In addition to supplying Starke County’s youth with school supplies and clothing, the Kid’s Closet Ministry also provides hygiene kits for kids and teens.
To help the organization replenish their supplies, students and staff involved with the Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning (SCILL) are collecting hygiene products now throughout the month of November. Continue reading
Smaller schools could use some more state help when it comes to designing local graduation pathways. That’s what Knox Schools Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart told Indiana Secretary for Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo last week.
When the North Judson-San Pierre School Board met in a work session on Wednesday, members reviewed the corporation’s technology, wellness, accountability and strategic plans. Those plans will all be up for approval at the May board meeting.
When discussing recent changes to graduation requirements, the members and Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin decided it was best to hold off on hosting an informational meeting over Graduation Pathways due to unanswered questions. Continue reading
Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch got a behind the scenes look at the newest program offered by the SCILL Center. Crouch had a chance to speak with instructors and students about the Automation, Robotics and Equipment Maintenance (AREM) classroom and lab.
Director Ron Gifford explained that this specific program is now in its second year. He mentioned that the program is not only available to high school students, it is also open to adults looking to improve their skills in order to obtain more meaningful employment.
Through OCRA and Department of Education grants as well as contributions from the city of Plymouth and city of Knox, SCILL was able to purchase all the necessary equipment for a total cost of approximately $450,000. Continue reading
Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch will be making a stop in Starke County today.
This afternoon, Crouch will be visiting the SCILL Automation, Robotics and Equipment Maintenance Lab at Knox Middle School. Knox Mayor Dennis Estok will also be in attendance.
According to Communication Specialist Jessica Baker, the lab is the result of a grant received from The Office of Community and Rural Affairs, which is overseen by Lieutenant Governor Crouch. Baker explained that the OCRA grant was for $250,000 with a match of $118,277. Continue reading
As the fall season is upon us, leaves will start to scatter across yards all over town. Knox residents who are unable to tend to their lawns due to advanced age or physical disability are able to submit a request for assistance to the Mayor’s Office.
Mayor Dennis Estok announced the start of the call out for the fall leaf pick-up program at the Knox City Council meeting earlier this week. He informed council members that the Mayor’s Office works in conjunction with the SCILL Center to get the leaves raked. The program is carried out on a first come, first serve basis and they’re able to attend to up to 15 properties. Continue reading
The theme of this year’s Starke County Economic Development Foundation’s Manufacturer’s Day is “Focus on Your Future”. Students from Oregon-Davis, North Judson-San Pierre, Culver and Knox Community Schools will attend today’s event at Knox Middle School with their sights set on future employment.
More than 350 7th grade students and 200 senior students are anticipated to attend the program which is intended to ensure that students are aware of the available job opportunities within the county and the required skills, training and education needed to obtain a position and keep it.
Representatives from more than ten industries from around the county will be available to share any details about what their jobs entail and what they look for in potential employees. Continue reading
The Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning is gearing up for the start of the school year. As of last Tuesday, 127 students were signed up for SCILL’s three vocational training programs.
Bids for new school buses will be accepted by the Culver School Board this evening. Continue reading
The State of Indiana expects a million jobs to open up over the next 10 years, but finding people to fill them remains a challenge. That’s the message the Indiana Department of Workforce Development shared with Starke County manufacturers, educators, and elected officials last week. Continue reading
The City of Knox is investing in infrastructure updates to benefit the workforce training programs offered through the SCILL Center. The Starke County Economic Development Foundation recently acquired the old B&H Supply building on South Heaton Street. Continue reading
U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski honored Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning Director Ron Gifford during a speech last week on the House floor. It was part of Walorski’s “Who’s Who in IN-02” initiative, in which she highlights a local resident or business each week. Continue reading
A long-time banker and former Starke County Economic Development Foundation executive director has been given the foundation’s highest honor. Terry Kimmel was presented with the 2015 Robert E. Hamilton Award at Thursday’s Prospectus and Achievement Luncheon. Continue reading
The Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning is being recognized by NIPSCO for its efforts in strengthening local communities in the area of education. SCILL is one of five recipients of the fifth annual NIPSCO Luminary Awards being presented this evening in Merrillville. Continue reading
Seventh graders from around Starke County will get a look at the local manufacturing industry. October 8 is the third annual Manufacturers Day celebration, sponsored by the Starke County Economic Development Foundation. Continue reading
The Northwest Indiana Workforce Board hosted this year’s Workforce Summit in Merrillville. The most pressing piece of information to surface from this year’s summit was the state of Starke County’s unemployment rate. Continue reading
U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski’s education tour will make several stops in the area today and tomorrow. She wants to hear from education officials, community leaders and students about ways to improve opportunities and prepare students for a globally competitive workforce. Continue reading
Adults who want to learn to weld or enhance their skills can take advantage of opportunities offered through the Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning. Classes offered through the SCILL Center’s Adult Welding Technology program meet two evenings per week for four hours at a time for 12 weeks. Continue reading
Starke County high school students wishing to pursue a career in either welding or automotive technology can get a head start on doing so without leaving home. The Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning offers courses in both fields of study to high school juniors and seniors. Continue reading
