 22, 2014

By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

A representative from U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski’s office will be in Starke and Pulaski Counties next week to help local constituents who need to access federal government services. A member of her staff will be at the Starke County Courthouse in the commissioner’s office on the first floor of the courthouse on Monday, Nov. 24 from 8 until 11 a.m. CST. The member will then be in Pulaski County at the Winamac Municipal Utilities Building across from Plymouth Tube in the council chambers from 1 until 4 p.m. EST. Find more information about available services and resources by visiting http://walorski.house.gov/services/additional-services-and-resources.

N.J.-S.P. Pool Activities Approved and Begin in January

Published: November 22, 2014

By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

The North Judson-San Pierre School Board this week approved the proposed pool activities list for members of the community. Superintendent Lynn Johnson says they will offer swim lessons and have open swim times for kids and their families. Water aerobics has also been added to the list of activities. That will cost $16 for a four-week session. Classes will meet on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. starting Jan. 6th. Open swim will begin on Jan. 7th and run from 6:45 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday. The cost is $2. Swimming lessons will cost $30 per session and will begin on Apr. 13th at 6 p.m.

N.J.-S.P. Elementary Spell Bowl Wins State

Published: November 22, 2014

By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

 North Judson-San Pierre hosted the annual elementary spell bowl competition Thursday night. A total of nine schools in five different classes competed against each other.  North Judson-San Pierre emerged victorious from the field of five schools in the orange class. A celebration was held in the elementary gym yesterday for the team’s accomplishment.

12/6/2014 Country Christmas Bazaar

The Great American Smoke Out Encourages Smokers to Quit

Published: November 20, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

The American Cancer Society’s Great American Smoke Out is today. It challenges smokers to put down tobacco for one day and is held every year on the third Thursday in November. The number of adults in Indiana who smoke has decreased significantly since 2011, however Indiana’s smoking rate remains among the highest in the nation with over one million adult smokers. Tobacco Control Network Program Director Rachelle Back says today is a big step for those wanting to quit.

“Smokers take that first step on this day. Some have given it up all together. Others give it up for the day and then towards the beginning of the New Year they make a resolution to quit for good. So it’s made a huge impact,” said Back.

A report from the Surgeon General finds smoking rates have decreased significantly since 1964. The report indicates while today’s smokers smoke fewer cigarettes than those 50 years ago, they are at higher risk of developing lung cancer. Changes in the design and composition of cigarettes since the 1950s have increased the risk of adenocarcinoma of the lung, the most common type of lung cancer.

You can receive free help in quitting tobacco by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visiting www.QuitNowIndiana.com. To learn more about the Great American Smokeout, visit the American Cancer Society website at http://www.cancer.org/healthy/stayawayfromtobacco/greatamericansmokeout/index.

11/20/2014 Studebaker to Be Featured at Annual Starke County Historical Society Meeting

Published: November 20, 2014
By: Ed Hasnerl, WKVI

The 40th annual meeting of the Starke County Historical Society, tonight, will feature as guest speaker, author Patrick J. Furlong, whose presentation will be “The rise and fall of the Studebaker Corporation.” Business includes the election of officers and 11 members to the board: one from each township in the county and two at-large members. The Knox schools also name representatives to the Society’s board.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. CST with a carry-in meal at the Knox High School Cafeteria. The business meeting and program are expected to start about 6:45 p.m.

Former Starke County Historian, Marvin Allen, and his wife Kathy, will be honored for their work at the Museum and their long association with the Historical Society.

North Judson and San Pierre Fire Departments Support Student Council and Community

Published: November 20, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI
 
The North Judson and San Pierre fire departments donated $100 each to the N.J.-S.P. Middle School Student Council for their community service project. Students raise money throughout the year to help families in the community in need of assistance. Superintendent Lynn Johnson says the fire departments are always generous to the school and support families in need each year. She adds it is a little different from a canned food drive.

“The middle school Student Council adopts families and it’s a shopping trip the kids go out and shop with their sponsors,” said Back.

Johnson says the families always appreciate the extra help, and the school looks forward to the project every year.

