Head-On Collision Claims One Life, Injures Two

 
 

A head-on collision last night in Marshall County claims a life. The wreck happened around 8 p.m. in front of LaVille Elementary School, according to our reporting partners at WNDU-TV. Authorities say Tyler Ohara, 24, from Bicknell, crossed the median into oncoming northbound traffic and died on impact. Marshall County Coroner Bill Cleavenger stated that Ohara was killed instantly of blunt force trauma. Toxicology tests were completed but results are pending and could be delayed due to the New Year’s holiday.

Two people in the other vehicle were injured in the crash but their condition is unknown. The accident remains under investigation.

Winter Weather Advisory in Effect Through New Year’s Day

 

 
 

Look for 2014 to get off to a snowy start. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory through noon tomorrow for the WKVI listening area. That means periods of snow will cause travel difficulties. Snow accumulations of between 2 and 5 inches are expected overnight into tomorrow, and more snow is possible Wednesday night into Thursday. As a result, roads will become slick and snow-covered late into the evening, and visibility will be limited. Keep this in mind if you’re out, and allow ample time to reach your destination.

Culver Man Injured in Accident Outside Plymouth

 
 
Marshall County deputies responded to a single vehicle accident on Sunday where an SUV had gone off a steep embankment on Michigan Road near the south junction with U.S. 31.

Officers found the driver, Timothy Wilson of Culver, lying several feet away from the vehicle. According to the report, he was severely injured and had been in the elements for some time. He was airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend in an unknown condition. The accident is still under investigation. Speed and alcohol have not been rules out as a factor.

Marshall County deputies were assisted at the scene by Plymouth firefighters and EMS officials.

Marshall County Man Arrested After Driving While Drunk

 
 
A man was arrested by Marshall County officers after his truck was found off the roadway on 9B Road and Hawthorn Road Thursday evening.

Officers received notice about an unwanted guest at a home on 8C Road and as they were on their way to the scene, the suspect left the home and was reportedly intoxicated. Police arrived in the area only to find the suspect’s vehicle off the roadway and stuck in its position. The alleged suspect, Larry Thompson, 50, who was reportedly driving the vehicle was found hiding in a cornfield.

Thompson was booked into the Marshall County Jail on preliminary charges of Operating While Intoxicated and Public Intoxication. Formal charges are pending with the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office.

Starke Council Approves Transfer for Prosecutor’s Office

David Pearman
David Pearman
The Starke County Council last night held a special meeting to take care of some end-of-year business and discussed a necessary transfer for the prosecutor’s office to ensure that none of their budget items are in the negative come the new year. Council President Dave Pearman told the council that the prosecutor’s office budget was negative $9381, and in the past, the council has approved a transfer from the pretrial diversion fund to cover the deficit.

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Culver Park Board Dissolves Park Activities Director Position; Advertises for New Superintendent

  
 
The Culver Park Board held a special meeting on Dec. 20 and according to a published article in the Culver Citizen, the park activities director position was eliminated.

It was suggested that the Donna McKee’s contract be reviewed to see when the contract ends as she was hired as the park activities director in January. Board member Patty Stallings stated that when a new park superintendent is hired, park activities planning would be absorbed by that department head.

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Culver Fire Department Honor Wall In Need of Bricks

  
 
To honor those who serve and those who have served the Culver-Union Township Fire Department, the department is erecting an Honor Wall located on the corner of Lake Shore Drive and State Street. The wall aims to honor local firefighters but it needs the community’s support in order to have the bricks made to honor each firefighter.

Bricks for active and former firefighters can be purchased by individuals but are limited to one brick per active member or honoree. In addition, the department has established a number of criteria that must be met.

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Designate a Sober Driver as Part of Your New Year’s Plans

 
 
It’s time to celebrate the end of 2013 and the start of 2014. Police officers ask that you celebrate responsibly. They will be out patrolling the roadways to make sure all are safe from drunk drivers.

Major John Boyd from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department told WKVI that the county’s DUI Taskforce officers will be out doing saturation patrols. The DUI Taskforce includes officers from the LaPorte and Michigan City Police Departments. Deputies will also be out with New Year’s holiday celebrations in mind.

The Starke and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Departments will have deputies out on patrol and will be on the lookout for intoxicated drivers.

Make sure you designate a sober driver if you plan on doing any alcohol-filled New Year’s celebrations.

Recent North Judson Fire Ruled Accidental

 
 

A North Judson family lost their home the day after Christmas due to an accidental fire. The North Judson-Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the home on Wesley Street around 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26 and remained on the scene for about two hours. Nobody was injured, but the family’s dog died in the blaze. Fire Chief Joe Leszek tells WKVI News the trailer fire was started by the homeowner trying to unthaw pipes.

Ancilla College Offers LPN to RN Bridge Program

Dr. Ron May
Dr. Ron May
Ancilla College is taking strides to offer the best educational experience available, and in that quest, the college has for the last four summers offered a program to help nursing students achieve the next level of certification.

Ron May, president of the college, said the class begins in the summer and offers a chance for those with a licensed practical nursing license to take the next step and earn their registered nursing license.

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Joan Haugh Named Schricker Award Winner

Joan Haugh
Joan Haugh

The 2013 Henry F. Schricker Award winner was recently announced.

Joan Haugh was selected as this year’s winner. Haugh has been the director of Community Services of Starke County for 30 years and has been involved in many volunteer projects in the county. Some of those volunteer efforts include working with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Habitat for Humanity, Moving Starke County Forward, Starke United and the Salvation Army. She is active in her church, the SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, and has previously taught CCD classes there as well as marriage preparation classes.

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Plan Properly for Your New Year’s Celebrations

 
 
New Year’s Day is the most dangerous day of the year for drunk driving.

Mother’s Against Drunk Driving officials urge to you plan ahead. Designate a sober driver to make sure you and all of your party guests get home safely after a celebration. Retrieve the number of a local cab service before you head out so you can have a safe ride home. You should also consider hiring a shuttle or limousine service to transport you and your friends from the event you are attending or arrange for a hotel stay for you and your friends.

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Get a Better Education This New Year

 
 
The new year is just two short days away, so it will soon be time to get started on fulfilling those new years resolutions. One popular resolution is to get a better education, but that is certainly a time-consuming and daunting task. Fortunately, the folks over at Ancilla College are offering an opportunity for first-time students to get their feet wet in post-secondary education.

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Two Juveniles in Custody in Vehicle Theft Incidents

 
 
Officers from the Knox City Police Department arrested two juveniles who were allegedly involved in several vehicle thefts Christmas Eve and into Christmas Day.

Knox officers were able to use footprints to track and capture the juvenile suspects who reportedly admitted to stealing items from several vehicles all around the Knox area. A search warrant was executed at a 309 Ruthie Drive residence and stolen property was recovered.

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