Posted on October 3, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
A caucus has been scheduled to find a replacement for the clerk-treasurer position in the Town of North Judson. The current clerk-treasurer, Alicia Collins, submitted her resignation to the North Judson Town Council yesterday at their first meeting in October.
During the clerk-treasurer’s report Collins stated she would be leaving the office in good standing, with the 2018 budget pending approval and all other records and filing up to date. Her final day will be October 20th and she said she will make her self available for training during the transition period.
Collins said that although she was very motivated to move North Judson in a positive direction when she began working there, she hasn’t seen the progress she was looking for in order to make it a better place to live. Negative moral and lack of accountability and teamwork are a few of the reasons she gave for deciding to resign. Though the decision to move on was not taken lightly she said it was more beneficial for her family and her overall life goals to do so.
Collins said she has found a position where she will be able to advance her career and remain in Starke County. She has been taking the Starke County Leadership Classes and provided a list of suggestions for the council to consider. She encouraged them to embrace a new way of leadership as opposed to the old way.
Many of the council members spoke up, expressing their appreciation for Collins and all she’s done for the council in her time there. Town Attorney Justin Schramm said that in his position, he works the most with clerk-treasurers. He stated he sincerely appreciated the great working relationship they shared and commented on all the pieces of litigation they’ve been able to settle over the last several months by working together. Council President Wendy Hoppe congratulated her, wishing her the best of luck with her future career and said she looks forward to working with her at one last meeting. Council member Jane-Ellen Felchuck thanked her for providing them with the list of leadership tips.
The caucus to find her replacement is scheduled for October 12th at 6:30 p.m. at the Knox VFW. In order to be eligible for the position, individuals would need to submit a letter of interest to Kenny Wallace, the Starke County Democratic Chairperson, at least 72 hours prior to the caucus. Another requirement is that they voted Democrat in the last presidential primary. In order to reach Mr. Wallace by phone call (574) 772-4900 or send an email to local.starke@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Starke County Commissioners Concerned about Drop in Ambulance Transfers
Posted on October 3, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary presented ambulance transfer figures to the county commissioners Monday night and the numbers caused concern.
The percentage of transfers dropped from 35 or 25 percent to 10 percent last month. Clary explained that Porter Regional brought in a full-time ambulance that is available at Starke Hospital 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The Porter ambulance service is getting a majority of the Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support and nursing home transfer calls while Starke County EMS is not getting as many.
Commissioner Kathy Norem was quick to note that transfers help fund the EMS services.
“It will affect the taxpayers too. That’s how we fund the paramedic system that increased the quality of care – at the hospital’s request, I might add. That would be something we would want to do anyway and we should have done that. I’m proud of being able to have done that, but like any other business it’s very contingent on your collections and being able to fund that,” stated Norem.
The commissioners also expressed concern that patients are waiting longer than usual to be transferred. Norem said a family member had to wait and that person was very ill.
“They needed to be transferred and they had to wait for the Porter ambulance to get back from a transfer. I don’t know why they didn’t call you guys. I know other people that have had to wait while they came back.”
It was suggested that Clary, EMS Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie, a commissioner, and a council member discuss the issue and other with La Porte Hospital CEO Ashley Dickinson.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary presented ambulance transfer figures to the county commissioners Monday night and the numbers caused concern.
The percentage of transfers dropped from 35 or 25 percent to 10 percent last month. Clary explained that Porter Regional brought in a full-time ambulance that is available at Starke Hospital 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The Porter ambulance service is getting a majority of the Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support and nursing home transfer calls while Starke County EMS is not getting as many.
Commissioner Kathy Norem was quick to note that transfers help fund the EMS services.
“It will affect the taxpayers too. That’s how we fund the paramedic system that increased the quality of care – at the hospital’s request, I might add. That would be something we would want to do anyway and we should have done that. I’m proud of being able to have done that, but like any other business it’s very contingent on your collections and being able to fund that,” stated Norem.
The commissioners also expressed concern that patients are waiting longer than usual to be transferred. Norem said a family member had to wait and that person was very ill.
