Railroad Dispute Costing Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, Town of North Judson

The ongoing dispute between the Town of North Judson and Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad Company has put the brakes on the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s excursions past English Lake. Photo provided

The legal battle over North Judson’s short line railroad has town officials considering the line’s future. Last July, the town council decided to lease the line to Michigan-based Lake State Railway, but the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad still hasn’t vacated it.

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Chickens Complaints Lead to Lengthy Discussion During North Judson Town Council Meeting

The North Judson Town Council may revisit its animal ordinance, following complaints about chickens during last week’s meeting. Nearly six years ago, council members voted to prohibit residents from keeping farm animals, including chickens, within town limits. But during last week’s meeting, some residents complained that they continue to see chickens in North Judson. Continue reading

North Judson Council Introduces Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Ordinances

North Judson Council President Wendy Hoppe; Police Officer Frank Thomas; Council Members Josh Brown, John Rowe, Jane Ellen Felchuk, James Young; Town Attorney Justin Schramm, Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins

North Judson water and sewer customers will soon have the chance to weigh in on proposed rate hikes. Updated water and sewer rate ordinances were introduced on first reading during last week’s town council meeting. The council’s next step will be to hold a public hearing, before making a final decision. Continue reading

North Judson Recycling Drop-Off Site to Be Removed, Curbside Recycling Discussions Continue

 

Whether or not North Judson gets curbside recycling pickup, the recycling drop-off site currently offered by the Starke County Environmental Management District will be removed by July 1. That’s what town council member Jane Ellen Felchuk told the rest of the council Monday. Town officials say it’s been difficult to keep the site clean, and they want the bins taken away as soon as possible. Continue reading

North Judson Council Hires Engineering Firm to Evaluate 205 and 207 Lane Street

North Judson officials hope to move forward soon with the demolition of a downtown building. Pulaski Circuit Judge Michael Shurn approved an emergency demolition order Monday morning, allowing the town to tear down the structure at 205 and 207 Lane Street without having to go through a bid process. But before that can happen, Shurn also asked that a structural engineering report be completed, to determine whether Doug Cassel can safely remove several pieces of his personal property. Continue reading

North Judson Town Marshal Fired

North Judson Town Marshal John Ramos and Officer Frank Thomas

North Judson may soon be looking for a new town marshal. John Ramos was terminated by the town council during a special session Friday, according to Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins. She says council members did not publicly announce a reason for his dismissal. Continue reading