Posted on August 7, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
More than 50 Starke County students received some back-to-school shopping assistance on Sunday during the annual Kankakee Valley Fraternal Order of Police “Shop with a Cop” event.
North Judson Town Marshall Kelly Fisher discussed the experience during her report at Monday night’s town council meeting.
She mentioned that in addition to the officers from the North Judson Police department, there were also a few individuals from the Knox Police Department and Starke County Dispatch Center.
Fisher said she coordinated with the Director of the Kid’s Closet Ministry, Linda Lewandowski, and she provided her with the names of students from Knox, North Judson and Oregon-Davis schools that needed help getting clothes and shoes for the new school year. Lewandowski also included lists for each child which indicated the items they needed the most.
The Town Marshal told members that the event was held at Kohl’s in Valparaiso for the seventh year in a row and she expressed her gratitude to the personnel for being so helpful and for closing the store so kids could have free reign during their shopping experience.
During the meeting, Marshal Fisher also thanked North Judson Town Photographer Peggy Bohac for tagging along to document the day with heartwarming photos of the all the students and officers sharing in the joy of the event.
Bohac’s pictures from Sunday’s Shop with a Cop event can be found on the NJPD Facebook page.
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Monday, August 6, 2018
Starke County Sheriff Hopes to Create Plan to Hire More Officers
Posted on August 6, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin hopes to hire more road officers in order to provide the best public safety.
“If you go by the FBI standards, there’s a percentage they use where there should be 1.5 officers for every 2,000 citizens. We have 25,000 citizens in Starke County. We have 12 officers. Excluding the administration, that leaves us with 10 road officers and that’s including detectives. By the FBI standards we’re supposed to have 24,” explained Dulin.
He hopes to work with the county council to hire at least five new officers in a three-year or five-year plan. Dulin says that will cut down on the overtime pay.
“When we’re working with lower staff it’s cutting into our overtime budget and we do compensation hours. To honor that, we have to pay for part-time employees to cover that shift. Our overtime budget and part-time budget are depleted and it’s the 8th month of the year.”
Dulin commented that he understands that the department needs to work within a budget, but the demand for the officers is there.
“The need is more so now than it’s ever been. The calls have gone up probably 25 to 30 percent in the past two years. We average about 10 to 15 overdoses a month and probably between two and three fatality overdoses a month. We lead the state per capita with heroin overdoses and that’s a badge I’m not willing to wear.”
The sheriff said there is some work that can be done within the budget and he will continue to work with the Starke County Commissioners and Starke County Council members to work on the goal of hiring additional officers.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin hopes to hire more road officers in order to provide the best public safety.
“If you go by the FBI standards, there’s a percentage they use where there should be 1.5 officers for every 2,000 citizens. We have 25,000 citizens in Starke County. We have 12 officers. Excluding the administration, that leaves us with 10 road officers and that’s including detectives. By the FBI standards we’re supposed to have 24,” explained Dulin.
He hopes to work with the county council to hire at least five new officers in a three-year or five-year plan. Dulin says that will cut down on the overtime pay.
“When we’re working with lower staff it’s cutting into our overtime budget and we do compensation hours. To honor that, we have to pay for part-time employees to cover that shift. Our overtime budget and part-time budget are depleted and it’s the 8th month of the year.”
Dulin commented that he understands that the department needs to work within a budget, but the demand for the officers is there.
“The need is more so now than it’s ever been. The calls have gone up probably 25 to 30 percent in the past two years. We average about 10 to 15 overdoses a month and probably between two and three fatality overdoses a month. We lead the state per capita with heroin overdoses and that’s a badge I’m not willing to wear.”
The sheriff said there is some work that can be done within the budget and he will continue to work with the Starke County Commissioners and Starke County Council members to work on the goal of hiring additional officers.
Starke County Sheriff Boasts Produce Sales
Posted on August 4, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin commends the staff and the inmates who have taken part in planting, growing and cultivating the vegetables that have been available for sale.
