Every year the Fulton County Leadership Academy handles group projects to help improve Fulton County.  This year one group has made it their goal to improve Lakeside Park Beach.

The beach, also known to some as Manitou Beach, Dairy Queen Beach, the boat launch, or even just the public access site, is located on East 9^th Street across from Dairy Queen and is the first park most people see when coming to Rochester on State Road 25 or Highway 14.  This group has made it their goal to update and renew this area, but they need your help in doing so. 

They have launched a survey which can be found at https://forms.gle/cHixaQehE2ny1M7n8 (link is on our website fultoncountypost.com).  The goal of this survey is to determine what residents want most from this space and to take those ideas to the appropriate parties to get them done. 

Responses are being accepted now through May 6.

4C Health is promoting its efforts in industry and market-leading wages for Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists under their 4-day / 32-hour work week model.

Under the new wage model, a fully licensed Indiana therapist (LCSW, LMHC, LMFT) can earn between $75,000-$90,000 annually for just 4 days/32 hours of work each week. 4C Health is approaching two years as a 4-day work week employer and is showing no signs of slowing. A 4-day/32-hour work week employer pays their staff 100% of 40 hour wage for just 32 hours of work per week.

“This is about getting earnings for a professional license where it needs to be and getting there within a 32-hour work week model. It is the intersection of valuing licensed professional care and supporting well-being simultaneously. This is not just to the benefit of our 4C Health workforce but spurs others to consider making the same move. It is trail-blazing for the local workforce, workforce development for the state, and licensed clinical therapist industry,” per Carrie Cadwell, CEO of 4CHealth

According to Jason Cadwell, Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative officer of 4C Health, “Like all healthcare nonprofits, we are facing flat, outdated, and unsustainable payor reimbursements, in addition to delays in license obtainment, while scrambling to outmaneuver shortages of licensed healthcare providers in the State especially in rural markets. We knew we had to stand out, between 4DWW coupled with a “lean” and minimalistic business model, and clinic/payor practice models, we took our waste savings and added it back to our bottom line which in turn meant staff wage and benefitinvestment while keeping it as budget neutral as possible.”

Letecia Timmel, LCSW, Senior Outpatient Therapist had this to say, “At 4C Health, I have always felt valued as an employee. This most recent change in therapist wages is further validation of the knowledge, education, and experience that I have worked hard to bring to the table for those I serve. It is often joked about that community mental health is not where you go to make money, and while that may still ring true, 4C Health is breaking through some of those barriers that have previously existed and ensuring that we are compensated for the work we do. The wage increase for licensed individuals in combination with a 4 Day Work Week is an absolute game changer in the goal to make sure we are taking care of those who are taking care of others.”

Nicole Hiatt-Drang, Chief Clinical Officer expanded on that, “The implications of this change are not only exciting for licensed therapists who will be joining our agency, but it also reinforces the appreciation and acknowledgment of our licensed therapists (ranging in tenure from 2 years to 32 years) from a clinical standpoint. We understand that when clinicians feel valued and professional growth is supported, it results in reduced burnout and turnover rates, ultimately enhancing the continuity of care, advancing clinical skills, and improving outcomes.  As a result, this change will have a profound impact not only on licensed therapists but also on the individuals whom we serve.”

This move by 4C Health is a strong example of how clinical, quality, operations, and fiscal components of care and the organization can come togetherwithout undue hardshipand weave a golden thread.4C Health plans to continue this and conduct center-wide wage assessments of both direct and support positions over this next fiscal year. To date, new wage scales have been for Registered Nurse, Medical Assistants, Billing support staff, and now fully licensed therapists.

A Kokomo man was convicted of dealing fentanyl in Cass County.

According to a press release given by Cass County Prosecutor Noah Schafer, Vashawn Rose, 24, of Kokomo, was convicted bya jury in the Cass Circuit Court of Dealing in a Narcotic Drug.

The jury heard evidence where in May and June of 2023 the defendant conspired with his sister, Jesse Rose, and Dreyton Cameron to deliver fentanyl pills.

On June 7, the trio also sold a quantity of fentanyl pills to an undercover officer with the Indiana State Police at a gas station in Galveston. Video recordings and text messages between the defendant and the undercover officer were presented as evidence of the exchange. 