“They needed to be transferred and they had to wait for the Porter ambulance to get back from a transfer. I don’t know why they didn’t call you guys. I know other people that have had to wait while they came back.”
It was suggested that Clary, EMS Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie, a commissioner, and a council member discuss the issue and other with La Porte Hospital CEO Ashley Dickinson.
Fuel Analyst Says Gas Prices Have Fallen From Last Month But Risen From Last Year
Posted on October 3, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
You may have noticed that gas prices have recently gone down. Though that is partially due to certain areas finally regaining stability after the recent natural disasters, it also has to do with the annual switch from summer fuel to winter fuel. Senior Petroleum Analyst for Gas Buddy, Dan McTeague said that prices in Indiana have dropped on average around 15 cents from last month, when there was still speculation and concern over the amount of refineries damaged.
Though we may be experiencing lower gas prices than a month ago, compared to this time of year in 2016, we’re paying approximately twenty more cents. McTeague said there a few factors responsible for that difference.
“Some of that’s due to a higher valuation for crude which is about $5 or $6 a barrel more.” He explained, “The other factor of course, is that gasoline demand continues to be pretty impressive, right across America.
Fuel supplies from regions unaffected by the hurricanes had to be filtered into the areas where supplies were lost. This has led to an increase in demand in those areas where no storms occurred.
McTeague added that while regular fuel prices will continue to decrease as temperatures drop, the cost for diesel fuel will actually go up. This is due to the fact that diesel is sometimes used as proxy for soil and other things.
As winter comes on diesel prices rise with the removal of crops and end-of-the-year farming endeavors. He said just in the last month and a half diesel prices have been raised about twenty cents. He wanted to make sure to mention the difference since there will be many drivers who utilize diesel in our agricultural communities.
To view the specific gas prices for your area, click here.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
You may have noticed that gas prices have recently gone down. Though that is partially due to certain areas finally regaining stability after the recent natural disasters, it also has to do with the annual switch from summer fuel to winter fuel. Senior Petroleum Analyst for Gas Buddy, Dan McTeague said that prices in Indiana have dropped on average around 15 cents from last month, when there was still speculation and concern over the amount of refineries damaged.
Though we may be experiencing lower gas prices than a month ago, compared to this time of year in 2016, we’re paying approximately twenty more cents. McTeague said there a few factors responsible for that difference.
“Some of that’s due to a higher valuation for crude which is about $5 or $6 a barrel more.” He explained, “The other factor of course, is that gasoline demand continues to be pretty impressive, right across America.
Fuel supplies from regions unaffected by the hurricanes had to be filtered into the areas where supplies were lost. This has led to an increase in demand in those areas where no storms occurred.
McTeague added that while regular fuel prices will continue to decrease as temperatures drop, the cost for diesel fuel will actually go up. This is due to the fact that diesel is sometimes used as proxy for soil and other things.
As winter comes on diesel prices rise with the removal of crops and end-of-the-year farming endeavors. He said just in the last month and a half diesel prices have been raised about twenty cents. He wanted to make sure to mention the difference since there will be many drivers who utilize diesel in our agricultural communities.
To view the specific gas prices for your area, click here.
Cheryl Lyn Welter Family Foundation Receives 2017 Advisor Charitable Leadership Award
Posted on October 3, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Seventeen years ago, the Knox community collectively grieved the loss of Cheryl Lyn Welter, a dedicated and involved senior at KHS who tragically lost her life in an automobile accident the day before Homecoming.
Today, Cheryl is still making a difference by impacting the lives of underprivileged school children thanks to the efforts of her family. The Cheryl Lyn Welter Family Charitable Foundation was established back in March to raise money to assist local school children in grades K-12 with various expenses that are out of their reach.
Her father and longtime WKVI radio personality and sports commentator Harold Welter described the foundation’s mission to be in character with the kind of thing Cheryl would have liked to do. He elaborated, “She was a people person and she, as a matter of fact, had been accepted at the Purdue University School of Child and Family Counseling so she was going to make a career out of helping people.”
