Tony Bennett Resigns as Florida Education Commissioner

Posted on Author WKVI

Dr. Tony Bennett
Dr. Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett resigned from his position as Florida’s Education Commissioner Thursday amid an Associated Press report that revealed he had changed the grade of Christel House, a charter school run by major Republican donor Christel DeHaan, while in Indiana. In resigning, he denied any wrongdoing.

Eastern Pulaski School Superintendent Dr. Robert Klitzman said it was a sad day for education and for Bennett and his family.

“It’s a very sad day educationally when the chief educational officer gets involved in the political arena and it basically cost him his job,” stated Klitzman. “Education has its goals and aspirations and politics has a purpose and a role. They’re not together and I think that why in recent years in Indiana, and continually I might add, we’re going down that path that I think is the wrong path for student learning and what our mission is in education.”

Oregon-Davis Interim Superintendent Greg Briles offered this statement:

“I am concerned that the system his administration has put into place for Indiana schools is flawed and needs an overhaul,” stated Briles. “I am confident that the current administration will take a serious look at the A-F system and make the changes necessary for Indiana schools to hold their heads high. Our communities have great parents, students, teachers, administrators and community members that want the schools they represent treated fairly and given the respect they deserve for the efforts being put forth by everyone.”

Republican Governor Mike Pence has urged the Indiana Department of Education to complete a thorough and timely review of the questions surrounding the 2011-12 A-F letter grades and report its findings at the next State Board of Education meeting in August.

Attorney General Sues Former Walkerton Library Director

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller has filed a lawsuit against the former director of the Walkerton library, who’s accused of improper and unauthorized spending of public funds. The suit demands that Scott Klingerman repay the nearly $96,000 a recent State Board of Accounts audit found he embezzled from the library. According to our reporting partners at WNDU-TV, Zoeller says the audit results authorize him to take legal action. Audit findings indicate Klingerman made unauthorized withdrawals from library accounts to pay for personal health club memberships, restaurant and bar tabs and out-of-town hotels. Zoeller’s office has filed a complaint in St. Joseph County Superior Court to recover the funds.

Procedures in Place for Unvaccinated Children in School

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
The start of the school year is nearly here and children are getting ready to head back into the classrooms, but first they have to undergo one of their least favorite activities: getting their vaccinations. However, some parents aren’t comfortable with the idea of immunizations and choose not to have their child vaccinated while other children are unable to get the shots for medical reasons. The state requires certain vaccinations before kids can go to school but allows for these exemptions.

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NJ-SP Schools Welcome Two New Teachers

Posted on Author WKVI
Superintendent Lynn Johnson
Superintendent Lynn Johnson

The North Judson-San Pierre School Board met in a special session this week to approve the hires of two teachers and several aides to fill in vacant positions at the corporation. Superintendent Lynn Johnson said the special meeting was held because school begins soon and the board wanted to get this process out of the way before opening the doors for the coming school year.

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Drew Shearin Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser Aug. 3

Posted on Author WKVI

Drew Shearin
Drew Shearin
The second annual Drew Shearin Memorial Scholarship fundraiser is this Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Washington Township Community Building. Deb Johnson said there are quite a few features to enjoy during this year’s event.

“We’re having our motorcycle ride again this year plus a truck ride,” said Johnson. “A hog roast is planned, live music, plus live and silent auctions. Anyone interested in coming can show up at 4 p.m. with the auction time to start at 5 p.m.”

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This Week is World Breastfeeding Week

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
This week is World Breastfeeding Week, highlighting the need for breastfeeding peer counseling. Studies show that there is a sharp decline in breastfeeding rates and practices, particularly exclusive breastfeeding, in the weeks and months after delivery, and this week’s objective is to emphasize the need for a community support system for mothers to sustain breastfeeding.

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Indiana State Fair Opens Today

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
The Indiana State Fair gets under way today in Indianapolis and continues through Aug. 18. Attractions include the midway, food, exhibits, entertainment and more. Each year the fair spotlights a segment of Indiana agriculture, and this is the Year of Popcorn. The Hoosier State is the second largest producer of popcorn in the country. The tasty kernels are also good for you. Air-popped popcorn has about 31 calories per cup, while the oil popped variety contains 55 calories per similar size serving. Light butter ups the calorie ante to 133 calories per cup. It’s sugar-free and has no artificial additives or preservatives. Popcorn provides complex carbohydrates, which the body turns into energy, and contains fiber. Additionally three cups of popcorn equal one serving from the grain group.

LaPorte Dentist Faces Heroin Charges Following Traffic Stop

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

A LaPorte dentist is due in court Friday in Porter County after police reportedly found 13 postage stamp-size bags of suspected heroin and evidence of recent drug use in his car after a Monday traffic stop. Benjamin Porter, 30, told officers in Portage who pulled him over on the Indiana Toll Road he had snorted two baggies of heroin, according to WSBT-TV. Porter was stopped around 7 p.m. for speeding and driving erratically, and his nervous mannerisms prompted the officer who pulled him over to call for a K-9 to search his 2004 Chevrolet Impala. Porter admitted there was heroin in the vehicle, according to the arrest report. His dental practice is Porter Family Dentistry on Indiana Ave. in LaPorte, and he is also a service provider at LaPorte County Dental Services, which provides dental care to low-income patients. He’s charged with the A felony offense of dealing in a narcotic drug and possession of a narcotic drug as a C felony.

 

Starke County Public Library Expansion Nearing Completion

Posted on Author WKVI

Henry F. Schricker Library
Henry F. Schricker Library
Completion of the expansion project for the Starke County Public Library is in sight. After being on hold throughout the winter season, construction efforts have stepped up and Library Director Sheila Urwiler told WKVI that the new wing should be open in late September or early October.

“We are still about a month and a half out. It looks like sometime late September we should be about ready to open the new addition. They’re, right now, working on the drywall inside and that will take about another week, maybe two, and then they’ll start working on painting and doing the flooring and start installing some of the fixtures,” said Urwiler.

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Plymouth Man Breaks New Meth Law

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
A Plymouth man has been arrested under one of Indiana’s newest laws in the fight against methamphetamine.

Jamie Howell, 42, was arrested on Thursday, July 25 after a traffic stop. A Plymouth Police Department officer pulled over a vehicle Howell was driving as the officer recognized him and knew his driver’s license was suspended. A search of the vehicle revealed that he was allegedly in the possession of methamphetamine, pseudoephedrine pills and marijuana.

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North Judson Town Board Alters Water Bill Due Date

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
The North Judson Town Board recently changed the water bill due date for town residents to ensure the correct number of days between the bill’s due date and the date that any disconnect notices would be sent. The due date for payment of water bills has been changed from the 15th of the month to the 12th of the month, beginning with the July billing which will consequently be due on Aug. 12.

Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry indicated this change has been advertised to the public since April by a variety of means and no late fees will be reversed.