Bass Lake Beach and Campground Insurance Concerns Raised by Starke County Park Board

The operator of the Bass Lake Beach and Campground has reportedly allowed the site’s liability insurance to expire. Starke County Park Board Member Kathy Norem told the rest of the board last week that she had asked the Auditor’s Office for an update on the insurance policy Callahan Development, LLC is required to have.

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Starke County Park Board Approves Documents for Veteran’s Memorial Project

Several preliminary steps for the new Starke County Veteran’s Memorial were approved by the county park board Tuesday. The memorial will be placed on the southeast corner of the courthouse square. It will include the names of those killed in action in wars and conflicts dating back to the Civil War, etched in a black granite stone.

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Starke County Park Board Denies Rent Credit for Bass Lake Campground Electrical Upgrades

Starke County will not help the operator of the Bass Lake Campground with the cost of electrical upgrades. After six months of discussion, the county park board voted Tuesday to deny a request to deduct the $7,800 cost from the operator’s rent payment. The project would have increased the electrical capacity in the back half of the campground, to accommodate newer RVs.

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State Senator and Representative Meet with County Officials About Flooding

On Sunday afternoon, Starke County officials met with State Representative Jim Pressel (District 20) and State Senator Mike Bohacek (District 8) to discuss the recent devastation caused by flooding and what steps to take next.

Local officials who were present included Starke County EMA Director J. Nier, Surveyor Bill Crase and Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler as well as Engineer Lee Nagai and County Commissioners Kathy Norem, Donnie Binkley and Charles Chesak. Continue reading

Embattled Veterans Service Officer Files Grievance Against County Commissioners

starke-county-courthouseA Starke County employee who was relieved of his duties during Monday’s commissioners meeting has filed a grievance seeking to be reinstated. The commissioners voted 2-0 to replace Veterans Service Officer Terry Turner with Mark Gourley. Commissioner Don Binkley made the motion to terminate Turner, and President of the Commissioners Kent Danford seconded it. Commissioner Kathy Norem did not vote.

After the meeting Danford said he has received several complaints about Turner. Continue reading

Starke County Commissioners Replace Veterans Service Officer

starke-county-courthouseStarke County has a new veterans service officer after action last night by the county commissioners. They voted to terminate Terry Turner from the position and replace him with Mark Gourley. President of the Commissioners Kent Danford says he’s a veteran with experience filing claims for servicemembers in LaPorte County. After the meeting, Danford said he’s received several complaints about Turner.

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Starke County Commissioners Hit Brakes on Road Improvements

starke-county-courthouseA request for funds to further improve Klockner Drive through the Knox Industrial Park hit a speed bump in Monday’s Starke County Commissioners meeting. Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charlie Weaver asked for a significant appropriation from the county economic development income tax fund to rebuild the intersection with Division Road. The project carries an estimated cost of $343,000. Continue reading