Boone County, IND — The Boone County Commissioners proudly congratulate Boone County for earning the prestigious title of Indiana’s Community of the Year, awarded by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. This accolade reflects our county’s remarkable growth, business-friendly environment, and quality of life.
Boone County has been recognized as the second-fastest growing county in the state, attracting diverse businesses and residents alike. Notably, the Indiana Chamber has honored Boone County as the 2023 NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year.
“We are immensely proud of Boone County’s recognition as Indiana’s Community of the Year. This award underscores our commitment to fostering growth, providing opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for all our residents. Boone County is not just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive.”
Boone County’s impressive achievements include securing nearly $800 million in business expansions over the past five years. Notable investments include Ken’s Foods, NewCold, REGO-FIX, GR Brands, FTIC, and Eli Lilly.
Small businesses thrive here, constituting 80% of our local economy. We have added nearly 2,000 jobs in the last three years, with Boone County ranking highest in Indiana for employment growth at 10%.
Investments in amenities, like the Big 4 Trail and downtown improvements, enhance our quality of life.
Boone County will receive the NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year Award on November 14 at the Indiana Convention Center.
With its ever-evolving programming and serving as the county’s reliable transit system, BCSSI has not only taken great care of the seniors but also steered Boone County towards a brighter future, one compassionate journey at a time.
Since its inception on September 28, 1978, they initially served 125 seniors with three essential services. Today, BCSSI has grown exponentially and now touches the lives of over 2,000 seniors throughout the county. This remarkable impact is achieved through the dedication of their compassionate staff members, a strong Board of Directors, and over 200 caring volunteers.
Most people don’t know that BCSSI is the designated public transit provider in the county, known as Boone Area Transit System (BATS). It operates as a vital city bus service for people of all ages in Boone County. By breaking down transportation barriers, BCSSI ensures that seniors, and other residents, can access crucial services, connect with their communities, and enjoy socialization and interaction with their peers. The public transit program is in partnership with Boone County Commissioners.
“BCSSI is committed to bridging the generations in Boone County,” said Anita Bowen, the Executive Director of BCSSI. “We are dedicated to providing support and enriching experiences that empower older adults to lead fulfilling lives, and are so proud to provide daily opportunities to foster community connection and inclusion.”
Among many events and activities the organization provides, BCSSI is excited to announce its upcoming BCSSI Olympics event, an inspiring celebration of ageless spirit and camaraderie among older adults in Boone County. They give medals based on age decades, and this is the first year they have had two competitors in the 100 year age decade. The event, hosted by BCSSI, will take place on August 28 – August 31, offering an opportunity to witness the remarkable achievements of seniors while shining a spotlight on the organization’s mission to promote independence and enriching opportunities.
BCSSI invites the community to join in celebrating their annual Olympics event and witness the spirit of resilience and unity that exemplifies the essence of Boone County’s older adults. For more information about BCSSI and their ongoing efforts to empower seniors, please visit: www.boonseniors.org to sign up.
As the new school year approaches, the Boone County Commissioners are urging all motorists to exercise extra caution and be vigilant while driving, especially during peak school hours.
Boone County Commissioner President, Donnie Lawson, expressed his concern for the safety of the county’s students and the need for collective responsibility in ensuring safe roads.
“As our schools welcome back students, it is imperative for drivers to exercise caution around school buses and school zones, strictly adhering to traffic regulations. Together, we can all create a safe environment for our students,” Lawson stated.
Passing a stopped school bus when its red stop-arm is extended is not only illegal but poses a significant threat to the safety of students entering or exiting the bus. It is crucial for all drivers to stop when they encounter a school bus with its stop-arm extended, regardless of the direction they are traveling.
The Boone County Commissioners are working closely with local law enforcement agencies to enforce traffic laws around school zones and bus stops. Officers will be patrolling these areas to ensure compliance and to protect the community.
“We wish everyone a safe and successful school year,” said Lawson.
The Boone County Commissioners are excited to continue seeing development moving forward on the Boone County Justice Center. As work continues to progress forward, the Commissioners are looking forward to seeing additional mental health resources become available to our community.
“Our new Boone County Justice Center is geared around our fact based work in developing partnerships with our Mental Health providers, Aspire and InWell (Integrated Wellness) to treat the mental health of our men and women who have become incarcerated,” said Boone County Commissioner President Donnie Lawson.
