County 29: Elkhart

There are currently 137 artists who have been accepted into the Indiana Artisan program, and Elkhart County’s two artists share an arts studio in the heart of downtown Elkhart. I recently visited the studio of Kay Westhues and Jake Webster, who both are enriching the community and state with their art.

Kay, a photographer, had on display a series of beautiful photos of rural Indiana. Jake sculpts using wood, stone, and cement. He also creates mixed media paintings and collages.  More information about Kay and Jake can be found at www.indianaartisan.org.

I helped create the Indiana Artisan program almost four years ago to provide marketing support, an Internet presence and tourism-focused "Artisan Trails" for our talented Hoosiers. Three Lt. Governor agencies collaborated with the Indiana Arts Commission to develop the Indiana Artisan program. It was so successful; we took it out of government’s hands and made Indiana Artisan a non-profit organization.

Whether you are interested in arts, crafts or specialty food items; chances are there is a local artisan in your community. In fact, my first Hoosier Crossroads Tour visit was to Maplewood Farms, founded by Indiana Artisan Tim Burton who specializes in maplewood syrup made in Jackson County (http://beckyskillman.blogspot.com/2011/07/county-1-jackson.html).

Indiana Artisan makes it easy to buy local and support your fellow Hoosiers.

County 28: Decatur

We came full circle recently while visiting Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH). Exactly 14 months ago I launched the Indiana Telehealth Network at the hospital. Now the network is well underway at Decatur County’s rural access hospital.

The Telehealth Network is providing better patient care to those living in our rural areas. Doctors at DCMH are using a fiber-optic broadband network to remotely consult in real time with other healthcare professions, who are in other cities, to accurately diagnose and treat patients. For instance DCMH is connected with IU Health and the telestroke network, and now stroke victims are treated faster and more effectively. Also, DCHM is becoming a video conferencing host site next year for the Indiana Rural Health Association.

Lt. Governor Skillman praises officials for their work in bringing the Indiana Telehealth Network to Decatur County. The Telehealth Network is providing better patient care to individuals living in rural areas of Indiana. 

There are 57 state-wide facilities – most are critical access hospitals – that are part of the Indiana Telehealth Network. I recently celebrated St. Vincent’s Williamsport Hospital’s completion of its telehealth network in Warren County. Check out the video from the news conference here. 

Each critical access hospital that is part of the Indiana Telehealth Network is opening doors for better connectivity throughout their community and state. So it is not just better healthcare that we celebrate – we celebrate better communications for Decatur County and the entire state. Individuals, families and business stand to benefit from the Indiana Telehealth Network.

County 27: Tipton

I visited Tipton County on a Friday and found that talking to local leaders there was a great way to end the week.

During a brief but informative time in the City of Tipton, I sad down with city, town and county elected leaders to hear about local issues and their perspective on state government. This all comes as my staff and I prepare the report on what we’ve learned from local leaders these past six months. We are compiling the thoughts from the leaders in Tipton County – and the 26 other counties I’ve visited so far on my Hoosier Crossroads Tour – to give a report on the state of local government in Indiana. This report will be available here on the website.

One thing Tipton does well is making the downtown district a welcoming hub for business and community. I was impressed with the number of businesses clustered along Main Street and only wished there had been time in the day’s packed schedule to stop in and see what the local shops were offering for the holidays.

Every community has something special to offer. The saying goes, "If you’ve seen one small town, you’ve seen them all." But I always say, "In Indiana, if you’ve seen one city or town, then you’ve just seen one." Each is different, with its own flavor and unique assets that make you want to stay and get to know the people there.

I learned a lot from the meeting I had. Look for our complete report soon.

County 26: DeKalb

Lt. Governor Skillman visits Auburn to talk about community and economic development efforts in the area. Auburn received a $5,000 grant for main street improvements from the state.

As I gathered in Auburn with local officials, I couldn’t help but marvel at the downtown district of the city. The historic buildings filled with restaurants and shops glistened as a fresh coat of snow, the first of the season, fell softly upon the roofs.

It would have been a perfect day to visit Santa Claus in his little red house that the locals built or check out the winning gingerbread houses in this year’s contest. These are only a few things that are happening in downtown Auburn. Auburn officials reported on some of the exciting events they put on throughout the year to attract residents and visitors to the area.

They have partnered with several organizations, and are part of the state’s Indiana Main Street program. Recently, we awarded them a $5,000 Downtown Enhancement Grant through the Indiana Main Street program administered by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Three projects have been completed thus far, and now there is more opportunity for Hoosiers to invest in a business in the downtown area.

More than 100 communities are part of the Indiana Main Street family, and 181 building rehabilitations have taken place under the program. We know that the heart of a community is the downtown area. It is the hub for government, business, culture and financial activity. We want people to continue to flock to Auburn and other Main Street communities. I know I look forward to my next visit to DeKalb County.