12/5/2014 Christmas At Norwayne Field

11/27/2014 Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner

Two Recount Petitions Filed in Starke County

Published: November 19, 2014

By: Mary Perren, WKVI

The fate of two contested races in the November General Election is in the hands of the Starke Circuit Court. Starke County Republican Party Chair Brenda Stanojevic filed a recount petition in the 4th District Council seat on behalf of candidate Don White. Democrat Pam Stalbaum edged him by two votes in the contest for the open seat currently held by Marvin McLaughlin. That district is comprised of the four Wayne Township precincts as well as the one in Railroad Township. Incumbent Democrat Railroad Township Trustee Roger Chaffins Sr. is also seeking a recount after losing to Republican Mandy Thompson by three votes.

Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall will appoint a three-person recount commission, consisting of one Democrat, one Republican and one person familiar with the electronic voting machines used to conduct the election. They will review the procedures and vote totals and present a report to the judge. State law gives him until Dec. 20 to reach a decision, but he has the power to order an extension should more time be needed.

The judge will order all ballots cast and voting machines used in the four Wayne Township precincts and the one used in Railroad Township be impounded in order to preserve the integrity of the data for that commission’s review. Clerk Evelyn Skronski says the sheriff will lock them in the courthouse safe.

Skronski notes all in-person votes are cast on electronic machines, which lessens the likelihood of a clerical error due to hand counting. Absentee votes are sorted by precinct and fed through the machines so they can be electronically counted as well. She adds one provisional ballot cast in the Nov. 4 election was deemed eligible. It did not affect the outcome of either of these contests, though, as it was cast in Center Township.

A total of 1,272 machine-counted and 206 absentee votes were cast in the Starke County Council District 4 race. In Railroad Township 317 machine and 32 absentee votes were tallied.

Skronski says this is the first recount in Starke County since the current electronic voting machines were put into use in 2003. The last recount occurred in 2002 and also involved candidates for the District 4 seat. Then-incumbent Councilman Bruce Fingerhut emerged victorious in that recount over his opponent.

This year incumbent Oregon-Davis School Board President Christopher Lawrence edged his opponent Annette M. Ferch by three votes. She opted not to pursue a recount in that contest.

Read the state law pertaining to the recount process here: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2014/ic/titles/003/articles/012/chapters/006/.

North Judson-San Pierre Votes Yes on Balanced Calendar

Published: November 19, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation is the second in Starke County to adopt the balanced calendar concept. The school board unanimously approved the plan last night. Superintendent Lynn Johnson says until state test dates are released a set calendar cannot be made. She says they are usually released in January or early February. Once they have a firm schedule, Johnson says North Judson-San Pierre will be able to make minor changes so the calendar can work for the corporation.

A balanced calendar still features 180 instructional days. School starts the first of August and ends the first of June. Students get longer fall and spring breaks which can be used for remediation or enrichment activities.

The Oregon-Davis School Board also adopted the balanced calendar concept during their Monday meeting. The Knox Community School Board is also considering the proposal but has yet to act. The Culver Community School Board is waiting to see what other corporations do before acting.

Starke County Community Foundation Awards Grants, Honors Hardesty

Published: November 19, 2014
By: Ed Hasnerl, WKVI

The Starke County Community Foundation has announced that nearly a quarter-million dollars ($247,630.00) was awarded in 2014 grants and scholarships. The total was revealed at last night’s “Impact Celebration” at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center.

A number of the grant recipients were presented their cash awards at the catered dinner.

Scholarship winners were recognized at an earlier event.

A special recognition was given to Foundation donor and former board member, James Hardesty, of Hamlet, who passed away last May at age 92. Since the Community Foundation began operation in 1996, Mr. Hardesty made gifts totaling more than $2-million. This fund will generate more than $80,000 in grant dollars each year — forever.

In making her annual report, Sarah Origer, Director of Development, also reported that 107 new “named funds” were begun in 2014. She said it has been “an incredible year!” for the local Community Foundation.

Town of North Judson Offers Seasonal Reminders

Published: November 19, 2014

By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

The Town of North Judson reminds residents and business owners to let water run constantly in a stream about the diameter of a pencil whenever temperatures are below freezing. This helps keep water meters and pipes from freezing.