Co-defendants Jesse Rose and Dreyton Cameron had each previously plead guilty to dealing fentanyl and agreed to testify against Rose, but neither were called as witnesses.

Documents and testimony established Rose had also prior, unrelated felony convictions for dealing marijuana and unlawful possession of a legend drug. Following Rose's conviction of dealing fentanyl, further evidence was presented, resulting in the jury finding Rose guilty of being an habitual offender.  

In closing, Deputy Prosecutor Lisa Kempf argued that this was a case about the defendant’s decisions and actions, urging the jury to focus on the evidence in its deliberations.

Rose had posted bond and failed to appear for the trail, leading to a warrant now being issued for the arrest of Rose. 

Rose is scheduled for sentencing on May 23, 2024 in the Cass Circuit Court.

The Culver Town Council was given the annual review of the Redevelopment Commission.

The report includes a list of members, Marti Oosterbaan as President, Sally Ricciardi as Vice President, Sara Jone as Secretary, and Ginny Munroe and Erika James are members.  Karen Shuman, the Culver School Superintendent is a non-voting member.

The Culver Redevelopment Commission has two Tax Incremental Funds (TIF). District 1 had revenues of $620,301.35 and expenditures of $976,056.53 leaving a fund balance of $312,544.67.  Expenditures last year included $531,000 for Surf Broadband, $6,265 for Christmas decorations, nearly $13,000 for a housing study, $30,000 for police vehicles, about $60,000 for park improvements, $151,000 for Storm Water bonds, $6,000 for trail engineering, $116,700 for façade grants, $30,000 for the water commitment and $32,700 to the Visitor Center. 

TIF District II in Culver had revenues of $6,857.51 in 2023 and expenditures of $50,253.94 leaving a balance of $327,286.99.  Expenditures included nearly $43,000 for bond interest and principal and $7,328.94 for trail engineering and INDOT grants.  

A Rochester student was injured in the school's student parking lot during after school dismissal.

The school responded to questions about this incident by reporting that a student was injured after stepping in front of a vehicle moving through the parking lot. Emergency responders and staff responded. The student did not suffer any life-threatening injuries but was transported by EMS to Woodlawn Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
 

An early Monday morning car accident in Starke County claimed the life of a Chesterton woman.

According to police reports, emergency personnel were called to a two-vehicle accident at County Road 200 North 600 East in rural Starke County just before 6 a.m. local time.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a car driven by Alyssa Ramey, 26, of Chesterton, was traveling west when she pulled out in front of a vehicle driven by Kimberly Wilke, 53, of Knox, at the intersection.

The Starke County Coroner pronouced Ramey dead at the scene. 

Wilke sustained neck and chest injuries. She was transported by medics to the hospital in stable condition. 

The accident is still under investigation by the Starke County Sheriff's Office.

The Koscuisko County Sheriff's Office reported that an elderly Warsaw man died from injuries received in a two-vehicle accident on US 30 days earlier. 

According to police reports, Marion Aleman, 93, passed away Sunday, April 28. Aleman sustained internal injuries during a wreck on the morning of April 24, on US 30 and County Road 325 East, near Warsaw. 

Reports stated that Aleman's vehicle failed to yield the right of way to another vehicle on US 30 driven by Richard Vonesh, 79, of Fort Wayne. 

Vonesh claimed he attempted to avoid the crash by changing lanes on US 30, but that Aleman’s vehicle still continued on, stricking his. The damage from the crash is estimated at $25,000.

Both Aleman and passenger, Mary J. Aleman, 84, of Warsaw, who also sustained injuries, were taken by ambulance to the local hospital for treatment. 

Vonesh and passenger, Naomi L. Vonesh, 78, of Fort Wayne, were also taken to a local hospital for further evaluation of minor injuries. 

A recent traffic stop near Rochester by an Indiana State trooper resulted in the arrest of a man on multiple drug charges. 

James Schofield, 33, iof LaPorte, was charged with possession of cocaine, a Level 6 felony; trafficking with an imate, a Level 5 felony; and possession of marijuana, a Class A misdemeanor. 

