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Saturday, October 1, 2011

PLEASE POST ALL OCTOBER 2011 HERE

121 comments:

Anonymous said...

The more I know, the less I understand,
All the things I thought I figured out, I have to learn again,
I've been tryin' to get down to the Heart of the Matter,
And my friends seem to scatter
But I think it's about ---
forgiveness.

Anonymous said...

Great job bluejays!

Anonymous said...

i wish i was as smart now, as i was when i was 18.

Anonymous said...

KNOX, Indiana 46534

OPEN HOUSE –Sunday October 23rd – 2-5 PM

Come see the bright new interior

This GEM in the Country Side is a beautiful place for:

Family Reunions

Weddings & Receptions

Birthday Parties of all ages

Anniversary Parties

Showers

Dances of all types

Proms

Club Functions

Meetings

Use your imagination

For more information please contact:

SHELLY KEMBLE – 772-7746

Anonymous said...

KNOX, Indiana 46534

OPEN HOUSE –Sunday October 23rd – 2-5 PM

Come see the bright new interior

This GEM in the Country Side is a beautiful place for:

--------------------------------
is the open house at a secret location?

Anonymous said...

The recent news article about Starke County workers lacking the skills needed by employers is certainly true. I've also heard local employers complain that too many employees don't show up for work every day. This problem goes much deeper than education and lazy workers. I'm going to be so bold as to say the overall quality of local high school graduates has never been higher. Sure there are some just hanging out after school who will never achieve anything other than more kids just like themselves. That's not a new problem. The real issue is that few of our high achieving high school graduates come back to Starke County after college. Why would they? Other than teaching or health care, how could they possibly earn a good living here in this age of information and technology? I'm not saying this is anyone's fault. Times have just changed.

Anonymous said...

This is what I do not get, we send our kids off to college, and hope they come back? "Other than teaching or health care, how could they possibly earn a good living here in this age of information and technology? I'm not saying this is anyone's fault. Times have just changed"

Yes a lot has changed! but it is someones fault. Its the run of the mill people we elect into office. The musical chairs they play, etc. They should be agressively attracting jobs to come here.

Anonymous said...

To Yes a lot has changed. First you can have all the job available you want but if the local people can qualfie for them then what ? Second Is you name on the election ballot for this year or has it ever been. Or are you another run of the mill people who just complain but have no suggestion little alone an idea or answer.

Anonymous said...

Keeping an area down is a way to remain in control of that area. The lame excuse always being: "well, that the ways it's always been done".

Anonymous said...

Please do not sale the hospital !!!! We who live here do not want that to happen.

Anonymous said...

If there were jobs available I'm sure someone that would "qualfie", as you spell it, would comefrom somewhere for the jobs. That would make competition which is good.

Anonymous said...

me be qualfied, me needs job, if those publicans get in govment, then just being lazy wont get me a check any more. need to stop those 4ners from swiming across the yellow river they are making me looks bad. 6 more yrs, 6 more yrs, 6 more yrs. i would vote next time but seems like alot of effert.

Anonymous said...

Have faith, for Starke County is on the upswing. We need to get the word out that this is a great place for high technology corporations & high end jobs. But we must carry ourselves, and our community in a way of humble, yet prideful & push an educationally based agenda. That's why we need a real community center, with not only the physical improvement aspect, but with youth guidance programs for kids in need, and with conference/class rooms in that we MAY be able to attract more extension classes from IU & Purdue. Seriously, DREAM BIG..our leaders. Plant seeds, lay the groundwork, begin the fund & seriously begin a layout/blueprints & tentative plans. make it not-for-profit to open doors for more funding. When I saw the hospital possibly being sold, I immediately thought of this going directly to this cause. I shutter to think we'll just "wipe away existing debt" & hand it over. A plan of this magnitude would change our landscape, our future, by leaps & bounds.

Anonymous said...

I live in Starke County and my son is in college and is not planning on returning here once he graduates and I dont blame him there really is nothing here for him. I work for the county and its only part time even tho theres a need for full time they just wont do it, they have to save by not giving benefits. Its sad that our officials sacrifice the communities best interest to save a dollar, and so with this as an example for my son why would he even think about comming back here.

Anonymous said...

I'm in college, I'm almost finished with my Masters program. I will leave Starke County as soon as a graduate to pursue better job offers. There is nothing for educated people here that is why once people obtain an education we leave.
If the county wants educated people here, especially to teach our youth, they have to offer something for them. The massive debt a college degree, especially a graduate degree, costs, leaves people no choice but to leave this area because working at the Dollar Store will not pay back $100,000 in student loan debt.
Eventually without a stronger county government to lure major businesses here, Knox, and Judson, will both end up just like San Pierre. A ghost town.
It's already happening. Look how many business start and fail or leave in Knox alone. Drive anywhere in Judson or Knox and have a look at all the empty buildings.
If you want change. Get rid of the county officials who keep getting re-elected and keep doing nothing for our county, and elect all new people with fresh ideas. Those who want to build up our county just as much as we, as workers, do. I'm sure we would all like to have better jobs to feed our families.

Anonymous said...

Problems with funding of Starke County Jail? Investigate some of the methods of Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Cut some amenities from the inmates, after all, they are not there for practicing citizenship. And if they don't like it, as Sheriff Joe says: " Don't come back"!

