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Envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate” challenges the League of Women Voters

What history reveals on right to vote

Published On 7/28/2021

"Envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate” challenges the League of Women Voters

Woman's Equality Day

Published On 8/26/2020

We commemorated Women's Equality Day by launching two special projects.

Published On 5/29/2020

The LWV of the US issued a statement in reference to the murder of George Floyd

Published On 1/28/2026

Well-Read Citizen Book Club: Paper Girl by Beth Macy. Join us at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, February 4, at Whitlock Hall of St. John’s Episcopal Church, 212 S Green Street, Crawfordsville.

Lunch with the League: Friday, February 6th, at noon in Whitlock Hall at St John's Episcopal Church to hear from Marcelle Jones, Adult Guardianship Program Coordinator at the Wabash Center in Lafayette.

Published On 10/14/2025

Get To Know The League night! October 30th from 6-8pm at the The Table Spoon. Do you want to get more involved in your community? Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to know more about current issues? Join our open house to learn more about the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County -- first drink free!

November 4, 2024

Published On 11/4/2024

Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, Election Day! 6am-6pm.

Wednesday, November 6th, 2024, 7 pm, Whitlock Hall, St John's Episcopal Church: Well Read Citizen Book Club, discussion of Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth by Noa Tishby.

What the League of Women Voters Does

Published On 5/29/2026

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives,” writes Annie Dillard. In short, small actions add up to the legacy that speaks to our values and impact.

Many don’t know what the League of Women Voters’ values and impact are — what it does.

It helps to look at what we choose to study, fund and educate the community regarding. Those priorities are decided upon at each May’s annual meeting. This year’s meeting on Tuesday, May 12, focused on what makes democracy work—voter education, voter services, supporting our positions on housing, land use, climate, education, health care, and access to transportation.

Published On 5/22/2026

David and Sheridan Hadley’s touch is evident all over some of Montgomery County’s most democratic, neighbor-serving projects.

If you’ve never met them, you might not realize how giant their impact is. David looks like someone who’s spent his time outdoors. He showed up for the dinner in a pin-stripped blue button-up with red cuffs. He’s lithe and white-haired. Sheridan looks like she’s on the cusp of retiring from her role as principal, silver pixie cut, khaki slacks and a white jean jacket. They exude an energy that matches what they do.

Published On 5/15/2026

Though energy prices are rising, Crawfordsville residents are paying rates below the state and national average. Past smart investments in solar are saving us money. Nationwide, communities making strong investments in solar, wind, and nuclear can help keep them that way while aging coal and volatile fossil fuels push costs up.

Published On 5/8/2026

Tuesday was the final day to vote in the primaries, and while the results are settled, the League of Women Voters sat down with candidates for District 44. At least one of the candidates, Clint Cooper, filed to run in a previous election year, and in spite of who wins in one given year, it’s worth knowing the candidates. Just as it often takes multiple attempts for bills to become law, so also it takes candidates multiple campaigns to build name and platform recognition to earn votes.

Published On 5/1/2026

The final Crawfordsville Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, offered a revealing snapshot of what’s on the minds of Montgomery County residents and how the three of our Statehouse delegates in attendance – Sen. Brian Buchanan, Rep. Beau Baird, and Rep. Jeff Thompson – are framing the just-completed legislative session as they look ahead.

Published On 4/24/2026

Indiana’s 4th Congressional District primary is competitive this year, giving voters a rare chance to shape what kind of representation they want. On the GOP side, two very different Republicans are vying to replace or unseat incumbent Jim Baird; on the Democratic side, there is a long list of first‑time and returning candidates whose platforms range from pragmatic incrementalism to sweeping change.

Published On 4/17/2026

“Solidarity, not charity,” Kay Whetstone, one of the founding members of MoCo Mutual Aid, told the Lunch with the League attendees on April 10. MoCo Mutual Aid is a grassroots, neighbor‑to‑neighbor network that helps county residents meet immediate needs by sharing time, skills and resources directly with one another, rather than routing everything through a traditional nonprofit or government program.

A Tale of Two Projects

Published On 4/10/2026

A tale of two projects

Posted Friday, April 10, 2026 5:00 am

Energy decisions shape national security, Americans’ pocketbooks, our land and our communities for decades. Gas is fluctuating around $4/gallon, demand for electricity has been increasing, and while energy sources are now more diverse, opposition to the diversification is rising in some pockets of the country. Furthermore, because of the war in Iran, nitrogen fertilizer is now harder and more expensive to source.

But energy decisions aren’t merely far-off national decisions. They’re being made right here in our county, and the contrast between the Copper Box solar debate and the quiet approval of the Valero-Linden/Fugate carbon sequestration rezoning shows why transparency and knowledge matter.

Copper Box’s solar proposal drew crowds, headlines, and a vigorous airing of concerns about land use, where the power would flow and the cost-benefit analysis. In contrast, the Fugate Stock Farms’ request to rezone attracted few.

Published On 3/27/2026

Kmart. Sears. Toys “R” Us. Joann’s.
Hear those names and you probably think of businesses gone belly up. All of them were purchased by private equity firms in something called a “leveraged buyout.”
Eddie Lampert bought Kmart with a leveraged buyout, shuttered stores, and sold off the property Kmart owned. Then, in 2005, he had Kmart buy Sears. Both are textbook examples of how private equity’s financial engineering hollows out at the expense of workers and communities.

Published On 3/20/2026

Solar energy didn’t used to be polarizing. It was a good use of money and land, so listening to the testimonies at the Copper Box Commission Meeting on Tuesday, March 10, inspired close attention to the anxieties and concerns raised in opposition to solar farms in the county.

OPen the First Door

Published On 3/13/2026

Need in Montgomery County doesn’t show up on street corners, with a person holding a cardboard sign, nor does it always show up on local chatter groups. It’s often a quiet pleading from someone trying their best to be self-sufficient, but they’ve run out of resources or time.
That’s why First Door, an extension of United Way in Montgomery County, exists.

Now Is the Time to Act

Published On 3/6/2026

You may have heard the old saying, “When is the best time to plant a tree? Twenty years ago. The second best time is now.”
When might have been the best time to address the insolvency of Social Security and Medicaid/Medicare, along with the growing national debt? More than twenty years ago, but now will have to suffice. Actually, a nation, like a family, should always mind its debt and plan for the future, particularly in times when the economy is growing, even if sluggishly

Published On 3/6/2026

Which system of voting will return faith in election outcomes?
That was the question at hand for Montgomery County’s Election Board in February and March.
County Clerk Sondra Sixberry wants a return to fully hand-marked, hand-counted ballots. In this system, cameras and eyeballs would verify accuracy and accountability. To support her proposal, Sixberry offered evidence from Co-Founder of the Chester County Coalition for Voting Integrity, Professor Jana Nestlerode.
While humans rely on machines to reduce human counting errors across banking, budgeting, payroll, and other industries, machines’ trustworthiness have become a point of controversy in elections. Nestlerode says it’s not about small acts of fraud–those are already illegal–but system-wide exploitation.

Published On 2/27/2026

When Marcelle Jones spoke at Lunch with the League on February 6, she told a story that caught listeners' breaths.
An elderly woman, a Montgomery County resident, fell and broke her hip. Because no one was checking on her, she lay in her own waste, likely for days, after family members who should have cared for her simply disappeared. Finally, authorities and the Wabash Center’s guardianship program intervened. These are the people that the Wabash Center’s volunteer-supported adult guardianship exists to protect — and there’s a growing need for local volunteers to visit with such people.
In another case, a man who had lived for years under guardianship recently stood before a judge and was told he could manage his own life again. Given the choice, he asked to stay under guardianship just one more year, because having that support and advocacy had become a safety net the judge sensed he was not quite ready to live without.

Published On 2/20/2026

In early January, the LWVMC noted bills of interest that stood out among the several hundred being considered this session. While many bills are still being debated, a number have died, including one the column didn’t notice: HB 1283, which ran under the unassuming title “Public Notices.”

Published On 2/18/2026

Crawfordsville’s League of Women Voters invites readers to explore the complex intersections of policy, identity and citizenship through its 2026 Well-Read Citizen Book Club. The group meets monthly at 7 p.m. Eastern at Whitlock Hall, 212 E. Green St., with each session fostering discussion about ideas that shape democracy and public life.

Published On 2/13/2026

Last week, the column featured Indiana AID’s Robin Valenzuela and Whitney Guthrie speaking about detention centers. This week, the column addresses common questions people ask related to immigration.

Published On 2/6/2026

Some years back, Chris Cleave's Little Bee hit the bestseller list. Little Bee is 16, a Nigerian girl who has spent two years in a cinder block detention center in Essex, England. Her life is ordered by the regime of the center, and her entire future is on pause. She has no idea what the future holds, except that she wants to find a British woman whom she met on a beach one fateful day years earlier. She and the woman share the memory of surviving the brutality of a local militia. The militia destroyed Little Bee's village, murdered her sister, and took one of the woman's fingers in exchange for her life.

Understanding Government

Published On 1/30/2026

Deputy Prosecutor Jacob Moore told the January 9 Lunch with the League crowd that his five-attorney team reviews every criminal case that comes from law enforcement and decides what charges, if any, are appropriate. That covers criminal cases and traffic infractions, but not civil ordinance matters like parking tickets or noise complaints.

When Child Care Is Cut, Everyone Pays

Published On 1/23/2026

Over 200 child care centers have closed since CCDF cuts in mid-2025, according to the Association for the Education of Young Children. Three of those in Crawfordsville alone. One of Purdue’s three centers announced closure on January 16. The closures are putting center employees out of work. Families are left scrambling not only for a new provider, but a workable way to meet their bills. Among those filling the gap are licensed home childcare providers, now working longer hours and less pay.

Published On 1/16/2026

Indiana’s 2026 legislative session may be short, but the list of bills is anything but dull—and few proposals turn heads quite like the one spelling out that police officers cannot use public funds to pay for or engage in sexual acts during prostitution investigations. Yes, that has to be written into law.

