Crawfordsville Connection

Ep. 304: 2026 Celebration of Unity

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week, we're talking about Humans United for Equality's 2026 Celebration of Unity with Zachary Anderson, Kathy Walker and Deborah Kochert, along with Mayor Todd Barton. We'll discuss HUE's work in Montgomery County, what attendees can expect at this year's event, and how opportunities to celebrate diversity and build connections strengthen our community. Join us for the 8th annual Celebration of Unity on September 19 from 4PM to 8PM at Pike Place! Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 303: General Update (September 2026)

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we have another monthly general update where we talk all things Crawfordsville from A to Z! This episode dives into all of our current city projects like the MUST meeting, Market Street drainage issues, housing developments, and more! Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

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Ep. 302: Montgomery County Council on Aging & 2026 Senior Celebration

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we are joined by Kelley Mercer, President of the Montgomery County Council on Aging, and Cheryl Portwood from Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville to talk about the important work MCCA does to support seniors and caregivers throughout Montgomery County. We also talk about the upcoming 2026 MCCA Senior Celebration, taking place on Wednesday, September 9 from 10AM-2PM at First Baptist Church. Learn more about the Montgomery County Council on Aging at www.mcca54.org and make plans to join the community for this year's Senior Celebration! Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 301: Community Day of Service 2026

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we are joined by Rachel Wells, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Leadership Academy, and Monica Nagele, President of the Montgomery County Leadership Academy, to talk about the upcoming 2026 Montgomery County Community Day of Service. They share how this annual event connects community members with local nonprofits, what volunteers can expect, and how you can get involved. The 3rd Annual Montgomery County Community Day of Service takes place on Wednesday, September 16 from 8:30AM-12:00PM. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at https://tinyurl.com/MoCoDayOfService This year's Day of Service is supported through the AmeriCorps federal grant program, administered by the 9/11 Program, and is also part of the America250 initiative, connecting service and remembrance with the celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 300: U.S. Senator Jim Banks

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we welcome U.S. Senator Jim Banks to Crawfordsville for a conversation about his journey into public service, life in the U.S. Senate, and the issues facing Indiana and the nation. Senator Banks discusses his work in Washington, his current legislative priorities, political division, and what he sees ahead for communities like Crawfordsville. The conversation also covers the Citizenship Act, the Dalilah Law, foreign influence, and the future of America. Plus, get to know the Hoosier behind the Senate title with a few fun questions along the way! Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 299: The TASTE of Montgomery County 2026

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we are joined by Larry Paarlberg and Jessica Bokhart to talk about the upcoming TASTE of Montgomery County. They share the history of this beloved annual event, the variety of local food vendors, and the exciting LIVE music lineup. The TASTE takes place on Saturday, August 22 from 12PM-9PM on the grounds of the Lew Wallace Study & Museum. Learn more at www.TasteOfMontgomeryCounty.com 🎧Want to learn more about the Lew Wallace Study & Museum? Check out Crawfordsville Connection Episode 50. Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 298: General Update (August 2026)

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we have another monthly general update where we talk all things Crawfordsville from A to Z! This episode dives into all of our current city projects and more! Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 297: Montgomery County Free Clinic - Programs & Dining with the Chefs

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we are joined by Ashley Menard and Naomi Horton from the Montgomery County Free Clinic. Listen to hear about their expanded services, Meals on Wheel program, and annual Dining with the Chefs event. Get your last-minute tickets to Dining with the Chefs: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dining-with-the-chefs--2026 Contact the MC Free Clinic by calling (765) 362-3244 or www.mcfreeclinic.org Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 296: Social Media - Most Common Misconceptions

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we have a special episode going over some of the most common social media misconceptions that we see. Why doesn't this town...? It's on social media...it must be true, right? Listen to this episode to get some questions answered and learn where you can find accurate and factual information! Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 295: Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we are joined by Stacy Sommer from the Crawfordsville | Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce talking all about the Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet honoring current Chamber members for their successes and impact. Learn more about the Chamber here: www.crawfordsvillechamber.com Submit award nominations until August 7th here: https://www.crawfordsvillechamber.com/awards.html Contact the Chamber by calling (765) 362-6800 or by emailing info@crawfordsvillechamber.com Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 294: General Update (July 2026)

