Friday, January 3, 2020

Please Excuse Our Dust



Like so much of the physical library in these upcoming and past few months, our blog will also be under construction. We hope to update our blog's look as well as the content and posting schedule. Please excuse our inactivity while we make things awesome.

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Saturday, December 14, 2019

Starke County Park Board Expresses Concern with Condition of Bass Lake Beach House

Posted on December 14, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The condition of the Bass Lake Beach gate house is once again drawing concerns from the Starke County Park Board. During Tuesday’s meeting, Board Member Butch Gerstandt worried that the structure would fall down.

“They didn’t paint it, and all the wood is falling apart,” Gerstandt said. “And he said they were going to do the other side to make it all match, and they’ve never done any of that.”

The gate house was seriously damaged about two years ago, when a pickup truck reportedly crashed into it. At the time, the county’s building inspector said the structure was unsafe and called for its replacement. But the facility’s manager, Larry Clarich, felt that he and some of the campground users could repair it at a lower cost.

The county ended up getting a $2,500 insurance check for the damage, but board members weren’t sure Tuesday whether or not that money was handed over to the site’s operators. Board Member Chris Lawrence wanted to make sure they were held accountable. “If the insurance money came to us and we turned it to them to do the repairs, then we should at least get receipts and have them follow up or buy paint and finish the job,” Lawrence said.

Board members agreed to check their records to see what was done with the money.

Friday, December 13, 2019

Stellar Community Efforts Reviewed with Starke County Park Board

Posted on December 13, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Constellation of Starke executive committee members shared their insights on the outcome of their Stellar Community application with the Starke County Park Board Tuesday. The region lost out on this year’s designation to Marshall County Crossroads.

Rik Ritzler is a member of both the executive committee and the park board. He said they’ll find out more between now and February, but it appears that the fact that Marshall County Crossroads was a finalist last year was a big advantage to them this year. “Some of the comments made when we were told we did not win made us feel like we were probably the second choice and that they were very impressed by the effort that we put in,” Ritzler told the rest of the park board. “But one of the ground rules for this Stellar designation was to take poor communities and help them do things they normally couldn’t do. I’m not entirely sure Marshall County fits in those parameters because they have more resources than we do, but I don’t know if that was anything to do with it or not.”

While it was noted that Constellation of Starke gave state officials a very good presentation, executive committee member Marty Lucas said that Marshall County Crossroad’s regional development plan was excellent. “There’s a reason they have classes in football, right?” Lucas added. “I would say we punched outside our weight group, but we were, like, seriously outweighed by that opponent.”

The Stellar designation would have made Starke County and its individual communities eligible for millions of dollars in state and federal grant funding. Park improvements would have been a big part of that.

Constellation of Starke will receive about $333,000 just for being a finalist. Ritzler said the committee is still discussing what to do with that money. “In February, they’re going to be detailing more on what we can and cannot spend the money on,” he explained. “There’s some restrictions under OCRA of what we can do. I think you can use some of that for planning for next year for the Stellar, if that’s what we want to do.”

Constellation of Starke may also use some of that money to start some of the smaller projects in the plan.

No Impact to Tax Rate or Debt Service Payments Anticipated with Proposed NJ-SP Elementary School Project

Posted on December 13, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

During a work session last Monday, North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin stressed that the anticipated improvement project at the Elementary school will not have a negative impact on the corporation’s debt service payment and will not increase the tax rate for citizens.

She explained, “We will do this all within our capacity. We do it all $10 million, or less, and if we need more then we’re going to have to phase it because we are committed to not increase our tax rate.”

School officials have plans to go through the bonding process to help finance this project. Representatives from the firm Baker Tilly are expected to meet with school officials and interested community members in the future to go over specifics related to finances.

School Board member Jim Menis commented on some initial reservations that he heard about project at the Junior/Senior High and noted that the success of that project should put any worries about this one to rest.

He noted, “That’s what a lot of people are going to look at. I know a lot of people were against the renovations because they figured the tax rate would go up but it hasn’t and the program went along really well and everybody kept their word on it so we can do the same thing with the elementary.” 

While no official decisions about the building project could be made during the work session, school board members are expected to take action on the matter when they meet next week on Tuesday, December 17th.

