Starke County Council, Commissioners Finalize Appointments

The Starke County Council members made several appointments to boards and commissions when they met this week.

The council reorganized with a change in leadership. Brad Hazelton was elected as council president and Dave Pearman retained as council vice president. Freddie Baker opted to step down from leading the council. He held the position in 2016 and 2017.

Hazelton will remain on the Starke County Economic Development Foundation Board, Pam Staulbaum will reclaim her appointment to the KIRPC Board, Bryan Cavender will continue on the Starke County Planning Commission, Carol Tripenfeldas will serve another term on the North Judson-Wayne Township Library Board, Kenny Wallace will serve another term on the Alcoholic Beverage Board, Freddie Baker will remain as the council appointment to the Solid Waste District Board, and Becky Ferch will resume her position on the P.E.T.A.B.O.A. Board.

The Starke County Commissioners need a lay person to serve on the P.E.T.A.B.O.A. Board. Commissioner Kathy Norem explained that the board is politically balanced so in this case a Republican candidate is needed to serve on the board. The candidate does not need to have the credentials of an assessor. He or she must make objective decisions about the agriculture tax exemption and property assessments. The commissioners hope to get a real estate agent on the board.

Interested members can contact the commissioners or send a letter in care of the commissioners to 53 E Mound St., Knox, IN 46534.