Community Crossings Paperwork Complete for Knox Projects

Knox Street Superintendent Jeff Borg told the Knox Board of Public Works last week that all of the paperwork has been submitted for the projects granted Community Crossings funds.

The grant agreement was signed and now the city is waiting for the funds to be deposited which could take four to six weeks. The city was awarded just over $455,000 in grant funds this year. Continue reading

Update About Upgrades to Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center

An update about ongoing renovations to the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center was provided by Mayor Dennis Estok during last night’s brief Knox City Council meeting.

Mayor Estok told council members that work being done to the heating and air conditioning systems is nearly complete. He said only one compressor still needs to be installed. He went on to say that roofers will be commencing their work this week, possibly as soon as today. Continue reading

Knox City Council Meets Tonight

No specific action or discussion items are listed on the agenda for the Knox City Council meeting being held tonight at 7 p.m. in Knox City Hall.

The council will hear reports from Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston and Mayor Dennis Estok. There will be time allotted toward the end of the meeting for citizen’s comments and council items.

In recent meetings, council items included the potential striping of Culver Road and an ordinance pertaining to parking downtown. There is a possibility these items will be revisited tonight but they are not specifically listed on the agenda.

Knox City Council Meets Tonight for 2018 Budget Adoption, Final Reading of Salary Ordinance

The Knox City Council will assemble in City Hall this evening at 7 p.m. Council members will act on the second and final reading of the 2018 Salary Ordinance as well as the adoption of the 2018 Budget. They will also revisit the 2018 Fire Protection Agreement between the City of Knox and Center Township and Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Departments. Continue reading

Knox Officials Announce 50/50 Sidewalk Guidelines

 
The City of Knox will split the cost of sidewalk repairs with business and residential property owners who take part in the annual 50/50 sidewalk replacement program.

The City of Knox is once again offering business and homeowners a chance to take part in the 50/50 sidewalk replacement program. The mayor’s office will accept requests on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted. Continue reading

Historical Marker Commemorates Knox Drugstore Site

Koffel buildingA historical marker now stands on the site of one of downtown Knox’s first commercial structures. The Koffel Building at the corner of Main and Lake Streets was completed in 1891, a year before the city’s streets were paved with brick, four years before municipal electrical service was offered and 17 years before city water was available. Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charlie Weaver says drug stores were a vital part of a booming business district.

“Always in the drugstore the fountain was a big thing. From the very beginning there were tables where it was appropriate for the ladies to come in to have coffee, tea or a soft drink or whatever from the fountain. That became quite a social center in the day.” Continue reading

Starke County Fireworks Fundraiser Set for May 16

 In just a few short months, America will be celebrating another birthday. The City of Knox is hoping to offset costs of a local celebration with several fundraisers.

A port-a-pit chicken sale is set during the city-wide yard sale in May. This fundraiser will be May 16 at the Knox South Side Fire Station. Volunteers will sell half chicken orders for $7.00 plus pit-tatoes for $3.00 from 10 a.m. until sold out. All proceeds will benefit the county-wide fireworks celebration on Friday, July 3.

Tickets for this event can be purchased at Knox City Hall.

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Starke County Clerk’s Office Collects Several Absentee Ballots in First Week

 
 

Knox residents who plan to vote at the polling site in the Primary Municipal Election are invited to test the voting machines on Wednesday, April 15 at 10 a.m. CT in the second-floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse.

Clerk Vicki Cooley reminds City of Knox voters that registered voters in District 1, District 2, District 3 and District 4 may cast a ballot in the Primary Municipal Election. Voters will be at the polls on Tuesday, May 5. This year’s polling site for all districts is the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox.

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Breakfast to Celebrate National Day of Prayer

 
 

The City of Knox will once again be hosting the National Day of Prayer Breakfast.

The annual gathering at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center will bring churches, organizations, and businesses together on May 7th. The breakfast and national celebration is typically used as a day to reflect on the direction of the United States. This will be the 64th year the National Day of Prayer will be celebrated.
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Garbage Truck Hits Pole, Causes Power Outage in Knox

IMG_3651A garbage truck caused a major power outage in the City of Knox this morning.

Mayor Rick Chambers said the garbage truck was pulling out of the city parking lot when it caught a power line and snapped the pole in two.

“I just talked with the NIPSCO guys and they’re pretty much going to be all day to get this repaired. It did a lot of damage,” said Mayor Chambers.

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City-Wide Yard Sale Dates Announced

 
 

The city-wide yard sale in Knox will be four days this year.

The event, sponsored by the Knox Moose Family Center, will be Thursday, May 14 through Sunday, May 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT daily. The permit fee will be waived during this time. The only signs allowed to be posted advertising yard sales may be purchased at Knox City Hall for a small fee.

Those who live outside the two-mile jurisdiction may participate. Space for those residents will be available at the Moose’s parking lot in downtown Knox.

Breakfast and lunch will be offered at the facility. A map of the yard sales will be available at the Knox Moose Family Center beginning at 7 a.m. CT each day of the sale. To reserve your spot on the free map or for more information, call Danna at 772-2098.

Contractors Register for Sidewalk Replacement Program

 
 

Knox officials are looking toward spring. They encourage contractors interested in participating in the city’s Residential/Business Sidewalk Replacement Program to register with the city.

Contractors need to go to the Knox Planning Commission office at 101 West Washington Street between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday until April 10. Proof of insurance must be provided.

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