Variety of Vendors Expected to Attend First Ever Holiday Mint Fair Tomorrow

Posted on December 13, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

In order to give community members a chance to stock up on gifts and goodies in time for Christmas, Mint Festival organizers are trying something new this year with a special Holiday Mint Fair. 

It will be held tomorrow from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the gymnasium of the St. Peter’s Lutheran School in North Judson.

Mint Fest Rep Donna Henry said that in addition to a booth that they’ll have set up with mint oil and cook books, there will be a variety of other vendors, with nearly 30 signed up to participate.

The Starke County Fostering a Recovery Mentality program will be one of them, selling unique pieces of furniture and holiday decorations created by trustees in the F.A.R.M. Program. 

Henry said there is one vendor who will be selling smoked meats and others who have cookies and other treats. She added there will also be a lot of different kinds of crafts to choose from as well as a booth with specialty teas and another that sells items for dogs.

She noted that they will also have concessions for sale, with potato soup and vegetable soup available in addition to beverages and snack items.

Vendors will be able to set up tonight from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and again from 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. 

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Avoiding Disruption to Instruction during Construction Addressed during NJ-SP Work Session

Posted on December 12, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

When proposed plans for the potential renovation project at the North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School were discussed in a work session last week, a possible way to avoid disrupting instruction was presented.

Fanning Howey Chief Executive Officer Bill Payne provided information about the idea to school officials and meeting attendees.

He explained, “We could take a couple of grade levels and temporarily move them into the middle school building and phase and isolate construction.

Payne expanded upon that, noting that having the extra available space at the Middle School will keep crews from hitting a common obstacle that they often face with long-term renovations.

He noted, “That’s usually the problem when we’re renovating existing buildings, it always takes more than simply a summer so the ability to move those students and staff temporarily to the middle school while we’re renovating sections of the building will really help with keeping construction away from school operations.”

No official decisions were made during the work session and ideas presented were simply hypothetical scenarios that Fanning Howey representatives came up with after conducting their initial feasibility study. More detailed plans will be presented in the future.

Parents, employees, and community members are encouraged to get involved with the planning process as the proposed project progresses. To reach out to school representatives contact 574-896-2155

Starke County Park Board Discusses Signage, Website for County Forest

Posted on December 12, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

It may soon be easier for visitors to find and learn about the Starke County Forest. During Tuesday’s Starke County Park Board meeting, Forester Bruce Wakeland pointed out that signage to help motorists find the forest from local highways was supposed to be installed as part of last year’s parking lot project.

Board Member and Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler said he hasn’t forgotten about it. “Our sign technician’s a new one, so hopefully, we’ll be able to get that done this winter and put it up in the spring,”Ritzler said. “It is a project that we are aware of.”

Wakeland also said that someone had suggested posting signs with the ages of the various tree plantings. “There was a lot of tree plantings on that property, and I think it would be interesting for people to know the age of the different tree plantings,” he added. “I got a professional quote, and it was just way too much, so I don’t know what I’m going to do about that.” Ritzler said the Highway Department should be able to make those signs fairly easily.

Additionally, Wakeland wanted to make sure the Starke County Forest has an online presence. He pointed out that it used to have a page on the county’s website, but it doesn’t seem to be there anymore.

County Attorney Marty Lucas suggested the possibility of seeking grant funding for a stand-alone website. “If you want to get a nice website, it’s even possible that some of that Stellar money that we got because that wouldn’t be a whole lot, because I think it would be great to have a little more outward presence on that,” Lucas said. “For example, the people at Mirth and Whimsy might be able to design it and make it really nice.”

The website could include maps of the forest, its history, and visitor rules.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

12/14 Phil Potempa Book Signing @ Pioneer Florist


NJ-SP Superintendent Highlights Potential Plans for Underutilized Space at Middle School

Posted on December 11, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Now that some more solid plans are in place for proposed renovations at the North Judson-Elementary School, officials are able to start thinking about future uses for unused space at the Middle School Building.

During last week’s work session, Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin shared that there was initially some uncertainty about whether or not the elementary school would be in a position where a renovation project would be possible due to its age.

