Thursday, May 29, 2014

Ride the Rails At Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum

Rekindle old memories or create new memories by riding the rails at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum during Mint Festival Weekend on Saturday, June 14, 2014 and Sunday, June 15, 2014.  The train will leave the depot for the 10-mile round-trip excursions to English Lake/Kankakee River at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.  The longer, 20-mile round-trip, excursion to LaCrosse, Indiana lasts approximately 2 hours and leaves the depot at 2:00 p.m.  Purchasing tickets on-line is recommended at http://www.hoosiervalley.org.

Passengers have their choice of riding in a vintage caboose, an open-air car, or a vintage commuter coach.  Groups of six or more receive a $2.00 discount off of each ticket.  Why not plan your next family reunion around a relaxing train ride through the local area and learn about some of the local history?

Before or after the train excursion, be sure to visit the museum and grounds where the admission is always free.  The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has one of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals and visitors are welcome to stand next to and touch the C&O 2789 steam locomotive which is the cornerstone of the museum.  Stroll around the grounds to see all types of rolling stock and engines of a by-gone era.

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has an exciting schedule of events planned for this season.  Saturday train rides continue through the end of October with round-trip runs to English Lake or LaCrosse, Indiana.  Some of the special events scheduled are an Open House Extravaganza, a WWII Encampment, Scouts Rails & Trails, Fall Harvest Trains, along with Pumpkin & Halloween Specials.  Also, Santa plans on riding the rails in December for our Christmas Trains.

Kenneth J. Lippelt Memorial Award

The North Judson Mint Festival Parade annually awards the Kenneth J. Lippelt Memorial Award.  The Mint Festival always had a very special place in Kenny's heart and he was a huge supporter of the festival, especially the Mint Parade, and he would be so excited to celebrate the 37th Mint Festival!  After his unfortunate death, the Mint Festival Committee, along with Kenny's family, created the Kenneth J. Lippelt Memorial Award to be given each year in his memory.

The award is to be given to the parade unit that best exemplifies the spirit and enthusiasm of the parade that Kenny displayed for many years.

The theme this year is "Mint is Supreme in 2014."  The winning unit must incorporate the parade theme.   So put on your thinking caps and start decorating your float or parade unit.  Join in the fun in Kenny's honor.

 - from the 2014 North Judson Mint Festival Guide.

6/14/2014 Dr. Herb Ufkes 30th Annual 5K and 2 Mile Walk


The 30th Annual Dr. Herb Ufkes 5K and 2 Mile Walk, sponsored by Dr. Dalphond, North Judson Family Practice. will be held Saturday morning, June 14, 2014.

Registration at 6:30 a.m. CDST.  Race at 7 a.m. CDST.  Pre-entry is $15 or $20 the day of the race. Racers will start from the North Judson Old Fire Station.

This event takes place over paved residential roads and begins promptly at 7 a.m. CDST.  All participants will receive a t-shirt and will be eligible for raffle for various prizes.

The classifications for the 5K Run/2 Mile Walk are for the following age groups in both Men and Women divisions.

14 and under
15-19
20-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
61-70
71-80
81 & older


6/14/2014 Corn Hole Contest

There will be a Corn Hole Contest, sponsored by Collision Auto Body, on Saturday, June 14th at the Irish Pub located East on Highway 10.  Register at the Irish Pub before 4 p.m. CST.

Join in the fun with a team of family, friends, or workplace buddies.  An entry fee will be charged and used as cash prizes.

Any questions?  Call the Irish Pub at 574-896-3488.

6/15/2014 Mint Festival Parade

The parade will form in the area near the high school.  Check-in time begins at 11 a.m. CST Lineup and judging will be done at 1:30 p.m. CST sharp.  Parade will start at 3 p.m. CST.  Absolutely NO entries will be accepted after 2:30 p.m.  CST.

No candy/handouts are to be thrown from moving vehicles, please have someone along side your entry to hand candy/handouts to the parade watchers.

Any questions contact
Bob Barnett at 219-754-2407 or 219-851-0490
Paige Barnett at 219-363-4778

6/14/2014 Cooking With Mint Contest

The Cooking With Mint Contest will be held during the Mint Festival on Saturday, June 14th in North Judson.  Any recipe using mint or mint flavoring in the preparation may be submitted for judging.

The contest is open to the public.  Prepared product and the recipe with the maker's name and address should be brought to 105 E Talmer Avenue (Girl Scout Cabin) located on Highway 10 at the junction of Highway 10 and 39 South for judging at 11 a.m. CST on Saturday.

