Knox Board of Works Approves Hiring Recommendation from City Police Chief

The Knox Board of Works considered a hiring recommendation from City Police Chief Harold Smith when they met Wednesday morning.

Chief Smith reminded the board that Knox PD had to fill a position that came open when Officer Daniel Byrd resigned from the force to pursue a different job opportunity. Smith said they looked over the applications that were submitted during their most recent hiring process and found a suitable candidate. Continue reading

Knox City Council Members Receive Update About Starke County Humane Society Agreement

Mayor Dennis Estok updated Knox City Council members about the agreement between the Starke County Humane Society and the city when they met Tuesday night.

He said the agreement still has some minor changes that need to be made before it will become before the council for approval. He added that the Humane Society Board is currently looking over the document as well.

Mayor Estok said the agreement states that the city will be charged $15 per cat and $20 for every dog that is brought into the shelter by city officials. He added that if Humane Society staff needs to do a pick-up on dangerous animals it will be the regular fee plus an additional $75 charge. Continue reading

Knox Police Department Taser Fundraiser Less Than $400 Away from Goal

The Knox Police Department has been seeking funds for taser replacement. At the Knox City Council meeting on Tuesday, Mayor Dennis Estok announced that the goal of $6,000 has nearly been reached.

Police Chief Harold Smith has said in the past that the tasers that are currently available to the department are more than 14 years old and in a state beyond repair. Due to budget restrictions, the Knox PD asked for community assistance to replace the tasers. They had a crowd-funding account where people could donate online and they also received check and cash donations. Continue reading

Knox City Council Meets Tonight for 2018 Budget Adoption, Final Reading of Salary Ordinance

The Knox City Council will assemble in City Hall this evening at 7 p.m. Council members will act on the second and final reading of the 2018 Salary Ordinance as well as the adoption of the 2018 Budget. They will also revisit the 2018 Fire Protection Agreement between the City of Knox and Center Township and Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Departments. Continue reading

Knox City Council 2018 Salary Ordinance includes 3% Pay Increase, Raise for Part-time Police

The Knox City Council held the first reading of the 2018 salary ordinance during their meeting Tuesday evening. A three percent increase is being proposed across the board, with the exception of part-time police, which had a specific raise amount recommend by the Chief of Police.

Mayor Dennis Estok explained the three percent increase is being proposed across the board because of a recent insurance policy change. Continue reading

Donations Still Needed for Taser Purchase

Knox Police Chief Harold Smith updated the Knox Board of Public Works last week on a fundraiser to aid in the purchases of tasers for the officers.

According to the GoFundMe page created for this crowdfunding effort, $1,700 has been raised toward the $6,000 goal. Chief Smith told the board of works members that a personal injury law firm in South Bend has offered to match donations to a certain denomination and has done so thus far.

Continue reading

Knox Police Department Prepares for K-9 Addition

08-25-16

 The new patrol vehicle for the Knox Police Department’s K-9 officer has been delivered. Police Chief Harold Smith told the Board of Works yesterday the kennel has been installed in the Chevrolet Tahoe. It’s currently in Plymouth getting emergency lights and a radio installed and will be on the road by Sept. 1st. Continue reading