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News from the Mayor and the City of Batesville
March 2025
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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
I just returned to my office from a short walk around downtown. When I say short, I mean short. I didn’t realize that it was only 8 degrees at 10:19AM. Thankfully, Spring will be arriving soon.
Speaking of Spring, we intend to plant some wildflowers in the next month or two. Scott Miller ( Street Department), Mike Baumer (Parks Department) and I met recently to discuss our project. We plan to start small with just one acre this year. Our efforts should benefit the environment, eliminate some mowing, and improve the curb appeal of the community. If your feedback is positive, we’ll try expanding the program next year.
We’re also working on a tree planting project that is a true community endeavor. Woodmizer employee Cassie Holtel, along with the support of Woodmizer management initiated a green project involving planting over one thousand , seven hundred trees across the area. BHS students from Mrs. Jaisle and Mrs. Stirn’s English and Math labs stepped up and offered their help. Mike Baumer and I met with Cassie and the students to help them find suitable public spaces where they could plant the young trees. It’s always fun when the City administration, BHS students and teachers, and local business partners can work together on projects that benefit the city as a whole.
Warmer weather will also lead to more people enjoying the outdoors. We need to continue our efforts to provide safe surroundings for our walkers, bikers, and drivers. With that in mind, we expect to hold a public meeting with INDOT in April. The meeting will focus on repaving and safety initiatives on Highway 46 where it passes through our city limits. We’ll share more information as it becomes available.
On February 19th we held a small get together at Shift to thank Tim Macyauski for his many years of service to Batesville. If you didn’t know, Tim retired on December 31,2024. I’m incredibly grateful that Tim stuck around last year. He was an enormous help to me as I transitioned into my role as Mayor. Thanks, Tim, for your help to me personally, as well as all the local improvements you were wholly or in part responsible for.
That’s all for now. As always reach out if you think we can be of assistance. My email is jirrgang@batesville.in.gov.
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BATESVILLE COMMUNITY EDUCATION FOUNDATION
SPRING PREVIEW
WORK-BASED LEARNING FOR BHS STUDENTS
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The Batesville Community Education Foundation (BCEF) will be collaborating with BHS to provide a new work-based learning fair in May.
Many rising BHS juniors and seniors will need a work-based learning (previously known as mentorship) placement to satisfy their employment readiness diploma goal.
Students will simply shadow at a business or nonprofit for the same class period throughout the semester.
To learn more, contact Bulldog Ready Community Coordinator Tricia Jennewein at BulldogConvenerCouncil@outlook.com or complete the form found here.
More information will be shared in the April Mayor’s newsletter.
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BATESVILLE BIDS A FOND FAREWELL TO TIM MACYAUSKI: A LEGACY OF BUILDING MORE THAN STRUCTURES | |
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For two decades, Tim Macyauski has been a cornerstone of Batesville's growth. Today, the City of Batesville acknowledges and celebrates his well-earned retirement and honors his significant contributions.
Tim’s journey began locally, a graduate of North Decatur High School. He then spent three decades in the construction industry, building a solid foundation of experience leading residential and commercial projects across Indiana, from Batesville to Indy as far as South Bend. This experience proved invaluable when he joined the City of Batesville in 2004 as Building Commissioner.
As Building Commissioner, Tim’s initial focus was primarily on the incredible residential growth happening during this time. He spent many days working on the development of Farmington, as well as many other established neighborhoods in Batesville.
In 2014, he stepped into the role of Director of Operations, overseeing streets, parks, building projects, and pool facilities.
Tim played a key role in significant city growth, including the Hansen Center, Baxter offices, and Woodmizer facility, just to mention a few. He was also focused on securing Community Crossing grants for the city. It’s because of that effort that we were able to complete significant street, storm, and sidewalk improvements in the last ten years and the expansion of the many beautiful trails throughout the city. These projects will have an impact on Batesville for many years in the future.
Mayor Irrgang expressed his deep appreciation for Tim’s service. In particular, he highlighted the incredible value of Tim’s historical knowledge of the city, especially during the mayor’s first year in office.
Tim plans on spending his retirement traveling, golfing, taking motorcycle trips, and spending time with his four grandkids.
