Wednesday, October 5, 2016
10/15/2016 Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15. If you would like to meet with a SHIP counselor (free of charge), call Community Services at 772-7070 and we can set you up with an appointment. Those appointments are being scheduled for Fridays beginning October 21 and spots are filling up quickly. Call us today!
Absentee Voting Days & Hours At Starke County Courthouse
Absentee voting hours at:
Please bring proper Indiana identification with you.
October 12: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 13: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 14: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 17: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 18: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 19: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 20: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 21: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 24: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 25: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 26: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 27: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
October 28: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 29: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 31: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
November 1: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
November 2: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
November 3: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
November 4: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
November 5: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
November 7: 8 a.m. to 12 noon (Absentee Voting is over!)
Starke County Courthouse
53 E. Washington Street
Knox, Indiana
2nd floor
Please bring proper Indiana identification with you.
October 12: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 13: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 14: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 17: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 18: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 19: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 20: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 21: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 24: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 25: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 26: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 27: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
October 28: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 29: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 31: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
November 1: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
November 2: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
November 3: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
November 4: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
November 5: 8 a.m. to 12 noon /1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
November 7: 8 a.m. to 12 noon (Absentee Voting is over!)
Starke Commissioners Recommend Funding Source for New Ambulance
Posted on October 5, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners have recommended a funding source for a new ambulance, and now it’s up to the county council to act. EMS Director Keith Emigh says the trucks in his fleet range from 1998 with a 1988 box to a problem-free 2013 rig with 58,000 miles. A 2003 ambulance with 167,000 miles and a 2009 truck with a history of mechanical problems round out the fleet.
He told the commissioners Monday night he’s been calling dealers and getting quotes for a truck to replace at least one of the older ambulance and added he would like to develop a replacement schedule for future purchases.
Emigh adds operating a full-service EMS department requires a commitment. He says taking transfers from Starke Hospital to LaPorte or elsewhere adds up in terms of mileage, wear and tear on the trucks.
The county’s last ambulance purchase was made in 2013.
“I really need an ambulance. I’d like for you guys to either figure out where to get the money from, what budget.,” Emigh said.
Auditor Kay Chaffins says the rainy day fund can be used to purchase an ambulance if a supermajority of the council agrees to a transfer. There’s a balance of $1.5 million in the fund right now. Emigh says he’s been bounced around between the commissioners and council for too long.
“You tell me what you want me to go look for or what you want me to buy, how much you want me to spend, and I will nail it down. But I’m not playing the game of me calling eight more dealers and saying ‘hey, guys, they’re going to give me an ambulance’ and then when it comes out as $130,000 you guys said whoa, I don’t want to spend 130,000. The I’m back to square one again,” Emigh said.
The commissioners formally recommended the council take money from the rainy day fund to buy an ambulance. They also urged Emigh to look at demo models and used trucks in order to save the county money.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners have recommended a funding source for a new ambulance, and now it’s up to the county council to act. EMS Director Keith Emigh says the trucks in his fleet range from 1998 with a 1988 box to a problem-free 2013 rig with 58,000 miles. A 2003 ambulance with 167,000 miles and a 2009 truck with a history of mechanical problems round out the fleet.
He told the commissioners Monday night he’s been calling dealers and getting quotes for a truck to replace at least one of the older ambulance and added he would like to develop a replacement schedule for future purchases.
Emigh adds operating a full-service EMS department requires a commitment. He says taking transfers from Starke Hospital to LaPorte or elsewhere adds up in terms of mileage, wear and tear on the trucks.
The county’s last ambulance purchase was made in 2013.
“I really need an ambulance. I’d like for you guys to either figure out where to get the money from, what budget.,” Emigh said.
Auditor Kay Chaffins says the rainy day fund can be used to purchase an ambulance if a supermajority of the council agrees to a transfer. There’s a balance of $1.5 million in the fund right now. Emigh says he’s been bounced around between the commissioners and council for too long.
“You tell me what you want me to go look for or what you want me to buy, how much you want me to spend, and I will nail it down. But I’m not playing the game of me calling eight more dealers and saying ‘hey, guys, they’re going to give me an ambulance’ and then when it comes out as $130,000 you guys said whoa, I don’t want to spend 130,000. The I’m back to square one again,” Emigh said.
