Posted on July 7, 2016
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County’s newest Court Appointed Special Advocate to help kids at risk of abuse and neglect through the court system is already very familiar with the process. Brianna Fletcher was a foster child herself, not too long ago. “When I was nine years old, I was placed into foster care and taken away from my family and actually bounced around several different foster homes – six of them – until I found my forever family here in Knox,” she says. “And after eight months of living there, I got adopted.”
Now, she’s pursuing a college degree in Behavioral Science, and is considering a career in social work or counseling. Fletcher says the CASA program fits well with her careers plans, while her experiences as a foster child mean she’ll have a unique perspective, “I’ll be able to relate to the kids differently than some other CASAs will, and I just look forward to having my first case and being an advocate to the program.”
Fletcher was sworn into Starke County’s CASA program during a ceremony Wednesday, after reaching the required age of 21. Starke County CASA Director Rhonda Adcock says Fletcher will be put to work straight away, due to the rising need for advocates. “The last time I counted, we had 116 Starke County children in care,” Adcock says. “Now, we have 28 CASAs, and they’re spread among all of those children. We have a few that are on the waiting list. We’re probably three months behind on children who need a CASA that don’t yet have a CASA, which we hate to be in that position.”
As their primary duty, CASAs make recommendations to the court, based on the wishes and best interests of the child. Each volunteer attends a nine-week training class and goes through several rounds of background checks.
Adcock says the program is currently taking applications for the next CASA class, which will start in September. For more information, visit the Starke County CASA web page or call 574-772-7200.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Tractor Supply Company Set to Open In Knox
Posted on July 7, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The newest store in the Knox Mall will soon be open for business. Tractor Supply Company is moving into the former Alco location at the south end of the retail complex. A “soft opening” of the business is scheduled Saturday, July 16th. The store will be open for business, but the official “grand opening” isn’t for another week. WKVI’s very own “The Boss” Tony Ross will be broadcasting live from TSC on Saturday, July 23rd.
The new store boasts more than 20,000 feet of space. The Tennessee-based retail chain offers agricultural, home and garden supplies, footwear, clothing, animal care products, tools, fencing and vehicle accessories at more than 1,400 stores nationwide.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The newest store in the Knox Mall will soon be open for business. Tractor Supply Company is moving into the former Alco location at the south end of the retail complex. A “soft opening” of the business is scheduled Saturday, July 16th. The store will be open for business, but the official “grand opening” isn’t for another week. WKVI’s very own “The Boss” Tony Ross will be broadcasting live from TSC on Saturday, July 23rd.
The new store boasts more than 20,000 feet of space. The Tennessee-based retail chain offers agricultural, home and garden supplies, footwear, clothing, animal care products, tools, fencing and vehicle accessories at more than 1,400 stores nationwide.
N.J.-S.P. Students to Compete in National Rodeo
Posted on July 7, 2016
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Three North Judson-San Pierre High School students will compete in a national rodeo. Caleb Bope, Michael Wilcox, and Tyler Woods have qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo July 17 through 23 in Gillette, Wyoming.
Billed as the “World’s Largest Rodeo,” the annual event attracts about 1,500 contestants from the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Bope is scheduled to compete in Team Roping, as well as Steer Wrestling. Wilcox will take part in Bull Riding, while Woods will compete in Saddle Bronc Riding.
According to the National High School Rodeo Association website, contestants who finish in the top 20 in each event will move on to a final round of competition. They’ll then have the chance to compete for national titles, as well as a share of thousands of dollars in college scholarships.
Bope, Wilcox, and Woods qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo based on their success in state-level competitions. No one from Indiana has ever won a national title at the high school level in any of the events in which they are competing, according to the Rodeo Association’s records.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Three North Judson-San Pierre High School students will compete in a national rodeo. Caleb Bope, Michael Wilcox, and Tyler Woods have qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo July 17 through 23 in Gillette, Wyoming.
Billed as the “World’s Largest Rodeo,” the annual event attracts about 1,500 contestants from the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Bope is scheduled to compete in Team Roping, as well as Steer Wrestling. Wilcox will take part in Bull Riding, while Woods will compete in Saddle Bronc Riding.
According to the National High School Rodeo Association website, contestants who finish in the top 20 in each event will move on to a final round of competition. They’ll then have the chance to compete for national titles, as well as a share of thousands of dollars in college scholarships.