Anonymous said...

Normally I wouldn't be too quick to blame county officials for a lack of opportunity here locally. I think we all share that burden. BUT I do remember a past county council president being resistent to growth saying we didn't have the infrastructure and services to handle it. That in a nutshell is why things are like they are here in Starke County. Too many people with a short sided view of their little world. Fortunately, there are a few people like Charlie Weaver fighting to change those views and invest in the future.

Anonymous said...

I don't know how they do it but this is the only county I know of that everybody gets a suspended sentence and probation

Anonymous said...

I don't really believe the theory of "firing those in office" is the answer. The problem is that with each newly elected official, they maintain the same "mainstream" thinking & operation that's been the norm here for generations. We need to TOTALLY expand outside the box. We need great thinkers, believers, who can actually state our goals, envision something totally new, in which people will WANT to come live in Starke Co. It WILL NOT happen overnight. In a recent conversation with Jim Schilling, I commended him on his Depot Project. Many take it for granted, but that was a goal that took decades. I recall as a gradeschooler, watching it raised & wheeled down 35...to what it's become today. Nothing worthwhile comes easy. But I know, that if we begin now on the dream of a REAL Community Center, with vast uses for all ages, from helping our troubled youth, to a place for seniors to gather & excercise, to conference & classrooms, it would establish that sense of pride & hardwork that WILL make others take notice. Look at our library. People griped that it was too extravagant, a tax-payer waste. But actually, book sign-outs(reading) grew expotentially for our area & is a great public service. We are proud of what's it done. But the time is NOW. We need a place where residents of all ages can grow healthy physically, mentally & spiritually. A place that residents will think it's "too much" for Starke Co., for Knox will grow with it. I don't see what Knox has lost or doesn't have, I see what Knox needs, what we WILL have, what we will become. Knox is still "unmolded clay", & I refuse to allow old-thinking or negetive minds shape it, for I KNOW it will be a GREAT place for our kids & grandchildren to call home.

Anonymous said...

Well said and couldn't agree more. I also believe, in my opinion, we have the three best Commissioners we have ever had. I don't know them well but I do know they have the best interests of the County in their work.
It is not an easy job and there are no easy answers.

Anonymous said...

If indeed we sell our hospital to IU Health, & the Save the Hospital Fund DOES stay with the residents for the intended "health of Starke County", then why can we not use that $5 Million as the start to a new, state of the art, REAL COMMUNITY CENTER? This may have been God's way of preparing us for it all along. And we DO NOT get healthy by going to a hospital, we get healthy by AVOIDING THE HOSPITAL, and in having a real Community Center, with a pool instead of a river, a place for kids to play basketball(sports & activities, for schools are inaccessable to non players) in the winter, a place for Seniors to walk & excercise, a place where kids are troubled or on probation can get counseling(for we have way too many broken families), & just so much more. It's only limited by our own goals & dreams. Think...look ahead..of how it would intertwine everyone from our youth, to our Seniors, to our Counselors, our Pastors, our leaders, in a way that will bring this community together. Children would learn respect, discipline..receive guidance from elders...people would be healthier, more positive, with more love in the community. That's what people will see, and with that will come positive results in education, thriving families, less crime, jobs...& just plain pride in living here. We don't need a YMCA name(or costs that come with it). It would be ours, for I know we can do it better, non-profit, self-supporting, enriching our community in a way never before seen. If indeed our hospital is sold, I beg for our leaders to SIT DOWN NOW, DREAM BIG..AND BEGIN TO MAKE THIS A REALITY...PLEASE.

Anonymous said...

hope the treasures office didnt have that hospital $5million in a shoe box somewhere.

Anonymous said...

why does a theft suspects mug shot and story make the homepage but someone facing some SERIOUS drug charges does not ? just wondering .......thanks

Anonymous said...

To the person who wrote about a REAL COMMUNITY CENTER. How right you are, every word you said was true.
That would be so wonderful to have a pool for the community [ since we can not use the high school one]
Also have activities for the kids and seniors.
You said it all perfectly.

Tony said...

FYI "The problem is that with each newly elected official, they maintain the same "mainstream" thinking & operation that's been the norm here for generations."

How wrong you are. There are 4 new county council members this year, and I don't believe that we are fit this mainstream thinking. What you read and what you hear in the media is only a portion of what is said and discussed in public meetings. Most people do not attend the public meetings, so you miss our "thinking outside the box" discussions. There also also additional public meetings that we attend as well as discussions that we may have outside of public meetings with each other. We're working on it.

We would love to see new jobs and business come to the county. But remember, this mess was not created overnight and it will not be fixed overnight. Good things take time. You can be sure that people are working on it.

Please, attend commissioner and council meetings. That way, you know what is going on first hand.

Anonymous said...

ANYONE LOOKING FOR A JOB AND NEEDS TRAINING!
Hey, I have had a pretty rough life and I am no spring chicken anymore but I tell you what if you need training or maybe just to know something like how to read a tape measure, repair a furnace, electric wiring I mean buddy I have been through it. You put a post on here and I will take the time to show, teach or tell you. I will stick with you until you have learned it. You can post a number or e-mail and I will answer it as soon as I can that is a promise. I love this county why, well lets just say I once had a dream. I will do anything to help anyone get ahead as far as education wise that I possibly can.

