The Starke County Commissioners re-organized their board during Monday’s meeting.
Continue readingStarke County Commissioners Terminate EMA Director
The Starke County Commissioners are looking to hire a couple of department heads. They voted last night to terminate Emergency Management Agency Director Jacob Lippner, after being advised by the EMA Advisory Board that they have the authority to do so. Continue reading
Starke Commissioners to Reorganize, Make Appointments Tonight
The Starke County Commissioners will reorganize for the year when they meet this evening. Republican Kathy Norem returns for another term, alongside Democrat Don Binkley. He was elected two years ago. Republican Charles Chesak will take over the third seat on the county’s executive body. He replaces fellow Republican Kent Danford, who did not seek reelection. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners to Discuss Employee Grievance Tonight
The Starke County Commissioners will discuss a grievance filed by an employee they fired at their last meeting when they meet tonight. Terry Turner was relieved of his duties as county veterans service officer on June 15. After the meeting, president of the commissioners Kent Danford said he has received several complaints about Turner’s job performance. Continue reading
Embattled Veterans Service Officer Files Grievance Against County Commissioners
A Starke County employee who was relieved of his duties during Monday’s commissioners meeting has filed a grievance seeking to be reinstated. The commissioners voted 2-0 to replace Veterans Service Officer Terry Turner with Mark Gourley. Commissioner Don Binkley made the motion to terminate Turner, and President of the Commissioners Kent Danford seconded it. Commissioner Kathy Norem did not vote.
After the meeting Danford said he has received several complaints about Turner. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners Replace Veterans Service Officer
Starke County has a new veterans service officer after action last night by the county commissioners. They voted to terminate Terry Turner from the position and replace him with Mark Gourley. President of the Commissioners Kent Danford says he’s a veteran with experience filing claims for servicemembers in LaPorte County. After the meeting, Danford said he’s received several complaints about Turner.
Davis Presides Over Final Commissioners Meeting, Cowen Honored
Jennifer Davis has presided over her final meeting as president of the Starke County Commissioners. Instead of seeking reelection to that body, Davis opted instead to run for a seat on the Starke County Council.
“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to serve,” Davis said at the conclusion of Monday’s county commissioners meeting. Democrat Don Binkley is taking her place.
Davis attended yesterday’s reception at the Starke County Sheriff’s Department in honor of Sheriff Oscar Cowen. He’s held that office for eight years and is stepping down due to term limits. Democrat Bill Dulin will take over as sheriff in January.
Starke County Commissioners Approve Contract for Highway Superintendent
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler has an employment contract through March of 2017 after action last night by the county commissioners. They agreed to offer him a two-year, three-month contract to allow for a transition to the next administration. Continue reading
Binkley Beats Dembowski in Commissioners Primary
Former Knox Mayor and state representative Nancy Dembowski will not be making a political comeback as a member of the Starke County Board of Commissioners. She lost to fellow Democrat Donald Binkley by 126 votes in the primary.
“It’s just important, I think, for everyone to work together on the county level to make certain we have one goal in mind, and that’s the benefit of the people who live in Starke County,” Dembowski said.
So far Binkley is unopposed in the November 4th General Election. Continue reading
