When community leaders gathered in the Starke County Economic Development Foundation’s office last week for an informational meeting about OCRA’s Regional Stellar initiative, they were asked to consider some of the existing assets within the county.
Stellar Community Project Manager Michael Sinnet said they should consider a variety of different elements within the community that could encompass a number of categories including natural, human, financial and physical assets. Continue reading
Preventing the erosion of the Bass Lake shoreline is the goal of a planned research effort. Resident Rick Anderson told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that it’s a challenging issue, due to the lake’s big waves and hard winter ice, but there are a couple officials with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources who might have some ideas.
The Starke County Economic Development Foundation hosted another informational session about the Regional Stellar Communities Designation Program.
Leaders from Hamlet, North Judson and Knox as well officials at the County level and individuals from other entities looking to get involved in the process gathered at the SCEDF office Wednesday night to receive more details about obtaining “Stellar” status.
OCRA’s Liaison for Northwest Indiana Gerry White returned and this time he was joined by Stellar Community Project Manager Michael Sinnet. Continue reading
The Town of Hamlet is joining Starke County’s effort to become a Stellar Community. The county government plans to team up with the county’s three incorporated municipalities to apply for a regional Stellar designation in 2019. The Hamlet Town Council voted Wednesday to move forward with the process, along with the rest of the county.
A Stellar Community designation could be a way to bring improvements to the Bass Lake Beach. That was the suggestion given to the Starke County Park Board last week.
The State of Indiana hopes to encourage collaboration with this year’s round of Stellar Community designations. Each year since 2011, the program has designated two cities or towns as Stellar Communities, making them eligible for millions of dollars in seed money from the state and federal government, to improve quality of life. This year, the state’s taking a slightly different approach, picking two regions, instead.
Knox Mayor Dennis Estok said city officials are going to wait to come on board with a local Stellar effort until a bit more research has been done. Continue reading
The Hamlet Town Council is being asked to make a decision on whether or not it will be part of Starke County’s quest to become a Stellar Community. The Starke County Economic Development Foundation has been spearheading the effort, which officials hope will open the door to additional grant opportunities and investment.
North Judson officials confirmed that they will be joining the Regional Stellar Communities effort during Monday night’s town council meeting. Continue reading
Starke County officials will be taking the steps necessary in becoming a stellar community.
North Judson Town Council members will discuss this year’s Mint Festival when they meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. in North Judson Town Hall.
Department heads will report on any relevant updates and there will be time set aside for guest recognition and any additional business deemed necessary by the council.
Additionally, Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe, Vice President John Rowe and Council members James Young and Jane Ellen Felchuck attended a meeting at the Starke County Economic Development Foundation on Thursday. Continue reading
