Huntingburg Recognizes Efforts of Local Nonprofits

On Tuesday night, the Huntingburg Common Council and Utility Board held their regular meeting to acknowledge organizations making a difference in the community.

In honor of National Mentoring Month, Mayor Elkins, along with Jasper Mayor Vonderheide, issued a joint Proclamation to name January Mentors for Youth Month. The Huntingburg proclamation acknowledges that “the contributions of mentors create a ripple effect, positively impacting families, communities, and society as a whole. There are many ways to get involved beyond mentoring such as volunteering at events, being a board or committee member and providing financial support.” Mayor Elkins urged Huntingburg citizens to remember that “There is a child out there waiting for someone like you.” The proclamation was formally presented to Cindy Broeker and Executive Director Erin Kidwell.

Tomorrow night, Yard Goat will be hosting the Spreading Hoptimism fundraiser for Mentors for Youth. The event will run from 5-9 on Wednesday, with $1 of each pint sold supporting the foundation.

Rossina Sandoval, the newly installed Executive Director of the Association of Latin Americans in Southern Indiana, appeared to give the board an overview of ALASI. She praised the efforts of Dubois County to provide resources so that ALASI can provide a safe space. The organization provides assistance for Latino families with issues like immigration, employment, the educational system, and health. Since the Resource Center opened last year, staff have completed over 500 appointments and have had over 1000 walk-ins. They assist with housing, navigating the school system, and even job applications.

Every year, the City of Huntingburg enters into a fire protection contract with Patoka Township, which contributes $26,000 toward fire protection services, as well as a Recreation Services Agreement. City Attorney Phil Schneider said that by ordinance, both agreements must be approved annually. The motion to approve and adopt both agreements was unanimous.

In other notable business, Councilman-at-Large Tim Wehr was elected to retain his current post of President Pro Tempore for the Huntingburg Common Council. The board took a moment to celebrate the achievements of one of their own, as January 1 marked the 25 th anniversary of service for Clerk-Treasurer Tom Dippel. Mayor Neil Elkins presented him with a plaque to mark the occasion.

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.huntingburg-in.gov

- By Drew Hasselbring