Welter said there are countless scholarships out there for students heading off to college, in fact there is even a scholarship offered in Cheryl’s honor. However, he felt there wasn’t an organized effort in place to assist underprivileged students in younger grades. This foundation was established to help cover the cost of things like field trips, special events and other expenses a student’s family may not be able to afford.
Later this month, Harold will be speaking on behalf of the foundation, accepting the 2017 Advisor Charitable Leadership Award which his firm, Financial Partners of Knox, received after submitting Cheryl’s story for consideration. The award is given by the broker-dealer Sigma Financial to individuals who display a commitment to community involvement. The firm will receive a personalized trophy as well as a significant sum of money to put into the foundation.
When the foundation was established, an endowment was set up with a goal of $100,000. About $25,000 has been raised so far. Welter said they’re hoping to reach their goal by Cheryl’s birthday which is November 5th.
Money has been raised over the last few months through the generous community donations contributed during WKVI morning shows and online contributions. Currently, a family friend, Helen Guriel is raising money raffling off tickets for a lovely hand stitched quilt she created in Cheryl’s honor. Individuals also have the opportunity to become fundraisers themselves. To help keep Cheryl Lyn’s spirit alive by assisting the community’s disadvantaged youth in a major, one-of-a-kind way, visit the Cheryl’s Kids Fund webpage or the foundation’s Facebook by clicking on those links.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Seventeen years ago, the Knox community collectively grieved the loss of Cheryl Lyn Welter, a dedicated and involved senior at KHS who tragically lost her life in an automobile accident the day before Homecoming.
Today, Cheryl is still making a difference by impacting the lives of underprivileged school children thanks to the efforts of her family. The Cheryl Lyn Welter Family Charitable Foundation was established back in March to raise money to assist local school children in grades K-12 with various expenses that are out of their reach.
Her father and longtime WKVI radio personality and sports commentator Harold Welter described the foundation’s mission to be in character with the kind of thing Cheryl would have liked to do. He elaborated, “She was a people person and she, as a matter of fact, had been accepted at the Purdue University School of Child and Family Counseling so she was going to make a career out of helping people.”
Welter said there are countless scholarships out there for students heading off to college, in fact there is even a scholarship offered in Cheryl’s honor. However, he felt there wasn’t an organized effort in place to assist underprivileged students in younger grades. This foundation was established to help cover the cost of things like field trips, special events and other expenses a student’s family may not be able to afford.
Later this month, Harold will be speaking on behalf of the foundation, accepting the 2017 Advisor Charitable Leadership Award which his firm, Financial Partners of Knox, received after submitting Cheryl’s story for consideration. The award is given by the broker-dealer Sigma Financial to individuals who display a commitment to community involvement. The firm will receive a personalized trophy as well as a significant sum of money to put into the foundation.
When the foundation was established, an endowment was set up with a goal of $100,000. About $25,000 has been raised so far. Welter said they’re hoping to reach their goal by Cheryl’s birthday which is November 5th.
Money has been raised over the last few months through the generous community donations contributed during WKVI morning shows and online contributions. Currently, a family friend, Helen Guriel is raising money raffling off tickets for a lovely hand stitched quilt she created in Cheryl’s honor. Individuals also have the opportunity to become fundraisers themselves. To help keep Cheryl Lyn’s spirit alive by assisting the community’s disadvantaged youth in a major, one-of-a-kind way, visit the Cheryl’s Kids Fund webpage or the foundation’s Facebook by clicking on those links.
Starke Hospital Offering Free Mammogram Vouchers to Those Who Qualify
Posted on October 3, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in women. They say 1 in 8 American women will have breast cancer at some point in their life. The good news is that when the cancer is detected early, it can be treated and the survival rate goes up substantially. In order to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and to promote mammograms and self-examinations, we recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust is a not-for-profit organization that improves access to breast cancer screenings and diagnosis and support services while also increasing awareness. One of the ways they accomplish all of that is by selling Breast Cancer Awareness specialty license plates through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. A $25 donation is generated through every license plate sold. Since the plate was introduced in 2002, tens of thousands of Hoosier women have received screening, diagnostic and support services with nearly $4 million being awarded through their competitive grants.
