Cookies for kids
Sales of Laura Jo’s Cookies go much further than satisfying a sweet tooth.
The business, named after Seymour resident Laura Jo Stahl, is giving back to Bartholomew and Jackson counties in a big way.
Laura Jo’s Cookies donates 25% to 50% of its sales to nonprofits in the two counties. Customers get to choose which nonprofit fundraiser will benefit after completing a sale. In just under a year, the business has raised $60,000 for local nonprofits.
While the company started as a way to honor Stahl’s 40-plus years of working with children, it has expanded its giving options to nonprofits that involve pets and recovery. The company also has options to benefit first responders, veterans and soldiers.
All businesses should strive to make an impact on their communities like Laura Jo’s.
Balancing budgets
While the COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc on many county budgets, Bartholomew County government says it won’t be "in dire straits" next year thanks to its good fiscal shape.
During last week’s 2021 budget talks local officials said that the county had strong coffers before the start of the pandemic in March, which will lead to fewer cuts in the new year.
The total amount currently being requested in all county funds for next year is $56 million, which is $2.8 million above what was budgeted for this year. General fund expenses of $30.3 million — $2.8 million higher than this year — are included in that figure. County Auditor Pia O’Connor said $1.6 million will need to be cut.
While next year should be OK, officials are worried about beyond 2021. In earlier meetings, the auditor has warned that if the economy does not improve in the short term, Bartholomew County government will likely be in substantially worse financial shape in 2022 than in 2021.
While the recent budget news is positive, despite the losses, the outlook for the next few years is uncertain. Fiscal responsibility will continue to be crucial moving forward.
Lighting up the community
A little encouragement can go a long way.
The Council for Youth Development Bartholomew County is distributing 8,000 postcards across the community this month as part of the annual Shine On campaign to celebrate the United Nations International Youth Day.
Those who participate write a thoughtful message to a young person in their life.
Postcards with inspirational messages from CYD Youth Ambassadors 2020-2021 and other youth volunteers were also recently sent to 1,200 incoming freshman high school students in Bartholomew County. That initiative was by Macey Golden, a Columbus East High School sophomore, who received a national grant from America’s Promise Alliance as a part of the Power of Youth Challenge.
The point of the entire initiative is to remind local youth of their importance in the community, which is an effort that all should get behind.