He said a majority of the produce grown and harvested goes right back to benefit the inmates for nutrition at the Starke County Justice Center.
“We expanded the garden to a little less than four acres now,” said Dulin. “About 80 percent of the produce goes to help supplement the inmate’s meals. With the other 20 percent, we found a way to bring in extra money to help fund the substance abuse program with their books or utensils they need for the class. We got the approval from the state to sell the produce wholesale to the public, like a Farmer’s Market.”
During the past two Saturdays, a little over $1,200 has been raised through the sales toward recovery programs. The funds not only support substance abuse classes. It supports a Nurturing Fathers class as well as a GED equivalent courses, horticulture, and bee hive keeping efforts. Collaboration efforts between the Starke County Justice Center and the Starke County Economic Development Foundation are ongoing for vocational training.
Dulin added that hearing positive comments from the community while they are selling the produce helps inmates in their recovery.
“We want them to reintegrate back into society and not feel like an outcast. Part of that is talking to the public at these farm stands and interacting with the public. It’s been a huge asset to them and their mindset.”
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin commends the staff and the inmates who have taken part in planting, growing and cultivating the vegetables that have been available for sale.
He said a majority of the produce grown and harvested goes right back to benefit the inmates for nutrition at the Starke County Justice Center.
“We expanded the garden to a little less than four acres now,” said Dulin. “About 80 percent of the produce goes to help supplement the inmate’s meals. With the other 20 percent, we found a way to bring in extra money to help fund the substance abuse program with their books or utensils they need for the class. We got the approval from the state to sell the produce wholesale to the public, like a Farmer’s Market.”
During the past two Saturdays, a little over $1,200 has been raised through the sales toward recovery programs. The funds not only support substance abuse classes. It supports a Nurturing Fathers class as well as a GED equivalent courses, horticulture, and bee hive keeping efforts. Collaboration efforts between the Starke County Justice Center and the Starke County Economic Development Foundation are ongoing for vocational training.
Dulin added that hearing positive comments from the community while they are selling the produce helps inmates in their recovery.
“We want them to reintegrate back into society and not feel like an outcast. Part of that is talking to the public at these farm stands and interacting with the public. It’s been a huge asset to them and their mindset.”
Local Leaders and Volunteers Encouraged to Join Starke County COAD
Posted on August 4, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
If you’re looking for a way to get more involved in your community, you should consider joining the Starke County COAD.
The group will be meeting this coming week on Tuesday, August 7th in order to coordinate more about local efforts.
Starke County COAD, or Community Organizations Active in Disaster, aims to encourage collaboration among local residents and officials in order to strengthen the community to be better prepared for disaster response and recovery.
Some projects that have been considered during the first few meetings include assisting first responders with food and water when they respond to incidents that require a lot of time and effort as well as partnering with the Red Cross on a fire-safety initiative that would provide residents with smoke alarms.
Another matter that was discussed at the last meeting was the development of an official board that could consist of a chair and co-chair, as well as a secretary and treasurer. Starke County EMA Director J. Nier has been facilitating the creation of COAD but said ultimately, it is meant to be run by community members.
The board members would be in charge of delegating volunteer responsibilities as well as organizing various response efforts and potential fundraisers. Whoever fills the treasurer’s position would need to have some experience working with charities, as they would assist with establishing a 501 C-3 status for the organization.
Individuals with a passion for leadership and drive to provide assistance in Starke County are encouraged to reach out to EMA Director Nier to indicate that they would like to serve as a member of the board.
Tuesday’s COAD meeting will take place in the Purdue Extension Office board room at 5:30 p.m. The office is located in the lower level of the Starke County Annex Building # 2, the building that previously served as the Starke County Jail.
Like the Starke County COAD page on Facebook for more details. If you have any questions, Director Nier can be reached by phone at 772-9182 or by email at jmnier@co.starke.in.us.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
If you’re looking for a way to get more involved in your community, you should consider joining the Starke County COAD.
The group will be meeting this coming week on Tuesday, August 7th in order to coordinate more about local efforts.
