Monday, March 30, 2015

Quote of the Month - April 2015


Moving Starke County Forward Announces Summer Challenge

Published: March 30, 2015
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

The Moving Starke County Forward organization is ready to “race” into the summer with this year’s walking challenge.

The theme this year is patterned after NASCAR races to see if all participants can reach the lap goal every two weeks with the number of miles walked, ran, biked, or swam. The Healthy Challenge Series, a healthy reference to NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series, will begin on May 2 with the kick-off event at 10 a.m. in Wythogan Park. An inaugural pace lap will officially start the event that will continue through Aug. 29.

Teams of up to five people are encouraged to participate. If you don’t have a team, you may participate as an individual. Registration sheets will be available in April at the library branches in Starke County, Knox City Hall, and the Starke County Tourism office.

The grand prize has some horsepower this year. The individual who logs the most miles at the end of the Healthy Challenge Series will win a NASCAR experience, courtesy of NEMCO Motorsports. The winner will receive two cold passes for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, Sept. 18 at Chicagoland Speedway. The passes allow the winner and one guest over the age of 18 a chance to visit the garage area and pit road for a limited time prior to the race, a meet and greet with driver John Hunter Nemechek, a tour of his truck hauler, and team merchandise. Tickets will need to be purchased to watch the race in the grandstands.

An overall team prize will be announced at a later date.

The first “race” of the Healthy Challenge Series will be the Daytona 250 where participants will be encouraged to turn in 250 miles of activity to the Moving Starke County Forward “race officials” to see if the participants made it to the checkered flag by the end of the two-week goal. Other “races” will be announced as the season progresses.

Any activity that you are physically able to do can be counted toward the goal. Make sure you keep track of your miles on a pedometer.

If you have any questions, contact Nancy J. Dembowski at njdembowski@gmail.com.


Thursday, March 26, 2015

4/29/2015 Elements of Chess

Master level chess player Bernard L. Parham will be at the North Judson-Wayne Township Library on April 29th to present a program on the elements of chess.


4/7/2015 NJ-SP Elementary Kindergarten Registration


3/29/2015 Easter Egg Hunt @ Norwayne Field

Join in for the 29th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Norwayne Field on March 29, 2015.  Sign up is at 12:30 p.m. and the hunt will begin at 1 p.m.  All children through 5th grade are welcome but they must be accompanied by an adult.

The Easter Egg Hunt is sponsored by:
Kankakee Valley Harley Owners Group Chapter 1326
Kersting’s Cycle Center
Harry L. Keller Post 92 American Legion Auxillary of North Judson, Indiana

6/1/2015 Deadline For Ancilla College Summer CNA Course

Published: March 26, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Ancilla College is offering a Certified Nursing Assistant course this summer. Graduates who pass the Indiana State Department of Health CNA test are state-certified to work as nurse’s aides in long-term care facilities, home health and hospice groups and assisted living facilities.

Prospective enrollees must pass a physical, drug screen and background check. The program consists of 32 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of clinicals. Courses will meet Monday and Wednesday nights from 6 until 10 p.m. starting June 8th. Clinicals will take place on Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Students will take the state certification exam after they complete the course requirements.

CNA’s in Indiana earned an average of $11.34 an hour in 2008, according to the website Nursegroups.com. Wages are higher for those who work nights and weekends. Financial aid is available through WorkOne for students who are interested in the course. Enrollment applications are due June 1st. Find more information online at www.ancilla.edu.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

4/29/2015 Beginner's Genealogy Workshop

The Genealogy Department of the Porter County Public Library System is sponsoring a Beginner’s Genealogy.  This workshop is for people just starting out tracing their family history, as well as for those more experienced in genealogy, who want to get better acquainted with the resources available at Porter County Public Library System and with what the department has to offer.

Larry Clark, Head of the Genealogy Department, will conduct this free workshop.  Registration is required, call 219-462-0524, ext. 5 to register.

The workshop will be held at the Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson Street, Valparaiso, Indiana  46383.

Behavior A Key Issue During Youth Violence Prevention Week

Published: March 24, 2015
By: Tyler Maffitt, WKVI
 
It’s often a hidden issue.

That’s according to officials with the Council Against Domestic Abuse in Starke County. National Youth Violence Prevention Week is bringing awareness of violence-related issues to communities across the country.

This week is designed to help promote strategies that can help prevent and reduce violent behavior. Phoenix Health Case Manager Annette Ohman-Van Schoyck says it’s important to give people prevention techniques.

