Starke County residents are steadily becoming more educated, according to Ron Gifford with the Starke County Economic Development Foundation. “We’ve gone from 854 people in the county in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree or higher, and we more than doubled it up to 1,840 in 2016,” he told the Hamlet Town Council last week. “We also increased higher than the national average for people who had some college or an associate’s degree.”
Development Opportunities Discussed during Hamlet Council Meeting
The Hamlet Town Council continues to explore potential development opportunities. During last week’s meeting, Council President Dave Kesvormas said there’s a prospect of a developer doing something with a town-owned lot on Pearl Street.
Hamlet Town Council Approves Insurance for Reserve Officers
The Hamlet Town Council has agreed to insure the town’s reserve officers. Under a state law that took effect at the start of the year, municipalities are now responsible for medical expenses, if a reserve officer is injured or gets sick in the line of duty. Continue reading
Hamlet Council to Consider Joining Starke County’s Stellar Communities Application
The Hamlet Town Council is being asked to make a decision on whether or not it will be part of Starke County’s quest to become a Stellar Community. The Starke County Economic Development Foundation has been spearheading the effort, which officials hope will open the door to additional grant opportunities and investment.
Paving Portion of Hamlet’s Starke Street Project Nearing Completion
Work continues on Starke Street in Hamlet. During Wednesday’s town council meeting, Council President Dave Kesvormas shared an update from project engineer Lee Nagai. “They’re hoping to be finished with the road portion of this by Friday,” Kesvormas explained. “That’s what they’re hoping for, but we may have a delay with rain. I don’t know what their deal is. But North Starke Street looks really good.” Kesvormas said he’s very happy with the paving work done by Walsh & Kelly.
Hamlet Council Donates $150 to Knox Fireworks
The Town of Hamlet will once again contribute to the Knox fireworks display. The town council Wednesday approved a $150 donation for this year’s fireworks, according to Hamlet Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts. That amount is unchanged from last year.
Hamlet Council Approves $1,000 Donation to Yellowstone Trail Fest
The Town of Hamlet is once again chipping in to help with the Yellowstone Trail Fest. The town council approved a $1,000 donation Tuesday, to sponsor the festival’s bounce house, as it has in past years.
Hamlet’s Starke Street Project Moving Ahead
The main portion of Hamlet’s Starke Street rehabilitation project is expected to get underway in the next couple of weeks. Project engineer Lee Nagai told the town council Tuesday that he’s asked paving contractor Walsh & Kelly to wait until after this Friday to get to work. “Between school being out and whatnot, I thought it would be better,” he said. “I mean, it’s already late because of the weather, so we’ll just wait until school’s over and hopefully, they can get started either next week or the following week.”
Hamlet Council Addresses Concerns over Recent ‘Gentleman’s Club’ Discussion
Hamlet Town Council members stress that a so-called “gentleman’s club” will probably not be in the town’s future. Earlier this month, local business owner George Filip asked council members if there were any rules prohibiting a particular property from being used for that purpose.
Hamlet Council Considers Vehicle Options for Police Department
The Hamlet Town Council may soon be reevaluating the police department’s vehicle needs, amid ongoing problems with its Ford Taurus.
Hamlet Council Questioned on Adult Entertainment Regulations
A potential use for a vacant Hamlet building was discussed during last week’s town council meeting. “I wanted to talk to you guys about the old IU Health doctor’s office next to the gas station,” said local business owner George Filip. “Would that be a problem making that a gentlemen’s club?”
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Discusses Population Estimates
Starke County’s population continues to decline. Ron Gifford with the Starke County Economic Development Foundation discussed the recently-released 2017 population estimates with the Hamlet Town Council last week. Continue reading
About 60 Students, Job Seekers Attend Starke County Job Fair
Last month’s Starke County Job Fair was a success. That’s according to Ron Gifford with the Starke County Economic Development Foundation. Continue reading
Hamlet Council Considers Insurance Options for Underground Pipes
The Town of Hamlet may be looking to adjust its insurance policies, after the town ended up being on the hook for nearly $28,000 in repair bills for a January water main break.
Opportunity Zone Program Discussed with Hamlet Town Council
Local officials hope an Opportunity Zone designation could bring benefits to the Town of Hamlet. The census tract containing Hamlet was recently nominated for the federal program by Governor Eric Holcomb.
Hamlet Council Updated on Starke Street Projects
Hamlet officials are still waiting for work to begin on the Starke Street rehabilitation project. As the first step, the town has been working with Starke County Surveyor Bill Crase to extend the culvert at Benninghoff Ditch.
Hamlet Council Approves Additional $3,000 in Culvert Work for Upcoming Starke Street Project
The Hamlet Town Council has agreed to cover the cost of additional culvert work related to the upcoming rehabilitation of Starke Street. The town has been working with Starke County Surveyor Bill Crase to extend the culvert at Benninghoff Ditch. Continue reading
Hamlet Officials Plan Bank Switch
The Town of Hamlet will soon be switching banks. “I don’t know how I’d do it, but I would like to switch to 1st Source,” Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts told the town council last week. “A lot of switching around to do, but it would benefit the town.” A 1st Source Bank representative met with council members to discuss the change.
Hamlet Council Approves Utility Equipment Purchases
Hamlet’s utility employees are getting some new equipment. Water and Street Superintendent Fred Rowe told the town council Wednesday that the water plant’s chlorine room needs a new scale, in order to remain in compliance. Council members approved the purchase of a double digital scale, for just over $22,000.
Hamlet’s Dog Problem Resolved, According to Police
Hamlet’s loose dog problem appears to be resolved. During Wednesday’s town council meeting, police said the dog that had been causing the most complaints, a female pit bull, has been moved out of town by her owners.