Anonymous said...

get the facts scsd...before u assume u think something goin on...for real!!!

Anonymous said...

Isn't it great that local home grown adults here in Starke County find much wrong with even while enjoying its fresh air, good neighbors and freedom to worship or to hunt. I wonder why so many people from larger areas either want to retire here or vacation here, if we are so bad--go settle some place else and take all of negative thoughts with you until you grow up enough to realize that there is no place on our planet that has no problems if it has more than one person living on it.
Farming so bad to those eating the produce, factories are dirty to the
person using the product manufactured in it and most every person is trainable and mistakes are forgiven as a person learns and improves on their job. What lives within us not outside of us makes us happy or sad and people here unite to help those who face life challenges either from illness or just plain bad luck. We are not to judge what we do not do. There are probably just as many town snobs here as there are other places and nobody forces anybody to remain here and be unhappy! If YOU want God Blessings then be a Blessing to a person with less than you have and remember the Next it could happen to you and YOU need a Hand UP not a Hand OUT.

Anonymous said...

"The mess was not created overnight, and it will not be fixed overnight". Now where have we heard that before, hmmmmmmmmm!

Anonymous said...

We've painted ourselves in a corner and now have no choice but to build a new bigger county jail. So be it, but we voters, citizens and residents should INSIST on spending at least half as much on a serious program to prevent all these people from going to jail in the first place!

Anonymous said...

This library expansion deal. I understand that the children's area should be separate because when I am using the computer it can be really frustrating with all the noise from that area. There is alot of wasted space in the library that could be better used. I just don't go for all this fancy stuff. Why do we need that. Thats what I want to know since my tax dollars are going for it.

Anonymous said...

The communtiy center idea is really great. I remember visiting family in different areas of the state AND country and almost all of them had a youth type rec center. There was always a gym and various activities going on in them. And what would it take to do an indoor track ? I mean one that would be built by a non deep pocketed contractor that is related to so and so....you all know what i mean. Itd be great when the weather turns to walk inside or even train off season for different sports, and what better place for the older members of the community to walk without dodging dogs and mopeds ! I know the center in town was done with good intentions but it is only practical for more upscale meeting and events and comes with a "holy crap!" price tag. Why not have a supervised place for kids and adults alike. I know itd surely keep some of the kids and even some adults (psst you know who you are) from finding recreation with a 12 pack on the backroads. What better way to combat the need for more county officers than to keep a few more cars of the roads huh ? As long as i can remember know has never been kid friendly at all which is also another reason why those who leave for school decide not to come back. Sure we all have these great memories of growing up here but when you see how things could be in a more youth oriented community you dont want to raise your kids here. I guess my biggest concern is that its the youth you alienate now that will inherit the town next and as childish as it may sound grudges to run very deep. This community has alot of resources that could be better utilized in anothers hands, like for instance "community field" the only community thing i know to have taken place there is the 9/11 service other than that its hands off.Even the band cant touch it and its not because of football because they practice in a field behind it all. A simple SIMPLE thing is cruising ! Yeah we might have been a nuisance to the bars up town but parents and police always knew where we were......uptown cruising. Just remember ....in 20 or 30 years this community will only be as good as the investments you put into our youth today.

Anonymous said...

Did we get a new millionare in town? That's about the only way we're getting a community center for the community. Those things cost a lot of money we just don't have. Who's going to fundraise it?? Plan it??? Run it??? Someone stand up and tell us who.

Anonymous said...

We could use a boys and girl club here.

Anonymous said...

We don't need a "millionaire" in town. If, a BIG IF...IU Health buys the hospital, CAN WE put that $5 Mil towards a Community Center. We can get matching Fed.Grants, more Not-For-Profit grants & even bonds like the library. Most positions can be filled by part time workers, even high school kids, ...there's just so much positives to it. I fully expected comments like Oct.7, 2:38...because that's the same negetive thinking that has brought this community down forever. I'm ready for positive thinkers..doers..believers. With your thinking..how has this county survived after $2 Mil disappearing? Because WE CAN...& WILL. If the hospital is sold, that fund in NO WAY be allowed for ANYTHING other than the "health of St,Co"....& definitely NOT any "deficient budgets" the Commisioners come up with, then gone with the wind. yes Mr./Mrs. Commissioner..we do all need to attend the meetings & contribute, & help you instead of criticize, because we are all in this together. But I've dreamed of this for decades, as many have, & I am 100% confident we can do this together.

Anonymous said...

I understand that Knox Redskins are not the game of the week but it would be nice to say what quarter it is for family members who have to pick up their chidren at the game and could not attend

Anonymous said...

The mayor of both Hobart and Gary managed to make hugh changed for their cities why can't our mayor do the same?
Linda, the old mayor of hobart annexed so much of Merrillville that most people don't even realize they are in Hobart! And the mayor of Gary revitalized miller beach from a slumville to a beach resort. Now, I ask you, if they can accomplish that why can't our city officials at least manage to get a community center that benefits the freakin' people. Good grief. If you wanna know how bad your local government is just look at the success of surrounding places.
Like it or not our local government is to blame for our current misfortunes.

Anonymous said...