“If they’ve never experienced this type of thing, or that’s all they’ve ever known, then they’re not realizing that these behaviors are abusive and dangerous,” says Ohman-Van Schoyck.

For people between the ages of 10 and 24, youth violence is the second leading cause of death. That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control. Youth violence can include crime, harassment, assault, abuse, and bullying.

The National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere says that each day this week their chapters will be recognizing behaviors to remedy violence, such as: respect, managing anger, and conflict-resolution.

Violent behaviors can also affect communities. Ohman-Van Schoyck says without awareness, youth violence can lead to more crime.

“There’s the intimate partner violence, or if you’re just talking violence among strangers, you’re seeing vandalism, more crime, more batteries,” says Ohman-Van Schoyck. “Sometimes it’s just so random.”

Officials with the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere says students can’t learn or feel safe without cooperation within a community.

The National SAVE Association says providing students with quality education and recreation programs can help prevent youth violence at the policy level.

Monday, March 23, 2015

4/4/2015 Friends of Starke County ABATE's Free Easter Egg Hunt

Friends of Starke County ABATE’s Free Easter Egg Hunt will be held on April 4, 2015 at 2380 S. 450 E., Knox, Indiana.

Registration for the event will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and children MUST be registered to hunt.  The Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 1 p.m., please bring your own bag or basket.

There are several different age groups with treats and prizes.

The Easter Bunny will be visiting so bring your camera to take pictures.

Any questions?  Call 574-772-6842.

5/1/2015 After School Organization Looking To Generate Funds for Youth Programs

Published: March 23, 2015
By: Tyler Maffitt, WKVI
 
A local after school program is looking to raise a bit of money later this spring.

The Starke County Youth Club’s 8th Annual RadioThon will be held May 1st. The organization – which launched in 2001 – provides a range of activities, including healthy eating and possibly taking students on field trips.

Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says their organization gives students a safe place to be after school.

“The additional benefit of that is that family members can really stay focused on their jobs,” says Szakonyi. “It helps reduce absenteeism for parents, it helps parents feel comfortable and safe about where their kids are.”

According to information released by the SCYC, 20-percent of school age children are left unsupervised after classes.

Data from the Afterschool Alliance suggests that juvenile crime spikes during the hours immediately after schools.

Kids from every site across the county will be participating in the campaign kick-off. Szakonyi says all of the funds raised stay local.

“It really does help us to make sure that we have fantastic projects for kids all across the county,” says Szakonyi. “Whether it’s helping kids with their homework, providing individual tutoring, or teaching kids life skills and giving cultural exposure.”

The Starke County Youth Club offers services at schools all over the Starke county.

The organization has a goal through the RadioThon of raising $50-thousand.

Last Day to Register to Vote is April 6

Published: March 23, 2015
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI
 

The last day to register to vote in the 2015 municipal primary is Monday, April 6. The municipal primary will include those looking for Knox City Council seats in Districts 1-4, Mayor of Knox, City Clerk-Treasurer and Judge of City Court.

Those seeking a seat in the town elections in Hamlet and North Judson will be a part of town conventions if there are opposing party candidates. Candidates chosen in any town convention will be on the General Election ballot.

Registrations must be received in the voter registration office by 4 p.m. on April 6 or postmarked on that date.

The first day to cast an absentee ballot in person in the Clerk’s office will be Tuesday, April 7. Applications for absentee voting by mail or travel board are now being accepted. To receive an application, call the Starke County Voter Registration Office at 772-9160.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Today WAS Tornado Drill Day

Well, that was anti-climatic...no Tornado Drill at 7:35 p.m.! Oh well, at least there was no siren to scare the children or the animals. And we all know what to do in case of a tornado, don't we?

If you're not sure, or want to review what you should do, check out these websites:

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/

http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes/during.asp

https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/tornado/preparedness.html

3/29/2015 North Judson Area Baseball League Season Meeting

North Judson Area Baseball League will have their 2015 season meeting on Sunday, March 29th at the North Judson Civic Center.

T-Ball = 4 p.m.
Rookie = 4:30 p.m.
Majors = 5 p.m.

This meeting is for all coaches, assistants, umpires, and volunteers.  Please be in attendance to discuss the upcoming season.

3/29/2015 All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast @ Hamlet American Legion Post #356

Hamlet American Legion Post #356 All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast will be held March 29, 2015 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  They will be serving sausage, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and biscuits and gravy.

