Workers Memorial Day service April 28
Also, Howard County receives road funding grant, sheriff invites public to join association
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The 2023 Workers Memorial Day Service will be held at Rodgers Pavilion in Highland Park on Friday, April 28, at noon. The local service, which dates back to 1988, honors the lives of those who have died on the job both recently and in years past. Initiated by late UAW Local 292 member Pat Harden, whose husband was killed on the job at Kokomo Chrysler’s casting plant that year, the event has attracted many local union and community leaders in the past.
According to the AFL-CIO website, Workers Memorial Day also commemorates the Occupational Health and Safety Act which went into effect on December 29, 1970. The act, signed into law by then-President Richard Nixon, was meant to improve safety and working conditions for employees and to reduce workplace accidents and dangerous work situations.
Bill Friskey, Howard County UAW CAP Recording Secretary, credits Harden with being the driving force of not only the local Workers Memorial Day services but as an activist to try and make changes to Indiana state law concerning worker safety and the plight of survivors of individuals killed on the job.
UAW Local 292 Sergeant of Arms Glenn Rodgers noted that there is a plaque honoring Harden’s work in the Rodgers Pavilion Shelter House where the services are being held.
Services start at noon on Friday, April 28, at Rodgers Pavilion in Highland Park. Members of the Northwestern High School Band will be on hand to play Taps. All are welcome to attend.
Howard County receives road funding grant
Howard County is set to receive over $982,000 to complete much-needed road projects, according to State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo)
Funding is available through the state's Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, which can be used for road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements and other items. In total, 224 towns, cities and counties will receive over $133.4 million in state matching grants.
"This program is continuing to help grow our state with big investments in roads and bridges," Karickhoff said. "Continued funding for these projects is key to remaining a top state in the country for infrastructure, as well as providing a quality transportation network for the millions of people who use it."
"These grants ensure our smaller, rural communities aren't left behind," VanNatter said. "Better roads can lead to an increase in economic development and quality of life. This program is a great example of how the state and locals can come together to make a positive difference on our infrastructure."
To qualify for the competitive grant, smaller municipalities provide a 25 percent match in local funds, while large communities provide a 50 percent match. State law requires 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded annually to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer. Since 2016, Community Crossings has awarded more than $1.27 billion to improve local roads and bridges.
A list of all communities receiving matching funds in the latest round is available here. Visit in.gov/indot/communitycrossings to learn more about the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program and the next call for projects opening in July.
Asher invites community to join Indiana Sheriffs’ Association
Sheriff Jerry Asher announced that Howard County citizens who would like to join him in the fight against crime are invited to become members of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association. Many local citizens and some businesses have already joined the Association in support of their efforts.
The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association is a nonprofit, professional, educational, and service organization, dedicated to improving the criminal justice system through education, training, service, and the protection of the lives and property of the citizens of Indiana, according to the sheriff.
The membership program was instituted to provide citizens with an opportunity to lend their support of crime prevention and awareness programs, promote public safety, provide more and improved training for sheriffs and their personnel, plus support the Summer Youth Leadership camps and college scholarships for teenagers interested in law enforcement that are provided by the association.
“We are inviting the public to help us better serve them by joining our efforts to provide effective law enforcement,” Asher said.
Howard County residents should soon receive membership applications in the mail.
“It is difficult to get an application to everyone who might want to join the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association as a member,” Asher said.
If you don’t receive an application by mail, you can call or stop by the sheriff’s office to obtain one or visit the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association website at www.indianasheriffs.org to join. All members will receive a membership card, two star decals, and releases of the newsletter.
The sheriff stated that this letter of invitation sent to citizens is the only manner or way used to invite citizens to become members of the association. He stated that no telephone solicitation or other methods are used to solicit members as are currently being used by some organizations.
“Your joining of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association will be welcomed as an expression of your support of our Association and its many worthwhile programs,” Asher concluded.