The catagories are as follows:

  1. Desserts
  2. Main Dishes
  3. Appetizers/Side Dishes
  4. Youth - up to and including 12th grade
  5. Men Only

Cash prizes are awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category.  Don't forget to enter the contest or just come and see what happens and maybe buy a sample at the bake sale immediately following the judging.

Registration is from 9 - 10:45 a.m. CST and the judging is at 11 a.m. CST.

Winners will be announced immediately following the judging solely in the following categories to facilitate judging.

Items will be judges on over all appearance, texture, flavor, ingredients available, easily used in a meal and stability.  Frozen or refrigerated items will be judged together at a specific time.

All entry recipes will be retained by the Mint Festival Committee for the sole purpose of printing the recipe in the Cooking With Mint Cook Book.  If permission is given, items will be sold after the judging to help defray expenses.

For information pertaining to the Cooking With Mint applications, contact Carol Meister (Chairperson) at 574-896-3408.


Mint Festival Music Fest 2014

Once again the Mint Music Stage will be alive with quality music for a special Father's Day weekend.  This year the Music Chair Terry Young has assembled arguably the top music lineup in years.

On Friday, Hoosier Highway will open the Fest from 5-7 p.m..  They are followed by Friday's headliners, P.T and the Cruisers from 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Saturday at noon N.J. Pickers will open.  They will be followed from 1:30-3:30 p.m. by Seldom Told.  From 4:30-6:30 p.m. Guns and Hoses will entertain the crowd.  Saturday night Half Track Band will play rock through the ages from 7:30-10:30 p.m.

On Sunday the music starts at 2 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m. with High Noon from 2-4 p.m. and Sunday's headliners Junior and the Igniters following the parade from 5 p.m.-7p.m.

The Mint Music Festival has several non-profit organizations that provide food and beverages for concert goers.  As of this time, the following organizations are schedule at the Mint Festival Music area:
Sons of the American Legion
Starke County Chamber of Commerce
San Pierre Fire Department
Starke County ABATE
Pop Warner Football and Cheerleader Boosters
Football's Parent Boosters
North Judson Masonic Lodge
With Country, Rock, Blues acts and non-profit food vendors serving up festival favorites, our music area is sure to be a success this year.  Come on down and join the party!

6/14 & 15/2014 Kalita Magic

Matt Kalita of Kalita Magic (http://www.kalitamagic1.com/) has returned to the Mint Festival this year to "Ahh" the crowds with his magical touch.  Be sure to catch a show at the corner of Lane and Central as each appearance is different from the one before.  You never know what surprises are in store!

Saturday - June 14th
11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. 
Sunday - June 15th
12 p.m., 2 p.m.

6/14 & 15/2014 Mousetrap Puppets

Enjoy a modern spin on a classic puppet show as Mousetrap Puppets presents "Punch & Judy."  This traditional British hand puppet show is perfect for all ages with laughs, slapstick, sausages, chases and plenty of confusion to go around!

Performances will be held at the corner of Lane and Central.

Saturday - June 14th
10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
Sunday - June 15th
10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m.

6/14/2014 Chris Risley Annual Pie Eating Contest

Do you like pie and lots of it?  Then our Annual Pie Eating Contest is for you!

The pie eating contest will be held Saturday, June 14th at 11 a.m. on the corner of Lane and Sycamore.  So come hungry and be ready to eat lots of great tasting pies.

The Chris Risley Pie Eating contest is sponsored by the English Lake Community Church.

Mint Festival Committee, Inc., and Town of North Judson are held harmless from any injury during the Mint Pie Eating Contest.

6/14/2014 Frog Jumping Contest

This isn't a contest where you jump over a frog, this contest is for your frog to cross the finish line before anyone else's does.

Pack up your champion jumper and come to Keller Avenue by 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14th.

There will be three elimination heats, one for ages 4-6, one for ages 7-9, and one for ages 10-12.

The Grand Champion Frog will be determined by a jump-off between the division winners.

Ribbons will be given to all participants.  Trophies will be awarded to division champions as well as to the owner of the Grand Champion Frog.

6/14/2014 Waterball Fights

Get your team together for the Waterball Fights held at the Old Fire House under the water tower on Saturday, June 14, 2014.

Registration begins at 10 a.m..  Fights begin at noon.  Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

All fire departments and the public are invited to participate.

Any questions contact Tim Jackson at 574-780-1835

Sponsored by Piggies & Cream.