Published On 1/9/2026

As energy prices climb and new technology rules loosen, plug-in solar may soon offer Hoosiers a practical way to cut bills and pollution without going “all in” on a full rooftop system. SB 74, introduced this session at the Indiana Statehouse, would finally make these small systems clearly legal and safe to use here, much like trailblazing laws in Utah and the plug-in solar boom in Germany.

The Hidden Cost of Voting

Published On 1/2/2026

n November 2024, reported Indiana Capitol Chronicle’s Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, nearly 3 million Indiana residents voted. That is about 61% of those registered with the state, nearly 100,000 fewer Hoosiers than in 2020, when turnout hit 65% of registered voters. Even at its high in 2020, Indiana’s turnout ranked 46th in the nation, and in 2022, it was dead last.
Why is Indiana’s turnout so poor? One reason could be that it’s “costly” to vote.

Published On 12/31/2025

Read a summary of Mayor Barton's speech at the December 6 Legislative Breakfast.

Published On 12/12/2025

The column traces the legacy of women’s civic engagement from Abigail Adams’ 1776 plea to “remember the ladies” to the League of Women Voters’ modern mission. Rooted in the suffrage movement’s long struggle for equality, the League continues its founders’ commitment to informed participation through nonpartisan education. Highlighting the Well-Read Citizen Book Club’s 2025 selection We Refuse, the piece emphasizes how learning and democracy require discomfort, dialogue, and moral imagination. By exploring histories of resistance and agency, the League affirms that democracy is not self-sustaining—it must be understood, practiced, and protected through ongoing civic involvement.

Published On 11/28/2025

As 2025 draws to a close, the Crawfordsville budget is ending strong, as Mayor Todd Barton discussed on November’s General Update of Crawfordsville Connection. But the future hints at real concern if the Statehouse doesn’t address the flaws of Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA1). Signed into law this year, SEA1 changes the property tax code for Indiana. Combined with additional changes to the income tax code, the fiscal outlook for Indiana towns and counties looms like a cliff in 2028 unless the law changes. Here’s where things stand, what’s ahead, and guidance from Mayor Todd Barton on how citizens can engage and advocate.

Published On 11/23/2025

This week’s column comes from a segment of the Indiana League of Women Voters ’ Citizens’ Handbook, lightly edited.

Published On 11/7/2025

LWV IN opposes mid-cycle redistricting, praises lawmakers prioritizing principle over politics and reminds voters of their power at the ballot box.

Closer to Homelessness Than We Think

Published On 10/31/2025

When a person loses the roof over their head, it’s usually part of a series of unfortunate events. Mason McConnell Curry, director of homelessness services at Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM), has seen it for the past decade while working with unhoused people. With limited shelter options in Montgomery County, Curry’s organization, among others, ends up serving county residents with no other place to go.

Published On 10/24/2025

Diana Ball was supposed to get married on April 17, 2010. Instead of a wedding, Ball was trying to find and visit her fiancé, Noel, an Irishman who’d been in the U.S for years.

Published On 10/17/2025

With the shift from one gubernatorial administration to the next, a number of Indiana’s services have faced abrupt cuts — we reported on the abrupt cessation of early childhood education training programs earlier this year — and those sudden announcements, without follow-up communication from the governor’s administration, have left local Hoosiers uncertain about what the future holds.

Published On 10/10/2025

A woman walked into the Montgomery County Free Clinic for a free mammogram, not expecting much—until the test revealed something life-threatening. A follow-up biopsy confirmed breast cancer. Because of that early detection, she was treated quickly and is now living well. Another patient, once terrified of needles and struggling to manage her diabetes after decades without seeing a doctor, began working with the clinic’s nurse practitioner. With gentle nutrition coaching and simple movement routines, her blood sugar levels fell so dramatically that she no longer needs medication.
Stories like these, Executive Director Ashley Menard says, are what the Montgomery County Free Clinic is built for—quiet victories that change and sometimes save lives. But those victories could soon become harder to sustain. With cuts to Medicaid and the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies looming,

One More Seat, At What Cost?

Published On 10/5/2025

Indiana’s leaders, including Governor Mike Braun, are being squeezed like something out of The Godfather over redistricting. Just read the governor’s words:
“If we try to drag our feet as a state on it, probably, we’ll have consequences of not working with the Trump administration as tightly as we should,” he said during to WOWO on Sept. 15. He said he wants the GOP legislators to evolve towards redistricting and not to feel pressured.

Published On 9/25/2025

Sean McKee spent his early years in Crawfordsville, and last week, he spoke with college-bound Athenians interested in pursuing engineering careers. He’s an Assistant Director of Recruitment for Purdue’s Office of Future Engineers (OFE).
As a child, McKee was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This year, with changes to his employer-based health plan, he faced financial hardship. Changes to Purdue’s benefits forced him to make a choice: either find another job or move back in with his parents at the age of 29. His story echoes the binds that so many Hoosiers face as employers reduce benefits and increase employees’ premiums and deductible rates.

Neighbors helping neighbors

Published On 9/19/2025

MoCo Mutual Aid, a grassroots collective in Montgomery County, has become a vital community network helping neighbors meet urgent needs, from car repairs to clean water during heat waves. Founded and led by volunteers like Kay Whetstone and Aaron Morrison, the group operates on principles of solidarity, cooperation, and shared responsibility, not charity. Decisions are consensus-driven, and projects grow from community input, fostering trust and empowerment. While successes like the “bright pink cooler” project show its impact, leaders acknowledge limits in addressing systemic issues like housing and poverty. Their long-term goal is sustainable, inclusive infrastructure led by the community itself.

Published On 9/14/2025

Democracy is, at its core, a system for working out differences in vision through the ballot, not the bullet. Each election and legislative cycle becomes a kind of bloodless revolution, with disagreement, debate, and sometimes even contempt — but without violence. It’s an invitation for every voice to help shape the country we share.

Ryann Liebenthall’s Burdened: Student Debt and the Making of an American Crisis, coupled with the research and myth-busting of Purdue’s David Hummels and Jay Akridge in the “Finding Equilibrium” newsletter, lays bare the choices the United States faces over the meaning and value of higher education. Is college merely a commodity, best left to market forces, or a public good fundamental to a “great society,” as President Lyndon B. Johnson once envisioned?

Published On 8/29/2025

Montgomery County’s child care system faces new challenges amid steep state funding cuts to CCDF and On My Way Pre-K vouchers, leaving many low-income families without affordable options. A new KinderCare center illustrates the crisis: though built to expand access, staffing shortages and voucher declines mean only one subsidized child is enrolled, far short of its goals. Statewide, over 25,000 children are waitlisted for vouchers, with many likely to age out. Providers also face the loss of training and technical support programs. Advocates warn the cuts force parents from the workforce, harm child development, and reverse recent progress in access.

Published On 8/25/2025

Indiana AID volunteers bring compassion and advocacy to immigrants detained in Indiana’s Clay County Justice Center and other facilities. Founded in 2019 by Robin Valenzuela and others, the group provides detainees with emotional support, legal resources, commissary assistance, and spiritual care through Bible studies. Volunteers witness alarming neglect, including untreated injuries, lack of medication, and deportations that place lives in danger. Many detainees are nonviolent, elderly, or long-standing community members. The visits offer detainees vital human connection while revealing systemic failures in ICE detention. With new centers opening, Valenzuela stresses the urgent need for more volunteers, donations, and public awareness.

The Volunteers Can’t Keep Up

Published On 8/15/2025

In 2025, massive federal cuts to SNAP, TEFAP, and LFPA have removed over $1 billion from the U.S. food bank supply chain, leaving local pantries like FISH in Montgomery County struggling with record demand. Weekly clients have jumped from under 400 to nearly 600 families, stretching dwindling supplies and forcing tough choices on staple items. Volunteer shortages, inflation, and shrinking donations deepen the crisis. Director Ellen Simpson describes bare shelves, limited variety, and growing non-food needs. While local efforts help, national organizations warn the cuts’ impact rivals wiping out all U.S. food banks, making donations, volunteering, and advocacy urgently essential.

Published On 8/1/2025

The Well-Read Citizen Book Club’s July discussion of The Family Roe explored the deeply human stories behind the landmark Roe v. Wade case, fostering respectful dialogue across political divides. Journalist Joshua Prager’s book traces Norma McCorvey’s life, her daughters, and key figures from both sides of the abortion debate, offering nuance often lost in polarized discourse. The League of Women Voters of Montgomery County (LWVMC) continues to host unifying conversations and supports women’s health initiatives, including period pack donations for FISH Food Pantry. These small, do-able actions encourage empathy, understanding, and civic engagement within the local community.

Published On 7/25/2025

Period poverty affects two in five people who menstruate, often preventing students and workers from participating fully in daily life due to lack of access to menstrual products. In response, Indiana has joined 32 other states in eliminating the sales tax on these necessities. Locally, the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County is addressing the need by assembling and donating “period packs” to the FISH pantry.

Published On 6/27/2025

Indiana is implementing a 36-month lifetime cap on comprehensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for Medicaid recipients, beginning April 1, 2025, due to rising costs and concerns over billing fraud. Although focused, lower-intensity ABA may still be covered if medically necessary, critics argue the cap ignores individual needs and risks cutting essential support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Experts worry that the reforms, developed without clinician input, will limit developmental support during critical early years and increase burdens on families. The new policy affects thousands of children and may strain services and family finances statewide.

Published On 6/20/2025

Southmont School District faces funding cuts due to Indiana’s shift from property taxes and expanded school vouchers. But due to good stewardship, Superintendent Stephanie Hofer says the district can protect classrooms and staff, with cuts mainly affecting building maintenance. Careful financial planning and adaptability are key, as the district prioritizes student services and stability despite fiscal challenges, ensuring educational quality and support remain strong.

Community makes democracy work

Published On 6/13/2025

Helen Hudson's remarks upon receiving the Making Democracy Work Award on April 30, 2025. Her metaphors of the thread count of well-woven sheets and coming down from high horses remind us that it takes a well-built community for a functioning democracy.