Approximately 80 percent of those arrested in Boone County suffer from a combination of mental health and substance abuse disorders.
The Justice Center expansion utilized a multifaceted approach by bringing the community together to provide individuals the tools they need to deal with mental health crises by making proactive decisions.
“Boone County is leading the way in terms of reforming our community’s mental health initiatives,” Lawson said. “In 2022 alone, Boone County’s Community Corrections program saved taxpayers $6.5 million and probation services saved $23 million.”
In the wake of several media releases and announcements made about Eli Lilly’s $3.7-billion investment in Boone County, David Rosenberg, Indiana Economic Development Corporation COO and Chief of Staff spoke about how this investment into the Limitless Exploration/Advanced Pace (LEAP) Lebanon Innovation District will impact Boone County.
David Rosenberg, Indiana Economic Development Corporation COO and Chief of Staff
A Brief Overview of the Lilly Project
Eli Lilly’s proposal to bring two new manufacturing facilities to the LEAP District has moved forward, and the sitework has commenced. The site will bring up to 700 high-wage jobs and approximately 1,500 construction jobs north of Lebanon, east of I-65, and south of County Road 450 North. The Eli Lilly site will encompass more than 1.6 million square feet and will act as an anchor to the IEDC’s LEAP Lebanon Innovation and Research District.
“Boone County has been a county of growth for years now, and you’ve seen that with the Lebanon Business Park and other developments going on around there,” Rosenberg stated. “The LEAP location is right on the 50-yard line between Purdue University and the Indianapolis labor markets and all the great communities within Boone County and the northside of Indianapolis that can provide that workforce as well. Then there’s the ease of doing business, whether it’s getting to the airport or having highway access. All of these factors made Boone County a no-brainer in terms of the business case for the location there.”
The Eli Lilly project is unlike any other by way of not only its location but also in how it will contribute to the ecosystem that will be built around the two facilities.
Rosenberg added, “LEAP is not going to be a traditional business park. It is intentionally designed to attract those economies of the future, and having all of that in one place and creating that cohesiveness with industry, workforce, and community is so important for these industries to know that they can put their facility here and they’ll have the workforce and partners in the ecosystem around them so that they can succeed for the next five decades.”
Per Rosenberg, “April 17, 2023, was a historic day for Boone County, the region, and Indiana as a whole with the groundbreaking of the $3.7-billion investment for Eli Lilly. The vision for LEAP was quickly realized, and Lilly, being the cornerstone of LEAP, truly fulfills that mission. It is also the largest single investment in Eli Lilly company history, and it’s the largest deal that the IEDC has ever done. Dave Ricks [Eli Lilly’s chair and CEO] even said on the day of the announcement that without a site like LEAP, Eli Lilly would not have located this [site] in Indiana. It is a true response to the market and what they need for us to be competitive among our peer states. In terms of high-wage jobs, we’re looking at near or over six figures as the average annual salary in a production facility that Eli Lilly will run [for the next several decades] in Boone County.”
Eli Lilly committed $15 million over five years to the Ivy Tech Foundation, which will fund up to 1,000 scholarships.
“This creates scholarships and experiential learning at Ivy Tech for high school and college students going into pharmaceutical manufacturing,” Rosenberg explained. “That’s an incredible example of government, higher education, and industry coming together to create that workforce pipeline, ensuring that companies are successful as they locate here.”
Immediate Impacts on Infrastructure
Boone County Director of Highways Nick Parr about the immediate impact that the construction of the Eli Lilly site will have and what improvements are necessary.
Nick Parr
“We have a great working relationship with both the city and county engineers and INDOT,” Rosenberg said. “We’re not going in with any preconceived notions about how the entire site should be worked out. It’s going to be in partnership with the city and county partners and INDOT as well as the industries to ensure that we have the road network and the infrastructure access to rail and highway that they need for them to be successful, again with that partnership with the city and county at the forefront.”