Residents are also reminded the final day of leaf pick-up is this Friday. Loose leaf piles 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.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing Begins This Weekend

Published: November 18, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

The Salvation Army is gearing up for their annual bell ringing charity fundraiser. Volunteers will start the season off this Friday at Mark Bailey’s Discount Center. They will be there each Friday and Saturday until Dec. 22. They will also be at Five Star on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting this Friday and continuing until Dec. 22. Both locations will be open for donations from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Volunteers are also needed for shifts of two hours or more. All the money collected by the Salvation Army will be used to help people in Starke County. If you are interested in helping, call Joe Lopez at 574-772-7499.

Maxinkuckee Singers Holiday Show

The Maxinkuckee Singers will be touring around the area presenting their Holiday Show once again this year.  Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. EST (except for the performance held at Knox which will be at 6:30 CST.)  There is no admission fee but free-will offerings are gladly accepted.

Dates are:

Dec. 2 First United Methodist Church, 400 N. Michigan St., Plymouth
Dec. 4 Rochester Community Pres Church, 530 Jefferson St., Rochester
Dec. 8 Bremen United Methodist Church, 302 W. Plymouth St., Bremen
Dec. 10 Grace United Church of Christ, 307 N. Plymouth St., Culver
Dec. 11 First United Church of Christ, 321 N. Center St., Plymouth
Dec. 15 Argos United Methodist Church, 570 N. Michigan St., Argos
Dec. 16 Knox United Methodist Church, 201 S. Shield St., Knox (6:30 CST)

This is Winter Weather Preparedness Week

Published: November 17, 2014
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

This week has been designated as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana.

Winter does not officially arrive until Dec. 21 and although snow has arrived in parts of Northern Indiana this season it’s never too late to craft an emergency plan.

Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery suggests that you stay informed about potential severe weather. If snow begins to fall in the area, slow down if you plan on driving. Give yourself plenty of extra travel time to reach your destination.

Put together an emergency kit that includes a mobile phone charger, a flashlight and extra batteries, jumper cables, tow strap, emergency flares, a shovel, sand or cat litter for traction, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, and matches or a lighter.

Avery also suggests that you clear sidewalks of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls. Take frequent breaks to prevent over exertion.

Maintain your heating systems and have your chimney and furnace checked by professionals for proper operation and venting. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home or inspect the ones already installed to make sure they are functioning properly.

For more information regarding winter weather preparedness, contact Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery at (574) 936-3740.

PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!!!!!!

I know, Thanksgiving hasn’t even arrived and lots of Christmas stuff is already on the shelves and on TV.  Normally I would be one of those people who complains about the holidays being rushed, but as someone who knows the value of advertising in advance I just had to do it.

There is now a “CHRISTMAS is coming” page on the library’s website.  Let’s face it things like decorating the trees at Norwayne Field, the Salvation Army looking for volunteer Bell Ringers, and the Santa Trains run by the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum can’t wait until the last minute to advertise; you have to plan those things in advance.  So starting today you can check our website so you can start to make plans for that holiday that comes in December AFTER Thanksgiving.

Gobble, gobble to you all!

https://sites.google.com/site/northjudsonwaynetwplibrary/christmas-is-coming

Bell Ringers Wanted

The Salvation Army is looking for Bell ringers once again this year to work at Five Star in Knox, and at Baileys Discount Center in North Judson.

The ringing will start November 21st and run in 2 hour shifts on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Bell ringers will be inside!

All the money collected will stay in Starke County. If you are interested in helping out, call 574-772-7499.

11/13/2014 4-H Open House

Starke County 4-H will be hosting a 4-H Open House on  Thursday, November 13, 2014 from 5-8 p.m. in the Knox High School Cafeteria. This event is open to the public.

They encourage families with children in Kindergarten through 12th grade to join them and discover just what 4-H is all about.

