Posted on October 4, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County officials hope that recent upgrades to the County Forest will help attract new visitors. County Park Board members and Community Foundation representatives joined Forester Bruce Wakeland, Commissioner Kathy Norem, and several others Wednesday afternoon, to cut the ribbon on the forest’s upgraded access road.
This summer, the Starke County Highway Department upgraded the old access trail into a gravel road. It features a cul-de-sac for parking, with a native plant garden being developed in the middle.
County Attorney Marty Lucas explained that the bulk of the cost was covered by a grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund. “The grant was $15,200, and the funds were also supplemented with additional money from the trust fund for the forest here that Bruce maintains by timber sale, so the property also supported some of it,” Lucas said. “And then I think the commissioners also provided some additional funds for the road installation.”
Starke County Park Board President Roger Chaffins credited Lucas for helping the park board get the grant. “Marty did 90 percent of the work on this on his own, and I’m proud of what he did and proud of what we’ve got here,” Chaffins said. “And it’s going to improve the park use, I hope, for everybody, so everybody knows where it’s at now.”
The forest entrance is located in the area of 10655 East Division Road, although the property extends a mile south to State Road 8. Forester Bruce Wakeland said that having the entrance on the smaller county road has a couple of advantages: the safety when it comes to getting in and out of the property and the proximity of the entrance to the forest’s major features, like the marsh and observation tower. He said the upgrade was a great feature that was really needed, noting that he was surprised at how quickly the original parking lot became overwhelmed.
Northern Indiana Community Foundation Executive Director Jay Albright echoed that sentiment. “This is so welcoming, compared to the way the drive and stuff went through before,” he said. Albright also encouraged anyone who hasn’t hiked through the County Forest to put that on their to-do list.
Showing posts with label Starke County Park Board. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starke County Park Board. Show all posts
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Monday, August 20, 2018
Starke County Forest May Host Cross Country Meets
Posted on August 20, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest could soon host high school cross country meets. Starke County Park Board President Roger Chaffins brought up the idea during last week’s meeting, on behalf of board member Chris Lawrence, who was not in attendance. “He mentioned that we’d see if we’d be open to that,” Chaffins explained, “and if it would work, I don’t see why the schools couldn’t do something like that.”
Forester Bruce Wakeland said as long as the forest meets the requirements for a cross county course, he didn’t see a problem with it. Wakeland added that hosting meets would introduce the property to a lot of new people.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest could soon host high school cross country meets. Starke County Park Board President Roger Chaffins brought up the idea during last week’s meeting, on behalf of board member Chris Lawrence, who was not in attendance. “He mentioned that we’d see if we’d be open to that,” Chaffins explained, “and if it would work, I don’t see why the schools couldn’t do something like that.”
Forester Bruce Wakeland said as long as the forest meets the requirements for a cross county course, he didn’t see a problem with it. Wakeland added that hosting meets would introduce the property to a lot of new people.
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Native Plant Garden to be Added to Starke County Forest Parking Area
Posted on August 18, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest will soon get a native plant garden. The recently-upgraded access road now ends at a circular parking loop, with an open space in the middle.
The Starke County Park Board agreed Tuesday to let Naturally Native Nursery of South Bend fill the space with a colorful arrangement of flowers and grasses. Rough Blazing Star, Smooth Aster, Black-eyed Susan, and Prairie Flox are among the types of flowers that will be included.
Forester Bruce Wakeland presented the proposal. He said he would help maintain the new garden for the first couple years, but it shouldn’t require much work after that, since most of the plants are perennial.
The plants and installation are expected to cost $1,050. That will come out of the Forest Fund, which is funded by the forest’s timber sale revenues.
A cost estimate was also presented for a linear planting along the west side of the road, but Wakeland and the park board said they’d rather keep the space open for overflow parking.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest will soon get a native plant garden. The recently-upgraded access road now ends at a circular parking loop, with an open space in the middle.
The Starke County Park Board agreed Tuesday to let Naturally Native Nursery of South Bend fill the space with a colorful arrangement of flowers and grasses. Rough Blazing Star, Smooth Aster, Black-eyed Susan, and Prairie Flox are among the types of flowers that will be included.
Forester Bruce Wakeland presented the proposal. He said he would help maintain the new garden for the first couple years, but it shouldn’t require much work after that, since most of the plants are perennial.
The plants and installation are expected to cost $1,050. That will come out of the Forest Fund, which is funded by the forest’s timber sale revenues.
A cost estimate was also presented for a linear planting along the west side of the road, but Wakeland and the park board said they’d rather keep the space open for overflow parking.
Friday, August 17, 2018
Research into Bass Lake Erosion Solutions Continues
Posted on August 17, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Preventing the erosion of the Bass Lake shoreline is the goal of a planned research effort. Resident Rick Anderson told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that it’s a challenging issue, due to the lake’s big waves and hard winter ice, but there are a couple officials with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources who might have some ideas.
“I would like to get those two gentlemen to the beach and walk the beach and see what could be done and what could realistically be permitted by the DNR to help the erosion problem,” Anderson told the park board. “And maybe it’s nothing, but maybe it’s something.”
Anderson pointed out that any potential solution would likely require the cooperation of local property owners. But he noted that the county’s recent installation of glacial stone at the Bass Lake Beach has already led to 32 property owners expressing interest in putting it in front of their seawalls, as well. That itself should make a big impact, according to Anderson.
He said if a solution is identified, the plan is to pursue grant funding. County Attorney Marty Lucas added that the county’s efforts to be designated a Stellar Community could also help. “If there should be a consensus about a project that would work out there, that’s the kind of thing that they do on the Stellar Communities Program,” Lucas said. “And sometimes, there’s pretty significant grants, and Bass Lake is the kind of thing that they really might be interested in.”
