Site clearing work is under way for construction of NIPSCO’s 100-mile, $270 million above-ground electrical transmission line. It will connect the power company’s three major transmission substations in Reynolds, Burr Oak and Topeka as required by the grid operator for the Midwest region. NIPSCO officials say the new transmission line will enhance system reliability, offer environmental benefits by increasing access to wind and solar energy and allow for greater access to supplies of electricity including improved access to lower cost electricity for customers. Continue reading
County Commissioners to Discuss NIPSCO Project
The Starke County Commissioners will meet earlier than usual this evening to discuss a utility project that is coming through the county. They’ve called a special session for 5:30 p.m. in advance of their regular 6 p.m. meeting to talk about NIPSCO’s Reynolds-Topeka transmission line project. Continue reading
Starke County Officials Seek Board and Commission Nominees
The Starke County Council and Commissioners are looking for qualified nominees to serve on boards and commissions in the coming year. Continue reading
Starke County Officials Fill Board Vacancies
The Starke County Board of Zoning Appeals and Library Board are fully populated again after action this week by the council and commissioners. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners Approve Insurance Renewal
Starke County employees will not notice a change in their health insurance benefits in the coming year. Continue reading
Starke County Council Defers Action on Ambulance Purchase
Starke County officials will decide during an upcoming work session whether to repair or replace a 2009 ambulance. EMS Director Keith Emigh has asked for money to purchase a new truck due to extensive mechanical problems with the rig based at Grovertown. Most recently it lost a cylinder, which prompted the request. Continue reading
Council Questions Proposed Jail Addition
Nearly six months after the first inmates moved into the new Starke County Jail east of Knox the architect and builder are recommending a $525,000 addition to the facility. Architect and project manager Scott Carnegie with DLZ told the council and commissioners an automatic auger would catch small items like cellophane and plastic wrappers inmates flush down the toilets and keep them out of the city’s sanitary sewer system. Continue reading
Starke County Officials to Get Courthouse Renovation Update
Starke County officials will have a better idea after tonight of what proposed renovations to the old jail and courthouse will look like and cost. Representatives from DLZ and Skillman Corporation will present plans to the council and commissioners. They designed and built the new jail east of Knox on State Road 8.
The cost of justice-related projects will be covered with funds from the county economic development income tax passed to pay for jail construction. Other improvements will be paid for out of the general county economic development income tax fund. The prosecutor, clerk and Starke County Community Corrections will also contribute money from their budgets to cover portions of the project. The amounts of their respective contributions are not known at this time. Continue reading
Starke County Seeking BZA Members
The Starke County Commissioners are looking to fill a seat on the Board of Zoning Appeals. The vacancy was created when a member moved from the county. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners Question EMS Purchases
The recent purchase of jackets for full-time Starke County EMS employees who work “consistent monthly hours” has raised some eyebrows. Director Keith Emigh told the county commissioners Monday the coats have reflective safety strips on them and incorporate the new logo patch recently designed for the service. He adds they are the property of the service and will need to be returned if an employee quits or is fired. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners Take Infrastructure Plan Under Advisement
Investment in infrastructure is critical in order to see future growth in Starke County. That’s the assessment Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charlie Weaver shared with the county commissioners last night. He and Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler jointly presented a five-year strategic infrastructure plan to the body. It includes an overview and timeline of bridge and road projects and justification for plans still on the drawing board. Continue reading
Sheriff Looks for Funds to Cover Drug Counseling Costs
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin wants to charge inmates a fee to cover the cost of drug counseling services at the jail. He presented his idea to the county commissioners Monday evening. Continue reading
Starke and Pulaski Counties Partner for Workforce Training Program
Starke and Pulaski Counties are working together to expand adult workforce training. Continue reading
Highway Superintended Makes Case for Position Reallocation
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler says the request to create employee budget positions was misunderstood by the county commissioners at their last meeting. Neither Ritzler nor Commissioner Kathy Norem were there, and the other two commissioners denied the request citing a top-heavy management structure within the department. Continue reading
County Highway Superintendent Explains Bridge Inspector Request
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler does not stand to get a $10,000 raise if the county approves the establishment of a bridge inspector position in 2016. Continue reading
Starke County Council Mulls Ambulance Purchase
The Starke County Council wants input from the commissioners before proceeding with the purchase of a new ambulance. EMS Director Keith Emigh is looking to replace the 2009 Ford truck based at Grovertown due to extensive mechanical issues. Continue reading
Starke County Council to Consider Ambulance Purchase
Starke County EMS Director Keith Emigh will present three quotes for a replacement ambulance to the county council when they meet this evening. He told the county commissioners two weeks ago the rig at the Grovertown base recently underwent significant repairs and has since lost a cylinder. The county purchased the 2009 Ford truck used. Emigh is also looking into repair costs for the rig. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners Settle on Temporary Morgue Space
Part of the old jail building in downtown Knox will be converted into morgue space for the coroner’s office on an interim basis. The county commissioners have agreed to turn the attached two-car garage into a secured area for body storage and viewing. Eventually plans call for morgue space at the proposed new IU Health Starke Hospital building. Continue reading
Starke County Community Corrections Extends Lease
The Starke County Community Corrections office is staying put until the old jail building in downtown Knox is renovated to accommodate them. Continue reading
Starke County Officials Pricing Ambulances
Starke County EMS spent nearly $2,000 last month to keep its fleet on the road. Director Keith Emigh told the commissioners Monday night most of that money went toward the truck at the Grovertown base. He says repairs at the county highway garage cost $1,764.10. Additionally an air conditioning problem on the rig based at Knox and a blower motor problem on the North Judson truck had to be fixed. Continue reading
