Knox mayor Rick Chambers is reminding residents that it’s illegal to burn leaves in the city. He says that with leaves falling, it’s tempting to want to burn them, but he’s asking residents to respect the no burn ordinance. Continue reading
2015 Knox Municipal Primary Election Results
Knox Council Discusses Flood Plan Ordinance
The Knox City Council this week approved a new flood plan ordinance on its first reading as required by FEMA in order for residents to be able to acquire flood insurance. Mayor Rick Chambers explained that the city has been required to update their current plan and the state provided a sample ordinance that could be adapted to suit the city’s needs.
Moving Starke County Forward Reaches China
The participants in the Moving Starke County Forward program have officially walked from the Statue of Liberty, past Hawaii, all the way to Beijing, China. That makes 10,677 miles logged by those involved.
The goal is to go all the way around the world by Sept. 2. Make sure you log your steps every week by calling (574) 772-1272.
State Budget Cuts Affect Knox Highway, Park Departments
The Knox City Council is trying to come up with a solution to a problem that is not uncommon to them, but inconvenient all the same. Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston told the council that he received a notice from the State Board of Accounts detailing their budget order and explaining what amounts each budget would receive.
Houston explained that on the whole, the budgets are looking good, but there are two budgets that will need to be reworked due to cuts from the state. The Motor Vehicle Highway Fund, with a balance of $413,131, was cut by $24,536 – not a hefty cut, but still a hindrance. The Park Department’s budget was also cut by $11,135 for a total budget amount of $146,358 – another small cut, but park officials are calling it another obstacle to their five-year plan.
Knox Mayor Reminds Residents of No-Burn Ordinance
Knox Mayor Rick Chambers encourages residents to follow the city’s no-burn ordinance this fall.
Some leaves are falling and, while it’s tempting to burn leaves, there is an ordinance within city limits that prohibits that activity. Residents can discard any unwanted brush in the compost pile behind Knox City Hall.
Employees with the Knox Street Department will be picking up leaves beginning Tuesday, Oct. 9. Place leaves along the side of the street for pickup and do not bag them, as the garbage contractors will not pick up bagged leaves.
Starke County Convention and Visitors Board Reorganized
The Starke County Convention and Visitors Commission Board has reorganized. Knox Mayor Rick Chambers is the new president, John Hensler will take the role of vice president, the treasurer is now Pat Mitchell, and Ed Hasnerl is secretary.
Hasnerl, Fred Boyer, and Marty Lucas were sworn in as new members.
Hasnerl was named by the commissioners, Boyer is the member from the Hoosier Valley Railroad, and Lucas represents the Innkeepers’ interests.
The board receives and distributes funds to promote tourism in Starke County.
Incumbents Re-Elected in City of Knox Primary Election
Knox City Democrats went to the polls yesterday and re-elected Mayor Rick Chambers, Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston, and City Councilman Ron Parker in the contested races.
Chambers defeated challenger Mark Smith 401-288 in the mayoral race, and at party headquarters, he thanked his supporters.
“It’s been an exciting four years and I’m just humbled by the public coming out and voting and supporting me,” said Chambers. “We’re here to support the public. I’ve got to thank my family. My Mother-in-Law, my kids, everybody else that helped me, and the City workers who have made me look good for the past four years. We’ve got to thank them.”
Knox City Employees Encourage Citizens to Donate Food during their Food Drive
The employees of the City of Knox are planning a special fundraiser for the holiday season this year.
“For Christmas, the employees of the City of Knox have decided to forgo the usual gift exchange and to participate in a food drive for the Starke County Food Bank,” said Knox Mayor, Rick Chambers. “All of the employees will make cash donations or will bring food items to the Clerk’s Office for collection. Anyone wanting to assist the Knox City employees in this food drive are asked to drop off your donations or food items at City Hall, in the Clerk’s Office. If you want to make a donation and are unable to make it to City Hall, call Mayor Rick Chambers or any member of the Knox Common Council to schedule a pick up.”
The deadline date to donate food items is Wednesday, December 17th.