Starke County COAD, or Community Organizations Active in Disaster, aims to encourage collaboration among local residents and officials in order to strengthen the community to be better prepared for disaster response and recovery.
Some projects that have been considered during the first few meetings include assisting first responders with food and water when they respond to incidents that require a lot of time and effort as well as partnering with the Red Cross on a fire-safety initiative that would provide residents with smoke alarms.
Another matter that was discussed at the last meeting was the development of an official board that could consist of a chair and co-chair, as well as a secretary and treasurer. Starke County EMA Director J. Nier has been facilitating the creation of COAD but said ultimately, it is meant to be run by community members.
The board members would be in charge of delegating volunteer responsibilities as well as organizing various response efforts and potential fundraisers. Whoever fills the treasurer’s position would need to have some experience working with charities, as they would assist with establishing a 501 C-3 status for the organization.
Individuals with a passion for leadership and drive to provide assistance in Starke County are encouraged to reach out to EMA Director Nier to indicate that they would like to serve as a member of the board.
Tuesday’s COAD meeting will take place in the Purdue Extension Office board room at 5:30 p.m. The office is located in the lower level of the Starke County Annex Building # 2, the building that previously served as the Starke County Jail.
Like the Starke County COAD page on Facebook for more details. If you have any questions, Director Nier can be reached by phone at 772-9182 or by email at jmnier@co.starke.in.us.
Local Police to Take Part in Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign
Posted on August 4, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Local law enforcement will be stepping up patrols between now and Labor Day. It’s part of the annual nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.
The Culver and LaPorte police departments will be among roughly 230 in the state conducting overtime patrols, with funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration distributed by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. During the enforcement effort, drivers can expect to see more sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, and saturation patrols, according to a press release.
In Indiana, police officers also have some new tools to help them fight impaired driving. More than 2,600 portable breath tests were distributed to 150 law enforcement agencies. While there’s no quick way to test for many other types of drugs, officers trained to recognized drug-impaired driving were given Android tablets to help with the documentation process.
Police urge Hoosiers to avoid drunk driving by designating a sober driver, celebrating at home or someplace you can stay, or taking the keys from friends or family members who are about to drive while impaired. Police say that if you come across an impaired driver, turn off the road and call 911.
This year’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign gets underway in mid-August.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Local law enforcement will be stepping up patrols between now and Labor Day. It’s part of the annual nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.
The Culver and LaPorte police departments will be among roughly 230 in the state conducting overtime patrols, with funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration distributed by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. During the enforcement effort, drivers can expect to see more sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, and saturation patrols, according to a press release.
In Indiana, police officers also have some new tools to help them fight impaired driving. More than 2,600 portable breath tests were distributed to 150 law enforcement agencies. While there’s no quick way to test for many other types of drugs, officers trained to recognized drug-impaired driving were given Android tablets to help with the documentation process.
Police urge Hoosiers to avoid drunk driving by designating a sober driver, celebrating at home or someplace you can stay, or taking the keys from friends or family members who are about to drive while impaired. Police say that if you come across an impaired driver, turn off the road and call 911.
This year’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign gets underway in mid-August.
Starke County Youth Club Rainbow Splash in Two Weeks
Posted on August 4, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Youth Club’s fall fundraiser is set for Saturday, Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. at the Hamlet-Davis Township Fire Department.
The Rainbow Splash event is part of the and features a 5k or one mile family fun run/walk through Hamlet with a splash of color.
As you participate in the event, there are different stations where advocates will be doused with colored powder in an effort to promote safe, healthy and educational activities for the kids. Wear a white t-shirt for the best effect.
Water and snacks will be provided by First Farmer’s Bank and Trust.
The Starke County Youth Club provides after school and summer programs. Homework help, enrichment activities, recreation, and community projects are just a few of the aspects the organization provides to students in Starke County.
Sign up online at www.thescyc.org or call 772-1600 ext. 1851. Payment can be accepted online or in person the day of the event at 8 a.m. CT.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Youth Club’s fall fundraiser is set for Saturday, Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. at the Hamlet-Davis Township Fire Department.