Adults = $5
Children under 12 = $3.50
Children under 2 = Free

4/4/2015 Racing for a Cure 5K & Easter Egg Fun Run

Join in the fun at Hensler’s Nursery on Saturday, April 4, 2015.

You can pick up registration forms at Affordable Insurance in Knox or contact Angel Keppler @ 563-880-3723 or keppler@alpinecom.net.

5K registration = $20 (late registration = $25)
Kid’s Fun Run = $10

All registrations received by March 25th will receive a t-shirt.

North Judson Town Council Tables Truck Route Ordinance

Published: March 19, 2015
By: Tyler Maffitt, WKVI

The North Judson Town Council has decided more research needs to be conducted before regulating truck routes.

The measure was brought up at their last meeting. Under its current language, the ordinance would regulate where commercial truck traffic can drive in the community. Should the ordinance pass, local law enforcement could cite truck driver’s not following the designated routes.

North Judson Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry says additional research was needed.

“The Council decided that they wanted to research updating the GPS systems to ensure that our truck route streets are accurate,” says Henry.

Part of those considerations include: speaking with companies who manufacture GPS devices.

By specifying which routes can be driven by commercial truck traffic, North Judson hopes the GPS companies could help limit where the traffic flows.

Henry says other communities have been working on similar efforts.

“The Council is going to pursue that, or research that somewhat, but we’ll probably still have our second and third readings at the next meeting,” says Henry.

Further consideration of the Truck Route ordinance was tabled until that research could be conducted.

North Judson Town Council Hosts First Meeting In New Building

Published: March 18, 2015
By: Tyler Maffitt, WKVI

The North Judson Town Council was able to host their meeting in a slightly different location on Monday night.

Months of renovations allowed the Town Council to meet for the first time at North Judson’s new Town Hall.

Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry says it was nice to have the new facility in use.

“I think our meetings are going to be appreciated to be held there and we are looking forward to our move which should be in about two weeks or so,” says Henry.

The building was donated by First Farmers Bank and Trust after the Town Council accepted the donation in August of last year.

The Town initially hoped to have the offices of its Water Department and Clerk-Treasurer moved by the end of 2014. Delays in construction work pushed the move back to the first quarter of this year.

Henry says a few things have already been moved over.

“We just have some of our records that are in storage boxes,” says Henry. “The crew moved a lot of those over before we had the carpets cleaned and new carpets installed to try to keep it from muddying up the carpets.”

The Town of North Judson doesn’t expect the move to challenge residents. Henry says the meeting location is always posted at both the new and old Town Hall to prevent confusion.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Tornado Drill Day During Severe Weather Preparedness Week In Indiana

Governor Mike Pence has proclaimed March 15th through 21st, 2015 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana.

The National Weather Service, in conjunction with the Indiana State Police, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Broadcasters Association, the American Red Cross, and Amateur Radio Operators will conduct two (2) statewide tests of communication systems during the Indiana Statewide Tornado Drill.

TORNADO DRILL DAY
Thursday, March 19th, 2015
Times: 10:15 AM and 7:35 PM
Important - while the drill will be sent using live TOR EAS coding (Tornado Warning), it is only a test, and will be postponed to Friday, March 20th if weather conditions warrant.

LaVergne M. Brown & Lois L. Spenner Educational Scholarship

From the Northern Indiana Community Foundation:

The Brown family has had ties to Starke County since the Civil war, and the family is passionate about the community and education. LaVergne Brown and her daughter, Lois Spenner, matriarchs of the Brown Family, both had a passion for education, pursued degrees and become teachers. On March 16, 2004, Phil Brown and Leta Chaney started the LaVergne M. Brown and Lois L. Spenner Educational Scholarship in memory of their beloved grandmother and aunt. Read more about the history of these great women! http://nicf.org/starke/documents/BrownSpennerSchol.pdf

LaVergne M. Brown


Lois L. Spenner

Academic Decathlon Students to be Honored at NJSP School Board Meeting

Published: March 17, 2015
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

The North Judson-San Pierre School Board will be honoring seven students for their accomplishments in the recent Academic Decathlon.

The group finished fourth in the small school division. Nick Sierzputowski finished third overall in the individual competition while Jayden Ford had with the top Math score. The board members will take the time to recognize those students along with Tyler Lee, Suleman Khan, Jarrod Jones, Jacob Dessauer and Carrie Hileman for their efforts in the Academic Decathlon.

The board will also consider details for the Driver’s Education program to be offered June 8th through July 17. The proposed fee of $330, the instructor and program information will be discussed when the board meets tonight at 7 p.m. CT in the Central Office Board Meeting Room.

