The Hamlet Street Department will soon have a new snow removal tool. The town council Wednesday approved the purchase of a snow blower attachment for the town’s Bobcat, from Bobcat of Warsaw.
Hamlet Town Council Schedules Public Hearing for Comprehensive Planning Process
The Town of Hamlet is moving forward with a comprehensive plan. Council member Brian Earnest says town officials have chosen a planning consultant, following several hours of interviews. As the next step in the process, a public hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 12 at 5:00 p.m.
Hamlet Plans Holiday Decorating Contest
The Town of Hamlet is getting into the Christmas spirit. During Wednesday’s town council meeting, it was announced that the town will one again have a home decorating contest this year.
Hamlet Officials Updating Plans for Railroad Street Improvements
Hamlet officials are starting to revise their plans for Railroad Street upgrades. The town council previously decided to wait until January to apply for a Community Crossings matching grant, amid concerns about how to fairly reduce the scope of the project once the initial bids were opened.
New Hamlet Water, Wastewater Operators Give Update to Town Council
Hamlet’s new utility workers are settling into their jobs. Water Operator Jason Cox told the town council Wednesday that he’s diving into the town’s water system. “For the most part, it’s a pretty simple system,” he said. “Everything seems to be, for the most part, operating pretty smoothly.”
Impacts of Open School Enrollment Discussed with Hamlet Town Council
Open enrollment is leading students out of some smaller school districts. Ron Gifford with the Starke County Economic Development Foundation told the Hamlet Town Council Wednesday that the state is now giving more detail about where exactly students are attending school.
Hamlet Officials Consider Brush Disposal Options
Disposing of brush and yard waste is becoming a challenge for the Town of Hamlet. Street Superintendent Fred Rowe told the town council Wednesday that since the town is no longer allowed to burn the brush it collects from residents, he’ll eventually run out of places to put it.
Hamlet Town Council Discusses Potential Paving, Drainage, Lighting Improvements
The Hamlet Town Council added a few items to its wish list of improvements Wednesday. Plans are in the works to upgrade Railroad Street, as part of a future round of Community Crossings grants.
Hamlet Town Council Approves Purchase of Wastewater Testing Equipment, Snowblower
The Town of Hamlet is upgrading some of its equipment. The town council Wednesday approved the purchase of a DR 3900 spectrophotometer for the town’s wastewater plant for about $4,600. Water and Street Superintendent Fred Rowe said its main purpose will be to test for ammonia. “It is expensive now, but it’ll save you money in the long run,” he said.
Safety Concerns Addressed at U.S. 30 Work Site But Hamlet Officials Remain Out of Loop
Hamlet Town Council Considers Possible Lighting Projects
More streetlights may soon be coming to Starke Street in Hamlet. Two years ago, the town installed decorative streetlights on the east side of the street, across from the town hall, as the first part of a four-phase project. But the town council has held off on doing additional phases to focus on other projects, such as the recent Community Crossings project farther north on Starke Street.
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Reviews This Year’s Manufacturers Day Event
Almost 400 middle and high school students took part in the Starke County Economic Development Foundation’s Manufacturers Day events last week. That’s according to Special Projects Coordinator Ron Gifford.
Hamlet Council President Urges INDOT to Address Safety Concerns at U.S. 30 Construction Site
Hamlet officials are demanding answers from INDOT, after a U.S. 30 construction project has led to a spike in accidents. During Wednesday’s town council meeting, Council President Dave Kesvormas complained that the town wasn’t told about the work ahead of time. “Legally, technically, U.S. 30 goes through town because that parcel on the northeast side of 30 is our parcel, so 30 goes through,” he explained. “The state didn’t contact us, nor did the contractor, and yet, we’ve had all these series of accidents.”
Hamlet Town Council Reports Success with New Starke Street Sidewalk
Building a sidewalk to a gas station is proving to be a good investment for the Town of Hamlet, despite some initial skepticism from local residents. That’s according to Town Council President Dave Kesvormas.
Hamlet Town Council Adopts 2019 Budget
The Hamlet Town Council formally adopted the town’s 2019 budget Wednesday. It looks pretty similar to this year’s. The total budget is just over $467,000 for 2019. About $323,000 of that would be the town’s General Fund. The Motor Vehicle Highway Fund would be budgeted at $58,200, while the Park budget would be $11,900.
Hamlet Council to Consider Revised Bids for Railroad Street Improvements, Adopt 2019 Budget
The Hamlet Town Council will make a second attempt tonight at choosing a contractor for Railroad Street improvements. Council members decided last week to give the three bidders a chance to revise their estimates, after the council decided to cut sidewalk work and tree removal out of the project. The town plans to apply for a Community Crossings grant to cover 75 percent of the cost, but the application has to be turned in by Friday.
Starke County School Officials, Emergency Personnel Take Part in Active Shooter Tabletop Exercise
Starke County’s educators and first responders recently tested how they’d react to an active shooter situation. Knox Elementary School Principal Michelle Tarnow reviewed this month’s tabletop exercise with the school board last week.
Potential Long-Term Care Facility, Other Development Opportunities Discussed by Hamlet Council
A long-term care facility may be looking to set up operations in Hamlet. “They’re checking with the state, a certificate of need with the State of Indiana, for a long-term care facility and an assisted living,” Town Council President Dave Kesvormas said during last week’s regular council meeting. “So I do know that.”
Mint Opportunities Explored in Starke County
No Major Changes Proposed for 2019 Hamlet Budget
The Hamlet Town Council reviewed its 2019 budget proposal last week. It calls for a total budget of just over $467,000. About $323,000 of that would be the town’s General Fund. The Motor Vehicle Highway Fund would be budgeted at $58,200, while the Park budget would be $11,900. Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts noted that there are no major changes from the 2018 budget.
