Town Offers No Recommendation On The Lodge
By Martha Stoelting
InkFreeNews
NORTH WEBSTER — The Lodge, a motel located on the south side of North Webster, seems to attract controversy. The Tuesday evening meeting, Aug. 17, of the North Webster Town Council was not an exception. The meeting was held in the North Webster Community Center with Lisa Strombeck presiding.
The property was owned for many years by the former Town Council President Jon Sroufe. It was purchased by Roger Korenstra with the intention of turning it into a substance abuse recovery center. That was met with opposition. It is now owned by Green Tide LLC, Three Rivers, Mich.
Courtney and Brandon Sturgill are the managers for the motel located at 811 S. Main St. (SR 13). Kosciusko County told the couple the town needed to OK a proposal to add four park motels to the existing structures. This would give better facilities for rentals. Rentals would remain by the week or month.
Council member David Waliczek spoke against it noting how many problems the town’s police force already have had at the property. The Sturgills responded that they are trying to clean the property up and make it a better place to live. It was suggested the couple get the neighbors approval. After more discussion, town attorney Jack Birch said to let the county handle the request as it is supposed to do.
Council approved $5,6000 for a new transmission on one of the police car units. R & G Auto will do the work according to Police Chief Greg Church. The police department is still seeking an officer. Interested parties can apply at North Webster Town Hall-Police Station, 144 S. Main St.
Jayne Alter, utilities manager, reported that all was going well. North Webster resident Larry Kinsey had a few requests for the town to take a look at and fix.
The next regular meeting of the North Webster Town Council will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28. This is a week later than usual.