I am a positive thinker and was thinking big and planning to put in a swimming pool and invite all of the kids from the neighborhood. But my husband reminded me that he is on disability and we are poor. Everytime I think big, it involves money, and reality smacks me in the face. I seem to connect with a lot of the complainers on here who want Starke County to think big. Let's build a COMMUNITY CENTER with a gym and lots of things for kids to do. But that would take a lot of money and we ain't got it. We need elected officials who will THINK BIG and apply for grants and free money. I was thinking about running for office but that would take work, so I decided against it. With all of the good ideas from all the posters on here of what the elected officials should do and how bad they are, you would think that we would have lots of candidates. But most races are uncontested. Can't even get 2 people in the whole county to sign up to run. Not even 2 people! Lots of talk, no action. So, to sum up, we be poor. So until that changes, big ideas with big price tags are worthless. We be uneducated. So until that changes, ain't going to be no jobs here, and there certainly ain't going to be no "high tech" companies locate here. We can't even get "low tech" companies to locate here because we have the most uneducated, least trained, and unmotivated community anywhere around here. We be lazy and apathetic. So until that changes, all of our BIG IDEAS will never be put into action because we will not run for office, or even go to a government meeting and speak. But, we be good at typing complaints on this discussion board. I wonder if any companies need that skill?

Anonymous said...

put the 5 million dollars in a college fund account for all the K, 1st, 2nd graders in starke county schools, that way every kid in those grades can go to college or trade school all paid for. thats investing in the future.

Anonymous said...

this county needs good UNION jobs. the jobs that are offered in the county are low pay, little to no benifits, and certainly no pensions and last but certainly not least no voice in the work place! please workers of starke county wake up! you CAN have a say and voice in the work place! You CAN have the say in what your working conditions are! This is to be a serious comment! Hating me and bashing me will do no good! I'm not going away. Anyone who would be interested in wanting to join or form a labor union please feel free to e-mail me at nickyoung1010@yahoo.com i WILL help you the best that i can. Or if there is any current union members who would like to get in touch to form a friendship, get ahold of me!
i want the workers of starke county to be respected like they should be!

Anonymous said...

There are about 900 kids K-2nd grade in the county. 5 million dollars would only pay for 1 semester at a state college for those kids. It comes out to about $5500 per student. Now 40 million would cover four years for all of those kids.

Anonymous said...

hoping the college money would grow as my daughters did, i invested $6000 over time and it paid for 4yrs of college and money was left over.

Anonymous said...

Sure union workers need high wages. How else can they pay big dues to pay the bloated salaries of their leadership. One of the network news organizations did an expose on the top 10 unions a few months ago. Those union presidents salaries ranged 300,000-700,000. But that was chump change compared to their perks. Those guys make politicians look like saints!

Anonymous said...

Whoever thinks investing that money is going to make it grow has not invested any money recently. I put money in a College savings plan for my son and lost 20% of my investment in one year.

Anonymous said...

cant make it all in one yr investing, no danger of the county doing anything constructive with the money anyway.

Anonymous said...

OK, we'll see how many start to get involved. I, for one, will be going to meeting & volunteering all I can. We don't have to be a soldier to give to our country. I love this community & all the people who live here, and know that we all deserve better. So, as talk is cheap,...see ya'all there!

Anonymous said...

Thought for the day. Just about everything wrong with things today is the fault of my generation the baby boomers. We were spoiled by our parents. We are greedy, self-centered, uncomprimising, let somebody else volunteer and selfish kind of people. That's bad enough, but then we raised the ME generation. The I want it all and I want it now, it's all about me and I'm entitled generation. Maybe we baby boomers should blame our parents the GREATEST generation for raising us to be so selfish.

Anonymous said...

How about the new TV commercials showing a teenager saying Mom, I need money! Then Mom or Dad sets the child up with a $50 prepaid plastic card. How low will these credit card companies stoop? Get them hooked when they are still a child! Does anyone else find those commercials objectionable? I know what would have happened if I had told my dad in that tone of voice I needed money!

Anonymous said...

what would you think about in november every post has to have atleast your first name and email address in the body

Anonymous said...

We are greiving the death of another teenager that has left this earth way too early. May the Shearin family find comfort in knowing how many people are thinking of you today in the loss of your Son, Brother, Grandson. Many nice things have been said by his peers. God Bless

Anonymous said...

Prayers with the Shearin family. We can only hope and pray, as a community, that we can be there for anything you need, and to continually pray for you. We just thank you for blessing all of Knox with the wonderful things your child bestowed on all of us. God be with you.

Anonymous said...

The "baby boomers" were a GREAT generation! All the bay boomers I know are still working hard, & have so all their lives. And the mistake of spoiling children? I started 2 8 w/ a paper route, & worked all through school. I bought most of my school clothes, bicycles, my cars, etc., because we didn't have the $. And as parents now, we just want our kids to have a better life than we did. But the "commercialization" of EVERYTHING, nearly every kid has a cell phone, multiple game systems, nicer shoes & clothes than we EVER had. I've coached many sports, many years, & work them as hard as I can. But I've suggested to many of them, mow yards in the Summer, rake leaves in the Fall, shovel snow in the Winter & these kids(including mine laughed hysterically). We've taken paddling out of schools, homes, etc. No discipline. I DO see so much promise for these kids. They have great hearts, work hard in sports, but lack a real WORK ETHIC, or the desire to do or buy something on their own. So, we continue to pray, & try our best in our short time raising them. But as for the Baby Boomers?..VERY HARD WORKING. It's the Baby Boomer Politicians, Corporate Heads & Legislation that's led us down this path of greed & "Gov't handout Society". So don't blame the baby boomers.