The commissioners formally recommended the council take money from the rainy day fund to buy an ambulance. They also urged Emigh to look at demo models and used trucks in order to save the county money.
Starke County Chamber Accepting Henry F. Schricker Award Nominations
Posted on October 5, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the annual Henry F. Schricker Community Service Award. It’s given to a local resident who embodies the former governor and North Judson native’s credo of “service before self.”
Schricker served as Indiana governor from 1941-44 and from 1949-52 and is the only individual in state history to have held the office two separate times. His granddaughter, Susan Schricker, will represent her grandfather during Friday’s Bicentennial Torch Relay through Starke County.
Schricker Award nominations are due to the Starke County Chamber of Commerce by Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. They should include a nomination form with a resume and cover letter outlining the qualities and deeds of the candidate or candidates which demonstrate significant voluntary contributions and benefits to Starke County.
A selection committee made up of previous winners and chamber representatives will choose the honoree, with an announcement by Oct. 26th.
The recipient will be honored during the Starke County Chamber of Commerce Annual Henry F. Schricker Award Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016 at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center. The 2017 Business of the Year will also be recognized, and Above and Beyond Awards will be presented as well.
Contact Starke County Chamber of Commerce Director Debbie Mix at 574-772-5548 for more information. Resumes may be mailed to the Starke County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 5, Knox, IN 46534 or delivered to the chamber office in the Gateway Depot at 400 North Heaton Street in Knox. All submissions will be kept private and confidential.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the annual Henry F. Schricker Community Service Award. It’s given to a local resident who embodies the former governor and North Judson native’s credo of “service before self.”
Schricker served as Indiana governor from 1941-44 and from 1949-52 and is the only individual in state history to have held the office two separate times. His granddaughter, Susan Schricker, will represent her grandfather during Friday’s Bicentennial Torch Relay through Starke County.
Schricker Award nominations are due to the Starke County Chamber of Commerce by Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. They should include a nomination form with a resume and cover letter outlining the qualities and deeds of the candidate or candidates which demonstrate significant voluntary contributions and benefits to Starke County.
A selection committee made up of previous winners and chamber representatives will choose the honoree, with an announcement by Oct. 26th.
The recipient will be honored during the Starke County Chamber of Commerce Annual Henry F. Schricker Award Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016 at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center. The 2017 Business of the Year will also be recognized, and Above and Beyond Awards will be presented as well.
Contact Starke County Chamber of Commerce Director Debbie Mix at 574-772-5548 for more information. Resumes may be mailed to the Starke County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 5, Knox, IN 46534 or delivered to the chamber office in the Gateway Depot at 400 North Heaton Street in Knox. All submissions will be kept private and confidential.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
10/8/2016 Rabies Clinic @ Starke County Humane Society
RABIES CLINIC ~ WALK IN
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. ( No early birds - no forms handed out before 10.)
Cash or Check Only
Rabies ( 1 or 3 year ) = $ 15.00
Booster (dog or cat) = $ 15.00
Bordetella (dog) = $ 20.00
Heart Worm Test & Preventative Package: (Price includes Test & Preventative)
(Interceptor + for : Heart worm, Whip worm, Round worm, Tape worm) 6 month supply
2-8 lb = $ 56.00
8-25 lb = $ 58.00
25-50 lb = $ 65.00
50-100 lb = $ 74.00
In order for your pet to receive a 3 year Rabies Vaccination, you must bring proof that the animal is still current on it's vaccination. This includes if you have had the Rabies shot given at one of our previous clinics. Any aggressive animals must be muzzled for the safety of the public and other animals. The clinic is always busier at the beginning, if you want to avoid a longer wait, plan to come a bit later.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. ( No early birds - no forms handed out before 10.)
