[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6300155,"mediaKeyId","2493616-76b71f86d8cb32e4fd8d5bc82778c3af","parentId",2493616,"title","Local grant programs: Community Enrichment awards $610,000; Urban Enterprise Association opens 2025 grant cycle","audioSeconds",777,"startMs",2836000,"endMs",3613000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493616-76b71f86d8cb32e4fd8d5bc82778c3af&start=2836&end=3613","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493616-76b71f86d8cb32e4fd8d5bc82778c3af/thumbnail_2836000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6300155/Michigan-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Local-grant-programs-Community-Enrichment-awards-610000-Urban-Enterprise-Association-opens-2025-grant-cycle","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300155-bb2586ee02d0a048536b0e563e68fc5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185387&Signature=jJk4t2lZPaOc4IBWzz2nrTT4dwSXLeY3FpplGYIRqQRet661CxM-WWkN1OyeG1eUWXqmzlb35gxAsDYUNJmjq5m97gke1cSKV6rAd3fSEltXDve10QgsDEqOst1hMB9RBQofvoGgXIgzrpNDuLiNcjReRu84mrYBlCi6QzS8xC2Nhp6x-sD1chQiGVSXPb1n3F4Kwm4dXptPnBb6xKQXCfOV52QW0HXMsXNfzLttJBEukBOFdTMLd0HfC0J47R6SSMMRibBze5A7ayt299F1lIOYQEbajep-QE5EQIP8FXDRGC5k8G5qQWHTW46MOTOBWQB-zuouSeyCpNOlMuhB0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Michigan City, IN","date","2025-03-05T04:55:43Z","article","Two local grant programs detailed plans and results for 2025 during the Michigan City Common Council meeting on March 4: the Community Enrichment Corporation reported its annual awards and the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Association announced a new grant cycle.

Ron Miller, president of the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation, told the council the board received 63 project applications requesting about $1.25 million and awarded just over $610,000 to 44 or 45 organizations in the most recent cycle. He said the corporation reserves a small cushion for administrative needs and unexpected expenses and later added roughly $30,000 to fund additional projects. Miller described the original operating agreement with Blue Chip Casino (now Boyd Gaming) that provides the foundation of the Enrichment Corporation’s annual funding and said the first $100,000 of the casino contribution is directed to the zoo under the original agreement.

Miller invited council members to the corporation’s awards banquet on March 20 at Blue Chip and said the board will return to regular monthly meetings; he also asked that the council reappoint Stacy Benning to another three-year term on the board.

The Michigan City Urban Enterprise Association, represented by Dakota Euler, announced the launch of the 2025 grant cycle for businesses and homeowners in the Urban Enterprise Zone. Business assistance grants will reimburse 50% of eligible costs up to a $7,500 maximum and can be used for exterior or interior improvements, signage, machinery and equipment. Residential improvement grants can reimburse up to 100% of eligible costs (subject to income limits and funding tiers) for essential safety and appearance projects such as roofing, siding and electrical upgrades. The MCU EA also introduced a new DIY-material reimbursement for 50% of materials on approved projects and said neighborhood improvement and workforce-development grant programs will be announced later in 2025.

Both presenters emphasized competitive review processes and encouraged eligible applicants to consult online application materials. Miller said the Enrichment Corporation upgraded its application process to an online portal and that each board member reviews and scores every application prior to deliberation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Michigan City Common Council March 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation reported distributing about $610,000 to more than 40 projects; the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Association opened its 2025 grant cycle with business and residential improvement grants.","taxTitle","Michigan City, LaPorte County, Indiana","taxId",12510,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300160,"Council considers cutting notice period for weed and grass violations from 10 to 5 days; residents urge keeping 10 days",527,3441000,3968000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493616-76b71f86d8cb32e4fd8d5bc82778c3af&start=3441&end=3968","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493616-76b71f86d8cb32e4fd8d5bc82778c3af/thumbnail_3441000.jpg","/articles/6300160/Michigan-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Council-considers-cutting-notice-period-for-weed-and-grass-violations-from-10-to-5-days-residents-urge-keeping-10-days","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300160-6a3416a34c5f86b9b1f812b9399b7578/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185387&Signature=NQtwwBR30WmCVqT0KfyKaQRdM94wBoXSq08ABuBAdyITEQJ-4nbrctt9Znwg9wdK-q0XBwD63DnjTqPoAizDcf1LOvlOXW2e3~GN1SWmmpeDDZ6MfmynWahUL0CCTG95OievowsAGdFoEqrzLFD-F7M~mmlYWFk0xd3SOoW8Vfx48DALR94SDbkEAi65TiZdNrizPOkIouQE7euVdxjKDY9MZYJInC90QGn1IzX3UkOM9dmnH6tg9~-8wKAZq-qaZvFOleKB-fnL~jo9H5yH9M1GQoF9Hkkza75l37xhtECBtagTe82KHgCR-F50dIBuzWujThtvzM0gnToWsoIVvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Michigan City Common Council on March 4 considered an ordinance to amend the municipal code governing removal of weeds, grass and raised vegetation by shortening the notification period from 10 days to 5 days.