Anonymous said...

wondering when trick or treat times are for the area

Harold Welter said...

I met God in the hallways of Knox High School on Tuesday! After the tragic death of Drew...I visited KHS to share what I could of our own similar experience 11 years ago today with our Daughter, Cheryl. While there,I saw God in the person of teenagers expressing their grief, but, more importantly, comforting one another, caring for one another and sharing love...all of the things we Christians are called to do. I saw Him at the lunch tables, in the pit, in the hallways and in the band room, I saw Him in my kids from Church, I saw Him in the athletes and band members I know...and I saw him in those who are not particularly active in school life. He was everywhere I went, and I realized He has been there all along...all these 11 years...and Cheryl was there, too! And I again realized that as long as we have great young people like this...willing to share themselves with others...we'll always have God in the Knox Community Schools!

Anonymous said...

Well I have lived in Starke County my whole life I went to Knox Schools and worked in the Starke County for the last 31 years. The Main people that run this county do not want it to grow. I am not talking about the elected officials that come and go. I am talking about the people and families that jump from office to office, If the should lose a election they get appointed to a spot some where in the county.

The bigger you get as a county the more state and federal presents there would be and that would not be good for the life long elected officials that have stole this county blind for years.
Remember Milo he was just the weak link in the chain. Go into the county offices and see how many family members work there every department have at least 2
What happened to the practice years ago to a grand jury every year to look over the county in general.

Anonymous said...

We could use something for the kids to do in this town. Batting cages, town swimming pool, movies something to do.

Randy R. said...

So we have lowered ourselfs to blaming a specific generation for the problems with "kids these days" as being the ME generation. Well, let's take a look at the technology available to the world today. Kids are no longer out in the yard playing ball, or running through leafs, or riding their bikes. They are plastered to their game systems, cell phones, or computers. They see the world through a small screne with 3-d graphics. They hear about current events through text messages. They do their dating and judge the world through video and sound bites. Instead of sending loved ones and friends a letter, they send e-mails. It seems that peer pressure is stronger than ever and being politically correct is more important than being morally responsable. You cannot blame problems of the world on one generation when people of ALL ages are involved in the tecno-revolution of today. When out and about town you will see ALL ages of people on their phones. When looking through the web you will see people of ALL ages actively involved in sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and the hoard of dating web sites available today. Remember the OLD saying that it takes an entire village to raise a child? Well, that is hard to do when the entire village is buisy updating their profile.
Instead of complaining about our "children" do nothing but sit on their butts playing games on whatever game device WE provided for them. WE ALL need to power down, get up, and go play catch with our children. WE ALL need to go out snd rake leaves, shovel snow, play actual games, take walks, go fishing, or whatever your choice of activity may be, WITH our children. It is easy to say that there is not time to do these kinds of things with eachother. But you cannot say there is no time, then go sit on the computer. Just a few minutes a day being ACTIVE with eachother might be a simple start to a better world. At the very least it would definately be a great start to a better family unit. And who knows where that might lead us. Be well friends.

Anonymous said...

With the loss too soon of a special young man, I say thank you for his life, his example and for sharing him with us. May God Bless and Comfort the Shearin Family.

Anonymous said...

Well said, Randy. Well said!

Thom Morin said...

In response to the WKVI article regarding the Knox Fire Department Fund Raiser.

I would like to take the opportunity to clarify my position as to why I oppose campaigning at either the Fire or the Police Departments.

First and foremost, I have only the deepest gratitude and respect for the extrodinary efforts of the men and women who serve our community on a daily basis.

Our all vollunteer Fire Department is second to none in dedication and service to community.

My opposition is to the politicalization of these departments as they directly impact the safety of our community.

In addition, the campaign restrictions in place that prevent City, State and Federal buildings, equipment and personnel from use in furthering the campaign of any ONE person or political party are there to protect us,the taxpayers and to insure as best we can, that elections are not unduely influenced.
Given that only one candidate, regardless of who, was present at the breakfast, it gave the public impression that the Fire Department was indorsing his candidacy. No matter how hard they try, or to what lengths they go, the impression is there to many people who attend. The Fire Department, as well as the Police Department must be able to perform their duties without political interference if they are to hold the confidence of the entire community.

I regret the missunderstanding of my opposition to the politicalization of the Fire Department Fund Raiser.

As a community, we are extremely proud of our all vollunteer Fire Department, the countless heroic deeds they perform and the dedicated service they provide on a daily basis.

If I am priviledged to represent the Community on the City Council, I will do everything I can to insure that we maintain the best equipt Fire Department
possible for both the safety of the Department and Community at large.

Whether it be a burning building or a tragic accident, our lives as well as theirs depend on it.

Thom Morin

Anonymous said...

Thom all you had to do was ask and you could have been there also.

Anonymous said...

Thom

These events have been going on for years in this area, fish frys, pancake breakfasts and so on.

