The North Judson Police Department had a successful month in May. That’s according to Interim Town Marshal Frank Thomas.
During his report to the town council Monday, he said police issued about 20 citations last month, ranging from tall grass to illegal burning to traffic infractions. “The real police work done in May was 12 arrest charges were made, seven physical custody arrests,” he added. “Five of the arrests were for outstanding warrants for bad guys on the streets of North Judson. One subject arrested was a wanted person from New York State. The best arrest that I’m happiest about is that me and my guys got Starke County’s Most Wanted off the streets, and that was right here in North Judson.” The Starke County Sheriff’s Office assisted with that apprehension.
However, some residents expressed concern about the town’s appearance as the annual Mint Festival approaches, bringing an increase in visitors. Thomas said that while the town is working to get residents to clean up their yards and mow their lawns, the process does take time. “First, we give them a three-day warning, and then when they don’t do that, then we offer them a letter stating about our ordinance, and then if they don’t mow it within 10 days, then we are able to get the town of mow it at a charge of $250, which is a lien on the property,” he said. “Unfortunately, you’re talking about a two-week span. In that time frame, generally they get mowed. Now, anything that’s bad, that hasn’t qualified for that time-waiting period, it may or may not get mowed before the Mint Fest, and there’s nothing we can do about it.” He says the speed at which the town can act is limited by state laws and local ordinances.
