Knox Citizen Voices Concern Over Heavy Trucks on Henry Drive

A member of the public voiced her concern about large trucks traveling on Henry Drive during the citizen’s comments portion of Tuesday night’s Knox City Council Meeting.

The resident said she understands that there are certain larger city vehicles that must come down that way, but she feels heavier semis that frequent the street are contributing to a road issue.

The resident of Henry Drive stated, “I noticed there is a huge crack that’s getting bigger and bigger and bigger from the big trucks going down. And I know that the garbage truck has to go down the street but there are big semis and delivery trucks, so why can’t they go on 8?” Continue reading

Knox City Council Approves Fire Truck Purchase

The Knox City Council members voted unanimously to move forward with the purchase of a pumper truck for the Knox-Center Township Fire Department.

With the motion, members also permitted city officials to communicate with Umbaugh about obtaining a bond for the purchase of the fire truck. Mayor Dennis Estok said that Shawn Cain from KIRPC informed him that no grants are available at this time, so financing for this purchase will come the bond. Continue reading

Winamac Town Council Members Schedule Interview Date to Fill Town Marshal Position

At Monday night’s Winamac Town Council meeting Town Marshal Mike Buchanan announced his resignation to council members.

He said the resignation will go into effect on July 1st. The council thanked him for his years of service to the community and commended him for the great work he’s done as the head of the Winamac Police Department.

Marshal Buchanan didn’t have any suggestions for his replacement but he did recommend adding Reserve Officer Alec Berger to the full-time force to replace whoever takes over as town marshal. Continue reading

Winamac Town Council Approves Quote for Renovation Work Needed at the Utilities Complex

On Monday, Winamac Town Manager Brad Zellers informed town council members of some renovation work that must be done at the Utilities Complex.

The electric department is now utilizing the space in that building that used to be the police station. So far they’ve done some in-house work such as painting, organizing and taking care of smaller details.

Zellers explained that there are some issues with the garage on the east side of the building that will require them to seek outside assistance. Continue reading

North Judson Police Department Plans Future Events

The North Judson Town Council members heard some future event suggestions from Town Marshal Kelly Fisher during their meeting last week.

Fisher said they’re considering a “Canine Mud Run” as a potential summertime fundraiser. She said it would be like any other mud run but they would invite individuals to bring their dogs along.

She said the police department plans to team up with the park board to have community-centered events every month. Continue reading

Looking for FAFSA Assistance? Don’t Miss College Goal Sunday at Plymouth High School

College-bound students looking for financial assistance will need to fill out a FAFSA and unfortunately, many people find the process time consuming or confusing.

However, there’s no need to stress, as free financial aid assistance is just a few weeks away with College Goal Sunday.

At 2 p.m. ET on February 25th financial aid professionals will be volunteering at 40 sites across the state, assisting Hoosier students with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This year’s nearest College Goal Sunday site is Plymouth High School. Continue reading

NJ Town Marshal Updates Town Council on Department Renovations

Renovations to the North Judson Police Department are underway. The town council members recently approved Town Marshall Kelly Fisher’s request to convert the conference room into a training area.

At Monday night’s town council meeting, Marshal Fisher informed members that two old radiators were recently removed with the help of the utility department.  Continue reading

Watch Level Travel Advisory in Effect in Starke County

The Starke County Emergency Management Agency announced that Watch Travel Level advisory has been issued for Starke County roadways due to potentially dangerous conditions.

Starke County EMA Director J. Nier provided a release stating that all county roads maintained by the Starke County Highway Department could be snow or ice covered and hazardous winds may cause significant whiteout conditions and drifting. Continue reading

Knox Planning Commission to Continue Accessory Building Discussion

The Knox Planning Commission members held a lengthy discussion over accessory buildings when they met Tuesday night.

Commission Vice President John Wilson said he found a definition for accessory buildings, stating that they are essentially any outdoor structure that is detached. He said none of the definitions he found specified whether or not they are considered permanent or non-permanent structures. Continue reading

Benefit Breakfast for North Judson Fire Chaplain Scheduled for Tomorrow

The North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department is holding a benefit breakfast for Chaplain Paul Newcomer at 7 a.m. on Saturday.

At Monday night’s town council meeting Fire Chief Joe Leszek explained that Newcomer was diagnosed with prostate cancer and recently underwent a successful surgery. They are holding this at-will donation benefit as a way to raise funds to help cover his medical expenses. Continue reading

Public Hearing Over OCRA Grant Application Held During NJ Town Council Meeting

A public hearing over a proposed grant application was held during the North Judson Town Council meeting earlier this week.

On Monday, KIRPC Executive Director Edwin Buswell explained that the grant application requesting a $550,000 wastewater/drinking water grant is due to the Office of Community and Rural Affairs on Friday. Buswell said the local match is for $1,268,000 which will come in the form of an SRF Loan. Continue reading

Culver Superintendent Informs School Board of Leftover Bond Funds

At Monday night’s Culver School Board meeting, Superintendent Karen Shuman told members that renovations to the cafeteria at the Middle/High School are officially complete.

She stated that the flooring and furnishing portion of the cafeteria project cost about $90,000 and was paid for with bond funds.

Shuman also shared that there is a little more than $300,000 worth of bond funds leftover that must be spent prior to the end of the fiscal year in December. Continue reading

Sign Replacement at Henry F. Schricker House Discussed During Knox Planning Commission Meeting

While discussing new business during Tuesday night’s Knox Planning Commission meeting, Planning Administrator Kenny Pfost alerted members of a request he received about the Henry F. Schricker House.

Pfost said a representative asked him about installing a sign in the front yard of the Henry F. Schricker House on Main Street. Under the current sign ordinance, they would be limited to a 2×2 sign because it is in a residential area. Continue reading