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.”
Continue readingKnox Residents Can Weigh in on Moose Lodge Demolition
Knox residents have a chance to weigh in on the demolition of the former Moose Lodge at 115 North Main Street. The city is seeking almost $138,000 in Blight Clearance funding through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
Continue readingLt. Gov. Expects New Regional Development Initiative to Set Indiana Apart from Other States
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.
Continue readingKnox Seeking Almost $138,000 for Moose Lodge Demolition
The City of Knox is seeking almost $138,000 to help tear down the former Moose Lodge. The city council last week held a public hearing on an application for Blight Clearance Program funding through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
Continue readingKnox Main Street United Gets OCRA Downtown Affiliate Network Designation
Downtown Knox has been added to the base level of the Indiana Main Street program. Knox Main Street United is now an accredited member of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs Downtown Affiliate Network. It’s one of four incoming programs announced by OCRA on Wednesday.
Continue readingStarke County Selected for Rural Opportunity Zone Initiative
Starke County has been selected for some extra help in capitalizing on its Opportunity Zone. Much of the area north of Knox and south of U.S. 30 was designated an Opportunity Zone in 2018. The federal program offers tax incentives for investment in low-income communities.
Continue readingKnox Main Street United Submits Application
Efforts to get a Main Street designation for Downtown Knox took a major step forward Friday. Knox Main Street United submitted its application to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
Continue readingPulaski County Residents Asked to Complete Survey for COVID-19 Response Grant Application
Pulaski County residents have the chance to help make the case for more COVID-19 relief for local businesses. The county is applying for $250,000 through the state’s COVID-19 Response Program to provide small business grants.
Continue readingCulver, Plymouth Awarded Taking Care of Main Street Program Grants
Two local organizations were recently awarded a second round of grants from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs for Main Street programs.
Continue readingKnox Seeking Blight Clearance Funding for Moose Lodge Demolition
Efforts to demolish the former Knox Moose Lodge continue to move ahead. The city council last week agreed to let Mayor Dennis Estok apply for Blight Clearance Program funding through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
Continue readingNorth Judson Council Authorizes Application for More COVID-19 Response Money
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.
Continue readingStarke 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.
Knox Board of Works Approves Final Payment to Wastewater Project Contractor, Despite Problems
It turns out the Knox Wastewater Treatment Plant improvement project wasn’t as close to being done as previously thought. After numerous delays and cost overruns, it appeared last month that the only thing remaining was some final wiring work.
Continue readingMore COVID-19 Relief Available to Main Street Programs
More COVID-19 relief will soon be going to Indiana’s Main Street communities. The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs has launched a second round of its Taking Care of Main Street program.
Continue readingLetters of Support Sought for Knox Main Street Designation
Leaders are expressing optimism with efforts to get a Main Street designation for Downtown Knox. The committee assembled to pursue the designation met Wednesday with Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs Northwest Community Liaison Gerry White last week.
Continue readingIndiana Eases Restrictions on Third Round of COVID-19 Response Program
A third round of COVID-19 Response Program grants is now available to local governments. Cities, towns, and counties can once again apply for up to $250,000 from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Proposals are due January 29.
Continue readingCOVID-19 Relief Funding ‘a Godsend’ for North Judson Businesses
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.
Continue readingKnox Assembles Committee to Pursue Main Street Designation
Knox-area business owners, residents, and elected officials are coming together to revitalize the city’s downtown. The first steps were taken Monday to form a nonprofit organization to pursue an Indiana Main Street designation. That would open the door to significant grant opportunities.
Continue readingKnox Continues to Seek Volunteers to Help City Achieve Main Street Designation
Knox Mayor Dennis Estok is putting out another call for volunteers to help with downtown revitalization efforts. Another informational meeting is planned for Monday night at 6:00 at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center.
Continue readingLandowners Urge Knox to Expand South As Mayor Looks to Revitalize Downtown
Landowners are asking the City of Knox to prepare the way for future growth to the south. Dick Binkley and Jeff Cambe recently told the city council that there’s opportunity for growth along U.S. 35 south of town, but in order for that to happen, the city needs to invest in sewer and water infrastructure.
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