Posted on September 25, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Representatives of the Prairie Trails Club recently came before the North Judson Town Council to get involved with talks about the potential sale of the railroad.
Organization rep Carolla Heilstedt explained that the PTC is once again seeking funding through the Governor’s Next Level Trails grant program to continue expanding the Erie Trail.
She explained, “We were recently awarded funding to extend the trail a couple of miles south of Knox and one of our largest interest points and what we’ve seen from the surrounding community is expanding north, through North Judson.
She noted that the Club has an ongoing relationship with the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum and in the past, the trail has been built alongside the railway since there is existing foundation.
In addition to being useful for local bicyclists and walkers, Club member Kathleen Lucas highlighted the fact that the Erie Trail brings in travelers from outside of the community.
She noted, “Just so you know, in the last two weekends we’ve run across people from Lake County who prefer to come down here and use our trail because it’s quiet and peaceful and they always end up going to a particular local business for lunch after that so I think it really is a benefit to the Town.”
Heilstedt told the council that Club members wanted to get involved with the process as early as possible to ensure that the eventual sale of the railroad will not impact the trail extension plans.
Town Council President John Rowe stated that the trail is good resource for the town to have and said he didn’t see any problem with working with PTC, in conjunction with the HVRM, as the sales process proceeds.
He did ask reps to provide Town Attorney Justin Schramm with a map clearly indicating the area they’re looking to utilize for their expansion so it can be incorporated into any potential sales documentation that may be needed in the future.
Stephen Lucas suggested the addition of a town council liaison that could coordinate with the Club about updates related to the trail.
However, rather than appointing a town official to that position, President Rowe asked if the PTC could select a representative who could attend meetings. The members of the PTC who were in attendance were content with that idea.
Heilstedt also recommended holding a meeting with Town officials, PTC reps and Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert to discuss details surrounding the planned expansion.
Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe added that while he may not be able to serve in the capacity of an official liaison, he is available to act as a go-between and members are always welcome to give him a call or come into Town Hall during office hours.
If you’d like to learn more about the Erie Trail or ways that you can get involved with the PTC, visit PrairieTrailsClub.org.
Showing posts with label Erie Trail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Erie Trail. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Monday, July 29, 2019
Workshops Scheduled for Round Two of Next Level Trails Grant Program
Posted on July 29, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Anyone interested in applying for funds in the second round of the Next Level Trails grant program is encouraged to attend one of the application workshops being held during the month of August.
Governor Eric Holcomb and Indiana Department of Natural Resources Director Cameron Clark recently shared details about the second round of funding, including the dates and times for three workshops.
On Friday, August 9th a workshop will be held at Fort Harrison State Park Inn in Indianapolis. This opportunity will also be offered via webinar.
A workshop will also be held on Tuesday, August 13th at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell. The final workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 20th at Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton.
All of the workshops will begin at 3 p.m. local time. Click the following link for registration information.
Next Level Trails, which will dedicate $90 million of State funds over the life of the program, is the largest infusion of trail funding in state history.
In the first round, seventeen communities and non-profit organizations were awarded a total of $24.9 million for 42 miles of trail development.
Locally, the Prairie Trails Club was awarded a grant totaling $390,750 to extend the Erie Trail by a little over 2 miles.
According to information provided about this round of funding, $25 million will be awarded to regional projects and up to $5 million will go into local projects.
Each component requires a 20 percent project match. While the match can include monetary contributions, it can also include land value and in-kind donations of materials and labor. Projects funded through the program must be open to the public.
The application period for the second round begins October 1st and ends November 1st at 5 p.m. ET. First-round applicants that did not receive funding may re-apply this round. A third-round is anticipated in 2020.
Applicants should review the updated Next Level Trails Application Handbook, as some minor changes have been added for round two.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Anyone interested in applying for funds in the second round of the Next Level Trails grant program is encouraged to attend one of the application workshops being held during the month of August.
Governor Eric Holcomb and Indiana Department of Natural Resources Director Cameron Clark recently shared details about the second round of funding, including the dates and times for three workshops.
On Friday, August 9th a workshop will be held at Fort Harrison State Park Inn in Indianapolis. This opportunity will also be offered via webinar.
A workshop will also be held on Tuesday, August 13th at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell. The final workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 20th at Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton.
