INDIANA – Last week, Governor Mike Braun visited communities across Indiana to meet with local leaders, assess storm damage from recent severe weather, support youth conservation education, and highlight workforce training opportunities for Hoosiers.
“Last week in stops across Bloomington, Frankfort, Tippecanoe County, and Kokomo, I met with Hoosiers restoring storm-damaged public lands, DNR officers teaching young people about conservation and public safety, and educators preparing students for careers in health care and manufacturing here in Indiana. I appreciate the local leaders who are investing in their communities and helping move Indiana forward,” said Governor Mike Braun.
On Monday, Governor Braun met with Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson before traveling to Morgan-Monroe State Forest in Martinsville, where he joined Indiana Department of Natural Resources leaders to assess damage from recent severe weather.
Morgan-Monroe State Forest, which spans more than 24,000 acres across Morgan and Monroe counties, sustained significant damage to forested areas, campgrounds, shelter houses, and other infrastructure.
Governor Braun toured the property with DNR Director Alan Morrison, State Forester John Seifert, and local staff to review recovery efforts and hear directly from those working to restore the forest.
On Tuesday, Governor Braun visited the Indiana Conservation Officer Karl E. Kelley Memorial Youth Camp in Tippecanoe County. The camp provides young Hoosiers with hands-on education in outdoor recreation, conservation, water safety, and respect for Indiana’s natural resources and the conservation officers who protect them.
Governor Braun met with campers, conservation officers, and DNR leaders. The camp honors Sgt. Karl E. Kelley lost his life in the line of duty in 1998 while attempting to rescue fellow officers during a training exercise.
Later Tuesday, Governor Braun met with local elected officials in Frankfort for a discussion hosted by Mayor Judy Sheets and Clinton County Commissioners President Jordan Brewer. The meeting allowed Governor Braun to hear directly from local leaders about the priorities and challenges facing Clinton County and its communities.
Governor Braun then visited Ivy Tech Kokomo, hosted by Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore. There, he met with Ivy Tech President Martin Pollio, Chancellor Ethan Heicher, Representative Heath VanNatter, Representative Ethan Manning, and other local leaders. The Governor toured the campus Health Professions Center, including health care and manufacturing labs that prepare students for careers in key regional industries.