However, following a feasibility study by Fanning-Howey that showed that the elementary is in good condition to make improvements, school officials can now start kicking around some ideas about what to do with the underutilized areas in the middle school facility.

Superintendent Zupin stressed that just because they’ll now be focusing on making upgrades at the elementary school, that doesn’t mean that they’re going to stop thinking about the other building and how to make sure it’s being utilized in a way that best serves the school corporation and NJ-SP students.

She shared, “We don’t have to save it for a later date because we might move over, because that’s what we’ve been sitting with for two or three years now, kind of on that fence and we should because we were waiting on enrollment and waiting for this time but I think there’s opportunities for that middle school building for programs and community use.”

She noted that having that available space would allow officials to expand opportunities for students and entice and encourage others to come to the school corporation.

Dr. Zupin stated, “We know that graduation pathways are coming so not only is it leasers but it’s programs that might come down the pipeline where they would need one or two classrooms and if we don’t have that space then we don’t get those programs.

Board member Jim Menis weighed in on the matter, stressing that it puts NJ-SP in a unique position.

He shared, “It’s wonderful for the school system, as small as it is, to have that option. A lot of bigger schools don’t have this option.”

School officials will continue to address the proposed expansion project at the elementary school and ways to use underutilized space at the middle school building during future school board meetings.

As was previously reported, members of the public are encouraged to reach out to tour the facilities in order to get a better understanding of what’s being proposed and what will be addressed. To contact school officials call 574-896-2155.

Starke Park Board Again Holds Off on Approving Bass Lake Campground Electrical Work

Posted on December 11, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The Starke County Park Board still wants to do some more research before making a final decision on electrical upgrades at the Bass Lake Campground. The facility’s operator, Callahan Development LLC, wants to increase the electrical capacity in the back half of the property and is asking the county to deduct the $7,800 cost from its rent payment.

Callahan’s contract allows for credits for approved capital projects. But due to the number of credits already received, Callahan won’t have to pay any rent for some time.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Board President Richard Ballard pointed out that none of the board members were sure exactly how much of a credit Callahan has accumulated so far. “I do think we should get kind of a handle on how much money we’re in the hole in the thing and just kind of see where we are,” Ballard said. “But on the other hand, bottom line is we’re stuck with the lease, and we’ve got to do what the lease requires, I guess.”

County Attorney Marty Lucas suggested checking with the Auditor’s Office, and Board Member Rik Ritzler said he has a big stack of park board records from his predecessor on the board, Debbie Mix.

Board Member Butch Gerstandt felt that Callahan should pay for the upgrades itself. “They’ve got, what, 60 sites, and he’s saying they’ve got $100,000 campers and that coming in now,” Gerstandt said. “Just raise the price of the rent of the campers, even $100 each, and you’ll have it. He’ll have the money in hand, and that’ll pay for them big campers coming in. And it’s over.”

Board members also reiterated their concerns that Callahan’s current fees encouraged the campground to be used as an RV storage lot and that the county isn’t getting income from renting the facility to Callahan. The Starke County Park Board has been discussing this particular round of electrical upgrades since August.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Preliminary Plans for NJ-SP Elementary School Project Start to Take Shape

Posted on December 10, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Some preliminary details about a proposed building project at North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School were shared during a work session last week.

There were two separate options presented to the meeting attendees by representatives from the architecture firm Fanning Howey. They were the firm that performed the work for the Junior/Senior High project and some positive feedback about that work was presented during this session.

 The option that gained the most support involved the renovation and potential expansion of the Elementary School building.

The scope of this project will eventually be expanded but initial thoughts would be to subdivide the existing gym to allow for the potential to have an expanded cafeteria, large group instruction area or special needs space.

Plans also call for replacing windows and outdated roofing as well as upgrades to mechanical systems and lighting. Enlarging undersized classrooms and the possibility of constructing a new auxiliary gym are also listed within the scope of this option. 

The other option that was shown would involve demolishing the elementary school altogether and utilizing unused space at the middle school. With this scenario, a number of renovations would be required to size items for younger students and a potential expansion to the middle school facility would also be considered.

However, that option was described more costly and the consensus amongst the group of staff and administrators in attendance was that the scenario involving upgrades at the elementary school was preferred.