According to court documents, the trooper was patrolling US 31 when he noticed a vehicle traveling 81 mph. During the subsequent traffic stop, the trooper told Schofield he smelled marijuana coming from his vehicle. Schofield denied having marijuana on him, but admitted he had smoked marijuana an hour prior. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a small bag of marijuana was found.

Schofield was turned over to staff at the Fulton County Jail and additional illegal items were found on him. Schofield admitted to jail staff that he had been concealing cocaine and a THC vape on his person. 

Schofield was booked into the Fulton County Jail with additional charges for the confiscated items, on top of the original possession of marijuana charge.

Forty high school seniors from throughout Indiana have been named 2024 Indiana Academic All-Stars.

Now in its 38^th year, the program is bestowed by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). In addition, 50 more students were recognized as Academic All-Star Regional Honorees.

The students were selected from a field of 281 outstanding nominees from the state’ private and public accredited schools.

Rochester High School’s Tanner Reese was named a 2024 Regional Academic All-Star.

Academic All-Star distinction recognizes seniors who excel in the classroom first and foremost, but who also are actively involved in their schools and communities, and take on leadership roles in those activities. The program is produced by the IASP and sponsored by Purdue University. Additional support is provided by Inter-State Studio.

The IASP Indiana Academic All-Stars program salutes academic excellence in the same manner that student athletes traditionally are honored. By providing a showcase for academically talented seniors, the sponsoring organizations hope to accomplish the following objectives:

Give academic achievement the prestige it deserves

Motivate students to recognize the value of academic excellence

Provide students with an incentive for academic achievement

Promote a positive image of Indiana’s young people

Each public and private high school accredited by the Indiana Department of Education may nominate one senior for consideration as an Indiana Academic All-Star. From these nominees, a selection committee chose the Regional winners (representing five regions in Indiana) and the 40 Indiana Academic All-Stars.

Selection of the school’s nominee is based upon the following considerations:

Student transcript, with a focus on Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced College Placement classes taken/grades received

Academic achievements and honors, academic courses and academic extracurricular activities

Other extracurricular activities, community service and leadership qualities

The Indiana Association of School Principals leads in the advocacy and support of all principals in their commitment to every child. The Department of Student Programs hosts 11 different academic competitions for students in grades 4-12, as well as a Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest, the Academic All-Stars Program, and the Indiana Cheer Championship.

Annually, over 30,000 students are involved in Department of Student Programs sponsored events.

To learn more about the Indiana Association of School Principals and the Department of Student Programs, go to www.iasp.org.

It's been almost 50 years since the Fulton County Council on Aging started its humble beginnings at 625 Pontiac Street. 

Formed out of the basement of the former Rochester High School building in 1974, it would be two more decades before the group would get the building which they have today.

Transportation Supervisor for Fulton County Transpo Rusty Moore said that prior to scoring a building, the idea came about more like a grassroots movement for seniors in Rochester. 

Devoted to providing services that enable and encourage senior citizens, for the past five decades the Council on Aging's aim has been to keep the older Fulton County population active, social and vibrant.

Between classes that range from exercise and technology, to day trips, movies, and community gardening, each program is provided to strengthen minds and bodies. The Council also provides medical equipment, blood pressure monitoring and other health related services, to help address the overall health needs of the seniors.

Moore's mother, Terry Moore, was the executive director for more than 24 years. Her heart for helping others during her reign was contagious at the facility. 

Over time, the Council building was utilized to help the community even more when it expanded to become the Fulton County Community Center & Council on Aging. Now more than just services for seniors, the Community Center also helps low income individuals, and disadvantaged people trying to maintain an independent lifestyle.

Their growth was made possible thanks to grants and support from the Fulton County Community Foundation, along with local donations. 

In 2002, the building added Fulton County Transpo, providing public transportation to Fulton County residents, something the area had never seen before. A decade later brought another major addition with the construction of an expanded transportation garage and office space. 

Running Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fulton County Transpo provides rides in Rochester for $2, and throughout Fulton County for $4. Riders over the age of 60 are free, but donations are accepted. 

A community food pantry, United Ministries, and Energy Assistance Program were also later added to transform the full service “Community Center.” 

Keeping on the legacy of his mother, Moore continues to water the growth at the Community Center as much as possible by working with the other organizations when he sees opportunities come up. 

Lunch is served daily during the week to seniors by Area 5, with senior activites that are before lunch like bingo, card games, chair volleyball, chair yoga and more. 

