Plans to renovate the third floor of the Starke County Courthouse and a project to erect a new Veteran’s War Memorial will get some attention this week.
Starke County Commissioner Kathy Norem stated during the commissioners meeting this week that potential bidders on the third floor courthouse renovation project will walk through the courthouse on Friday, May 8 as advertised. Bids will be taken this month with a bid to be awarded during the commissioners’ first meeting in June.
The large courtroom upgrades include new doors, curtains and flooring, audio and visual equipment, rails, and lighting. The lighting fixtures will be re-lamped with energy saving lighting. A new security feature that can be accessed by the judge and the judge’s staff to either lock people inside or outside of the courtroom and offices is planned.
A fire alarm system is included, but outside of the budget as it was included following the initial discussion.
The jury rooms will get a fresh coat of paint and new ceiling tiles, while the Magistrate’s court will get new wainscot paneling, new carpet and lighting. The wallpaper will be removed and the walls will be plastered.
Additionally, Norem said a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Veteran’s War Memorial will be on Monday, May 25 at 4 p.m. CT. Commission President Charlie Chesak will read a proclamation during the momentous event, several comments will be delivered, and cake will be provided by Fingerhut Bakery.
The new Veteran’s War Memorial will be placed on the southeast corner of the Starke County Courthouse square. It will include the names of those killed in action in wars and conflicts dating back to the Civil War, etched in a black granite stone. Seating will be available for reflection and it will be ADA accessible.
Veterans are highly encouraged to attend the groundbreaking ceremony, but many are in the high-risk health category and should wear masks if attending.
