The Starke County Park Board welcomed two new members Tuesday. Attorney Richard Ballard was appointed to the board by Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall, following the resignation of Roger Chaffins. Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler had been appointed by the county council back in January, replacing Debbie Mix. Ballard and Ritzler both took their seats on the park board for the first time Tuesday, during the board’s first official meeting since last September.
When it came to the election of officers, Chris Lawrence declined a nomination to serve as board president but agreed to serve as vice president. Ballard was elected president, and Rosemary Rose was elected secretary.
Forester Bruce Wakeland thanked the new and returning board members for volunteering their time and offered to take them on a guided tour of the Starke County Forest.