Several booths will be set up, each showcasing the different facets of the 4-H community. From projects  such as Music, Photography, Animals, Foods, Grains, Shooting Sports, Creative Writing,  Scrapbooking and many more, to 4-H camp, from awards to trips to Purdue, as well as Washington D.C., come see what they have to offer!

They'll offer on site registration for our 2014-2015 enrollment.

Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, please call the Extension Office at 574-772- 9141.

11/15/2014 Second Hand Christmas

11/22/2014 Knox Moose Annual Bazaar

The Knox Moose Annual Bazaar will be held on November 22nd from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Breakfast and lunch will be available and there will be door prizes every half hour.

Santa will visit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Items available will include Christmas items, stamping, Thirty-One, wood crafts, Avon, homemade candy, crochet items, gift wrapping, and a bake sale.  There will also be caroling and other entertainment.

Decorate a Tree at Norwayne Field

11/22/2014 Pancake & Sausage Breakfast

North Judson Masonic Lodge #438, located at 50 Lane Street, invites you to “Come enjoy breakfast with us!”  All You Can Eat Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on Saturday, November 22nd, from 7 to 11 a.m.  Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, orange juice and coffee.

Tickets are Adults = $6, Children 12 and under = $4, Carry outs will be available.

Interested in Biotechnology?

Purdue Extension--Starke County has a great, new opportunity! We are looking for between 3-5 high school students and 1 adult to start a Biotechnology team!

This group would attend a three day Teens Teaching Biotechnology training and then have the opportunity to create and implement a "Science Behind Agriculture" program in our community.

If you think this opportunity might be for you or would like more information, please call Elisabeth at 574-772-9141 or email at smit1664@purdue.edu.

IBA Names WKVI-FM Market 3 Station of the Year

Published: November 10, 2014
By: Mary Perren

WKVI-FM is the Indiana Broadcasters Association Market 3 Station of the Year. General Manager Jerry Curtis says the judges look closely at the service stations provide to the community.

“We have a full-time, full-service news department. They look at that. They look at other community events that we’re involved in, like the Pizza Hut World Hunger night that we did. Also the radiothon for the Starke County Youth Club. Those are all factors that they consider heavily,” Curtis said.

He and the rest of the radio station’s management team accepted the award Saturday night at the 27th Annual Indiana Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame and Spectrum Awards Show in Indianapolis. Curtis said the entire WKVI team deserves credit for the win.

“It’s very exciting, and I’m proud to be a part of this very extraordinary team of radio pros, people that really love the radio business and spend lots of their time every day working hard to make the station sound good, to put out a good product.”

Curtis added the same team is also working to launch WKVI-FM’s sister station, WMYR-FM, MAX 98.3 in Marshall County. It should be on the air by the end of the year.

WKVI Sales Manager Tony Ross, Morning Show Host Tom Berg, News Director Mary Perren, General Manager Jerry Curtis, Operations Manager/Program Director Lenny Dessauer and Sports Director Nathan Welter are all smiles after accepting the Indiana Broadcasters Association Spectrum Award for Market 3 Station of the Year.

Kids Closet Ministry Receives Grant

Published: November 11, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

Starke County children will stay warm this winter thanks to a grant from the Starke County Community Foundation to the Kids Closet Ministry at North Judson United Methodist Church. The $2,000 in community fund money will be used to buy coats and boots for children in need.

Local school teachers and the Department of Children Services refer youngsters to the Kids Closet Ministry. New and gently used clothing are collected to meet those needs. Items can be left at their drop-off building next to the North Judson United Methodist Church.

12/6/2014 & 12/13/2014 Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Santa Trains

Tickets are selling fast for the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Santa Trains on December 6th and 13th. Remember, seating is limited, so be sure to buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Climb aboard our popular Santa Train where kids of all ages can visit with Santa Claus, receive a special gift bag and enjoy the holiday season with their friends and family. Remember to order your tickets early, as these trains always sell out.

Departure times on both days are 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.  Tickets are $7 for ages 1-5; $11 for ages 6-15; $13 for ages 16+.