Looking ahead, the North Judson-San Pierre School Board is expected action on the project when members meet later this month on Tuesday, December 17th.

The next steps for Fanning Howey officials will be to focus on investigating the option that was identified as the one that drew the most support, to incorporate feedback received and identify a time line for further steps.

Superintendent Dr. Annette stressed that there would be no increase to the debt service payment and taxes will not increase as a result of this project.

She also noted that it won’t take place immediately, with the bond issuance anticipated in fall of 2020 and the majority of construction not expected to start until the summer of 2021. 

Zupin noted that community members are encouraged to come and tour the facilities, ask questions and provide feed back. To set up a tour with maintenance Director Collins, contact school officials at 574-896-2155. Additional details about this proposed project will be shared in future articles.


Starke County Commissioners Updated on Community Crossings Funding and Projects

Posted on December 10, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

Bids will be opened for the hot mix asphalt resurfacing project on County Road 50 S. from State Road 39 to the Knox City Limits during the Starke County Commissioners meeting on Monday, Dec. 16.  The county was awarded $731,580 in Community Crossings Matching Grant funding for the work in the latest grant round.

Once the paperwork is complete for the asphalt paving on the 25 N. project this past summer, highway officials will be ready to submit paperwork for three resurfacing requests in the next call for projects which is slated for Jan. 1.  They include the resurfacing of County Road 250 N. from U.S. 35 to Range Road, Range Road from State Road 10 to Toto Road, and County Road 400 S. from just west of County Road 650 W. to U.S. 421.

In addition to the successful Community Crossings projects, Highway Department Office Manager Mary Perren reported to the county commissioners that 91.55 miles of roads were improved this year.  That beats last year’s 71 miles and far surpasses the 7 miles of asphalt paving in 2008 and just 4 miles of asphalt paving in 2012.  This year crews have completed nearly 45 miles of chip seal surfacing, 20.5 miles of asphalt paving, almost 12 miles of crack seal, 11 miles of re-stoning or widening roads, and 3.2 miles of hot mix asphalt resurfacing.

Monday, December 9, 2019

Applications Received in Starke County’s Road Conversion Program

Posted on December 9, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

Two applications were recently submitted in Starke County’s road conversion program.

Starke County Highway Department Office Manager Mary Perren told the commissioners last week that the 2021 application process will continue through June of 2020.  The applications will be reviewed and then scored for consideration.  Any action would take place in 2021. 

A Road Conversion Policy was approved by the commissioners in November.  Under the policy, requests can be submitted to the Starke County Highway Department to convert a gravel road to a double chip seal road. In order for that process to move forward, the highway department will consider several elements before approval.  A road conversion scoring system would include the cost of the request, traffic volumes, a description of the road, thoroughfare plan classification, connectivity, public support, available right-of-way and the willingness of residents to dedicate right-of-way, and the road’s proximity to state roads.

Application and instructions can be obtained at the highway department during business hours.  They may also be mailed to any resident.

Additional Volunteers Would Help Expedite Renovation of Hope Restored Recovery Home

Posted on December 9, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

While a lot of progress has been made at the structure destined to be a recovery resource in Starke County, there’s still work to be done before Hope Restored will be able to open its doors to residents.

Representative Nathan Radtke highlighted that this project is possible thanks to the time, talent and monetary contributions that people have put toward the cause so far.

Work-days are consistently held at the building, located at 504 Lane Street in North Judson. The next one is this weekend from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, December 14th.

Some people may be hesitant to assist with renovations due to a lack of construction experience but there are plenty of ways to help so volunteers of varying skills levels are invited to come out.

At the moment a lot of painting needs to be done, so that will be a task for volunteers to tackle. In the near future, help with putting in insulation will also be needed. More specific projects identified as the work progresses.

The more people who help check off the remaining construction-related items, the sooner the Recovery Home will be operational.

Hope Restored will be a faith-based transitional living environment for men recovering from substance abuse disorder.

The recovery home is expected to feature structured scheduling, therapeutic programming, required self-help meetings and drug testing as well as house regulations and biblical teaching and devotionals. 

