Plans to add a series of kayak launches along the Yellow River continue to move ahead. Starke County officials have decided to pursue a Destination Development Grant of at least $50,000 from the state.
Continue readingStarke County Park Board to Get Updates on Proposed Kayak Launches Tonight
The Starke County Park Board will get updates on proposed Yellow River kayak launches and a number of other projects tonight. Engineering firm Jones Petrie Rafinski has offered to do the design work and much of the project management for a first round of four kayak launches for just under $7,900.
Continue readingStarke County Park Board to Discuss Kayak Launch Sites, Grant Opportunities Tonight
The Starke County Park Board will continue narrowing down the list of potential Yellow River kayak launch sites tonight. Engineer Mark Wilson with Jones Petrie Rafinski presented a kayak launch feasibility study last month. Now, board members are deciding which sites to pursue.
Continue readingStarke County Park Board Looking to Raise Rent on Bass Lake Beach and Campground
The Starke County Park Board is looking to raise the rent on the Bass Lake Beach and Campground. Callahan Development, LLC currently pays the county $5,400 a year to lease the facilities from the county.
Continue readingStarke County Park Board Reviews Kayak Launch Feasibility Study
The Starke County Park Board continues to study locations for Yellow River kayak launches. Engineer Mark Wilson with Jones Petrie Rafinski presented a kayak launch feasibility study during Tuesday’s meeting.
Continue readingStarke County Park Board to Get Updates on Website, Veterans Memorial Tonight
The Starke County Park Board will get updates on its new website, kayak launch study, and Veterans Memorial project tonight. An update will also be given on a permit to add glacial stone along the Bass Lake shoreline. The Bass Lake Beach is on tonight’s agenda, as well.
Continue readingHoosier Valley Railroad Museum Looking to Collaborate with Starke County Park Board
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum continues trying to build partnerships with other groups working to bring visitors to Starke County. Museum Treasurer Robert Barcus and President Todd Flannigan recently paid a visit to the Starke County Park Board.
Continue readingStarke County Roads 700, 1100 East Proposed As Possible Yellow River Kayak Launch Locations
Some potential sites for Yellow River kayak launches were recently discussed with the Starke County Park Board. The park board has hired Mark Wilson with Jones Petrie Rafinski to conduct a feasibility study.
Continue readingStarke County Veterans Memorial Still Set for Veterans Day Unveiling Despite Delay
The new Starke County Veterans Memorial is still on track to be ready for Veterans Day, despite some delays. County commissioner and project committee member Kathy Norem told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that the concrete should be done by October 1, a month later than originally hoped.
Continue readingStarke County Council Agrees to Include Park Funding in 2021 Budget Proposal
Starke County’s park system is a step closer to getting dedicated county funding. The county council has agreed to include funding for the park board in its 2021 budget proposal, at the request of County Commissioner Kathy Norem.
Continue readingStarke County Park Board Hires Firm to Conduct Kayak Launch Feasibility Study
The Starke County Park Board has hired an outside firm to help figure out where to install kayak launches along the Yellow River. Board members voted Tuesday to hire Jones Petrie Rafinski to conduct a feasibility study, at a cost of just under $4,000. That was about $3,000 cheaper than the other proposal the county received.
Continue readingStarke County Park Board to Continue Discussing Kayak Launch Tonight
The Starke County Park Board will continue discussing the planned installation of a Yellow River kayak launch tonight. The park board has already gotten $5,000 in grant funding for that purpose, but so far, members haven’t finalized a suitable location. A kayak feasibility study is on the agenda for tonight’s meeting.
Continue readingStarke County Park Board Identifies Priorities for 2021
Yellow River kayak launches, more parking improvements at the Starke County Forest, and unified signage are a few of the projects the Starke County Park Board is hoping to tackle in the coming months.
Continue readingInformation Kiosk Coming to Starke County Forest
Visitors to the Starke County Forest will soon be greeted with an informational kiosk. The Starke County Park Board last week agreed to let Forester Bruce Wakeland build it out of wood from the forest itself.
Continue readingStarke County Veterans Memorial Committee Continues Urging Donations As Crowdfunding Deadline Nears
With less than a week left in its crowdfunding campaign, the Starke County Veterans Memorial is on track to meet its goal. If the effort raises $50,000 by next Tuesday, that amount will be matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.
Continue readingStarke County Park Board to Review Five-Year Plan Tonight
The Starke County Park Board is expected to review some of the items in its five-year plan tonight. County Commissioner Kathy Norem has been pushing for county funding in next year’s budget, to help the park board complete some of the projects called for in the 2017 plan.
Continue readingStarke County Commissioners Review Proposed Park Board Budget
Starke County Commissioner Kathy Norem presented a proposed budget for the Starke County Park Board last week and asked her fellow commissioners if they would support it.
Continue readingDedicated Park Board Funding Sought in 2021 Starke County Budget
The Starke County Park Board could get dedicated funding from the county, under a proposal from County Commissioner Kathy Norem. Until now, the park board’s revenue sources have been limited to grants, donations, and Starke County Forest timber sales, but no regular budget from the county.
Continue readingVeterans Memorial Crowdfunding Campaign Almost Halfway to Goal
The new Starke County Veterans Memorial is almost halfway to its crowdfunding goal. If the effort raises $50,000 by July 21, that amount will be doubled by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. Almost $22,000 has been raised so far.
Continue readingBass Lake Beach May Open Sunday
The Bass Lake Beach could open as soon as Sunday. In an email Wednesday, Starke County Park Board Member Rik Ritzler told the rest of the board that the facility’s manager, Larry Clarich, is awaiting the results of required water testing. Ritzler said as long as there are no problems, Clarich plans to open the beach this Sunday.
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