Placement of New Well at Norwayne Field Addressed at North Judson Town Council Meeting

Posted on December 18, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Contractors from Peerless Midwest attempted to get an unauthorized head start on the installation of the new well in the Town of North Judson and council members dealt with some concerns about the issue Monday night.

Park Board President John Origer addressed the council and noted that he and board member Rich Akers were quite stunned to find contractors at Norwayne Field without receiving any notice.

He added that park board members have spent the last few decades working to beautify the Town’s focal point and they fear the placement of the 12 by 8 foot, 6-foot-tall, fiberglass well enclosure would be an unflattering addition.

He also said that the proposed placement is right at the bottom of the tobogganing hill so there are safety and liability concerns as well.

Town Superintendent Marshall Horstmann mentioned that the current placement was not his idea or the engineer’s idea. They had a different plan where it would be more out of the way but due to the stringent setback requirements which limit where the well can be installed, project officials took the recommendation of representatives from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Project Engineer Rob Bellucci from Commonwealth Engineers noted that the contractors got “eager” about the project and shouldn’t even have been on site yet. He added that they’ve since packed up their equipment and left the area.

While Peerless Midwest was awarded the bid for the project, Bellucci explained that they’re not technically under contract yet since officials are waiting for funding to come through after the first of the year.

Bellucci added that since there is a concern with the present plan that involves an enclosure, he will do some research into placing a “pitless well” there instead.

He said with this design, all the equipment would be installed underground. There would be a minor protrusion, indicating where the well is located but it would be significantly less visible than the above ground option. Horstmann did note that while looking into that option, he discovered it would likely result in an additional cost of approximately $20,000.

The scope of the project is remaining the same, with the ultimate goal of installing a third wel off site

Bellucci said, aside from some additional paperwork and the possibility of needing to have the IDEM construction permit amended, there shouldn’t be a problem with shifting the plan to accommodate this new request.

The project engineer plans to bring in additional information as well as some cost estimates for the council members to consider at their first meeting in the New Year on Monday, January 7th.

Ribbon Cutting Set for Norwayne Field Stage Cover

Posted on May 14, 2018 
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

This Saturday, the Town of North Judson and the Starke County Chamber of Commerce are hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the Norwayne Field stage cover.

When town council members met last Monday, Park Board representative Nick Radke informed them that the remaining stonework was nearly complete. The ribbon cutting will take place at 6:30 p.m. on May 19th. Following the ceremony, there will be a free showing of the movie Field of Dreams, sponsored by the North Judson Park Board.

If you have any questions about the ceremony or the movie showing, you can contact North Judson Town Hall at 574-896-3340.

Bandshell to be Placed on Stage at Norwayne Field

North Judson Park and Recreation Board:

Twenty-five years ago, the concrete performance stage at Norwayne Field was poured on what was once the town baseball field. Even back then, the plan was to eventually place a bandshell or roof over the stage. Now in 2018, that dream will finally become a reality.

Through the generosity of the North Judson Community Center Fund, the Park Fun Day Committee, and the Park Beautification Fund, a laminated wood bandshell has been purchased from RCP Shelters in Stuart, Florida. The 40 by 20 foot structure cost $20,450 and is due to arrive next week. The stage cover will look very similar to the one at Wythogan Park in Knox.

We hope to begin construction as soon as the weather permits, and have it completed well before the Mint Festival, and even before our summer movies at Norwayne resume in May. Approximately $5000 more is needed to cover construction costs, shingles, and concrete. At that point, we will have a roof, but still lack aesthetic improvements of lighting, stonework, and landscaping. To that end, we will be applying for grants, and also accepting donations from anyone interested in seeing this become an attractive addition to our community.

Contributions can be made to the Park Beautification Fund in care of Sue Dolezal, 3987 W. Third St, North Judson 46366.

North Judson Park Board Looking for Park Caretaker

The North Judson Park Board is now accepting applications for the position of park caretaker.

The responsibilities include light mechanical work, cleaning and maintaining of the shelters and bathrooms, grass mowing, emptying of trash barrels and other general park maintenance.  The position lasts from April till September.

As a park employee, it is necessary to submit to and pass a drug and background check.  Anyone interested in the position can submit a resume to the office of the North Judson Clerk Treasurer by April 19th, 2014 @ 204 Keller Ave., North Judson, IN 46366.

Decorate a Tree at Norwayne Field

The North Judson Park and Recreation Board invite you to decorate a Tree at North Judson’s Norwayne Field to help bring the warm spirit of Christmas to Our Town.  (Trees may be done in memory of a loved one and signs will be placed at each tree stating who did the tree and for whom.)  To choose your tree & for more information call 896-3258.

Decorating needs to be done by Friday, November 30th as the Christmas parade and tree lighting will be on Saturday, December 1st at 6 PM Central time at Norwayne Field.

They Have Some Great Historical Photos...

Just visited the North Judson Park and Recreation Board page on facebook and loved all the pictures. They have albums of Norwayne Field - past and present, construction of the buildings in the park, the park dedication, Fun Day in the Park, and Christmas past at Norwayne Field. Some how all of this just seems to tie in with the "Saving Hoosier Heritage...together" display at the library.


https://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Judson-Park-and-Recreation-Board/205171029562184

It's (Almost) Picnic Time!

If you would like to reserve one of the shelters in the town park you need to call 574-896-2574. And you might want to visit the North Judson Park and Recreation Board page on Facebook to see some great pictures of past events. You can find them athttps://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Judson-Park-and-Recreation-Board/205171029562184