Posted on December 5, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced this year’s Regional Stellar Community Thursday morning and Marshall County Crossroads received the distinction.
A Stellar-bration will be held in the region on Thursday, December 19 to celebrate this accomplishment.
While the Constellation of Starke did not get this year’s designation, as a finalist region about $333,000 will come into the County to support community development.
The other finalists, Jay! County and Henry County’s Safe and Welcome Region, will also receive the same amount of funding for that purpose.
OCRA officials commended the Constellation of Starke Executive Committee and the community for all the hard work that was apparent in the Letter of Intent turned in April, the Regional Development Plan that was submitted in September and the presentation that was provided in November.
Stellar Communities Program Manager Michael Sinnet noted that the region reps should be proud. He commented that the community support has been evident and noticeable improvements have been made since initial meetings were held with him back in 2018.
The COS Executive Committee met after the announcement and already started to strategize about how to utilize the available grant dollars and secure additional funding to start supporting some of projects identified in the RDP.
Officials are making plans to apply again in the next round and identified the importance of continuing community engagement efforts and using the momentum from this process to further progress the region.
As was highlighted in November’s presentation, a plethora of progress has been made in the COS region in this year alone and there is a refreshed sense of identity for local residents.
Another takeaway from this is that strong bonds have been formed, connecting and strengthening the region.
Representatives from Knox, North Judson, Hamlet, Koontz Lake, San Pierre, Bass Lake and other unincorporated areas of Starke County have joined together behind this effort and the regional mind set will remain in place despite the lack of a designation this year.
When an initial public meeting was held back in May, nearly 100 people from all across the County turned up to provide feedback and play a part in the Stellar process.
Throughout the summer months, individuals of all ages stopped by the Constellation of Starke booths at various fairs and festivals to share their stories about what they like about Starke County and what they’d like to see.
Since establishing a presence on social media back in May, Constellation of Starke has received more than 660 likes and followers. The special video that was created by Mirth and Whimsy for the final presentation has reached over 15,000 people after being up for less than month.
These are just some of the examples of the impact that the Stellar process has had on community members and the amount of support that has been gathered so far.
Stellar feedback meetings will be held in 2020 on February 10th, 12th and 13th.
During these meetings non-designated finalists will receive input from program officials and will be informed about projects that would be eligible for Community Development Block Grant funding to allow the communities to move forward with funds available.
Prior to that, the Constellation of Starke Executive Committee plans to meet in January to start outlining how to keep the community engaged and move forward with goals identified in the Regional Development Plan.
Showing posts with label regional development plan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label regional development plan. Show all posts
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
The Constellation of Starke Executive Committee Prepares for Stellar Presentation
Posted on October 30, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
In just a few short months, this year’s Regional Stellar Communities Designee will be announced. However, before that determination is made in December, all finalist regions will provide an hour-long presentation in Indianapolis.
The Constellation of Starke will deliver their presentation on Tuesday, November 12th. It will be done in front of officials from various state agencies that provide funding to the program. There will also be a half an hour question and answer session.
Currently, the COS-Executive Committee is putting the final touches on their presentation which will emphasize the significant impact that a Stellar designation would have on the region while also highlighting all the local efforts that have been made so far to improve quality of place.
It will focus on the importance of the Regional Development Plan and touch on how the entire community has benefited from the Stellar process.
One major element of the presentation will be another video made by Nathan and Elicia Cook Lundsford from Mirth and Whimsy.
Their first video was shown at a public meeting back in May and has since been utilized as a tool to introduce people to the Constellation of Starke region. It has reached more than 14,300 individuals on Facebook after being up for just a few short months.
This second video will go into a bit more detail by focusing on the people and places, as well as past and future projects that make the Constellation of Starke perfectly positioned for the Stellar Designation.
A special portion of the video will focus on an artist, Anthony Brooks, who grew up in the area and then ventured overseas for a few years where he had the chance to fine-tune his craft.
