North Judson Clerk Treasurer Shares Plans to Get Clock on Lane Street Working Again

Photo Source: Joey BLS Photography

North Judson’s Clerk-Treasurer is looking to get a focal point in town back in working order. Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe told council members and meeting attendees on Monday that he wants to fix the tall clock that stands in front of Grand Central Station on Lane Street.

Rowe said, “It’s a neat thing to have in our downtown and I think it’s wasted there; A: not working and B: not being lit up in the evenings.” Continue reading

‘Hope Restored’ to Bring Sober Living Home into North Judson

photo source: English Lake Church Pamphlet

Some inspirational individuals impacted by drug addiction came before the North Judson Town Council this week to discuss the steps they’re taking to bring a sober living home into the community.

A building at the corner of Sycamore and Lane Streets in North Judson is currently being transformed into the ‘Hope Restored’ rehabilitation center and living facility.

Recovered addict Zach Howisen shared that while he was incarcerated on drug-related charges, he felt compelled to change his ways and wanted to do something to give back to the community. Continue reading

Knox Board of Works Meets Today

A public hearing will be held during today’s Knox Board of Public Works meeting. The focus of the hearing will be the multiple rental properties belonging to Melvin Zeiters that have been cited for code violations.

After the hearing, members of the Board of Works will consider an amendment to the Police Department’s standard operating procedures and a recommendation for a probationary officer. Continue reading

New Full-Time Officer Welcomed North Judson Police Department at Town Council Meeting, Reserve Officers Recommended

North Judson Town Marshal Kelly Fisher and Officer Jamie Conklin

North Judson Town Officials and residents welcomed a new full-time officer to the police force during Monday night’s town council meeting.

At their first meeting of the month, town council members approved hiring Officer Jamie Conklin to the force full-time. Town Marshal Kelly Fisher shared a little bit about Officer Conklin.

She told members and meeting attendees, “He’s been through the academy, he’s worked part-time for me for a year and he’s an excellent employee, I’m glad to have him full-time. Prior to working with law enforcement, he had 8 years of active duty with the Navy so we’re definitely happy to have him aboard.” Continue reading

Starke County Community Foundation Impact Grant Utilized to Help Save Lives

SCCF Director of Development Sarah Origer Hands Check over to Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary

A recent impact grant awarded by the Starke County Community Foundation is helping local emergency personnel save lives.

Starke County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) used the $14,350 they received from the SCCF to purchase a LUCAS CPR Device, and paid for one year of maintenance for the medical apparatus. The technology performs non-stop CPR, freeing the EMS responder to treat and transport the patient to the emergency room. Continue reading

Local Officials Consider Existing Assets Within Starke County while Talking with Stellar Community Project Manager

When community leaders gathered in the Starke County Economic Development Foundation’s office last week for an informational meeting about OCRA’s Regional Stellar initiative, they were asked to consider some of the existing assets within the county.

Stellar Community Project Manager Michael Sinnet said they should consider a variety of different elements within the community that could encompass a number of categories including natural, human, financial and physical assets. Continue reading

Knox Clerk-Treasurer Delivers Community Center Renovation Project Update

Knox Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston updated city council member about the ongoing renovation project at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center at this week’s meeting.

Clerk-Treasurer Houston said the project is nearing completion, with just a few minor things remaining. He noted that they will, of course, still have to deal with upkeep and maintenance but for the most part, the major renovations are all finished.

During Tuesday’s meeting, he informed them about the function behind the most recent addition. Continue reading

Knox Mayor Issues Reminder About Saturday’s Concert in the Park

Community members have the chance to listen to some tunes and dance at Wythogan Park this weekend.

At Tuesday’s Knox City Council meeting, Mayor Dennis Estok informed council members and meeting attendees about an upcoming event happening on the park’s performance stage.

Estok explained, “Saturday night we’ll have a concert. Crossfire is playing from 6 to 9 p.m. and it’s free.” Continue reading

Stellar Strategizing Continues in Starke County

The Starke County Economic Development Foundation hosted another informational session about the Regional Stellar Communities Designation Program.

Leaders from Hamlet, North Judson and Knox as well officials at the County level and individuals from other entities looking to get involved in the process gathered at the SCEDF office Wednesday night to receive more details about obtaining “Stellar” status.

OCRA’s Liaison for Northwest Indiana Gerry White returned and this time he was joined by Stellar Community Project Manager Michael Sinnet. Continue reading

Winamac Water Department Superintendent Discusses Wellhead Protection with Town Council

A quote for a wellhead protection plan was presented to Winamac Town Council members when they met on Monday.

Water Department Superintendent Jeremy Beckner told members that the quote was from Peerless Midwest and it was for $26,250.

He explained that a wellhead protection plan is something that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management requires. Continue reading