Government

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—For many high school students, junior year is about college visits, summer jobs, and SATs. For 16-year-old Jimmy, junior year is about adventure. Thanks to the Muncie Rotary Exchange program, Jimmy (full name Te-Chan Yang) has travelled all the way from Taiwan to live and study in Muncie for 11 months. He is currently attending Muncie Burris high school, and staying with Mayor and first lady Dan and Sherry Ridenour. So far, Jimmy has accompanied the Ridenours everywhere – to local festivals like Fire Up DWNTWN, to triathlons and family trips to New York. “We joke…

By Senator Young’s Press Office— INDIANAPOLIS –  On Monday, August 29, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) will present a Purple Heart medal to Army veteran Reginald Staley at his annual Academy Day on Monday. Mr. Staley received a Purple Heart, an Army Commendation Medal, and several other decorations for his service in Vietnam. Senator Young will present these medals at his “Academy Day,” an informational session for high school students interested in enrolling at one of the nation’s service academies. Representatives from the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy will be on…

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—  Today, the Muncie Police Department and City of Muncie announce the deployment of 22 automated license plate reading (ALPR) cameras intended to solve and reduce violent crime. The cameras are built by Flock Safety, a public safety technology company that helps neighborhoods, communities, and law enforcement work together to fight crime. Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour and Police Chief Nate Sloan will present more information about the ALPR system, including details on how it works, the policies guiding its use, and an ALPR Transparency Portal, at tonight’s Dream with Dan Forum held at the Muncie Innovation Connector…

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 this time,” Sloan laughed. “They’re ready.” When Chief Sloan took the position in 2020, the Muncie Police Department was understaffed…

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 to implement a program to help incarcerated individuals reintegrate into the community and stay sober. The IRACS program involves assessing…

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 a great introduction to our city parks.” After a request for proposals, the City of Muncie awarded the design to…

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 state parks, miles of trails or countless pet-friendly destinations.” A different winner will be selected every week for one year….