Cash or Check Only
Rabies ( 1 or 3 year ) = $ 15.00
Booster (dog or cat) = $ 15.00
Bordetella (dog) = $ 20.00
Heart Worm Test & Preventative Package: (Price includes Test & Preventative)
(Interceptor + for : Heart worm, Whip worm, Round worm, Tape worm) 6 month supply
2-8 lb = $ 56.00
8-25 lb = $ 58.00
25-50 lb = $ 65.00
50-100 lb = $ 74.00
In order for your pet to receive a 3 year Rabies Vaccination, you must bring proof that the animal is still current on it's vaccination. This includes if you have had the Rabies shot given at one of our previous clinics. Any aggressive animals must be muzzled for the safety of the public and other animals. The clinic is always busier at the beginning, if you want to avoid a longer wait, plan to come a bit later.
Starke Hospital, LLC Extends Lease with County
Posted on October 4, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Starke County will continue to have a hospital for the foreseeable future. The lease between the county and Starke Hospital’s parent company, Tennessee-based Community Health Systems, expired at midnight on Friday, Sept. 30. Negotiations between the county and CHS over terms of a new lease abruptly ceased on Sept. 19. A deal would have cleared the way for construction of a new hospital on the existing site at the intersection of South Heaton Street and Culver Road in Knox.
Options for CHS included a 10-year extension of the current lease terms or a six-month notice of termination. Hospital officials issued this statement in response to an inquiry from WKVI News.
“After receiving word from county officials on Sept. 20 that they wished to end negotiations on a new lease, Starke Hospital Company, LLC., has extended the current lease for 10 years per the current agreement. We acknowledge that there will now be a delay in building a new hospital in Starke County, but are continuing to explore all options for building the new hospital.”
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Starke County will continue to have a hospital for the foreseeable future. The lease between the county and Starke Hospital’s parent company, Tennessee-based Community Health Systems, expired at midnight on Friday, Sept. 30. Negotiations between the county and CHS over terms of a new lease abruptly ceased on Sept. 19. A deal would have cleared the way for construction of a new hospital on the existing site at the intersection of South Heaton Street and Culver Road in Knox.
Options for CHS included a 10-year extension of the current lease terms or a six-month notice of termination. Hospital officials issued this statement in response to an inquiry from WKVI News.
“After receiving word from county officials on Sept. 20 that they wished to end negotiations on a new lease, Starke Hospital Company, LLC., has extended the current lease for 10 years per the current agreement. We acknowledge that there will now be a delay in building a new hospital in Starke County, but are continuing to explore all options for building the new hospital.”
Fix Proposed for Jail Sewage Problem
Posted on October 4, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners want one more price quote before authorizing an upgrade to the sewer screen at the jail. It should keep commissary trash inmates are flushing down the toilets from getting into the Knox sewer system.
Jail Maintenance Director Tony Mildice says one vendor has quoted $78,000, while DLZ, the engineering firm that oversaw the jail design and construction gave them a price of $500,000.
County attorney Marty Lucas says the project does not require sealed bids but a third documented quote is needed.
The new system is designed to compress trash that gets into the lines and put it into a bag, which will then be disposed of when it is full. Mildice says Porter County has a larger version of the system at their jail and it works well.
A roof will need to be added over the system, and a heating blanket will need to be placed to keep it from freezing. Mildice says a carport type of structure will work and adds the county can install it themselves.
Auditor Kay Chaffins says the project can be paid for from the dedicated jail county economic development income tax fund if the vendor will accept monthly payments.
The commissioners anticipate final action on the proposed solution next month.
Knox Wastewater Superintendent Kelly Clemons says the city has had problems with trash getting into the sewer lines since the new jail east of the city opened last summer. The city is prepared to levy fines against the county should the problem continue.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners want one more price quote before authorizing an upgrade to the sewer screen at the jail. It should keep commissary trash inmates are flushing down the toilets from getting into the Knox sewer system.
Jail Maintenance Director Tony Mildice says one vendor has quoted $78,000, while DLZ, the engineering firm that oversaw the jail design and construction gave them a price of $500,000.
County attorney Marty Lucas says the project does not require sealed bids but a third documented quote is needed.
The new system is designed to compress trash that gets into the lines and put it into a bag, which will then be disposed of when it is full. Mildice says Porter County has a larger version of the system at their jail and it works well.
A roof will need to be added over the system, and a heating blanket will need to be placed to keep it from freezing. Mildice says a carport type of structure will work and adds the county can install it themselves.