The park board agreed to let Anderson proceed with scheduling a DNR site visit and gathering information.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Preventing the erosion of the Bass Lake shoreline is the goal of a planned research effort. Resident Rick Anderson told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that it’s a challenging issue, due to the lake’s big waves and hard winter ice, but there are a couple officials with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources who might have some ideas.
“I would like to get those two gentlemen to the beach and walk the beach and see what could be done and what could realistically be permitted by the DNR to help the erosion problem,” Anderson told the park board. “And maybe it’s nothing, but maybe it’s something.”
Anderson pointed out that any potential solution would likely require the cooperation of local property owners. But he noted that the county’s recent installation of glacial stone at the Bass Lake Beach has already led to 32 property owners expressing interest in putting it in front of their seawalls, as well. That itself should make a big impact, according to Anderson.
He said if a solution is identified, the plan is to pursue grant funding. County Attorney Marty Lucas added that the county’s efforts to be designated a Stellar Community could also help. “If there should be a consensus about a project that would work out there, that’s the kind of thing that they do on the Stellar Communities Program,” Lucas said. “And sometimes, there’s pretty significant grants, and Bass Lake is the kind of thing that they really might be interested in.”
The park board agreed to let Anderson proceed with scheduling a DNR site visit and gathering information.
Starke County Forest Access Road Upgrades Complete
Posted on August 16, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest’s new access road is now complete. The County Highway Department recently upgraded the old access trail into a gravel road with a 10-to-12-car parking lot. The work was funded by a $15,000 grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund.
Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that the cost of materials only ended up being a little over $7,000. He asked board members which of the project’s optional items they’d like to complete with the leftover money.
However, Board President Roger Chaffins said $7,000 will go to Bob Aloi with Territorial Engineering. Ritzler took issue with that amount. “He didn’t do the plans,” Ritzler said. “We told him. We outlined where it was supposed to be. We don’t him the depth of the thing. The only thing he was was the draftsman. If he charged $7,000 for that, that was a little too much.”
But Ritzler admitted that Aloi did handle the survey marks, and County Attorney Marty Lucas pointed out that the project had to go through the county’s zoning board. “That ended up being kind of time-consuming, I have to say. It took more of my time than I thought it was going to take, too,” Lucas said.
In spite of the engineering fee, the park board was able to include a few of the optional items. Board members agreed to add a $531 bike rack, as recommended by member Debbie Mix. “Because someone who’s going to walk the forest certainly would also be the same type of person that would be riding a bicycle there,” Mix said.
Other additional work will include more than $700 worth of signage in and around the forest, and a new gate to block access to the back of the forest, for just under $600. Since not all of that can be covered by the grant, the park board authorized up to $1,500 to be spent out of the dedicated forest fund. That money comes from the forest’s timber sales.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest’s new access road is now complete. The County Highway Department recently upgraded the old access trail into a gravel road with a 10-to-12-car parking lot. The work was funded by a $15,000 grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund.
Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that the cost of materials only ended up being a little over $7,000. He asked board members which of the project’s optional items they’d like to complete with the leftover money.
However, Board President Roger Chaffins said $7,000 will go to Bob Aloi with Territorial Engineering. Ritzler took issue with that amount. “He didn’t do the plans,” Ritzler said. “We told him. We outlined where it was supposed to be. We don’t him the depth of the thing. The only thing he was was the draftsman. If he charged $7,000 for that, that was a little too much.”
But Ritzler admitted that Aloi did handle the survey marks, and County Attorney Marty Lucas pointed out that the project had to go through the county’s zoning board. “That ended up being kind of time-consuming, I have to say. It took more of my time than I thought it was going to take, too,” Lucas said.
In spite of the engineering fee, the park board was able to include a few of the optional items. Board members agreed to add a $531 bike rack, as recommended by member Debbie Mix. “Because someone who’s going to walk the forest certainly would also be the same type of person that would be riding a bicycle there,” Mix said.
Other additional work will include more than $700 worth of signage in and around the forest, and a new gate to block access to the back of the forest, for just under $600. Since not all of that can be covered by the grant, the park board authorized up to $1,500 to be spent out of the dedicated forest fund. That money comes from the forest’s timber sales.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Starke County Highway Department May Repair Bass Lake Patio, Amid Ongoing Safety Concerns
Posted on August 15, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Concerns about the safety of the Bass Lake Beach House patio have led Starke County officials to look into repairing it themselves. The patio was the topic of a heated discussion during Tuesday’s County Park Board meeting. Board member Debbie Mix said the facility’s operator, Callahan Development, LLC, still hasn’t made repairs that have been discussed for several months or longer.
Her biggest concern was the patio’s guardrail. “I’m telling you, you can take that fencing and almost lift it up out of the cement because the cement is cracked,” Mix said. “There’s a hole where the posts go in. The posts are rotted. I mean, even if you wanted to cement them in, the post itself is rotted.” Mix was worried that someone could get hurt, and the county would be liable.
She repeatedly argued that Callahan was in breach of its lease. “They’ve already been given 30-day notice,” Mix said. “They were given a 30-day notice a year ago. And they haven’t done it. So if we’re going to be complacent, then we’re a joke. Then at that point, we might as well not even exist, if we can’t enforce them to do what we were asked to do.”
But County Attorney Marty Lucas wasn’t so sure. He pointed out that Callahan’s representatives previously said they were working on the repairs and that the structure was safe, overall. Lucas didn’t think he had the capability to prove otherwise.
