Bright colors, community pride: Murals make Indiana Uplands shine

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

We're the Indiana Uplands, where the arts thrive in many forms -- unique art galleries, historic theaters, music festivals, and artisan fairs. Of course we have beautiful, eye-popping murals in our communities! From colorful murals displaying historic figures to picturesque paintings on the side of buildings welcoming visitors to communities, you will find awe-inspiring art … Continue reading Bright colors, community pride: Murals make Indiana Uplands shine

Students, parents, and employers see momentum with UpSkill youth apprenticeship program

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

When college freshman Ethan Scott graduates from the Indiana University Luddy School, he will already have five years of work experience in the world of information technology. While in high school, Ethan began working as an IT support technician for Five Star Technology Solutions through ROI’s UpSkill Work and Learn modern youth apprenticeship program that … Continue reading Students, parents, and employers see momentum with UpSkill youth apprenticeship program

Creating coders: Code/IT Academy expands to Crawford and Washington counties

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

Uplanders in Crawford and Washington counties are developing their skills in web development and associated technologies less than a year after a READI-funded expansion of the Code/IT Academy. This year, the Mill was awarded READI funding for the Code/IT Academy to prepare adults for regionally relevant, high-demand careers in the Uplands. The free, cohort-based program … Continue reading Creating coders: Code/IT Academy expands to Crawford and Washington counties

Residents gather to celebrate ribbon cutting of downtown Jasper square

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

With a ribbon cutting, live music, games, and food, the city of Jasper residents celebrated the completion of the renovated Downtown Square earlier this month. For years, the City of Jasper worked to develop a plan to replace the historic courthouse square infrastructure and revitalize the downtown area. Nearly $250,000 in READI funding is being used to … Continue reading Residents gather to celebrate ribbon cutting of downtown Jasper square

Selling school spirit, snacks, and smiles: Puphouse Bookstore at Orleans Elementary School

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

With quarters in hand, Orleans Elementary School students surround the table at Puphouse Bookstore three times a week, eagerly awaiting their turn to buy stickers, pencils, snacks, and Bulldog merchandise from classmates. There is no need to advertise when the Puphouse will open because kids just find out, said Orleans Elementary School STEM Teacher Anna … Continue reading Selling school spirit, snacks, and smiles: Puphouse Bookstore at Orleans Elementary School

Connected community: MYPath project makes strides in Owen County, sets goals for regional impact

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

On an overcast Wednesday morning, nine people gathered at the Riverfront Trailhead of the MYPath Trail System in Owen County.  The rain held off for the group’s mile-long walk along the Riverfront Trail that winds by the White River, into the wetlands restoration area, and through a lowland reforestation project before looping back around to … Continue reading Connected community: MYPath project makes strides in Owen County, sets goals for regional impact

Bluegrass behavior: Indiana Uplander recognized by governor for influential music career

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

At 18, Jim Smoak finished high school in South Carolina, grabbed his banjo and suitcase, and hit the road to go see the Grand Ole Opry. This trip ultimately kicked off his impressive career as a bluegrass musician where he played alongside Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass.  This summer the Washington County resident and … Continue reading Bluegrass behavior: Indiana Uplander recognized by governor for influential music career

‘They are all just kids here’: All-inclusive playground ready for play in Washington

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Valerie Barmes and her family drove 20 minutes for a day of fun at the new all-inclusive playground at Longfellow Park in Washington. Her 2-year-old son uses a wheelchair and has mobility issues.  “He isn’t able to create his own fun, so really whenever we play with him, we have to create fun for him,” … Continue reading ‘They are all just kids here’: All-inclusive playground ready for play in Washington

Four schools added to UpLabs Digital Fabrication Lab Network

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Four schools in the Indiana Uplands have been selected to join ROI’s UpLabs network, a collaboration of schools that have embedded digital fabrication labs to empower students as adaptive problem solvers through making. With state-of-the-art equipment and project-based learning instruction, these labs are developing a region of makers ready to excel in the next generation … Continue reading Four schools added to UpLabs Digital Fabrication Lab Network

Revitalization in action: Jasper Courthouse Square project progressing

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Take a stroll around the Jasper Courthouse Square and you will see revitalization in action. On one corner is a fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs, perfect for a fall evening gathering with friends. Another corner has a group of large swings perfect for soaking up the sun and the scenery of the historic downtown … Continue reading Revitalization in action: Jasper Courthouse Square project progressing