A report given by the Starke County Economic Development Foundation updated the Starke County Council members and Starke County Commissioners on a few projects.
The sale of the Stelrema building on U.S. 35 north of Knox that would become a manufacturing home to the Gary Poppins Gourmet Popcorn company is not yet finalized. According to SCEDF officials, the contract is still on the table, but both sides have not agreed to sign to the terms.
The 320 acres of commercial property purchased by the Sysco company in Hamlet over 10 years ago is now for sale. The purchase price is $12,000 per acre. Councilman Dave Pearman asked if the county’s contribution into infrastructure enhanced the value of the property by making those improvements. Regardless, the infrastructure is there for another business for development. County Attorney Marty Lucas advised that he would look into the agreement.
The SCEDF hosted a meeting at the Oregon-Davis Schools concerning a U.S. 30 freeway proposal which is thought by the organization to be a beneficial move in terms of economic growth.
In addition to this discussion, the council and commissioners in their separate meetings approved the appropriation of $40,000 for the spring installment to start the school year for the SCILL Center.