Regional manager of community relations for Starke Hospital Stacey Kellog says that through grant funds provided by IBCAT, the hospital is able to offer free screening mammogram vouchers this year.
The Health Foundation of La Porte assisted with making these funds available to the Starke Health Fund, a partner of Starke Hospital. Kellogg said program services that are offered have been expanded this year.
“If a woman has a mammogram and it comes back where something’s suspicious and she needs to have follow up testing like a breast ultrasound or a biopsy, now that grant will even cover some of the follow up testing as well.” Kellogg explained, “It’s a fantastic foundation the Health Foundation of La Porte made available through the Starke Health Fund so nobody who needs a screening mammogram should go without one. ”
If your insurance doesn’t cover screening mammograms or if you’re unable to afford one, talk to your doctor about receiving a mammogram voucher, which should be available at various offices around Starke County. If your doctor is unaware of the program or doesn’t have any vouchers available contact the diagnostic imaging center at Starke Hospital to arrange to receive a voucher.
You can reach Starke Hospital by calling 574-772-6231. Specific questions about services provided can be directed to Stacey Kellogg at 219-983-8641.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in women. They say 1 in 8 American women will have breast cancer at some point in their life. The good news is that when the cancer is detected early, it can be treated and the survival rate goes up substantially. In order to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and to promote mammograms and self-examinations, we recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust is a not-for-profit organization that improves access to breast cancer screenings and diagnosis and support services while also increasing awareness. One of the ways they accomplish all of that is by selling Breast Cancer Awareness specialty license plates through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. A $25 donation is generated through every license plate sold. Since the plate was introduced in 2002, tens of thousands of Hoosier women have received screening, diagnostic and support services with nearly $4 million being awarded through their competitive grants.
Regional manager of community relations for Starke Hospital Stacey Kellog says that through grant funds provided by IBCAT, the hospital is able to offer free screening mammogram vouchers this year.
The Health Foundation of La Porte assisted with making these funds available to the Starke Health Fund, a partner of Starke Hospital. Kellogg said program services that are offered have been expanded this year.
“If a woman has a mammogram and it comes back where something’s suspicious and she needs to have follow up testing like a breast ultrasound or a biopsy, now that grant will even cover some of the follow up testing as well.” Kellogg explained, “It’s a fantastic foundation the Health Foundation of La Porte made available through the Starke Health Fund so nobody who needs a screening mammogram should go without one. ”
If your insurance doesn’t cover screening mammograms or if you’re unable to afford one, talk to your doctor about receiving a mammogram voucher, which should be available at various offices around Starke County. If your doctor is unaware of the program or doesn’t have any vouchers available contact the diagnostic imaging center at Starke Hospital to arrange to receive a voucher.
You can reach Starke Hospital by calling 574-772-6231. Specific questions about services provided can be directed to Stacey Kellogg at 219-983-8641.
Monday, October 2, 2017
When is Trick or Treat/Trunk or Treat?
It’s Coming! There’s
nothing that can be done to stop it! Now’s
the time to run to the stores and stock up!
Don’t wait until the last minute or all the good candy will be gone!
Wait – “good candy will be gone”?
Yep, it’s October which means that soon the streets will be
filled with children rushing from porch to porch asking, “Trick or Treat?” But WHEN will our homes be overrun with these
small creatures asking for candy?
I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for that information and
added a Trick or Treat/Trunk or Treat subpage to the NJ-WTPL’s webpage. Places and times will be added as they are
found. I’m sure it won’t take long for
that information to filter out to the public so check in frequently to find out
when YOUR neighborhood can expect to be invaded.
10/3 - 5/2017 Prescription Drug Take Back Day
After a successful day of Prescription Drug Take Back Day we are going to do it again!
STARKE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Prescription Drug Take Back Day Being Held October 3rd thru October 5th, 2017
On October 3rd thru October 5th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Starke County Sheriff’s Office will give the public an opportunity to prevent Prescription Pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
Bring your pills for disposal to 5435 E St Rd 8 (We will not accept NEEDLES) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to theft, misuse, and abuse.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.
Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines - flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash - both pose potential safety and health hazards.
STARKE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Prescription Drug Take Back Day Being Held October 3rd thru October 5th, 2017
On October 3rd thru October 5th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Starke County Sheriff’s Office will give the public an opportunity to prevent Prescription Pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
Bring your pills for disposal to 5435 E St Rd 8 (We will not accept NEEDLES) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to theft, misuse, and abuse.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.
Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines - flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash - both pose potential safety and health hazards.
Starke County Community Health Fair Registration Still Open
Posted on October 2, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
There’s still time to register for the Starke County Community Health Fair. It will take place Tuesday, October 17 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Knox Middle School.
Not only will the event give residents the chance to meet with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, but various health screenings will also be offered. On top of that, free flu shots will be available for adults age 18 and older while supplies last. Participants will also be able to take part in interactive exhibits, including CPR training, cardio pounding, self-defense demonstrations, and more.
To register, visit starkehealthfair.eventbrite.com.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
There’s still time to register for the Starke County Community Health Fair. It will take place Tuesday, October 17 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Knox Middle School.
Not only will the event give residents the chance to meet with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, but various health screenings will also be offered. On top of that, free flu shots will be available for adults age 18 and older while supplies last. Participants will also be able to take part in interactive exhibits, including CPR training, cardio pounding, self-defense demonstrations, and more.
To register, visit starkehealthfair.eventbrite.com.
Budget Hearing Scheduled for NJ Town Council Meeting Tonight
Posted on October 2, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The North Judson Town Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing for their proposed 2018 Budget when members meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. According to Indiana Gateway, the budget estimate submitted for the general fund is $728,584, while the total estimated budget amounts to $983,546.
The meeting agenda states that council members will discuss the railroad bank account that was established during a meeting in September. At that meeting, they passed an ordinance designating an account where all funds railroad related would go. That includes money set aside for renovations as well as revenue received from the railroad company.
Council members will also hold the first reading over a new ordinance as well as revisit the animal ordinance. At the last meeting, a working document of the animal ordinance was presented by Town Attorney Justin Schramm. The council members have been gathering research to contribute to the ordinance in order to ensure a suitable solution can be made on this matter that has spanned several months.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The North Judson Town Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing for their proposed 2018 Budget when members meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. According to Indiana Gateway, the budget estimate submitted for the general fund is $728,584, while the total estimated budget amounts to $983,546.
The meeting agenda states that council members will discuss the railroad bank account that was established during a meeting in September. At that meeting, they passed an ordinance designating an account where all funds railroad related would go. That includes money set aside for renovations as well as revenue received from the railroad company.
Council members will also hold the first reading over a new ordinance as well as revisit the animal ordinance. At the last meeting, a working document of the animal ordinance was presented by Town Attorney Justin Schramm. The council members have been gathering research to contribute to the ordinance in order to ensure a suitable solution can be made on this matter that has spanned several months.
LaPorte Physician Network to Cut Ribbon on New North Judson Office Tomorrow
Posted on October 2, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
North Judson residents can check out the town’s new doctor’s office tomorrow. The LaPorte Physician Network’s new location at 701 Talmer Avenue is now open.
To celebrate the new facility, free blood pressure screenings will be offered tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. An open house will begin at 4:30 p.m. Tours will be offered, and the Starke County Chamber of Commerce will cut the ribbon on the new office at 5:00 p.m.
It’s the new home of Dr. Dennis Dalphond and Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Waugh.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
North Judson residents can check out the town’s new doctor’s office tomorrow. The LaPorte Physician Network’s new location at 701 Talmer Avenue is now open.
To celebrate the new facility, free blood pressure screenings will be offered tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. An open house will begin at 4:30 p.m. Tours will be offered, and the Starke County Chamber of Commerce will cut the ribbon on the new office at 5:00 p.m.
It’s the new home of Dr. Dennis Dalphond and Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Waugh.
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