Government

By Michele Owen, Communications Director, City of Muncie— MUNCIE, IN—The mayor’s conference room on the third floor was packed on Monday, August 8, as five new police officers waited with their families to be sworn in. Three of the officers were fresh out of the academy, and two were lateral transfers from other cities.  Police Chief Nathan Sloan came prepared with a system, having sworn in several other officers in recent months. “We had them read through their oaths beforehand…

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—A small group of community leaders gathered Thursday, August 11, at the Delaware County Jail to announce the launch of the Integrated Reentry and Correctional Support Program (IRACS). IRACS, which has successfully been launched as a state pilot program in ­­­­five counties, was first discussed in 2020, when the city and county met to discuss priorities for ARP funding. Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders were quickly identified as pressing needs, and a team began working…

By Michelle Owen, Communications Director, City of Muncie— MUNCIE, IN—Excitement for the Westside Skatepark is ramping up as a new survey seeks public input for design elements. Westside Park, in addition to basketball courts, a playground, and other amenities, formerly held a model aviation area, which is now largely unused green space. “It’s exciting to see the project take shape,” comments Mayor Ridenour. “A dedicated skatepark means beginners have a safe place to learn, and will give Ball State students…

By State of Indiana Press Office— INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) and Indiana’s First Dog Henry are searching for adorable dogs in great locations across the state through the Visit Indiana Cutest Dog Photo Contest. “I encourage all Hoosiers to make memories with your pup just like I do with my dog, Luna Lovegood (AKA Bubby),” Crouch said. “Show off your furry friends enjoying the beauty of Indiana whether that’s at one of our incredible…

By Colby Gray, Program Manager, Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—Learn about techniques in land stewardship and conservation practices from farmers who are on the leading edge of innovation at The Regenerative Agriculture Journey: Stories from East Central Indiana and Beyond. Organized by the Soil & Water Conservation Districts of Delaware and Blackford counties, the FREE education day is Aug. 25 at the Delaware County Farm Bureau, 6100 IN-67 N, Muncie, IN 47303. Regenerative agriculture involves adopting research-based conservation practices that…

By Miles Hill, Delaware County Family Recovery Court Program Coordinator— MUNCIE, IN—On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, the Delaware County Family Recovery Court will honor the latest group of program graduates. The graduates will add six to the program’s total graduate count of 16. Delaware County Family Recovery Court was established in July 2019, and has since been involved with over 25 families since then. The court operates under Circuit Court 2 with Judge Kimberly Dowling and Juvenile Magistrate Amanda Yonally…

By Michelle Owen—  MUNCIE, IN—As construction work continues at the site of the former Storer Elementary, builders and future homeowners can begin to make plans. After a unanimous vote at the July 21st Muncie Redevelopment Commission meeting, 22 building lots at the future Storer Estates will be put up for bid to individuals and/or builders. Buyers will not be able to begin construction until the groundwork at the site is complete, but interested parties can secure a prime building site…

By Marni Lemons— Will also launch Indiana 988 phone line for crisis response on Saturday. INDIANAPOLIS–The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction is providing new funding to help build and support projects in Indiana to improve mental health services for Hoosiers. This includes funding appropriated by the Indiana General Assembly in House Enrolled Act 1001, and additional funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and other sources. DMHA is working with partners in the…

By Michele Owen, Communications Director, City of Muncie— MUNCIE, IN—When the phone rings at City Hall, there’s no telling who’s on the line. It could be a simple question, a profanity-laden tirade, or a grieving widow unsure where to turn. For executive assistant Shareen Wagley and receptionist Lindsay Fink, the protocol is the same – answer the phone and try to help. In the first three weeks of June alone, the mayor’s office received 2,763 phone calls, for a total…