The Constellation of Starke Creatives Network is excited to celebrate World Environment Day through their Explore the Forest Events this June.
Continue readingCOS Creatives Network to Host Explore the Forest Events
Norwayne Field Project to Begin this Summer
The restroom project at Norwayne Field in North Judson is expected to begin in late July or early August this year.
Continue readingKnox City Council Approves Amended Match Amount for Stellar Project
The Knox City Council members agreed last week to put forth additional funds for the city’s match toward the Stellar project approved for funding from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) for Constellation of Starke reaching the finalist stage in the 2019 Regional Stellar Communities Designation process.
Continue readingStarke County Commissioners Approve Bids for Stellar Projects, Eliminates Project
The Starke County Commissioners considered a recommendation concerning the bids received and opened for the projects that will be funded with money from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). The county was a finalist in the 2019 Regional Stellar Communities Designation process and funding was given to the county for that honor.
Continue readingStarke County Commissioners Open Bids for Stellar Communities Projects
Bids from three companies were opened during the Starke County Commissioners meeting Monday night for Constellation of Starke projects that will be funded with money from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). The county was a finalist in the 2019 Regional Stellar Communities Designation process and funding was given to the county for that honor.
Continue readingStarke County Commissioners Approve Updated Agreement with The Troyer Group
The Starke County Commissioners approved an updated agreement with The Troyer Group last week.
Continue reading‘HELP’ Rollout Underway As Stellar Remains on Hold
Communities looking for state help with regional development efforts have to adjust to changing programs, as Indiana responds to COVID-19. The Stellar Communities program has helped bring investment to Marshall County and the Town of Culver, while Starke County has also applied for a regional designation.
Continue readingHamlet Looking to Market ‘22 by ’22’ Incentives to Prospective Opportunity Zone Investors
Hamlet’s “22 by ‘22” incentives could soon be part of the official marketing push for northern Starke County’s Opportunity Zone. The town has been offering home developers three months of free water, sewer, and trash and recycling pickup, along with at-cost water and sewer connections, plus the possibility of reduced or suspended permit fees.
Continue readingOCRA Offers Help with American Rescue Plan Money, Plans to Bring Back Stellar in 2022
Indiana communities can get some help from the state, when it comes to figuring out how to spend their share of federal COVID-19 money, according to Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch.
Continue readingStarke Park Board Requesting American Rescue Plan Money for Bass Lake Beach House
Federal COVID-19 money could bring a new beach house to Bass Lake. The Starke County Park Board wants the county council and commissioners to earmark $1 million of the county’s $4.4 million American Rescue Plan allocation for that purpose.
Continue readingStarke County Commissioners Vote to Rebid Constellation of Starke Projects
The Starke County Commissioners were asked Monday night to rebid the Constellation of Starke projects.
Continue readingNorth Judson’s Splash Pad Now Open
North Judson residents have a new place to cool off. The splash pad at Norwayne Field was formally turned on by town officials Saturday.
Continue readingLt. Gov. Expects New Regional Development Initiative to Set Indiana Apart from Other States
Indiana’s lieutenant governor expects a big impact from the state’s new regional development initiative. Suzanne Crouch says the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) will provide up to $50 million each, to up to 10 regions.
Continue readingGrant Stipulations Raise Concerns for Norwayne Field Restroom Project
Conditions for the Norwayne Field restroom project’s grant funding could end up costing North Judson more money. The project is being funded, in part, with funding Constellation of Starke got for being a finalist in Indiana’s 2019 Stellar Communities program.
Continue readingPlanning Continues for Norwayne Field Upgrades
North Judson continues planning for upgrades to Norwayne Field. A restroom will be installed near the new splash pad, funded in part with the money Constellation of Starke got for being a finalist in Indiana’s 2019 Stellar Communities program.
Continue readingStarke County Economic Development Foundation Exploring County-Wide Housing Initiative
A coordinated approach to housing development could be on the horizon for Starke County. Starke County Economic Development Foundation Interim Director Lisa Dan says Knox Mayor Dennis Estok is very interested in pursuing a housing development project, and she recently asked the North Judson Town Council if they’d like to join.
Continue readingCity of Knox Considering Next Steps to Encourage Housing Development
Bringing more housing to Knox may require some financial outlay from the city. Mayor Dennis Estok told the city council last week that he’s been in contact with a developer out of Indianapolis. But before anyone would be willing to invest, they’d want to see a market survey.
Continue readingKnox to Resurface 10 Roads with Community Crossings Matching Grant
Ten roads in the northern part of Knox are set to be resurfaced, with funding from the most recent round of INDOT’s Community Crossings program. Last month, Knox was awarded more than $302,000 to cover 75 percent of the cost of approved projects.
Continue readingEfforts to Promote Arts, Cultural Opportunities in Starke County Get $100,000 Boost
Efforts to bring murals, artisan markets, and a scale model of the solar system to Starke County have gotten a boost, thanks to the Lilly Endowment’s GIFT VII program. The Starke County Community Foundation says it’s gotten a $100,000 Community Leadership Grant. That money will be used to promote a number of arts and cultural opportunities the foundation is pursuing along with Constellation of Starke.
Continue readingNorth Judson Preparing Splash Pad for Grand Opening in Spring
North Judson is making some final adjustments to its splash pad. James Young told the rest of the town council last week that the new feature at Norwayne Field was being winterized, after it had been open for a brief preview period. Utility crews were working to replace two sections of pipe to eliminate some fittings, after it was discovered that were causing a minor leak.
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