An extension of the Erie Trail could soon secure a path all the way to LaCrosse, but more discussions are needed with the new owner of the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad.
Continue readingNorth Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department Narrows Truck Options
The North Judson-Wayne Township Volunteer fire department thinks it’s found its next tanker truck. Fire Chief Joe Leszek told the town council Monday that the department is leaning toward a 2022 Freightliner from McGinley Fire Apparatus for a cost of almost $240,000.
Continue readingPrairie Trails Club Prepares to Welcome Veterans Taking Part in Cross-Country Bike Trip
Five veterans’ journey back to civilian life will take them through Starke County in the coming days, and members of the Prairie Trails Club are stepping up to welcome them. Warrior Expeditions is a nonprofit group that helps veterans transition away from their wartime experiences through an outdoor therapy program.
Continue readingNorth Judson Businesses Have until Jul. 2 to Apply for COVID-19 Relief
North Judson businesses can start applying for more COVID-19 relief in the coming days. The town council signed off Monday on the applications for the small business grants North Judson is offering as part of the third phase of the state’s COVID-19 Response Program. Applications are due back to the town by Friday, July 2.
Continue readingCo-Working Space, Popup Store, Second Business Pitch Competition Proposed for North Judson
A North Judson native continues pushing for more business development in town. Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Lisa Dan recently told the town council that Kirt Verhagen wants to bring a co-working space or maybe a popup store to North Judson.
Continue readingNorth Judson Council Adjusts Pay Rates for Seasonal Utility Workers
The North Judson Utility Department will have some flexibility when it comes to paying part-time or seasonal workers. A salary ordinance amendment approved by the town council Monday lets the department pay up to $15 an hour for up to 40 hours per week.
Continue readingNorth Judson Plans Splash Pad Ribbon Cutting
North Judson will dedicate its new splash pad on Memorial Day weekend. During Monday’s meeting, the town council scheduled a ribbon cutting for Saturday, May 29. No specific time was announced. The splash pad had a soft opening last fall.
Continue readingNorth Judson Council to Discuss COVID-19 Response Funding, Park Plan Tonight
Another round of COVID-19 relief for North Judson businesses will be discussed during tonight’s town council meeting. The town was recently awarded $200,000 through the state’s COVID-19 Response Program to give grants to local businesses. The town is also chipping in $10,000 from its Revolving Loan Fund.
Continue readingGrant Stipulations Raise Concerns for Norwayne Field Restroom Project
Conditions for the Norwayne Field restroom project’s grant funding could end up costing North Judson more money. The project is being funded, in part, with funding Constellation of Starke got for being a finalist in Indiana’s 2019 Stellar Communities program.
Continue readingHoosier Valley Railroad Museum Excursions Start Next Saturday
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is gearing up for the start of its 2021 season. Saturday excursions from North Judson to English Lake start May 1. The 45-minute round trips depart at 12:30 and 2:00 p.m. CDT.
Continue readingEvent Organizers Say Bringing Back Summer Festivals Will Require Volunteers, Financial Help
Summer events may be coming back after a year off due to the pandemic, but in order for that to happen, they’ll need some help. Knox Mayor Dennis Estok told the city council last week that things are lining up for the July 3 Family Fun Day, but they’re still trying to round up volunteers. “These events, it’s like starting all over,” he said. “You know, we’ve lost our continuity a little bit.”
Continue readingNorth Judson Town Marshal Reports Success with Spring Cleanup
North Judson’s spring cleanup event was a success, according to Town Marshal Kelly Fisher. She told the town council Monday that about 200 letters were sent before the event to homes that police believed needed attention. Out of those, she said she wrote six tickets Monday for homes that still didn’t comply.
Continue readingNorth Judson Council to Get Updates from Fleis & VandenBrink, North Judson-Wayne Township Library
The North Judson Town Council will get updates from Fleis & VandenBrink tonight. The engineering firm helps the town with street and sidewalk projects, and it’s also offered to help put together a five-year park plan. That, in turn, would make the town’s park board eligible for Land and Water Conservation Fund matching grants. But town officials have said they’d like to give other firms a chance to offer proposals, first.
Continue readingNorth Judson Town Council Finalizes $30,000 Loan to Help OTES through Pandemic
The North Judson Town Council has finalized some COVID-19 help for a local business. Outstanding Tradeshow Exhibit Services (OTES) has gotten a $30,000 loan through the town’s Revolving Loan Fund.
Continue readingNorth Judson to Hold Spring Cleanup Event this Weekend
The Town of North Judson is once again making it easier for residents to clean up their properties this weekend. Town Marshal Kelly Fisher is coordinating a spring cleanup event.
Continue readingNorth Judson Town Council Agrees to Vacate Alleys on Undeveloped Land
The owner of three undeveloped parcels in North Judson will have more control over the land, following action by the town council last week. The three parcels off of Simmons Street owned by Tom DeCola were separated by what were technically alleys, even though the entire site was undeveloped, according to Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe.
Continue readingNorth Judson, Winamac Approve Cemetery Mowing Bids
North Judson and Winamac are both keeping their current cemetery mowing contractors for another year, after no other companies submitted bids. The North Judson Town Council Monday officially hired TJ’s Lawn Care to mow and maintain Highland and Pioneer cemeteries for 2021.
Continue readingNew North Judson Police K-9 Gets to Work
The newest member of the North Judson Police Department was introduced to the town council Monday. K-9 Tiko has completed his six-week training course with Officer Keaton Leszek, according to Town Marshal Kelly Fisher.
Continue readingNorth Judson Council to Hold Public Hearing on Alley Vacation Request Tonight
The North Judson Town Council will take comments on an alley vacation request tonight. Tom DeCola owns three parcels of land off of Simmons Street, but they’re separated by what are technically alleys. During the previous council meeting, Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe said DeCola’s request only appears to apply to the alleys between those parcels, not to those bordering any other properties.
Continue readingStarke County Economic Development Foundation Promises to Help Address Housing Demand
While Starke County’s population is not projected to grow, its housing market tells a different story. That’s what Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Lisa Dan recently told the North Judson Town Council.
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