Chester, Inc. Recognized by Equipment Manufacturer

Posted on April 3, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

A locally-based agricultural services dealer is being recognized by an equipment manufacturer. Chester, Inc. of North Judson has been named a “Valley Performance Dealer” by Valley Irrigation.

According to a press release from the two companies, Chester was recognized for its service and aftermarket support during Valley’s 2018 National Sales Meeting.

Leroy Gudeman Announces Retirement from Kankakee Valley Broadcasting, Inc. Board of Directors

Posted on January 31, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

A founding member of the WKVI and WYMR radio stations is retiring from the Kankakee Valley Broadcasting, Inc. Board of Directors.

Leroy Gudeman was there when WKVI went on the air with the 99.3 FM station on July 21, 1969, and with the 1520 AM frequency in November of 1970. He also saw the opening of WYMR 98.3 FM station in Plymouth on Feb. 6, 2015.

Gudeman served the community for 57 years with his law practice in downtown Knox and has been a well-respected member of the community his entire life.

Gudeman will be enjoying his retirement in the Knox community with his wife, Kay, who is the general sales manager with Kankakee Valley Broadcasting, Inc.

The staff and management at Kankakee Valley Broadcasting, Inc. wish Leroy well in his retirement and thank him for his many years of dedication to the listeners.

Starke County Inmates Graduate from Nurturing Fathers Program

Posted on October 11, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

Fourteen students in the Nurturing Fathers program formally graduated yesterday. They attended the program while incarcerated in the Starke County Jail.

The program was facilitated by Jerome Kelly of Family Focus, Inc. out of Valparaiso who said that he gives the attendees the understanding of how to change behavior.

“They’re learning how to communicate better to their children,” said Kelly. “They’re trying to have a better understanding with their children and to be able to know that they’re still the parent and they’re still in control. There shouldn’t be any argument of moments. I’m not saying that they will never yell or argue. But if you’re in control of things, especially yourself, then where is there room to argue?”

He mentioned that he does not have all of the answers to each individual problem that arises, but he can relay the tools to those attending the class to make the right decisions in the moment.

“You have to make up your mind and make good, healthy decisions for yourself first which will then domino effect down to your children.”

Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin applauds the benefits of the program.

“I think it’s a huge asset for what we do here as far as trying to rehabilitate the inmates that will re-enter society and be a productive citizen,” said Sheriff Dulin.

The Nurturing Father course is approximately 12 weeks long. The program graduated seven men in the same program in April.

Bridge Bids Opened for Two Projects

Posted on October 5, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

Starke County Attorney Marty Lucas opened bids for two bridge projects during the commissioners meeting on Monday night.

Northern Indiana Construction Company, Inc. submitted the lowest bids for Bridge No. 36 on County Road 25 N. over the Yellow River and Bridge No. 58 on County Road 800 S. over Bogus Run. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler asked the commissioners to conditionally approve the bids as they will need to satisfy the ordinance checklist before they are formally awarded. If the lowest bidder does not conform to the ordinance requirements, then the next lowest bid will go through the same process.

The lowest bid submitted for the Bridge No. 36 replacement project was $303,234.10 while the lowest bid for the Bridge No. 58 replacement project was $282,648.10.

Ritzler said three out of the five bids submitted were lower than the engineer’s estimate. The bids will be awarded at the commissioners meeting on Oct. 16.

The Community Crossings grant funds received for this year’s requests will pay for these two projects.

Starke County Community Foundation Announces 2017 Lilly Scholar

Posted on December 19, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

A Culver Community High School senior is the Starke County Community Foundation 2017 Lilly Scholar.

Joshua Kresk will receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to an Indiana college or university of his choice and a $900 annual stipend for required books and equipment.

The son of Steve and Terry Krsek, Joshua plans to attend Purdue University and major in engineering.

Joshua is a member of Culver Youth Community Organization, National Honor Society and Science Club. He was Hoosier Boys State delegate and a Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference Ambassador. Joshua has also participated in football, basketball and baseball for four years.