For additional details or to donate to the effort, visit hoperestoredsoberliving.net

Deadline for Light Up North Judson Decorating Contest Extended

Posted on December 9, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Residents still have time to sign-up to be a part of this year’s Light Up North Judson Outdoor Holiday Decorating contest.

The deadline, which was originally scheduled for last week has been extended. Citizens now have until 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 12th to turn their applications into North Judson Town Hall on Lane Street.

As a reminder, there is no registration fee. Forms can be mailed, submitted in person or placed in the payment drop box.

The top two best decorated homes within the incorporated town limits will each receive a prize of $125. At least two honorable mentions will also be named but they’ll simply receive bragging rights.

Registered homes will be judged the weekend of Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th. The winners will be announced during the council’s meeting on Monday, December 16th.

Click the following link to access the contest guidelines and the registration form. If you have any questions call Town Hall at 574-896-3340 and select extension 1 to speak with Billing Clerk Jennifer Vanek.

Starke County EMS Expected to Receive Ambulance Soon

Posted on December 7, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary recently purchased a used ambulance that’s expected to be arriving to the county’s fleet soon.

In October, the Starke County Commissioners approved the purchase of a retired ambulance from the Plainfield Fire Department with 70,000 miles on it in the amount of $40,000.  Clary previously noted that a refrigerator is included in the ambulance which is a benefit with some of the medications used by EMTs and paramedics that require refrigeration.

He said ambulance will be used as the primary transfer unit at Starke Hospital.  The current unit is aging and would be used as a backup unit if another truck is out for repairs.

“We’ll be able go down there and get it, but it still needs to be decaled and the radios switched over,” Clary said to the commissioners.  “Hopefully, we can have that in service in the next two or three weeks.  I’m working on the state paperwork right now to get certification numbers switched from one truck to another and some other things that need to be tidied up.” Clary added that the ambulances currently on the fleet had no major issues in the month of November.

SCCF Giving Tuesday Event Results in $50,000 of Donations!

Posted on December 7, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

More than $50,000 was donated to the Starke County Community Foundation as a result of this week’s Giving Tuesday event!

Giving Tuesday, the global generosity movement that was first launched in 2012, helps provide local people and organizations with the power to transform their communities. It was started with the simple idea of creating a day that encourages people to do good.

Many of the contributions that were provided on Giving Tuesday were specifically donated to Community Funds, which are eligible for the Lilly Endowment Inc. Matching Opportunity. That opportunity matches $2 to every $1 donated, with a total of $250,000 of matching funds available.

Throughout the span of this opportunity $246,000 of the matching money has been utilized, with only $4,000 remaining following the Giving Tuesday event.

SCCF Community Funds allow the organization to provide grants to various community resources. This year alone, more than $55,000 grant dollars have been funneled into the community for a variety of reasons.

Those funding opportunities range from larger amounts such as the $10,100 that was provided to Community Services of Starke County for a transportation van to smaller, but still impactful ones, such as the $600 grant that was awarded to Starke County WIC for a lactation station. 

In addition to collecting donations and providing community members with an opportunity to gather in their North Judson office on Giving Tuesday, the Community Foundation also recognized the Constellation of Starke Executive Committee as the winners of the 2019 James R. Hardesty Leadership in Philanthropy Award.

The award honors of the achievements of an outstanding individual philanthropist or an effective and worthwhile organization that makes an impact on the community. The COS Exec Committee was selected for the work they’ve done to unify the region this year.

It was established to honor James “Jim” Hardesty’s legacy of giving back to the community. A resident of Hamlet who genuinely loved Starke County, Hardesty stated his philosophy of giving simply and poignantly, he would say “If you can’t do a lot, do what you can do.”

To learn more about a number of different ways you can play a role in assisting the community, visit nicf.org and click on the Starke County tab.

NJ Officials Urge Residents to Put out Trash and Recycling Bins Night Before Collection

Posted on December 7, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Officials in the Town of North Judson recently issued a reminder regarding trash and recycling pick-up.

A notice that was shared on Friday stated that people should put their bins out at the road Wednesday evening in order for Thursday morning pick-up in order to ensure that their items are collected.

