Indiana Recycling Initiatives and Community Projects Gain Momentum

Goodwill Industries of Michiana in Lake County is one of six organizations awarded a total of $42 million in grants from the Indiana Recycling Market Development Board. This funding aims to enhance recycling efforts across Indiana, with expectations of creating 42 jobs and diverting approximately 197,884 tons of materials from landfills each year. The initiative is part of a broader strategy administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Goodwill’s share of the grant amounts to $301,011, which will enable the organization to recycle an additional 32,812 tons of material annually. Other recipients of the grants include CT Polymers in Marshall County receiving $500,000, Greencycle in Marion County with $453,989, and Nexus IN RNG – Laporte, LLC in LaPorte County, which will also receive $500,000. Additional grants were awarded to Plastic Recycling Inc. in Marion County for $249,382 and the Trustees of Indiana University in Monroe County for $45,000.

New State Appointments and Community Engagement Initiatives

In a recent announcement, Governor Mike Braun named several residents from Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties to various state boards and commissions. Among the appointments are Elizabeth Bergeron to the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission, Rick Smith to the Underground Plant Protection Advisory Committee, and Thomas Collins to the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority Board of Directors.

Additionally, Chuck Williams will join the Ports of Indiana Commission, while Richard Hudson will serve on the State Board of Registration for Land Surveyors. The Secured School Safety Board will welcome Andy Snyder, representing the LaPorte Fire Department.

On the community front, Indiana Dunes Tourism has launched a new grant program offering $50,000 to support community projects, marketing initiatives, and events aimed at attracting visitors to Porter County. Grant applications are due by December 1, 2023, with winners announced on January 5, 2024. Eligible applicants include for-profit, non-profit, and government organizations, as well as private-sector projects that draw visitors from outside the county.

Healthcare and Mentorship Opportunities

In healthcare news, Dr. Marrium Siddiqui, an infectious disease physician, has joined the Franciscan Physician Network and is now accepting new patients in Crown Point. Dr. Siddiqui earned her medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency and fellowship at reputable institutions in Indiana and Illinois.

Meanwhile, the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association has opened applications for its mentoring program, designed to support the professional development of emerging women leaders. The program spans six months and focuses on guiding mentees toward achieving specific career goals. Applications for the next cohort are due by December 3, 2023.

Lastly, beginning in January, Indiana residents will have the opportunity to purchase a new specialty license plate featuring the colors and logo of Purdue University Northwest. The initiative, which supports scholarships for students at PNW, requires a $40 fee, with $25 allocated directly to funding student scholarships.

These initiatives reflect a commitment to enhancing community engagement, environmental sustainability, and educational opportunities across Indiana, fostering growth and development for residents and organizations alike.