Local Leaders Address Safety, Education, and Growth Across East Central Indiana
After nearly three decades, the Pacers are back in the NBA Finals. Fans poured out of Gainbridge Fieldhouse after Saturday’s win.
Some colleges are eliminating some sports program, but not at Ball State…
Pres. Geoffrey Mearns says the Cards are going strong…
from WMUN’s Delaware County Today.
Quoting IN State Rep. JD Prescott from a social media post, “I am aware of the recent incident involving the release of Marcio Osmin Romero Torres, a violent suspect with an active federal warrant who was arrested by Union City Police and later released by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department. This situation highlights the urgent need for strong cooperation between local and federal agencies when it comes to individuals who are in the country illegally and pose a threat to public safety.” Earlier this year, I co-authored House Enrolled Act 1393, a law that strengthens immigration enforcement and promotes law enforcement cooperation. This legislation was created to help prevent situations just like this. I also authored House Bill 1531 to address growing concerns over local agencies ignoring federal immigration detainer requests. This bill is necessary to prevent dangerous individuals like Torres from slipping through the cracks due to a lack of compliance or communication between jurisdictions. HB 1531 would ensure that local law enforcement honors federal detainers, grants immunity to officers who comply and gives the state tools to hold agencies accountable when they refuse to cooperate. Public safety is and remains a top priority. I will continue working with state and local officials to ensure this doesn’t happen again and will keep constituents informed as we learn more.”
Randolph County Sheriff’s Department released Torres, saying they did not receive a signed warrant or information about the charges. Star Press reports that Union City police disagreed with the release and warned the public about Torres, citing charges including illegal alien transportation, placing lives at risk, and hostage taking.
Madison County Chamber of Commerce CEO Clayton Whitson thinks there’s plenty to celebrate about his area. That from “Anderson Talks” on Oldies 101.
Trevor Friedeberg will step down as president and CEO of the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership. The release says long-time team member Caitlin Hancock has been named interim CEO by the board of directors.
The IU Board of Trustees is considering freezing tuition for in-state, undergrad students.
The Anderson Police Department has added three new hires. The Herald Bulletin says the new officers one of which is 24-year-old Jaylin Page, 22-year-old Joseph Morris and 25-year-old Izaiah Bond. Page is a Lapel High School graduate.
Muncie’s Grissom Elementary School is one of just 45 schools across the state to earn recognition as a “Family Friendly School” by the Indiana Department of Education. The IDOE program – in its 11th year – applauds schools that “welcome all families into the school community, communicate effectively and work together to maximize student success,” according to a release.
At the season opener of the 3 Trails Concert series over the weekend, Mike Martin’s band was the opener.
…from an interview with our Garry Joseph – the next show is June 13, at 7 p.m. With the Harlem Gospel Travelers at Canan Commons.
Neil B. Cook convicted last week of two counts of Possession of Child Pornography, both Level 6 Felonies. Delaware county prosecutor Eric Hoffman said in a release that his attorneys asked for the Albany man to be remanded into custody, but the judge left Cook out on bond pending sentencing, which is set for June 25, 2025. The Level 6 Felony could get him 6 months – 2.5 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine for each count.
Approved last year, as required by the State – last week the Muncie Sanitary District Board “approved a resolution which allows them to sell bonds for the purpose of completing the Longterm Control Plan projects over the next 5-10 years (the Longterm Control Plan is the unfunded mandate from the Indiana Dept. of Environmental Managements to reduce combined sewer overflows).” District Administratiro Rick Conrad told WMUN Radio News last week that the estimated cost will be around $150M, and this resolution gives them the ability to cover this amount in increments over time, not one bond. But, the rate increase associated with paying for these bonds was approved last year (Oct. 2024) – so the bond resolution is not leading to anything new. This was all discussed and planned at public hearings and Board meetings last year. The rate schedule includes incremental increases over the next three years. See attached. (Note that the date says Feb. of 2025 because we added a “nonprofit” category in Feb., but the schedule was approved in Oct. of 2024).
New Wapahani principal Jason Loomis, Selma Elementary principal Jeremey Neckers, Wapahani athletic director Brad Miller, Wapahani guidance counselor Ashley Werling and Wapahani boys basketball coach Jeff Andrews will be available for a meet and greet following Tuesday’s school board meeting at 7:30 p.m., pending board approval.