Local Volunteer Honored by Ober Arbor Club

Published: March 17, 2015
By: Tyler Maffitt WKVI

A Knox resident has been honored for their service to the community.

The Gleaner’s Ober Arbor Club honored Ed Hasnerl for his volunteer efforts. Hasnerl has served on the Library Board, the Gateway Committee, as the Starke County Historian, and on the IU Health Starke Hospital Board among many other boards and commissions over the years.

Due to his time spent volunteering in the community, the club gave Hasnerl the “Senior Volunteer of the Year” award. Ober Arbor Club member Arlene Sellars says Hasnerl has a willingness to help in the community.

Typically, the Gleaner’s Ober Arbor Club selects an honoree in the senior and adult categories. At their regular meeting this month, the organization only recognized the senior volunteer.

Sellars says they may still give awards in two other categories this year.

Hasnerl is the pastor of the Eagle Creek Church in Knox.



Monday, March 16, 2015

Candidates for Town Offices May File until August

Published: March 16, 2015
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

Candidates may continue to file for office in the municipal election.

The filing deadline for the Knox City Council, mayor, judge and clerk-treasurer candidate positions has expired with the primary election set for Tuesday, May 5.

Candidates seeking office in towns with a population less than 3,500 can file until Monday, Aug. 3. If there is more than one party candidate running for a seat, a town convention will be held to determine the party candidate on the General Election ballot in November.

Betty Barnett was the most recent candidate to file in the Starke County Clerk’s Office. She filed on the Democrat ticket for Hamlet Town Clerk-Treasurer. Incumbent Republican Kristina Pitts has also filed for that seat.

Voter registration is open. If you need to check your voter registration or transfer registration, you may do so online. Check indianavoters.in.gov to submit the information. The window for voter registration closes on Monday, April 6. Absentee voting begins Tuesday, April 7.

Community Services Director To Retire

Published: March 16, 2015
By: Tyler Maffitt, WKVI

The long-time director of a local non-profit has decided to retire.

Joan Haugh has been with Community Services of Starke County for the past 40 years. She recently informed the organization’s board of directors that she will leave her duties at the end of July.

Haugh says she wants the agency to be prepared to carry on.

“It’s time for new ideas, new blood,” says Haugh. “You know, that type of thing to sustain the agency, and I want to quit before the good Lord makes me quit.”

Community Services of Starke County offers a range of services to elderly and low-income residents, including: transportation, vouchers, and maintenance help.

The organization’s board will now start the search for a replacement. Haugh says she’s confident her staff is well trained, meaning a focus on budgeting, accounting, and personnel management is likely to be a key focus for any replacement.

Upon her departure, Haugh says she doesn’t plan to be involved in Community Services of Starke County for the sake of the new director.

“In North Judson, I could probably deliver homebound meals because I’m not in the face of the new executive director,” says Haugh. “I want that person to feel free that they can go with their thoughts and ideas without me hovering over them.”

Hopeful that the programs continue, Haugh says none of the services they now provide existed in Starke County 40 years ago.


Given her years of experience, she says she’s learned that people need to put themselves in the other person’s shoes.

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Pre-Register For Events & Request ILL Books

Did you know that you can pre-register for programs on our new website? Visit www.njwtpl.com and click on event registration.

You can also place requests for books we don't own by going to the "About Our Library" tab on our new website and scrolling down to the Interlibrary Loan Request.

Officials Warn of High Water Levels

Published: March 14, 2015
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

Severe Weather Preparedness Week officially begins tomorrow, and officials are already warning of possible flooding issues this weekend.

With rainfall in parts of the state, yesterday, rivers, creeks, streams and low-lying areas could experience flooding. The addition of snow melt will increase changes of flooding.

No watches or warnings have been enacted in our area at this time.

As spring and the potential for unstable weather nears, Indiana Department of Homeland Security urges you to be ready in case severe weather occurs. Be cautious around high water. Flooding conditions can develop very quickly, especially in areas with poor drainage.


Never attempt to cross a flooded road, even if it seems shallow. Flood waters can damage roadways, washing away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground. Just two feet of water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pick-up trucks.

Warming Weather Means Preparations To Fix Potholes

Published: March 14, 2015
By: Tyler Maffitt, WKVI

The weather has been warming over the last few days, and crews at the Starke County Highway Department have transitioned to their springtime activity of filling potholes.

