Starke County officials hope to leverage money from the state to improve the county’s road infrastructure. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler is working on a long-term truck route proposal, under which all routes in the county would be within a mile of a highway or hot mix road. Continue reading
Starke County Highway Superintendent Discusses Heavy Truck Ordinance
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler hopes to present a first draft of a proposed heavy truck ordinance for county roads to the commissioners at their April 3 meeting. He’s working with a committee to draft a plan to outline a system of hot mix truck routes for the county. The goal is to have an accessible route within one to two miles of anywhere. Continue reading
Lack of Snow Saves Starke County Money
Starke County had no snow events in February. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler says the little bit of snow that fell recently didn’t linger long enough to send plows out. He told the commissioners Monday that translates into big savings for the fuel budget. The Starke County Highway Department used about 6,000 gallons of diesel fuel last month, compared to 12,000 in February of 2016 and 14,000 the previous year. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners Award Bridge Design Bids
The number of structurally deficient bridges in Starke County is dwindling. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners last night five of the seven bridges are scheduled for repair and completion this year. Continue reading
Starke County Highway Superintendent Presents Asset Management Plan
The Starke County Highway Department has a replacement schedule for vehicles and heavy equipment. Superintendent Rik Ritzler shared the asset management plan with the commissioners last week. Continue reading
Mild Winter Adds Up to Savings for Starke Highway Department
The mild winter should make for a more productive summer for the Starke County Highway Department. Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the commissioners last week things have leveled off since December in terms of ice and snow. Continue reading
Hamlet Lions Club Adopts County Road
A Starke County civic organization has adopted a section of roadway. Continue reading
Starke County Crosses Deficient Bridges Off List
Starke County’s bridges are in excellent shape overall based on the latest round of inspections. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the commissioners Monday the county has been making steady progress. Continue reading
Starke County Fares Well in State Road Safety Rankings
Starke County’s roads are among the safest in the state based on crash data. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners Monday the statistics are based on the number of miles driven. Continue reading
Starke Commissioners to Reorganize, Make Appointments Tonight
The Starke County Commissioners will reorganize for the year when they meet this evening. Republican Kathy Norem returns for another term, alongside Democrat Don Binkley. He was elected two years ago. Republican Charles Chesak will take over the third seat on the county’s executive body. He replaces fellow Republican Kent Danford, who did not seek reelection. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners Award Bridge Replacement Bids
The Starke County Highway Department continues to make progress with bridge replacements and upgrades. The new bridge on 250 West over Bogus Run, just south of Toto Road, should be finished this week, according to county highway superintendent Rik Ritzler. Continue reading
Metro Recycling Proposal Prompts Requests for Zoning Change as Residents Question Secrecy
The Starke County Commissioners intend to ask the county plan commission to review the zoning designation of the North Judson Industrial Park. The issue came up at last night’s meeting during a discussion of the controversial and now defunct Metro Recycling transfer station project. North Judson residents Aaron Simerly and Carol Silhavy asked the commissioners how the project was kept so secret for so long and raised concerns about the environmental and economic effects such a business would have on the community. Continue reading
Starke County Highway Department Stocks Up for Winter
The Starke County Highway Department is getting ready for winter weather. Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners last week they’ve committed to 1,250 tons of salt at $56.16 per ton. He says that represents a savings of between $8 and $9,000 over last year. Continue reading
Starke County Highway Department Maximizes Federal and State Funding
The Starke County Highway Department has parlayed available federal and state funds into significant road improvements. Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners Monday the county was awarded more than $1 million in Federal Highway Administration construction funds to replace the bridge on 1200 East across the Yellow River. Continue reading
Starke County Park Board Seeks Consultants for Five-Year Plan
The Starke County Park Board is moving ahead with the process of finding a consultant to create a five-year plan for the county’s park facilities. A comprehensive plan is required before the county may receive grant funding from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners Approve Four-Way Stop Addition
Starke County officials are moving ahead with the implementation of a four-way stop at a rural intersection to address sight distance problems. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler asked officials with the Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program at Purdue University to study three intersections and make safety recommendations. Continue reading
Starke County Realizes Savings on Bridge Replacement
The low bid to replace the bridge on 1150 East just south of State Road 10 in Starke County came in significantly under budget. Continue reading
Starke County’s Oldest Bridge to Be Replaced With a Culvert
The Starke County Highway Department is poised to save more than $300,000 by contracting out the replacement of a bridge with a culvert. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners Monday night the bridge on 900 South half a mile west of U.S. 421 is the lowest rated in the county. Continue reading
Starke County Highway Department Paving Operations Continue
The Starke County Highway Department is preparing to pave and wedge another 10 miles of roads this month. Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners Monday crews have already paved and wedged more than 10 miles of roadway. Continue reading
Starke County Commissioners Award Bridge Bid
The low bid to replace a bridge over Bogus Run in Starke County came in $35,000 under estimates, according to Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler. The county received four bids for the project on 250 West south of Toto Road. They were opened during Monday night’s commissioners meeting. Continue reading
