Week in Review for September 5th-9th, 2011

Here is a look at some of the news that made the news in the Kankakee Valley this week:

Starke County Jail

The group working on the Starke County Jail are now compiling data so they can better decide on what facility would be right for the needs of the county.

The Starke United kick-off event is set for September 21st at 8:00 a.m. at the Knox Community Center. This year’s goal is $50,000.

Mitch Feikes

LaPorte resident, Mitch Feikes, recently announced his candidacy in the race for Indiana’s Second Congressional seat on the Republican ticket where he will face Jackie Walorski in the May Primary. The Republican party is a little concerned about his candidacy as a Republican.

The Indiana State Board of Accounts completed the 2010 audit of the Starke County Treasurer’s Office. All but $21,906 has been accounted for by the Starke County Auditor.

The Starke County Landfill is closer to being closed. Garbage has not been accepted at the facility in nearly 10 years but certain quality checks have to be cleared by IDEM before the site can be officially closed.

Pulaski County Commissioners

The Pulaski County Commissioners approved the waiver of building fees for those residents participating in the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority program.

Two representatives from Universal Technical Institute of Chicago were at the SCILL Center in Knox this week explaining some of the courses offered at their school for students who are pursuing a career in the automotive field.

This water tower was constructed as part of the Hamlet West Infrastructure project

Starke County officials met yesterday to discuss the Hamlet West Infrastructure project and funding reimbursement.

The Starke County Commissioners are considering a request by County Highway Superintendent Steve Siddall to send employees to Midwest Toxicology to complete drug screenings. Employees currently go to IU Health Starke Hospital but at times the wait for drug screenings can take hours to complete.

The Pulaski County Commissioners approved a request by Recorder Lynn Wilder to upgrade software in her office. The upgrade will cost $45,452.

The Star City Fire Department and the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating a house fire that occurred at Nathan VanDerAa’s home in Star City on Sunday. An investigation showed that the fire was set deliberately. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of any suspect(s) responsible for this incident.

Chris Ross

The Knox Community School Board approved the transfer of Middle School Guidance Counselor, Chris Ross, to the newly created technology coach position. Applications are now being accepted for the Guidance Counselor’s position.

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