State of LaGrange County Event
An annual State of the County event has been proposed to effectively communicate the progress on the implementation of the LaGrange County Comprehensive Plan. This gathering aims to unite various communities, celebrate accomplishments, showcase success stories, and provide an update on the overall status of the LaGrange County Together initiative. The event is envisioned to feature a diverse range of activities, including local food vendors, entertainment, and opportunities to engage in community celebrations across LaGrange County. During the recent presentation hour, photographs captured a total of forty-two seated guests. Additionally, around 4 to 5 [...]
State of LaGrange County
A lot has been happening in LaGrange County over the past few years, and if you haven’t been keeping up, you might be surprised at just how much progress is in motion. It all started with a big step in 2022 when the county adopted its Comprehensive Plan, laying out a long-term vision for growth, infrastructure, and community development. Since then, that momentum has only picked up speed. In 2024, LaGrange County spent the year pursuing a Stellar Pathways designation—an effort that not only brought the community together but also secured a $50,000 grant [...]
Growing Together: A Column from LaGrange County EDC
In September 2024, the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC) was appointed by the LaGrange County Commissioners and County Council to oversee the implementation of LaGrange County Together, the county’s comprehensive plan. Developed with extensive community input, the finalized plan includes 75 recommendations across five key areas: Land Use and Development, Local Economy, Natural Environment, Roadways and Infrastructure, and Quality of Life. To support these efforts, LCEDC created a new position dedicated to community development, allowing me, Emilee Buller, to focus on overseeing both the County’s Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Investment Plan. As part [...]
County Council Hears Stellar Pathways Update
Emilee Buller of the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation updated county council members Monday on the group’s Stellar Pathways progress. LaGrange County is in the running for $7.2 million through the program. A strategic plan was due Nov. 1. In addition, a team of 21 people traveled last Tuesday to Indianapolis to present that plan. “We will be able to find out in January if La- Grange County will be a recipient of those funds,” Buller said. She then shared the matching funds the group has been able to amass, if LaGrange County is [...]
Connect LaGrange County Stellar Pathways Journey Continues
LaGrange County, Indiana – At the start of 2024, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) unveiled a revamped version of their Stellar Communities Program, now called Stellar Pathways. This was the moment Sherri Johnston, President of the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC), and Emilee Buller, Vice President of Community Development and Engagement, had been waiting for. After hearing time and time again from granting agencies that LaGrange County had not previously been funded and that interest in our area was growing, they knew it was time to act. Together, they launched Connect LaGrange County, [...]
‘LaGrange Pie Party’ rescheduled
Main Street LaGrange will now host it’s “LaGrange Pie Party” on Saturday, Nov. 11, starting at 1 p.m. in downtown LaGrange. The event, originally scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16, has been postponed to the November date. This rescheduling comes after learning of other LaGrange County Nonprofits’ fundraiser taking place the same weekend, organizers said. “To not take away from other LaGrange County Nonprofits, we wanted to pick a different date that would allow potential attendees to not have to choose between the different causes,” said board Secretary Emilee Fincher, “We want everyone to be able to support nonprofits throughout [...]
Thank you for a Great Experience
I started writing One World when I was hired in 2021 to be the editor of the LaGrange Standard and News and Middlebury Independent. In LaGrange, readers saw a lot of rapid changes – from black and white to color, from Bill Connelly to the Hurd Media Group, from a brick building on the south side of town, a former AT&T telephone hub turned publishing company, to a little office in the North Point Plaza. As you have probably guessed, I am moving on. This is my last One World column for the LaGrange Standard and News and Middlebury Independent. I [...]
Tax Rates Decline Across Most of Lagrange County
LaGrange County tax payers will see lower tax rates across most of the county this year as booming property values outpace new government spending. That being said, residents living in Lakeland Community Schools territories will see higher rates this year as the school tackles several needed maintenance projects. And, as always, a reminder — having a lower tax rate doesn’t necessarily mean your tax bill will be smaller. More on that in a bit. Read the rest of the article at The LaGrange News & Standard.
Community Foundation Gives Grant to Local Night to Shine Program
The organization that oversees the LaGrange County Night to Shine event has received a $5,000 grant from LaGrange County Community Foundation.Night to Shine is a not-for-profit event created by the Tim Tebow Foundation to encourage communities to host a prom-like event on one day each year to celebrate the members of its disabled community. Night to Shine will be held on Feb. 10 at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center in Shipshewana, Indiana.Read the rest of the article at The News Sun.
