Knox City Officials Seek DNR Funds for Upgrades at Sandy Acres

A potential project at Sandy Acres Park in has city officials seeking funds from the Department of Natural Resources.

While discussing some possible upcoming projects at last week’s city council meeting, Mayor Dennis Estok shared that City Attorney and Park Board President Autumn Ferch has been working on a grant to submit to the DNR.

If awarded, the funds would be used in order to help cover the cost of upgrading some of the amenities at Sandy Acres, the city park located near U.S. 35 and Veteran’s Parkway.

Estok mentioned some of the additions that they’re looking into, “New restrooms,new shelter, parking lot will be asphalted, new ADA side walks and a possibility of lighting the parking lot up and all that.”

Estok noted that since the grant money hasn’t come in yet, these are all just preliminary ideas that are being considered. However, the estimated cost of the project, including lighting, would be around $150,000 – $170,000.

The Mayor mentioned that they’re going after a 50/50 grant. He said since it is not in the Park Board’s budget, the City would need to come up with half of the money to cover the upgrades. He added that it could likely be feasibly split up between a few different accounts such as the River Boat and CEDIT funds.

First Day of Filing Ends with Three Candidates for Knox Offices

Three Democrats filed to run for office in the City of Knox on the first day of filing Wednesday. Mayor Dennis Estok and District 3 City Council Member Jeff V. Berg both filed for reelection, according to the Starke County Clerk’s Office, while Colleen A. Hodge filed to run for clerk-treasurer. Incumbent Jeff Houston is not seeking another term.

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Knox Officials Seek Two More Eye Sores to Demolish with Remaining Blight Elimination Funds

With money remaining from the Blight Elimination Grant, Knox officials are looking for a few more eye sores to get rid of within the city limits.

In his report during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston stated that about $36,000 is left over from that grant.

Mayor Dennis Estok added that they can afford to eliminate two more structures and encouraged anyone who owns a blighted or abandoned building to contact his office as soon as possible. Continue reading

Knox City Council Authorizes Housing Rehabilitation Grant Application to be Submitted

A resolution authorizing a grant to be submitted to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority was approved by Knox City Council members Tuesday night.

Mayor Dennis Estok explained that officials will be applying for an owner-occupied housing rehabilitation grant that is geared toward helping low and moderate income individuals as well as those with disabilities.

Mayor Estok indicated that the funding would help offset the cost of various rehabilitation projects including those that have to do with electricity, plumbing or roof work. Continue reading

Holiday Essay Contest Winners will Play a Part in Knox’s Christmas Festivities Later this Month

Several talented student writers from the Knox Community School Corporation will get a chance to play a part in the Peppermint Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony thanks to their impressive essays about what Christmas means to them.

Knox Mayor Dennis Estok recognized the participating 4th, 5th and 6th-grade students at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, stating that all the kids did a great job with their essays. Continue reading