Mix continued arguing that Callahan had breached its contract, even as Board President Roger Chaffins tried to move on to other topics. “I know you’re frustrated about it,” Chaffins said. “But I’ve heard it. I’ve had enough of it. . . . What do you want me to do? You want me to go out there and hold a whip over him and say, ‘You do this right now or I’m going to kick you!’?”
Mix replied, “No, I want a letter saying the contract is broken!”
“Then we get sued, and it costs us thousands of dollars,” Chaffins responded.
“Not if we’re in the right!” Mix said.
Eventually, Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler agreed to have someone install caution tape around the railing. He also offered to have his operations foreman and another construction person take a look and see what they think needs to be done to repair the patio.
Ritzler said that if the job is small, the highway department might be able to do it, with the approval of the county commissioners. The county could then charge Callahan a bill. Lucas felt that solution was more practical than threatening a lawsuit.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Concerns about the safety of the Bass Lake Beach House patio have led Starke County officials to look into repairing it themselves. The patio was the topic of a heated discussion during Tuesday’s County Park Board meeting. Board member Debbie Mix said the facility’s operator, Callahan Development, LLC, still hasn’t made repairs that have been discussed for several months or longer.
Her biggest concern was the patio’s guardrail. “I’m telling you, you can take that fencing and almost lift it up out of the cement because the cement is cracked,” Mix said. “There’s a hole where the posts go in. The posts are rotted. I mean, even if you wanted to cement them in, the post itself is rotted.” Mix was worried that someone could get hurt, and the county would be liable.
She repeatedly argued that Callahan was in breach of its lease. “They’ve already been given 30-day notice,” Mix said. “They were given a 30-day notice a year ago. And they haven’t done it. So if we’re going to be complacent, then we’re a joke. Then at that point, we might as well not even exist, if we can’t enforce them to do what we were asked to do.”
But County Attorney Marty Lucas wasn’t so sure. He pointed out that Callahan’s representatives previously said they were working on the repairs and that the structure was safe, overall. Lucas didn’t think he had the capability to prove otherwise.
Mix continued arguing that Callahan had breached its contract, even as Board President Roger Chaffins tried to move on to other topics. “I know you’re frustrated about it,” Chaffins said. “But I’ve heard it. I’ve had enough of it. . . . What do you want me to do? You want me to go out there and hold a whip over him and say, ‘You do this right now or I’m going to kick you!’?”
Mix replied, “No, I want a letter saying the contract is broken!”
“Then we get sued, and it costs us thousands of dollars,” Chaffins responded.
“Not if we’re in the right!” Mix said.
Eventually, Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler agreed to have someone install caution tape around the railing. He also offered to have his operations foreman and another construction person take a look and see what they think needs to be done to repair the patio.
Ritzler said that if the job is small, the highway department might be able to do it, with the approval of the county commissioners. The county could then charge Callahan a bill. Lucas felt that solution was more practical than threatening a lawsuit.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Starke County Park Board to Get Updates on Bass Lake Beach and Campground, County Forest
Posted on August 14, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The conditions of the Bass Lake Beach and Campground will be discussed by the Starke County Park Board tonight. During last month’s meeting, it was reported that glacial stone had been installed around the beach, and Assistant Manager Larry Clarich was getting ready to replenish the beach with new sand. He was also working on repairs to the beach house patio.
Also during tonight’s meeting, board members will get an update on the Starke County Forest. The County Highway Department has been upgrading the existing access trail into a gravel road with a 10-to-12-car parking lot.
Tonight’s Starke County Park Board meeting starts at 6:00 in Starke County Annex Building No. 1.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The conditions of the Bass Lake Beach and Campground will be discussed by the Starke County Park Board tonight. During last month’s meeting, it was reported that glacial stone had been installed around the beach, and Assistant Manager Larry Clarich was getting ready to replenish the beach with new sand. He was also working on repairs to the beach house patio.
Also during tonight’s meeting, board members will get an update on the Starke County Forest. The County Highway Department has been upgrading the existing access trail into a gravel road with a 10-to-12-car parking lot.
Tonight’s Starke County Park Board meeting starts at 6:00 in Starke County Annex Building No. 1.
Monday, July 16, 2018
Starke Park Board Discusses Stellar Communities Application, Bass Lake Beach Restrooms
Posted on July 16, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A Stellar Community designation could be a way to bring improvements to the Bass Lake Beach. That was the suggestion given to the Starke County Park Board last week.
It came up when board member Butch Gerstandt asked if there were any plans to remodel the bathrooms in the beach house. Assistant Manager Larry Clarich and Board President Roger Chaffins felt that any such upgrades would be up to the county rather than the facility’s operator.
That’s when Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler suggested that the park board may want to get involved with the county’s Stellar application. He pointed out that the park board already has a five-year plan, and that the designation would bring grant opportunities with a smaller local match.
County Attorney Marty Lucas said the effort will depend on the results of a county income survey that began last week. “Really, we won’t know whether we’ll be able to go any further. We’re hopeful on that,” he said. “It seems like we should qualify. It’s hard to believe that there’s a grant for which Starke County is too wealthy. But officially, so far, it is. So we have to actually prove that it’s not.”
In the meantime, board member Rosemary Rose said there may be other resources available to upgrade the Bass Lake Beach House restrooms. “Places like Lowe’s and so forth, they will – if you fill out an application, if you need your bathroom set up for handicap accessibility,” she said. “They redid the bathrooms in the North Judson Legion, they redid the bathrooms in the Knox Legion, anything that’s nonprofit. Lowe’s and Menards both have those available, and it doesn’t have to come from the county. They will donate the money.”
