North Judson Council to Get Update from Starke County Economic Development Foundation

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

The North Judson Town Council will get an update from Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charlie Weaver tonight. Recently, Weaver’s been discussing plans to bring U.S. 30 up to freeway standards in the northern part of Starke County, as well as efforts to develop properties around North Judson and elsewhere.

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Knox Pulls Recycling Drop-Off Bins

The recycling bins at the corner of Shield and Mound Streets in Knox were removed last week, according to Mayor Dennis Estok.

The City of Knox is no longer offering drop-off recycling. Mayor Dennis Estok told the city council last night the Starke County Environmental Council pulled the two bins located at the corner of Shield and Mound Streets at his request last Friday. Continue reading

North Judson Council Rejects Lone Building Demolition Bid, Approves Fence

A structurally unsafe building in downtown North Judson will not be able to be torn down before this weekend’s Mint Festival. The town only received one quote to demolish the structure at 205 and 207 Lane Street, and it was for more than $250,000. The council last week formally voted to reject it, citing a lack of detail in the specifications as well as the price. Continue reading

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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North Judson Council Approves Over $31,000 in Lift Station Bills

A hit-and-run driver damaged this lift station at the intersection of Luken and 3rd Streets in North Judson sometime between May 22 and 23.

The North Judson Town Council approved the payment of over $31,000 in lift station bills this week. The bulk of that is to replace the control panel and pumps at the 3rd Street lift station, after it was damaged by a hit-and-run driver last month.

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North Judson Council Approves Water and Sewer Rate Hikes

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

Water and sewer rate hikes were approved by the North Judson Town Council Monday. The average sewer bill will go up 25 percent or just over nine dollars, according to accounting firm Umbaugh and Associates. Water bills will increase by 30 percent or $4.60, on average. The last time North Judson increased its rates was in 2008. Continue reading