Government

By Anna Groover, Press Secretary— INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) has been recognized by the Indiana School Social Work Association (INSSWA) for her support of LGBTQ+ youth and housing stability. Each year the INSSWA recognizes legislators for their advocacy for policies and laws that promote the ability of social workers to succeed and flourish in their work. During the 2021 Legislative Session, Errington authored House Bill 1213, which would have banned conversion therapy for those 18 years and younger in Indiana. She also authored House Bill 1530 to establish the Indiana Housing Stability Task Force, which would have studied Indiana’s…

By Kyle Johnson— DELAWARE COUNTY, Ind.—February 20-26th is Emergency Management Appreciation Week in Indiana. The Delaware County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (DCEMA) is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing countywide disaster prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation plans. It is also responsible for and coordinates the activities of the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC, when activated, is a central location where representatives of local government and private sector agencies convene during disaster situations to make decisions, set priorities, and coordinate resources for response and recovery. Most recently, the EOC hosted multiple daily virtual briefings for the…

By Jeff Robinson— MUNCIE, Ind.—In 2018, Muncie Community Schools and Ball State University entered into a unique partnership with a goal of transforming Muncie’s education system. As part of the Indiana General Assembly’s action to create this partnership, Indiana Code 20-23-18-6 changed and defined the appointment process for the seven-member governing body of Muncie Community Schools. Under this statute, the Board of Trustees at BSU appoints 5 members of the MCS board based on recommendations provided by the president of the university. The other two members of the MCS board are appointed by the President based on recommendations submitted by…

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— INDIANAPOLIS—State Representatives Sue Errington (D-Muncie) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) recognized Muncie-based Bibi Bahrami,  the  Muncie Afghan Refugee Resettlement Committee (MARRC), and the Afghan Women’s and Kid’s Education and Necessities (AWAKEN) organization for their dedication and service to the Afghan refugees who made Indiana their home last summer. “For their safety and security, thousands of Afghan refugees had to flee their homes and navigate a new life in America. Most arrived in Indiana with nothing but the clothes they were wearing, and MARRC stepped in right away to help many families transition to Delaware County. The support, compassion…

By Melissa Thomas (IEDC)— INDIANAPOLIS  – The State of Indiana is currently accepting nominations for the Governor’s Century and Half Century Business Awards, which honor Hoosier businesses that have remained in operation for at least 100 or 50 years, respectively, and have demonstrated a commitment to serve the community. Qualifying criteria are as follows: The business must have had continuous operations in Indiana for 100 or 50 years by Dec. 31, 2021. The business must have participated in the same line of work for the duration of its operations. If different, an explanation of the evolution into the current business must be…

By Senator Young Press Office— WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young was named a 2022 Champion of Science by The Science Coalition (TSC), a non-profit, nonpartisan organization of more than 50 of the nation’s leading public and private research institutions. The award recognizes members of Congress whose actions and votes consistently reflect their commitment to federally-funded fundamental research. “I am honored to receive the Champion of Science Award from The Science Coalition. Increasing investment in STEM education and pivotal research will allow our country to maintain and strengthen our global leadership in technology advancements. We cannot underscore enough the importance…

By Tony Sandleben—  MUNCIE, Ind. – The City of Muncie is one step closer to another housing project. The city has reached a deal with developer Miller Valentine Construction, who is calling the development “City View 2.” City View 2 will be an $11.8 million project that will consist almost entirely of single-family workforce housing homes on scattered sites. They will be rental units to begin with, but there will be options to purchase later. Tenants will receive a credit for part of the rent to go toward the purchase price of the home. The city will provide $1.18 million from…

By Tony Sandleman— MUNCIE, Ind. – The City of Muncie is continuing to work on its streets and roadways. The city street department continues to work on its pavement plan for 2022.  The plan covers 63 different projects and represents a dramatic increase in the number of projects to be undertaken. In 2020, Muncie was dealing with a negative $1.9 million balance in the local road and streets account. That balance was addressed in 2020 and 9 streets were still paved. With financial challenges addressed, the street department is now going full steam ahead on pavings. The second quarter of…