Archive for February 2026

Chronic loneliness isn’t just emotionally painful – research shows it can increase the risk of premature death as much as heavy smoking, making social isolation one of America’s most overlooked health threats. And with the U.S. now facing a nationwide loneliness epidemic, winter becomes an especially dangerous season. To understand just how widespread the problem…

The Hamilton County Master Gardeners Association presents a two-part seminar on how to take care of trees and shrubs. The first session is scheduled for March 21 with the second a week later on March 28. Both are open to the public. The first session begins March 21 at 8:50 a.m. and runs to 3 p.m.…

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture, in partnership with organizations statewide and the Gulf Hypoxia Program, is reopening its no‑cost initiative to expand the use of soil sampling as a nutrient management practice. Indiana’s Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling Program is once again accepting applications. “Hoosier farmers make decisions every day that shape the future…

State Senator J.D. Ford, candidate for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District, released the following statement today as the Department of Homeland Security enters a partial government shutdown. Ford is calling for an end to “blank check” funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demanding transparency regarding reports of a new ICE facility in Carmel.…

Here in Indiana, we know how important it is to ensure Hoosier kids receive a great education so they can be prepared for successful futures. This year, we are working on several bills that: Another important area we have continued to prioritize is helping students improve in reading and math. Thanks to these efforts, Indiana fourth graders’ reading…

As colder-than-normal temperatures continue to drive higher energy use across the region, CenterPoint Energy is offering free and discounted energy efficiency resources to help Indiana customers manage costs and reduce energy use in their homes and businesses. Through the Online Energy Efficiency Store, customers can now claim up to four free window insulation kits per order. These kits…

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will have a strong presence at the 71st Annual Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show this weekend and next at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The DNR’s main location will be Tackle Town, in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion. The booth is a convenient one-stop shopping opportunity for fishing…

Westfield Washington Schools Board of School Trustees recently approved Cool Creek Elementary School as the official name of the elementary school returning to the building currently known as Westfield Intermediate School. The name Midland Crossing Elementary was also officially approved at the Board’s February 10 meeting by a unanimous vote. As part of district rebalancing…

Dr. Derek Arrowood, Superintendent of Hamilton Heights School Corporation, has been appointed to the Hamilton County Community Foundation Board of Directors. He is one of four new members appointed this year to the 22-person board. HCCF plays a vital role in strengthening communities across Hamilton County by investing in local nonprofits, supporting youth and education…