All of the workshops will begin at 3 p.m. local time. Click the following link for registration information.
Next Level Trails, which will dedicate $90 million of State funds over the life of the program, is the largest infusion of trail funding in state history.
In the first round, seventeen communities and non-profit organizations were awarded a total of $24.9 million for 42 miles of trail development.
Locally, the Prairie Trails Club was awarded a grant totaling $390,750 to extend the Erie Trail by a little over 2 miles.
According to information provided about this round of funding, $25 million will be awarded to regional projects and up to $5 million will go into local projects.
Each component requires a 20 percent project match. While the match can include monetary contributions, it can also include land value and in-kind donations of materials and labor. Projects funded through the program must be open to the public.
The application period for the second round begins October 1st and ends November 1st at 5 p.m. ET. First-round applicants that did not receive funding may re-apply this round. A third-round is anticipated in 2020.
Applicants should review the updated Next Level Trails Application Handbook, as some minor changes have been added for round two.
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
NJ Town Council to Compose Letter of Support for Erie Trail Expansion Project
Posted on January 22, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Prairie Trails Club is looking to apply for a grant to that would help extend the Erie Trail in North Judson.
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert informed North Judson Town Council members about the Club’s plans Monday night.
Wickert explained, “They want to extend that trail 2 miles from 35, on East so it would go from North Judson all the way to just about the Pulaski County line, over towards Monterey over there.”
SCEDF Executive Director Wickert told members that the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum owns the associated property and stated that representatives have provided their approval to move ahead with the project.
He added that county officials agreed to supply a jurisdictional approval letter to assist with the efforts.
Wickert asked the town council members if they’d be interested in providing a letter of support, as it would be an advantageous thing for the Prairie Trails Club to have during the grant application process.
He noted that the grant application will be due by Friday, February 15th so he’ll need the letter prior to that date. Council members agreed unanimously to provide the letter of support.
While this expansion does tie into the county’s ongoing Stellar conversations, trail projects are also a big focus at the state level right now. Wickert mentioned that Governor Eric Holcomb has about $90 million set aside for such projects after he realized more connectivity would be beneficial to the state.
“We’ve got a lot of trails around Indiana, but their not connected.” Wickert continued, “He really thinks it would benefit Indiana, not just for our own people but also to an attractive thing for companies who want to move here from other places.”
If there are any other local entities that are interested in submitting a letter of support for the Erie Trail expansion project, contact the SCEDF at 574-772-5627
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Prairie Trails Club is looking to apply for a grant to that would help extend the Erie Trail in North Judson.
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert informed North Judson Town Council members about the Club’s plans Monday night.
Wickert explained, “They want to extend that trail 2 miles from 35, on East so it would go from North Judson all the way to just about the Pulaski County line, over towards Monterey over there.”
SCEDF Executive Director Wickert told members that the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum owns the associated property and stated that representatives have provided their approval to move ahead with the project.
He added that county officials agreed to supply a jurisdictional approval letter to assist with the efforts.
Wickert asked the town council members if they’d be interested in providing a letter of support, as it would be an advantageous thing for the Prairie Trails Club to have during the grant application process.
He noted that the grant application will be due by Friday, February 15th so he’ll need the letter prior to that date. Council members agreed unanimously to provide the letter of support.
While this expansion does tie into the county’s ongoing Stellar conversations, trail projects are also a big focus at the state level right now. Wickert mentioned that Governor Eric Holcomb has about $90 million set aside for such projects after he realized more connectivity would be beneficial to the state.
“We’ve got a lot of trails around Indiana, but their not connected.” Wickert continued, “He really thinks it would benefit Indiana, not just for our own people but also to an attractive thing for companies who want to move here from other places.”
If there are any other local entities that are interested in submitting a letter of support for the Erie Trail expansion project, contact the SCEDF at 574-772-5627
Monday, August 20, 2018
Local Officials Consider Existing Assets Within Starke County while Talking with Stellar Community Project Manager
Posted on August 20, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
When community leaders gathered in the Starke County Economic Development Foundation’s office last week for an informational meeting about OCRA’s Regional Stellar initiative, they were asked to consider some of the existing assets within the county.