Republic Services, the company the performs the service for the town, runs an hour ahead of North Judson and is therefore in town quite early on pick-up day. If bins are not in place Wednesday night, there’s no guarantee that the items will be taken away.

Additionally, it has been emphasized in past Town Council Meetings that people are urged to bring their bins back away from the road as soon as possible after trash and recycling are collected.

Friday, December 6, 2019

12/5-8 Weekend Christmas Events


Brace yourself because this is a long one!  Things start off with a bang on Friday night with a visit from a certain gentleman who wears a red outfit, the tree lighting ceremony, and a free movie.  Hopefully you pre-bought your tickets for the Madrigal Dinner on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and/or were able to purchase one of the 180 tickets that were available for the Dinner and a Concert with Elvis. 

5:45 pm – Santa will be escorted into town for the Christmas Tree Lighting. 
 6 pm – The Christmas Tree display in Norwayne Field will be turned on.  Afterward, everyone is invited to have cocoa and cookies with Santa at the North Judson United Methodist Fellowship Hall, Central Avenue. 
 6pm – Madrigal Dinner = St. Peter Lutheran School Cafetorium, 810 W. Talmer Avenue, North Judson.  A night of music, feasting, and festivities awaits! 7pm – Movie:  Polar Express = Heartland Christian Center, 301 Main Street, North Judson, Indiana.  Everyone is invited to watch the movie after their visit with Santa.

9am-3pm – Starke County Relay for Life Christmas Bazaar = Knox Mall, Knox, Indiana.  There will be free photos with Santa, a bake sale to support the local Relay for Life, and vendors. 
 9am-?? – Cookie Walk = St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 406 East Washington St., Knox, Indiana.  Cookies will be selling for $7 a box.  Sponsored by the Altar Rosary Society. 
10am-2pm - Salute to Starke County High School Classes of 1959 = Starke County History Center, 1520 S. Heaton, Knox, Indiana.  A salute to the Starke County High School Classes of 1959 – Grovertown, Hamlet, Knox, North Judson, San Pierre – will be on display at the Starke County History Center from November 21, 2019 thru January 18,2020.  The Starke County History Center is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10am-4pm and Saturdays from 10am-2pm. 
11am-3pm - Santa Photos with Pets and Bake Sale / Raffle = Grand Central Station Banquet Facility, 301 Lane Street, North Judson, Indiana.  Bring your pets, and your camera, to see Santa – the one who specializes in pets - and take their photo!  There is a $1.00 donation for the sitting fee.  They will also have a bake sale and raffle items. 
11am-1pm – Community Dinner = United Methodist Church, 201 S. Shield Street, Knox, Indiana.  Join in for great food, great company, and a great time.  Carry outs will be available after 1pm.  There will also be a free coat give-away and bags of food.
 5:30pm – Dinner and a Concert with Elvis = Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1600 S Heaton St, Knox, IN 46534.  Elvis impersonator Curt Lechner will be singing gospel and Christmas hymns.   They will also be accepting donations of canned goods and pasta for the Food Pantry. 
6pm – Madrigal Dinner = St. Peter Lutheran School Cafetorium, 810 W. Talmer Avenue, North Judson.  A night of music, feasting, and festivities awaits! 
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8th
1pm – Madrigal Dinner = St. Peter Lutheran School Cafetorium, 810 W. Talmer Avenue, North Judson.  An afternoon of music, feasting, and festivities awaits! 

1-4pm – Kid’s Christmas Party = North Judson American Legion, 208 Collins Street, North Judson, Indiana.  Come see Santa!  There will be food and gifts.  Open to the public.  Hosted by American Legion Auxiliary Post #92. 

Tonight’s Festivities in North Judson to Feature Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting and Holiday Movie Screening

Posted on December 6, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Park employees as well as residents and organization representatives in the Town of North Judson have been busy decorating Norwayne Field for the Town’s annual Christmas festivities. It all kicks off at 5:45 p.m. tonight with the parade that will bring Santa Claus into town.

That will be followed by the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Once that wraps up, community members are invited to the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall to meet with Santa and enjoy cookies and cocoa.

Following the Santa visit, there will be a screening of Polar Express at the Heartland Christian Center.

Check out the North Judson Park and Recreation Board’s Facebook Page for additional details.