Starke County Commissioners Set to Award Jail Bid

Posted on Author WKVI
This building on SR 8 at CR 550 E will soon house the new Starke County Jail.
This building on SR 8 at CR 550 E will soon house the new Starke County Jail.

The Starke County Commissioners are set to award bids for construction of the new jail east of Knox on State Road 8 when they meet this evening. The commissioners opened the bids on Oct. 10 and took them under advisement so they could be sure they met the specifications outlined in the pre-bid documents. The bids were submitted in 10 different categories: general trades and sitework, masonry, drywall and acoustical, flooring, painting, kitchen equipment, detention equipment and security electronics, fire suppression, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical. A large number of contractors submitted bids for the work, including some who submitted combined bids; that is, a combination of categories, such as masonry, flooring and painting, at a discount.

The work on the project is due to begin next month and wrap up in the spring of 2015. Construction can continue through the winter months since an existing building is being modified.

Starke Commissioners Approve Boa Shores Addition

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
The Starke County Commissioners this week approved a motion to allow an addition to be made to the Boa Shores area near Bass Lake. The Woodland Shores subdivision does not include lake access and is located off of County Road 625 East, and according to a representative of the planning commission, the drainage requirements of the county have been met and a public hearing was previously held with no objections voiced.

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Starke Commissioners Review County Jail Bids; Decision to Be Made Later

Posted on Author WKVI

This building on SR 8 at CR 550 E will soon house the new Starke County Jail.
This building on SR 8 at CR 550 E will soon house the new Starke County Jail.
A large number of people attended yesterday morning’s opening of the bids for the new Starke County Jail facility, including representatives for DLZ, Skillman Corporation and the Building Corporation. The county commissioners officially stopped accepting bids for the work shortly after opening the meeting, but it was noted that one contractor is filing a protest because he felt “excluded” from the bid process.

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Starke Commissioners Again Table Road Vacation Request in Monterey Resorts

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
The Starke County Commissioners once again tabled a discussion regarding the proposed vacation of a road in Monterey Resorts at the request of Leroy Gudeman. He approached the commissioners with a request that they vacate Lemon Street on behalf of his client, stating the road is not developed and there’s “nothing there.”

Gudeman said he had published a notice in the newspaper in time and said he has proof of its publication. He said everything is in order for them to proceed with vacating the road, and all adjoining properties have been given notice. The properties would be extended to where the road was located.

No one in the audience offered any opposition, and Gudeman asked that the commissioners approve his request. However, Commissioner Kathy Norem said they would approve his request at the next meeting.

Starke County Commissioners Declare October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
October is officially Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Starke County, after the county commissioners this week signed a resolution proclaiming it so. Wendy Elam with the Coalition Against Domestic Abuse approached the commissioners with the proclamation and explained that we must all join together to support victims of abuse and end abuse of any kind, and to create zero tolerance in our communities for such behavior.

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Starke County Commissioners Schedule Jail Bid Opening Meeting

Posted on Author WKVI

This building on SR 8 at CR 550 E will soon house the new Starke County Jail.
This building on SR 8 at CR 550 E will soon house the new Starke County Jail.
The Starke County Commissioners are set to open bids for construction of the new jail this week. They’ve scheduled a special meeting for that purpose Thursday at 10 a.m. in the commissioners room at the county annex building. The estimated cost for the project is $10.2 million. The bids will likely be taken under advisement so they can be reviewed to make sure they conform to the project specifications. A previously announced timeline for the project calls for the bid to be awarded on Monday, Oct. 21 and a groundbreaking ceremony to be held on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. at the project site east of Knox on State Road 8. Construction is slated to start on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Work on the project can continue through the winter since an existing building is being modified.

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Starke Commissioners to Discuss Fate of Bass Lake Campground in Executive Session

Posted on Author WKVI

Bass Lake Beach
Bass Lake Beach
The Starke County Commissioners will soon meet in an executive session to discuss the Bass Lake Beach and Campground, specifically the question of whether or not the attraction’s current managers are maintaining and operating it appropriately. Richard Callahan and his attorney, Dave Wallsmith, approached the commissioners at their meeting this week to give them a report on how the beach has been doing but the discussion soon led into the question of whether or not the lease should be invalidated.

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Starke Commissioners Approve Second Reading of Golf Cart Ordinance

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
The Starke County Commissioners yesterday morning held the second public hearing regarding a proposed golf cart ordinance regulating the use of the vehicles on county roads. The commissioners opened the public hearing and heard comments and suggestions from the public, including a concern regarding the use of golf carts on County Road 625 E between Toto Road and Bass Lake.

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County Government Not Affected By Shutdown, Says Norem

Posted on Author WKVI

Starke County Commissioner Kathy Norem
Starke County Commissioner Kathy Norem
With the federal government still shut down and going on day seven, there is some concern that the shutdown at the federal level will have affects locally in the county, but commissioner Kathy Norem told WKVI that they are currently seeing no impact from the shutdown and don’t expect any problems if it does continue.

Norem said the county mostly receives funds from property taxes, and that stream of revenue has not been interrupted.

