Fight the Bite! Get Mosquitoes to Buzz Off

6-16-14 mosquito picThe recent rain means we will most likely see an increase in the number of these insects in the area. Mosquitoes thrive in hot and humid weather. They are also attracted to wetlands and wooded areas.

The best way to avoid the dreaded mosquito bite is to dress in protective clothing when outdoors and to use insect repellent. However, the biggest risk with mosquitoes is contracting West Nile Virus. Continue reading

Arrest Made in LaPorte Shooting

Shirron Taylor
Shirron Taylor

A suspect has been arrested in a shooting incident at Ellian’s Pub on Michigan Avenue in LaPorte yesterday morning.

An intense investigation by the LaPorte City Police Department, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, the Michigan City Police Department and the U.S. Marshal Service found evidence that led to the arrest of Shirron Taylor, 32.

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Matt Kenseth Looking for Win at Kentucky Speedway

Matt Kenseth
Matt Kenseth

NASCAR is headed to a track this weekend that is described as having lots of character. Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky has a rough surface which throws off some drivers when maneuvering their cars around the 1.5 mile oval.

Matt Kenseth will be racing in both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races this weekend. Kenseth said Tuesday afternoon that he’s not sure if tire wear will be a concern with the surface being so rough. He will figure that out when he does a tire test there in his Nationwide car this afternoon.

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Knox Water Line Project to Close Road in Front of Post Office

  
 

Knox Mayor Rick Chambers updated the city council members last night about a water line project in front of the U.S. Post Office that is expected to that road for today only.

Street department crews, water department crews and sewer department crews will tackle the project on Washington Street between Shield Street and Portland Street. Mayor Chambers said Water Superintendent Todd Gardner believes this will help decrease the freezing pipe issues in that area.

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LaPorte Man Turns Himself in on Drug Charge

Kyle Shumate
Kyle Shumate

A LaPorte man turned himself into the LaPorte County Jail after a warrant was issued for his arrest on a charge of dealing in a schedule III controlled substance (suboxone) which is a Class B felony.

Kyle Shumate, 24, surrendered himself on Monday. He was released from jail after posting a $2,500 bond. Shumate will appear soon for an initial hearing in LaPorte County Circuit Court.

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Knox Board of Public Works to Meet Today

  
 

 

The Knox Board of Public Works will be meeting this morning at 9:30 a.m.

The board members will hear an update from Street Department Superintendent Jeff Borg who will have an update on paving and other projects in his department. Water Superintendent Todd Gardner will have an update on water lines issues and fire hydrant replacement. Wastewater Superintendent Kelly Clemons will also discuss operations at the treatment plant.

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Starke County Historical Society Loans Horse to Library

Starke County Library HorseA special piece from the Starke County Historical Society is on loan to a local library. Fred and Judy Parker of Boca Raton, Fla., formerly of Starke County, donated a 1920s antique carousel horse to the museum a few years ago. Until recently it’s been on display at the Starke County Museum. Space there is limited, so the historical society board wanted to find a special spot to display the piece for public enjoyment. Continue reading

Play it Safe When Using Fireworks

 The Fourth of July is an exciting holiday filled with picnics and other celebrations that may include fireworks. Indiana State Police officers urge you to play it safe when using fireworks.

Only adults can purchase fireworks. A person 18 and older has to be present when anyone younger than 18 is using or possessing consumer fireworks. Children must be supervised at all times when fireworks are in use.

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CASA Volunteers Needed in Starke County

 
 

The Starke County Court Appointed Special Advocate program is seeking ordinary people to do an extraordinary job.

CASA is currently taking applications for it’s fall volunteer training classes. CASA volunteers work to help abused and neglected children in Starke County who have been taken from their homes and placed into temporary foster care. They help these children find safe, permanent homes where they can thrive. Each advocate undergoes training to be a powerful voice for the children’s best interest.

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Police Investigate Shooting in LaPorte

 
 

Officers from the LaPorte City Police Department are looking for more information in a shooting early this morning at Ellian’s Pub/Avenue Bar in the 600 block of Michigan Avenue.

Witnesses told police that an African American man confronted another African American man which escalated into gunfire. The victim was shot once and the suspect fled the establishment in an unknown vehicle.

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The Crossing Officials Working Toward Opening Aug. 1

The CrossingPlans are coming along for The Crossing alternative school in Starke County.

According to Jena Bontrager from The Crossing’s corporate office, a local board has been formed with Mark Bailey as the president of that board.

A building for classes has been secured. The Starke County Crossing will be holding classes in the old Sears building in the Mint Leaf Plaza. Bontrager said there will be some remodeling inside the building to create walls and different areas that would help in the education process.

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Road to Close for Water Line Work in Knox

  
 

Knox Water Department crews will be working on a water line in front of the U.S. Post Office and that street will need to be closed in order to make the necessary repairs.

According to Mayor Rick Chambers, the work will begin on Wednesday on Washington Street at the intersection of Bower Street. The entire length of Washington Street from Shield Street to Portland Street will be closed throughout most of the day on Wednesday.

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Marshall County Government to Move Foward with Bond Refinancing

  
 

The Marshall County Commissioners and the Marshall County Council met in joint session Monday morning to discuss the possibility of refinancing the bonds the county took out when the Marshall County Jail was built back in 2006.

The bond for the jail project was roughly $15 million in 2006 and $11 million is still outstanding. The county is hoping to lower their payment of $1.2 million per year until 2026.

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Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits Available

abc-blocksParents who work may be able to take advantage of the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit when they file their 2014 federal income taxes. A credit lowers the amount of money you have to pay. In order to claim this credit, expenses must be for one or more children under age 13 and must be work-related. This includes the cost of childcare while you are looking for work if you do not have a job. Continue reading