Huntington 46750

06/06/2026

In recent posts, has attempted to explain local government budgeting. There are many moving parts, and it can be hard to explain everything on social media. Today’s post covers a few items not mentioned in a previous post.

A phrase to remember is “appropriation budget.” Unlike our family budget, where we spend based on regular income, week to week or month to month, local units of government (schools, county and city governments) must, by state statute, create a plan and “appropriate” expenses for an entire year. Public meetings lead to public votes on the budget appropriation, and the budget is typically finalized in October for spending the following year.

What happens if expenses for this one-year budget are unexpectedly higher than planned? This is where another phrase to remember comes in: “additional appropriation.” During the year, units of government may need to hold a public hearing and a public vote to increase the appropriation. Governing bodies try hard to avoid additional appropriations, but they happen from time to time.

A few final points. Local units of government in Indiana operate under rules established by the state legislature. Those rules are imposed by the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) and enforced by the State Board of Accounts (SOBA). Unlike the federal government, local units of government cannot run a deficit.

06/06/2026

Fast response from Parkview paramedic Torianna Myers saved a life at Lake Clare.

At Lake Clare, the waters are normally full of racing and competition, but last Saturday, that all changed when a rescue happened.

06/06/2026

Improvements are being planned for downtown water, sewers, streets, and sidewalks. Construction begins in 2027.

From the Mayor's Desk: "Downtown Huntington is a key part of our community. It’s the center of our local business community, a gathering place for residents, and a destination for visitors and guests. We have a lot to be proud of, and the momentum we’re seeing downtown is exciting. At the same time, we know there are opportunities to build on that success and create an even more vibrant, welcoming and accessible downtown.

In the coming months, you’ll begin hearing more about the Downtown Streetscape & Utility Project. This city-led initiative is focused on modernizing aging infrastructure while enhancing the look, feel and functionality of downtown. There’s an existing need to reconstruct water, sewer, street and sidewalk infrastructure. As we meet that need, we’ll also explore streetscape improvements that will strengthen Downtown’s identity, improve safety and accessibility, and create an even better experience for residents, businesses and visitors.

We’re currently in the planning and design phase, working alongside our partners at Lochmueller Group and Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group to identify the best opportunities and investments for our community. Because plans are still being developed, no construction is anticipated before 2027, and only limited short-term repairs will be made in the meantime. When work does begin, it will be completed in phases to maintain access to downtown businesses throughout the project.

This is a long-term investment in Huntington’s future. By improving critical infrastructure and creating a more attractive, vibrant downtown, we’re laying the foundation for continued growth and success. Thank you for your partnership and support as we work together to shape Downtown’s next chapter."

Click or copy the link to read today's newsletter: bit.ly/4aiLc9F

06/05/2026

Be advised:

06/05/2026

BREAKING: Bears Advance Hammond Stadium Plans as Indiana Emerges as Leading Contender

The Chicago Bears have taken a significant step toward a potential stadium development in Northwest Indiana, but team officials caution that important decisions still lie ahead.

In a statement released Thursday, Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and President & CEO Kevin Warren announced that the team’s Board of Directors voted to advance a stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana. The exact site has not yet been selected, and no final development agreement has been announced.

“We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana to the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and across neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city,” the statement said. “It will bring Chicagoland together and deliver new opportunities to its residents and businesses.”

The announcement represents the strongest signal yet that Northwest Indiana has emerged as the Bears’ preferred path for a future stadium project. However, several major hurdles remain, including site selection, financing details, infrastructure planning, environmental review, and final development agreements.

Why Hammond Has Emerged as a Leading Option

Indiana lawmakers recently approved legislation creating a financing framework that could support a large-scale stadium and mixed-use development project. State and local leaders have worked together to position Northwest Indiana as a competitive alternative to proposals in Illinois.

The Hammond location offers proximity to both Northwest Indiana and the Chicago metropolitan area, allowing the Bears to remain connected to their fan base while potentially creating a new entertainment and economic development district.

Potential Benefits for Northwest Indiana

Supporters point to several possible long-term benefits should the project move forward:

* Construction and skilled trades employment
* New hospitality and tourism opportunities
* Additional visitor spending at local businesses
* Regional economic development
* Increased national visibility for Northwest Indiana
* Expanded opportunities for future commercial and residential investment

Many of these benefits would depend on the final size and scope of the development, as well as the level of private investment that follows.

Important Steps Remain

While Thursday’s announcement generated excitement throughout Northwest Indiana, it does not represent a final decision.

The Bears have not yet selected a specific site in Hammond, and negotiations with local and state officials are expected to continue. Illinois leaders have also indicated they remain interested in keeping the franchise in-state.

For now, Hammond appears to have moved to the front of the pack in the competition for a new Bears stadium. Whether that momentum ultimately results in a completed stadium project remains to be seen.

What We Know Today

✓ Bears Board voted to advance Hammond stadium plans

✓ Hammond identified as preferred development location

✓ Indiana financing framework approved

✓ Exact site has not been selected

✓ Final development agreements have not been announced

✓ Illinois options have not been completely ruled out

The announcement marks a major milestone for Northwest Indiana, but the project remains in the planning and evaluation stage rather than the construction phase.

06/05/2026

I’d like to welcome Da Bears to Northwest Indiana.

06/05/2026

The Bears take a big step toward Indiana!

Statement from Chairman George H. McCaskey and President & CEO Kevin Warren:

06/05/2026

COAD Collaboration: What can we learn from our friends in Elkhart?

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EZPqkmZMF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Today, Huntington County Emergency Management was grateful to welcome representatives from the Elkhart County COAD as they shared guidance, insight, and real-world experience to help support the early stages of forming a Huntington County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster).

This marked our second COAD planning meeting, and we are incredibly appreciative of the many local organizations, agencies, and community partners that continue coming together to help build a stronger and more resilient Huntington County.

The COAD model is built on relationships, collaboration, and preparedness. By learning from communities that have already established successful partnerships, we can better prepare to support our residents before, during, and after disasters.

As the saying goes, “Never meet someone for the first time during a disaster.” The relationships being built today will help strengthen our community’s response and recovery efforts tomorrow.

Thank you again to Elkhart County COAD for taking the time to visit Huntington County and support this important initiative. We look forward to continuing this collaboration as we move forward in building our local COAD.

If your organization is interested in joining the Huntington County COAD or learning more about this initiative, please contact [email protected].

Elkhart County COAD Elkhart County EMA

06/05/2026

HCCS Special SessionNavigate to a specific agenda item by selectin...