Politicians have been showing up at these events for as long as I can remember. It's an opportunity for them to talk to a large group of people gathered together. Pretty smart actually.

I've never ever thought that the people conducting the event sponsored the candidates in any way. I just wanted to eat!

I don't HAVE to pick up the literature, or talk to the politicians if I don't want to, it being a free country and all.

Maybe you should go to the next event, where ever it might be and try meeting the people yourself.

Anonymous said...

Thom,politicians have been showing up at fundraisers for as long as I can remember, and I am not a young one. My Aunt's church has more politicians at fundraisers than they do food!!!!!! That is just part of campaigning. It doesn't mean that organization supports them!

Thom Morin said...

Thank you all for your input into this issue. Honestly I do really appreciate all of them as this is how we grow and make for a better community.
This is why I love this city so much and want to do whatever I can to make it a better community for everyone.
I am all for campaigning and getting out to meet the voters whenever possible. I have worked hard at that since the beginning of this. My only issue was the Fire Department is a City Department in which the community depends on so much in times of desperate need that it should be non political. I stand corrected and hope to meet everyone on Oct. 15th.
May God continue to bless this City with wise and honest citizens.

Anonymous said...

Anyone saying anything about the present young generation, has not spent any amount of time with them, or just not a broad scale of them. I see more promise in this generation that I've ever seen before. I've coached countless sports & years, and these kids work so hard, try to be so kind, and are doing far less of what we did in the 80's as teenagers. I have so much hope & faith in these kids, and am proud of them. They might have technology influencing them, but I've seen more character and morales than I can recall. So lift up our youth with love, compassion, guidance & faith. Not just because it's all our future, but because I HAVE seen it, and we just have a great group of kids on all levels in the Knox Community.

Anonymous said...

Could someone please post the Redskin Brigade's results from today's regional competition when they are available?

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know how the Knox band did today at regionals?

Anonymous said...

Band got a gold at Chesterton!! Going to Semi-State

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to the Knox Redskin Brigade. You did a wonderful job today, keep marching to semi-state next weekend in Indy.

Anonymous said...

Congrats to the Mity Mites and Tiny Mites for a great job playing. The Tiny Mites tied their games yesterday. They only lost one game. Congrats to the great coaches they had this year. Job Well done. Proud Tiny Mites grandma!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to the Knox Band Members and everyone involved with the organization. You make us so proud. Thanks too, to those involved with the bands from Western H.S. in Russiaville, and Norwell H.S. from Ossian, who wore ribbons in memory of Drew Shearin. The standing ovation our band received from competitors and fans alike when they took the field was one to bring tears.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know why O's Tap has do not cross police line ribbons across the windows?

DJ Kimmy said...

I work at O's Tap and the police tape on the windows is just Halloween decoration, lol but I did have to call and ask the bartender, Amy, first just to be sure, because it definately does look real!

Anonymous said...

Has anyone else seen the picture floating around facebook of the North Judson town employees? It shows the "Town Manager" at the seat of a backhoe with the bucket raised in the air and another town employee hanging by his feet, by a rope tied to the bucket & his ankles, being lowered into a hole in the ground. Does anyone else find this to be WAY WRONG? Im sure OSHA would have a field day with this one.

Anonymous said...

sounds like one of obamas shovel ready job

Anonymous said...

If the above story is true about the NJ manager, wouldnt that qualify for immediate dismissal? Putting someones life at stake should not be tolerated!

Anonymous said...

Yes it would be grounds for dismissal! Someone needs to tell his boss, oh, wait a minute his boss is him! that's right, he is the Town Board President too ! And you can bet he won't be reprimanding himself! And if he gets re-elected he will re-appoint himself again and vote himself a nice pay raise like he has done in the past! WAKE UP NORTH JUDSON RESIDENTS !!

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know what they are doing with the old Ewings store on 8?

and....

What is going on with the old O My Pizza?

Anonymous said...

AL'S Pizza, now next to Mexican Rest on 35 knox

Anonymous said...

In response to numerous posts this month and in the past about the football program in Knox and the youth football feeder programs: The youth football programs are interested in WINNING (as evidenced by the bragging about the wins even in this dicussion board) rather than developing the children's understanding of the fundamentals of the game. I now have a middle school player who was told he needed to unlearn some bad habits from the youth league, and had to do a great deal of studying about the roles of the various positions as well as some of the basic rules. This was NOT a priority in the youth league program. The coaches were more concerned about teaching the players "PLAYS" and grooming a handful of favorite players rather than TEACHING about the game. If you want to improve the middle school and high school teams, get the youth league on board with basics, conditioning, strength/speed and tutorials on the fundamentals of the positions.

Anonymous said...

dear October 18, 2011 8:12 PM,
There are more like you out here than you could ever imagine. Any kids that might read this need to know that its not the newest gear that makes a player its the drive,desire and proper teaching that gets you to the top tier no matter the goal you set for yourself in life. And parents weighing which league to put you kids in, ask about coaches,records,how former players perform in the schools teams, and talk to former and present parents of kids on thier opinions before making a choice that could actually take years to undue. But also when all is said and done remember its all about the kids, NOT the parents that try living through them .

Anonymous said...