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we have another monthly general update where we talk all things Crawfordsville from A to Z! This episode dives into all of our current city projects - Listen to learn about what's happening around town: fiscal planning, Market Street Railroad planning grant, southside development, and more! Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 293: America 250

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection, this week are joined by Janna Bennett and Owen Bennett to talk all about the America 250 celebrations throughout Montgomery County. Listen to learn about the opportunities to celebrate, reflect on, and enjoy the history of America's Independence. Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 292: FISH of Montgomery County

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection, this week we sit down with Elaine Chase and Linda Airey from FISH Pantry of Montgomery County to discuss the many ways the organization serves local families, from food assistance and clothing to household linens, volunteer opportunities, and community partnerships. To learn more about FISH visit their website: https://www.fishmontgomerycountyindiana.com/ or call (765) 362-FISH Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 291: Camp Milligan

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we are joined by Lisa Walter & Lizzie Martin to talk all about Camp Milligan - a summer day camp program in the City of Crawfordsville. Listen to learn all about the activities, field trips, and fun that kids ages 5-12 can partipate in at Camp Milligan! Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 290: Crawfordsville Strawberry Festival 2026

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we are joined by Jessica McClamroch, co-chair for the Crawfordsville Strawberry Festival. This episode dives into all the information you need to know about enjoying the weekend! The Strawberry Fest will be held Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14th at the Historic Lane Place in downtown Crawfordsville! To learn even more about the Strawberry Festival, visit their website: https://crawfordsvillestrawberryfest.com/ Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 289: General Update (June 2026)

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we have another monthly general update where we talk all things Crawfordsville from A to Z! This episode dives into all of our current city projects - Listen to learn about what's going on with city facilities, updates on the city pool, and more! Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 288: Special Episode Re-run | City of Crawfordsville Awarded Federal Funding for $1.6 Million Market Street Railroad Crossing Elimination Project

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:65e7f303-6144-4c29-8ab0-584ace8513d5-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:65e7f303-6144-4c29-8ab0-584ace8513d5-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Welcome to a special re-release episode of the Crawfordsville Connection Podcast! In light of the continued progress surrounding the Market Street Railroad Crossing Project, we are re-sharing this important episode originally released following the breaking January 2025 announcement that the City of Crawfordsville was awarded funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program. As the City moves forward with the planning process for this transformational project, community engagement remains a top priority. Public open-house sessions are currently being held to provide updates, gather feedback, and answer questions from residents and stakeholders. The next public open house will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 6:00PM at the Crawfordsville Career Academy, located at 2255 Phil Ward Boulevard. In this episode, listeners will hear more about the planning and development phases of the project, the data and research included in the grant application, and the next steps in the process. For additional project information, updates, and meeting details, visit www.CrawfordsvilleCrossing.com To ask questions about this podcast or submit future topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov.

Ep. 287: Crawfordsville Main Street – Spring & Summer Programming & Events

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week, along with special guests Jami Harrington and Chad Hassler, we discuss everything happening with Crawfordsville Main Street this spring and summer. Listen to learn more about Crawfordsville Main Street's recent designation as a Main Street America Affiliate Program, ongoing downtown beautification efforts including new planters, hanging baskets, tree planting and pruning projects, and exciting upcoming community events! First Fridays Events: https://www.crawfordsvillemainstreet.com/first-fridays Lunch on the Plaza Events: https://www.crawfordsvillemainstreet.com/lop To sponsor Crawfordsville Main Street: https://www.crawfordsvillemainstreet.com/sponsors To volunteer with Crawfordsville Main Street: https://www.crawfordsvillemainstreet.com/volunteer-app Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 286: Mayor's Ball Recap & City Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we recap the success of the Inaugural Mayor's Ball presented by C&F Fabricating in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Montgomery County. In addition to the recap, we have a special episode going over some of the City's most frequently asked questions. Who owns ____ property? What's going into the current Kroger building once the new store is open? Listen to this episode to learn more about some of our most popular questions. Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 285: General Update (May 2026)

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we have another monthly general update where we talk all things Crawfordsville from A to Z! This episode dives into all of our current city projects - Listen to learn about what's going on with housing developments, city facilities, updates on the city pool, and more! Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov