Starke County Council, Commissioners to Meet Tonight

The Starke County Council members will begin preparations for putting together the 2019 budget when they meet tonight. They will set a date for the 2019 budget workshop. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler is anticipated to present his proposed 2019 revenue and budget tonight. The addition of a sergeant jailer will be presented as an amendment to the salary ordinance and the council will appoint a member to the Starke County Library Board.

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Commissioners Review Campaigning Amendment to Employee Handbook, Candidate Signs

The Starke County Commissioners reviewed an amendment to the employee handbook pertaining to campaigning during office hours.

An amendment drafted by County Attorney Marty Lucas prohibits employees from using their county office or employment position to assist in any political campaign or coerce any other employee for political purposes. The document also suggests that it is improper to engage in any political activity during working hours.

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Starke County Commissioners Hear Request on Road Abandonment

 

The Starke County Commissioners entertained a request from a resident about the abandonment of a road during their meeting this week.

Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler explained that resident Dan Gumz just bought property on 200 East north of 50 S. from 50 S. to the dead end and Division Road from 300 East to the dead end that meet. The previous owner gated the road to keep out trespassers and the county hasn’t maintained it for about 25 years, according to Ritzler. The road is in the county inventory. However Gumz asked if the county would like to abandon the road or resume maintenance.

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Wednesday Travel Alerts and Road Closures in Pulaski and Starke Counties

Though the rain has stopped for now, there are still several roads in Starke and Pulaski Counties that are closed due to flooding and high water.

Starke County High Way Superintendent Rik Ritzler warns drivers that it is imperative to refrain from driving down the flooded area of a roadway. He said those roads are closed for a reason, and if you get stuck your rescue could divert resources that may be needed elsewhere.

He added that Starke County is on an orange “Watch” level travel alert due to flooding. He explained that a “Watch” means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. Continue reading

Starke County Commissioners to Meet Tonight

The Starke County Commissioners will meet tonight where Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin will discuss a job description for a part-time employee and request approval of a third K9 for the department. The job description was discussed with the Starke County Council members in January after they learned an employee was doing duties outside of the position for which he was hired. The job description should resolve the issue.

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Dollar General Project to Move Forward

The Starke County Commissioners gathered public comment Monday night on the proposed construction of a Dollar General store at the corner of 200 South and U.S. 35 south of Knox.

Commission President Donnie Binkley noted that he wanted to gather public opinion on the project as the intersection poses a safety concern. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler said INDOT expedited a traffic study at that intersection and found that it does not warrant the installation of a stop light. About 8,000 northbound and southbound vehicles pass that intersection on U.S. 35 each day. Less than 30 cars turn east on 200 South which is the location of the driveway.

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Starke County Commissioners to Meet Tonight

The Starke County Commissioners will meet tonight after last week’s regular meeting was postponed. The commissioners still plan to hold public discussion tonight on the proposed move of the Dollar General Store to the eastern corner of 200 South and U.S. 35 just south of Knox.

During their December 18th meeting, the commissioners discussed the amended plans for the driveway into the store off of 200 South which presents potential safety concerns, according to Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler. He told the board that it’s a heavily traveled area and he’d like to see a stop light or some safety enhancement at that intersection. The commissioners agreed to gather public comment on the matter during tonight’s regular session meeting.

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Public Input Sought on Proposed Dollar General Store Project in Knox

Update: Tonight’s Starke County Commissioners meeting has been rescheduled due to cold weather. Auditor Kay Chaffins says it will now be held Monday, January 8 at 6:00 p.m.

 

The Starke County Commissioners will hold public discussion on the proposed move of the Dollar General Store to the eastern corner of 200 South and U.S. 35 just south of Knox.

During their December 18th meeting, the commissioners discussed the amended plans for the driveway into the store off of 200 South which presents potential safety concerns, according to Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler. He told the board that it’s a heavily traveled area and he’d like to see a stop light or some safety enhancement at that intersection. The commissioners agreed to gather public comment on the matter during tonight’s regular session meeting.

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