From the WKVI Archives

On this date in 1974, the Starke County Commissioners met in special session and discussed plans and costs for the new county jail. According to Starke County Auditor John “Jack” Milner, the new jail could cost $500,000 to $580,000. The sheriff’s office was currently being operated from the Starke County Courthouse.

Also in 1974, a new addition was planned for the U.S. Army Reserve Center in North Judson. The new addition would house an indoor rifle range, assembly hall, a large kitchen, and a motor pool. The new addition will cost $1,000,000 and an open house and groundbreaking ceremony would be held on Sunday, July 14.

The Hamlet Community Library moved to a new building with the assistance of members of three Army Reserve Units. This was according to a release from the Kingsbury Army Reserve Center. The library moved to the building that formerly housed the old school offices. Assisting were members of the American Legion Post 356, Women’s Auxiliary, and the Hamlet Volunteer Fire Department.

On this date in 1977, Claiborn Wamsley, president of First National Bank in Monterey, announced that the bank would open a branch in Winamac.

Dedication services were held at the Oregon-Davis Little League Field that was renamed William F. Cooper Field. He was a great booster of Little League athletics, and passed away on May 8 of a heart attack at 45.

Governor Otis Bowen joined about 3000 other people for the dedication of the six-square-mile Potato Creek State Park near North Liberty in St. Joseph County.

And finally, on this date in 1977, Tom Bell, the newly-elected president of the Starke County Historical Society, was meeting with a small group to discuss future plans for the Henry F. Schricker home on Main Street in Knox. Funds were being solicited for the purchase of the Schricker home by the historical society.