All of the meals and many of the activities are in the 'Terry Moore Memorial Activity Room.'

The room was dedicated to Terry Moore in 2022, in honor of the decades she had spent working on the vision and development of the Fulton County Community Center and Council on Aging. 

Moore said around 10 to 30 seniors show up each day to their facility, something he knows his mother would be proud of. 

To celebrate their 50th anniversary, the Fulton County Council on Aging will be the highlight of several activities during the month of June.

On June 8, the 32nd Annual Golf Scramble will kick off the month, with all proceeds from the event being donated to the Community Center and Council on Aging. Moore said the golf event is also one of the biggest financial boost helping to purchase the vans used for Transpo.

The facility will host an open house on June 29. Activities will include a cookout, tours of the senior center and new garage, and introductions of staff and drivers to community members. 

Moore hopes the open house will make more locals aware of their services at the Fulton County Community Center & Council on Aging. 

The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance to find a reported missing person.

Billy Kilgore was last seen around 6 p.m. Monday in the area of 600 North and 50 East in Pulaski County.

Few details were released in the social media posting. The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office says they need to check Kilgore's well-being.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts or can make contact with Kilgore is asked to call 574-946-6655 or 911.

The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce was joined by an audience of nearly 200 for Saturday's Annual Community Awards Gala at the Akron Community Center.

The final award of the evening was presented by Mart Smith to the Community Service Award recipient, Kendra Chudzynski.

Introduction

Acceptance speech

The Organization of the Year was presented to The Times Theater.

Introduction

Acceptance speech

Business Professional of the Year went to Lauren Adley.

Introduction

Acceptance speech

The 2023 Emerging Business Award was presented to Mustard Seed Mercantile.

Introduction

Acceptance speech

Treasurer Daniel Elliott announced that the Indiana Bond Bank assisted the City of Rochester with financing air curtain burners through its Hoosier Equipment Lease Purchase (HELP) Program.

The purchase of $150,000.00 worth of essential equipment was financed through this program.

The HELP program assists Indiana communities in acquiring essential equipment through a standardized and streamlined lease-purchase process. The program provides standard term leases. Flexible repayment is available with competitive rates offered. The HELP program exempts entities from the need to bid financing.

Since July 1, 2023, over $18M in essential equipment has been financed through the HELP program.

Fulton County Sheriff’s Office K9 Agi will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K9 Agi’s vest is sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,514 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty.

For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

Fulton County Emergency Management Agency is one of the many volunteer based services in the community that goes unnoticed until a time of emergency. Highlighting them for National Volunteer Week, which started April 21 and ends April 27, Fulton County 911 and EMA Director Gail Karas says although they have grown over the past few years, volunteers are still needed for Fulton County EMA. 

National Volunteer Week was designed to raise awareness about the ever-growing need for increased volunteer efforts, and the fulfillment experienced by those who volunteer. Emergency management, also known as disaster management, is an organized response team that coordinate resources and equipment across the community to assist in responding to an emergency. Some of the work includes analyzing and preparing damage assessments following a severe weather or a disaster, traffic control, and more. 

Karas said although many of her volunteers with Fulton County EMA have different reasons for joining, each have their own useful place in helping the community. 

For those interested in volunteering for Fulton County EMA, Karas says the group provides free training for those that don't have the credentials, . The only requirement that makes or breaks whether you can join is if you can pass a background check. 

For more information you can call Karas or Fulton County EMA Deputy Director Dawn Sewell at 574-223-6611 or 574-223-2910.

You can also stop by the Fulton County EMA at 1728 E State Rd 14 in Rochester for an application. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

A new public notification similar to Indiana's Amber Alert will soon help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans.

A new law, which passed during the 2024 legislative session, will create a Green Alert to notify the public that a veteran or military service member is reported missing and believed to be at risk of being hurt or hurting themselves. The alert will function similarly to the state's successful Amber Alert for missing children and Silver Alert for missing seniors. 