In response to the people who have made comments about the North Judson Town manager/Town Board President; first of all, there was a comment made about the way they went about fixing the sewer problems at American Oak. There wasn't anything found that was against OSHA regulations! This was found out at the Town Board meeting held on 10-18-2011.
As for the comment about The town manager, he has not had a raise in 5 years and has also given up 6 weeks of vacation to help out the town of North Judson. In the mean time there has been raises given to town employees (not the town manager) for their outstanding job performances in the past years.
For all you people that think you know what you are talking about, or play into everyone's hear say, you might want to get your facts straight before causing what we all know is Drama! You all keep saying how horrible the whole sewer job was done and how dangerous it was but i don't hear anybody coming up with a better way it could have been accomplished. If you are so upset with the way things were handled maybe you should be the ones out there busting your butt to make the people of North Judson happy. The Town Manager/President has obviously been a pretty reliable worker or he wouldn't have had his job as long as he has and made North Judson a better place for its people!

Jack Lynch said...

I just noticed that the people who are a few of the doers sign their names. I read many good ideas but no names so how can they be asked to help. Hamlet,North Judson and Knox each have city parks and all schools have the equipment that may be allowed to be used in the summer months if there was an adult to be responsible. Would he have to be paid? This could be done outside and not money or grants needed....Right??? Jack Lynch

Anonymous said...

ANOTHER BORING PUMPKIN DROP!
jAZZ IT UP! Get Tom dressed in a bright orange outfit fitted with a parachute and let him ride the pumpkin halfway down and let him pull the chute! Just think it might make national news and win the funniest vidio's money. Happy Halloween!

Anonymous said...

pumpkin drop car, maybe we can see how fast the new chevy volt is or mustang gt. park the car under the big pumpkin, drop the pumpkin and see if the car can move fast enough not to get hit.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know why we are not allowed to sled at the park in Knox? Some members of my family have been sledding there for over 50 years. And I know many families who looked forward to going there each year. But, in recent years, we have been told that sledding is not allowed. In fact, they have even put up fence posts to block the sledding trails that people use. I think that's a shame. What is so wrong about allowing kids and families to go there in the winter to get some exercise and have a bit of fun?

Anonymous said...

Please provide us with an update for Nathan Vanderaa. Found it interesting that he also recently filed for bankruptcy. Guess meth makers/dealers are allowed to file as well. He has wasted so much of the tax payers money. Once again, he's getting out of trouble. He must not be too broke, he is engaged.

Clark Stark said...

About the guy in Judson being hung upside down and dropped in the sewer. All I can say is WOW. Then you wonder why people make fun of Starke County with stuff like this going on.Then you got the guy responsible for it trying to say it was okay, no big deal. What a Joke.

Anonymous said...

Tom Berg can get a car to drop a pumpkin on and basically destroying it. We have been trying to get a car from someone to be put to a good cause. We would like a car in any kind of running condition to auction off for the Starke United auction on December 2nd. If anyone out there has a car they would like to donate to this cause please get in touch with Starke United. Thank you for listening.

Anonymous said...

I don't know if you will post this, but I can't believe that after being found not guilty, Linda Belork is not being given her job back!!!!!! What is with that????? This county is worried about money and then they just opened themselves up to a lawsuit. Is there more going on here than meets the eye????I think Linda was not properly trained and therefore the discrepencies in the books. This was not even her fault!!! I don't get it.

Anonymous said...

a confused man once said its better to have man hang from backhoe than for backhoe to hang from man.

Anonymous said...

Any update on the band yesterday

Anonymous said...

Any info on the accident yesterday at 23 & 30??? I heard it was pretty bad but haven't seen anything on the news about it.

Anonymous said...

Just wondering if any parents thought it to be interesting when the letter came home form the Knox Middle School stating about the grades & homework being so low for the first semester. Could it may be that the computers are not working out very well ? I dont think that the students are to blame here. I also hear that a few teachers have flat refused to use the computers . Maybe more should step up and voice what they think.
I hate not having books brought home with papers to do the work with. At least I got to see first handed what was being taught without my child having to turn on the computer and show us parents. I hope that if it does not turn around this grading period they rethink the teaching process. "IF it was not broke then why fix it ?" Our school system in awhole is not reated very hight to start with . Now where are we headed ?

Anonymous said...

Computers are the present and future reality of education. In fact, I can see a time, and not far off, when in classroom instruction, at local school buildings will be obsolete. Computerized education is not going away, it's only going to increase. It is already well accepted on the college level. Public school Teachers need to get over it. Parents and their students need to get with it.

Anonymous said...

FYI...Former NJ-SP wide receiver James Kraus plays for Wabash College & they are now ranked 9th! Little Giants defeated Denison University Saturday 39-12 leaving them with season record thus far 7-0. James contributed to the win with a TD in the 3rd qtr!! Awesome day:)

Anonymous said...

Does anyone else think that its a conflict of interest for the elected sisters to stand together on the Linda Belork feasco? Embarasing for Linda but Judy only makes it worse by speaking out. Something stinks in Starke county all right! This is it.
Lets promise that we never ever ever ever ever elect sisters to these kind of county offices.

Anonymous said...

In response to the post on October 20, 2011 @ 12:47 PM about sledding in the park: Due to liability reasons the park cannot promote or encourage the use of the hill for sledding due to the dangers associated with the trees and other obstacles that are located on or near the hill. Yes, deterrents have been placed along pathways to discourage their use but only to prevent potential injuries caused by obstacles along that pathway. The park is a great place for families to have fun together but the fun should also be safe.