Published On 5/23/2025

Despite concerns about funding cuts, the crisis has not yet touched Crawfordsville Public Library, says Theresa Tyner, head of library services. While changes to Indiana’s property tax laws and reductions in federal grants have created uncertainty, most of CDPL’s funding comes from local sources, and the library has prepared financially for upcoming shortfalls. Federal cuts have minimal direct impact, and services like the Libby app and INSPIRE will continue. CDPL may reduce operating hours but will not cut programs or staff. Ongoing maintenance needs and shifting tax formulas present challenges, but thanks to strategic planning and strong leadership, the library remains committed to serving the community.

Protected Vs. Guaranteed

Published On 5/16/2025

The article explores the significance of word choice in debates about voting rights, focusing on the difference between “protected” and “guaranteed.” “Protected” implies defense against harm, while “guaranteed” suggests certainty and assurance. The League of Women Voters’ use of “guaranteed” reflects a commitment to equitable access rather than imposing barriers. The discussion connects these word choices to broader moral foundations, noting that conservative and liberal arguments often appeal to different values, leading to polarization. Recent legislation like the SAVE Act is critiqued for creating burdensome requirements, potentially disenfranchising millions, especially women and marginalized groups.

Published On 5/9/2025

Crawfordsville, Indiana, faces growing uncertainty in its city budgeting process due to rising costs and shifting state and federal funding. Mayor Todd Barton has long emphasized disciplined, goal-based budgeting to support infrastructure, public services, and economic development. However, new property tax legislation, volatile healthcare and energy costs, and unpredictable federal funding have complicated this process. Changes to business property taxation especially impact the manufacturing-heavy city. Barton remains skeptical of shifting toward income-based taxes and concerned about abrupt federal grant cancellations. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to steady progress and adaptability as the city works through financial unpredictability.

The Climate, Tariffs, and Rural Impact

Published On 5/2/2025

Since the 2024 election, federal climate progress has stalled as key Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds are frozen and new tariffs threaten clean technology affordability. Climate advocate John Smilie highlights how these setbacks especially harm rural areas reliant on fuel oil or propane. Drawing on his corporate finance background, Smilie champions grassroots activism, consumer action, and policy advocacy to defend climate incentives and advance local clean energy solutions. His work—funding solar projects for nonprofits and promoting efficient technologies—illustrates how community efforts can offset federal rollbacks. Smilie urges action, warning that without continued momentum, the costs of inaction will be devastating.

Published On 5/2/2025

Retired political science professor David Hadley critiques the federal SAVE Act and a 2025 presidential executive order, both of which impose burdensome requirements like passport or birth certificate verification to register. These policies, he argues, disproportionately impact women, low-income individuals, rural voters, and others lacking documentation. Local efforts to return to hand-counted ballots compound the issue. Hadley stresses that democracy relies on broad participation and warns that these measures privilege exclusion over empowerment, undermining the democratic principle of voter choice.

Published On 4/25/2025

Sue Lucas shares how Crawfordsville has developed a strategy for tree care and building a healthy urban forest.

Published On 4/18/2025

Julio Enríquez-Ornelas, born in Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico, immigrated to the U.S. at age one and overcame significant challenges as an undocumented student in Salinas, California. His mother’s sacrifices instilled a deep appreciation for education, leading him to Wabash College, where he thrived academically and embraced his identity as a Mexican immigrant. Active in campus life, he joined Latino organizations and promoted cultural inclusivity. After graduating in 2008, he earned advanced degrees in Hispanic studies and Latin American history. Now, as Director of Latino Partnerships at Wabash College and leader of the Latino Community Center, he empowers the Latino community through education and advocacy.

Published On 4/4/2025

In celebration of Women's History Month, this column previews Montgomery County's participation in the national Stand Up For Democracy day on April 5. It highlights ongoing challenges to voting rights, such as restrictive ID laws and partisan school board elections, urging citizens to stay informed and voice their concerns. The column also honors two unsung heroes of the suffrage movement: Wilhelmina Kekelaokalaninui Widemann-Dowsett, a Hawaiian leader who fought for women's voting rights, and Tye Leung Schulze, the first Chinese American woman to vote, who defied racial and gender obstacles to secure her place in history

Published On 3/28/2025

After years of grassroots activism, Septima Poinsette Clark’s work educating Black citizens on their voting rights caught the attention of civil rights leaders. While working with the Highlander Folk School, she traveled through small towns in South Carolina, teaching literacy and voter registration despite resistance to integration. When Tennessee shut down Highlander in 1960, its founder, Myles Horton, had already arranged for Clark’s program to continue. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw its value and invited her to bring it to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Clark transitioned seamlessly, working with Wyatt T. Walker to expand citizenship schools across the South, leaving a lasting impact on voter education.

Published On 3/7/2025

The League of Women Voters (LWV) sent a letter to Congressional leaders expressing grave concern over executive overreach by the Trump administration. The letter urges Congress to uphold the rule of law and exercise its constitutional authority under Article I to counter actions such as ending birthright citizenship, withholding federal funds, dismantling agencies, and allowing unvetted individuals access to sensitive data. The LWV emphasizes the need for checks and balances and calls for immediate congressional action. They highlight ongoing legal challenges but stress that legislative oversight is crucial to protecting democracy and the rights of American citizens.

Published On 2/28/2025

Jasmine Robinson was a trailblazer in Crawfordsville, Indiana, breaking racial and professional barriers. Born in 1927, she faced discrimination in housing and employment but persevered. She became the first Black woman to work at Crown and later, at Wabash College, the first Black woman in a professional role. Jasmine mentored Black students, hosted a jazz radio show, and co-founded the local NAACP chapter. Honored as a Wabash Honorary Alumna, her legacy endures in the community. With her husband Andy, she fought for equality and made Crawfordsville a more inclusive place, earning the admiration of those she served.

Published On 2/21/2025

Andrew "Andy" Robinson was a trailblazer and community leader whose lifelong dedication to service and equality left a lasting impact on Crawfordsville. Born in 1923, he faced segregation in education, the military, and daily life but persevered. After serving in a segregated unit during World War II, he returned home, worked at Montgomery Ward, and later spent 35 years at Raybestos, earning the Outstanding Raymark Employee for Community Service Award in 1985. A passionate athlete, he was inducted into the Montgomery County Bowling Hall of Fame and volunteered for 25 years at the Boys and Girls Club, mentoring young athletes and leading table tennis teams to state championships. His legacy was honored when the Crawfordsville School Corporation named a building after him, ensuring his contributions to the community will not be forgotten.

A Woman Worth Remembering

Published On 2/14/2025

Blanche Patterson was a pivotal figure in Montgomery County’s Black artistic and business community. A talented musician and active leader, she studied at Wilberforce University before returning home to teach, run a beauty salon, and serve as a community advocate. She was deeply involved in the NAACP, church activities, and the Indiana State Association of Negro Musicians. Patterson’s salon, one of the finest in Indiana, flourished alongside Madame C.J. Walker’s beauty empire. She tragically passed in 1965 but left a lasting legacy of service, music, and entrepreneurship, inspiring historians and community members to preserve her contributions.

What is the life we are educating for?

Published On 1/31/2025

Indiana’s new “Future New Indiana Diploma” requires students to choose between academic, workforce, or military tracks early in high school. Critics, including Wabash College's Chip Timmons, argue this approach may limit students’ long-term opportunities and personal growth. The declining number of Indiana students pursuing higher education poses challenges for colleges like Wabash and Purdue, impacting the state’s economic future. Experts emphasize the importance of holistic education that fosters adaptability and lifelong learning. Indiana’s strong higher education system, including grant programs, offers valuable opportunities, but maintaining this excellence is crucial for economic development and workforce readiness.

Published On 1/24/2025

Indiana's new graduation requirements aim to balance career readiness with flexibility for students, but concerns remain about their impact on future opportunities. The updated diploma system, starting with the Class of 2029, includes a base diploma and three honors seals—enrollment, employment, and enlistment—each tailored to specific post-high school paths. Critics, including educators and college leaders, worry this system may "track" students into linear career paths, limiting adaptability in a world where career shifts are common. While practical skills like personal finance are emphasized, some fear these changes could leave students underprepared for competitive colleges and the complexities of modern life.

Hidden Costs of Incarceration Part 3

Published On 1/17/2025

The League of Women Voters (LWV) advocates for humane, equitable treatment of incarcerated individuals and personnel, emphasizing rehabilitation, education, mental health, and family connections to reduce recidivism. Their position opposes solitary confinement and private prisons, calling for community-based rehabilitation and sufficient psychological services. Case studies reveal systemic shortcomings, including inadequate mental health care and isolating intake procedures. Outsourced services, while helpful, expose vulnerabilities in achieving meaningful reform. Accounts from individuals highlight the trauma of incarceration and insufficient resources for reintegration. The LWV and others urge corrections systems to prioritize dignity and effective rehabilitation over punitive practices, fostering better societal outcomes.

Published On 1/10/2025

Visiting inmates involves complex scheduling and costs, as communication services are managed by private companies like Securus and ViaPath, which charge high fees for calls, texts, and commissary deposits. Although the 2024 Martha Wright-Reed Fair and Just Communication Act significantly reduced phone call costs, families still bear expenses for video calls, text services, and commissary items. These fees disproportionately affect low-income households, compounding the financial strain. Prisons also profit from partnerships with private companies, offering services like tablets with limited free content and costly extras. For families like Trudy's, supporting loved ones in jail often involves sacrifices, including taking on additional work to cover legal and communication costs. The article underscores the systemic inequities and challenges imposed by profit-driven incarceration systems.

Published On 1/3/2025

In the first part of "The Hidden Costs of Incarceration," the story follows Paul, a man arrested on cybercrime charges, whose family faces the emotional and financial toll of his incarceration. His wife struggles to navigate the criminal justice system while shielding their children from the stigma. The article highlights the significant effects of imprisonment on families, particularly children, who suffer from emotional distress, financial strain, and disrupted relationships. It underscores how incarceration perpetuates cycles of poverty and disadvantage, and the need for supportive family connections to reduce recidivism. The series will explore the broader societal costs and issues surrounding incarceration.

