Posted on September 20, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Regional Development Plan was submitted by today’s deadline by Constellation of Starke officials in the Regional Stellar Communities Designation Program.
Throughout the process, Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert told the county council and commissioners this week that he’s happy to see the collaboration of all of the municipalities and unincorporated areas in this process.
“Once we got into it, everyone was on the same page and we’re all trying to do the same thing and cheer each other on. The unincorporated communities were reluctant at first, but they jumped right on board and they’ve all been very excited about this,” commented Wickert.
Several projects are proposed for each municipality and unincorporated area in the county. All units have committed funding to support the goals in the Regional Development Plan over the course of four years.
The Stellar designee will be announced in December. The other competitors are the Marshall County Crossroads which consists of Argos, Bourbon, Bremen, Culver, Plymouth and Marshall County; Jay! Region which is comprised of the Dunkirk, Portland, Pennville, Redkey and Jay County, and Safe and Welcome, which includes Knightstown, New Castle and Henry County.
If Constellation of Starke is deemed the winner, about $16 million in funds will go toward projects outlined in the plan. If Starke County is not selected as the designee, about $333,000 will be awarded to the county as a finalist. The Stellar committee can decide later how that money will be appropriated.
Showing posts with label Starke Co. Economic Development FOundation Executive Director. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starke Co. Economic Development FOundation Executive Director. Show all posts
Friday, September 20, 2019
Friday, May 24, 2019
Constellation of Starke Public Engagement Meeting Draws a Stellar Turnout
Posted on May 24, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
About 100 people from all across the county turned up to the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center Thursday afternoon to show their support for Constellation of Starke.
The purpose the meeting was to inform the public about Constellation of Starke and the region’s mission to be designated a Stellar Community through the Office of Community and Rural Affair’s multi-year, multi-million dollar investment program.
The event began with a presentation from Stellar Communities Program Manager Michael Sinnet. He listed the various agencies that contribute funding to the program, shared a program timeline and provided a general process overview.
The information he provided will be available through the Stellar Communities tab on OCRA’s website.
Following Sinnet’s presentation, Constellation of Starke team members had a chance to share why the community is in a good position to be involved in the Stellar program at this point in time.
A video created by Mirth and Whimsy creatively captured the region and emphasized why the community would be an ideal candidate for the Stellar designation.
In addition to the video, County Attorney Marty Lucas shared a power point presentation with some statistics that highlighted Starke County’s potential for growth.
A panel discussion that featured input from the community’s leaders was also included. Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert prompted panelists to share why they felt participation in this program was important and asked them to talk about some potential project goals.
Panelists included County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler, Hamlet Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts, North Judson Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe and Knox Mayor Dennis Estok.
The event concluded with officials from Ball State’s Indiana Communities Institute (ICI) providing some community engagement exercises that gave the public a chance to participate in the regional development plan process.
The information they gathered will be analyzed by the ICI and shared in future meetings with the Constellation of Starke executive team and advisory committee.
Ultimately, the goal is to accurately represent the community’s needs and desires into the regional development plan that will be submitted for consideration this fall.
If you didn’t have a chance to attend, you can view elements of the event on the Constellation of Starke Facebook page.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
About 100 people from all across the county turned up to the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center Thursday afternoon to show their support for Constellation of Starke.
The purpose the meeting was to inform the public about Constellation of Starke and the region’s mission to be designated a Stellar Community through the Office of Community and Rural Affair’s multi-year, multi-million dollar investment program.
The event began with a presentation from Stellar Communities Program Manager Michael Sinnet. He listed the various agencies that contribute funding to the program, shared a program timeline and provided a general process overview.
The information he provided will be available through the Stellar Communities tab on OCRA’s website.
Following Sinnet’s presentation, Constellation of Starke team members had a chance to share why the community is in a good position to be involved in the Stellar program at this point in time.
A video created by Mirth and Whimsy creatively captured the region and emphasized why the community would be an ideal candidate for the Stellar designation.
In addition to the video, County Attorney Marty Lucas shared a power point presentation with some statistics that highlighted Starke County’s potential for growth.
