Official Memorial Fund for Trooper Aaron N. Smith
An account to benefit the family of Trooper Aaron N. Smith has been established at Indiana Members Credit Union (IMCU) under “Aaron Smith Memorial Fund”. Anyone can make a donation by stopping in the nearest IMCU branch or calling 800-556-9268. There is a branch in Franklin, Trooper Smith’s hometown.Donations can also be made through the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization here:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=67UJVY86UNWZA
Ivy Tech releases statement on Affirmative Action ruling
The following announcement is a statement on behalf of Ivy Tech President, Dr. Sue Ellspermann of Ivy Tech Community College, regarding today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision on college and university admissions. “Ivy Tech is an open admissions institution. This decision will not affect our admissions process. Ivy Tech will continue our commitment to ensuring all Hoosiers have high value post-secondary and career opportunities.”
The case in question was the U.S. Supreme Court effectively ending race-conscious admission programs at colleges in a 6-3 decision, invalidating admissions programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina.
Efforts continue to remove ‘introduced species’ at Bloomington Parks
Bloomington Parks and Recreation vegetation management staff continue to invest time reducing threats from introduced species at various Bloomington city parks. Recent efforts include the removal of Callery pear, teasel, and multiflora rose at Goat Farm Park (to be renamed “Rogers Family Park” at a ceremony Aug. 4); control of Japanese knotweed; and treatment of Japanese stiltgrass at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve.
The vegetation management team works closely with local partners, including MC-IRIS (Monroe County Identify and Reduce Invasive Species), to coordinate volunteer Weed Wrangles on public land. Volunteers provided more than 3,000 hours of labor in 2022 and continue to provide vital support to the program. In the first six months of 2023, Weed Wrangles have targeted the reduction of invasive seedbanks and have promoted native biodiversity in Lower Cascades, Southeast, Winslow Woods, and Crestmont Parks. Earlier this month, a group of 70 volunteers from Theta Chi fraternity removed a significant amount of Asian bush honeysuckle from Lower Cascades Park. For more information on how to volunteer to participate in upcoming Weed Wrangles, visit bloomington.in.gov/parksvol.
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