The Knox Board of Zoning Appeals is happy with the cleanup efforts at a local pawn shop. The board previously considered imposing a fine on 1st Choice Pawn and Loan, due to the condition of its South Heaton Street property. During Monday’s meeting, though, board members noted that the condition of the site had improved over the past couple weeks, enough for them to drop plans for a fine. Continue reading
Northern Indiana Reports Relatively High COPD Rates
Starke County has a relatively high smoking rate, meaning it also has an increased rate of residents diagnosed with COPD.
The disease, which stands for Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease, is typically associated with shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and weakness. COPD is made up of chronic emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Knox Code Enforcement Efforts Stall
Code enforcement efforts by the City of Knox have hit a bit of a snag. Building inspector Bruce Williams has had no success contacting the owner of the house at 202 N. Pearl Street. During their June 22nd meeting, the Knox Board of Works gave him a maximum of 60 days to make significant interior and exterior repairs to the property. Continue reading
August Storms Welcome for Local Crops
August rains have prompted emergency situations in some portions of the state, but in Northwest Indiana, it may have done some good for corn and soybeans.
Hamlet Schedules Another Town-Wide Yard Sale
Hamlet residents will have one more chance to take part in a town-wide yard sale. Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts told the town council last week that the yard sales that took place during the Yellowstone Trail Fest experienced a poor turnout due to rain. Continue reading
Culver Slated for Pair of Meetings to Consider LOIT Application, EMS
Resident Tips Lead to Drug Trafficking Arrests in LaPorte
Boil Order Remains in Effect for Some LaCrosse Residents
A boil order remains in effect for residents in the southwest section of LaCrosse. That’s the area south of Front Street and west of U.S. 421. Continue reading
Recovering Addicts, Advocates Speak Frankly During Candlelight Vigil
Moving Starke County Forward is working to reduce the stigma attached to drug abuse and deaths due to overdoses. The 56 ribbons that have lined the front lawn of Starke Hospital for the past few weeks represent local lives lost to drug overdoses over the past seven years. They were moved to Wythogan Park in Knox last night for the second annual candlelight vigil to remember lives lost and celebrate those who are in recovery. Continue reading
Water Line Plans to be Completed to Former B & H Supply Building
The B & H Supply building could have water in the coming weeks.
At the Knox Board of Works meeting on Wednesday, Water Superintendent Todd Gardner explained the proposed site for future learning opportunities through the SCILL center does not have access to city water.
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U.S. 421 Closed for Chip Sealing
Motorists traveling between Medaryville and Francesville on U.S. 421 will need to find another route for the next few days. INDOT has shut down the highway between State Roads 14 and 114 for chip sealing. It’s scheduled to reopen Wednesday, weather permitting. Continue reading
Hamlet Water in the Clear, After Two Years of Increased Testing
Hamlet’s drinking water is now in compliance with Indiana Department of Environmental Management regulations. The town has been required to conduct additional water testing since it failed lead and copper tests in 2014. Continue reading
Starke Commissioners to Discuss Hospital Lease, Insurance Tonight
The Starke County Commissioners will meet in special session this evening to take care of a couple of time-sensitive items. Another extension of the lease between the county and operators of Starke Hospital is required in order to finalize a new agreement between the entities. Continue reading
Knox Receives Reimbursement from Blight Elimination Program
The City of Knox should be able to successfully tear down 10 houses with funds from a blight elimination grant. So far four houses have been removed with funds from the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority, and another four are under contract for demolition. Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston says the city should know any day whether two more houses are accepted into the program. He adds the city has received a reimbursement of $20,600 from the state through the program. Continue reading
Knox BZA to Discuss Pawn Shop Cleanup
The Knox Board of Zoning Appeals will continue discussing the cleanup of a pawn shop property this evening. According to the minutes of the board’s previous meeting, the board is considering assessing a fine to 1st Choice Pawn and Loan. Continue reading
Heavy Rains Cause Request for Disaster Loans
Heavy rains from earlier this month are prompting Governor Mike Pence to request federal disaster loans for portions of Northern Indiana.
Gushing Water Causes Shutoffs in LaCrosse
The town of LaCrosse shut off water this weekend to the south side of the community.
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INDOT Schedules Chip Sealing in Pulaski County
A section of U.S. 421 in Pulaski County will be closed next week for chip seal work. Starting Monday, INDOT will close the highway between the State Road 14 west junction and State Road 114. It’s scheduled to reopen Wednesday, but the work is dependent on the weather. Continue reading
Residents Reminded to Take Precautions Against West Nile Virus
Summer may be entering its final weeks, but mosquito season continues. So far this year, 92 mosquito batches have tested positive for West Nile Virus, including two in Starke County and three in St. Joseph County. Continue reading
50/50 Sidewalk Program Nears Completion
The City of Knox 50/50 sidewalk replacement program is almost done. It allows property owners to split the cost of new sidewalks with the city. Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston says 10 residents participated in this year’s effort.
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