COVID-19 Prompts Volunteer Organizations to Find More Efficient Ways to Help Those in Need

In a year when COVID-19 has disrupted much of everyday life, local volunteers have used their creativity to keep helping those in need. The Kid’s Closet Ministry provides school supplies, clothing, and other resources to about Starke County 1,200 children a year. Director Linda Lewandowski says that volunteers can no longer deliver clothes directly to homes, but they found a solution that turned out to be more efficient.

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Support Local Businesses This Saturday at the Starke County Holiday Market

The inaugural Starke County Holiday Market is taking place this Saturday. The Starke County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting these holiday shopping events on the first four Saturdays in December to give residents a chance to do their seasonal shopping locally.

Vendors can start setting up in the Knox Mall at 8 a.m. and individuals are responsible for bringing their own tables and chairs. The event will run from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. tomorrow and the initial prize drawing for the Shop Local Bingo game will be held around 1 p.m. Continue reading

Starke County Young Professionals Choose to Remain a Committee through the Chamber of Commerce

When the Starke County Young Professionals Group met earlier this month, they covered a few different organizational matters.

For instance, members discussed whether they should remain a committee under the Starke County Chamber of Commerce or if they should branch out and go through the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

There was a consensus among the members in attendance that it would be more beneficial to remain a committee under the Chamber for the time being. Continue reading

The Starke County Chamber of Commerce ‘Shop Local Bingo’ Game Starts This Friday!

As the Holiday shopping season kicks off, the Starke County Chamber of Commerce is encouraging citizens to check out some local establishments before going straight to big department stores or perusing online options.

In order to get people excited about what the community has to offer, the Chamber will be sponsoring a “Shop Local Bingo” game during the peak holiday shopping days. Continue reading

Dedicated Community Members Honored at Starke County Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner

Brenda and Van Janovic, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessica Craig and Chamber President Jerry Gurrado

The Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center was teeming with community spirit Thursday evening during the annual Starke County Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner.

The event was attended by local leaders, state representatives, former award recipients and a plethora of caring community members. It was led by Chamber of Commerce President Jerry Gurrado and Executive Director Jessica Craig.

The man of the hour was the owner of Territorial Engineering Van Janovic, who was presented with the Henry F. Schricker Service Before Self Award. Continue reading