His murals can be found on various buildings throughout Europe and one will soon be going up right here in Starke County. Brooks plans to incorporate a Native American legend into a nature-based painting that will be applied to a wall in the downtown area in the Town of North Judson.
Keep an eye out for Brooks as he begins the process in the coming weeks. To stay up-to-date with various Stellar developments, check out the Constellation of Starke pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
In just a few short months, this year’s Regional Stellar Communities Designee will be announced. However, before that determination is made in December, all finalist regions will provide an hour-long presentation in Indianapolis.
The Constellation of Starke will deliver their presentation on Tuesday, November 12th. It will be done in front of officials from various state agencies that provide funding to the program. There will also be a half an hour question and answer session.
Currently, the COS-Executive Committee is putting the final touches on their presentation which will emphasize the significant impact that a Stellar designation would have on the region while also highlighting all the local efforts that have been made so far to improve quality of place.
It will focus on the importance of the Regional Development Plan and touch on how the entire community has benefited from the Stellar process.
One major element of the presentation will be another video made by Nathan and Elicia Cook Lundsford from Mirth and Whimsy.
Their first video was shown at a public meeting back in May and has since been utilized as a tool to introduce people to the Constellation of Starke region. It has reached more than 14,300 individuals on Facebook after being up for just a few short months.
This second video will go into a bit more detail by focusing on the people and places, as well as past and future projects that make the Constellation of Starke perfectly positioned for the Stellar Designation.
A special portion of the video will focus on an artist, Anthony Brooks, who grew up in the area and then ventured overseas for a few years where he had the chance to fine-tune his craft.
His murals can be found on various buildings throughout Europe and one will soon be going up right here in Starke County. Brooks plans to incorporate a Native American legend into a nature-based painting that will be applied to a wall in the downtown area in the Town of North Judson.
Keep an eye out for Brooks as he begins the process in the coming weeks. To stay up-to-date with various Stellar developments, check out the Constellation of Starke pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Constellation of Starke Preps for RDP Submission, Here’s How You Can Show Your Stellar Support
Posted on September 19, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
After months of continuous collaboration and focused engagement efforts, Constellation of Starke representatives will soon be sending off the final version of the Regional Development Plan for the Stellar Communities Designation Program.
Though the application will be submitted by this Friday’s deadline, the process is not over; COS Executive Committee members will be working over the next several weeks to finalize a presentation that will be made in front of program officials in November.
In December, finalists will find out who has been designated as the Regional Stellar Community.
In the meantime, there are many ways for community members to get involved and show their support for the region’s Stellar efforts.
For instance, Constellation of Starke shirts can be purchased for $15 from the Starke County Economic Development Foundation. The SCEDF Office is open from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The shirts feature the region’s logo as well as the slogan ‘vibrant, engaged, growing.’ They’re available in indigo and two different shades of orange. They come in a variety of sizes and if a specific color you like is unavailable in your size, one can be ordered for no additional charge.
Additionally, businesses and individuals can purchase bronze, silver, gold, or platinum sponsorships for $20, $50, $75, or $100+, respectively.
All sponsors will be provided with a window sticker that will reflect their sponsorship level. Click the following link to download the Constellation of Starke Sponsorship Form.
Donations can also be made by visiting nicf.org, pushing the ‘Donate’ button and selecting the ‘Constellation of Starke Stellar Community Fund’ when you’re prompted to designate your gift.
Monetary contributions are utilized to help cover the cost of purchasing promotional materials and other associated expenses.
If you happen to get a shirt or sponsorship sticker, or if you’d just like to highlight your corner of the Constellation of Starke region, you can share photos at any time by tagging Constellation of Starke on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
After months of continuous collaboration and focused engagement efforts, Constellation of Starke representatives will soon be sending off the final version of the Regional Development Plan for the Stellar Communities Designation Program.
Though the application will be submitted by this Friday’s deadline, the process is not over; COS Executive Committee members will be working over the next several weeks to finalize a presentation that will be made in front of program officials in November.
