Recently, I was honored to present a check to Helping Hands of Miami County from my friends at Miller’s Merry Manor. Every February for 43 years, Miller’s has conducted a Sweetheart’s contest and elected a king and queen. This was a fantastic event, with great participation from residents and their families. It was my pleasure to present almost $2,100 to Helping Hands from the proceeds of the contest. An old acquaintance, Junior Cooley, was crowned the king and Kay Workman, the queen. This is a great fundraiser for Miami County Helping Hands.
I would also like to congratulate Twelve Mile resident Evelynn Byrum. Evelynn was named one of the top youth volunteers in Indiana for 2018 in the 23rd annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Designed to emphasize the importance our nation places on service to others, this award encourages all young Americans to contribute to their communities. As a distinguished finalist, Evelynn embodied what the award stands for, and I’m proud such an outstanding young person represents our community.
The General Assembly recognized the Lewis Cass Marching Kings with a concurrent resolution. The Lewis Cass students and staff put together a tremendous show inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s artwork, and won the Class C 2017 Indiana State School Music Association state championship. The Marching Kings competed against nine other schools during the competition at Lucas Oil Stadium, marking their 36th consecutive year in the state finals. It was an honor to share this exciting news with the entire House of Representatives.
In response to a tragic car accident involving Savannah Bettis, the House recently passed legislation to help protect Hoosiers by offering carbon monoxide testing for motor vehicles without charge by local fire departments. It would specify the type of testing conducted and provide certain paperwork and record keeping.
The Senate is currently reviewing House Bill 1248, which would add children with physical or mental incapacities to the Silver Alert program. Currently, children with physical or mental incapacities do not have a special alert system in place if they become separated from their families and go missing. This proposed legislation would include missing children who are incapable of returning home because of these disabilities.
Please continue to stay in touch. It’s your government, participate in it.
-30-
State Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
A high-resolution photo of Friend can be downloaded by clicking here.