County officials are eyeing a regional Stellar Community application for the 2019 designation cycle.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A Stellar Community designation could be a way to bring improvements to the Bass Lake Beach. That was the suggestion given to the Starke County Park Board last week.
It came up when board member Butch Gerstandt asked if there were any plans to remodel the bathrooms in the beach house. Assistant Manager Larry Clarich and Board President Roger Chaffins felt that any such upgrades would be up to the county rather than the facility’s operator.
That’s when Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler suggested that the park board may want to get involved with the county’s Stellar application. He pointed out that the park board already has a five-year plan, and that the designation would bring grant opportunities with a smaller local match.
County Attorney Marty Lucas said the effort will depend on the results of a county income survey that began last week. “Really, we won’t know whether we’ll be able to go any further. We’re hopeful on that,” he said. “It seems like we should qualify. It’s hard to believe that there’s a grant for which Starke County is too wealthy. But officially, so far, it is. So we have to actually prove that it’s not.”
In the meantime, board member Rosemary Rose said there may be other resources available to upgrade the Bass Lake Beach House restrooms. “Places like Lowe’s and so forth, they will – if you fill out an application, if you need your bathroom set up for handicap accessibility,” she said. “They redid the bathrooms in the North Judson Legion, they redid the bathrooms in the Knox Legion, anything that’s nonprofit. Lowe’s and Menards both have those available, and it doesn’t have to come from the county. They will donate the money.”
County officials are eyeing a regional Stellar Community application for the 2019 designation cycle.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Concerns Remain with Bass Lake Beach Patio, Nearly a Year After Repairs Were Suggested
Posted on June 20, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
As work gets underway to protect the Bass Lake Beach from future erosion, concerns remain about the beach house patio. Last summer, a group of local residents and Starke County Park Board members studied the site and pointed out that the fill that’s supposed to support the concrete patio had mostly washed away.
One of the members of that group, Rick Anderson, told the park board last week it’s been almost a year since those concerns were raised, and it still doesn’t look like the problem has been fixed. He noted that without anything supporting the concrete, the patio is in danger of collapse, and it will only get worse if nothing is done. Board members agreed that the issue is a safety hazard, and County Attorney Marty Lucas said he would send an email to the facility’s operator, Callahan Development, LLC.
While the repairs themselves don’t seem to have been made, related work to prevent future damage by installing glacial stone is being undertaken by the county.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
As work gets underway to protect the Bass Lake Beach from future erosion, concerns remain about the beach house patio. Last summer, a group of local residents and Starke County Park Board members studied the site and pointed out that the fill that’s supposed to support the concrete patio had mostly washed away.
One of the members of that group, Rick Anderson, told the park board last week it’s been almost a year since those concerns were raised, and it still doesn’t look like the problem has been fixed. He noted that without anything supporting the concrete, the patio is in danger of collapse, and it will only get worse if nothing is done. Board members agreed that the issue is a safety hazard, and County Attorney Marty Lucas said he would send an email to the facility’s operator, Callahan Development, LLC.
While the repairs themselves don’t seem to have been made, related work to prevent future damage by installing glacial stone is being undertaken by the county.
Monday, June 18, 2018
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Decides Not to Lease Erie Trail to Starke County Park Board
Posted on June 16, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The North Judson Erie Trail will remain under the control of the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum for the foreseeable future. The Starke County Park Board had approached the museum’s leaders about leasing the trail and operating it as a park facility. County officials hoped the lease would help reduce maintenance costs, increase grant opportunities, and encourage volunteers.
But during Tuesday’s park board meeting, President Roger Chaffins said the museum has declined the county’s proposed contract. “Their problem is they don’t want to get hooked up with the county right now because they say they’re working on a five-year plan,” Chaffins said. “Well, okay, that’s what your board wants to do, but myself, I feel that if you were hooked up with the county, it’d be better for your five-year plan. But I’m not arguing with them. That’s what I was told on that.”
The trail lease was first proposed in the park board’s five-year plan. The idea has also gotten the support of volunteers with the Prairie Trails Club.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The North Judson Erie Trail will remain under the control of the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum for the foreseeable future. The Starke County Park Board had approached the museum’s leaders about leasing the trail and operating it as a park facility. County officials hoped the lease would help reduce maintenance costs, increase grant opportunities, and encourage volunteers.
But during Tuesday’s park board meeting, President Roger Chaffins said the museum has declined the county’s proposed contract. “Their problem is they don’t want to get hooked up with the county right now because they say they’re working on a five-year plan,” Chaffins said. “Well, okay, that’s what your board wants to do, but myself, I feel that if you were hooked up with the county, it’d be better for your five-year plan. But I’m not arguing with them. That’s what I was told on that.”
The trail lease was first proposed in the park board’s five-year plan. The idea has also gotten the support of volunteers with the Prairie Trails Club.
Friday, June 15, 2018
Bass Lake Beach Erosion Prevention Project Underway
Posted on June 15, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A project to reduce future erosion at the Bass Lake Beach is finally underway. During Tuesday’s Starke County Park Board meeting, President Roger Chaffins said that the delivery of glacial stone was set to begin yesterday. The goal is to protect the beach and patio from incoming waves.
Chaffins said attorneys Marty and Steve Lucas helped obtain the necessary permit. The Starke County Highway Department will haul the stone, while inmates from the Starke County Justice Center will help take it to the installation site.
