Good news for Fourth of July fans: there will be fireworks this year at the Starke County Airport. Fireworks Committee Chairperson Linda Berndt said yesterday that the fireworks are still on. To date, almost $5000 has been collected of the nearly $10,000 cost for the display and other expenses. The fireworks display will take place July 4.

Starke County may be luckier than other locations around the nation, as many cities and towns have cut fireworks for a variety of reasons. The celebrations have been primarily snuffed out due to budget cuts for towns and corporate sponsors.

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Back Row: Greg Matt, Mayor Rick Chambers, Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston, Donald Kring, City Attorney David Matsey. Front Row: Linda Berndt, Jeff Berg and Ron Parker

The Knox City Council gave Mayor Rick Chambers the authority to sign the Coalition Against Domestic Abuse grant contract last week. The Office of Community and Rural Affairs grant was for $424,000, with a 10 percent match from CADA, making the total $471,000. The money is to be used to extend the garage at the Phoenix House, an abuse shelter in Knox.

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Michael Derby

A Knox man was arrested Tuesday after a burglary incident.

Officers from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department conducted a burglary investigation that occurred May 8th in the 10000 block of State Road 8 in Starke County. During the investigation, officers reportedly located stolen items on a pawn list. The officers linked the stolen items back to the victim’s son.

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The Winamac Town Board heard a presentation by the Safe Routes to School organization about the second Walk to School Day planned for Tuesday, May 22. The organization is also working on a Bike Safety Day on July 24. More details will be released about that effort in the near future.

The organization’s members also asked the Town Board to approve Superior Street as a one-way street going east. This would help traffic with kids coming off of the Panhandle Pathway walking or biking to and from school on the Safe Route to School. The Board voted in favor of the change and the change will be effective after an ordinance is approved officially making the move.

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IU Health Starke Hospital will be establishing a patient and family advisory council. The council will consist of past patients and families, and will give advice on future programs and services.

The hospital is seeking patient and family nominations for the IU Health Starke Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Council. Nominees should represent the diversity of IU Health’s patient community, have had a recent experience with the IU Health System, and be able to share their insight in ways that are constructive and be able to interact well with others and speak candidly in groups.

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North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Lynn Johnson

The North Judson-San Pierre School Board met Tuesday night and Superintendent Lynn Johnson said the Board approved several items on the agenda.

“The school handbooks for the 2012-2012 school year were approved, the textbook adoption for next year for fine arts and technical arts, the Summer Enrichment Program which will run July 24 through August 2, and also the budget calendar for the 2013 budget,” said Johnson.

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Tyler Abbott

Jordan Morning

The Eastern Pulaski School Board members recognized this year’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the graduating class of 2012 at their meeting this week. The Board recognized Valedictorian Jordan Morning and Salutatorian Tyler Abbott. Superintendent Dr. Robert Klitzman said the board and their families celebrated their accomplishments throughout their entire high school career.

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The annual Memorial Day ceremonies on May 28 will take place at the Courthouse Memorial at 9 a.m. There will not be a 24-hour vigil as in previous years; instead, there will be a short ceremony at the courthouse, then the parade to Oak Hill Cemetery where there will be another short ceremony. The Redskin Brigade will participate in the ceremony. Appreciation for the brigade’s participation is being acknowledged by both the American Legion and VFW.

There will also be a brief ceremony in memory of Indiana National Guard Spec. Robert Tauteris, Jr. His name will be added to the monument this week.

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Ever hear of a “Gold Party?” Chances are you haven’t. The Marshall-Starke Development Center is holding a Gold Party fundraiser tonight from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at 1901 Pidco Drive in Plymouth.

The Marshall-Starke Development Center will be paid a percentage of all gold and silver sold at the event. The higher the participation, the higher the percentage donated back to Marshall-Starke.

Even if you can’t make it, take your bag of gold to the center before the party. The experienced jewelers will qualify, weigh, and cash it out for you.

Tangled or broken necklaces, banged up bracelets, mismatched or broken earrings, and just plain gold jewelry will bring you cash.

For more information, call (574) 936-9400.

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Bella Vita

More than 250 people are expected tonight at the Knox Community Center for the second annual Bella Vita Pregnancy Resource Center banquet.

Michelle Barnhart talks about tonight’s event.

“We have “In His Staff” dance team from the North Judson United Methodist Church, plus a pianist, and a flautist performing. The highlight of the evening could be the hot hors d’oeuvres with cheese that will be served to those attending. It’s going to be an enjoyable fondue night at the Knox Community Center,” said Michelle.

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SCILL Center Executive Director Jerry Gurrado addresses the graduates

With proud parents looking on, 16 Senior students of the SCILL Center Auto Tech class received their diplomas last night.

Filling in for the announced speaker, Dr. Dane Miller, Founder of Biomet in Warsaw, the Executive Director of the SCILL Center, Jerry Gurrado, urged the graduates to use the knowledge gained to do great things in the future.

Borrowing from some of the notable people that he has met in his career as a high school coach, including the illustrious Johnny Wooden, Gurrado exhorted the students to follow their dreams.

“Dreams can come true, and by realizing your dreams you can inspire those who follow you in this unique class to realize theirs too,” Gurrado said.

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Robert "Ryan" Corbin

After previously being suspended with pay, Robert “Ryan” Corbin filed his resignation with the Knox School Board, who approved it at their recent meeting. Corbin, a Knox High School gym teacher and boys and girls varsity swim coach, was suspended after being accused of inappropriate behavior with a 16-year-old student.

Police had previously interviewed both the student and Corbin and they both allegedly admitted to having conversations with each other. Inappropriate Facebook messages were sent, and conversations were also held via telephone and texting.

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Bryon Green

Brandi Wright

Two people were arrested Tuesday after officers from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department found them to be in possession of drugs.

Officers were attempting to locate a suspect on an Aggravated Battery charge in the 8000 block of Sycamore Street in Monterey. The suspect’s parents gave the officers permission to search the residence and the suspect was not found. However, they did find $700 in assorted bills, crack cocaine, marijuana and two different types of prescription medications.

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Several members of the Starke County Jail Committee are scheduled to visit the Morgan County Jail today in Martinsville.

Scheduled to visit the jail are Carol Johnson, Ron Henningsmith, Sheriff Oscar Cowen, Chief Deputy Bill Dulin, Council President Dave Pearman, and Commissioners Dan Bridegroom and Kathy Norem.

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