Parr added, “There are three sides of the Lilly project that are the main concerns for moving traffic. The main impact of County Road 300 N from State Rd. 39 to US 52 will be a main route for traffic and a primary route for traffic because of the weight rated structures, gravel roads, and other roadways that join the Lilly project or run adjacent to it. All construction traffic has to run 300 N off of State Rd. 39 or off of US 52 to work its way to County Rd. 150 W, which is south of the Lilly project. That movement will take you north right into the Lilly site, and that is the number one concern right now.”
Parr and Rosenberg both explained that the IEDC has proposed improvements to the immediately impacted roads, for which the IEDC will pay 100% of the related improvement costs.
“It gets close to a total of 3,000 workers a day that it will take to build the Lilly site,” Parr shared. “To get those folks to and from, it’s going to take intersection improvements on all of the [impacted] roads as well as temporary traffic signals. There’s going to be coordination with the INDOT because all of the traffic flow ends up on a state road to leave the site. There’s a bridge replacement and a small structure replacement that IEDC plans to pay for, and the county has reached an agreement with IEDC so that we can hire our inspection team to oversee the construction and inspection, and IEDC will then reimburse the cost that the county incurs for that inspection work.”
The Boone County Commissioners submitted the following statement on how they collectively perceive the impact that the Eli Lilly project will have on the county:
“The Boone County Commissioners believe the addition of Eli Lilly’s research and production facility to the economy of Boone County can and will have many positive effects. We welcome high-paying jobs such as the ones that will be offered by Eli Lilly at this new facility and recognize that Eli Lilly has been a long-time Indiana company. While we continue to work through the challenges brought on by the construction of said facility, we are mindful of the economic opportunities this facility will bring and are excited for the future of Boone County’s economy and workforce, with Eli Lilly as a part of it.”
For more information on the Limitless Exploration/Advanced Pace (LEAP) Lebanon Innovation District, visit boonecountyinnovation.com.
As we approach the much-anticipated Fourth of July celebrations, the Boone County Commissioners are dedicated to ensuring the utmost safety and well-being of our community.
Independence Day festivities often involve various activities, including fireworks, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. It is crucial that we all take comprehensive safety precautions to prevent accidents, injuries, and property damage during this time of celebration.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July, we urge all residents to prioritize the following safety measures:
Fireworks Safety:
Purchase fireworks from licensed vendors and choose products that comply with safety standards and local regulations.
Designate a responsible adult to oversee fireworks activities and ensure compliance with safety guidelines.
Dispose of used fireworks by soaking them in a bucket of water or a metal container.
Grilling Safety:
Place the grill in a well-ventilated outdoor area away from combustible materials, overhanging structures, or low-hanging tree branches.
Ensure the grill is thoroughly cleaned and maintained to prevent flare-ups.
Never leave the grill unattended while in use and keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
Outdoor Safety:
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, hats, and lightweight clothing.
Keep a close eye on children near pools, lakes, or other bodies of water and never leave them unattended.
Practice proper water safety measures and ensure that life jackets are worn by individuals engaging in water activities.
Pet Safety:
Loud noises from fireworks can be distressing for pets. Keep them in a secure and comfortable environment indoors to minimize anxiety.
Ensure pets have proper identification tags and microchips in case they become lost or frightened and try to escape.
“During this Fourth of July, as we gather to celebrate our nation’s independence, I extend my warmest wishes for a joyous and safe holiday to all residents of Boone County,” said Boone County Commissioner President Donnie Lawson.
On behalf of the Boone County Commissioners and County Council, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of County Council Vice President Marcia Wilhoite. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to her beloved family during this difficult time. Together, let us honor Councilwoman Wilhoite’s memory by continuing the work she started and by cherishing the values she held dear.
Councilwoman Wilhoite’s 18 years of dedicated service to our county leaves an indelible mark, particularly in her immeasurable contribution toward good fiscal governance.
Beyond her role in the Council, Councilwoman Wilhoite will be greatly missed for her invaluable service as a member and Secretary of the Boone County Redevelopment Commission, her involvement in the Boone County REMC Board of Directors, her contributions to the Boone County Solid Waste Board, her partnership and operation of Wilhoite Family Farms, and her dedication as a member of the 4-H Pavilion Building Committee. As the County Council’s Budget Chair, her financial expertise, honed through her accounting degree from the University of Notre Dame and CPA qualifications, played a pivotal role in our county’s progress.