Published On 12/27/2024

Well-Read Citizen book club, organized by the League of Women Voters in Montgomery County, engages in discussions on a variety of fiction and nonfiction books. In 2024, the club explored themes like women's history, democracy, and social issues, reading books such as The Frozen River, A Fever in the Heartland, Reading Lolita in Tehran, and The Tyranny of the Minority. The club also featured local author Agata Izabella Brewer. Looking ahead to 2025, the group plans to continue fostering meaningful conversations, starting with their annual book exchange event in January.

Published On 12/20/2024

Indiana's 2025 legislative session will be busy as lawmakers tackle a budget year with a new governor's agenda. Key priorities include Medicaid, property tax reform, water policy, rural teacher shortages, early childhood literacy, utility rates, economic development, and public health funding. Medicaid costs have risen sharply, while Governor-elect Mike Braun pushes for lower healthcare costs. Property tax reforms are on the table despite Hoosiers prioritizing sales tax concerns. Water policy debates center on quality, conservation, and transfers. Education topics include addressing teacher shortages and universal vouchers. Rising utility costs and childcare challenges are also critical. Balancing immediate needs with fiscal prudence will define the session.

Published On 12/13/2024

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), introduced in 1923, seeks to enshrine gender equality in the U.S. Constitution. Though ratified by 38 states as of 2020, it remains unpublished due to legal and political delays. In 2024, the American Bar Association declared time constraints on ratification unconstitutional, urging federal action. Advocates, including the League of Women Voters, now press the Biden administration to instruct the U.S. Archivist to publish the ERA as the 28th Amendment. Supporters emphasize its potential to reinforce gender equality protections, address discrimination, and improve policies on pay equity, healthcare, and parental rights, benefiting all.

Study Together: The Federal Judiciary

Published On 12/6/2024

The League of Women Voters (LWV) has launched a one-year study of the U.S. federal judiciary to foster public understanding and develop a consensus-based position statement. This initiative aims to explore the judiciary's evolution, ethical standards, and the interplay between judicial philosophy and political ideology. Historical context, including Marbury v. Madison, highlights the judiciary’s role in interpreting laws while avoiding overt political entanglement. However, contemporary concerns about judicial ethics and public distrust underscore the need for transparency. Open to all, this study encourages participation to bolster civic engagement and trust in democratic institutions.

Published On 11/22/2024

Wabash College political science students conducted a 2024 exit poll in Montgomery County, Indiana, near three voting centers, capturing insights from 333 voters. Their findings, supported by a Community-Engaged Alliance grant, revealed patterns in candidate support, policy priorities, and demographic trends. Donald Trump garnered 73% of presidential votes, with education and gender shaping voter preferences. Key motivators included abortion for Harris voters and the economy for Trump supporters. Challenges included sample size, early voter exclusion, and question wording. Students reflected on creating polls and highlighted the value of learning to design objective, valid surveys to analyze voter behavior.

An action plan for the 'after' time

Published On 11/15/2024

In “An Action Plan for the ‘After’ Time,” the League of Women Voters of MoCo outline a positive action after profound change, drawing on lessons from global activists. The “after” time, a concept from cancer survivor Kate Bowler, refers to times when envisioned futures shift unexpectedly. Hunter suggests starting with self-trust, limiting negative media, and creating trust-based connections. Rather than reactive measures, Choose Democracy founder Daniel Hunter encourages people to build accountability circles, prioritize meaningful actions, and align with unfamiliar allies. By focusing on community and discharging fear constructively, individuals can work collaboratively toward change and resilience in turbulent times, sustaining democracy from the grassroots level.

Published On 11/8/2024

Gloria Riviera’s podcast No One is Coming to Save Us examines the U.S. childcare system, highlighting its historical challenges and current efforts to address deficiencies. Once stigmatized for working, women relied on wartime legislation for childcare support, only to lose it post-war. Today, organizations like the Montgomery County Early Childhood Coalition (MC-ECC) strive to fill the childcare gap in “childcare deserts.” Their initiatives include building the Montgomery County Early Learning Center, providing professional development for educators, and addressing childcare affordability and accessibility. Despite progress, Walther shows how the Montgomery County Early Childhood Coalition is working towards a sustainable solution.

The purpose of exit polls

Published On 11/1/2024

Exit polls provide immediate post-vote insights into voter choices and opinions on Election Day. Unlike pre-election polls, which assess voter intentions, exit polls capture actual votes, helping media outlets like ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX, and the AP make real-time predictions. These polls can sometimes influence voter turnout if results are leaked early. While media outlets pool resources to conduct national exit polls, this year Wabash College students will conduct a local exit poll in Montgomery County as a learning exercise. Their results, analyzed after Election Day, will highlight voter trends and be presented at a public event on November 15.

What to Expect When You’re Voting

Published On 10/26/2024

This article guides voters on the processes and expectations for voting in the upcoming election. It emphasizes the importance of voting to preserve democratic checks and balances.
For practical advice, the article directs readers to check their registration status, explains early voting procedures, and walks them through the process of voting in person at the courthouse. It highlights the importance of showing state ID, handling potential address changes, and following election rules such as the prohibition on campaigning near polling stations. Additionally, the article covers a significant ballot measure in Indiana about the gubernatorial line of succession and provides guidance on voting for judicial retention.

Published On 10/19/2024

October 3 attendees of Lunch with the League learned about the history of polling, modes of gathering poll responses, how sampling works, what to understand about reporting on polls, and how to tell the difference between “leading” questions from politicians and questions that genuinely seek to measure public opinion by pollsters.

Published On 10/12/2024

“Can a Family Survive on the U.S. Minimum Wage?” asks the headline of Investopedia’s article. The article leads with: “The federal minimum wage for nonexempt employees in the United States is $7.25 as of 2024. It's meant to be a living wage but this isn’t the case in practice. The hourly rate hasn’t kept up with the cost of living since 1970. The earnings of a minimum wage worker with a family of four fall well below the poverty line.”

Published On 10/5/2024

An interview with Sondra Sixberry, our new county clerk and secretary of the election board.

Published On 9/28/2024

In the past few decades, researchers have increasingly paid attention to income and wealth distribution. Considering that people frequently discuss the widening wealth gap, it’s valuable for economists to study the distribution of wealth, income and the ability to consume.

A Roundup of Reviews

Published On 9/21/2024

With the election weeks away, it’s time to make sure you’re registered to vote, to know where to go and to make a plan for either voting early or when you’ll be able to show up on November 5.

Published On 9/14/2024

Brace yourself for some intimidating numbers, though these may not surprise working parents. Montgomery County had 1,983 children under six who may need care and only 638 childcare seats in 2023, reported the Child Care Resource and Referral Network. That leaves a gap of 1300 kids. Where are they going for childcare?

Published On 9/7/2024

September is more than pre-October month. It’s Hispanic American History Month. For that reason, there’s no better time to feature Ellen Ochoa - phenomenal astronaut, entrepreneur, leader, mother and Hispanic American - and learn some life lessons from her.

Published On 8/31/2024

A summary of the final film of the Green Film Series, “Food Inc 2.”

Published On 8/24/2024

This pre-election summer has been more eventful than usual, including a mid-July change to the Democratic Party’s presumptive presidential nominee from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris – an unusual development that raised many questions about how political parties nominate their candidates for the presidency and why this switch was allowed to happen so late.

Published On 8/17/2024

Hein de Hass, a social scientist sets out in his book "How Migration Really Works" to show that migration is a longstanding part of human behavior. Rather than letting it polarize us and incite violence, we can treat it as we do the economy, adjusting policy to respond to conditions that lead to fluctuations in local areas and tenable solutions. But first, we have to shed some myths about migration that have taken root.

Published On 8/10/2024

Headlines are often clickbait, often written by an editor, rather than an article’s author, meant to tease readers. They can signal the angle or bias of a story, but not aways.

Published On 8/3/2024

When President Biden dropped out of the presidential race, it changed the discourse around the upcoming U.S. election, but not our human tendency to rely on our cognitive biases in making decisions. Listen to anyone around you or turn to the Op-Ed programs on your news network and the old lessons on logical fallacies in rhetoric and cognitive biases in decision-making may come back to you such as appeal to authority, ad hominem, appeal to celebrity, appeal to emotion, confirmation bias or the halo effect.

Published On 7/27/2024

School teaches us a lot of cleverness - that is, knowledge about the world - but it doesn’t always teach us wisdom, asserts Ecosophia, the LWV Green Films’ documentary selection for July. The film bills itself as seeking ecological wisdom to address the root causes of climate change: human addiction to economic growth and consumption.

Why We Have Disability Pride Month

Published On 7/20/2024

Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act in July 1990, and ever since, people with ability differences have been celebrating Disability Pride in July. The month-long celebration evolved from the law’s anniversary and gives visibility to those with such differences - and provides others with a chance to learn and connect.

Highway to the Future

Published On 7/13/2024

What do the National Science Foundation, Purdue University and INDOT all have in common? They are all working hand-in-hand on the next generation of sustainable, electrical roadways to make America’s, and the world’s, electric vehicle future a reality, and the future looks amazing.

Published On 7/6/2024

In 2019, the Knight Foundation set out to understand why nearly 100 million eligible voters sit out one of the “central democratic acts” for people in the United States - casting a ballot. Their study revealed five key findings, one of which is that disengaged voters have less faith in the electoral system than voters - they don’t like the candidates and they don’t think their vote matters.

The Human Part Of Us

Published On 6/29/2024

The story of an OR nurse in 1986, returning to the workforce after taking four years off with her son, when she read in an article in the Austin American Statesman that anyone who received blood transfusions since 1981 could be carrying HIV.

Mama Bears Who Hug Strangers

Published On 6/22/2024

An introduction to Free Mom Hugs and Mama Bears, two (of many) organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.

Soft Landing

Published On 6/15/2024

In January 2022 the Federal Reserve (a.k.a. “the Fed”) faced a challenge: Inflation was 7.5% and the Fed needed to discourage spending to reduce inflation.

A Crack in the Mountain

Published On 6/8/2024

On Thursday, June 6, the League of Women Voters and Wabash College kicks off this year’s Green Issues movie series with a screening of A Crack in the Mountain, by Bullfrog Films.

Green Films Returning for Summer 2024

Published On 6/1/2024

Three fine documentary films headline this summer’s Green Film series sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County. Mark your calendars now for June 6, July 17, and August 13 and plan to come see these important stories on the big screen and have a chance to discuss these subjects with your neighbors.