A panel discussion that featured input from the community’s leaders was also included. Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert prompted panelists to share why they felt participation in this program was important and asked them to talk about some potential project goals.
Panelists included County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler, Hamlet Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts, North Judson Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe and Knox Mayor Dennis Estok.
The event concluded with officials from Ball State’s Indiana Communities Institute (ICI) providing some community engagement exercises that gave the public a chance to participate in the regional development plan process.
The information they gathered will be analyzed by the ICI and shared in future meetings with the Constellation of Starke executive team and advisory committee.
Ultimately, the goal is to accurately represent the community’s needs and desires into the regional development plan that will be submitted for consideration this fall.
If you didn’t have a chance to attend, you can view elements of the event on the Constellation of Starke Facebook page.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
SCEDF Looking to Include Zoning Ordinances Online
Posted on March 12, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The county’s zoning ordinances could soon be online.
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert asked the Starke County Commissioners last week if the county’s zoning ordinances could be uploaded to the county’s website so residents can access that information quicker and at their own pace.
Wickert proposed that his office hire an intern this summer and that person could do the the work necessary to input that information on the county’s website with a search option, similar to what the City of Knox has on the city’s website.
County Attorney Marty Lucas asked if the county’s GIS information could be added. Wickert said he’d ask IT Director Richard Franks if that is an option.
The commissioners agreed that it would be a valuable resource for county residents. Wickert said he’d keep the commissioners informed on the process.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The county’s zoning ordinances could soon be online.
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert asked the Starke County Commissioners last week if the county’s zoning ordinances could be uploaded to the county’s website so residents can access that information quicker and at their own pace.
Wickert proposed that his office hire an intern this summer and that person could do the the work necessary to input that information on the county’s website with a search option, similar to what the City of Knox has on the city’s website.
County Attorney Marty Lucas asked if the county’s GIS information could be added. Wickert said he’d ask IT Director Richard Franks if that is an option.
The commissioners agreed that it would be a valuable resource for county residents. Wickert said he’d keep the commissioners informed on the process.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Starke County Commissioners Approve Railroad Crossing Inspection Contract
Posted on March 9, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County will utilize a new vendor for railroad crossing inspections in the Industrial Park.
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert said the vendor who had been doing the inspections sent a contract cancellation notice. In his research, Wickert found the company Millenium whose employees can do the work at a less expensive rate. The contract would include monthly railroad crossing inspections and response to emergencies.
The contract amount is $6,000. Wickert stressed that the funding of this contract comes solely from the revenue generated by the three companies who utilize the rail in the industrial park. The companies pay $51 per car. Those funds are deposited into a county account to pay for the inspection contract and other maintenance.
With the blessing of County Attorney Marty Lucas who reviewed the paperwork, the commissioners approved the contract as presented with a unanimous vote.
Wickert plans to return to visit with the commissioners on Monday, March 18 to discuss the rate charged for rail cars that access the rail lines in the Industrial Park. Wickert noted that long-term cost estimates reveal a more appropriate charge per rail car. He’ll present more information at that meeting.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County will utilize a new vendor for railroad crossing inspections in the Industrial Park.
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert said the vendor who had been doing the inspections sent a contract cancellation notice. In his research, Wickert found the company Millenium whose employees can do the work at a less expensive rate. The contract would include monthly railroad crossing inspections and response to emergencies.
The contract amount is $6,000. Wickert stressed that the funding of this contract comes solely from the revenue generated by the three companies who utilize the rail in the industrial park. The companies pay $51 per car. Those funds are deposited into a county account to pay for the inspection contract and other maintenance.
With the blessing of County Attorney Marty Lucas who reviewed the paperwork, the commissioners approved the contract as presented with a unanimous vote.
Wickert plans to return to visit with the commissioners on Monday, March 18 to discuss the rate charged for rail cars that access the rail lines in the Industrial Park. Wickert noted that long-term cost estimates reveal a more appropriate charge per rail car. He’ll present more information at that meeting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)