Bope, Wilcox, and Woods qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo based on their success in state-level competitions. No one from Indiana has ever won a national title at the high school level in any of the events in which they are competing, according to the Rodeo Association’s records.
North Judson Plans Additional Plots in Highland Cemetery
Posted on July 7, 2016
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Town of North Judson is running out of plots in Highland Cemetery.
Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins told the town council Tuesday there is only one available plot left, but there is quite a bit of space near the outer roads. some room to add more cemetery plots.
She believes the town could add double plots between the existing graves and the outer roads, but right now, that area is not available for use.
Collins says she’s had to put people off who have asked about buying plots in the cemetery until she was able to discuss the matter with the town council. ted out that there are several plots that are not currently in use, but they have already been sold.
The town council voted Tuesday to begin the process of having the land surveyed, so more plots may be added.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Town of North Judson is running out of plots in Highland Cemetery.
Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins told the town council Tuesday there is only one available plot left, but there is quite a bit of space near the outer roads. some room to add more cemetery plots.
She believes the town could add double plots between the existing graves and the outer roads, but right now, that area is not available for use.
Collins says she’s had to put people off who have asked about buying plots in the cemetery until she was able to discuss the matter with the town council. ted out that there are several plots that are not currently in use, but they have already been sold.
The town council voted Tuesday to begin the process of having the land surveyed, so more plots may be added.
Starke County Commissioners Add Road to Inventory
Posted on July 7, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners have agreed to add a short stretch of roadway to the county’s inventory. Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charlie Weaver asked that the 1/6 mile Industrial Parkway north of 500 North in Hamlet be included in the list of county-maintained roads that is sent to the state. Doing so will ensure Starke County gets credit for the roadway when it comes to state funding distribution.
The county built the road several years ago, but the necessary paperwork to add it to the official inventory was never submitted to the state. Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler says it will need to be chip sealed this year.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners have agreed to add a short stretch of roadway to the county’s inventory. Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charlie Weaver asked that the 1/6 mile Industrial Parkway north of 500 North in Hamlet be included in the list of county-maintained roads that is sent to the state. Doing so will ensure Starke County gets credit for the roadway when it comes to state funding distribution.
The county built the road several years ago, but the necessary paperwork to add it to the official inventory was never submitted to the state. Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler says it will need to be chip sealed this year.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Kankakee Valley REMC Launches School Supply Drive
Posted on July 5, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Kankakee Valley REMC wants to make sure children are property equipped for the start of the new school year.
The member-owned electrical cooperative has launched its third annual Pack A Backpack school supply drive. Marketing Director Amanda Steeb says they want to help local families throughout their service area who might be struggling fulfill the necessary list of school supplies for their children.
Monetary and supply donations are being accepted at the cooperative’s office on U.S. 30 in Wanatah and at several area libraries throughout the service area. A donation box at the San Pierre Public Library in Starke County and will remain in place through the end of the month.
Steeb says KVREMC works closely with the Kids Closet Ministry, based at North Judson United Methodist Church, to ensure Starke County youngsters have adequate supplies. Donations will stay in the community where they are collected to ensure they benefit local youngsters.
Other donation drop-off locations include the Wanatah, LaCrosse, Kouts and Union Mills Public Libraries.
Supplies needed include book bags, crayons, colored pencils, #2 pencils, glue sticks, glue, rulers, school boxes, clipboards, adult scissors, round-tip children’s scissors, dry erase markers, Scotch tape, erasers, highlighers, boxes of tissues, spiral notebooks and pocket folders.
Checks can be mailed to: KVREMC, PO Box 157, Wanatah, IN 46390. Be sure to indicate it is for the Backpack Drive.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Kankakee Valley REMC wants to make sure children are property equipped for the start of the new school year.
The member-owned electrical cooperative has launched its third annual Pack A Backpack school supply drive. Marketing Director Amanda Steeb says they want to help local families throughout their service area who might be struggling fulfill the necessary list of school supplies for their children.
Monetary and supply donations are being accepted at the cooperative’s office on U.S. 30 in Wanatah and at several area libraries throughout the service area. A donation box at the San Pierre Public Library in Starke County and will remain in place through the end of the month.
Steeb says KVREMC works closely with the Kids Closet Ministry, based at North Judson United Methodist Church, to ensure Starke County youngsters have adequate supplies. Donations will stay in the community where they are collected to ensure they benefit local youngsters.
Other donation drop-off locations include the Wanatah, LaCrosse, Kouts and Union Mills Public Libraries.