Councilwoman Moldenhauer, sponsor of the ordinance, said the intent is to streamline citation and abatement and to reduce the period between notice and enforcement, particularly where overgrown lots create hazards or damage public equipment during municipal cleanup. \"10 days was way too long,\" she said, arguing a shorter window helps crews act before conditions worsen.

Several members of the public urged the council to retain the existing 10-day period. Paul Snow and Gladys Street told the council that five days is too short to arrange work, appeal a citation or to account for residents who are out of town or have limited ability to respond. Snow asked the council to hold a workshop to review application and due process; he said he had experienced inconsistent enforcement and stressed that application matters as much as changing the ordinance.

Scott Mellon suggested a different approach, saying the city could consider an even shorter three-day period for cases that have already reached the citation stage because those situations commonly represent ongoing hazards. The transcript records a range of opinions during public comment; councilmembers asked the sponsor to have the city forester or code official return to explain details and to answer questions about whether the five days are counted as consecutive calendar days.

Council members held the ordinance over to the next meeting for further briefing and to allow the forester or the ordinance author to attend and respond to practical and due-process questions.","An ordinance to shorten the notice period for removal of weeds and tall grass from 10 days to 5 days prompted public comment; residents and commenters urged the council to retain 10 days for due-process and practical reasons. Item was held over.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300165,"Council holds first reading on airport procurement change to allow build–operate–transfer delivery for fuel system work",152,3465000,3617000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493616-76b71f86d8cb32e4fd8d5bc82778c3af&start=3465&end=3617","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493616-76b71f86d8cb32e4fd8d5bc82778c3af/thumbnail_3465000.jpg","/articles/6300165/Michigan-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Council-holds-first-reading-on-airport-procurement-change-to-allow-buildoperatetransfer-delivery-for-fuel-system-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300165-59ae4f26dc93b8cb141b2c023e25e322/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185387&Signature=MP0CVqxcsvbuPPiM3uZ8vskx3dKM9ulT~RK1jShVsC4eti3Jm69SqRc-i~OtNlXOThJDnkfbx7NWiqYPged9t1d3y1ZPWQDlABiOX5tIjZIkj0gWMbhdrgqHQJJRRM5b0yxrN5d3qmDinM2t-57O450r22HqCmlThuLnS4nTzkjTyVk-7cTMCH5OsoxduavclE4VlpiLwqsouY1cu~7-KorAye3bJX7PC66AWEghsIPDb4HVRfYCx-EgrW9ESV9Jv27NI7o0ShOKWzpqY24iit7hO2ke6lyABlUttkQoUru-0HFFI1fCFcNDm0gfHVSYajhxokxj4GCB9IVQR9hc7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Michigan City Common Council on March 4 held a first reading of an ordinance to add the procurement method in Indiana Code 5-23 (commonly known as build–operate–transfer) to the municipal code so the airport can use a qualifications-based selection for an upcoming fuel-system replacement.

Councilwoman Moldenhauer, sponsor of the ordinance, said Airport Manager Jessica Ward could not attend and that Paul Schaffer of Butler, Fairman & Seufert joined the meeting to explain the method. Schaffer said the procurement approach is commonly used for complex, pre-engineered systems such as aviation fuel systems because it permits evaluation on qualifications in addition to price.

\"These fuel systems come as pre engineered, package systems, and we want to make sure that the contractors who are bidding on them are highly qualified to do the work,\" Schaffer told the council. He said the planned fuel-system project would replace equipment about 20 years old and provide safety and environmental improvements.

Schaffer also explained that the statute allows a wide range of delivery options — the build, operate and transfer portions are discretionary — and that because the Federal Aviation Administration does not allow a third-party operator for projects using FAA funds, the city does not plan to use the \"operate\" portion for this fuel-system work. Under the proposed approach, the contractor would build the system and transfer it to the city at project completion.