Anonymous said...

I don't agree with sisters not holding public office at the same time. We've had judges and attorneys that are related and no one seems to care about that. I think the public needs to look at the commissioners and reconsider when they vote!!!!! Something is definitely wrong in this county. When someone is found not guilty, they should be able to go back to their job with no recriminations!!!

Anonymous said...

Linda Belork should have her job back. If she was found not guilty & the voters elected her, What is the problem with her returning to the job?

Anonymous said...

to the post that said Linda Belork was not properly trained... She ran for thag office why should it be up to the tax payers to pay for her training. If she ran for the office I would think she should have some kind of clue how to run it. The commisioners might of acted to quickly or did they ?? This has been going on since 2009 and I believe Linda was made aware of the problem and made no attempt to find it. They acted on a report from the state board of accouts. As far as sister Judy she has bounced office to office for years when she couldn't get elected she got herself appointed to be highway superintentant
Welcome to Starke County

Anonymous said...

When was the trial for the treasure? I must have been out of the country and not saw it on WKVI

Toto Tom said...

So let me get this straight,you can run for office or get appointed to a job in the county and not be qualified.It explains alot in this county.WOOOPIDY-DOO I'm running for president in 2012.

Anonymous said...

toto tom for president, you have my vote, atleast you know your not quailified, sure cant do any worse, all of congress needs replaced too.

Anonymous said...

TOTO Tom for PRESIDENT, JUST think he could start preparing for the election chasing down the Tom Turkey that has been running near Toto without paying taxes and stealing food from the farms.

Anonymous said...

Hey Tom, What is a "Forgotten 45"?
You've only told us a million times.

Anonymous said...

Outlaw motorcycle gang living in Knox? What a joke.

Anonymous said...

Instead of blocking off the areas in the Knox park that are used for sledding by many and have been used by family for many many years (which creates additional dangeous obstacles), why not create a sledding area? This would be a terrific addition to the park. In a rural town where the youth have little options for constructive recreation, we need to be thinking of how to create options, not eliminate them. Post a sign, not liable, sled at your own risk and design a safe area. A safe manufactured sledding area would be no more dangerous and no more of a liability than the skate park that was installed in the park.

Anonymous said...

Hey, Toto Tom, where have you been? Most politicians are not qualified!!!!! And the ones who are, shouldn't be!!!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your response to my question about sledding in the park. I can appreciate your stance, especially in this day and age of “ambulance chasing” attorneys. However, I am left wondering how sledding (which many generations of folks have done and still do) is any more dangerous than skating or biking on all those huge, slippery ramps, steps & rails in the skate park. How is it that the park can condone those activities which include obvious, inherent risks, yet cannot condone sledding (which I think many would find to be far less dangerous)? I agree with whoever posted the previous comment at 9:08am this morning. I would think it would be okay to allow people to sled, as you allow them to risk breaking their necks on those ramps, if you were to just hang up signs stating that such activities are done at their own risk.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know why highway 35 was redone and left with a rough surface? I went to Indianapolis last week, and the only rough surface stretch is here in Starke County. Are they done with it? Is that the way that it's going to be for years? Does anyone else wonder about the road surface?

Anonymous said...

UNFAIR to those of us who are musically challenged, so enough with music type of contests. Try grammar or other common sense contests that includes all of your listeners.

Anonymous said...

Toto Tom........how much SNow is going to fall in November, December and January? It would be a public service help to those who dislike a lot of the white stuff and need to make plans to retire to a much warmer part of this planet!

Anonymous said...

You guys do realize that Toto Tom is not Tom Berg don't you?

Anonymous said...

Does it matter who Toto Tom is?
Any brave soul willing to help out our country by running for election has the right to seek office! Just WHO is Toto Tom?
Does he really LIVE in Toto?

Clark Starke said...

I know Toto Tom. He is a caring nurturer. His humor and wit knows no bounds.

Anonymous said...

Little Options ???? What do they need ?? We have Kids Football Baseball Soccer and tennis programs plus Starke County Youth Program and all the School Sports and Band programs. Oh but wait the kids and parents might have to get off the butts and put a effort
in to something rather then just dump the kids off and run. I do agree the sledding should stay but in these days of sue happy people I under stand why it's not. I get tired of hearing there's nothing here for the kids to do. Believe it or not its not up to the taxpayers or anybody else to entertain your kids. Go to one of the schools games and see how there are only a small number of kids out for sports. Get them involved in it you might be surpised how much they enjoy it and you might enjoy going to watch them.

Anonymous said...

Looking to purchase some firewood a couple of truck loads. could someone help me?

Anonymous said...

To the Anon on 10/29.

The activities you mention are fantastic for younger youth, what about the middle schoolers and high schoolers? Even those involved in activiites such as sport or band need something to do on friday and saturday and when school is not in session.

Anonymous said...

If it's not up to the tax payers to entertain the kids, then it will be up to the tax payers to pay for the courts to charge them and the jails to hold them. So I'd rather pay taxes to entertain them.

Anonymous said...

ok, since your paying, i need $2500 to take my kids to florida.