Embattled Veterans Service Officer Files Grievance Against County Commissioners

starke-county-courthouseA 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-courthouseStarke 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.

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Davis Presides Over Final Commissioners Meeting, Cowen Honored

President of the Starke County Commissioners Jennifer Davis and Starke County Sheriff Oscar Cowen
President of the Starke County Commissioners Jennifer Davis and Starke County Sheriff Oscar Cowen

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.

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