6/14/2014 United Methodist Church Pork Chop Dinner

The Annual United Methodist Church Pork Chop Dinner will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

Price to be determined.  Pre-school children get a FREE hot dog.  Carry-outs will be available.
Meal includes:
1 boneless pork chop
sides
drink
dessert
Proceeds go to the Parsonage Fund.

6/14/2014 Kersting's Annual Mint Festival Ride

Kersting's Annual Mint Fest Ride will be held Saturday, June 14, 2014.

Sign up at Kersting's Harley Davidson begins at 3 p.m. EST.  There is a $15 donation per rider to be given to the newly formed Starke United Fund.

Ride leaves at 4 p.m. EST

Ride will cover approximately 60 miles ending at the North Judson Mint Festival.

6/15-2014 Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast

Knights of Columbus Famous Pancake & Sausage Breakfast
7 a.m. to 12 noon
Ss. Cyril & Methodious Catholic Church Basement

Tickets:  Adults - $5, Children - $3,   All carryouts - $5

Be sure to visit the Bake Sale before you leave.

6/13/2014 Mint Fest Mint Idol

North Judson Mint Fest Mint Idol
NJSP High School Auditorium
June 13, 2014 at 6 p.m.
Come one and all and show your singing talent!

All ages welcome.
Trophies for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd places for each catagory

MUST ENTER BY JUNE 6th to participate in the contest.
Please have the name of the song you are singing.

A $5 admission fee will be charged for any person not actually participating in the competition.

For more information contact:
Erin Sprouse - 574-896-2158, Ext 255
Donna Henry - 219-395-6504

6/14/2014 Mint Festival Car Show & Swap Meet

Saturday, June 14th from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Awards at 3 p.m.
The first 50 cars will receive Dash Plaques.
Trophies for top 10 and Queen's Choice
$10 entry fee
Free Admission for spectators.

For more information call:
James Yacub - 219-617-9907
Donna Henry - 219-395-6504 

Joseph E. Smolek, Sr. - Mint Festival 2014 Grand Marshal

Joseph Ernest Smolek, Sr., a second generation mint farmer in Starke and Pulaski counties, was born in Pulaski County on September 20, 1932 to Joseph Peter Smolek and Helen Smolek.  His father was a first generation mint farmer and one of the pioneers of mint farming in Starke and Pulaski counties.  His father took 3 teams of horses up to Michigan and brought back the first mint roots in 1917.  Joe continued his father's passion for mint farming by building his own mint still and operation in 1976 on his Pulaski county farm.  His passion for mint grew as his farm grew.  He started participating in the mint farm tours during the 1980 Mint Festival and continued those for many years.  Joe has also shown many pieces of his farm equipment in the Mint Festival parade.

To this day, Joe continues to be active in the mint farming community.  In 2010, at the age of 78, he was the main operator of the Smolek Farms mint still and at 81 his love for mint farming continues to show through his hard work and devotion.  He has left a lasting impression on future generations, providing his grandchildren many memories from numerous mint seasons.  The memories of mowing, chopping and hauling mint will never be forgotten.  Some of his grandchildren have followed in his footsteps in the farming business and strive to continue the family mint farming tradition.  Thank you, Joe, for your years of service and devotion to the mint world.

 - from the 2014 North Judson Mint Festival Guide

6/15/2014 Starke County Humane Society Pet Parade

Mint Festival Pet Parade
Sunday, June 15th at Shelter # 3 in the Town Park
Registration is at : 12:30 p.m. Reg. Fee is $ 2.00
Pet Parade starts at 1:30 p.m.
Trophies awarded for: Biggest, Smallest, Cutest, Ugliest, Most Unusual, Best Costume, and Grand Champion Overall.
Winners of the Pet Parade will ride on the float in the Big Parade

Sponsored by Piggies & Cream at the Point.

6/13/2014 Starke County Humane Society Pet Fun Run/Walk

Mint Festival Pet Fun Run / Walk
Friday, June 13th North Judson Town Park / Arlowa Lane

Registration: 6:30 p.m. CST
Pet Fun Walk / Run : 7:00 p.m. CST

Registration fee: $ 10.00 per handler. T-Shirt awarded upon completion of one lap.

Plaques awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place competitors who complete the most amount of laps in 30 minutes.  Prizes awarded to the youngest and oldest competitors as well.

Your pet must be on a leash at all times and no flexi-leashes are allowed.  Please come prepared to have a wonderful time with your pets.  All proceeds benefit the animals of the Starke County Humane Society.

Sponsored by Piggies & Cream at the Point.

