Starke County Leadership Class Set to begin in September

The sixth community leadership training class in Starke County begins Sept. 22.

The class meets once each month from September to May from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at different locations in Starke County. The program provides new and established leaders a chance to get a new perspective on Starke County including history, culture, challenges, opportunities, and more. Attendees will learn leadership skills, networking, social services, local government, economic development, education, law enforcement, and personal development.

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Henry F. Schricker Award Winner Announced

Henry Schricker

The Henry F. Schricker Award is being announced today by Starke County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Mix.

“The winner is Dorene Matzat from North Judson,” said Mix. “We’re so excited and she’s so deserving. She has just done so much and so quietly. I’m just so happy that her efforts have been recognized and she’s been doing them for a lifetime.”

Dorene Matzat was born in North Judson, is an identical twin, and has been a lifelong resident of the town. In December of 1996, she received the “Just Say Thanks” award from Thrivent for her work with taking veterans back and forth to Hines VA Hospital in Chicago. She continues her service work today. She feeds the hungry and when she becomes aware of the need, she clothes the needy, visits the shut-ins and the lonely, and always brings comfort to all in a time of despair. In her 80’s she continues to mow the grass at her church. She is one of only a handful of people alive today in North Judson who actually knew Henry Schricker before he was governor.

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Starke County Chamber’s Annual Meeting Scheduled for Today

Debbie Mix

Starke County Chamber members will be hearing today about another successful year. Chamber Executive Director, Debbie Mix, told us what she will be telling the membership.

“I do the highlights of the year which include the different events that we had,” said Mix. “I will mention the Schricker Award, the AM Starke Counties that we’ve had, the fundraisers which include the Mint Festival booth and our Business Expo, and then I’ll mention the upcoming Shop Local event.” Continue reading