Veteran Sgt. Tim Watts Speaks at Knox Middle School

Sgt. Tim Watts speaks to the assembly at Knox Middle School.

Schools across the nation held Veterans Day programs today, and Knox Community Schools were no different. Following the presentation of colors by the Knox VFW Post 748 and the Pledge of Allegiance led by middle school student Mariah McKee, a special guest speaker addressed the crowd.

Recently-returned U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant Tim Watts spoke to the gathered students about his call to duty for the military and what Veterans Day means to him. He explained that his time in the military consisted of some of the hardest times of his life but he knew it was his duty to protect and serve his country.

Continue reading

Warm Welcome for Two Servicemen Returned To Starke County

Jared Dietrich, right, and Clinton Jordon were welcomed home yesterday to a crowd of family and friends.

The Knox VFW yesterday welcomed home two local heroes: Clinton Jordon and Jared Dietrich, two U.S. Army veterans who returned home from one-year tours in Afghanistan. Jordon and Dietrich both hail from North Judson and even grew up together as they both attended the same school.

A sign was hung between flag poles at the VFW welcoming Jordon back to the community, and family and friends were present to welcome both Jordon and Dietrich home.

Continue reading

Students Honored for Spotlight on Success Achievement Surprised by Guest at Knox School Board Meeting

Tim Watts

The Knox Community School Board had a special Spotlight on Success agenda item this week. The students in Mrs. Kleinfehn’s high school class have been corresponding with Tim Watts, a 2004 graduate of Knox High School, and a member of the National Guard. He has a special email account so the students can email him and those letters are monitored by Mrs. Kleinfehn.

The students appeared before the School Board Monday night for the Spotlight on Success presentation and Superintendent A.J. Gappa said they got a surprise.

“It just so happens, Tim was home on leave this week so he was able to show up in person at the board meeting and the kids didn’t know he was coming,” said Gappa. “The Board thought that it was really special for a graduate of Knox High School to come back and take the time, especially when he’s got limited time left before he goes overseas, to talk to these kids and show some samples of emails they’ve already sent.”

Continue reading