Council members asked whether an advisory committee would evaluate proposals; Schaffer said the aviation board (board of aviation commissioners) would score and recommend contract awards. The ordinance includes only a first reading; councilmembers held the item for a future meeting when the airport manager can attend and provide further detail.

No city funds were requested with the ordinance on first reading.","An ordinance to add the Indiana Code 5-23 procurement method (build–operate–transfer) to the municipal code was introduced on first reading to let the airport seek qualifications and guaranteed maximum price proposals for a replacement fuel system; item was held for later vote.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300170,"Mayor previews projects, budgets and public-safety gains in condensed State of the City",1700,130000,1830000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493616-76b71f86d8cb32e4fd8d5bc82778c3af&start=130&end=1830","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493616-76b71f86d8cb32e4fd8d5bc82778c3af/thumbnail_130000.jpg","/articles/6300170/Michigan-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Mayor-previews-projects-budgets-and-public-safety-gains-in-condensed-State-of-the-City","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300170-a70fc1a9f7ec3cdb6027c7c626c86efd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185387&Signature=b-sLczszWR-SfoPakxsGi2HyGJepFQM9yBFVylwDCvRJ5ERSO6v2e9jW4aOEPc1KbLHCAO7T5~gedfuZdDuvLLkKfZwkcGF9MVA14kwxWHtj7HL4OI66mhySTCs81J0UcJrv5aTBSRiCuzAkBBMycZ1MV1mevH~GldEsDgparCQ9eXM7oJQsHVCvVZDV1oW7tsxz5fhFAjNqbVK4E1UCEuAwl3Fx9bF6HtmF51t8mAbXkeRbSmw0xZP2AebqohIuzlOpMNXV56SoaUEM9~iCDJxrr~ahB-BYDd1OjAyyjudiNVfeLpFYSvhfGIghBRrvERwlMh0iYeVK5p-KtCacpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Angie Nelson Deitch delivered a condensed State of the City report at the March 4 Michigan City Common Council meeting, outlining accomplishments from the past year and priorities for 2025.

Mayor Deitch said the municipal focus has included workforce development, visible department leadership and internal process improvements. “We had a theme for today and it was celebrating progress, confronting challenges, and committing to the future,” she told the council and public.

The mayor listed capital and development activity and statistics: the city spent about $4.7 million on roadwork last year; it completed two CCMG cycles and repaired or installed roughly 1,487 square yards of sidewalks in over 65 locations, and added 5,371 square yards of sidewalk work on 15 streets through CCMG. The city is awaiting notice on a $1.5 million CCMG award expected in April and the mayor said the city budgeted $300,000 for sidewalks this year.

Economic development highlights included a planned $20 million expansion by D Martin Enterprises and a business park project on the annex property; the mayor said the annex project’s estimated cost has come down from $7.5 million to about $4 million. She also credited the Franklin Street two-way conversion and transit development district for unlocking federal funding and enabling mixed-use development near the station.

On housing and grants, the mayor said Michigan City was part of two successful Unity Foundation proposals; she said the region was awarded $4 million from the Unity Foundation and Michigan City’s share is targeted to workforce housing, infill and planning-software support. The mayor also noted local CDBG funds and other programs supporting weatherization, rental assistance and emergency shelter.

Public safety and city services were a major focus. The fire department recorded 3,928 rescue and EMS calls in 2024 and the police department reported a 17.46% decrease in overall crime — 741 fewer reported offenses — amid an increase in call volume. Police Chief Marty Corley told the council the department answered 41,533 calls for service in 2024 and said Narcan administration data indicate ongoing overdose responses in the community.

The mayor said illegal dumping and refuse remain pressing challenges; the city is increasing education with water-bill inserts and planning targeted outreach and citations, and the mayor noted the possibility of moving to a monthly trash fee if dumping continues. Council members praised department staff and highlighted the arrival of additional garbage trucks (1 received in December, 2 more due in August) to improve service.

Mayor Deitch also highlighted internships and workforce pipeline efforts: a municipal leadership internship program with students from multiple universities; partnerships with WorkOne and Ivy Tech to retain interns; and visibility efforts for department staff through community engagement.

