Government

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—On Tuesday morning, Mayor Dan Ridenour appointed Daniel Burford to the position of Chief of the Muncie Fire Department. Burford is a long time veteran of the Fire Department, and previously served as the Deputy Chief. The previous Fire Chief, Robert Mead, retired earlier this year after nearly two years in the position and more than a decade of service to the department. Mead attended the swearing in ceremony, and pinned the new Chief’s lapels. Firefighter…

State representative to offer listening hours, provide resources and information By Emily Reuben, Press Secretary— INDIANAPOLIS –It’s no secret that navigating the government can be a daunting task. State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) wants to remind District 34 residents of available resources that ensure the state government is working for you. On December 4th from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Errington will offer listening hours and state resources in Muncie in the atrium of the Maring-Hunt Public Library, 2005 S…

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) has announced their 2023 tax credit awardees. Out of 31 applications, only 17 were approved – including a 120 unit apartment complex by TWG in Muncie. This is the 5th project to be approved in Muncie in 4 years. The complex, called Kilgore Place, will be located next to Silver Birch Apartments on State Road 32. The $27 million project has already been approved by the Metropolitan Plan…

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—On Friday November 3rd, City officials completed the 1,000 Trees in 1,000 Days project – 41 days ahead of schedule. Mayor Ridenour formally launched the 1,000 Trees program in 2021, with the goal to replenish the “Cathedral of Green” that had been decimated by the Emerald Ash Borer and Dutch Elm Disease. The initiative focused on City parks and lots that needed beautification, and prioritized native hardwoods such as oaks, maples, and even Paw-Paw. As of…

By Braden Dunlap, Press Secretary— STATEHOUSE – Significant state funding is in route to local communities to help complete road and bridge projects, according to State Reps. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) and J.D. Prescott (R-Union City). State funding is available for local projects through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, including road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements and other items. In total, over 180 towns, cities and counties will receive more than $91 million in state matching grants. “Community…

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—The Sagamore of the Wabash award was presented to Don Finnegan on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at a ceremony held at the Amvets Post 12 in Muncie, Indiana. In 1945, Indiana Governor Ralph Gates created the Sagamore of the Wabash as Indiana’s highest recognition for distinguished Hoosiers. In 1970, Governor Edgar Whitcomb brought together a group of civic leaders to nominate potential recipients for the Sagamore. He called the group the Sachems – “Sachem” being…

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—On November 1, Muncie Board of Works approved an investment in new playground equipment for three City parks: Gilbert, McCulloch, and Cowing. The City will be receiving a matching Playground Grant from Game Time, which will provide play structures for the Gilbert, Cowing Park, and Whitely neighborhoods. JoAnna Darda, a member of the Gilbert Neighborhood Association, confirmed that the neighborhood will also be contributing some of their ARP funds to the park project. “The park is…

By Indiana Judges Association— INDIANAPOLIS, IN—Kimberly S. Dowling, Judge, Delaware Circuit Court 2, is the 2023 winner of the annual Excellence in Public Information and Education Award.  The award is bestowed by the Indiana Judges Association for fostering positive community information and education about the law. Dowling was nominated by her fellow judges for her work in educating the public about child victims of human trafficking and how to identify those children.  Dowling has educated law enforcement, probation officers, civic…

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—On Wednesday, Muncie officials moved forward to renew an agreement for another 3 years of IRONMAN 70.3. The triathlon, which is one of the longest running 70.3 events in the world, draws thousands of athletes and spectators every year to Prairie Creek Reservoir. The most recent race, on September 30, hosted athletes from 25 countries and 6 continents. If accepted, the agreement will move the race to July, where it was traditionally held, instead of September,…