Workers were out on Friday using what’s called a warm mix to fill imperfections in the roadway. In addition to potholes, wash-outs – or a pothole on the edge of a roadway – have also been cropping up.

Highway Department Superintendent Rik Ritzler says this year has been an easy transition.

“It’s kind of gradual. A week or two,” says Ritzler. “The snow kind of slowed down on us and we were still doing it, but we were able to slowly transition into potholing. Some years, it’s kind of: bam, right away. But this year, we had a little time to transition so it’s been pretty good.”

The Starke County Highway Department says it plans to be filling potholes for the next couple of weeks.

Additional potholes may become more present as the weather continues to warm.

Starke County does not apply salt to roadways in winter as liberally as the state or other agencies – which can help prevent potholes. Ritzler says they’ve been asking residents to alert them when potholes are present.

“We have been getting some complaints, but not too bad,” says Ritzler. “For the most part people are, you know, thankful that we respond pretty quickly to them and it hasn’t been that bad.”

The Highway Department says that because water from the snowmelt has not entirely evaporated, there can be potholes present that could present dangers to motorists.

If residents locate a pothole, they’re asked to call the highway department for repairs.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Friday the 13th

From Sandra Boynton:  


Friday the 13th. Don't be a chicken! Superstition is silly! What could possibly go wr

Thursday, March 12, 2015

4/25/2015 Makeover Your Life - Community Women's Fair

Makeover Your Life – Community Women’s Fair, presented by Women Anchored In Hope, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 25th at the Nancy Dembowski Community Center, 55 E. Lake Street, Knox, Indiana.

There will be guest speakers, a crafts show, vendors, door prizes, refreshment and live music.

Record Amount of Food Pantry Donations Collected at Local Event

Published: March 12, 2015
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

The Starke County Community Services food pantry received a donation from a recent community event.

The holidays usually bring in a good amount of food for underprivileged families and then donations drop off. The Bluegrass Jam event helps supply the food pantry with needed funds and items to stock the shelves. The admission fee to the concert featuring local talent is a donation for the food pantry or a monetary gift so the staff at Community Services of Starke County can purchase what is needed for families.

The event at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox on Saturday collected 998 pounds of food and $440 was raised.

Knox Mayor Rick Chambers told the city council members this week that since the program started six years ago, this is a record high for collections in a single event. In all of those years, 6,529 pounds of food and $2,586 has been collected.

Smoke Detectors Available from Community Services of Starke County

Published: March 12, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

A local nonprofit agency has smoke detectors available for families in need of the potentially life-saving devices. Community Services of Starke County Executive Director Joan Haugh says a couple of recent fire fatalities got her to thinking.

“I just felt we could save a life or two if we made sure every home had a smoke alarm – a working smoke alarm or sometimes two. So we applied to State Farm because they had a safety grant, and they awarded me some funds to purchase smoke detectors,” Haugh said.

The smoke detectors will be distributed through Community Services of Starke County. Area volunteer fire departments have agreed to install them. Haugh adds there are not income requirements to receive a free smoke detector.

“The only requirement is they need a smoke detector in their home, if they do not have one or do not have sufficient numbers. We will be giving them an educational piece also along with that so they understand the importance of changing the batteries and how to react to a situation.”

Anyone who would like a smoke detector can call Community Services of Starke County at 574-772-7070. Please leave your name, address, telephone number and township so arrangements can be made for the smoke detector to be installed and tested.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Spring Classes Offered in Pulaski County Extension Learning Lab

Classes are offered from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and cost $30 unless otherwise indicated. Call Pulaski Extension at 574-946-3412 to register.

Basic Excel – March 17th and 19th, April 23rd and 27th
Basic Word – March 23rd and 24th or May 13th and 14th
Using Your Tablet – March 25th and 26th
Intermediate Excel – March 30th and 31st  or May 4th and 5th
eBay – April 2nd, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. FREE CLASS
Cellphone Apps – April 9th 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. FREE CLASS
Getting Started with Computers – April 14th and 16th, May 27th and 28th, and June 1st.
Sign Language for Adults – April 15th, 22nd and 29th
Facebook – May 7th 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. FREE CLASS
Publisher – May 19th and 20th
Power Point – May 19th and 20th
Intermediate Word – June 3rd and 4th

3/14/2015 Movies and Munchies in the Green Room

Looking for Family Friendly FREE entertainment?  “When The Game Stands Tall” will be showing in the Green Room of the Nancy Dembowski Community Center (55 E Lake Street, Knox, Indiana) on March 14th.

