Week in Review for May 2nd-6th, 2011

Here is just some of the news that made the news in the Kankakee Valley this week:

The third annual Turkey Tracks event held last weekend and was deemed a success with over 30 hunters taking part in the event.

Nathan Origer has been named the new Director of the Pulaski County Community Development Commission. He says he’s ready to help businesses with information, grants or tax abatements in order to locate in Pulaski County.

Baugh Construction was busy in Wythogan Park in Knox constructing new dugouts on field number two. Jed Baugh and his crew donated time and materials for the project. Jeff Sample donated the metal for the roof.

The Starke County Commissioners are still undecided about whether or not to build a new bridge at Range Road and 400 North or to rehabilitate it with a new bridge deck after discussing it at their meeting Monday.

Tim Hoffa, of Winamac, urged the Pulaski County Commissioners to support the Pulaski County airport expansion project as it could save lives.

The Starke County Environmental Management District’s 2011 Collection Event at the Starke County Highway Garage was a success after a four day run. Approximately 750 vehicles came through where residents dropped off appliances, tires, hazardous materials and more.

In the Primary Election, Rick Chambers defeated Mark Smith on the Democrat ballot for Knox Mayor. Jeff Houston retained his seat, defeating Clarence Marshall for Knox City Clerk-Treasurer and Ron Parker beat Bob Shireman for the Knox City Council, District 2 seat.

Looking north on Range Road at the Robbins Ditch

Jack Haut, an inmate in the Starke County Jail, filed complaints through his attorney against the Starke County Jail and the Commissioners for alleged overcrowding at the Jail and the lack of exercise opportunities.

Range Road and County Road 400 North were damaged last week after a levee break on the Robbins Ditch. County Highway Superintendent, Steve Siddall, said approximately $10,000 in damage has been done but federal and state funding may be secured by EMA Director Ted Bombagetti to help in the cost of repairs.

Starke County I.T. Director, Bob Smith, is working on some glitches with the video arraignment equipment at the Starke Circuit Court and the Starke County Jail. He is also working on some issues with the security cameras in the garage area and in the officers area at the Starke County jail.

The Starke County Commissioners approved an ordinance that restricts weapons from the Starke County Courthouse. Penalties for carrying a weapon into the courthouse will include a charge of Indirect Contempt of Court with a fine not to exceed $2,500.

The Knox Community School Board members discussed entering into a lease with Apple computers at their meeting Monday night. The lease would enable each student in grades six through 12 their own computer for use for all school work. With more questions than answers, the Board decided to table the item until May 16th.

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department reportedly bought a new police car without the approval of the Pulaski County Commissioners.

And that is just some of the news that made the news in the Kankakee Valley this week.