Destination: English Lake
Round-Trip Distance: 10 miles
Length of Trip: 75 minutes

http://www.hoosiervalley.org/shop/tickets/santa-trains/santa-train.html

Lilly Endowment Offers Starke County Community Foundation Matching Opportunity

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

Donors to the Starke County Community Foundation can double their support to the community funds. Lilly Endowment, Inc. has agreed to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $250,000 for the next 18 months. Starke County Community Foundation Development Director Sarah Origer said no gift is too small.

“Our community funds are the funds that allow us to make our community grants every fall. These are the grants that go to support organizations like the Starke County Youth club and our library systems and the SCILL Center.”

Origer added these are incredibly important funds to build.

“Community funds allow the $10,000 grant to the SCILL Center’s welding program that they began in 2012. We’ve been able to grant to Community Services of Starke County, to the historical society, and the list goes on and on and on. It was grants from our community funds that allowed us to start the Starke County Preschool Scholarship Program,” she said.

Origer added the Lilly Endowment match will allow the Starke County Community Foundation to continue supporting organizations like those and others for many years.

“In 25 years, almost a million dollars will be granted to these organizations from that initial gift that we raise this year. In 50 years that number’s even more astounding. We’ll be able to grant $2.7 million back to the community, just from these funds that we’re able to raise over the next few years. The impact really is amazing.”

Visit www.ncif.org or contact Origer at 574-772-3665 for more information about how to contribute to the Starke County Community Foundation.

The Latest Superload Information from INDOT

From WKVI:

Friday, Nov. 7 - Here's the latest superload travel information from INDOT

The state of Indiana has permitted Barnhart Crane and Rigging Co. to close portions of U.S. 421 and the U.S. 30 eastbound lanes over the next two nights for a slow-moving, oversize load. Last night’s move from Burns Harbor to Westville was completed successfully and the superload remains on schedule.

Short-term closures of cross streets will be needed as the truck moves through the area. In Marshall County, law enforcement will direct the superload over the entrance and exit ramps at S.R. 331 and U.S. 31 to avoid the bridges passing over U.S. 30.

Below is more detail about the routes planned each night as the superload makes its approximately 185-mile route through Indiana. Where roads are only two lanes wide, the highway section will be closed with no way to pass the 15 MPH convoy.

Tonight: U.S. 6 and U.S. 421 south of Westville to U.S. 30 east. Load will stop on the right lane and shoulder of U.S. 30 just east of U.S. 35 near Hamlet.

Night 3: Continue east over the entrance and exit ramps at S.R. 331 and U.S. 31 back onto U.S 30 to S.R. 9 south. Pull off along S.R. 9 near S.R. 114.

Night 4: Continue on S.R. 9 south to S.R. 124 east. Pull off along S.R. 124 just east of Bluffton.

Night 5: Continue on S.R. 124 east into Ohio.

Drivers in Northwest Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts at any time via the District’s social media channels: www.Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest or Twitter @INDOTNorthwest. Or visit http://indot.carsprogram.org for INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service.

Drug and Tobacco Free Starke County Receives Grant

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

The Drug and Tobacco Free Starke County organization is the recipient of a Kankakee Valley REMC Operation Roundup grant worth $5,000.

The grant will be used to bring in professional speakers to talk to area students and residents on the dangers of drug abuse. The mission of the organization is to stop abuse through educating youth and raising awareness and education in the community.

Drug and Tobacco Free Starke County has received support from the REMC Roundup grant for the past several years. REMC officials commented that the organization is a great help to the community.

A few cents from each REMC member’s electric bill is put into the Operation Roundup grant program and distributed to non-profit organizations in seven surrounding counties. To date, $890,000 in grants have been distributed.

CMA Winner has Ties to Marshall County

Published: November 7, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

The Country Music Awards New Artist of the Year is related to a Marshall County resident. Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter has known winner and cousin by marriage Brett Eldredge since he was a young boy. Senter’s wife Leanne is related to Eldredge through her father and his grandmother being siblings. Senter said the family knew at an early age Eldredge was going to be doing something in the music field.

“His voice was just unbelievable at the young age of 6, 7, 8 years old. It’s been really fun to watch him come up. For a while there we weren’t sure what kind of music he was going to sing but he chose country and went to Nashville I think between 8 or 10 years ago,” said Senter.