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and the show will start at 5 p.m.  To reserve your seat(s) call 574-772-3995 or 219-241-7317.  There is no charge and popcorn, hotdogs, and snacks will be provided.

3/14/2015 ABATE Fist Full of Dollars

ABATE of Indiana Region 2 will hold their Fist Full of Dollars on March 14th at the Knox VFW from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

There will live entertainment by “Half Track” Band, music, food, and a pool tournament.  This is open to the public and you must be 21 years of age to attend.

Tickets are $15 per person, $25 per couple.

For more information contact Terry Young at 574-772-6842.

3/17/2015 Knox VFW Post 748 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

Join the Ladies Auxiliary at the Knox VFW Post 748 for an authentic St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on March 17th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tickets are $7 per person.

3/15/2015 St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner

American Legion Post #92 in North Judson will have a Corned Beef  and Cabbage Dinner (including dessert) on March 15th from 12 noon until they are sold out.

Tickets are Adults = $20, Children under 10 = $5, Carry outs = $10

Bring the family and have dinner with them at Post #92.

Ancilla College Officials Break Ground for New Residence Hall

Published: March 11, 2015
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

Ancilla College officials broke ground on the new residence hall Tuesday afternoon.

The three-story facility and student life dining center is expected to open on Aug. 1, just in time for the fall semester. The residence hall will be home for nearly 100 new students. The project includes a separate dining facility, fitness area, media center, two-story lobby with fireplace and prayer rooms.

Ancilla College President Dr. Ken Zirkle told those in attendance yesterday that this is just the beginning of great things to come at Ancilla.

“This is really, from my perspective, a pivotal moment for this college,” said Dr. Zirkle. “The college has done well for a long time, but now we’re going to take strides into something even greater. It takes the cooperation of a lot of people to make that happen. This residence hall will signify some great things.”

He says the addition of a new building will breathe new life to the campus atmosphere.

“It signifies new life, encouragement, hope, and the fact that you are aiming for the future and you’re doing it in a very aggressive way. That’s sort of what’s happening here.”

Board president Francis Ellert said the project has been a dream for the school for more than a decade. Building plans are managed by Michael Kinder and Sons, Inc. of Fort Wayne.

Nearly 75 dignitaries, community members, present and past board members, sisters, developers, faculty and staff were in attendance to welcome the new construction to further improve the educational experience at Ancilla College.

It was also announced that the school is adding an agriculture program and women’s golf and soccer teams.

The College is hosting an open house today (March 11) with information on degrees, housing, financial aid and more for potential students and families. Visit www.ancilla.edu for details.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

3/12/2015 Knox Elementary Block Party

We hope you can make it to the Knox Elementary Block Party!

Thursday, March 12, 2015 from 5:00-6:00 at the Knox Community Elementary School -- Please enter at Door #5.

All Starke County families with children birth - 5 years old are welcome. A night filled with fun, learning, and food!

Monday, March 9, 2015

Reserve a Space at the Relay for Life Garage Sale in San Pierre

There will be a community garage sale at the San Pierre Fire Department on April 18th sponsored Team my*Linda members for Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. For $1.00 you can reserve a space to set up a booth.

Garage Sale items accepted prior to the sale by team my*Linda members.  Message now for a seller application and to reserve your table space.  Beth - rbohalek@hotmail.com

Your items in your space with YOUR PROFIT!!

Busy, busy, busy

The Ballroom Dancing class the library sponsored on March 6th was a great success.  We had 42 people attend, a few came just to watch the dancers gliding over the floor as they learned to waltz. 

Next week Wednesday (March 18th) there will be an event for those of you who are into Magic:  the Gathering.  If you are a player, or interested in learning how to play, join us in the Meeting Room from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Then on Monday, March 23rd, Pam Brooke will be at the North Judson-Wayne Township Library at 6 p.m. on March 23rd sharing crock pot recipes that will fill your house with good smells and your tummy with a great meal.


You can sign-up for these events by calling the library at 574-896-2841.  Hope to see you there.

Starke County Commissioners Maintain Annual Golf Cart Inspections

Published: March 9, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Owners of golf carts who want to operate them on Starke County roads will still need to have them inspected annually. The county commissioners last week briefly discussed changing the inspection requirement to every two or even three years. A golf cart owner raised the issue, noting the carts have to be loaded onto a trailer and taken to the sheriff’s department.