Auditor Kay Chaffins says the project can be paid for from the dedicated jail county economic development income tax fund if the vendor will accept monthly payments.
The commissioners anticipate final action on the proposed solution next month.
Knox Wastewater Superintendent Kelly Clemons says the city has had problems with trash getting into the sewer lines since the new jail east of the city opened last summer. The city is prepared to levy fines against the county should the problem continue.
Grants Awarded for Rural Infrastructure Projects
Posted on October 4, 2016
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County will be able to update some of its infrastructure in the coming years, thanks to federal transportation funding. The Indiana Department of Transportation announced Monday that it’s distributing nearly $80 million in federal funds to rural communities around the state.
As part of that, Starke County’s getting $1,080,000 for a bridge replacement. Additionally, the Town of North Judson has been awarded $163,200 for sidewalk improvements. It’s part of INDOT’s new “Common Paths” initiative, designed to oversee projects that incorporate all forms of transportation, including non-motorized travel and public transportation.
Actual construction work is still a few years away, though. The grants announced Monday are for projects that will be bid during the fiscal year starting July of 2020. The federal funding will help cover the construction work, while INDOT plans to help fund the design, engineering, and right of way acquisition. Local communities will have to pay for at least 20 percent of the project costs.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County will be able to update some of its infrastructure in the coming years, thanks to federal transportation funding. The Indiana Department of Transportation announced Monday that it’s distributing nearly $80 million in federal funds to rural communities around the state.
As part of that, Starke County’s getting $1,080,000 for a bridge replacement. Additionally, the Town of North Judson has been awarded $163,200 for sidewalk improvements. It’s part of INDOT’s new “Common Paths” initiative, designed to oversee projects that incorporate all forms of transportation, including non-motorized travel and public transportation.
Actual construction work is still a few years away, though. The grants announced Monday are for projects that will be bid during the fiscal year starting July of 2020. The federal funding will help cover the construction work, while INDOT plans to help fund the design, engineering, and right of way acquisition. Local communities will have to pay for at least 20 percent of the project costs.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Starke Commissioners to Consider CAFO Fees
Posted on October 3, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners will consider amendments to the confined animal feeding ordinance fee schedule when they meet this evening. The Starke County Plan Commission recently approved a flat $500 flat permit, along with a $75 filing fee to offset the cost of processing the application. They also doubled the re-inspection fee to $100 for all permits. It will be charged when the county is called out to conduct an inspection, but the work is deemed to be incomplete.
Also tonight Sheriff Bill Dulin and Knox Wastewater Superintendent Kelly Clemons will talk to the commissioners about bids for a septic system screen at the Starke County Jail. Clemons says commissary trash flushed down the toilets by inmates gets into the lines and has caused two pumps to fail recently. Last month the commissioners asked Dulin to work with her on a solution to the problem.
The commissioners are also scheduled to open bids for the coroner’s office, receive a report on the old county landfill and get monthly reports from the Starke County Highway Department and EMS. The Starke County Health Department is seeking approval of a contract, and the Council on Domestic Abuse is requesting a proclamation of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Starke County.
Tonight’s meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the annex meeting room.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners will consider amendments to the confined animal feeding ordinance fee schedule when they meet this evening. The Starke County Plan Commission recently approved a flat $500 flat permit, along with a $75 filing fee to offset the cost of processing the application. They also doubled the re-inspection fee to $100 for all permits. It will be charged when the county is called out to conduct an inspection, but the work is deemed to be incomplete.
Also tonight Sheriff Bill Dulin and Knox Wastewater Superintendent Kelly Clemons will talk to the commissioners about bids for a septic system screen at the Starke County Jail. Clemons says commissary trash flushed down the toilets by inmates gets into the lines and has caused two pumps to fail recently. Last month the commissioners asked Dulin to work with her on a solution to the problem.
The commissioners are also scheduled to open bids for the coroner’s office, receive a report on the old county landfill and get monthly reports from the Starke County Highway Department and EMS. The Starke County Health Department is seeking approval of a contract, and the Council on Domestic Abuse is requesting a proclamation of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Starke County.
Tonight’s meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the annex meeting room.
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