Stellar Community Project Manager Michael Sinnet said they should consider a variety of different elements within the community that could encompass a number of categories including natural, human, financial and physical assets.
Knox Mayor Estok noted the relaxed atmosphere as an existing asset as well as the air quality and safety compared to bigger cities.
Starke County Commissioner Kathy Norem mentioned a few of the county’s natural resources such as the lakes and reserve as well as the county forest. She said officials are working to better utilize these areas but there are definitely some things that could be done to build on those existing resources.
She also said she considers the Starke County Justice Center as a strong asset. She noted that it has been recognized as a model for small and medium-sized jails. She mentioned that some discussions have been happening about the possibility of expanding some of the helpful substance abuse recovery programs and potentially utilizing the additional acreage around the jail to build a rehabilitation center.
She said in addition to addressing the existing drug problem that plagues the county and surrounding areas, it would also result in the professionals who work at that type of facility searching for homes and utilizing local services in the community.
North Judson Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe listed the cross-country trails that the Erie Trail is a part of as something that their town brings to the table.
He noted that while it does result in people from across the continent coming into the area, it would be great to get a local connection going to give people who bike from Knox to North Judson to have a more direct pathway.
Hamlet Councilman Brian Earnest noted that though it may be considered negative currently, the existing space that they have can be an asset when looking for places to build and expand within the county.
Knox Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston added that he considers the altruistic nature of the citizens to be an asset, with a large portion of the community members who are willing to volunteer to lend a helping hand and assist with events. It was also mentioned that Starke County also has a very good network of charitable organizations that work together to assist the community in so many ways.
Sinnet stated that while it’s good they were able to come up with a few key assets, in order to construct useful comprehensive plans and a compelling letter of intent, they would need to have a lot more in mind.
An asset mapping exercise will be held in the future to help local officials identify more assets and to assist them with developing their own plans for improving or capitalizing on the existing ones.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
When community leaders gathered in the Starke County Economic Development Foundation’s office last week for an informational meeting about OCRA’s Regional Stellar initiative, they were asked to consider some of the existing assets within the county.
Stellar Community Project Manager Michael Sinnet said they should consider a variety of different elements within the community that could encompass a number of categories including natural, human, financial and physical assets.
Knox Mayor Estok noted the relaxed atmosphere as an existing asset as well as the air quality and safety compared to bigger cities.
Starke County Commissioner Kathy Norem mentioned a few of the county’s natural resources such as the lakes and reserve as well as the county forest. She said officials are working to better utilize these areas but there are definitely some things that could be done to build on those existing resources.
She also said she considers the Starke County Justice Center as a strong asset. She noted that it has been recognized as a model for small and medium-sized jails. She mentioned that some discussions have been happening about the possibility of expanding some of the helpful substance abuse recovery programs and potentially utilizing the additional acreage around the jail to build a rehabilitation center.
She said in addition to addressing the existing drug problem that plagues the county and surrounding areas, it would also result in the professionals who work at that type of facility searching for homes and utilizing local services in the community.
North Judson Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe listed the cross-country trails that the Erie Trail is a part of as something that their town brings to the table.
He noted that while it does result in people from across the continent coming into the area, it would be great to get a local connection going to give people who bike from Knox to North Judson to have a more direct pathway.
Hamlet Councilman Brian Earnest noted that though it may be considered negative currently, the existing space that they have can be an asset when looking for places to build and expand within the county.
Knox Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston added that he considers the altruistic nature of the citizens to be an asset, with a large portion of the community members who are willing to volunteer to lend a helping hand and assist with events. It was also mentioned that Starke County also has a very good network of charitable organizations that work together to assist the community in so many ways.
Sinnet stated that while it’s good they were able to come up with a few key assets, in order to construct useful comprehensive plans and a compelling letter of intent, they would need to have a lot more in mind.
An asset mapping exercise will be held in the future to help local officials identify more assets and to assist them with developing their own plans for improving or capitalizing on the existing ones.
Monday, August 13, 2018
Signage Installed Around North Judson to Help Guide Trail Travelers
Posted on August 11, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Bicyclists and pedestrians utilizing the trails in North Judson now have some signage to guide them.
Back in May, Prairie Trails Club Representatives Steve and Kathy Lucas came before Town Council members, requesting permission to place signs around town that would help guide people using the trails. The members unanimously approved the request.