Eldredge is from Paris Illinois which is just north of Marshall, Illinois where Senter’s wife grew up. Senter says everyone in the family is very excited to see Eldredge make a name in Country music. He added seeing him grow up wanting to sing and now singing professionally is quite the thrill for the whole family.

Loose Leaf Pick-Up Clarification

11/9/2014 Special Singing Event Featuring Kevin S. Wilson

Kevin S. Wilson will be featured at a special singing event at the Little Dove Community Baptist Church in Toto, Indiana on November 9th.

The program will begin at 6 p.m. (CST) and you are invited to join them for refreshments and singing after the singing.  Everyone welcome.

11/9/2014 Ham & Beans Dinner

Fire & Faith Church (301 Lane Street, North Judson) will have a Ham & Beans dinner on November 9, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Tickets are $4.99 and the meal will include cornbread, homemade cole slaw, pumpkin pie and peanut butter cookies.

11/11/2014 Honor Our Veterans @ Norwayne Field

11/7/2014 Bluegrass Jam

Bluegrass Jam featuring Country & Gospel Music on November 7, 2014 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center, 53 East Lake Street, Knox, Indiana.

Admission:  A non-perishable food donation for the Starke County Food Pantry.

Bring a covered dish to share!  There will be a dance floor, pop & coffee, a 50/50 drawing.  All musicians welcome!

11/8/2014 Diamond Dawgs Softball Hog Roast

There will be a Hog Roast at the Knox VFW from 4-8 p.m. for the Diamond Dawgs Softball team on November 8, 2014.  Along with the meal there will be a bake sale, silent auctions (bidding closes at 7:45), a live auction, and music.

Advance tickets are $8 and you can contact Wendy @ 806-2406; tickets will be available at the door for $10 and there will be carry outs available.

Come support the Dawgs!

Appointed Positions Open For The Town Of North Judson

The following town positions are scheduled to be appointed by the Town Council of North Judson in early 2015.  Anyone interested in being considered for one of these positions must submit their written request to the Clerk-Treasurer’s office located at 204 Keller Avenue no later than December 29, 2014.

Building Inspector

NJ-SP School Board – Town Representative (1 position)

Board of Zoning Appeals – 1 position

Unsafe Building Hearing Authority – 2 positions

Local Women Nominated for Influential Recognition Award

Published: November 6, 2014
By: Mitch Columbe, WKVI

Two members of the Starke County Economic Development Foundation Board of Directors were named finalists for the 2014 Influential Women of Northwest Indiana recognition award. Carla Musial and Kathy Norem both were nominated by the Foundation for their work in Starke County. Musial was one of five finalists for Influential Woman in the Finance category, while Norem was one of three finalists for Up and Coming Woman in Government.

Musial has been a member of the board since 2007, representing DeMotte State Bank with more than 30 years of experience in community banking. She also has been the treasurer of the Greater Knox Area Chamber of Commerce, now the Starke County Chamber, for more than 20 years, is a SCILL Center Board member and treasurer, and the treasurer of New Hope Baptist Church of Knox.

Norem has served as the Starke County Commission representative on the foundation board from 2009 to 2012 and in 2014. She received undergraduate degrees in nursing from Purdue University and Valparaiso University before receiving her master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame School of Business. Norem previously served as CEO of Starke Memorial Hospital and developed and implemented the Ancilla College School of Nursing. She is a past director of the Starke County Community Foundation, and is in her second term as county commissioner, where she has served as president.

Two members of the foundation board previously won awards at the annual event. Wendy Hoppe, owner of Hoppe Hardware in North Judson, and president of the North Judson Town Council, was named 2012 Influential Woman in the construction/interior design category.

Diane Thalmann, current president of the Foundation Board and an economic development manager with NIPSCO, received top honors in 2011 as Influential Woman in economic development.

Winners will be announced at the annual awards banquet. Over the last four years, more than $40,000 has been raised through the Influential Women banquet, with all proceeds donated to local charities of Northwest Indiana. For more information, visit www.nwiwomen.com.