Supplies needed include book bags, crayons, colored pencils, #2 pencils, glue sticks, glue, rulers, school boxes, clipboards, adult scissors, round-tip children’s scissors, dry erase markers, Scotch tape, erasers, highlighers, boxes of tissues, spiral notebooks and pocket folders.
Checks can be mailed to: KVREMC, PO Box 157, Wanatah, IN 46390. Be sure to indicate it is for the Backpack Drive.
Yellowstone Trail Fest to Host Metal Sculpture Contest
Posted on July 5, 2016
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A new event at the Yellowstone Trail Festival looks to honor automotive history, while giving welders and artists the chance to showcase their work. Festival events director Juanita Ketcham says organizers are planning a first-of-its-kind re-purposed sculpture contest. “The Yellowstone Trail Festival has tried to incorporate reclaimed auto parts because we’re looking for a way to bring the automobile as a highlighted feature for the Yellowstone Trail Festival,” she says, “and I’m big into recycling, so I’ve been working on this project for 18 months.”
Ketcham says a bit of inspiration struck when she came across a picture of a dragon made of recycled metal. Since then, she’s been looking for a way to incorporate similar pieces into the local festival, “The hiring places in town always have a sign up that they need welders, so looking for ways to recycle and reclaim automobile parts or any other metal stuff that’s just laying around rusting and rotting into pieces of art or usable furniture or whatever their mind can think of was just a desire that I’ve had now for almost two years.”
However, Ketcham says planning for the contest really took off with the help of the Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning. She says the contest will feature three different categories of artwork, based on the recommendation of SCILL Center coordinator of student services and programs Jerry Gurrado, “Abstract – they can create anything they want with it. He said an animate project would be something that looked like an angel or a dragon or a bench or a coffee table or something that we would recognize what it is. And then because they had some people interested in blacksmithing and forging, we created a third category for them, because their welding is different than the welding people would use to put the metal parts together for the other two categories.”
Sculptures will be judged by SCILL Center instructors, based on creativity and the quality of the weld. Projects will also be awarded bonus points for including recycled auto parts. The winner of each category will receive a $250 cash prize. On top of that, each sculpture will be auctioned at the end of the event, with 90-percent of the sale price going to the piece’s creator.
Ketcham says that SCILL Center students will receive extra credit for taking part in the contest, but it’s also open to artists and anyone else who may be interested. She says the contest has already been generating excitement among recycling and welding enthusiasts around the area.
While the contest is anticipated to start small this year, Ketcham hopes it will become a major part of the Yellowstone Trail Festival going forward, “I hope this becomes our signature because lots of festivals have car shows and lots of festivals have fashion shows and every festival has vendors, but I don’t know of any festival who has a recycled sculpture contest.”
The contest and auction will take place on Sunday, August 21, as part of the Yellowstone Trail Festival. More information and an entry form may be found on the Yellowstone Trail Festival’s website.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A new event at the Yellowstone Trail Festival looks to honor automotive history, while giving welders and artists the chance to showcase their work. Festival events director Juanita Ketcham says organizers are planning a first-of-its-kind re-purposed sculpture contest. “The Yellowstone Trail Festival has tried to incorporate reclaimed auto parts because we’re looking for a way to bring the automobile as a highlighted feature for the Yellowstone Trail Festival,” she says, “and I’m big into recycling, so I’ve been working on this project for 18 months.”
Ketcham says a bit of inspiration struck when she came across a picture of a dragon made of recycled metal. Since then, she’s been looking for a way to incorporate similar pieces into the local festival, “The hiring places in town always have a sign up that they need welders, so looking for ways to recycle and reclaim automobile parts or any other metal stuff that’s just laying around rusting and rotting into pieces of art or usable furniture or whatever their mind can think of was just a desire that I’ve had now for almost two years.”
However, Ketcham says planning for the contest really took off with the help of the Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning. She says the contest will feature three different categories of artwork, based on the recommendation of SCILL Center coordinator of student services and programs Jerry Gurrado, “Abstract – they can create anything they want with it. He said an animate project would be something that looked like an angel or a dragon or a bench or a coffee table or something that we would recognize what it is. And then because they had some people interested in blacksmithing and forging, we created a third category for them, because their welding is different than the welding people would use to put the metal parts together for the other two categories.”
