Splash Pad Talks Continue in North Judson

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

A representative from Vortex Aquatic Structures came before the North Judson Town Council last week to provide them with a bit more information about the Splash Pad that’s being considered for Norwayne Field.

Vortex Splash Pad Expert Bill Smith talked with the council and stressed the fact that their goal is to build a feature that fits the town’s needs. To address concerns with water usage, Smith noted that play value isn’t dependent on using a lot of water.

To drive that point home, Smith said he likes to use a garden hose as an example. Continue reading →

The Next Stellar Step for North Judson is to Create a Comprehensive Plan

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

Coordination between North Judson officials and representatives at the Kankakee Iroquois Regional Planning Committee (KIRPC) is happening as the town prepares to have a comprehensive plan created.

When North Judson town council members met on Monday, Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe shared a bit about the recent meeting held at Starke County Economic Development Foundation offices about local Regional Stellar efforts.

He said the next step for North Judson is to start putting together a comprehensive plan. Continue reading →

North Judson Town Marshal Highlights School Involvement

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

At Monday night’s North Judson Town Council meeting, Town Marshal Kelly Fisher highlighted some of the ways that the police department stays involved with the school corporation.

She told the members that she and Officer Rico Simpson recently assisted with a drill at the North Judson-San Pierre Schools.

Fisher explained, “I was very impressed, especially with the high school kids. We went into the school and if I didn’t know any better, I wouldn’t think that there was staff or students or anybody anywhere in the school.” Continue reading →

North Judson Clerk Treasurer Shares Plans to Get Clock on Lane Street Working Again

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan
Photo Source: Joey BLS Photography

North Judson’s Clerk-Treasurer is looking to get a focal point in town back in working order. Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe told council members and meeting attendees on Monday that he wants to fix the tall clock that stands in front of Grand Central Station on Lane Street.

Rowe said, “It’s a neat thing to have in our downtown and I think it’s wasted there; A: not working and B: not being lit up in the evenings.” Continue reading →

‘Hope Restored’ to Bring Sober Living Home into North Judson

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan
photo source: English Lake Church Pamphlet

Some inspirational individuals impacted by drug addiction came before the North Judson Town Council this week to discuss the steps they’re taking to bring a sober living home into the community.

A building at the corner of Sycamore and Lane Streets in North Judson is currently being transformed into the ‘Hope Restored’ rehabilitation center and living facility.

Recovered addict Zach Howisen shared that while he was incarcerated on drug-related charges, he felt compelled to change his ways and wanted to do something to give back to the community. Continue reading →

New Full-Time Officer Welcomed North Judson Police Department at Town Council Meeting, Reserve Officers Recommended

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan
North Judson Town Marshal Kelly Fisher and Officer Jamie Conklin

North Judson Town Officials and residents welcomed a new full-time officer to the police force during Monday night’s town council meeting.

At their first meeting of the month, town council members approved hiring Officer Jamie Conklin to the force full-time. Town Marshal Kelly Fisher shared a little bit about Officer Conklin.

She told members and meeting attendees, “He’s been through the academy, he’s worked part-time for me for a year and he’s an excellent employee, I’m glad to have him full-time. Prior to working with law enforcement, he had 8 years of active duty with the Navy so we’re definitely happy to have him aboard.” Continue reading →

North Judson Town Council Approves Company for Sewer Line Replacement Project

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan
North Judson Town Hall is Located at 310 Lane Street

Two quotes for a sewer line replacement project near the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum were presented to North Judson Town Council members last Monday.

Town Superintendent Marshall Horstmann has been attempting to obtain quotes for this project for a few months. He initially presented the members with one quote and they asked him to obtain some other offers for comparison. Continue reading →

North Judson Town Marshal Submits Promotion Request to Town Council

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

The North Judson Police Department is adding a new full-time officer to the force.

The Department was back down to only three full-time officers following the recent resignation of James Dulin who was hired back in November. At the request of Town Marshal Kelly Fisher, Town Council members gave permission to promote part-time officer Jamie Conklin to full-time status. Continue reading →

North Judson Town Council Considers the Possibility a Splash Pad at Norwayne Field

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

Some questions were raised when the possibility of installing a splash pad at Norwayne Field was brought up at Monday night’s North Judson Town Council meeting.

Councilman James Young told members that in an effort to find something that could draw young families to the area while simultaneously giving local kids something to do, a few town officials recently met with a representative from the company Vortex Aquatic Structures. Continue reading →

Town-Wide Yard Sale Discussed at North Judson Town Council Meeting

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan
Picture Source: Town of North Judson FB Page

Saturday’s town-wide yard sale was a topic of discussion when North Judson Town Council members met Monday evening.

Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe told members that there were 43 individuals who signed up in time to be included on the maps and eight additional individuals came in to purchase permits after the fact. Continue reading →

Waterworks and Sewer Project Ordinances Considered by North Judson Town Council

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

North Judson Town Council members took a major step with their Waterworks and Sewer projects when they met last Monday.

Two ordinances related to the projects were considered at last week’s meeting. These documents laid out various details, including all the entities involved as well as certain requirements and responsibilities related to the projects and how they’re being financed. Continue reading →

North Judson Town Council Addresses Property Classification Concern

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

North Judson Town Council members addressed a property classification concern when they met last Monday.

Don Ward and Gus Curran came before council members last week to ask whether they knew if a particular piece of property was zoned within the town limits or if it fell in the county’s jurisdiction.

He added that they were looking to get some kind of definitive statement from the council as soon as possible since Curran is attempting to sell the property and already had one client turn away due to the zoning complications. Continue reading →

North Judson Town Council President Addresses Procedure Needed on Railroad

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

North Judson Town Council President Wendy Hoppe shared some railroad information with council members Monday night.

She noted that the weeds that pop up on the railroad tracks need to be sprayed from time to time to keep them from catching on fire. Hoppe said there is a company in New Haven that provided a quote and mentioned that they’re the only business in the state that is licensed to do the procedure. Continue reading →

North Judson Town Marshal Discusses Glock Buyback Opportunity

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

North Judson Town Marshal Kelly Fisher informed town council members about buyback special being offered by the Glock fire-arms company.

She noted that North Judson police officers currently carry 357s and they’re about 20-year-old models. Marshal Fisher stated that the NJPD could trade in their old guns and the company would provide the force with 9mm guns, equipped with night site, for a discounted price of $110 each. Continue reading →