As a reminder, The Erie Trail in North Judson runs a little more than 9 miles and is a part of two major trails that stretch across the whole country. It is included in Indiana’s portion of the U.S. Bike Route 35 that starts in Canada and ends near New Orleans. That trail will eventually reach the Gulf of Mexico. The Erie Trail is also a part of the American Discovery Trail which runs from Delaware to California.
Ever since they received permission, Steve, Kathy and other members of Prairie Trails Club have been coordinating with Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe with Town Superintendent Marshall Horstmann about the ideal places to erect the signs.
On Thursday, August 9th, they put their plans into action, according to Prairie Trails Club rep Peggy Bohac. Bohac also serves as the town photographer and she followed around crews on Thursday and snapped pictures as they put signs up in various places around town.
Multiple people also joined in with Thursday’s excursion around town including Town Superintendent Marshall Horstman and members of his utility crew Kim Kapp and Jason Manns as well as Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe and Steve and Kathy Lucas. The Starke County Community Foundation’s Jessica Martinovic and Miranda Shepherd were also present and so were Nan Wellman and Amanda Brewer from OTES, the company that created the signs.
In addition to alerting travelers that they’re on a specific trail, Bohac noted that these signs will help direct people toward local services on their way through town. She mentioned that since North Judson is the only municipality that travelers pass through between LaPorte and Rochester, it is crucial to let them know where they can find resources in town.
Bohac added that with the initial plans for the US Bike Route 35, it wouldn’t have passed through the heart of North Judson. She stated that back in 2011, the Hoosier Rails to Trails Council recommended a route that would have skirted the northern edge of town. However, Bohac said that Town Council members made a decision in 2012 that led to the route that is there currently in place, which gives better access to commercial and public services in town.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
[Photo Source: NJ Town Photographer Peggy Bohac]
Back in May, Prairie Trails Club Representatives Steve and Kathy Lucas came before Town Council members, requesting permission to place signs around town that would help guide people using the trails. The members unanimously approved the request.
As a reminder, The Erie Trail in North Judson runs a little more than 9 miles and is a part of two major trails that stretch across the whole country. It is included in Indiana’s portion of the U.S. Bike Route 35 that starts in Canada and ends near New Orleans. That trail will eventually reach the Gulf of Mexico. The Erie Trail is also a part of the American Discovery Trail which runs from Delaware to California.
[Photo Source: NJ Town Photographer Peggy Bohac]
On Thursday, August 9th, they put their plans into action, according to Prairie Trails Club rep Peggy Bohac. Bohac also serves as the town photographer and she followed around crews on Thursday and snapped pictures as they put signs up in various places around town.
Multiple people also joined in with Thursday’s excursion around town including Town Superintendent Marshall Horstman and members of his utility crew Kim Kapp and Jason Manns as well as Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe and Steve and Kathy Lucas. The Starke County Community Foundation’s Jessica Martinovic and Miranda Shepherd were also present and so were Nan Wellman and Amanda Brewer from OTES, the company that created the signs.
L to R: James Manns, Peggy Bohac, Kim Kapp
[Photo Source: NJ Town Photographer Peggy Bohac]
In addition to alerting travelers that they’re on a specific trail, Bohac noted that these signs will help direct people toward local services on their way through town. She mentioned that since North Judson is the only municipality that travelers pass through between LaPorte and Rochester, it is crucial to let them know where they can find resources in town.
Bohac added that with the initial plans for the US Bike Route 35, it wouldn’t have passed through the heart of North Judson. She stated that back in 2011, the Hoosier Rails to Trails Council recommended a route that would have skirted the northern edge of town. However, Bohac said that Town Council members made a decision in 2012 that led to the route that is there currently in place, which gives better access to commercial and public services in town.
L to R: Nan Wellman and Amanda Brewer, Kathy and Steve Lucas, Andrew Rowe, Jessica Martinovic and Miranda Shepherd [Photo Source: NJ Town Photographer Peggy Bohac]
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Starke County Commissioners Approve Additional Erie Trail Access
Posted on April 5, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The volunteer organization that’s responsible for promoting and maintaining the Erie Trail between North Judson and Bass Station has received approval to add more access points to the route.