In December, finalists will find out who has been designated as the Regional Stellar Community.
In the meantime, there are many ways for community members to get involved and show their support for the region’s Stellar efforts.
For instance, Constellation of Starke shirts can be purchased for $15 from the Starke County Economic Development Foundation. The SCEDF Office is open from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The shirts feature the region’s logo as well as the slogan ‘vibrant, engaged, growing.’ They’re available in indigo and two different shades of orange. They come in a variety of sizes and if a specific color you like is unavailable in your size, one can be ordered for no additional charge.
Additionally, businesses and individuals can purchase bronze, silver, gold, or platinum sponsorships for $20, $50, $75, or $100+, respectively.
All sponsors will be provided with a window sticker that will reflect their sponsorship level. Click the following link to download the Constellation of Starke Sponsorship Form.
Donations can also be made by visiting nicf.org, pushing the ‘Donate’ button and selecting the ‘Constellation of Starke Stellar Community Fund’ when you’re prompted to designate your gift.
Monetary contributions are utilized to help cover the cost of purchasing promotional materials and other associated expenses.
If you happen to get a shirt or sponsorship sticker, or if you’d just like to highlight your corner of the Constellation of Starke region, you can share photos at any time by tagging Constellation of Starke on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Constellation of Starke Executive Committee Finalizes RDP Details Prior to Deadline
Posted on September 13, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
With the Stellar Communities Designation Program deadline coming up next week, the Constellation of Starke Executive Committee has been putting the final touches on the Regional Development Plan (RDP).
After coordinating with local leaders and receiving feedback from the public by hosting input sessions, distributing surveys, and attending festivals throughout the region, there are multiple projects that have been worked into the RDP that will help accomplish the ultimate goal of being a vibrant, engaged, and growing community.
Some of the priority projects include bringing new housing options into the three major incorporated areas, enhancing the existing parks in Knox, North Judson, San Pierre, and Hamlet with proposed improvements, in addition to a new community center in Koontz Lake and upgraded facilities at the Bass Lake Beach.
Additionally, a county-wide connectivity project that would involve installing lanes for bicycles and golf carts on existing roadways to help link the communities together and a placemaking project that would bring a scale model of the Solar System to the Erie Trail will be submitted for consideration.
A portion of the Constellation of Starke RDP also includes a Health and Wellness plan that identifies existing resources and organizations within the region that are providing access to mental health care and addressing the local impact of the opioid crisis and overdose epidemic.
Looking ahead, the RDPs of Constellation of Starke and other Stellar finalists will be reviewed by program officials during the month of October. The designee will be announced in December.
To view a video about the regional collaboration and to stay informed about what’s happening with the Stellar process, follow the Constellation of Starke Facebook page.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
With the Stellar Communities Designation Program deadline coming up next week, the Constellation of Starke Executive Committee has been putting the final touches on the Regional Development Plan (RDP).
After coordinating with local leaders and receiving feedback from the public by hosting input sessions, distributing surveys, and attending festivals throughout the region, there are multiple projects that have been worked into the RDP that will help accomplish the ultimate goal of being a vibrant, engaged, and growing community.
Some of the priority projects include bringing new housing options into the three major incorporated areas, enhancing the existing parks in Knox, North Judson, San Pierre, and Hamlet with proposed improvements, in addition to a new community center in Koontz Lake and upgraded facilities at the Bass Lake Beach.
Additionally, a county-wide connectivity project that would involve installing lanes for bicycles and golf carts on existing roadways to help link the communities together and a placemaking project that would bring a scale model of the Solar System to the Erie Trail will be submitted for consideration.
A portion of the Constellation of Starke RDP also includes a Health and Wellness plan that identifies existing resources and organizations within the region that are providing access to mental health care and addressing the local impact of the opioid crisis and overdose epidemic.
Looking ahead, the RDPs of Constellation of Starke and other Stellar finalists will be reviewed by program officials during the month of October. The designee will be announced in December.