Making Democracy Work

Published On 5/25/2024

Karyn Douglas has long deserved the “Making Democracy Work” Award, which the League of Women Voters bestowed upon her during the annual meeting on May 14, 2024.

Published On 5/18/2024

A review of Monica Guzman’s 2022 book "I Never Thought of It That Way" provides some guidance on how to bring together Americans who’ve moved further apart.

Published On 5/11/2024

This spring, stories from three very different sources covered a topic of urgent interest to Hoosiers.

Plant Native to Save Money and Time

Published On 5/4/2024

April is an unofficial Earth month, not just the month that hosts Earth Day, so topics on the return of life after winter always feel appropriate. This week, we chat about our landscaping and gardens.

Earth Day - Making Fuel From Methane

Published On 4/27/2024

On April 22 the world observes Earth Day, and plenty of organizations celebrate with tree planting or education on other sustainable methods. Why not throw our League of Women Voters hat in the ring, starting with a humorous hook.

Published On 4/20/2024

The League of Women Voters, which is a nonpartisan voter education organization, created Vote411.org to help citizens educate themselves. Our local League invited all of our candidates to answer the same questions so you can compare their responses.

Teaching Literacy in Montgomery County

Published On 4/13/2024

The event, Teaching Literacy in Montgomery County, is sponsored by the LWVMC, the Montgomery County Community Foundation and the three school districts. Community members are invited to join the event which begins at 6 p.m. April 16 at Crawfordsville High School Commons.

Published On 4/6/2024

As Disability Awareness Month gives way to another month reminding us to learn and develop awareness, we bring you an interview with Meg Goshorn-Maroney, mother of five.

Women Worth Knowing

Published On 3/30/2024

This week we continue the series of women worth knowing, as suggested by LWV members.

You May Have Not Heard These Stories

Published On 3/23/2024

During Women’s History Month, we’re running a two-week series on women you may have not heard about, but you might find delightful or useful.

Published On 3/16/2024

Happy Women’s History Month! We turn to one of the oldest professions for women, relevant in a county where maternal healthcare options have been decreasing.

Why MoCo Pantries Like FISH Need You

Published On 3/9/2024

In our previous segment on Food Finders, we wrote of a food bank’s mission and capacity. This article focuses on FISH, the local food pantry which does direct distribution to clients.

Black Farmers and Small Farms

Published On 3/2/2024

Psychology Today notes that gardening teaches us to practice acceptance, move beyond perfectionism, develop a growth mindset, connect us to our world, stay in the present, get exercise and eat healthy. So it seems fitting to celebrate Black leaders in agricultural spaces. We’re shedding light on some lesser-known Black agricultural heroes.

Finding Hunger, Giving Hope

Published On 2/24/2024

Would it surprise you to learn that food insecurity was lowest during the pandemic? Defined as “not always having access to enough food to lead an active healthy life” or skipping meals to feed children or purchase medicine, food insecurity dropped from March 2020 through 2021 because everyone banded together to fight hunger, said Kier Crites Muller, president and CEO of Food Finders Food Bank, at February’s Lunch with the League.

Seeking a More Satisfying Understanding

Published On 2/17/2024

In “Origin,” viewers follow Isabel Wilkerson as she wrestles with her questions, even as her husband dies suddenly, her elderly mother passes away and finally, her cousin dies. It’s as much a study of her grief as how “grief brain” intersects with her work, shaping how she frames the answers she’s seeking.

Why Black History Month? To thrive

Published On 2/10/2024

Black History Month is a dedicated period to promote history that is (or should be) fully integrated in our life-long education, one that affirms the right of people to thrive here in the U.S.

Published On 2/3/2024

During the January Lunch with the League, Diamond Justus shared that MCHD was able to opt-in for state “Health First” funding allowing them to expand services this year

Published On 1/27/2024

Our climate team’s leading voice, John Smilie, has been posting on social media about agrivoltaics, and if you’ve never heard the term, you can figure out its part science, part agriculture. If you’re curious or nerdy enough, you might fall into a research rabbit hole to find out what it is and why it matters.

2024 Bills before Indiana's Legislators

Published On 1/20/2024

We need to let our representatives know what matters most to us before and during the legislative sessions, and with Indiana’s Legislative Session is in full swing from January 8 to March 14, now is the time to monitor the agenda.

Published On 1/13/2024

“Breast is best,” midwives and OBGYNs began to say in the 1990s. Infant formula had for decades been touted as the way to nourish newborns, but new evidence supported nature’s tried and true method.

Cognitive Bias and How We Vote

Published On 1/6/2024

Happy New Year! This may be an election year with more high drama than most years.

LWV Volunteering Pays It Forward

Published On 12/30/2023

The League invites diverse volunteers and welcomes you.

Published On 12/23/2023

Volunteering transforms us.

Food Waste/Food Need

Published On 12/16/2023

Giving is as much fun as getting, and giving yourself and others a wiser food experience will season your holidays with an extra dash of satisfaction

Published On 12/9/2023

The LWV provides citizens opportunities to inform one another on the workings of the government - the observer corps. The observer corps works with the legal requirements for local, state and federal government to increase transparency and accountability. The observer corps works when average citizens commit themselves to one to two hours a month attending a board or committee meeting, taking notes, and providing their notes to the League which posts it for anyone to read.

Published On 12/2/2023

In 2016, the science podcast Radiolab ran an episode called “From Tree to Shining Tree” about the mysterious, secret world of trees. With a jeweler’s magnifying glass, Roy Halling, a plant researcher at the New York Botanical Garden, who specializes in fungi showed reporter Jennifer Frazier thin white threads stringing out from the roots of trees. These strings are actually hollow tubes, a complex network of fungi that break down items in the soil, converting them into usable minerals that feed trees the nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium, potassium, lignen, and copper that trees need to thrive. In return, the trees give the fungi sugar, but when tree times are tough, the fungi release sugar back to trees. These long tubes link into a vast networking system that connects tree roots to tree roots.

Published On 11/25/2023

Thanksgiving marks the official start of Christmas anticipation. The national narrative behind it insists we give it respect in its own right, but the old myth has “tolled farther and farther away from the facts of what we have done” to quote Kentucky farmer and writer Wendell Berry. In The Hidden Wound, Berry calls attention to the romanticization of our history and “the wishful insinuation that we have done no harm” specifically against Black and Indigenous Americans.

Published On 11/18/2023

At the helm of the judicial branch of the U.S. government, which is supposed to interpret the laws written by the legislative branch and enforced by the executive branch, sits the Supreme Court...In his book "The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic", historian Stephen Vladeck calls attention to a potential imbalance in the role of the judicial branch.

Published On 11/11/2023

As noted in the first LWVMC column of October, the petroleum industry knew in 1959 that oil and coal were radically altering the environment.

Published On 11/4/2023

Though we speak of healthcare in the U.S. as a system, it’s less a system, per se, more a situation.

Published On 10/28/2023

This is part two of a series testing the claim that the LWV 2023 stances have remained stable for decades as evidenced by comparing to the GOP and Dem Party Platforms in 1972.

Published On 10/21/2023

On September 30th, our local League of Women Voters of Montgomery County hosted presidents from other Leagues statewide, during which one president shared that some non-League people believe the League of Women Voters is left-leaning. Her response? The current platform for the LWV looks awfully similar to the GOP platform of 1972.

Published On 10/14/2023

Summary of Nickee Sillery, medical director for the Animal Welfare League (AWL), speaking at LWVMC Lunch with the League

Published On 10/7/2023

John Smilie remembers learning in the fourth grade that most of the world’s energy came from non-renewable sources and one day they’d run out. Yet as he grew up reading science and tech news, most of it seemed optimistic. There was always an innovation on the horizon, except when it came to the rise in the earth’s temps. As the years passed, the news grew more grim.

Published On 9/30/2023

Ever had a season of life that you thought might break you? Chances are, you were living through multiple life stressors, any of which strain a person but when piled up can max out emotional and physical resources on households.

Published On 9/23/2023

Housing and job “shortages are two sides of the same coin,” wrote Ben Winck and Andy Kiersz for Business Insider in 2021. “Cities with the most job openings don't have the affordable housing needed by many workers. And areas with cheaper housing don't have the promising labor markets to make them attractive.”

Published On 9/16/2023

Indiana Youth Group’s Journey Reabe faces a fun, but tough challenge trying to pin down what the youth she’s serving like, as in, like to do, like to eat, like to learn about. Reabe facilitates the Indiana Youth Group’s Drop-In Tuesdays, a weekly event for LGBTQ+ youth in Montgomery County.

Owe your soul to the company store?

Published On 9/9/2023

It’s the week after Labor Day. Did you a) buy a mattress or appliance? b) get snarled on busy highways or in airports? c) relax from your labors? And d) hear or read about the state of labor and unions in the U.S.?

What Simplifying May Save For Us

Published On 9/2/2023

When was the last time you gazed at the night sky and could identify more than three constellations? There are 88 of them, thirty-six in the northern sky, fifty-two in the southern hemisphere. They’re almost impossible to see in Crawfordsville, many are difficult to see in the country these days, even if you have a keen eye to spot them. Such is light pollution, the topic of one out of two short films that wrapped up the Green Series film discussion season of 2023.

Published On 8/26/2023

As the League of Women Voters prepares to celebrate Women’s Equality Day on Friday August 25 (5-7 pm in Mural Alley), it’s worth reflecting on the state of equality in 2023.

Published On 8/19/2023

Todd Barton said two questions follow him when he’s on the town. When are we going to get another grocery store? And what about housing?

Women in the Public Space

Published On 8/12/2023

Since the development of birth control, like that of sanitary napkins, women have been able to participate in work, pursue education, and compete in sports, using their unique talents and gifts as engineers, teachers, nurses, managers, or they just helped their family survive by working the line at our local manufacturer.
Now is not the time to take for granted that women can and will be able to continue accessing what they need so they can best contribute to their households and communities. Now is the time to continue to let our leadership know all we need.