The Rainbow Splash event is part of the and features a 5k or one mile family fun run/walk through Hamlet with a splash of color.
As you participate in the event, there are different stations where advocates will be doused with colored powder in an effort to promote safe, healthy and educational activities for the kids. Wear a white t-shirt for the best effect.
Water and snacks will be provided by First Farmer’s Bank and Trust.
The Starke County Youth Club provides after school and summer programs. Homework help, enrichment activities, recreation, and community projects are just a few of the aspects the organization provides to students in Starke County.
Sign up online at www.thescyc.org or call 772-1600 ext. 1851. Payment can be accepted online or in person the day of the event at 8 a.m. CT.
International Cultural Exchange Services Seeks Local Host Families
Posted on August 4, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Representatives with the International Cultural Exchange Services (I.C.E.S) are seeking loving families willing to open their homes to a student from another country.
I.C.E.S Northwest Indiana Field Manager Jamie LeDonne works with local coordinators to find host families and she provides guidance and advice to ensure that the exchange student and the host families are receiving all the support that they need.
LeDonne said there is no fee to serve as a host family, other than costs associated with having another individual in your home. She said hosts are expected to offer a loving and welcoming atmosphere, provide in-home meals and essentially serve as a surrogate parent to their exchange student while they’re in America.
She said students are permitted to share a room with an individual of the same gender who is around the same age and added there are few additional housing requirements.
She said, “They do have to have a permanent bed, it cannot be a futon or a blow-up mattress and it also has to be a bedroom that has a regular sized window or if it’s a basement bedroom it has to have an egress window in there. So it has to meet those safety requirements.”
LeDonne said the organization works with about 40 different countries, so exchange students come from all over the world. Families have the option to host students for 8 to 10 weeks, for a semester or for the entire school year.
If you’re interested in hosting an exchange student, you can contact Filed Manager Jamie LeDonne directly at 219-229-0271. For more information, visit icesusa.org
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Representatives with the International Cultural Exchange Services (I.C.E.S) are seeking loving families willing to open their homes to a student from another country.
I.C.E.S Northwest Indiana Field Manager Jamie LeDonne works with local coordinators to find host families and she provides guidance and advice to ensure that the exchange student and the host families are receiving all the support that they need.
LeDonne said there is no fee to serve as a host family, other than costs associated with having another individual in your home. She said hosts are expected to offer a loving and welcoming atmosphere, provide in-home meals and essentially serve as a surrogate parent to their exchange student while they’re in America.
She said students are permitted to share a room with an individual of the same gender who is around the same age and added there are few additional housing requirements.
She said, “They do have to have a permanent bed, it cannot be a futon or a blow-up mattress and it also has to be a bedroom that has a regular sized window or if it’s a basement bedroom it has to have an egress window in there. So it has to meet those safety requirements.”
LeDonne said the organization works with about 40 different countries, so exchange students come from all over the world. Families have the option to host students for 8 to 10 weeks, for a semester or for the entire school year.
If you’re interested in hosting an exchange student, you can contact Filed Manager Jamie LeDonne directly at 219-229-0271. For more information, visit icesusa.org
Friday, August 3, 2018
Local Officials Share Wage Concerns with Secretary of Career Connections and Talent
Posted on August 3, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Making sure Starke County’s wages keep up with the rest of the state is one of the challenges local officials shared with Indiana Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo. During her visit to Knox Wednesday, Milo highlighted the thousands of new, higher-paying jobs that Indiana businesses have added in recent years.
But Starke County Commissioner Kathy Norem said they don’t seem to be coming here. She pointed out that Starke County’s average annual wage in 2016 was just over $28,000, compared to almost $43,000 for Indiana as a whole and nearly $50,000 for the United States. Based on the county’s self-sufficiency standard, Norem felt that residents aren’t making enough to sustain their families and have a good standard of living.