Councilwoman Wilhoite’s legacy serves as a guiding light for all of us, as we strive to uphold the standards of excellence in public service that she exemplified. Her love for Boone County was evident in all her endeavors, and her profound impact will be felt for generations to come.
The Boone County Commissioners are taking this opportunity during Mental Health Awareness Month to remind residents of the wide range of mental health resources available within the county.
Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in May, aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote the importance of mental well-being.
Boone County is dedicated to supporting the mental health needs of its residents. Recognizing the significance of accessible and comprehensive mental health services, the county has collaborated with various organizations to offer a range of resources to individuals of all ages.
Mental health resources available in Boone County include:
Aspire Indiana Health – Offering whole health behavioral treatment, therapy services, psychiatry services, community-based behavioral health treatment, substance use disorder treatment, crisis services, and various other support programs. To schedule an appointment, call (877)574-1254, and for 24-hour crisis support, dial (800)560-4038. Visit aspireindiana.org for more information.
Boone County Health Department – Providing substance use and mental health referrals, free Narcan training, and distribution, as well as other services. Call the Nursing Division at (765)482-3942 for more details or visit boonecounty.in.gov/health.
Boone County Solid Waste Management District – Offering medication disposal collections and a Safe Sharps Disposal program in collaboration with the Boone County Health Department. For more information, contact (765)483-0687 or visit boonecountysolidwaste.com.
Boone County Suicide & Referral Line – Available 24/7, residents can reach out for immediate support by calling (765)482-1599.
The Cabin: A Family Counseling & Resource Center – Providing Christian-focused ministries, individual and family counseling, treatment for various mental health concerns, and a sliding fee scale. Contact (317)873-8140 or visit thecabin.org to learn more.
Crisis Text Line – Offering free and confidential access to Crisis Counselors for any type of personal crisis. Simply text HOME to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org.
Cummins Behavioral Health Services Inc. – Providing individual, family, and group counseling, substance use treatment, psychological and psychiatric services, and more. Call (888)714-1927 or visit cumminsbhs.org.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) – Organizing free and confidential support groups for individuals with mood disorders and their friends/family in Marion and Hamilton counties. Learn more at dbsalliance.org.
Integrative Wellness, LLC (InWell) – Offering behavioral health, addiction, and health coaching services, extended outpatient dual diagnosis programs, crisis intervention, and more. For inquiries, call (765)680-0071 (Lebanon) or (317)912-1399 (Zionsville). Visit inwell.org for additional details.
Mental Health America of Boone County – Providing various programs such as parenting coordination and classes, anger management screening and classes, support groups, career interest and development, depression and suicide risk screening, and more. Contact (765)482-3020 or visit mhaboonecounty.org.
Commissioner President Donnie Lawson emphasized the importance of mental health support, stating, “During Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to remind our community that they are not alone. Boone County is committed to providing accessible mental health resources to ensure the well-being of our residents. We encourage everyone to reach out and take advantage of these valuable services.”
The Area Plan Commission is inviting the public and media to attend a public meeting on May 15th at 6pm at the Western Boone High School Auditorium to discuss potential upcoming additions of Overlay Districts which may impact the future development of specific property.
An Overlay District is a geographic zoning district layered on top of another existing zoning district that implements additional development regulations. Proposed overlay districts are adjacent to state roads and interstate highways.
The meeting will include a presentation explaining the proposed Overlay Districts, followed by a period for public comment. The Area Plan Commission encourages all interested parties to attend the meeting and share their thoughts and concerns.
“We encourage all interested parties to attend and share their feedback,” said Boone County Commissioner President, Donnie Lawson.
For more information about the proposed Overlay Districts or to leave your comments, please visit booncountyinnovation.com.
School Resource Officers play an important role in ensuring the safety of students and staff in schools. By providing a physical presence on campus, SROs are able to provide a sense of security and order within the school environment. Additionally, SROs can provide counseling and mentorship to students, assist in conflict resolution, and serve as liaisons between the school and law enforcement. They serve as deterrents to crime and can quickly respond to emergency situations. SROs also help promote positive relationships between law enforcement and the community by providing an understanding of the law and the consequences of breaking it.
Boone County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Neil Randolph discussed the role that the county’s SROs have in the county’s public schools.
