In February 2022, Natural Resource Director Dan Bortner, of Bedford, was honored with the Circle of Corydon Award. Also in February, the City of Bedford purchased the former Aldi’s building to renovate as the new Bedford Police Department and the Lawrence County Commissioners voted to spend American Rescue Plan Act money to bring broadband to rural parts of the county.
Department of Natural Resouce Director and Bedford native Dan Bortner honored
The Bedford Rotary Club 10th Annual John Williams Memorial Toast honored Department of Natural Resources Director and Bedford native Dan Bortner in February 2022.
Dan Bortner mingling with those in attendance
Guest speakers included a video message from Governor Eric J. Holcomb, State Senator Eric Koch, Indiana State Parks Director Terry Coleman, Sam Bond with C.S. Bond Forest Management, MLK for Unity Organizer Clarence Brown, and the eldest daughter of Bortner Ashley Barnes among others.
The biggest surprise of the evening came from Senator Eric Koch with awarding Dan Bortner the Circle of Corydon Award.
The Circle of Corydon was established in 2017 by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, and it honors Hoosiers who have made remarkable contributions to the betterment of Indiana and its people, demonstrating through life and service qualities exemplified by the state’s greatest citizens.
Indiana State Parks Director Terry Coleman echoed what the Governor said by reassuring Dan’s ability to put his work and service above his own needs.
“Governor Holcomb recognized something in Dan. The confidence he has in himself builds confidence in others as he builds an atmosphere of success,” said Indiana State Parks Director Terry Coleman. “Dan was able to take a good state park system and make it great, to the point that people from other states, come to Indiana to see our parks.”
The city of Bedford purchases the former Aldi building and will renovate the building to become the new Bedford Police Department
The final steps for the purchase of the old Aldi building location for the new Bedford Police Department were approved Tuesday, February 22 during the special Redevelopment Commission meeting.
Brandon Woodward, Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals Clerk/Treasurer, addressed the commission with the results of the environmental study performed by Bluemoose Environmental to ensure that the building is safe to proceed with renovation plans.
A few minor issues stemming from the age of the building and the amount of time it has remained unused were discussed, from cracks in the building where the cart return was, to a couple of foundational cracks due to aging were discussed with the commission. No other problems were found to bring major concern over the finalization of the property and was approved by the commission to proceed with the purchase agreement.
Commissioners move forward to bring broadband to rural Lawrence County
The Lawrence County Commissioners signed a contract on February 15, 2022, with Morley Corporation to expand broadband access to rural Lawrence County.
The commissioners will use American Rescue Plan Act to pay for the project.