Small Man arrested !!!!! - Starke County Tidbit No. #56

Most of you remember the stories about Che Mah, the smallest man in the world who retired from the circus and lived here in Starke County.   But did you know that he was arrested in New York?   A friend of mine sent this news clipping that I hadn't seen before.   I thought you would enjoy it.  It is small print, so you may have to enlarge it some.

Also, more on Che Mah can be found on our website -http://www.starkehistory.com/index_files/Page1263.htm

Jim Shilling
Starke County Historical Society
http://www.starkehistory.com
http://www.scpl.lib.in.us/historical/




Thursday, May 22, 2014

Tot Time Summer Reading @ North Judson-Wayne Township Library

Children aged 12 to 36 months are invited to join in the Summer Reading program at the North Judson-Wayne Township Library from June 9th to July 25th.

Registration begins June 2nd.

All you have to do is sign up at the library and have a parent or older sibling read library books to you and keep track of the amount of time read. Then on Mondays at 10 a.m. we'll have a meeting in the library with stories, crafts and other fun.



Story Hour Summer Reading Program @ North Judson-Wayne Township Library

Children from 3 years to those who have just finished Kindergarten are invited to join in the Summer Reading program at the North Judson-Wayne Township Library from June 9th to July 25th.

Registration begins June 2nd.

All you have to do is sign up and read, or have a parent or older sibling read, library books to you and keep track of the amount of time read. Then on Mondays at 11 a.m. we'll have a meeting in the library with stories, crafts and other fun.


Young Scientist Summer Reading Program @ North Judson-Wayne Township Library

Those who just finished 1st grade through 5th are invited to join in the Summer Reading program at the North Judson-Wayne Township Library from June 9th to July 25th.

Registration begins June 2nd.

All you have to do is sign up, read some library books, and keep track of the amount of time read. Then on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. we'll have a meeting in the library with crafts and other fun.


Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Bass Lake Beach and Campground Set to Open for Season

By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Published: May 20th, 2014

The manager of Bass Lake Beach and Campground assures the Starke County Commissioners the amenities will be ready for business over the Memorial Day weekend.

Richard Callahan and his attorney Dave Wallsmith provided the first of what will be monthly status reports for the properties during last night’s commissioners meeting. Wallsmith says a car hit the fence on the campground side, and the weight of snow tossed by plow trucks damaged the fence on the beach side. Both will need to be replaced with materials that meet current code standards.

He also advised the commissioners that repairs are being made to the water and sewage systems this week, and the bills will be submitted to the county for credit against the management lease. Meanwhile, mowing will also be done this week to get ready for the anticipated seasonal influx.

The commissioners also clarified that they will notify Wallsmith of any concerns or complaints that they receive about the beach or campground so he can contact Callahan immediately and see that they are resolved. The monthly management reports will be presented at the evening meeting on the third Monday of each month.

The next is Monday, June 16.

2014 Summer Food Service Program @ North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation


North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation will be participating in the Summer Food Service Program again this year. Meals will be provided to all children without charge through age 18 and to persons over the age of 18 enrolled in a state approved education program for the mentally or physically disabled. There will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

Meals will be served at:
North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School Cafeteria
809 W Talmer Ave, North Judson
June 09, 2014 through June 26, 2014
(Monday-Thursday)
Breakfast: 7:30 am –8:00 am
Lunch: 11:15 am – 12:00 pm

Adults may eat at the site for a charge of:
Breakfast $1.00 & Lunch $2.00
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer

5/24/2014 Bass Lake Volunteer Fire Dept. Fish Fry

Bass Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., Fish Fry
Saturday, May 24, 2014 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bass Lake Firehouse
Donations:  Adults & All Carryouts $7, Children 5-12 $5

All proceeds to benefit the BLFD Scholarship Fund

6/7/2014 North Judson Firemen's Fish Fry

North Judson Volunteer Firemen Fish Fry
Saturday, June 7th from 4:30 pm to ?
Donations:  Adults $8, Children 12 & under $5, (Carry outs available for $8, All Fish carry out $10)
Come Out, Visit With Old Friends & Support Your Fire Dept.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

5/17/2014 Give Away @ Knox United Methodist Church

Free Give Away at the Knox United Methodist Church, 201 S. Shield Street, Knox, Indiana on May 17th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST.

There will be clothes, shoes, miscellaneous items and food.

Lunch served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Come join us and bring a friend.

