Employees at the Knox Wastewater Treatment Plant put in quite a bit of overtime during last week’s torrential downpour. Superintendent Kelly Clemons says it brought in 8.2 inches of rain in less than 24 hours. Of that, more than 7 inches fell between 5:30 and 11:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 15. Clemons told the board of works Wednesday employees spent the night at the plant to ensure everything was operating properly. Continue reading
Knox Police Department Prepares for K-9 Addition
08-25-16
The new patrol vehicle for the Knox Police Department’s K-9 officer has been delivered. Police Chief Harold Smith told the Board of Works yesterday the kennel has been installed in the Chevrolet Tahoe. It’s currently in Plymouth getting emergency lights and a radio installed and will be on the road by Sept. 1st. Continue reading
Four Down, Four to Go — Mayor Provides Blight Elimination Update
The City of Knox is making progress in the quest to clean up dilapidated houses. Mayor Dennis Estok told the board of works last week the first four houses acquired from willing sellers with blight elimination grant funds have been torn down. After the contractor cleans up debris from each site, the lots will be seeded. Continue reading
Knox City Police Department Makes Final Push for Dog Donations
The Knox City Police Department is within $1,000 of being able to add a K-9 to its ranks. Police Chief Harold Smith told the board of works Wednesday their cost has dropped from $16,000 to $13,000 for the dog and training for Officer Chad Dulin. Continue reading
Knox Board of Works Transfers Lift Station Ownership
The new lift station in the Knox Industrial Park is now the responsibility of the business for which it was added. The Knox Board of Works last week formally transferred ownership to Traffic Control Specialists, Inc. Continue reading
Board of Works Approves Dump Truck Sale
The City of Knox has sold off its surplus dump truck. Continue reading
Knox Board of Works Grants Conditional Blight Elimination Contract
The effort to tear down dilapidated houses within the Knox city limits took another step forward yesterday during a special-called Board of Works meeting. Members opened three bids for the demolition of four more houses with money from a blight elimination grant from the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority. Continue reading
Knox Board of Works Upholds Demolition Orders
Efforts to either fix up or tear down dilapidated buildings within the Knox city limits are continuing. The Board of Works yesterday affirmed demolition orders for three properties. Continue reading
Knox Board of Works Cracks Down on Code Violations
Code enforcement and cleanup efforts are continuing in Knox. The Board of Works has four public hearings scheduled tomorrow for homes found to be in violation of the city’s building ordinances. Continue reading
Knox Cracks Down on Code Violations
The City of Knox is cracking down on ordinance violations. Building Inspector Bruce Williams told the board of works last week he sent 45 code enforcement letters in May. Most were for tall grass and weeds. He’s also conducted multiple rental inspections as part of the city’s effort to keep up with who owns properties. Continue reading
Knox Officials Struggle With Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are creating an issue for the Knox Wastewater Department. Superintendent Kelly Clemons told the board of works last week the plant treats an average of 300,000 gallons of water per day in dry weather. She says amount more than doubles when it rains due to the number of gutters, catch basins and sump pumps tied into the sanitary sewer system. Continue reading
More Infrastructure Updates Possible at Wythogan Park
The City of Knox wants to continue improving water service in Wythogan Park. Continue reading
Crack Sealing Underway in Knox
The Knox Street Department has shifted its focus to repairs now that spring has finally sprung. Superintendent Jeff Borg told the board of works crews are finishing up their first crack sealing program with cold sealer and will have a hot seal mix available for use next week. Continue reading
Fundraising Efforts Continue for Knox Police K9
The Knox Police Department is approaching the halfway point in terms of fundraising for the purchase of a K9. Police Chief Harold Smith told the board of works on Wednesday they’ve raised $7,300 of the $17,000 to cover the cost of buying and training the dog and its handler. They hope to get a dual-purpose dog to detect drugs and assist with search and rescue efforts. Continue reading
Knox Board of Works Awards Sidewalk Repair Contract
A Grovertown-based contractor is the apparent low bidder for work as part of the Knox 50-50 sidewalk replacement program. The Board of Works voted to accept the bid of $21,550 from Pete Kuchel Concrete. Continue reading
Knox Board of Works Condemns Vacant Home
The owner of a house on Mound Street in Knox that has been deemed unsafe has 60 days to tear it down following action yesterday by the city’s Board of Works. They acted on building inspector Bruce Williams’ recommendation to condemn the property at 353 East Mound Street. He originally recommended the structure be torn down in 2014, but the city gave the owner time to make repairs. Continue reading
Habitat for Humanity Eyes Knox for Future Home Site
Starke-Pulaski Habitat for Humanity officials would like to work with the City of Knox to get some properties back on the tax rolls. Executive Director Steve Morrison told the board of works last week the goal is to help families with young children have a decent place to live by providing them an interest-free mortgage on a decent home in exchange for “sweat equity.” If you need a cash offer to buy your dream home, Reali Cash Offer helps everyday buyers like you make a cash offer on a house. Continue reading
Knox Board of Works Approves Water Line Upgrade, Hydrant Addition
The City of Knox is investing in infrastructure updates to benefit the workforce training programs offered through the SCILL Center. The Starke County Economic Development Foundation recently acquired the old B&H Supply building on South Heaton Street. Continue reading
Blighted Knox Properties Waiting for Demolition
The City of Knox has four houses ready for demolition as part of their blight elimination grant process. Sewer and water lines to all four properties have been capped, and NIPSCO has disconnected utilities. Continue reading
Knox Police Department Looks to Add K-9
The Knox Police Department is looking to add a four-legged crime fighter to its ranks. They received approval from the board of works to purchase a K-9 to assist with drug investigations and searches. Continue reading
