Week in Review for January 2nd-6th, 2012

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

Henry F. Schricker Library

Library bonds totaling $1.785 million have been sold to help pay for an expansion and remodeling project at the Henry F. Schricker Public Library. Library Director, Sheila Urwiler, said that she hopes the groundbreaking ceremony will take place in April.

A hiring freeze in Pulaski County has created problems in many county departments. Auditor Sheila Garling said she will discuss the issue with the Commissioners and Council to see if the freeze can be reclassified to allow department heads to hire the help they need.

Richard Lee Dennis III, 28, of Knox, was killed in a single vehicle accident Tuesday night in Marshall County. He reportedly was involved in a hit-and-run accident and was traveling too fast down 9th Road by Quince Road when he came upon railroad tracks and lost control of his vehicle due to the slick conditions. He hit a tree and was killed instantly.

Lois Bickel, 45, of Plymouth, died Thursday night after sustaining injuries in a single vehicle accident on 1100 East, north of U.S. 30 in Starke County. Police say she was northbound on 1100 East and for some unknown reason, she left the roadway, went sideways and into a ditch and then impacted some trees. She was airlifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital where she later died.

Linda Belork

Jasper County Circuit Court Judge John Potter ruled that the Starke County Commissioners did have the right to remove former Starke County Treasurer Linda Belork from office after financial discrepancies were found in her office. The issue of a temporary restraining order will be discussed in court on January 11th.

Starke County Sheriff Oscar Cowen sought the Commissioners’ approval of a supplemental plan for the police pension fund.

Donald Benton, Jr.

Donald Benton, Jr. pleaded not guilty in Starke Circuit Court on charges of Intimidation and Pointing a Firearm. He was arrested Saturday after allegedly threatening a North Judson man at gunpoint and ordering him to contact another individual so he could kill him.

David Pearman was elected as the Starke County Council President in a reorganizational meeting last night. Mitch Semans was elected Vice President. Mark Smith, who had been the Council President for the past five years, opted out of the nomination for President.

Randall Rowe
Jeremy Rowe

Jeremy and Randall Rowe pleaded not guilty in Starke Circuit Court this week to several charges stemming from a home invasion in Starke County on Friday, December 30th.

A public hearing was held Wednesday night to inform residents about the Klockner Drive project. The Klockner Drive intersection in the Knox Industrial Park will be widened so semi truck traffic can maneuver better in that area.

Starke County Jail

The Starke County Jail Committee has decided to hold meetings to inform the public about the Starke County Jail options the Committee is considering. The meetings will be held the third week of January and will focus mainly on the cost and funding of the options. More specific details will be released soon.

House Democrats stayed behind closed doors on the first day of the 2012 legislative session. Democrats discussed how to derail the right to work bill.

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