The Starke County Community Foundation Scholarship Committee selected him from a field of 40 applicants. In past years, the winner has been announced in the spring. This year applications were due in September. The change was made in an effort to identify Lilly Scholars earlier in the school year to give recipients more time to decide which college or university to attend.

The identities of the applicants are removed during the selection process. The committee scores each applicant on academic performance, volunteer and paid work, school activities and honors and essays.

Of the 40 applicants, five finalists were selected for a final review. They were asked to write an impromptu essay and had a personal interview with the scholarship committee, which narrowed the field to one recommended nominee. Finalists’ applications are submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) for the final selection of the recipient.

ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents thirty-one regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state.

The scholarships are the result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education. Indiana ranks among the lowest states in the percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a bachelor’s degree.

The students who were finalists and interviewed for the scholarship were Alyssa Amidei of Knox High School, Jason Danford, Jr. of Tri Township (LaCrosse) High School, Noelle Heise of Knox High School and Sarah Hopkins of North Judson-San Pierre High School.

Mapping the Muse: A Bicentennial Look at Indiana Poetry

 “Mapping the Muse:  A Bicentennial Look at Indiana Poetry” is a project designed to celebrate Indiana’s 200th year by presenting a glimpse of poetry in Indiana.  The poems included run from every-day poets to university professors, high school students to senior poets in their 90s, and a collaborative poem by a 5th grade class from Perry County.  On page 85 you will find a poem from one of our local poets.

Starke County, USA

     Carol Grubbs (Starke County)

Once surrounded by Indians,

In the marshy, wet land,

Starke County was founded,

And today, we yet stand.

In the heart of Kankakee Valley,

Where many folks live,

There are forests and rivers,

With so much to give.

The towns aren't real large,

But have much hope in their view;

We struggle at times,

But many smaller towns do.

There are festivals and parades,

Special times of the year;

Many people do gather,

Coming from far and from near.

We are a county of tradition,

And a county with heart;

We stand as a whole,

And most do their part.

We have Libraries and churches,

And Restaurants and bars;

At night, not so crowded,

That we can't see the stars.

Many years have passed,

Since John Starke did arrive;

Little did he know then,

That his dream would survive.

Traffic Control Specialists, Inc. Breaks Ground on New Facility

November 11, 2015AuthorMary Perren, WKVI 

A Knox family’s dream of expanding their business is coming true, thanks to the combined efforts of local officials. The Triska family broke ground yesterday on a new building for Traffic Control Specialists, Inc. in the Knox Industrial Park.

The project was made possible with assistance from the Starke County Economic Development Foundation and City of Knox, who offered tax breaks and infrastructure support for the 16-acre site west of Knox Fertilizer and Toll Brothers. At a reception following the groundbreaking, owner Tracy Triska said the entire process has been almost like living “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“Our vendors, our customers, our employees – every time we needed something or we needed to go to another step, or we needed to go to the next level – something just came up and there it was, so we just really have been blessed with this whole situation and appreciate all the help we’ve received from this community. Thank you.”

Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charlie Weaver says it’s a great day in Starke County for many reasons.

“It’s not only an expansion of an existing homegrown business, a woman/minority business, a entrepreneur business in Starke County and Knox, but it’s another success because it’s a retention. This business did not move to Valparaiso or LaPorte as there were thoughts, but they chose to stay here in Starke County in the city of Knox.”

TCS has outgrown its current building on 300 East between White Flyer and the railroad tracks. The company specializes in work zone safety and is the leading provider of signs and service throughout northern Indiana.

The Knox City Council approved zoning changes and incentives to enable the expansion, including the establishment of an economic revitalization area, a 10-year tax abatement for the new building and a seven-year abatement for equipment. The city and Starke County Economic Development Foundation also agreed to share the cost of water and sewer improvements to serve the site.

TCS currently has 65 employees, most of whom are local. Company officials expect to add at least 22 more once the new facility opens next spring.