The Starke County Commissioners Monday approved access points on Range Road, 450 East at the southwest corner of Bass Lake and 600 East, which will connect to the campground. The Prairie Trails Club will purchase the necessary signs and will work with the Starke County Highway Department on their installation.
Eventually a trailhead will be added at Mark Bailey’s Discount Center at the intersection of State Road 10 and Range Road to provide an additional access point for bicycle riders and pedestrians to get on the route.
Both the American Discovery Trail between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the U.S. Bike Route #35, which will connect Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, will pass through Starke County on the Erie Trail.
Prairie Trails Club President Bruce Fingerhut told the commissioners they hope to connect to Tippecanoe River State Park in Pulaski County at some point. That’s also the goal for the Panhandle Pathway, which currently stops in downtown Winamac. Once that happens, outdoor enthusiasts will have more than 40 miles of paved trail from North Judson to France Park in Cass County.
Part of the Erie Trail is also accessible to equestrians, with an adjacent bridle path from 100 West to U.S. 35. However, horse enthusiasts note there’s not a good place to unload their animals and park their trailers in order to access the route.
Additionally brush, vines and honeysuckle need to be cleared from the path. The Prairie Trails Club plans to schedule a cleanup day later in the spring. Visit http://www.prairietrailsclub.org/ for more information.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The volunteer organization that’s responsible for promoting and maintaining the Erie Trail between North Judson and Bass Station has received approval to add more access points to the route.
The Starke County Commissioners Monday approved access points on Range Road, 450 East at the southwest corner of Bass Lake and 600 East, which will connect to the campground. The Prairie Trails Club will purchase the necessary signs and will work with the Starke County Highway Department on their installation.
Eventually a trailhead will be added at Mark Bailey’s Discount Center at the intersection of State Road 10 and Range Road to provide an additional access point for bicycle riders and pedestrians to get on the route.
Both the American Discovery Trail between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the U.S. Bike Route #35, which will connect Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, will pass through Starke County on the Erie Trail.
Prairie Trails Club President Bruce Fingerhut told the commissioners they hope to connect to Tippecanoe River State Park in Pulaski County at some point. That’s also the goal for the Panhandle Pathway, which currently stops in downtown Winamac. Once that happens, outdoor enthusiasts will have more than 40 miles of paved trail from North Judson to France Park in Cass County.
Part of the Erie Trail is also accessible to equestrians, with an adjacent bridle path from 100 West to U.S. 35. However, horse enthusiasts note there’s not a good place to unload their animals and park their trailers in order to access the route.
Additionally brush, vines and honeysuckle need to be cleared from the path. The Prairie Trails Club plans to schedule a cleanup day later in the spring. Visit http://www.prairietrailsclub.org/ for more information.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
8/20/2013 Moving Starke County Forward Community Walk
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI
Published: August 20th, 2013
Do you need help logging steps in the Moving Starke County Forward walking challenge?
Those wanting to help step up the effort in reaching a goal of 25,000 miles by Sept. 2 can participate in a walk scheduled in North Judson tonight at 6 p.m. CT. Walkers are to meet at the intersection of State Road 10 and 250 West. A parking area is available at that location.
Roughly 5,278 miles need to be logged before the completion of the walking challenge that ends on Labor Day. Data indicates 267 participants have already walked over 19,000 miles to get Starke County around the world.
If you haven’t signed up for this unique opportunity, you still have time. Sign up at any library branch in Starke County. Report your steps to Heather Skelly, Wellness Specialist at IU Health Starke Hospital, by calling (574) 772-1272.
Published: August 20th, 2013
Do you need help logging steps in the Moving Starke County Forward walking challenge?
Those wanting to help step up the effort in reaching a goal of 25,000 miles by Sept. 2 can participate in a walk scheduled in North Judson tonight at 6 p.m. CT. Walkers are to meet at the intersection of State Road 10 and 250 West. A parking area is available at that location.
Roughly 5,278 miles need to be logged before the completion of the walking challenge that ends on Labor Day. Data indicates 267 participants have already walked over 19,000 miles to get Starke County around the world.
If you haven’t signed up for this unique opportunity, you still have time. Sign up at any library branch in Starke County. Report your steps to Heather Skelly, Wellness Specialist at IU Health Starke Hospital, by calling (574) 772-1272.
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