Today is National Autism Awareness Day

Today is National Autism Awareness Day.

Autism rates have skyrocketed with one in 88 children falling on the autism spectrum. This study comes as a professional group is considering changing the diagnosis criteria, which could bring another overhaul of the statistics related to autism.

A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention journal, found that one in 88 eight-year-olds in 2008 were diagnosed with autism, a 23 percent increase from 2006.

Experts remain divided on the cause of the increase. Some say it stems from better surveillance and diagnosis. Others point to environmental factors.

Autism Speaks, a national advocacy and research funding agency, said the figures mean the U.S. needs to take immediate action to help families and children on the spectrum and invest in research to help explain why the numbers are rising so rapidly.

To be diagnosed with autism, a child must have deficits in three areas: communication, social skills and the ability to shift focus.

Lily Endowment Scholarship Winner Announced

Katelyn Schwenk

A full four-year Starke County Lily Endowment scholarship winner has been announced.

Katelyn Schwenk, an Oregon-Davis Senior, will receive full tuition to the Indiana college of her choice and a $900 yearly stipend for required books and equipment.

Katelyn is the daughter of David and Bonnie Schwenk and she plans to pursue a degree as an Addictions Counselor. She is President of her class and the National Honor Society and she was also the captain of the Lady Bobcats Varsity Girls Basketball team, plus many other activities.

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Knox Mayor Reminds Residents of Golf Cart Ordinance

Knox Mayor Rick Chambers wants to remind you of the rules and regulations within the City of Knox concerning golf carts.

Mayor Chambers says golf carts are allowed on city streets only and they are not allowed on U.S. 35 or State Road 8. You may cross the highways, but you can not drive a distance on them. Golf carts are not allowed on city sidewalks or the walking trails in Wythogan Park. They may only be operated on city streets during daylight hours and a triangular, slow moving vehicle sign or a red or amber flashing light must be displayed at all times.

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Knox Varsity Swim Coach Jailed on Child Seduction Charges

The Knox City Police Department on March 28th, 2012 investigated a complaint made by a parent of a Knox High School student.  The complaint alleged improper internet contact between a student and teacher.

As a result of the investigation Robert “Ryan” Corbin age 27 of Knox was arrested on April 1st 2012 and is being held in the Starke County Jail on preliminary charges of child seduction a D felony and attempted child seduction a class D felony with no bond.

Corbin is the varsity boys and girls swim coach in addition to being the high school physical education teacher.

Starke County Police report that this is still an open investigation and further information will be provided when the investigation is completed.