Latest news with #MicahBeckwith
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Indiana among top states for cover crop adoption
Hoosier farmers planted about 1.6 million acres of overwinter living covers – cover crops and small grains, like wheat – this spring. (Photo byHoosier farmers planted about 1.6 million acres of overwinter living covers – cover crops and small grains, like wheat – this spring, elevating the state to the top in the nation in cover crop adoption, according to a survey by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. The conservation survey, conducted between March and May, recorded 651,000 acres of corn and 916,000 acres of soybean covering the state. Posey County led the state with about 87,000 acres under cover crops, followed by Gibson County with 70,000 acres and LaPorte County with 60,000 acres. 'Hoosier farmers are committed to preserving one of God's most (precious) gifts – Earth,' Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith said in a press release. 'Overwintering covers are just one tool that farmers use to preserve and enhance our farmland — ensuring they can pass down their property for generations. This is no easy task, and it can be costly. I applaud them for the extra effort.' Farmers plant cover crops after the fall harvest to keep roots in the ground throughout the winter. They help build organic matter in the soil, improve overall soil health and reduce erosion. Some, such as legumes, also act as natural fertilizers. Cover crops have grown to cover more acreage in Indiana than any other commodity crop apart from corn and soybeans. Acres of Living Green Cover Planted The survey estimates that cover crops helped prevent 1.8 million tons of sediment from entering Indiana's waterways — enough to fill about 18,000 train freight cars. According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, constructing roads, buildings and the moving earth can cause sediment to enter waterways – making sediment the number one water quality pollutant in Indiana. The survey also revealed that 70% of row crop acres were untilled — a method where crops are planted directly in residue of the previous crop. Additionally 18% had used reduced tillage over winter following the 2024 harvest. Last year, Hoosier farmers broke the conservation record, planting 1.7 million acres under living cover. The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, who assisted in conducting the survey, was among the many hit by federal funding freezes. The federal funding freezes left the Allen County district in turmoil – hurting operations and terminating an employee.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
LOCAL BRIEFS: June 28, 2025
Beckwith to host town hall in Kosciusko County WARSAW — Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith will be hosting a town hall in Warsaw as part of his quest to hear from Hoosiers in all 92 counties. The town hall, his eighth this year, will take place Tuesday. 'I'm eager to meet even more people in Kosciusko County and dive into spirited, honest conversations,' Beckwith said. 'Sometimes, discussions get heated, but that only shows how much Hoosiers care about our state. I welcome that kind of passion.' Beckwith will take questions and concerns from residents in attendance. The town hall is open to the public and begins at 6:30 p.m. at Warsaw City Hall, 102 S. Buffalo St. All Hoosiers are invited to attend. For more information, contact the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Ligonier Plan Commission meeting canceled LIGONIER — The regularly scheduled Plan Commission meeting of 7 p.m. Tuesday has been canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date. TTAC meeting set for Wednesday SOUTH BEND — The Michiana Area Council of Governments' next Transportation Technical Advisory Committee meeting will be on Wednesday at 9 a.m. Those interested can find the agenda ahead of time online at Those who have any public comments regarding items on the TTAC meeting agenda should contact MACOG prior to the meeting at macogdir@ Note 'TTAC Agenda Comment' in the subject line. The meeting will also be open to public comment during the livestream and in-person. Members of the public are invited to attend Wednesday's meeting by joining in person at the Mishawaka City Hall, 2nd Floor, 100 Lincoln Way, Mishawaka, or joining live on YouTube using the following link: Food Bank announces distributions SOUTH BEND — The Food Bank of Northern Indiana announced the following upcoming mobile food distribution events. ELKHART COUNTY • Wednesday — Produce Distribution: 10-11:30 a.m. or while supplies last at Northside Baptist Church, 53198 C.R. 9, Elkhart This distribution is sponsored by Key Bank and will serve 150 households. • July 15: 9-10:30 a.m. or while supplies last at New Hope United Methodist Church, 28765 C.R. 4, Elkhart. This distribution is sponsored by Lippert Cares and will serve 150 households. Assorted food items offered free of charge. All items are pre-boxed and pre-bagged and given on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, for those in need of food assistance. One box/bag per household. Distributions are drive-thru. People should remain in their vehicles and open their trunks to receive items. An area will be available for self-loading if a person's trunk does not open.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