What Is the Role of an SRO
A School Resource Officer (SRO) is a law enforcement officer who is assigned to a school or district to promote school safety, enforce laws, and provide support to students and staff. SROs are typically employed by local police departments or sheriff’s offices, and they work closely with school administrators to create a safe and secure learning environment.
The role of an SRO can vary depending on the specific needs and priorities of the school or district, but their responsibilities often include:
Developing relationships with students, staff, and parents to foster a sense of trust and community
Responding to and investigating incidents of criminal activity on school property
Providing guidance and support to students who may be struggling with personal or academic issues
Providing education and training to students and staff on topics such as drug prevention, internet safety, and conflict resolution
Working with school administrators to develop emergency plans and procedures in case of a crisis or threat
Serving as a liaison between the school and law enforcement agencies
Critics of SRO programs argue that the presence of law enforcement officers in schools can create a hostile and intimidating environment for students. Supporters of SRO programs, on the other hand, argue that they provide a valuable resource for maintaining school safety and helping students navigate complex issues.
Sergeant Randolph spoke about the role of an SRO as being a positive role model and someone who builds relationships with the students and staff as well as creates a safe learning environment.
“I began my first four years as an SRO assigned to Western Boone Junior-Senior High School when [former] Sheriff Nielsen started the program,” Randolph shared. “[Nielsen] took the step in 2018 to put an officer or deputy in every [public] school that BCSO oversees. I was familiar with Western Boone, having daughters, and still it was eye opening. It was just a new environment. You go into it engaging and building trust with the kids. My mission was/is to reach out to the kids and lead by example so they’re like, ‘This guy’s OK. He’s not here to ‘get’ me.’ I want the kids to know that SROs are here to be a resource for them if they need something. I want them to know that they can reach out to us and to all law enforcement in general.”
Randolph was promoted to supervisor of the BCSO SRO division and feels that the work of the SROs is not just rewarding and necessary … he considers it an honor.
“On a personal side of things, it was kind of a resurgence of my career,” Randolph expressed. “Dealing with the day-to-day things and the things going on in the world can make you a little negative. When you walk into a school building and you see the smiles on the kids’ faces because they’re just glad to see you, if that doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what does. I’ve got the greatest job in the world, and I think we have one of [the], if not the most, important divisions within BCSO right now. We are overseeing a lot of precious cargo. These kids are every family’s number 1. We see them every day and that’s a privilege … and an honor.”
Specialized Training
By now, the public has become more familiar with the role of SROs, but what they may not know is that the county’s SROs undergo specific training to become an SRO and are full-time merit deputies and officers. All BCSO deputies have been actively participating in active shooter or violent intruder training for years — long before these incidents were regular “breaking news” stories across the nation.
“We are our own division just like investigations, corrections, or communications,” Randolph explained. “Our division is there for the students, staff and families and to help everybody make everything go smoothly and safely. That’s our number one priority. We have to go through the National Association of School Resource Officers training. It’s a 40-hour required class for anybody that comes in, and then we have yearly training to update us on juvenile law or anything that you might see and circumstances you might have to deal with. We also do staff training at the schools.”
Randolph concluded, “SROs are the eyes and ears of the [school] hallways, and yes, we’re always checking those doors and parking lots to make sure nothing looks suspicious or not normal. Everyone in our division does a great job and is dedicated to the position. There’s a lot more to being an SRO than people realize, but it’s a great position and I love it.”
The Boone County Commissioners are facilitating the jail expansion for the Justice Center, which means changes to the daily operations of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office are taking place as well. As of April 3, 2023, most of the Administrative Divisions are being housed at the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds, and the Boone County Jail Lobby will be closed to the public.
Temporary Location for BCSO Offices
Divisions that are being affected by this move are Administration, Corrections and Investigations, and the following operations will be moved to the Boone County 4-H Fair Grounds until further notice:
• Sex Offender Verifications
• Local Background Checks
• Print Documentation
The kiosk that is used to monetarily assist inmates (Keefe Kiosk) will be located at the Boone County Courthouse at 112 Courthouse Sq, Lebanon, IN 46052.
The prescription medication disposal box will not be accessible during the construction phase; however, Lebanon Police Department, Zionsville Police Department and the Boone County Health Department will be the point of disposal.