To view a video about the regional collaboration and to stay informed about what’s happening with the Stellar process, follow the Constellation of Starke Facebook page.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
8/21 Find out What Kind of Stellar Plans are in Store for Constellation of Starke Tonight
Posted on August 21, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Residents of the Constellation of Starke region are invited to attend tonight’s community outreach event at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox.
Things will kick off at 6 p.m. and during the event, community members will be filled in on the Stellar process so far and will have a chance to learn more about projects and programs that will be incorporated into the Stellar Communities Regional Development Plan.
After coordinating with local leaders and receiving feedback from the community, there are multiple projects being considered, such as housing in the three major incorporated areas, park improvements, beach upgrades and a unique connector project that would help link the communities by installing lanes for bicycles and golf carts on existing, underutilized roadways.
Other potential projects include developing a plan to implement a county-wide transportation system, supporting opioid addiction remediation programs, improving downtown areas as well as developing a network of creators to emphasize the arts and encourage collaboration.
In order to make sure Constellation of Starke’s residents are being accurately represented in the Regional Development Plan that will be submitted to program officials in September, individuals are being asked to participate in a brief, five-minute survey.
Some print outs will be available at the event but you can also take it online by clicking the following link: Constellation of Starke Community Outreach Survey.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Residents of the Constellation of Starke region are invited to attend tonight’s community outreach event at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox.
Things will kick off at 6 p.m. and during the event, community members will be filled in on the Stellar process so far and will have a chance to learn more about projects and programs that will be incorporated into the Stellar Communities Regional Development Plan.
After coordinating with local leaders and receiving feedback from the community, there are multiple projects being considered, such as housing in the three major incorporated areas, park improvements, beach upgrades and a unique connector project that would help link the communities by installing lanes for bicycles and golf carts on existing, underutilized roadways.
Other potential projects include developing a plan to implement a county-wide transportation system, supporting opioid addiction remediation programs, improving downtown areas as well as developing a network of creators to emphasize the arts and encourage collaboration.
In order to make sure Constellation of Starke’s residents are being accurately represented in the Regional Development Plan that will be submitted to program officials in September, individuals are being asked to participate in a brief, five-minute survey.
Some print outs will be available at the event but you can also take it online by clicking the following link: Constellation of Starke Community Outreach Survey.
Monday, June 3, 2019
Constellation of Starke Selects DLZ as Consultant
Posted on June 3, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Though Constellation of Starke officials were able to personally complete and submit a Letter of Intent that granted them access to the finalist round of the Stellar Communities Designation Program, they’ve recently sought out a consultant to provide additional guidance.
After reviewing information from two different firms, the consultant selection committee submitted a recommendation to hire DLZ to assist with the Regional Development Plan(RDP) process.
In their service proposal, DLZ offered to assist with preparation for the Regional Development Plan (RDP).
That process will reportedly include the creation of a draft and final RDP, which must include a budget and leverage matrix, a Stellar research investment spreadsheet as well as a steering committee matrix. They will also provide assistance with the final presentation.
The decision to select this firm did not come without extended deliberation. County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler sent out requests for proposals to multiple different companies.
After weeding out the companies who were already working with other regions in the Stellar Communities program, the two remaining firms were DLZ and HWC.
Each of those companies submitted proposals as well as draft contracts. HWC offered a service fee not to exceed $34,500 while DLZ officials said their cost of services was estimated to be $25,000.
Some of the reasons that the selection committee chose to go with DLZ was because of the attention to detail that was displayed in the submitted documentation as well their closer proximity.
Ritzler also mentioned that DLZ has access to their own architects and additional resources so they will not have to hire out subcontractors.
He added that DLZ has worked with HWC in the past so he thinks they’ll work well together as HWC continues to provide assistance with the municipalities’ individual comprehensive plans.
Ritzler noted that it could be beneficial to have more than one set of eyes working with the communities on this process. It will provide a broader perspective overall, while still allowing each agency to focus their energy on their respective tasks.
