Government

By Kyle Johnson— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—In the wake of a severe thunderstorm and tornado that swept through Delaware County early this evening, the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency (DCEMA) is actively engaged in response efforts to address the impacts of the disaster. Reports indicate that the storm system inflicted significant damage across various parts of the county, with particular emphasis on the town of Selma. Initial assessments suggest that up to 50% of structures in Selma have been damaged. However,…

By Jasmine Putney, Arbor Day Foundation— LINCOLN, Nebraska —Muncie was named a 2023 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management. Muncie achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored…

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie residents have been eagerly awaiting news on a proposed skatepark slated for Westside Park, which has been discussed since 2020. The design for the skatepark was bid out to Hunger Skateparks, who collected public input to finalize the design in 2022. The engineering and design work were ready to go in 2023, but permits from the Department of Natural Resources were required before construction could begin. Now, DNR permits have come back approved, and the…

By Braden Dunlap, Press Secretary— STATEHOUSE —Delaware County native Natalie Moulton is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) and her fellow members of the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2024 legislative session.Moulton, a Yorktown High School graduate, is the daughter of Ben and Amy Moulton. She is currently a junior at Ball State University, majoring in communication with minors in political science and social work.“Thanks to this internship, I’ve been able to learn so…

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—On Tuesday, Advantix Development closed on Southern Terrace, a scattered-site development that will bring 45 new residences to Muncie. The project was awarded $1.2 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and the homes will only be available for residents earning 30-80% of the Area Mean Income. Rent for each resident will be calculated based on income and family size. The sites include former Muncie Redevelopment Commission properties, sites from the Land Bank, and a…

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—The Downtown YMCA has been a landmark in the heart of the city since 1975. In 2022, the City of Muncie Redevelopment Commission purchased the Y building to assist in the capital campaign for a new downtown facility, and to preserve the prime location of the building. “This area of downtown is the main gathering space of downtown events….[we] plan to seek out more uses that complement and enhance the area,” commented Mayor Ridenour at the…

By Kimberly S. Dowling, Judge of Delaware Circuit Court 2— MUNCIE, IN—January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. As I reflect on the advances Indiana has made over the last nine years, I would like to highlight those accomplishments and share recent updates with the Muncie community. My work in human trafficking began in 2014 just after I was first elected to the bench.  It was a hot topic even then, but I learned quickly that we had a lot…

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—Cybercrime is a growing problem across the world and right here at home. Local businesses, nonprofits, and school districts have all been victims of cyberattacks. Individuals often fall victim to scams, and digital devices are often used in crimes of all kinds. Ball Brothers Foundation provided early funding for fighting local cybercrime through an initiative the foundation launched in 2020 called “Project Sybertooth.” Funding was initially awarded to Ivy Tech to create three cybersecurity courses tailored…

By Bill Walters, Executive Director of the ECI Regional Planning District— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN— The ECI Regional Planning District was awarded $400,000, for Delaware, Grant, Blackford, and Jay Counties, with 47% of the funds being allocated toward disadvantaged communities, through the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. The Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program was instated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in which $5 billion is being used from 2022-2026 to ensure regional, local, and Tribal…