Chaffins said the reason it’s taken so long to get to this point is that he wants to make sure the work is done correctly. He also noted the limited availability of the facility’s managers. “A little bit of the reason why I was slow about it is Larry and Mara [Clarich’s] house burnt,” Chaffins said. “They’re still working on fixing that. They both work, so they’ve only got the weekends to work on this with themselves because you know [Richard] Callahan’s not going to give any help, and there’s not enough help out there. And I realize, yeah, well, we want it done, but my thing is bear with the man because he’s busting his ass to get stuff done for us.”
But board member Debbie Mix pointed out that many of the problems at the facility existed long before Larry and Mara Clarich got involved in its upkeep. “My issue is not with Larry,” Mix said. “My issue is with Callahan. And since eight years of not doing anything, because Larry’s working his tail off through the last two years, that doesn’t excuse Mr. Callahan for not getting someone else to get it done.”
“I’m sure he’s in Florida, and he’s not too worried about it,” Chaffins said. “It’s all on Larry’s shoulders.”
“But that’s our responsibility to make sure it gets done,” Mix replied.
She continued to voice concerns that the proper permits were not obtained for the repairs that have taken place. That would mean that they may not have been re-inspected, to make sure the work was done correctly. Chaffins said he’d discuss the matter with Building Inspector Terry Stephenson.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A project to reduce future erosion at the Bass Lake Beach is finally underway. During Tuesday’s Starke County Park Board meeting, President Roger Chaffins said that the delivery of glacial stone was set to begin yesterday. The goal is to protect the beach and patio from incoming waves.
Chaffins said attorneys Marty and Steve Lucas helped obtain the necessary permit. The Starke County Highway Department will haul the stone, while inmates from the Starke County Justice Center will help take it to the installation site.
Chaffins said the reason it’s taken so long to get to this point is that he wants to make sure the work is done correctly. He also noted the limited availability of the facility’s managers. “A little bit of the reason why I was slow about it is Larry and Mara [Clarich’s] house burnt,” Chaffins said. “They’re still working on fixing that. They both work, so they’ve only got the weekends to work on this with themselves because you know [Richard] Callahan’s not going to give any help, and there’s not enough help out there. And I realize, yeah, well, we want it done, but my thing is bear with the man because he’s busting his ass to get stuff done for us.”
But board member Debbie Mix pointed out that many of the problems at the facility existed long before Larry and Mara Clarich got involved in its upkeep. “My issue is not with Larry,” Mix said. “My issue is with Callahan. And since eight years of not doing anything, because Larry’s working his tail off through the last two years, that doesn’t excuse Mr. Callahan for not getting someone else to get it done.”
“I’m sure he’s in Florida, and he’s not too worried about it,” Chaffins said. “It’s all on Larry’s shoulders.”
“But that’s our responsibility to make sure it gets done,” Mix replied.
She continued to voice concerns that the proper permits were not obtained for the repairs that have taken place. That would mean that they may not have been re-inspected, to make sure the work was done correctly. Chaffins said he’d discuss the matter with Building Inspector Terry Stephenson.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Starke County Park Board to Give Updates to Council
Posted on May 30, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The president of the Starke County Park Board will soon give the county council members an update on projects after the request was made to do so last week.
Councilman Dave Pearman said he went by the Bass Lake Beach recently and thought it could use some maintenance and cleanup. He said he has heard of other projects that the board members are considering, but would like a formal update from Park Board President Roger Chaffins.
The Starke County Park Board has been working to get the gate house repaired after a driver hit the building and knocked it off its foundation in November. Repairs are also needed on the Bass Lake Seawall to prevent erosion and a project is anticipated at the Starke County Forest to install a new road and parking lot at the location.
Starke County Attorney Marty Lucas briefly explained some of the projects to the council last week, but Chaffins will be notified of the council’s appearance request. He will schedule a time to speak with the county council at their June meeting.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The president of the Starke County Park Board will soon give the county council members an update on projects after the request was made to do so last week.
Councilman Dave Pearman said he went by the Bass Lake Beach recently and thought it could use some maintenance and cleanup. He said he has heard of other projects that the board members are considering, but would like a formal update from Park Board President Roger Chaffins.
The Starke County Park Board has been working to get the gate house repaired after a driver hit the building and knocked it off its foundation in November. Repairs are also needed on the Bass Lake Seawall to prevent erosion and a project is anticipated at the Starke County Forest to install a new road and parking lot at the location.
Starke County Attorney Marty Lucas briefly explained some of the projects to the council last week, but Chaffins will be notified of the council’s appearance request. He will schedule a time to speak with the county council at their June meeting.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
DNR Finds No Flood Control Violations Near Starke County Forest
Posted on May 24, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest appears to have been absolved from blame for flooding concerns in the local area. A letter from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources was presented to the Starke County Park Board last week. In it, an engineer in the department’s compliance and enforcement section addressed concerns apparently raised by a neighboring property owner.
The letter said that DNR staff inspected the area along Anderson Ditch last June. They didn’t observe any activity that violated the Flood Control Act, according to the letter, and the case is now closed.
Forester Bruce Wakeland told the park board it was nice to see a written letter showing that there was no violation.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest appears to have been absolved from blame for flooding concerns in the local area. A letter from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources was presented to the Starke County Park Board last week. In it, an engineer in the department’s compliance and enforcement section addressed concerns apparently raised by a neighboring property owner.
The letter said that DNR staff inspected the area along Anderson Ditch last June. They didn’t observe any activity that violated the Flood Control Act, according to the letter, and the case is now closed.
Forester Bruce Wakeland told the park board it was nice to see a written letter showing that there was no violation.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Starke County Park Board Updated on Bass Lake Beach Seawall Repairs
Posted on May 22, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Repairs to the Bass Lake Beach House seawall are getting underway. The Starke County Park Board has been working with Bass Lake Beach operator Callahan Development, LLC, as well as the County Highway Department, to fix the wall and try to prevent future damage.
