Government

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,…

STATEHOUSE – Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, remarked “It is my pleasure to honor our recipients of the 2023 Golden Hoosier Award, the highest honor   I can bestow upon an older Hoosier on the state of Indiana.  Since 2008, Hoosiers have been recognized for service to their communities with the Golden Hoosier Award.  It is not just one act of community service, but rather a lifetime of community service and commitment to serving others that are honored with the award.  As…

By The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority— YORKTOWN, IN – Yorktown residents will soon be more connected and active if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000, by Dec. 16, 2023. If successful, the project led by Yorktown Schools Foundation will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program. “We are excited to open a new space for Yorktown residents to reap the benefits of an active lifestyle,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch,…

By Emily Reuben, Press Secretary—  INDIANAPOLIS— The Indiana Political Organization for Women’s Education and Representation (POWER) Caucus Scholarship is now accepting applications. $750 is awarded biennially to as many women as possible with the intention of helping Hoosier women who took a non-traditional education route and returned to an Indiana school to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at age 25 or older. The scholarship is typically awarded to a woman who demonstrates passion for giving back to those around…