A Green Alert could be issued by the Indiana State Police for veterans, active service members, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the individual being reported missing. Like other alerts, the notification will include a description and last known location of the individual and if they are considered at-risk to themselves or others.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Indiana's veteran suicide rate is higher than the national average. In 2021, nearly 140 Hoosier veterans died by suicide and over 6,000 died nationwide.
For 24/7, confidential crisis support, veterans or their loved ones can dial 988 then press one or send a text to 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Callers do not have to be enrolled in veteran benefits or health care to connect. Hoosiers can also visit veteranscrisisline.net and join a chat with a VA responder.  
House Enrolled Act 1021 passed unanimously out of the Indiana House of Representatives and Senate, and received support from the Military/Veterans Coalition of Indiana, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Guard Association of Indiana.

The Indiana Supreme Court denied U.S. Senate candidate John Rust a rehearing in a case to determine his eligibility for the Republican primary ballot. Previously, the justices stayed a lower court ruling that booted Rust from the ballot.

Rust wants to challenge Congressman Jim Banks for the GOP U.S. Senate nomination but a state law requires a candidate’s two most recent primary votes align with their preferred party — a bar Rust doesn’t meet.

Rust voted Republican in 2016 and Democrat in 2012. The law allows an exception, should the county’s party chair grant it. Jackson County Republican Party Chair Amanda Lowery elected not to do so in this case.

He sued to gain access to the Republican ballot, saying the measure barred the vast majority of Hoosiers from running under their preferred party.

Marion County Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Dietrick found in December that the two-primary requirement is unconstitutional. But the state appealed, and the Indiana Supreme Court expedited the case as a matter of “significant public interest.”

Both the Indiana Supreme Court and Indiana Election Commission separately found him ineligible in February rulings. The commission cited the law, which the Supreme Court upheld in a ruling — prompting Rust to file for a rehearing.

Previously, Rust vowed to appeal all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court but ballots are already printed and early voting is currently underway for the May primary. Election Day is May 7.

More than 50 people gathered at The Times Theater on Thursday afternoon to recognize matriarch of the theater Julie Shambarger.

Her efforts and decade-long commitment to reopening The Times Theater was highlighted by Congressman Rudy Yakym in a Congressional Record entry presentation.

Originally thinking the gathering was made to celebrate artist Jim Scott, and Scott's efforts for beautifying the theater with his work, Shambarger was completely surprised by the presentation by Yakym. 

Humbled by the crowd and by the Congressional Record entry in her name, Shambarger said her efforts wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the many other volunteers that helped her along the journey. 

The small town of Monterey in Pulaski County updated security recently.

New high-definition cameras are hoped to bring peace of mind for the locals.

Covering from Main Street in all directions that reach viewing areas of the library, park, town hall, local businesses and more, the camera also has night vision, ensuring all 24 hour protection. 

Douglas Denton has been the Monterey Town Council president for the past eight years. Denton said not everyone in town has been excited about the cameras, some even complaining it takes away privacy from the residents. Denton assures the locals that the cameras were placed in town for the purposes of protecting public property, and to help with traffic enforcement or crime, as needed. 

The Pulaski County town of just under 200 students has dealth with more crime than most realize. Over the past few years, Denton said crimes like vandalism and drug activity have plagued the area, but usually come in spurts, and are quickly taken care of.

There's also been more serious incidents, like the active shooting that took place in town last 4th of July. The town has also seen three robberies in the past few decades at the First National Bank of Monterey.

Denton said increasing a certain amount of security in public spaces is the best that they can do to help law enforcement in their job to promote public safety.

People using the town as a way to get rid of trash have been a problem that Denton hopes is stopped by the new cameras. While the town encourages park visitors to use the trash cans as needed for small items, Denton hopes the cameras will defer anyone wanting to come to town to get rid of their loads of trash bags on public property or business dumpsters. 

Denton reminded the public that placing bagged trash or other trash in town containers or private dumpsters without permission from the owner is illegal and could face a fine up to one thousand dollars.

Denton hopes the cameras send a message that those dumping, littering, or participating in public vandalism or the damage to public property in Monterey will potentially be prosecuted. 

Last week, Denton had received some complaints about drivers speeding through town, and running stop signs. Among the complaints, a four-wheeler that was caught on camera tearing up the streets.

In a recent Facebook post, Denton made a request for help from the public to identify the driver of the four-wheeler. Denton said although they have received a few tips, the suspect has yet to be identified. 