When the Constellation of Starke Executive Team met last Thursday, they approved the recommendation to hire DLZ, with a unanimous but conditional vote. The attached condition indicated that the submitted contract could be amended slightly before final approval.
The consultant committee will meet with DLZ Program Coordinator Jodi Coblentz on Wednesday to discuss the proposed amendments. She is also being asked to attend a meeting the following day to strategize with the executive team about the next step to take.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Though Constellation of Starke officials were able to personally complete and submit a Letter of Intent that granted them access to the finalist round of the Stellar Communities Designation Program, they’ve recently sought out a consultant to provide additional guidance.
After reviewing information from two different firms, the consultant selection committee submitted a recommendation to hire DLZ to assist with the Regional Development Plan(RDP) process.
In their service proposal, DLZ offered to assist with preparation for the Regional Development Plan (RDP).
That process will reportedly include the creation of a draft and final RDP, which must include a budget and leverage matrix, a Stellar research investment spreadsheet as well as a steering committee matrix. They will also provide assistance with the final presentation.
The decision to select this firm did not come without extended deliberation. County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler sent out requests for proposals to multiple different companies.
After weeding out the companies who were already working with other regions in the Stellar Communities program, the two remaining firms were DLZ and HWC.
Each of those companies submitted proposals as well as draft contracts. HWC offered a service fee not to exceed $34,500 while DLZ officials said their cost of services was estimated to be $25,000.
Some of the reasons that the selection committee chose to go with DLZ was because of the attention to detail that was displayed in the submitted documentation as well their closer proximity.
Ritzler also mentioned that DLZ has access to their own architects and additional resources so they will not have to hire out subcontractors.
He added that DLZ has worked with HWC in the past so he thinks they’ll work well together as HWC continues to provide assistance with the municipalities’ individual comprehensive plans.
Ritzler noted that it could be beneficial to have more than one set of eyes working with the communities on this process. It will provide a broader perspective overall, while still allowing each agency to focus their energy on their respective tasks.
When the Constellation of Starke Executive Team met last Thursday, they approved the recommendation to hire DLZ, with a unanimous but conditional vote. The attached condition indicated that the submitted contract could be amended slightly before final approval.
The consultant committee will meet with DLZ Program Coordinator Jodi Coblentz on Wednesday to discuss the proposed amendments. She is also being asked to attend a meeting the following day to strategize with the executive team about the next step to take.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
North Judson Town Council Takes Stellar Contribution under Advisement
Posted on May 29, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The North Judson Town Council was asked to consider contributing money toward the Constellation of Starke Stellar Communities initiative when members met last Monday.
Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe explained that participating communities are being asked to offer a monetary contribution.
The funds will be used to help offset the cost of hiring a consultant who will assist with the creation of a Regional Development Plan and additional matters associated with the Stellar Communities process.
Clerk-Treasurer Rowe asked the members if they would be willing to put $5,000 toward the effort.
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Director Larry Wickert noted that the County and City of Knox have already committed up to $30,000 collectively.
The Starke County Community Foundation is also looking to apply for a grant that could provide additional funding for the cause.
The members decided to take the request under advisement. The topic will be addressed again when the council meets in June.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The North Judson Town Council was asked to consider contributing money toward the Constellation of Starke Stellar Communities initiative when members met last Monday.
Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe explained that participating communities are being asked to offer a monetary contribution.
The funds will be used to help offset the cost of hiring a consultant who will assist with the creation of a Regional Development Plan and additional matters associated with the Stellar Communities process.
Clerk-Treasurer Rowe asked the members if they would be willing to put $5,000 toward the effort.
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Director Larry Wickert noted that the County and City of Knox have already committed up to $30,000 collectively.
The Starke County Community Foundation is also looking to apply for a grant that could provide additional funding for the cause.
The members decided to take the request under advisement. The topic will be addressed again when the council meets in June.
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