Government

Delaware County Native Gains Experience Interning at Statehouse

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…

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Southern Terrace Moves Forward: 45 New Affordable Residences to be Constructed

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…


Downtown YMCA to be Repurposed into Apartments by True Development Solutions

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…


January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month

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…


Q&A with Delaware County Prosecutor Eric M. Hoffman on Cybercrime in East Central Indiana

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…


ECI Regional Planning District Receives Funding for ‘Safe Streets and Roads for All’ Grant Program

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…


Shafer Leadership Academy Helps New Muncie City Council Members Run Efficient Meetings

By Mitch Isaacs— MUNCIE, IN—Nora Powell won the Muncie City Council District #2 election in November and was eager to build on her experience as an at-large member from 2012—2019. As the excitement settled, her thoughts turned to preparation. When Powell was elected to serve the Muncie City Council in November, she knew members would engage in workshops to understand budgeting, ordinances and resolutions. But, she felt there was more to learn. “It is just as important for councilpersons to…


SBA Loan Programs Support Indiana Small Businesses

Over $728 million in federally backed capital provided during FY 23. By Laura Schafsnitz, U.S. Small Business Administration— INDIANA – As consumers roll through the heaviest shopping season of the year, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the SBA delivered $50 billion in capital, disaster relief, and bonding to small businesses and disaster-impacted communities across America in Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). Over $728 million of that capital made its way into the growth efforts of Indiana entrepreneurs. “In 1953,…


City of Muncie Appoints New Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief

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 Sue Errington to Offer Outreach Hours to Delaware County Residents

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…