Administrative and any corrections services are temporarily housed in a double-wide trailer on the parking lot of the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds that are located south of the jail. Detectives are working out of a single trailer that is also located at the fairgrounds.
Folks can access the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds from Indianapolis avenue, just south of the jail entrance.
A gate blocks the public and most staff from entering the jail property, and there is signage posted to provide directions for where to find services now located at the fairgrounds.
More information about access to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office Operations will be provided as the project continues. Please monitor the Boone County Sheriff’s Office website for upcoming announcements.
BCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Wesley Garst shared the following information.
“We’re business as usual,” Garst stated. “The only thing that’s going to be different is just the location, and it’s going to be a growing pain because we’re trying to grow during this process of growth. Throughout the ‘build,’ we have to make minor temporary adjustments just to make sure that we keep the efficiency and the quality of service that we want to provide the citizens of Boone County.”
Garst confirmed that the hours of operation remain the same and haven’t been disrupted by the move to BCSO’s temporary office location.
Helpful Resources:
Boone County Sheriff’s Office Website: https://www.boonecountyindianasheriff.com/ Boone County Sheriff’s Office App: Apple and Google Play https://apps.myocv.com/share/a55746052 Boone County Commissioners Office: https://boonecounty.in.gov/offices/commissioners/
For more expansive information about the Boone County Justice Center project, visit www.livinginboonecounty.com.
In an ongoing effort to try to understand the rising suicide trends throughout our nation and county, Boone County Coroner Justin Sparks shared his thoughts on what his office is witnessing and how people and parents can get mental health assistance when their loved ones are in acute crisis.
A Harsh Reality Regarding Mental Health Care
In most cases of suicide, people know there are resources out there … they just simply are overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin asking for help.
“It is an astronomical hill to climb and difficult to navigate,” Sparks expressed. “Having good guidance is huge, and I think the easiest way to start that conversation is to talk with your primary care provider. A lot of people don’t think about going to their primary care provider, but that’s a really good start, especially when it’s not a crisis situation.”
Sparks shared that the county has several standalone therapy options and reputable mental health organizations. So, why is it the county coroner processed FOUR suicides by February 20th, 2023, which, in comparison with last year, took until June of 2022 for Sparks’ office to process the same number?
When asked if it has much to do with the fact that most mental health practices and professionals are booked solid for weeks and months due to the nationwide shortage of mental health professionals in the industry, Sparks replied, “There is a time gap between making the call and when you’re going to be able to see somebody. It’s not like going to a minute clinic in most instances where you can just walk in and start that conversation. That is a challenge for a lot of people. As a parent, all you want is to be able to take care of your kid in that moment of acute crisis. When it comes to acute mental health care, most people don’t have the answers. So, how do we get everyone informed so that they do have the answers and know what to do in those acute moments of crisis? Suicide is final. We have to be able to figure this out and how to communicate the available resources and guidance.”
Seeking Answers to Help The Suffering
Sparks participates in several mental health–related groups in Boone County so as to try to gain a better understanding of what is going on in the county and what resources are available.
“I think an underutilized or less-known resource that is very good in acute crisis is the [Ascension] St. Vincent Stress Center,” Sparks stated. “They see kids and adults, and it’s essentially like a mental health emergency room. They are really good people, and you can basically get screened immediately after walking in their door. They can admit you as an inpatient if you’re in crisis or they can set you up to receive intensive outpatient care.”
Sparks continued, “I am proud of Witham Health Services for having partnered with InWell [Integrated Wellness, LLC] and one other agency so that if somebody comes to the emergency department at Witham, they will get evaluated by a mental health provider before they leave the ER. Something else that I think the pandemic made more available is telehealth services. There are several mental health providers and apps that may offer quicker and easier access and be more comfortable for an individual.”
When asked why suicides in Boone County are trending upwards, Sparks replied, “I am working to understand why. I don’t know the answer yet, but we are working really hard at figuring it out. I’m a data person, and I’m always looking for trends. I’ve created something that’s probably unique to my office, which is a Non-natural Death Registry. I take all the deaths that we have, and I have three subcategories: Non acts of violence, Acts of Violence and Overdoses. Overdoses in Boone County are trending down, and that’s really good. We are trying to understand how people are dealing with mental health and the impact of mental health through the pandemic years. I’m working with our prosecutor’s office and am looking at datasets with regards to arrests and juvenile arrests [post-pandemic years]. None of us alive had dealt with a pandemic before [COVID-19], and everybody dealt with it the best way we knew how.”