Sculptures will be judged by SCILL Center instructors, based on creativity and the quality of the weld. Projects will also be awarded bonus points for including recycled auto parts. The winner of each category will receive a $250 cash prize. On top of that, each sculpture will be auctioned at the end of the event, with 90-percent of the sale price going to the piece’s creator.
Ketcham says that SCILL Center students will receive extra credit for taking part in the contest, but it’s also open to artists and anyone else who may be interested. She says the contest has already been generating excitement among recycling and welding enthusiasts around the area.
While the contest is anticipated to start small this year, Ketcham hopes it will become a major part of the Yellowstone Trail Festival going forward, “I hope this becomes our signature because lots of festivals have car shows and lots of festivals have fashion shows and every festival has vendors, but I don’t know of any festival who has a recycled sculpture contest.”
The contest and auction will take place on Sunday, August 21, as part of the Yellowstone Trail Festival. More information and an entry form may be found on the Yellowstone Trail Festival’s website.
Saturday, July 2, 2016
7/3/2016 Starke County Historical Society Hosts Ice Cream Social
Posted on July 2, 2016
Author Ed Hasnerl, WKVI
The Starke County Historical Society is hosting its annual “Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social” Sunday afternoon, July 3, at the new Starke County History Center at 1520 South Heaton Street. That’s just north of the Lutheran Church on U.S. 35, on the south edge of Knox.
Owners of an antique car, truck, tractor, motorcycle, or other vehicles are encouraged to bring it for display.
The Lutheran church has given the History Center permission for visitors to park in the church parking lot.
The remodeling of the former office of Dr. Walter Fritz is not complete, but will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. CDT. Music and other entertainment is planned.
Author Ed Hasnerl, WKVI
The Starke County Historical Society is hosting its annual “Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social” Sunday afternoon, July 3, at the new Starke County History Center at 1520 South Heaton Street. That’s just north of the Lutheran Church on U.S. 35, on the south edge of Knox.
Owners of an antique car, truck, tractor, motorcycle, or other vehicles are encouraged to bring it for display.
The Lutheran church has given the History Center permission for visitors to park in the church parking lot.
The remodeling of the former office of Dr. Walter Fritz is not complete, but will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. CDT. Music and other entertainment is planned.
Friday, July 1, 2016
Knox Mayor Discusses Fireworks Parking Options
Posted on July 1, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Parking will be available at Wythogan Park in Knox for tomorrow’s activities leading up to the fireworks display, but it will cost you. The city is charging $10 per car to park inside the gates. Mayor Dennis Estok says they probably have room for between 200 and 300 vehicles.
He adds there will be designated areas for retired, disabled and VIP parking. Passes for the latter were mailed to major sponsors of the fireworks and Fun Day in the Park activities.
Golf carts equipped with lights can also park for $10 each at the park.
Estok says shuttle service will also be offered from various downtown pickup points. Buses will be running before and after the fireworks. There’s not a charge for the shuttle, but donations are suggested. The same goes for walk-in visitors to Wythogan Park.
Gates open at 2 p.m. Activities get underway at 3 p.m. and will continue throughout the day. Highlights include corn hole and horseshoe tournaments, the Yellow River Duck Race, burnout and hot dog eating contests.
The Carlos Ramos Classic Rock Band will perform from 7 until 11 p.m., with a break around 9 for the fireworks.
City officials recently did some tests to check visibility and note the display can be seen from outside the park at various spots around the city.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Parking will be available at Wythogan Park in Knox for tomorrow’s activities leading up to the fireworks display, but it will cost you. The city is charging $10 per car to park inside the gates. Mayor Dennis Estok says they probably have room for between 200 and 300 vehicles.
He adds there will be designated areas for retired, disabled and VIP parking. Passes for the latter were mailed to major sponsors of the fireworks and Fun Day in the Park activities.
Golf carts equipped with lights can also park for $10 each at the park.
Estok says shuttle service will also be offered from various downtown pickup points. Buses will be running before and after the fireworks. There’s not a charge for the shuttle, but donations are suggested. The same goes for walk-in visitors to Wythogan Park.
Gates open at 2 p.m. Activities get underway at 3 p.m. and will continue throughout the day. Highlights include corn hole and horseshoe tournaments, the Yellow River Duck Race, burnout and hot dog eating contests.
The Carlos Ramos Classic Rock Band will perform from 7 until 11 p.m., with a break around 9 for the fireworks.
City officials recently did some tests to check visibility and note the display can be seen from outside the park at various spots around the city.
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