During last week’s meeting, Park Board President Roger Chaffins said the stone and sand were about ready to be delivered to the site. “The wall had cracked down, and the water’s rushing in underneath the building and washing the sand out,” he explained. “They’re going to put rock out there and then put sand in there, and fix it back the way it should be.”
Bass Lake Beach Assistant Manager Larry Clarich explained that the stone will shore up the wall and help preserve the work that’s being done now. He agreed to work with Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler to coordinate the delivery of the stone. Meanwhile, Chaffins offered to ask Sheriff Bill Dulin about the possibility of getting jail inmates to help haul it in by hand.
The park board was recently awarded a $5,000 Community Support Grant from the Starke County Community Foundation, to help with the cost of materials.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Repairs to the Bass Lake Beach House seawall are getting underway. The Starke County Park Board has been working with Bass Lake Beach operator Callahan Development, LLC, as well as the County Highway Department, to fix the wall and try to prevent future damage.
During last week’s meeting, Park Board President Roger Chaffins said the stone and sand were about ready to be delivered to the site. “The wall had cracked down, and the water’s rushing in underneath the building and washing the sand out,” he explained. “They’re going to put rock out there and then put sand in there, and fix it back the way it should be.”
Bass Lake Beach Assistant Manager Larry Clarich explained that the stone will shore up the wall and help preserve the work that’s being done now. He agreed to work with Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler to coordinate the delivery of the stone. Meanwhile, Chaffins offered to ask Sheriff Bill Dulin about the possibility of getting jail inmates to help haul it in by hand.
The park board was recently awarded a $5,000 Community Support Grant from the Starke County Community Foundation, to help with the cost of materials.
Monday, May 21, 2018
Bass Lake Beach Gate House Repairs Underway
Posted on May 21, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Repairs to the Bass Lake Beach gate house have begun. The structure was seriously damaged when a pickup truck reportedly crashed into it back in November.
Bass Lake Beach and Campground Assistant Manager Larry Clarich told the Starke County Park Board last week that the building has been pushed back onto its foundation. But he said there’s extensive termite damage on one side and part of the front and back. The front door will also have to be replaced, following last year’s crash.
Park Board President Roger Chaffins said the county received its $2,500 insurance settlement on April 30. A group of local community members and campground users has volunteered to help with repairs.
Clarich said he hoped to get the work done before the Bass Lake Beach officially opens this coming Friday. Until then, he asks members of the public to stay off the beach for their own safety, as various construction projects continue.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Repairs to the Bass Lake Beach gate house have begun. The structure was seriously damaged when a pickup truck reportedly crashed into it back in November.
Bass Lake Beach and Campground Assistant Manager Larry Clarich told the Starke County Park Board last week that the building has been pushed back onto its foundation. But he said there’s extensive termite damage on one side and part of the front and back. The front door will also have to be replaced, following last year’s crash.
Park Board President Roger Chaffins said the county received its $2,500 insurance settlement on April 30. A group of local community members and campground users has volunteered to help with repairs.
Clarich said he hoped to get the work done before the Bass Lake Beach officially opens this coming Friday. Until then, he asks members of the public to stay off the beach for their own safety, as various construction projects continue.
Friday, May 18, 2018
Starke County Forester Voices Concerns with Proposed Name for County Forest Access Road
Posted on May 18, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest’s access trail will soon be upgraded to a gravel road, but what it should be called is up for debate. The Starke County Park Board recently got $15,000 from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund to build the road, along with a 10-to-12-car parking lot.
The work will be done by the Starke County Highway Department, and the new road will be added into the county’s road inventory. Since it will need a name, county officials have suggested calling it Hardesty Lane, rather than using the county’s road numbering system.
But during Tuesday’s park board meeting, Bruce Wakeland, who donated the forest to the county and continues to manage it, voiced his opposition to that idea. For one thing, he was afraid that potential visitors might be confused if they’re directed to Hardesty Lane, rather than the forest’s Division Road address. Wakeland added that he wasn’t thrilled with someone else’s name being placed on the property, when his isn’t.
County Attorney Marty Lucas told board members that the naming process is on hold, until a solution is reached. “I think one of us needs to meet with that fund to see what their thinking on it is, and I will say, it wasn’t their idea in the first place, so I think we can solve that,” he said. “[Highway Superintendent] Rik Ritzler says the number system, nobody understands it anyway. I do, so I know somebody does, I guess, that the numbering system is logical. He didn’t think that’s a big issue because he figures people don’t know how to read it, anyway.”
As for the actual project, Lucas said construction still hadn’t begun as of Tuesday, but crews have been taking measurements.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest’s access trail will soon be upgraded to a gravel road, but what it should be called is up for debate. The Starke County Park Board recently got $15,000 from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund to build the road, along with a 10-to-12-car parking lot.
The work will be done by the Starke County Highway Department, and the new road will be added into the county’s road inventory. Since it will need a name, county officials have suggested calling it Hardesty Lane, rather than using the county’s road numbering system.
But during Tuesday’s park board meeting, Bruce Wakeland, who donated the forest to the county and continues to manage it, voiced his opposition to that idea. For one thing, he was afraid that potential visitors might be confused if they’re directed to Hardesty Lane, rather than the forest’s Division Road address. Wakeland added that he wasn’t thrilled with someone else’s name being placed on the property, when his isn’t.