Published On 8/5/2023

In June, scientists released findings that the axis of the earth has tilted recently, which it does from time to time, but this time for surprising new reasons that are all about water. For decades now, we’ve observed that melting ice caps have redistributed the mass of our planet, which tips the axis. But humans have measured another tilt, and this one from “water transfer.”

Published On 7/29/2023

1 million plastic bottles are sold every second around the world. Most are used once and discarded - unless they get a less lucky second life holding tobacco spit or a more virtuous second life as a pen, shoe or other recycled item. That’s what the “plastic pirates” who compete in Eastern Europe’s annual Tisza River Plastic Cup aim to accomplish.

Let the Sun Shine In!

Published On 7/22/2023

Some homeowners and landlords were really smart, really ahead of the times when they solarized houses 20 years ago–or even 40–years ago. Very early in the 21st century, a couple originally from Montgomery County solarized a house outside of San Francisco. “People wondered what I was doing, but it’s been low cost power all the way.”

Published On 7/15/2023

The case called Moore V. Harper, which pressed for a fringe reading of the Constitution to give unchecked authority to state legislatures when redistricting and writing election procedures, was hailed a success for the American election system. If you’ve been busy and missed why it matters, here’s why the League thinks it’s worth understanding.

Published On 7/8/2023

Last tax year, Indiana went past go with a tax surplus. The state is now set to collect a $1.5 billion surplus, part of which legislators earmarked for the teacher retirement fund, a blessing. Yet it hardly offsets educators’ concerns about an enormous expansion of the voucher program.

A Discussion of Tree Sweat

Published On 7/1/2023

Several members of the community gathered on June 21 to watch the League of Women Voters/Wabash College Green Issues movie Reflection: A Walk with Water (Bullfrog Films). The narrative of the film was a group of people walking the 200-mile length of the Los Angeles aqueduct, from Owens Valley east of the Sierra Nevada mountains to LA. Interludes about water conservation, rain generation, soil health, and water ecosystems tutor viewers to be able to see and reflect on the fragility and centrality of rainfall and water retention in all of our lives.

Published On 6/24/2023

The little blue booklet looks so modest and so unassuming. It is anything but. What you hold in your hand is a powerhouse of Montgomery County and City of Crawfordsville governance. This little 25-page booklet is a "hive mind" for public information.

Published On 6/17/2023

The League of Women Voters invites you to the summer Green Issues film discussion series to learn more about our weather and climate, and other environmental issues. Upcoming are the films and dates for viewings and discussions that will take place at Wabash College in Korb Classroom at 7pm.

Why a Rainbow

Published On 6/10/2023

Curiosity is a gift. Pausing long enough to observe a common symbol, trope, or even pattern and asking, “Why?” or “How?” marks a keen mind, one willing to learn. One might notice that birds riot at sun up, and that squirrels disappear in the evening, and ask why? Or consider the month of June’s burst of color and ask, why so many rainbow flags this month? Also, why a rainbow flag?

Published On 6/3/2023

The LWVMC are hosting a themed discussion over three books. Participants are encouraged to read one or more of the books: 'Bad Feminist' by Roxanne Gay, 'We Should All Be Feminists' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and 'Of Boys and Men' by Richard Reeves.

Memorials, education, and who we are

Published On 5/27/2023

This week, the LWVMC is on the road, traveling to the Equal Justice Initiative’s Peace and Justice Memorial.

We Need More Stories Across Boundaries

Published On 5/20/2023

Story has a way of worming sideways into a situation, its insights unfold and illuminate what had been confusing or unresolved. Story can unify people, literally. When doctors scanned brains of people listening to the same story simultaneously, the same centers in the brain lit up as the story progressed.

Published On 5/13/2023

With all of the Inflation Reduction Act incentives, now is the time for budget-conscious locals to plan their updates.

Published On 5/6/2023

This year, the LWVMC and the City of Crawfordsville, among others, are excited to partner with Solar United Neighbors Co-op, which will be open for just three months, through August to give businesses, non-profits and individuals the opportunity to leverage bulk buying power and purchase solar panels and battery panels for their homes and buildings.

What’s so bad about benzene?

Published On 4/29/2023

When hazardous waste from the East Palestine train derailment ended up in Roachdale, locals turned to the League of Women Voters for some insight on the decision to import the waste.

Published On 4/22/2023

Each year local Leagues around the country define their focus for the upcoming year at a formal Local Planning meeting. At this meeting, the gathered League members review current positions and vote on whether to retain the same position going forward. The positions came into being as the result of nomination, study, and adoption at earlier Local Planning meetings.

To Remember the Forgotten School

Published On 4/15/2023

Some stories are so precious and painful that their caretakers shield them. Even after several years of research, Shannon Hudson and Vicke Swisher-Hudson could not unearth most of the stories about students who attended the Lincoln School for Colored Children to include in their soon-to-be-published book, To Remember the Forgotten School.

Published On 4/8/2023

Last week’s column reported information about economic development concerns in Montgomery County and the significant impact these policies are having on Indiana’s medical care, especially for women of child-bearing age. This week we report on business and economic repercussion by professionals in those fields.

Published On 4/1/2023

A diverse crowd of more than 60 people gathered at the Crawfordsville District Public Library last week to learn about Indiana’s new reproductive health policies. How are last summer’s Supreme Court Dobbs Decision and the passage of Indiana’s Senate Bill 1 affecting the economic and public health profile of our state and our community?

Published On 3/25/2023

With the markets shaky, let’s celebrate Women’s History Month through the stories of three women, outliers and trailblazers, whose financial savvy may hold some lessons for the present. Hetty Green, Maggie Lena Walker, and Elinor Ostrom, lend us insights into value investing, community building, and community-centered solutions when resources are limited.

Training Up a Trustworthy Police Force

Published On 3/18/2023

Presently deputies need twenty-four hours of training annually and can pursue more in their areas of interest. Needham said his deputies pursue SWAT, cyber-crime, polygraph testing, interviewing and canine unit training. Around the country, other departments are implementing Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), Deescalation, Non-stress-based training, and procedural justice policing -where officers begin with a focus on giving dignity, respect, and voice, as well as being trustworthy, neutral and transparent. It jives with what Sheriff Needham considers the cornerstone of his philosophy.

Published On 3/11/2023

In the midst of the pandemic of 2020, Emmett Bowman took his initials, EB, and created a philanthropic clothing line calling out EveryBody Stand for Unity and Everybody Unite. His efforts stood out that year for the message, for his age - he was only seventeen - and because Crawfordsville had only a handful of Black-owned businesses.

Published On 3/4/2023

If the algorithm were benevolent, it would post those friends of ours who enrich the world with delightful, lesser-known but amazing stories from Black History. If the algorithm favored wonks and nerds who love learning something new, Black History Month would be a blast because some of the most amazing stories were negotiated out of the history curriculum to placate parents with enough influence and money to throw around like weights.

Published On 2/25/2023

Rachel Christensen always knew she wanted to be in a helping profession and discovered she loved her psychology courses at Olivet Nazarene University.

Published On 2/18/2023

It’s the nature of many Midwesterners to be healthy skeptics of jargon and buzz phrases. Being pragmatic and skeptical, we hear a phrase like “social determinants of health” about three times and wonder what is being cloaked behind jargon. What is being foisted upon hardworking taxpayers?

Published On 2/11/2023

Numbers are not political. “Data is just data,” said Advi, an economics senior from Oman, who was talking about the course that most impacted her, the Economics of Racial and Gender Discrimination. The data demonstrates clear patterns that systems of law and culture have significantly impacted the economic health of minorities in the United States.

Published On 2/4/2023

Crawfordsville is one of many small towns struggling with the housing crisis. Our League of Women Voters Economic Health team members keep asking, “What about housing?” because we have almost no options for homeless men, a shortage of affordable rental units for low-income earners, too few options for first-time home buyers, a struggle to draw developers for new builds, and affordable housing for seniors. 2022’s Federal Spending Bill set aside millions to expand non-profit, supportive housing for seniors, a HUD program called Section 202 Housing.

Published On 1/28/2023

Nothing about the guest speaker suggested power or prestige. She was the quintessential teacher, comfortable and ready to engage in a crushed velvet smock, black leggings, and comfortable shoes. She’d pulled her long hair up into a ponytail. Yet Dr. Jennifer McCormick was the last elected Superintendent of Education in Indiana, and she knew her stuff.

Published On 1/21/2023

The services that Crawfordsville’s Quick Response Team (QRT) provides, and what distinguishes them from hundreds of other QRTs around the country, most of which developed in as communities grappled with skyrocketing substance use disorders (SUD) in the Opioid Crisis.

God forbid: The County is Prepared

Published On 1/14/2023

High winds, flooding, tornadoes, and bomb cyclones are just some of the natural hazards that Montgomery County’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Department prepares for annually. The department maintains protocols for over twenty natural and man-made disasters, all identified during regular hazards and threats assessments meetings held with each incorporated and unincorporated area of the county. These could include events like the fire that altered an entire downtown block in 2007, or God forbid, a disaster like last year’s shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Published On 1/7/2023

How about a David Letterman-style top ten list about Montgomery County’s year-long Bicentennial efforts. It’s a humorous recap of the hard work of the Bicentennial Planning Team and will be almost as good as celebrating over tacos in January, which Tom Klein, County Administrator said the team plans to do. The list is based on highlights for Tom and the team.

Published On 12/31/2022

“When people come to court, other than lawyers, I mean, it’s usually a new experience for them,” said Judge Harry Siamas, as we sat across from each other at the defense and prosecutor’s tables in Montgomery’s Circuit Court Room.

Lets shop for an EV

Published On 12/24/2022

Happy Holidays! Tis the season for end-of-year giving, “best of” lists, reflections, goal setting, and... the flip of the calendar into 2023 means the ticker on EVs that qualify for $7500 incentive resets.

Published On 12/17/2022

Let’s hear it for the sun, the source of light that warms the planet, cheers hearts, and provides one of the cheapest sources of energy. These days, harnessing solar power is proving to be “the cheapest fuel in history,” according to International Energy Agency.