Keeping communities safe has been a passion Denton over the years. In 2017, Denton implemented the first Neighborhood Watch program in Pulaski County. 

Aside from the cameras and neighborhood watch, Denton said the town also gets help from the sheriff's offices from neighboring counties due to the town's location. Last week, Denton said he was able to get the Pulaski, Starke, and Fulton County Sherriff Offices to help increase patrols in the town. 

Cass County public safety personnel were busy Monday afternoon with an overturned anhydrous ammonia tank.

It happened in the area of US 35 north of Logansport. According to public announcement made by the the Cass County Emergency Management Agency, a local farm hand had been moving the nurse tank into a field off of the roadway when the tank rolled over. It came to rest in the field. 

Nearby residents were notified, and roadways were blocked by responding agencies as a precaution while the situation was being assessed. 

Detection equipment indicated no active release of chemicals at the time of initial response. Technician and specialist level HAZMAT personnel from Cass County EMA stood by to monitor the situation and deal with any potential chemical issues while Cass County firefighters worked to safely turn the tank upright. Rescue and intervention personnel were on site ready to respond, if needed.

The area was evaluated for a second time by specialists who determined that no detectable reslease of hazardous materials had occured. 

There were no reported injuries or illnesses as a result of this incident. The roadways were soon cleared by units and returned to service. 

(Photos provided by Cass County EMA)

Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced that Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com. Inc. company (NASDAQ: AMZN), plans to invest $11 billion to build a data center campus in north central Indiana and create at least 1,000 new jobs. This planned investment marks the largest capital investment announcement in Indiana’s history.

“Indiana’s long-term economic strategy is paying dividends for Hoosiers as we cultivate the growth of critical sectors like technology infrastructure,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Amazon has long been an important economic partner in Indiana, and we are excited to welcome AWS. This significant investment solidifies Indiana’s leadership position in the economy of the future, and will undoubtedly have a positive ripple effect on the town of New Carlisle, the north central region and the state of Indiana for years to come.” 

AWS is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, and its data centers enable customers of all sizes and across all industries, such as automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, public sector, and more, to transform their businesses. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster. The new data centers will contain computer servers, data storage drives, networking equipment, and other forms of technology infrastructure used to power cloud computing capabilities, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

“AWS’s unwavering commitment to supporting our customers and helping drive digital transformation has been evident through our infrastructure investments across the United States,” said Roger Wehner, AWS director of economic development. “Building upon this, we are thrilled to be expanding our operations in Indiana through this planned $11 billion investment, which will create numerous well-paying job opportunities and tap into the state's burgeoning tech sector, while contributing significantly to the state's growing economy. This investment will include our continuing commitment to fostering workforce development and educational initiatives in areas where we operate, and we look forward to helping nurture the next generation of talent in the Hoosier State. We are excited to partner with Governor Holcomb, IEDC, and other state and local leaders to forge a path toward a brighter future for Indiana’s tech landscape.”

Indiana is an ideal hub for data processing due to its business-friendly environment, abundance of infrastructure resources, availability of skilled labor and growing technology and semiconductor sectors.

“The AWS announcement today will be a generational boost to our local and regional economy, and we are excited for the opportunity to welcome the AWS team and workforce into our community,” said Carl Baxmeyer, President of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. “This new data center campus to be built in the Indiana Enterprise Center (IEC) over the next decade will be a major employment center for all of northern Indiana. This project announcement also shows our alignment with the State’s goal to create next level jobs that benefit all Hoosiers.”

Based on the company’s significant capital investment plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment in AWS in the form of data center sales tax exemptions for eligible capital investments over a 50-year term. The IEDC also committed an investment of up to $18.3 million in the form of headcount-based tax credits, up to $5 million in training grants, up to $55 million in Hoosier Business Investment tax credits, and up to $20 million in redevelopment tax credits. These incentives are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim state benefits once investments are made. In addition to its community investment and engagement activities, AWS will also contribute up to $7 million to support road infrastructure improvements being conducted by the state and local community along State Road 2 surrounding the company’s planned development. The company’s investment plans are dependent upon the execution of long-term energy service agreements.

The region including Fulton County that recently received its allocation of funding from READI 2.0 is excited about possible future projects.

At the same time, the group also left wondering what could have been had the grant award been larger.

