Several Local Officials Attend Starke County Economic Development Foundation’s Community Retreat

A variety of local representatives gathered Tuesday morning to learn more about development opportunities during the Starke County Economic Development Foundation’s Community Retreat.

Those in attendance included members of the Starke County Chamber of Commerce as well as local officials from the communities of Bass Lake, Hamlet, Knox and North Judson. Continue reading

Oregon-Davis School Board to Hold Public Work Session About Fiscal Strategic Planning

The Oregon-Davis School Board is holding a special work session on Monday to deliberate and receive public input about fiscal strategic planning for future operations. Specifically, the meeting will pertain to the general and referendum funds of the Oregon-Davis School Corporation.

Any visitor has the opportunity to speak but they must inform the school board president in advance by registering before the meeting begins. A registration sheet will be available at least thirty minute prior to the meeting. Continue reading

Starke County Economic Development Foundation Hosts U.S. 30 Upgrade Committee Meeting

The Starke County Economic Development Foundation hosted a meeting last night with various members of the Starke County community who would be impacted by the proposed U.S. 30 Freeway Project.

SCEDF Executive Director Charles Weaver began the meeting and introduced representatives from Appian , a consulting firm that is working with the foundation. President of the organization, Dennis Faulkenberg started by saying that though the project is still very far down the line, they wanted to hear some of the ideas that were circulating within the community.

Faulkenberg advised everyone present that it is imperative to collect data and come up with a concrete plan prior to approaching INDOT. He said that’s the best way to avoid being pressured into doing the most cost effective option at the expense of what is best for the community. Continue reading

Knox and Koontz Lake Firefighters Assist Hamlet Fire Department With Railroad Street Fire

State Fire Marshal Fred Sumpter has officially ruled the cause of a structure fire that took place in Hamlet last week as undetermined.

Hamlet Fire Chief Brad Hazelton reported that on Friday, October 20th the Hamlet Fire Department received a call about a fire at a vacant structure located on West Railroad Street around 2 a.m. The fire was extinguished but the house was significantly damaged.

Chief Hazelton said that the State Fire Marshall conducted an investigation. Hazelton determined that it was too dangerous for the firefighters involved to enter the crawlspace under the house so the cause was established as undetermined.

Hazelton also reported that thanks to the use of their alarm system, Knox and Koontz Lake Firefighters we called out to assist with the incident. He said the departments often assist one another when they’re in need of more firefighters and to utilize equipment that one department may have access to that another does not. Continue reading

Oregon-Davis School Corporation Introduces New Health Service This School Year

The Oregon-Davis School Corporation recently received a grant from the Indiana Rural Health Association that allowed them to implement a special health service when school began this year. At the new telehealth clinic, an on-site medical assistant utilizes telecommunication technology that allows a student to be seen by a health care provider without leaving school grounds.

Although the clinic is located in a private room at the elementary school, it is available to all Oregon-Davis students from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. on school days. Between August 10th and September 26th, the telehealth clinic had 12 students come in for assistance. Continue reading

State Trooper Discusses Meth Dangers

Methamphetamine is made from common household ingredients like these
Methamphetamine is made from common household ingredients like these

Indiana has the dubious distinction of leading the nation in the number of meth labs seized in both 2013 and 2014. Trooper Maggie Short with the Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team says the highly addictive stimulant can be manufactured easily from ingredients that can be purchased at any hardware or drug store. Continue reading

Economic Development Director to Outline Plans Tonight

starke-county-courthouseStarke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charlie Weaver will present his long-term vision for funds from the county economic development income tax to the county council when they meet this evening. In previous meetings Weaver has expressed a desire to invest in road improvements in the Knox Industrial Park to make it more attractive to businesses looking to relocate or expand. He’s also made mention of improvements in the Hamlet area. Continue reading

Hamlet Town Council Reorganizes

Hamlet Fall 5The Hamlet Town Board met last night with a new member, Connie Bailey, who replaced Frank Lonigro Jr. in the November election. David Kesvormas was re-elected Town Board President. Re-appointed were Martin Bedrock, attorney;  Frank Lonigro, town marshal; Fred Rowe, street superintendent; Henry Ruiz, Water and Waste Water Operator; Connie Bailey, KIRPC representative; and Brian Earnest, Starke County Development Foundation representative.

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