Sparks is a member of the state’s Suicide and Overdose Fatality Review team, whose purpose is to review data, trends and root causes to make Hoosier communities stronger and healthier with regards to mental health.
“We have law enforcement, mental health providers and physicians on this team,” Sparks shared. “We try to reconstruct the lives of people who have died from suicide or overdose, and we share everything we’ve learned about these people, trying to identify the points at which things went really wrong. We are always looking for what the root causes are and at ways that we as community leaders can address the things we observe as trends. So far, we have identified some important things that I think are going to help make our communities healthier. It just takes some time for us to better understand these tragedies.”
Sadly, children at even younger ages don’t fully comprehend the concept of suicide except for the fact that it is permanent. Sparks offered some advice to parents with children who are exhibiting signs of being in acute crisis or signs of mental health issues.
“Pay attention to what’s going on in your children’s lives,” Sparks emphasized. “Be aware of social media and the things that we’re using on electronic devices. Oftentimes, kids are exposed to things in a way different manner than the current parent generation was exposed to things. When you’re a kid whose brain isn’t fully developed, you don’t understand how to process the things that you are being exposed to and these are things that we, as parents, probably don’t know about. Be mindful of those things and don’t be afraid to talk with your kids. Make sure they understand that you’re looking out for them because you love and care about them.”
Boone County, Indiana – The Boone County Commissioners are pleased to announce that our county has been awarded $978,864.32 in Community Crossings Matching Grant Funds from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). This funding will be used to help improve local roads, bridges and build Indiana’s infrastructure.
The Community Crossings Matching Grant Funds, administered by INDOT, will cover up to 50 percent of the cost of construction projects or the purchase of materials. The grant will provide much-needed assistance to Boone County and allow critical improvements to our transportation networks.
“We are grateful for this grant that will improve our local infrastructure. Not only will our local roads and bridges benefit, but the funds will also create jobs and stimulate economic development,” Boone County Commissioner President Donnie Lawson stated,
Boone County appreciates Governor Eric Holcomb, INDOT Commission Michael Smith, and the Indiana Department of Transportation for their support and look forward to continuing to work together to improve the county’s infrastructure.
Boone County, IND – Boone County has announced the voting dates and locations for registered voters in the upcoming Primary election. Election Day is on Tuesday, May 2nd.
In the past, candidate events have been scheduled through the weekend before Election Day. Candidates also routinely campaign right up to Election Day. Early voting is also available for people who prefer to vote prior to Election Day.
To participate in voting, registered voters must bring a valid photo ID.
In the coming months, Boone County residents can expect to encounter road closures and updates in the area. The county has announced several upcoming projects that will impact local traffic, but will be important to the success of our growing county.
Effective April 1, 2023, CR 150 W from CR 375 N to CR 450 N has been vacated and can be closed, once closed it will not reopen to traffic. Additionally, there are upcoming closures planned for utility work along 150 W and 375 N, which could cause temporary disruptions to traffic flow.
Road work is also ongoing in the area of the Lilly project, with updates regarding the roads accessing the Lilly site. The vacated annexed section of Witt Road/150 W between 375 N and 450 N is expected to close within the first couple of weeks of April and will not re-open to public traffic.
Residents should also be aware of an upcoming temporary road closure planned for Witt Road just north of 250 N for a waterline installation for the Sunbrook Villas subdivision. This closure will not allow traffic to access 250 N from the north, detour signs have already been placed along 300 N from 150 W to the east.
Waterline construction for the Lilly site is set to begin on March 27 at 375 N just east of Witt Road/150 W. The closure (orange area) is within the Lebanon annexed area and is expected to last for two weeks, weather permitting. The waterline construction will also require a road closure of Witt Road/150 W just south of 375 N. This is expected to be a full closure that will take place after the 375 N section is re-opened. The 375 N/150 W detour will be signed along 300 N and SR 39.
Boone County officials advise all drivers to use caution and be aware of detours and road closures when driving in these areas.
Boone County Indiana Life in Boone County Indiana 