County Attorney Marty Lucas told board members that the naming process is on hold, until a solution is reached. “I think one of us needs to meet with that fund to see what their thinking on it is, and I will say, it wasn’t their idea in the first place, so I think we can solve that,” he said. “[Highway Superintendent] Rik Ritzler says the number system, nobody understands it anyway. I do, so I know somebody does, I guess, that the numbering system is logical. He didn’t think that’s a big issue because he figures people don’t know how to read it, anyway.”
As for the actual project, Lucas said construction still hadn’t begun as of Tuesday, but crews have been taking measurements.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Starke County Park Board Approves Rent Increase on Bass Lake Beach and Campground
Posted on May 17, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County is raising the rent on the Bass Lake Beach and Campground. The Starke County Park Board voted Tuesday to increase Callahan Development, LLC’s rent payment by eight percent, the maximum allowed by the lease agreement.
Callahan recently exercised an option to renew its lease through April of 2028, but board member Debbie Mix continued to voice concerns with the renewal Tuesday. She felt that Callahan has not been complying with the terms of the lease, when it comes to maintenance.
Mix complained to lessee Richard Callahan that many of the repairs suggested by an independent inspection of the property still haven’t been made. “You have had a year to complete things, and it was not completed,” Mix said. It’s not an argument with you. It’s just a matter of ‘This is what I’ve seen. This is what I can show hasn’t been done.’ Period.”
“This conversation, that’s two ways,” Callahan replied. “I think that the purpose of this board is to improve the situation at the beach, so the whole county can make money, and we’re not doing that. We’re just tearing down. Every meeting is tearing down. It’s just unbelievable what you’re coming up with.”
“The beach has not been done,” Mix responded. “That campground has been wonderful.”
“The beach is 50 times better than it ever was, ever!” Callahan added.
Assistant Manager Larry Clarich noted that some of the repairs were made, but day-to-day safety concerns have been keeping him busy. Mix acknowledged Clarich’s efforts in improving the beach and campground over the past two years. “He’s doing that in spite of Mr. Callahan,” Mix said. “He is not doing that because of him. And my point of my objection and what I say about the maintenance is because Mr. Callahan did not do it all those years. It is nothing against Larry or Mara. It has to do with Mr. Callahan and his name being on that contract, and that is my concern because I don’t think he gives a darn.”
However, County Attorney Marty Lucas pointed out that those issues are not directly related to the lease renewal. “I don’t think it would matter if it was three years into the lease or it was two weeks into the lease or whatever,” he said. “Those issues are still something that you can raise. But the one thing that comes up now, that only comes up now, is whether you’re going to raise the rent up to eight percent. That only comes up once. That only comes up at renewal. I guess that’s my legal opinion for you. That’s the issue that you really have a decision on.”
But Lucas said it isn’t clear whether the park board may continue to raise the rent every year for the remainder of the lease, or if the board is limited to a one-time increase. Mix abstained from voting on the rent increase.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County is raising the rent on the Bass Lake Beach and Campground. The Starke County Park Board voted Tuesday to increase Callahan Development, LLC’s rent payment by eight percent, the maximum allowed by the lease agreement.
Callahan recently exercised an option to renew its lease through April of 2028, but board member Debbie Mix continued to voice concerns with the renewal Tuesday. She felt that Callahan has not been complying with the terms of the lease, when it comes to maintenance.
Mix complained to lessee Richard Callahan that many of the repairs suggested by an independent inspection of the property still haven’t been made. “You have had a year to complete things, and it was not completed,” Mix said. It’s not an argument with you. It’s just a matter of ‘This is what I’ve seen. This is what I can show hasn’t been done.’ Period.”
“This conversation, that’s two ways,” Callahan replied. “I think that the purpose of this board is to improve the situation at the beach, so the whole county can make money, and we’re not doing that. We’re just tearing down. Every meeting is tearing down. It’s just unbelievable what you’re coming up with.”
“The beach has not been done,” Mix responded. “That campground has been wonderful.”
“The beach is 50 times better than it ever was, ever!” Callahan added.
Assistant Manager Larry Clarich noted that some of the repairs were made, but day-to-day safety concerns have been keeping him busy. Mix acknowledged Clarich’s efforts in improving the beach and campground over the past two years. “He’s doing that in spite of Mr. Callahan,” Mix said. “He is not doing that because of him. And my point of my objection and what I say about the maintenance is because Mr. Callahan did not do it all those years. It is nothing against Larry or Mara. It has to do with Mr. Callahan and his name being on that contract, and that is my concern because I don’t think he gives a darn.”
However, County Attorney Marty Lucas pointed out that those issues are not directly related to the lease renewal. “I don’t think it would matter if it was three years into the lease or it was two weeks into the lease or whatever,” he said. “Those issues are still something that you can raise. But the one thing that comes up now, that only comes up now, is whether you’re going to raise the rent up to eight percent. That only comes up once. That only comes up at renewal. I guess that’s my legal opinion for you. That’s the issue that you really have a decision on.”
But Lucas said it isn’t clear whether the park board may continue to raise the rent every year for the remainder of the lease, or if the board is limited to a one-time increase. Mix abstained from voting on the rent increase.
Monday, April 16, 2018
Starke County Park Board Denied Operation Round Up Grant for Bass Lake Beach Improvements
Posted on April 16, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
As the Starke County Park Board works to raise the necessary funds for improvements to the Bass Lake Beach, another one of its grant applications has come up short.
County Attorney Marty Lucas says a request for $2,500 from Kankakee Valley REMC’s Operation Round Up program has been denied, but the county was invited to reapply. “There was some information that they wanted in the application, some additional information that they wanted, and that’s going to be supplied, and so it will come up in their next cycle,” Lucas says. “They do cycles quarterly, so that won’t be that long off, before that comes up again.”