5/18/2014 SCILL Auto Tech Car Show


5/25/2014 Pancake Breakfast for Wounded Warriors

Join the Ladies Auxiliary for a Pancake Breakfast, prepared by the Knox Center Fire Department, on Sunday May 25th.

Breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. CST. at the Knox VFW Post

Tickets are Adult $5.00 Child 7 & Under FREE.

Proceeds benefit local wounded warriors.

5/19/2014 Maxinkuckee Singers Making Music 2014

The Maxinkuckee Singers will be "Making Music 2014" on MAY 19, 2014 at 6:30 CST.

Their performance will be held at Knox United Methodist Church, 201 S. Shield St., Knox, Indiana.  For more information call 574-772-4228

Admission is free and the will be a reception following the performance.

5/18/2014 Starke County Pride Concert Scheduled

By: Makayla Dillard, WKVI
Published: May 15th, 2014

Students from the music departments at Starke County’s three high schools will take part in a free concert this weekend. The inaugural Starke County Pride Concert will feature band and choir members from Knox, North Judson-San Pierre and Oregon-Davis High Schools which will incorporate the music departments from all three high schools in Starke County. Leadership Starke County facilitator Jim Jessup says class members cited a lack of unity and county pride. They split into smaller groups to brainstorm, and one of them came up with the idea of having a county-wide concert which includes all of the music departments from all three high schools in the county. The free public concert will take place on Sunday, May 18th at 3:30 p.m. CT in the North Judson San-Pierre High School Auditorium. Jessup says Leadership Starke County is a fairly new program. The second class just graduated. The 13 members participated in a nine month community leadership training program to learn more about Starke County, leadership skills and community involvement. Applications for the next Leadership Starke County course are available at the county clerk’s office. There’s a $300 fee for the program. The next session will start in September.

5/15/2014 Classes Cancelled

High School Equivalency Classes (GED) have been cancelled for today, 5/15/2014.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

5/24/2014 Bridge to Be Named for Medal of Honor Recipient, Frank Ono

By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Published: May 13th, 2014



The new bridge on U.S. 35 just south of U.S. 30 will soon be named in honor of Starke County’s most decorated veteran. State Senator Jim Arnold sponsored a resolution to name the structure after PFC Frank Ono, who distinguished himself as a member of the U.S. Army’s Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. During a July 4, 1944 battle near Castellina, Italy, Ono advanced ahead of his unit and single-handedly defended his position against an enemy counter-attack. He then braved intense hostile fire to aide two wounded comrades and voluntarily covered his unit’s withdrawal when retreat became necessary. Ono was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic actions. During the 1990s, a review of service records for Asian Americans who received the Distinguished Service Cross led to Ono’s award being upgraded to the Medal of Honor. President Bill Clinton presented the award to his surviving family members during a White House ceremony on June 21, 2000. Arnold and Rep. Tom Dermody are both expected to speak at the dedication ceremony on Saturday, May 24 at 1:30 p.m. It will take place north of the bridge. Honor guards from all three Starke County veterans service organizations will take part in the ceremony, as well as members of the Knox Redskin Brigade and several county fire departments. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

Monday, May 12, 2014

The North Judson Mint Festival to Begin in Less Than a Month

By: Anita Goodan, WKVI
Published: May 12th, 2014

The North Judson Mint Festival is June 13-15 and the theme this year is “Mint is Supreme in 2014”.

All of your favorite events are coming back this year: Father/Grandfather of the Year Contest, magic and puppet shows, bingo, lots of vendors, a frog jumping contest, pork chop dinner, car show and swap meet, Pet Fun Walk and Parade, music and the parade.

The Mint Queen pageant will be sponsored by CenturyLink and the last scheduled sign-up is this Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library. For information on the Mint Festival Queen pageant, call Teresa at (219) 205-2440.

The Mint Idol contest will be Friday, June 13 at 6 p.m. with a site yet to be determined. Applications are available in the Mint Green Paper. The parade will be Sunday, June 15. Beers and Jessop will provide carnival entertainment.

The festival will offer “shade” tents along Lane Street for those attending the event this year.

Mint Headquarters will be located on Lane Street during the Mint Festival where they will have mint oil, mint candy, mint plants and other mint-themed treasures for purchase.

More details will be available as the event gets closer. Plan on spending your Father’s Day weekend in North Judson!