Milo didn’t offer a specific solution, but pointed out that those figures could serve as a good starting point in discussions with employers. “I don’t know that that’s necessarily a place for us from a policy perspective that we’re looking to weigh in,” she said, “but we do share it from a data perspective, so that then we can put some attention towards it.”
Knox Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston commented that one thing the state could do is try raising the minimum wage. Milo said that hasn’t been an area where the state’s leadership is looking to go. “I would offer the counterargument that when you raise those minimum wages, then it can limit the entry for people to be able to start into different career fields,” she responded. “So that’s where there’s some difference in opinion on that one.”
She acknowledged that there’s work to be done, but added that there’s a wide range of ideas about how to do it. “We certainly want to respect the decisions that employers need to be able to make in order to have access to the different types of jobs, overall,” Milo said.
Others in attendance Wednesday felt Starke County’s employers have begun recognizing the need for higher wages for them to remain competitive, but it may not be enough to bring the county in line with the rest of the state.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Making sure Starke County’s wages keep up with the rest of the state is one of the challenges local officials shared with Indiana Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo. During her visit to Knox Wednesday, Milo highlighted the thousands of new, higher-paying jobs that Indiana businesses have added in recent years.
But Starke County Commissioner Kathy Norem said they don’t seem to be coming here. She pointed out that Starke County’s average annual wage in 2016 was just over $28,000, compared to almost $43,000 for Indiana as a whole and nearly $50,000 for the United States. Based on the county’s self-sufficiency standard, Norem felt that residents aren’t making enough to sustain their families and have a good standard of living.
Milo didn’t offer a specific solution, but pointed out that those figures could serve as a good starting point in discussions with employers. “I don’t know that that’s necessarily a place for us from a policy perspective that we’re looking to weigh in,” she said, “but we do share it from a data perspective, so that then we can put some attention towards it.”
Knox Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston commented that one thing the state could do is try raising the minimum wage. Milo said that hasn’t been an area where the state’s leadership is looking to go. “I would offer the counterargument that when you raise those minimum wages, then it can limit the entry for people to be able to start into different career fields,” she responded. “So that’s where there’s some difference in opinion on that one.”
She acknowledged that there’s work to be done, but added that there’s a wide range of ideas about how to do it. “We certainly want to respect the decisions that employers need to be able to make in order to have access to the different types of jobs, overall,” Milo said.
Others in attendance Wednesday felt Starke County’s employers have begun recognizing the need for higher wages for them to remain competitive, but it may not be enough to bring the county in line with the rest of the state.
More than $4 Billion in Federal Loans Available for Rural Water Infrastructure Upgrades
Posted on August 3, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it’s stepping up its efforts to modernize rural America’s water infrastructure. USDA Rural Development says it has more than $4 billion in loans available for rural communities with up to 10,000 residents. That’s a significant funding increase from last year.
The deadline for communities to apply is September 30. Local officials may apply online or by contacting Rural Development staff.
Rural Development State Director for Indiana Michael Dora says that many rural communities have been left behind when it comes to infrastructure, but the funding increase provides hope for the future. He points to some Indiana towns that will be able to make upgrades, thanks to Rural Development’s help. Locally, North Judson was recently awarded millions of dollars in loans and grants to separate part of its combined sewer collection system into sanitary and storm sewers.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it’s stepping up its efforts to modernize rural America’s water infrastructure. USDA Rural Development says it has more than $4 billion in loans available for rural communities with up to 10,000 residents. That’s a significant funding increase from last year.
The deadline for communities to apply is September 30. Local officials may apply online or by contacting Rural Development staff.
Rural Development State Director for Indiana Michael Dora says that many rural communities have been left behind when it comes to infrastructure, but the funding increase provides hope for the future. He points to some Indiana towns that will be able to make upgrades, thanks to Rural Development’s help. Locally, North Judson was recently awarded millions of dollars in loans and grants to separate part of its combined sewer collection system into sanitary and storm sewers.
Frankenstein Friday #28 - Chapter 22
Someone won't make it out alive on this Frankenstein Friday! Dive into the next chapter of Frankenstein with us.
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