Fulton County Commissioner Bryan Lewis says the North Central Region of Cass, Clinton, Howard, Miami and Tipton counties is working together to decide how to utilize $35 million.

Lewis said the request from the region was for $80 million

READI 2.0 awarded $500 million to 15 regions representing all 92 counties.

The unemployment rate of the State of Indiana in March stands at 3.5%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for March stands at 3.8%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate stands at 62.6% for March, while the national rate is 62.7%. This rate is the percentage of Hoosiers 16-and-older that are either working or actively looking for work. Those not in the labor force include primarily students, retirees and other non-working populations, such as individuals unable to work due to a disability or illness, or adults responsible for their family's childcare needs.  

Indiana’s total labor force stands at 3,380,807 - a decrease of 8,595 from the previous month.

"March 2024 was yet another record month for Indiana employment with more Hoosiers employed in the private sector than ever before," said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. "We saw an increase in demand for workers within six industry sectors including Private Education and Health Services and Professional and Business Services. These sectors added over two thousand jobs to Indiana. Combining these numbers with exciting announcements of new opportunities, including the SK Hynix announcement, shows the strength of the Indiana economy."

Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 3,300 jobs over the last month, resulting in a gain of 34,500 jobs from this time last year. Indiana's March private employment stands at 2,845,500.

Industries that experienced job increases in March included:

• Private Educational and Health Services (+1,200)
• Professional and Business Services (+1,100)
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+800)
• Construction (+400)
• Leisure and Hospitality (+300)
• Financial Activities (+100).

As of April 16, there were 105,593 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending March 30, Indiana had 23,998 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.

Individuals looking for work, training or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers.

Mayors across the country are taking action to help save the monarch butterfly. 

The iconic species has declined in eastern populations by as much as 90 percent and western populations by 99% during the recent years. 

Rochester Mayor Trent Odell recently signed The National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge. The commitment aims for mayors to encourage both restoring habitat within the community, and encouraging residents to do the same. 

Last Friday, partnering with Ladybug Foundation Founder Lindsay Barts, Mayor Odell read a book about monarchs to preschoolers at Columbia Elementary School to help inspire community interest in the pledge. 

Around 50 students listened to the program on monarchs, and how community members in Fulton County could do their part in keeping them safe. 

Kim Landis was also there helping Barts teach the students about the monarchs. Landis demonstrated to students how they, with the help of a parent, could make their own pesticides. 

One group of insecticides that has raised concerns over the years in particular is neonicotinoids. It's commonly used on farms, businesses, homes and landscapes. 

While a minimal threat to humans and mammals these particular insecticides are extremely toxic to arthropods. The accesibility and variety of application methods make neonicotinoids popular for use in pest control.

Pollinators, including the monarchs, as well as other insects exposed to neonictinoids face lethal or sublethal effects.

Barts plans on continuing her spread of awareness on saving the monarchs through The Ladybug Foundation, with hopes of gaining more community support in the future. 

The Fulton County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Fulton County – Addison Zimpleman of Caston High School.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

Addison is the daughter of Greg and Camile Zimpleman and plans to study Business and Marketing after graduation.She’s involved in softball, basketball, volleyball, National Honor Society, Key Club, and several other organizations in which she has received awards and honors. Throughout the years, Addison has spent numerous hours volunteering with the Lions Club, the Fulton Community Center, and her youth group.

Wesley Steininger of Rochester High School was previously named the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. He will be pursuing his education at Vanderbilt University, where he will be in the ROTC program, in the fall.

“We wish Wesley the best as he leaves the state to pursue his educational goals,” says Shannon Berger, NICF Scholarship Coordinator. “We feel grateful to have such an excellent applicant pool that allows us to have many qualified students and are fortunate to be able to give this scholarship out to a different student. Addison is an impressive young lady who will only continue to excel in college.”

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities.

In determining Fulton County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, the committee assesses a multitude of criteria including high academic performance and community involvement. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.

The 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalists include Alexa Finke,Tanner Reese, Annie Harsh, and Payton Moore, who will receive $1,000 scholarships from the Fulton County Community Foundation.

Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-99 school year and has supported the program every year since with grants totaling in excess of $505 million. More than 5,200 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.