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Starke Commissioners to Sign Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
The Starke County Commissioners are slated to sign a resolution proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and according to case manager Annette Ohman for the Coalition Against Domestic Abuse and the Phoenix House program, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

“We have proclamations that are going to be signed by the Starke County Commissioners and the mayor of Knox this month, declaring October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Starke County and the city of Knox. Then, we also have exhibits at all five of the Starke County libraries regarding domestic violence awareness. Some involve the effects of domestic violence on children, whether they’re witnessing the abuse in the home or actually being abused,” said Ohman.

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Starke Commissioners Receive Insurance Quotes; Take Matter Under Advisement

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
The Starke County Commissioners Thursday morning received quotes from First Source Insurance, and according to Commissioner Kathy Norem, the insurance company presented renewal quotes from Signa as well as quotes from other companies for comparison purposes. Norem said the commissioners took the insurance information under advisement to review them, but she said the commissioners did request more information from the company as well.

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Starke County Commissioners Considering Golf Cart Ordinance

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The Starke County Commissioners are considering an ordinance to regulate the operation of golf carts on county roads. First, a golf cart operator must possess a county-issued small vehicle permit and carry liability insurance on the vehicle. Permits can be obtained for a cost of $25 each from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office after the vehicle is inspected. Starke County will also honor permits issued by Marshall County, once the proposed ordinance becomes law. The permit is unique to a single vehicle, which must have brakes in good working condition and an INDOT approved slow-moving vehicle sign. Additionally, golf carts must be equipped with a rear-view mirror, manufacturers serial number plate, front and rear reflectors and working rear brake lights visible from at least 500 feet.

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Starke Commissioners to Hold Three Meetings Thursday

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
The Starke County Commissioners have three meetings planned for Thursday, only one of which is open to the public. The first meeting, an executive session closed to the public, will take place at 9 a.m. to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-6.1 part (b) (6) (B). The code allows the commissioners to call an executive session “to discuss, before a determination, the individual’s status as an employee, a student, or an independent contractor,” who is a physician or a school bus driver.

The second meeting will take place at 9:30 a.m., also closed to the public, to discuss strategy regarding the purchase or lease of real property, pursuant to Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-6.1 part (b) (2) (D).

The final meeting, scheduled for 10:30 a.m., will be a special meeting open to the public in the annex building meeting room at 53 E. Mound St. in Knox. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the 2014 employee health insurance.

Starke County Veteran Service Officer Tenders Resignation

Posted on Author WKVI

Gordon Richie
Gordon Richie
Plagued by medical issues, Starke County Veteran Service Officer Gordon Richie this week told the county commissioners that it is with a heavy heart that he must tender his resignation. Because Richie does not qualify for FMLA, his position cannot be held open for him, and Commissioner Kathy Norem said she is scared of setting a precedent if they were to reserve that position for Richie.

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Starke Commissioners Discuss Drafted Golf Cart Ordinance

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

After receiving a number of complaints from various lake associations, like the Bass Lake Property Owners Association, the Koontz Lake Association and the Boa Shores Association, the Starke County Commissioners this week held a public hearing for an ordinance regulating the use of golf carts in the county. Commissioner Kathy Norem explained during the hearing that the associations around Koontz and Bass lakes requested that the commissioners consider an ordinance regulating golf carts around the lakes, and with the sheriff’s input and help from the county attorney and highway superintendent, Norem said they now have a drafted ordinance that should suit the needs of the county.

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Starke Commissioners Adopt New Council Redistricting Plan

Posted on Author WKVI

 
 
The Starke County Commissioners adopted the new council redistricting plan, having previously narrowed down the possibilities to two proposed plans. Neither of these two plans, however, were brought forth for a vote; rather, Commissioner Kathy Norem and Clerk Evelyn Skronski both presented revised plans. Commissioner Kathy Norem explained these two options are similar and share a number of strengths and weaknesses.

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Starke Commissioners Approve Final Design, Estimate for Starke County Jail

Posted on Author WKVI
This building on SR 8 at CR 550 E will soon house the new Starke County Jail.
This building on SR 8 at CR 550 E will soon house the new Starke County Jail.

The Starke County Commissioners last night approved the final design and estimate for the new Starke County Jail facility, allowing the bidding process to begin. Representatives from the Skillman Corporation and DLZ presented the commissioners with the documentation for their approval and requested authorization to issue CDs for bidding.

The bids are estimated to come in around $10,225,000, and officials hope to receive the bids on Oct. 10, allowing for a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. CT. The commissioners approved their request, authorizing them to advertise for bids.

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Starke Commissioners Approve County Road 300 East Plans

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

The Starke County Commissioners last week approved the plans for the County Road 300 East project at the behest of Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler, who explained the project will make the industrial park in that area more desirable for businesses.

“The plans to widen the road from Culver Road to basically the bridge just south of State Road 8, and it is to accommodate businesses for the Starke County Industrial Park, and it will allow better access to the park. This is in conjunction with another project on 300 East that’s going to widen the intersection at State Road 8 and 300. It’s going to allow trucks better access into the park, thus making the industrial park more desirable for businesses to come in,” Ritzler explained.

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