Published On 12/10/2022

This column could be part three of “Why I Love My Town.” Recently we have hailed the upgrade to Frances Wooden Park and Oak Hill Cemetery’s natural burial options. This week, the League spotlights a surprising technology partnership that will promote economic development in Crawfordsville and Montgomery County.

Published On 12/3/2022

With Indiana’s new law restricting abortion, women are questioning other rights they thought they had.

Published On 11/26/2022

What is a nation? How we answer the question ripples all the way to our borders, north, south, west, east and influences immigration and border policy.

Published On 11/19/2022

Last week, the League of Women Voter’s column celebrated Crawfordsville for its new park, and this week, we can tootle our trumpets for another fabulous feature of Montgomery County. For a minute, though, let’s hold the suspense.

Frances Wooden Park

Published On 11/12/2022

Frances Wooden Park: Another reason to love calling Crawfordsville home

Published On 11/5/2022

Let me begin with a nod to a network television show worth a watch. Abbot Elementary. In this seasons first episode, a young teacher sits in his classroom staring forlornly at his notepad. His seasoned mentor pops her head in to the room. “Everything alright?” She asks though she knows it’s not.

Go to Vote411.org before voting

Published On 10/29/2022

Early voting is open in Indiana. Wouldn’t it be nice to skip the election day crunch, to stop into the courthouse and cast your ballot? It’s part of a solid voting plan. Before you go, here’s what to know:

Published On 10/22/2022

It’s election season. Early voting in Montgomery County started on Oct. 12. Voters can vote any weekday between now and Nov. 4 on the first floor of the Montgomery County courthouse from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are also a few weekend and evening opportunities for early voting. Visit the LWVMC website (lwvmontcoin.org) and go to the Voter Information tab for a complete schedule.

CCSC school board candidates

Published On 10/15/2022

If you’ve ever walked up to the ballot box, read the names of school board candidates and thought "Should I vote for any of these people? I don’t know enough", this column is for you. Early voting begins October 12, and there are five of the candidates, all independents, competing for three spots on CCSC’s school board. (Don’t vote straight ticket if you want to vote for school board candidates!)

Published On 10/8/2022

There’s a lyric by The National that reads, “I still owe money to the money I owe,” a nod to the slog of ditching debt. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could save serious coin on our monthly bills? Even nicer, to save money on the changes required to shave hundreds of our heating, cooling, and transportation bills. The Inflation Reduction Act aims to help Americans electrify their lives by offering quite a few rebates and tax breaks- up to $14,000, depending on your income. It sounds nice, but is it doable, especially for the households making only eighty percent of the state’s median income (about $53,500 dollars)?

Two Roads Diverged in Energy Futures

Published On 10/1/2022

Rarely does an exchange on social media measure up, but League Climate Team member John Smilie’s posts usually educate, prompt thoughtful discussion, and aim toward the common good. His recent post was worthy of a wider audience so we’ve brought the conversation here.

Restoring Pride in Voting

Published On 9/24/2022

Tom Nichols, staff writer for The Atlantic, penned the piece we at the League should have thought of: “The Joy of Voting.” This leads to the question, have you noticed self-satisfaction when you vote? Or joy?

Published On 9/17/2022

If you follow regional news, you may have read that nearly 1,1000 Indianapolis households faced eviction when their property owners failed to pay $1.9 million in water bills. In a settlement that came in three weeks before the residents would have to move, JPC Affordable Housing Foundation agreed to sell the rental units and leave Indiana.

Bamboo or Bamboozled

Published On 9/10/2022

As with anything that is single-use or easily disposed of, like fast fashion, we should be skeptical, not only of the industry but our own demand for convenience. The most eco-friendly trash still releases carbon and requires resources to compost or recycle. We might be bamboozling ourselves if we think one product is the perfect replacement for another.

Published On 9/3/2022

Who deserves the right to go down into the Grand Canyon?
Isn’t everyone entitled?
We are providing a solution to a need.

Published On 8/27/2022

This will be an unusual column, in the first person at parts, to reflect upon what traveling this year has taught this writer about our democracy.

Wine, Cheese, and Women’s Equality Day

Published On 8/20/2022

What do wine, cheese, and women’s equality have in common? A) August 26, B) democracy, C) the League of Women Voters, or D) all of the above.

To aquarium or not to aquarium

Published On 8/6/2022

Last week members of the community gathered to watch Nausicaa, Staging the Oceans’ Biodiversity, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County and Wabash College. The film presents the creation of Europe’s largest aquarium tank, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.

Published On 7/30/2022

Every person in the world needs and wants clean water. Most of us think of this as a universal human right: without water every living creature dies. Here in Indiana, safe urban and rural drinking water have been the norm — with some notable exceptions.

Wildfires and Us: A burning discussion

Published On 7/23/2022

Through the words of residents, scientists, and the mayor of a small Oregon town ravaged by wildfire, “Built to Burn” helps viewers understand more about wildfires, their causes, consequences and possible mitigation. It’s a complex scenario.

Published On 7/16/2022

Who do you talk to on a typical day? Depending on your job and your personality, you might go through the day without talking to anyone you don’t know well. You should, though. Conversations with acquaintances and strangers have benefits for you individually, and for our community.

Published On 7/9/2022

In the opening scenes of the documentary “Kiss the Ground,” actor Woody Harrelson says he’s “given up” on climate change solutions. As he narrates this, we are shown all too familiar scenes of belching factory pipes, oil refineries, and melting glaciers. As one climate disaster after another hits the news, he says he feels despair. Harrison is not alone.

Popular Green Issues Films Are Back

Published On 6/25/2022

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Green Issues film series, co-sponsored by Montgomery County League of Women Voters and Wabash College Library, return this summer with four engaging documentaries about issues affecting our natural world.

Climate Team Powers up for Nature Day

Published On 6/18/2022

On Saturday, everyone reading this column is invited to our Carnegie Musueum in downtown Crawfordsville from 1-4 p.m. to celebrate nothing less than the natural world. To top it off, visitors will be treated to one of the great products and delights of our natural world — ice cream! This event is part of a summer-long museum program tied to the Indiana Humanities One State/One Story program. If you have the chance, read the beautiful little book World of Wonders (which is available at our Crawfordsville Public Library) that serves as the centering One Story for Indiana this summer.

The State of the Economy

Published On 6/4/2022

On the economy, there’s good news, and there’s bad news.

Is this our community?

Published On 5/28/2022

“I was expecting to hear stories of isolation, alienation, tokenism, loneliness. I’m really troubled by the number of stories about threats to personal safety and the sense of not being safe in town or on the campus,” said one man in the back of the audience. An hour into the show, the stage manager came out to explain that the cast would use improvisation to “playback” the audience’s reactions because the “Where is our Beloved Community?” included such intense real-life experiences from Wabash and Crawfordsville’s minority residents.

Published On 5/21/2022

We Americans tend to think our democracy is exceptional, it’s a bulwark, it’s resilient, and perhaps indestructible. But a democracy is an enormous institution based on human interdependence. Like any healthy relationship, its internal strength increases when it works hard at maintaining its core values. It’s more likely to thrives when it shares company with like-minded friends. For this reason, we might benefit by checking in on our democracy. How well is it holding up to the stress test it’s undergoing in a period of polarization, trauma after the pandemic, and the erosion of democracy world-wide.

Published On 5/14/2022

While sniffing about for story ideas recently, this writer dug up a gem on the Montgomery County website, a listing names of famous natives.

Published On 5/7/2022

Tied to a board and put on a human back, laid in a box, locked in a parked car, left to run the docks with a warning “to stay away from the water!”- these were just a few childcare solutions of the past. Long a need for the working class, most actual care of children was a luxury for the well-off.

Published On 4/30/2022

The May primary is here and if national and local trends predict anything, too few people eligible to vote will go to the polls, especially to the primaries in non-Presidential election years.

Published On 4/23/2022

Polls are open in Montgomery County for early voting, and once again it’s time to educate ourselves about voting in the primaries and choosing among the candidates.

Everybody Wants to Belong

Published On 4/16/2022

Everyone wants to belong, and after two years of the pandemic, HUE (Humans United for Equality) plans to bring together the community with the Celebration of Unity after a two-year hiatus.

The Earth is what we all have in common

Published On 4/9/2022

On one of those rare, warm and sunny afternoons in mid-March a small group of people stood in a circle peering intently down at the ground. At the center of the group was Marian Rodriguez-Soto. She was kneeling beside some simple tools and pouring water onto lumps of soil from two different locations into two different sieves set on top of clear cups. Marian was demonstrating how to do a simple “slump test” designed to determine how well soil can absorb water. Healthy soil will absorb water quickly leaving the water in the cup quite clear. The healthy soil itself will have texture something like a brownie. In contrast, over-tilled soil runs right through the sieve indicating weakened soil structure that can readily be blown by the wind or suffer excess run-off from heavy rains such as the more frequent and heavier rains the Midwest is now getting.

Untold Stories of Local Heroes

Published On 4/2/2022

Do you remember being in school and lamenting that history is so boring? While we were all looking for it to come to life, for someone to rediscover a local hero, uncover an untold story, or answer a nagging question, local historians have always been indulging their curiosity.

Published On 3/26/2022

Who says a science fair project can’t change the world? When middle-schooler Holly Thorpe tested carbon dioxide fumes in Miami-Dade school buses, she found the rates were ten times higher than the EPA recommends, far higher than OSHA allows for work sites. Air pollution reduces test scores, slows cognition, creates nausea and headaches, as well as increases cancer and asthma. The evidence makes it hard for school districts to look away. In February 2021, the Miami-Dade school district became one of many around the nation committing to zero-emissions bus fleets.

Developing humans, not human capital

Published On 3/19/2022

It’s 6 a.m., your shift starts in an hour, and your one-year-old has a fever. You scroll through your contacts wondering who can watch your baby. Why, you wonder, is life never smooth, never calm? You’ll ponder that question again that night when your childcare provider calls to say she’s closing her home daycare in a few weeks. Now you have the added stress of finding a new provider.