Starke County Residents Urged to Take “Another Step Forward”

By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Published: May 12th, 2014

Last year Starke County residents logged enough miles from Memorial Day to Labor Day to lap the globe three times as part of the Moving Starke County Forward Walking Challenge. This year they are encouraged to take “Another Step Forward.” Ryan Greer is heading up this year’s effort and has set a goal of walking a collective 50,000 miles as a county during the same time period. Last year’s original goal was 3,000 collective miles, which is the equivalent of a trek from the Statue of Liberty to the Golden Gate Bridge. That goal was quickly met and exceeded nine times over, with 27,000 total miles walked. Last year 250 people signed up. This year they’re hoping for 500 participants. Greer says the miles don’t have to be accumulated by walking. Other types of physical activity like swimming, bicycle riding and jogging can also be turned in.

The Another Step Forward campaign will officially kick off on Saturday, May 31 at Wythogen Park in downtown Knox and continue through Labor Day. Details are still being finalized. Greer says you can still participate even if you can’t make it to the big event. Registration sheets will be available at local libraries, city and town halls throughout the summer. You can also sign up by emailing AnotherStepForward2014@gmail.com. More information about this year’s walking challenge and other initiatives is also available on the Moving Starke County Forward Facebook page.

No Immediate Opening Date for 700 East Bridge in Starke County

By: Anita Goodan, WKVI
Published: May 12th, 2014

The bridge on 700 East north of State Road 8 may be closed longer than originally thought, according to Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler.

The emergency design for the bridge that was damaged by a tree in the river is coming along. There is a slight hiccup in the process as permits are needed to make further repairs on the bridge and the approval of those permits could take some time. Ritzler explained that the bridge was damaged much more than once the area was surveyed a little closer. Three pillars and a spreading beam need to be replaced along with the removal of some asphalt on the bridge.

The bridge has been closed about three weeks now and there’s no immediate date of when it will open. Ritzler will be applying for federal funding for the cost of the repairs to this bridge as flooding was the cause of the damage. Once all of the information is received, including permits, the application will be sent.

Ritzler added that there are four bridge projects this year and designs for those projects are ongoing.

Starke County Sheriff’s Office Announces Golf Cart Inspection Schedule

By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Published: May 12th, 2014

The Starke County Sheriff’s Office now has a protocol for golf cart inspections. Carts must be brought to the sheriff’s office on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Inspections will be done there. Inspections must be completed and an inspection sticker must be issued before a golf cart can be operated on a roadway within the county.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

6/7/2014 Pancakes & Airplanes Fly In and Drive In Breakfast

Pancakes & Airplanes Fly In & Drive In

The Northwest Indiana Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 104 will have an all you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast at the Starke County Airport on June 7, 2014.  They will be serving from 7 a.m. to noon CST.  Donations are $5 per person, those 5 and under eat free.

For more information you can call 574-772-5001

5/18/2014 Music & Munchies with Radiate

You’ve got to come out for music and munchies with the band “Radiate.”

Radiate will be at the Trinity Assembly of God, 22 N. Shield Street, Knox, Indiana on May 18th from 6 – 8 p.m.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and there is no charge.  The concert will be held in the Green Room, on the corner of Washington and Shield Streets west of the Courthouse.

Monday, May 5, 2014

5/6/2014 Some Polling Places Have Changed

When you go to vote in the primary tomorrow remember that some of the polling places have been changed.

Starke County Commissioners Approve Precinct Changes

By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Published: April 10th, 2014
 
Voters who cast ballots in one Starke County precinct will do so in a new location, starting with the May 6 primary. Clerk Evelyn Skronski told the commissioners Wayne Township 4 was previously located at the North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation Administration Building. School officials said it’s becoming too crowded and offered an alternative.

“They told us that we could use the atrium area at the high school,” Skronski said. “The east side has the handicapped parking and a lot of space. It’s got what we need. The only thing is we have these big, open windows that let in lots of light. That’s fine. They’re going to cover them so that candidates cannot stand out there and do whatever they do.”

The other change is Oregon Township 3. Skronski says it’s in the same location but in a different building.  The Koontz Lake Lions Club building was torn down, and the Koontz Lake Regional Sewer District built an office on that site. Skronski says the Help America Vote Act committee had to make sure the new building was compatible with their guidelines and the Americans With Disabilities Act. They found it to be in compliance with everything, but Skronski needs the approval of the commissioners to make the change official. They unanimously approved the relocation of both polling places.

Absentee voting is under way now at the Starke County Courthouse. If you prefer to cast your ballot on Election Day, information about polling place locations is available here:  https://indianavoters.in.gov/PublicSite/Public/FT1/PublicLookupMain.aspx?Link=Polling

Newsletter - May 2014





Quote of the Month - May 2014