Council members responded positively to the address. Councilmember Dr. Cora called the amount of private investment “close to $500 million” in projects coming to the area and said budget reductions were handled carefully. Other council members thanked department heads, noted crime reductions and applauded recent infrastructure investments.","Mayor Angie Nelson Deitch reviewed 2024 accomplishments and priorities — workforce development, infrastructure spending, housing projects and public-safety improvements — and highlighted challenges including illegal dumping and homelessness.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300175,"Michigan City council adopts guiding principles for opioid settlement spending; $175,000 appropriation introduced",463,3137000,3600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493616-76b71f86d8cb32e4fd8d5bc82778c3af&start=3137&end=3600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493616-76b71f86d8cb32e4fd8d5bc82778c3af/thumbnail_3137000.jpg","/articles/6300175/Michigan-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Michigan-City-council-adopts-guiding-principles-for-opioid-settlement-spending-175000-appropriation-introduced","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300175-d769ab71dd428e81034c7241bb4fa276/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185387&Signature=UPVmX6M9dVs3C~rBdMaBP0h405xsAVdEiMneICwSLelAzNVBFuiNZ6UGHDNo0QC8hwLfcyWT-Z6hWmzYmaYZW00g10ek3FTuzqWXhL8XTlA2Jw3Cayj0btuQPjyUmyN3cTlGbbEaGHIjjxNfcNVVNCjXVcgL~RIabv~iMVUR4akHJaKhee2SKaFFQpBuC43LuIp0Y-3NxUPoSghHhrFzwXwK~rgBM1x0eXWL4WT5nPdYGnDk-QWx0bhWqOkdMDVbEuDNt7pcYQWK1xkbGgWD2BTQOlwFV~16DVsoivOyWdh03TtSCSuZRY7C8LHhFclI6RUQEcsKLzyULj4dz8CGmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Michigan City Common Council on March 4 voted unanimously to adopt a resolution setting guiding principles for how the city will use opioid litigation settlement funds, and the mayor introduced an ordinance on first reading to appropriate $175,000 for a grant program.

The resolution, introduced and read during the meeting, directs that settlement funds “shall be used to expand opioid programs and services, supplementing rather than replacing existing spending,” and calls for evidence-based investments, youth prevention and measures to address racial equity in access to treatment. Mayor Angie Nelson Deitch and Councilmember Dr. Cora both described the expenditure as a chance to invest in prevention, treatment and recovery supports.

The resolution requires an oversight committee that the mayor will establish; the body will include two council members. Councilmember Dr. Cora said the committee should “ensure the most effective and equitable use of opioid settlement funds.” Police Chief Marty Corley provided local context earlier in the meeting, reporting that the fire department logged 69 uses of Narcan over 2022–2024 and that the recorded number undercounts communitywide usage because other agencies and bystanders also administer the drug.

Council members approved the resolution 9-0. The mayor’s ordinance to appropriate $175,000 to create a grant program was introduced on first reading and was held over for further council consideration; the mayor said the restricted funds have been held for several years and the appropriation would allow solicitation of applications and distribution through the oversight process once it is in place.

Council members and the mayor said the proposal emphasizes transparency, use of evidence-based practices such as medication-assisted treatment and harm reduction, and involvement of people with lived experience. One councilmember asked whether the oversight committee had already been appointed; the mayor said she was still finalizing membership and would include council representation.

The resolution text says settlement funds “shall address the unmet needs of people who use drugs and shall not be diverted to fill budget gaps unrelated to the opioid epidemic.” It also directs that the mayor provide a copy of the resolution to city departments and community stakeholders involved in administration and oversight.

Votes at a glance
Resolution adopting guiding principles for opioid settlement funds — adopted 9-0. Other proposed ordinances related to appropriating funds were introduced on first reading and held over.

The council did not adopt the appropriation ordinance during the March 4 meeting; formal distribution of grant dollars depends on creation of the oversight committee and a future council vote on the appropriation.","The Michigan City Common Council unanimously adopted a resolution setting principles for use of opioid settlement funds and heard a companion ordinance to appropriate $175,000 for grant awards; an oversight committee will be formed to guide allocations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Local grant programs: Community Enrichment awards $610,000; Urban Enterprise Association opens 2025 grant cycle

Council considers cutting notice period for weed and grass violations from 10 to 5 days; residents urge keeping 10 days

Council holds first reading on airport procurement change to allow build–operate–transfer delivery for fuel system work

Mayor previews projects, budgets and public-safety gains in condensed State of the City

Michigan City council adopts guiding principles for opioid settlement spending; $175,000 appropriation introduced