Commissioner Kathy Norem says she’s spoken to Sheriff Bill Dulin about the matter, and he prefers an annual inspection. The commissioners voted unanimously to maintain the status quo. Click Golf Cart Ordinance to review Starke County’s policy.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Local Student to Compete in National Geographic State Bee

Published: March 6, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

A North Judson-San Pierre Middle School student is a semifinalist in the 2015 Indiana National Geographic State Bee. Eighth-grader Cameron Kolasa finished first in the school level competition. School bees took place at schools with 4th through 8th grade students. Winners at the school level took a qualifying test, which they submitted to the National Geographic Society. Up to 100 of the top-scoring students in each of the 50 states, District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories were invited to compete in the state bees. Indiana’s will take place Friday, March 27 in Indianapolis.


Each state winner will get $100, the “National Geographic Atlas of the World, 10th Edition,” a medal and a trip to Washington, D.C. in May to represent their state in the National Geographic Bee Championship. The national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the Society. The national champion will also travel (along with one parent or guardian), all expenses paid, to the Galápagos Islands to experience geography firsthand through up-close encounters with the islands’ unique wildlife and landscapes.

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Starke County Highway Department Adds Four-Way Stop

Published: March 5, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI


Starke County has a new four-way stop. County highway crews added stop signs at all four corners of the intersection of 350 South and 200 East this week. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler says they’ve also installed “new traffic pattern ahead” signs about 200 feet before the four approaches as well. The additional stop signs were added after a Purdue University engineering study found a need for a four-way stop due to safety concerns and traffic counts.

Starke County EMS Still Searching for Paramedics

Published: March 5, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Starke County EMS Director Keith Emigh is still trying to hire enough paramedics to staff all three bases around the clock. He told the Starke County Commissioners Monday many paramedics pick up shifts at departments all over the northern third of the state. As a result he says coordinating schedules is challenging.

Right now he’s got one full-time opening and is always looking for part-time help. Emigh says the Knox EMS base is always staffed with paramedics, and they work in North Judson and Grovertown as schedules allow.

North Judson Town Council Considers Regulating Truck Traffic

Published: March 5, 2015
By: Tyler Maffitt, WKVI

North Judson has decided to consider better regulating where commercial trucks can drive in the community.

During Monday night’s North Judson Town Council meeting, a first reading of what’s being called the Truck Route ordinance was presented.

North Judson Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry says this could mean action by law enforcement.

“If a police officer should witness semi-trucks, I think it was over 14-thousand or more in weight, traveling over roads that are not the established truck route, they would be able to issue citations,” says Henry.

By better defining truck routes, North Judson may save on road repairs and remedy other traffic related concerns.

The town has experienced increased commercial truck traffic as a result of the industrial park.

According to Henry, the North Judson Town Council has been looking at an ordinance such as this for some time. She says the ordinance is targeted toward a segment of commercial trucks

“Most of the trucks are from out of the area, they’re not necessarily from local trucking companies,” says Henry.

The matter will come back to the North Judson Town Council for another reading at their next regularly scheduled meeting.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Starke County Sheriff’s Department Adds Crime Mapping to County Website

Published: March 4, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Visitors to the Starke County government website now have access to information about incidents reported to the sheriff’s department. County information technology director Joe Short recently added the Crime Mapper tool to the existing Starke County GIS on the website. Visitors can click the crime button and view calls from the last seven or 30 days or can search a customized date range.

Sheriff Bill Dulin hopes sharing this information will raise awareness of the types of incidents his department deals with on a daily basis.

“We’re being transparent with the public. They will see what kind of activities are going on in their neighborhood and also what it could do is prevent future crimes,” Dulin told WKVI News.

He adds map does not share any identifying information about the people involved in the incident, nor does it provide a complete street address. He notes several types of calls are represented, including house and commercial alarms, 911 calls, medical calls, battery reports and automobile accidents

The map refreshes each morning at 6 a.m. Short says visitors also have an option to customize the information they receive by subscribing to alerts for a specified area or radius.

Visit the Starke County Crime Mapper at http://thinkopengis.starke.in.wthengineering.com/.

Town of North Judson Preparing for Water Grant Application

Published: March 4, 2015
By: Tyler Maffitt, WKVI

Plans are in the works in North Judson to rehabilitate a couple of water service structures.

The North Judson Town Council discussed a grant application during their meeting Monday night so work can begin to improve the town’s water towers and treatment system.

Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry says the water towers are in need of rehabilitation.

