North Judson Town Council Waives Permit Fee for Kid’s Closet Building Addition

Kid’s Closet’s facilities in North Judson

An organization serving Starke County children is expanding its facilities. Kid’s Closet is planning a 60-by-20-foot addition to the building it shares with the North Judson United Methodist Church Food Pantry on State Road 10, according to North Judson Building Inspector Nick Radtke. The town council agreed to waive the building permit fee earlier this month.

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Kid’s Closet, Food Pantry Celebrate Building Purchase

Representatives from the North Judson United Methodist Church outreach ministries joined Starke County Chamber of Commerce representatives for a ribbon cutting for the recently-purchased facility.

Kid’s Closet and the North Judson United Methodist Church Food Pantry cut the ribbon on their permanent home Wednesday. The church’s outreach ministries moved into the building on the west side of North Judson on State Road 10 just over two years ago. After years of raising funds and applying for grants, they were recently able to buy it outright from the Bailey family for $75,000.

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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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SCCF Grants Awarded Year-Round, Funds Still Available for Interested Non-Profits

This year the Starke County Community Foundation eliminated deadlines for their grant applications which allows them to accept applications and award grants all throughout the year. Nearly $23,000 of community grant money remains available to Starke County non-profits who submit grant applications to the SCCF.

So far this year, the SCCF has awarded more than $284,000, with around $12,000 going toward community grants. The foundation is looking to award the remaining $22,900 by the end of 2017. Continue reading

Kid’s Closet Ministry Pack-a-Backpack Event a Success

The volunteers behind the Pack-a-Backpack event call Saturday’s school supply drive a success. School supplies were purchased from members of the community to help students in need through the Kid’s Closet Ministry at the North Judson United Methodist Church at 210 Central Ave.

Any Starke County student in kindergarten through 12th grade who qualifies for free or reduced lunch is welcome to attend the 5th annual Kid’s Closet Pack-a-Backpack on Monday, July 31 and Tuesday, Aug. 1. School supplies may be chosen at that time. The child must be present and the parent must have proper identification.

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