Pushing the primary
Gov. Eric Holcomb joined Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Republican Party Chair Kyle Hupfer and Democratic Party Chair John Zody last week to announce an agreement to move the date of this year’s Indiana primary election from May 5 to June 2.
All dates corresponding with the primary will be moved by 28 days to reflect the new date of the primary. For example, military and overseas ballots are required to be mailed 45 days prior to the primary election, so they’ll move 45 days prior to June 2.
While these plans may change due to the coronavirus, Holcomb made the right move in changing dates. The state has much more to worry about than ballots at the moment.
Railroad project progressing
Construction crews from Milestone Contractors are continuing to work long hours on the railroad overpass and interchange project on Columbus’ west side that will allow motorists to avoid being stopped by railroad traffic at the intersection of State Road 46 and State Road 11.
The structure of the overpass over the railroad tracks along State Road 11 is starting to take shape, with bridge structures being put in place and dirt ramps leading up to the edge of the site of the future bridge.
Crews have been working weekends and around rainy weather on the estimated $35 million project that is being jointly funded by the Indiana Department of Transportation, city of Columbus, Bartholomew County, Cummins Inc. and the Louisville & Indiana and CSX railroads.
While much of the world is at a standstill, many are still working hard to better the community.
Cancelling commencements
Almost every college has announced it will not be holding commencement ceremonies this spring.
For the sake of public safety, Indiana, Purdue, and Ball State universities — the three largest four-year institutions in the state — postponed their graduations due to the coronavirus.
Losing the opportunity to wear a cap and gown to receive a diploma, a moment many individuals, and their families, have waited on for years, is extremely tough.
While a hard decision, it’s the right one for the time being. A massive amount of planning goes into these major events. Our hope is all colleges will allow 2020 graduates to walk in a future commencement.
