Winamac Fire Department Explores Aerial Truck Purchase

The Winamac Volunteer Fire Department is exploring the purchase of an aerial truck. Fire Chief Brian Guzman told the town council Monday the recent downtown fire brought the need to the forefront.

“From the time you call one in, it’s you know a good 20 minutes to get here,” Guzman said. “Knox is usually our first one. Reason being, that is they know their stuff, they work with us well. We can tell them where to go, they know the hydrants, whatever. Bass Lake was the other one.” Continue reading

Firefighters Testify in Arson Trial

 
 

The first firefighters to arrive at the scene of a blaze at a Knox business testified yesterday in the arson trial of its owner. James Campbell is accused of setting fire to his salvage yard and tire shop on U.S. 35 at Toto Road last March 20st. Barry Sanders from the Bass Lake Fire Department was the first to arrive. He showed up in his personal vehicle with his sons about five minutes after the notification went out. Sanders was recovering from shoulder surgery but still came out to assist. He testified his concern was for Campbell’s house, which is located just south of the salvage yard. Sanders said he knocked loudly on the doors and windows for several minutes until the heat drove him away, and nobody answered. Earlier witnesses testified Campbell was at the shop until around 5 p.m. Firefighters were notified at 5:17 p.m., according to dispatch records. Continue reading

Funeral Services Today for Knox Fire Victims

A neighbor took this photo at 7:50 a.m. Friday.
A neighbor took this photo at 7:50 a.m. Friday.

The two North Judson residents who lost their lives in a house fire last Friday morning will be laid to rest today. A joint funeral services for Lucas Finn Fisher, 2, and his grandmother, Linda Manns, will be held at 1 p.m. CST at Braman & Son Memorial Chapel in Knox, with visitation there from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Continue reading