Voice and Vote: Updates on Legislation

Published On 3/12/2022

Since 2020, a number of columnists and pundits have been saying democracy is under siege in the US. Perhaps it is, or maybe this generation is learning for itself the reality of US self-governance. Our democracy is a wild, delightful, developing experiment, and it’s messy. It’s not just a democracy (one person, one vote by popular rule). It’s also a republic, where representatives mitigate the will of the “public,” aka the “vulgar” and “common” masses. Don’t shoot the messenger, that’s part of the etymology of the word.

Why consent is critical: HB 1079

Published On 3/5/2022

What if Bobby Knight’s 1988 words to Connie Chung — “I think that if rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy it” — had been uttered in 2018? Would they have killed his career and his legacy? Those words provide a lens into misconceptions about rape. It is not often violent. It has little to do with sexual pleasure, and everything to do with power or control, and it happens far too often, more often than is reported.

Hear the untold story of Civil Rights

Published On 2/26/2022

The Civil Rights Acts of 1964 might be something of a miracle even with the dynamism of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the energy of Rev. Ralph Abernathy and the Southern Leadership Conference. Making law out of the dream, required...wait for it, lobbyists.

Published On 2/19/2022

Disclosure: I try to keep my persona out of most League columns, but as an educator for the past eighteen years, I cannot.
Like most educators, I have stories of students chronically absent students who present with clear signs of neglect and abuse - wearing the same dirty clothes, turtling into shells, telling a teacher “I’m not sure I can go on,” having a parent interfere and speak in place of their high schoolers. The parents refuse services; the student complies. A team of guidance counselors, administrators and teachers convenes and is flummoxed about how to proceed. When the administrator to whom I report brought up HB 1134 last week, each story, each student flashed before me.

The League of Black Women

Published On 2/12/2022

The League of Black Women is not in the Marvel-verse, but you will marvel. These women helped save the world through poetry, advocacy, ministry, activism, and flight. One even escaped the atmosphere.

Published On 1/29/2022

“Buildings can teach us if we pay attention,” Ray Wilson told a room of pastors and church leaders in early December. He described crawling onto the roof of his church building to check a radar system they use to keep raccoons from burrowing into the roof of their building. Nelson’s church had discovered the problem during the energy audit to begin working with Energy Stewards, a program to help faith communities reduce energy consumption and improve creation care. The rascally mammals had created a large hole and the building was leaking heat.

Published On 1/22/2022

“Everybody has business they need to unload and spill,” said Erika Frazier. For her, it’s grief, the end of her marriage, the stress of being her parents’ caregivers, and the worry she wasn’t present for her two children during all those events. When Frazier’s mom died last October, she helped prepare the body for burial. Before that final act of love, Frazier had been running a kind of one-family nursing home for decades. When her dad died in 1996, her mother shut down. Frazier began mothering for her mother along with her children.

Why Join the League of Women Voters

Published On 1/15/2022

Now is always a good time to join the League of Women Voters. If you are like me, you’ve waited, maybe because of young kids, a career, school, a bevy of commitments to your church or other community organization. I want to say that after two years of involvement, it’s worth the small amount of time to participate.

Published On 1/8/2022

“Imagine a combat vet in his small town where there’s low crime and a high military population. He should fit into the community, but he’s unhomed. He has a disability and complex trauma.” Ted Brinegar, founder of Foxhole Homes, began explaining his objectives by focusing on the challenges that result in homelessness. Brinegar, who has decades of experience working with active duty and retired military vets, founded his non-profit in 2015 with the primary goal of providing sustainable housing and community for vets.

Published On 1/1/2022

When the street department announced it would put a four-way stop just around the corner from Dari-Licious at Oak and Market streets, a Facebook acquaintance lamented that he’d not attended city meetings. He wasn’t enthused about the change to traffic there. When the county divided over wind farms, those who opposed them attended more meetings and made their voices louder than supporters. Whether it’s traffic flow or how we’ll power our community, local politics affect our daily lives far more than national politics does. Speaking up and trusting our leaders to find working compromises matters.

We Are Still Here

Published On 12/25/2021

Though Indiana means “Land of the Indians,” most residents aren’t Native Americans. We don’t call ourselves Indians or Indianaians. Rather we are Hoosiers, a muddied moniker, apropos of our state’s muddier history when it comes to its Native people. How did the Land of the Indians come to have only far less than one percent of its peoples with Native American ancestry? How are so few tribes established in Indiana at present?

Published On 12/18/2021

“When do you open your Christmas presents?”
When David Sedaris asks in an essay about international Saint Nicholas traditions, he links when families open gifts with how many gifts they give and get. Some families prioritize other traditions- meals and church services, for instance- trending towards restraint in gifting.
“It’s nothing I’d want for myself, but I suppose it’s fine for those who prefer food and family to things of real value,” he jests.

How to be a local leader

Published On 12/11/2021

“A good man is hard to find,” wrote Flannery O’Connor. The League of Women voters would reword this: A good human is hard to find, especially one who wants to run for office and serve the public. And, in recent weeks Mayor Barton has put out a call for public servants.

Published On 12/4/2021

The carbon monoxide detector screeched again. The monitor screen read above four hundred parts per million (PPM) so she opened the backdoor. As she ran upstairs to grab an industrial fan, she shouted to her mother-in-law, “Don’t worry, I’m going to circulate air. I will figure out why this keeps happening.”

Lessons on running

Published On 11/27/2021

Before the Indiana legislative branch received census data to redraw districts for the next decade, this League of Women Voters member sat down with Senator Phil Boots to discuss how to empower voters with more competitive district maps.

Published On 11/20/2021

Imagine there’s enough affordable daycare for all ages. It’s easier right now through March 2022, if we give it a try. Thanks to pandemic era funding, both parents and providers can find scholarships and grants regardless of income.

EV Are Great for Hoosiers

Published On 11/13/2021

New jobs. Millions saved in energy costs. Cleaner communities. A smoother transition to electric vehicles. That’s why the REV Midwest Agreement is great news for all of us.

Published On 11/6/2021

Meet ALICE — she needs help with childcare.

She’s Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed or she was employed until the pandemic shutdown. She’s heard the headlines about people who need to get back to work, but for her to go back to do so, she’ll need child care, something affordable, maybe with flexible hours, depending who hired her.

Zoning Complicates Housing Solutions

Published On 10/30/2021

Question: how is zoning affecting Crawfordsville’s housing and diversity?
All good columns begin with a question, and one on Crawfordsville’s growth, as it intersects with our housing shortage, population growth, and diversity. Mayor Barton has noted in interviews and on podcasts that Montgomery County and Crawfordsville have a housing shortage in spite of our stagnant population growth.

Published On 10/23/2021

In the spring of 2018, crowds gathered around the Montgomery County courthouse in downtown Crawfordsville to see a 22-year effort come to fruition. On May 17, an enormous crane lifted the 86-foot, four-sided, restored clock tower with its five-foot clock faces into place atop the historic building. It had been nearly 80 years since a clock tower tower had crowned the courthouse.

Published On 10/16/2021

Our Montgomery County Administrator Tom Klein is quick to remind citizens that the new Montgomery County Government Center (currently under construction) is not simply a “courthouse annex” designed to store the overflow of records. To understand this important distinction that accompanies the relocation of many county departments, let’s take a quick glance at county government’s function.

Monitoring the Eviction Crisis

Published On 10/9/2021

Eviction is humiliating, frightening, and stigma-bearing. Sometimes, it’s a slow process of utilities shut off by authorities, belongings shoveled onto the street for all to see, hastily renting
storage that a person may not be able to pay for, having those belongings auctioned off as a lot. Sometimes, it means a parent divides her children, sending some to live with this or that
relative. The personal experience ripples to children, family, and beyond. It’s why eviction-prevention became a rallying point during the shutdown.

Is It Even Possible To Help Too Much

Published On 10/2/2021

Is it possible to help too much? When it comes to shelter and other basic needs, the question is worth wrestling with. Stacey Doty, who is Crawfordsville Housing Authority’s director, has borne witness to the need both in Montgomery County and Parke County, where she previously served.

Who You Gonna Call?

Published On 9/25/2021

Who are you going to call if your road needs a sign or a bridge seems to need an inspection? Where can you find court forms asking for a settlement with your landlord? Where are child support numbers? Which government- city or county- in charge of these services? We may not know because county government is complex and more collaborative than most of us realize.
For this reason, County Administrator Tom Klein presented County Government 101 to the Chamber of Commerce and the public on Monday, Sept. 13th. The League of Women Voters cosponsored the forum where Klein mapped the many departments of county government.

Published On 9/18/2021

The League of Women Voters in Montgomery County concluded a housing study in 2017. Their data affirmed the call for more options for seniors, options that focus on affordability, dignity, and capacity for all stages of aging.

Published On 9/11/2021

What a surprise, locals might have thought when the Census Bureau confirmed in August that there is a shortage of housing units in Crawfordsville.

Gamifying Redistrict Maps

Published On 9/4/2021

In August, Indiana’s legislature received the US Census data, which green lighted the drawing of the district maps for the next decade. Maps will be drawn for national, state, and county voting districts.

The Real Fraud Around Elections

Published On 8/28/2021

For the ninety-five years between the 15th Amendment and the 1965 Voting Rights Act, it seemed reasonable and right to many Americans to enact “poll taxes, literacy tests, and other bureaucratic obstacles” (ourdocuments.gov) to prevent Black, Native and other races from voting.

A Long Awaited Dedication

Published On 8/21/2021

Historical markers. It’s easy to pass them by without stopping to read the words that unassumingly anchor our city to its story. On the corner of Wabash and Grant, where the colonnade for Wabash College stands reads one of the city’s newest markers: “Dr. Mary Holloway Wilhite..."

The Hidden Wound Revisited

Published On 8/14/2021

Wendell Berry wrote 'The Hidden Wound' in the year of Dr. King’s assassination, when another piece of the shrapnel, buried in us
all, broke to the surface.

Published On 8/4/2021

On Aug. 18, 1920, the ratification of the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote. Not all women, though, because the history of voting rights is not equal to voting access. Nevertheless, it was a start and had a context of its own, a context that rhymes with the present.

What Senator Young gets wrong about S1

Published On 7/19/2021

What is the simplest, most patriotic act one can do for their nation? Vote. Voting is the central act of self-governance, and it should be accessible to all citizens.

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