“Maybe repainting on the inside, definitely repainting on the outside,” says Henry. “But you know, doing some rehab on the inside and – I’m not quite sure what else concerning our water system is included in that – but a big part of it is rehabilitating our water towers.”

Before submitting an application for the grant, an income survey must first be conducted.

The Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission will be mailing the income survey to many North Judson residents in mid-March. A significant portion of those surveys is expected to be completed prior to grant approval.

Henry says North Judson would require a certain income level before qualifying for grant funds.

“To determine what our ratio is, about low to moderate income households and I’m not sure what those numbers actually are but KIRPC (Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission) would be able to tell that,” says Henry.

North Judson has two water towers – one at the west end of town, the other downtown – both are in need of work.

Once the income surveys are submitted, the application for construction could be submitted by the summer.

3/18/2015 Kindergarten Registration Pancake Breakfast

St. Peter Lutheran School (810 W. Talmer Avenue, North Judson, Indiana) is hosting a Kindergarten Registration Pancake Breakfast for the 2015-2016 school year on Friday, March 13th at 8 a.m.

RSVP before Friday to 896-5933.

St. Peter Lutheran School has a non-discrimination policy.  We admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities accorded the students at our school.

Teen Scene Njwtpl

Ooh! Ooh! Excitement! Excitement! We added a new Facebook page! And the name of our newest addition is Teen Scene Njwtpl.

This page is aimed toward our teenage patrons and will feature events and information that we hope they will find interesting. So if you’re a teenager, or just young at heart, why not stop by for a visit, check it out, and let us know how you like it.

We can't wait to hear from you.

Monday, March 2, 2015

4/4/2015 Hoosier Valley Railroad Easter Trains

The snow may still be flying, but tickets are now on sale for our Easter Trains on Saturday, April 4th. Buy your tickets early, as these trains always sell out!

Hop aboard the Easter Train on Saturday, April 4th for a fun-filled adventure aboard HVRM's annual excursion. This trip will take you across the Kankakee River Bridge at English Lake before returning to North Judson. You'll disembark from the train for a visit with the Easter Bunny and enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt before returning to the station.

Trains run at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.  For more information visit http://www.hoosiervalley.org/shop/tickets/easter-train/easter-train-april-04-2015.html.

Quote of the Month - March

Our Quote of the Month is from Albert Einstein, whose birthday is March 14th.  Happy Early Birthday, Albert!


RIP Anubis

It is with a sad heart that I have to report that Anubis, who loved to visit the library and was part of our READ program, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on February 26, 2015.  She will be missed. 


4/10/2015 Deadline for $5,000 Scholarship Offered in Social Media Contest

Published: February 28, 2015
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

A social media post about the dangers of texting and driving could land a student a scholarship toward post-secondary education.

Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann is encouraging high school and college students to put together a campaign on social media to drive now and text later. Texting while driving is illegal in the state, but it’s not preventing drivers to type a message. Cell phones are a constant in the world, but it’s best to wait to check or type text messages until after you reach your destination.

Almost 80 percent of teens and young people have admitted to texting while driving, and 78 percent say they have read a text while driving. Since the numbers are high, five state agencies have joined efforts to help raise awareness of the dangers of texting and driving by sponsoring the Drive Now. TXTL8R contest. Students produce videos that will be judged. The winning student will receive a $5,000 scholarship.

For official rules, visit www.txtl8r.in.gov for a link to the registration page. Students have until April 10 to register. Entries will be considered in early May and ceremonies will be held in June at the winner’s school.

FAFSA Deadline Looming, Ancilla College Schedules Workshops

Published: March 2, 2015 
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

The clock is ticking for prospective college students to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Ancilla College Executive Director of Admissions Eric Wignall encourages anyone who may be considering college next year to fill out the FAFSA.

“There’s no age limit. There’s no income limit. You may not qualify for aid. You may make more money or your family make more money so you don’t qualify for the need-based scholarships, but the FAFSA is your way to get into the financial aid system,” Wignall said.

“It takes you about 20 minutes to fill this thing out. It’s online. It’s http://fafsa.gov. Don’t ever pay for filing a FAFSA form. Don’t fall for the dot-com trap. There’s no reason to do that.”


Students must complete a FAFSA each year. It is due March 10. Students who don’t complete the form will miss out on federal and state aid, including loans and scholarships. Ancilla College officials have scheduled four free FAFSA workshops this week at their Donaldson campus. Visit http://www.ancilla.edu/fafsa  for a schedule and answers to several questions you may have about the college financial aid process.