     

Carla Musial                     Kathy Norem

 

Indiana DOE Releases School Grades

Published: November 6, 2014
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

The Indiana Department of Education released the A-F grades for all schools in the state on Wednesday. The release of the grades was delayed after the State Board of Education had received appeals from several schools.

Locally, Knox High School and Knox Elementary School received an A grade, along with Culver Elementary and Middle Schools, the North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School, West Central High School and Elementary School and all three Eastern Pulaski schools.

Oregon-Davis Elementary School received a B and the junior/senior high school received a C. North Judson-San Pierre Junior High and high school both scored a C. Knox Middle School raised its grade from failing to a C. West Central Middle School also received a C.

A full list of schools and their grades can be downloaded here: Final_Corp_School_Grades_2014 (1)

Oversize Load to Travel Through Northern Indiana

Published: November 6, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

An oversize load traveling through northern Indiana the next five nights may snarl traffic in Porter, LaPorte, Starke and Marshall Counties as it passes through. The slow-moving, oversize, overweight load will have a police escort from the Port of Indiana to the Ohio border. INDOT advises short-term road closures will be necessary as it moves through the area. Motorists are urged to avoid the routes during the scheduled travel times.

Tonight’s trip starts on State Road 249 south to U.S. 12 east to State Road 49, back south to U.S. 6, east to U.S. 421 and back south to U.S. 30 east. It will stop for the night on U.S. 30 just east of U.S. 35.

Tomorrow’s route continues east on U.S. 30 into Marshall County, over the ramps at U.S. 31 and back onto U.S. 30 eastbound. The load will continue east on 30 to State Road 9 south on Saturday, onto State Road 124 east on Sunday and to the Ohio state line Monday.

12/6/2014 Parent's Night Out

A special event for the kids so mom & dad can do some Christmas shopping.  From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. there will be movies, crafts, games and snacks provided in the library activities room.  YOU MUST SIGN UP IN ADVANCE.

For more information or to sign up please contact Kelsie Purcell at 574-896-2841, email her at purcellkelsienjwt@gmail.com, or stop in at the library.

11/15/2014 Friends Of The Library Cookie Walk

The Annual Friends of the North Judson-Wayne Township Library Cookie Walk will be held on November 15th at Bailey Discount Center from 8:30 a.m. until we are sold out.  We will be selling these delightful homemade cookies by the pound.  Be sure to stop by and stock up your freezer for the holidays.

Don't Forget To Vote On Tuesday, November 4, 2014

The Starke County Courthouse and other government offices will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 4 because of Election Day. Property tax payments can be left in the drop box at the treasurer's office, but nobody will be there to process them. All offices will resume normal business hours on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Not sure where to vote?  https://indianavoters.in.gov/PublicSite/Public/FT1/PublicLookupMain.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Are You Ready For This Winter?

I have a friend whose husband bought her an artificial fireplace over the weekend.  She said she didn’t want to do any of the work she needed to have done before Monday.  She just wanted to cuddle up in front of it with a good book and a cup a cocoa. That sounds so cozy and inviting.

But what if you’ve read all of the books you have at home and you can’t get out of the house to get some from the library because of the snow?  We’ve already had our first snow of the year and they say this year might be just as snowy as last.  Well, if you are lucky enough to have an ereader (Kindle, Nook, iPad or other tablet) you could download a book from the library.  

There are two major requirements to access our ebooks.  You must:

1. be a resident of Wayne Township;
2. have our new 14 digit library card.

The rest is relatively simple.  Just check out our website (https://sites.google.com/site/northjudsonwaynetwplibrary) and in the left hand column click on “ACCESS eBooks, How To.”  There you will find step by step instructions on how to set up your ereader.  If you have any problems you can stop by the library and a staff member should be able to help you.

Once your ereader is set up you can either return to the HOME page of our website and search our library card catalog for ebooks under the advanced search OR you can go directly to our “Magic Wall” (http://njwt.axis360.baker-taylor.com) to see what we have.

P.S. – You might also want to check out Mango Languages if you’re stuck at home this winter.  By the time the Spring thaw arrives you could be a master of Mandarin.