Archive - 2013 - News Article
April 24th
SOUTH WHITLEY — Sewer discussions left a sour taste in some residents’ mouths at Tuesday night’s town council meeting.
Two residents came to members of the council with costly concerns, centering around sewer back ups in their homes.
David and Judy Richards confronted the council after returning home from a four-month stay in Florida to find the sewer line servicing their home had backed up into their basement.
“My son came and talked to you already,” David said. “I know you made a decision to not help cover the bill, but I wanted to know if you could explain it to me.”
PIERCETON — Acknowledging strengths and weaknesses have been a common theme at Whitko Community School Corporation’s Board of School Trustee meetings.
Each month, principals from the district’s schools give a report as to the progress being made on campus.
Some of those reports are positive and some point out areas needing improvement, but regardless, administrators are not skirting away from the reality at their respective school.
April 23rd
Editor’s note: The following is the second part of a two-part series on The Luckey Hospital Museum.
WOLF LAKE — The Luckey Hospital, built in 1929, is now a one-of-a-kind museum at the corner of U.S. 33 and Ind. 109.
Dr. James E. Luckey, founded the hospital, which began operations in 1931.
Today the Luckey Hospital Museum is run by Luckey’s great-niece Sue Johnson and “the adopted Luckey” Sandy Huntsman, who is also the acting president of the museum’s board.
COLUMBIA CITY — From U.S. 30, it may appear that Eagle Glen Golf Course had an extreme makeover, but in fact, Mother Nature decided to do its own remodeling, turning the back half of the course into a giant water hazard.
Storms from nearly one week ago dumped several inches of rain in the county, flooding yards, parks and roads.
Eagle Glen wasn’t the only course to go underwater.
The front nine of Eel River remains closed to flooding, and many other courses in the area are feeling the effects of the rain.
COLUMBIA CITY — A pair charged with dealing methamphetamine had their first appearance in Whitley County Circuit Court Monday.
Warren Goodman Jr., 41, Pierceton, and Rita Elswick, 19, Columbia City, were arrested Thursday and charged with dealing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of chemicals with intent to ma-nufacture and possession of paraphernalia.
Dealing methamphetam-ine is a Class B felony.
Both individuals pleaded not guilty to the charges and will have public defenders.
Elswick will be represented by Brad Voelz and Goodman by Brad Baber.
COLUMBIA CITY — Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS) Board of School Trustees heard an update on its technology plan recently.
WCCS Technology Director Anne Plunkett presented a plan to the board communicating the vision, mission and goals for her department.
The vision for the department is to provide technology resources that enhance communication, instruction, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to inspire excellence.
To that end, Plunkett has steps in mind.
PIERCETON — School administrators have been exploring ways to better the education offered to Whitko Community School students.
At last week’s school board meeting, principals with each school reported a number of academic success stories, but a visit from the Indiana Department of Education (DOE) ruled positive for Pierceton Elementary School.
An evaluation for the state’s Title I program was conducted at the elementary school after PES received a low grade from the DOE earlier in the school year.
April 22nd
COLUMBIA CITY — The Genealogical Society of Whitley County celebrated 175 years since the founding of Whitley County, April 1, 1838, at a ceremony held at the Peabody Public Library Thursday.
“Think of the courage our ancestors must have had,” said President Charlotte Blair about the early settlers.
“To leave everything, travel and settle here, despite uncertainty. Leaving everyone and everything behind so they could have the chance to work hard and make the land a better place for their children. They’ve left us such a wonderful heritage.”
LARWILL — LEGOs are more than just toys to students at Whitko Middle School. They are building blocks to futures in engineering, design and computer programming.
Last week, members of the Whitko Community School Corporation Board of Trustees heard from LEGO Robotics Advisor Teresa Knepple on her petition to turn what is an after-school club into a class.
“The LEGO portion is just the tip of the iceberg,” Knepple said. “We’re talking about giving students a chance to hit on math, science, forensic sciences and engineering.”
COLUMBIA CITY — Flood waters saturated Morsches Park last week, shutting down Columbia City’s recreation hub by postponing games and cancelling practices, and leaving its new playground submersed in water.
While the park is drying out, more rain is expected Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, leaving many youth league and high school athletes wondering how much more the park can handle.
As of Monday’s presstime, Columbia City park officials said Saturday’s Opening Day for youth league baseball and softball will be on as scheduled.
