North Judson Town Council Considers Proposal to Add K-9 Officer to NJ’s Full-Time Police Force

Town Marshal Kelly Fisher presented a request to purchase a dual-purpose K-9 officer during Monday night’s North Judson Town Council meeting.

Fisher addressed the fact that one of their part-time officers, Scott Beishuizen, does have a K-9 but she feels having one on the full-time force would be advantageous.  She explained that after conducting some research, she found that the Peru-based organization Vohne Liche Kennels has the best available training program. She also mentioned that Vohne Liche dogs are less likely to be involved in law suits due to the level of training they have. She presented council members with booklets detailing what the organization offers.

Fisher said, “The course teaches the K-9 and the handler the proper techniques to be a successful team and what we what we thought would fit best and what would give us the most for our money would be to get a dual-purpose K-9.” Continue reading

Revisions to NJ Animal Ordinance Suggested Before First Reading Takes Place

The North Judson Town Council once again reviewed the proposed animal ordinance at their meeting Monday night. The current ordinance is divided into three sections: definitions, regulations and penalties and prohibitions.

Town Attorney Justin Schramm recommended that in order to speed up the process they could have held a first reading and any proposed changes could still be made and presented during the second reading. Some council members were interested in holding the first reading at that time but desired changes presented by other council members left it as just a consideration. Continue reading

North Judson Council Requests Petition, Before Moving Ahead with Urban Chicken Ordinance

The North Judson Town Council is willing to consider an urban chicken ordinance, but first, they’re asking for a petition with 300 residents’ signatures. Council member John Rowe proposed the petition Monday, to gauge the amount of support that exists out in the community and not just among people showing up at council meetings. Continue reading

Legal Questions Prevent North Judson Firefighters from Carrying Narcan, Public Training Planned

A recovering addict from the North Judson area wants to make Narcan more widely available in Starke County, so local residents can live to have a chance at recovery. Kevin Glisic says he was an active addict for nearly 20 years. Now, he serves as the executive director of Moraine House, a recovery-based transitional house in Valparaiso.

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Railroad Dispute Costing Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, Town of North Judson

The ongoing dispute between the Town of North Judson and Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad Company has put the brakes on the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s excursions past English Lake. Photo provided

The legal battle over North Judson’s short line railroad has town officials considering the line’s future. Last July, the town council decided to lease the line to Michigan-based Lake State Railway, but the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad still hasn’t vacated it.

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North Judson Council Approves Water and Sewer Rate Hikes

North Judson Council President Wendy Hoppe; Police Officer Frank Thomas; Council Members Josh Brown, John Rowe, Jane Ellen Felchuk, James Young; Town Attorney Justin Schramm, Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins

Water and sewer rate hikes were approved by the North Judson Town Council Monday. The average sewer bill will go up 25 percent or just over nine dollars, according to accounting firm Umbaugh and Associates. Water bills will increase by 30 percent or $4.60, on average. The last time North Judson increased its rates was in 2008. Continue reading

Chickens Complaints Lead to Lengthy Discussion During North Judson Town Council Meeting

The North Judson Town Council may revisit its animal ordinance, following complaints about chickens during last week’s meeting. Nearly six years ago, council members voted to prohibit residents from keeping farm animals, including chickens, within town limits. But during last week’s meeting, some residents complained that they continue to see chickens in North Judson. Continue reading