The Commercial Review

Funds OK’d to restore JCDC position

Commissioners allot up to $254k in EDIT dollars

Jay County Commissioners agreed Monday to allot up to $254,500 in economic development income tax (EDIT) funds to Jay County Development Corporation for 2026, subject to contract negotiations. The contribution factors in additional dollars to hire a third staff member.

Radio project moves ahead

Commissioners pick Motorola for county’s radio system

Jay County Commissioners agreed Wednesday to move forward with a $6 million to $7 million project with Motorola to connect the county to the statewide public safety system.

Baldwin found not guilty in trial Tuesday

Redkey man was charged with Level 3 felonies for rape

A Redkey man has been found not guilty of raping a mentally disabled person. Teddy R. Baldwin, 76, received a directed verdict Tuesday in Jay Circuit Court during his bench trial, finding him not guilty of three Level 3 felonies for rape in which the victim is mentally disabled or deficient. Two other Level 3 felonies for the same charge, allegedly committed in 2014, were dismissed with prejudice, and a third Level 3 felony for alleged rape in 2023 was dismissed without prejudice.

County to look at health insurance option

Consultant makes proposal to shift to self-funded plan

County commissioners heard a case for partially self-funding county employees’ health insurance Monday. Their plan is to see what that would look like with other insurance brokers in the coming weeks.

County reviews options for ARPA funding

Mainstream makes request for broadband expansion

Indiana counties and municipalities have until the end of the year to allocate their American Rescue Plan Act dollars. Jay County officials have a few different options they’ve discussed for the funding. An Indiana company proposed another offer for Jay County’s remaining allocation Wednesday.

Funds committed

Commission OKs $1.5 million for first phase of developing 68 acres

Jay County Redevelopment Commission agreed to commit up to $1.5 million Thursday toward developing the county’s 68-acre property on the western edge of Portland.

Skycrest Solar stays on horizon

Commissioners approve a timeline extension, sooner economic development payment

Construction plans for Skycrest Solar could still be a few years down the road. Regardless, renewable energy company Invenergy still has its sights set on establishing a solar farm in Jay County.

Commissioners stand by their actions

Attorney says contract discussion was ‘well within their executive and administrative function’

Commissioners heard a prepared response Monday from county attorney Wes Schemenaur to the letter The Commercial Review submitted to them May 10.

Stipulations discussed

County commissioners talked about JCDC contract options on Thursday: newspaper questions legality of meeting without public notice

The Commercial Review received an email Friday afternoon questioning if the newspaper was notified of a meeting of the county commissioners held Thursday.

Commissioners request another meeting

More discussion wanted regarding county’s proposed contract with JCDC

Commissioners tabled a decision Monday on a contract with Jay County Development Corporation and asked to hold an executive session to discuss the service agreement with JCDC’s executive director and board president.

Haines will seek own council term

Filing Friday creates four-way race for three Republican at-large nominations

Dave Haines filed Friday to run for a Republican nomination for Jay County Council, creating a four-way race for three at-large spots.

Second hopeful files for treasurer

Foreman and Eads seek GOP nomination

Jonelle Foreman, a Republican, filed Tuesday to run for Jay County Treasurer.

Campaign offering election advice

Folks considering a run for office in local government have a chance to learn more about the process next week.

Study for new radios is OK’d

Funding now moves to council for approval

Jay County Sheriff’s Office needs new radios. Officials are making moves to figure out the specifics.

Exception OK’d for wedding venue

Runyon plans to renovate barns to maintain rustic feel

Plans are in the works for a new wedding venue in rural Bryant.

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