The grant application was one of a few that the park board submitted for the project. It would involve buying 80 cubic yards of stone and 500 tons of sand, in an effort to prevent and repair erosion at the Bass Lake Beach.
The total cost was estimated to be just under $15,000. While the park board was awarded a $5,000 Community Support Grant from the Starke County Community Foundation, a request for $5,000 from Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development was denied, along with the Operation Round Up application.
The park board hopes to lower costs by using the Starke County Highway Department’s crews and equipment. The Starke County Park Board does not currently have a dedicated source of taxpayer funding.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
As the Starke County Park Board works to raise the necessary funds for improvements to the Bass Lake Beach, another one of its grant applications has come up short.
County Attorney Marty Lucas says a request for $2,500 from Kankakee Valley REMC’s Operation Round Up program has been denied, but the county was invited to reapply. “There was some information that they wanted in the application, some additional information that they wanted, and that’s going to be supplied, and so it will come up in their next cycle,” Lucas says. “They do cycles quarterly, so that won’t be that long off, before that comes up again.”
The grant application was one of a few that the park board submitted for the project. It would involve buying 80 cubic yards of stone and 500 tons of sand, in an effort to prevent and repair erosion at the Bass Lake Beach.
The total cost was estimated to be just under $15,000. While the park board was awarded a $5,000 Community Support Grant from the Starke County Community Foundation, a request for $5,000 from Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development was denied, along with the Operation Round Up application.
The park board hopes to lower costs by using the Starke County Highway Department’s crews and equipment. The Starke County Park Board does not currently have a dedicated source of taxpayer funding.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Starke County Park Board to Decide on Rent Increase for Bass Lake Beach and Campground Operator
Posted on April 12, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Park Board is looking to raise the rent on the Bass Lake Beach and Campground, but how exactly that will take place still has to be determined. Callahan Development, LLC’s lease on the property was discussed during Tuesday’s park board meeting. While the original 10-year lease period is up at the end of the month, the company has exercised an option to renew it for another 10 years.
The park board doesn’t necessarily have a say in whether the renewal goes ahead, but County Attorney Marty Lucas says there is one area that may be reviewed. “The discussion is really about the clause in the lease that deals with increases in rents,” he explains, “and the issue is that the clause is somewhat ambiguous and difficult to interpret.”
The lease allows the county to raise the rent by up to eight percent per year. “That’s never been invoked up until now,” Lucas says. “I think they probably will invoke it in some form, but the exact form of how they want to invoke that is what’s being discussed.”
Lucas says that with only three of the five board members in attendance Tuesday, the park board decided to wait until its next meeting before taking official action on the rent increase. “I expect they will vote for some kind of increase, more than zero, and eight-percent or less per year, and they’re also going to discuss some other aspects of it,” he explains. “I think they partly want to see if they can achieve some kind of consensus with Callahan, too, so that we continue to have a positive relationship.”
The park board has been looking for ways to work with Callahan to make improvements to the property and clarify the lease.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Park Board is looking to raise the rent on the Bass Lake Beach and Campground, but how exactly that will take place still has to be determined. Callahan Development, LLC’s lease on the property was discussed during Tuesday’s park board meeting. While the original 10-year lease period is up at the end of the month, the company has exercised an option to renew it for another 10 years.
The park board doesn’t necessarily have a say in whether the renewal goes ahead, but County Attorney Marty Lucas says there is one area that may be reviewed. “The discussion is really about the clause in the lease that deals with increases in rents,” he explains, “and the issue is that the clause is somewhat ambiguous and difficult to interpret.”
The lease allows the county to raise the rent by up to eight percent per year. “That’s never been invoked up until now,” Lucas says. “I think they probably will invoke it in some form, but the exact form of how they want to invoke that is what’s being discussed.”
Lucas says that with only three of the five board members in attendance Tuesday, the park board decided to wait until its next meeting before taking official action on the rent increase. “I expect they will vote for some kind of increase, more than zero, and eight-percent or less per year, and they’re also going to discuss some other aspects of it,” he explains. “I think they partly want to see if they can achieve some kind of consensus with Callahan, too, so that we continue to have a positive relationship.”
The park board has been looking for ways to work with Callahan to make improvements to the property and clarify the lease.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Funds Created for Starke County Park Board Grant Funds
Posted on March 22, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
With the acquisition of thousands of dollars worth of grants for projects at the Starke County Forest and the Bass Lake Beach, Starke County Auditor Kay Chaffins suggested the creation of two line items within the budget for those funds.
The park board was recently awarded $15,000 from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund and $5,000 in a Community Support Grant.
For transparency and tracking, two separate accounts will be set up to collect those funds.
Another fund, the Starke County Park and Recreation Fund, will be established to accept tax-deductible donations from the public. Commissioner Kathy Norem noted that any donation received will go toward projects specifically within the Starke County Park Board’s plans. That money will not be used for municipal park projects.
For more information, contact the Starke County Auditor’s Office at 574-772-9101.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
With the acquisition of thousands of dollars worth of grants for projects at the Starke County Forest and the Bass Lake Beach, Starke County Auditor Kay Chaffins suggested the creation of two line items within the budget for those funds.
The park board was recently awarded $15,000 from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund and $5,000 in a Community Support Grant.
For transparency and tracking, two separate accounts will be set up to collect those funds.
Another fund, the Starke County Park and Recreation Fund, will be established to accept tax-deductible donations from the public. Commissioner Kathy Norem noted that any donation received will go toward projects specifically within the Starke County Park Board’s plans. That money will not be used for municipal park projects.
For more information, contact the Starke County Auditor’s Office at 574-772-9101.
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