Planning Underway for Knox Farmers Market, City Council Authorizes Moose Lodge Demolition Grant Application

Efforts to demolish the former Knox Moose Lodge could have a role to play in the development of a new farmers market. Mayor Dennis Estok told the city council Tuesday that plans are in the works to set up a market on Main Street in front of the old Moose. “Kailey Hart will be the manager of that market,” Estok explained. “She will be a subcommittee from the Knox Main Street group.”

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Lt. Gov. Expects New Regional Development Initiative to Set Indiana Apart from Other States

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch speaks during during the Northwest Indiana Forum’s legislative wrap-up breakfast in Merrillville Thursday.

Indiana’s lieutenant governor expects a big impact from the state’s new regional development initiative. Suzanne Crouch says the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) will provide up to $50 million each, to up to 10 regions.

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North Judson Council Authorizes Application for More COVID-19 Response Money

Picture Source: Town of North Judson FB Page

North Judson is applying for another round of COVID-19 relief for local businesses, but it will be up against some stiff competition. The town council voted Monday to let officials apply for another $200,000 from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ COVID-19 Response Program.

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Starke County Government Leaders Look for Public’s Help in Obtaining Grant

Starke County officials are looking to apply for the maximum award of $250,000 in an Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs grant and they need residents of the county to help the county secure that grant. 

In order to obtain more points in the application in this competitive process, Starke County government leaders are asking residents to complete a simple survey of five questions asking for support for the grant. 

A link to the survey can be found below. 

If awarded, $100,000 of the grant funds will be used for $100 food boxes made available to those impacted with COVID-19 for pick-up, or sponsor more food distribution days with the Northern Indiana Food Bank.

The remaining $150,000 would be available to small businesses in the unincorporated areas of the county, if awarded.

The Starke County Commissioners previously stated that since officials in the City of Knox and the Town of North Judson will be submitting independent applications, the county would assist those small business owners who qualify in Koontz Lake, Bass Lake, San Pierre and the Town of Hamlet.

The $25,000 match may come from the Northern Indiana Community Foundation or funds out of the county’s County Economic Development Income Tax fund.

COVID-19 Relief Funding ‘a Godsend’ for North Judson Businesses

Picture Source: Town of North Judson FB Page

North Judson businesses are thanking the town for helping them survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this fall, the town was able to award a total of $220,000 in grants to 30 businesses, with money from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ COVID-19 Response Program, as well as the town’s revolving loan fund.

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