LOCAL BRIEFS: June 28, 2025
Beckwith to host town hall in Kosciusko County WARSAW — Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith will be hosting a town hall in Warsaw as part of his quest to hear from Hoosiers in all 92 counties. The town hall, his eighth this year, will take place Tuesday. 'I'm eager to meet even more people in Kosciusko County and dive into spirited, honest conversations,' Beckwith said. 'Sometimes, discussions get heated, but that only shows how much Hoosiers care about our state. I welcome that kind of passion.' Beckwith will take questions and concerns from residents in attendance. The town hall is open to the public and begins at 6:30 p.m. at Warsaw City Hall, 102 S. Buffalo St. All Hoosiers are invited to attend. For more information, contact the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Ligonier Plan Commission meeting canceled LIGONIER — The regularly scheduled Plan Commission meeting of 7 p.m. Tuesday has been canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date. TTAC meeting set for Wednesday SOUTH BEND — The Michiana Area Council of Governments' next Transportation Technical Advisory Committee meeting will be on Wednesday at 9 a.m. Those interested can find the agenda ahead of time online at Those who have any public comments regarding items on the TTAC meeting agenda should contact MACOG prior to the meeting at macogdir@ Note 'TTAC Agenda Comment' in the subject line. The meeting will also be open to public comment during the livestream and in-person. Members of the public are invited to attend Wednesday's meeting by joining in person at the Mishawaka City Hall, 2nd Floor, 100 Lincoln Way, Mishawaka, or joining live on YouTube using the following link: Food Bank announces distributions SOUTH BEND — The Food Bank of Northern Indiana announced the following upcoming mobile food distribution events. ELKHART COUNTY • Wednesday — Produce Distribution: 10-11:30 a.m. or while supplies last at Northside Baptist Church, 53198 C.R. 9, Elkhart This distribution is sponsored by Key Bank and will serve 150 households. • July 15: 9-10:30 a.m. or while supplies last at New Hope United Methodist Church, 28765 C.R. 4, Elkhart. This distribution is sponsored by Lippert Cares and will serve 150 households. Assorted food items offered free of charge. All items are pre-boxed and pre-bagged and given on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, for those in need of food assistance. One box/bag per household. Distributions are drive-thru. People should remain in their vehicles and open their trunks to receive items. An area will be available for self-loading if a person's trunk does not open.
Indianapolis Star
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana school districts hire Black teachers, then fail to keep them
In 2024, I received an invitation to a diversity teacher recruitment fair in Carmel. The featured districts included Noblesville, Hamilton Southeastern, Carmel Clay, Zionsville and Westfield Washington, all places with important questions about the recruitment and retention of Black educators at traditional public schools. Here are the numbers on the proportions of Black staff members at each district last year: Hamilton Southeastern stood out, employing more Black educators than the other four combined. Whatever they were doing seemed to be working, but when the district's Black, female superintendent resigned, I worried the momentum wouldn't last. My concerns were further confirmed when I learned three Black principals had left the district in a year. This is not an isolated trend. In districts across Indiana and beyond, diversity efforts too often stop at hiring. What follows can feel more like tokenism than inclusion, where educators of color must constantly prove their worth while receiving limited institutional support. Educational historian Vanessa Siddle Walker has documented how, following the desegregation of the U.S. public education system, many experienced Black principals lost their roles. This was not due to performance, but because systems weren't ready to share power equitably. The context of today may look different, but similar dynamics persist. For example, school governance remains predominantly White. With politically charged debates over curriculum and policy, diverse educators can find themselves navigating complex environments with limited support. In education, this affects not only adults, but also students. When students of color rarely see themselves reflected in leadership, it sends an unspoken message about who belongs — and who leads. Opinion: Indianapolis schools have once-in-a-generation chance for transformation These patterns have broader implications. I'm in an interracial marriage, raising children who will soon enter Indiana's K-12 educational system. Comments from public leaders, such as Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith referring to the Three-Fifths Compromise as 'a great move,' or past remarks from now-Gov. Mike Braun questioning the legality of Loving v. Virginia, have lasting impacts. For families like mine, these are reminders that belonging is still conditional for many. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful. Charter schools in Indiana are showing real potential in supporting Black educators. With greater flexibility, many are leading efforts in culturally responsive curriculum, leadership diversity and student engagement. They aren't without challenges, but their agility often allows them to implement equity-focused practices more swiftly than traditional districts. To be clear: All schools, whether district or charter, must be held to high standards, but recognizing and supporting innovative models that center inclusion is both fair and necessary. Briggs: Indiana's school letter grades will help housing prices more than parents Ultimately, doing so is not about blame. It's about accountability. Diversity in education should not be performative. It must be embedded in policy, practice and culture. When educators of color are hired, we must also be heard, valued and empowered to lead authentically. Our students of all races benefit from inclusive leadership. They deserve to see educators who reflect their communities and are committed to equity not as a buzzword, but as a standard. This work is deeply personal and ongoing, but I believe change is possible when we center truth, listen with humility, and act with courage. Indiana has the talent, the opportunity, and the responsibility to do just that.
Indianapolis Star
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana school districts hire Black teachers, then fail to keep them
In 2024, I received an invitation to a diversity teacher recruitment fair in Carmel. The featured districts included Noblesville, Hamilton Southeastern, Carmel Clay, Zionsville and Westfield Washington, all places with important questions about the recruitment and retention of Black educators at traditional public schools. Here are the numbers on the proportions of Black staff members at each district last year: Hamilton Southeastern stood out, employing more Black educators than the other four combined. Whatever they were doing seemed to be working, but when the district's Black, female superintendent resigned, I worried the momentum wouldn't last. My concerns were further confirmed when I learned three Black principals had left the district in a year. This is not an isolated trend. In districts across Indiana and beyond, diversity efforts too often stop at hiring. What follows can feel more like tokenism than inclusion, where educators of color must constantly prove their worth while receiving limited institutional support. Educational historian Vanessa Siddle Walker has documented how, following the desegregation of the U.S. public education system, many experienced Black principals lost their roles. This was not due to performance, but because systems weren't ready to share power equitably. The context of today may look different, but similar dynamics persist. For example, school governance remains predominantly White. With politically charged debates over curriculum and policy, diverse educators can find themselves navigating complex environments with limited support. In education, this affects not only adults, but also students. When students of color rarely see themselves reflected in leadership, it sends an unspoken message about who belongs — and who leads. Opinion: Indianapolis schools have once-in-a-generation chance for transformation These patterns have broader implications. I'm in an interracial marriage, raising children who will soon enter Indiana's K-12 educational system. Comments from public leaders, such as Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith referring to the Three-Fifths Compromise as 'a great move,' or past remarks from now-Gov. Mike Braun questioning the legality of Loving v. Virginia, have lasting impacts. For families like mine, these are reminders that belonging is still conditional for many. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful. Charter schools in Indiana are showing real potential in supporting Black educators. With greater flexibility, many are leading efforts in culturally responsive curriculum, leadership diversity and student engagement. They aren't without challenges, but their agility often allows them to implement equity-focused practices more swiftly than traditional districts. To be clear: All schools, whether district or charter, must be held to high standards, but recognizing and supporting innovative models that center inclusion is both fair and necessary. Briggs: Indiana's school letter grades will help housing prices more than parents Ultimately, doing so is not about blame. It's about accountability. Diversity in education should not be performative. It must be embedded in policy, practice and culture. When educators of color are hired, we must also be heard, valued and empowered to lead authentically. Our students of all races benefit from inclusive leadership. They deserve to see educators who reflect their communities and are committed to equity not as a buzzword, but as a standard. This work is deeply personal and ongoing, but I believe change is possible when we center truth, listen with humility, and act with courage. Indiana has the talent, the opportunity, and the responsibility to do just that.
