|
Argos Referendum Seeks Educational Funding
Strong schools are vital to the success of our community and economy, and Argos Community Schools are among our best. Argos High School has been recognized as one of America's Best High Schools through the U.S. News and World Report twice in the last 10 years. Superintendent Michelle Riise, who also serves as the Argos Elementary School Principal after the position was cut to balance the budget, states that the school district has lost over $1,000,000 in funding since 2008. To prevent teacher and program cuts and potential consolidation, a tax increase will be on the ballot on May 3rd.
Under the referendum, a $100,000 property would be taxed roughly $199 per year. Funds generated from this tax will go towards keeping class sizes low, retaining talented teachers, increasing the agriculture curriculum, and supporting valuable programs such as Project Lead the Way. See
www.yes4argosschools.com for more information. Your vote counts and it's an investment in our youth.
Bourbon Supports Indiana Composites Tax Abatement
Bourbon is proving itself as a business friendly town by developing the relationship between the community and new businesses. The Bourbon Town Council recently
designated Indiana Composites' building as an economic revitalization area, the first step in approving a personal and real property tax abatement for the company. With the aid of this tax abatement, Indiana Composites plans to invest approximately $3 million in the purchase and setup of new machinery, and another $790,000 in renovating the facility.
Bremen Main Street Update
The Town of Bremen is in talks with OCRA to develop a Main Street Program in the town. Main Street is a national movement aimed at creating preservation-based commercial district revitalization. The idea behind the program is that a community is only as strong as its core, and by investing in downtowns, we invest in the community as a whole. Bremen's program, which is being headed by Bremen Community Cares and the Bremen Historic Center, recently had their final Steering Committee meeting. Bremen should receive Main Street certification this summer.
Culver Named as Stellar Communities Finalist
Culver has made great strides in developing transformative plans to stimulate local economic growth. It comes as no surprise then that the Town was named one of 3 finalists in their division for the Stellar Communities Program. Stellar offers winning communities both funding and the cooperation of various state agencies in developing and implementing a long-term comprehensive plan. As a finalist, Culver will receive a grant to build upon the current plan outlined in their application. The winning community will be selected later this summer. Congratulations to the Town of Culver for receiving this recognition, due in no small part to the hard work of the Culver Steering Committee and MACOG.
LaPaz Ramps Up Road Improvement Project
The Town of LaPaz has allocated $1.5 million to invest in road-widening and black top work to improve the Town's roads. This project is part of LaPaz's downtown streetscape improvement plan which is being implemented with assistance from the Michiana Area Council of Government (MACOG). The Town has managed to streamline the process so that construction can begin next spring, almost one year ahead of the original schedule. In light of the recent development of the new US Hwy 31, projects like this demonstrate that LaPaz is moving forward and planning effective solutions for the Town.
Plymouth Moves forward with Tennis Courts Project
The Centennial Tennis Courts bidding process is underway. Bids were opened in March from two companies, and a vote from the City Council on April 20th was the final step in the process, allowing the parks department to move forward with a contractor bid. This quality-of-life-enhancing project will renovate and expand upon the existing courts, adding 4 new courts for youth and senior leagues, regional competitions, and general community recreation. The expansion should improve the community's reputation, serving as an amenity for residents, as well as a draw for athletes and families throughout the region. The new courts will be more durable and should last longer with less maintenance. Construction is expected to begin in June.
|