Please join us in thanking Tim for his hard work, his dedication, and for helping to build the city we call home.
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BATESVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION FRESHMAN LEARNING BY DOING THROUGH ADULTING SKILLS SERIES
By Anne Wilson
BCSC Communications Consultant
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In late February, Batesville High School (BHS) Freshman Community students explored developing professional skills, gaining valuable insights from local professionals as they continue to work toward developing the qualities included in the Batesville Community School Corporation’s (BCSC) Bulldog Ready Portrait of a Graduate. The event focused on sharpening communication skills through practice and feedback while emphasizing the key attributes of confidence and empathy
Students engaged in five “adulting skills” rotations:
Rotation 1: Practicing 3-minute conversations (#BulldogReady goal: sharpening communication skills and showing empathy)
Scenarios included:
· ✈️ Sitting at the Airport
· ❤️ Going through the line at a funeral home for a friend's dad
· 🏡 Meeting a Significant Other’s Parents
· 🎢 Standing in Line at an Amusement Park
· 🛒 Talking to a Checkout Clerk at a Grocery Store
· ☕ Ordering at a Coffee Shop
· 🏨 Riding an Elevator on Vacation
· 🏥 Small Talk in a Doctor’s Office Waiting Room
· 🏀 Chatting at Halftime of a Sporting Event
· 💼 Assisting a Customer
· 💍 Conversing at a Wedding or Family Event
· 📋 Checking in for a Physical Appointment
· 💇 Talking to a Hairdresser During a Haircut
· ❤️ Volunteering at a Nursing Home
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Rotation 2: How to call and make an appointment (#Bulldog Ready goal: sharpening communications skills)
- Students called the BCSC administration building, where staff answered the phone, pretending to be the office with which the student needed to make an appointment
Rotation 3: How to address an envelope (#BulldogReady goal: expand community awareness)
- Students addressed envelopes for notes they had written, thanking community partners for their help with the Bulldog Ready community-connected learning model
Rotation 4: How to tie a tie (#Bulldog Ready goal: confidence)
- Students practiced this skill with teachers
Rotation 5: How to dress for work (business casual versus casual; business professional versus business formal) (#Bulldog Ready goal: confidence)
- Students were provided with a scenario for work and had to select from among sample clothing pieces what would be appropriate to wear, given the occasion
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BCSC wants to extend a huge THANK YOU to these amazing community partners for sharing their expertise and experience:
Becky Walter – Margaret Mary Health
Angela Linville – City of Batesville
Katelyn Labolt – Amack’s Well
Shelby Cole – Ivy Tech
Shayla Sattler – Friendship State Bank
Brianna Weberding – Batesville (Casket)
Ethan Hirt – Batesville (Casket)
Teri Baker – Global Atlantic
Brandi Merkle – Ripley County Chamber
Justin Sutherland – Batesville Christian Church
Mike Kick – BCSC
Brian Hoffman – Baxter
Eric Benz – Baxter
Nicole Johannigman – Baxter
In addition, BHS would like to thank the John and Joan Hillenbrand Vision Fund for its $2,000 grant that supports the freshman community experiences this year. For this particular event, support from the Vision Fund helped pay for the envelopes and postage for the students to mail their notes.
Community-connected learning through real-world experiences. We are #BulldogReady!
If you or your organization want to get involved in our Bulldog Ready programming, please visit our website at https://batesvilleinschools.com/bulldog-ready/community-involvement/.
We welcome community partners to make these programs meaningful for our students.
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Please join us in congratulating these fine individuals
on their work anniversaries with the City of Batesville.
Scott Moeller
1990
35 Years
Blake Roope
2008
17 Years
Elaina Peters
2013
12 Years
Gregory Bottoms
2018
7 Years
Christopher Decker
2020
5 Years
Lucas Garvey
2020
5Years
Gregory Christin
2023
2 Years
Arron Smith
2024
1 Year
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Please note that these are only a few upcoming events in Batesville. For a more complete list, visit the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.batesvillein.com and click the link for “Community Calendar”
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MARCH MAYOR’S BOOK CLUB
The meeting will be held at Batesville Memorial Public Library
Check Here for More Information About the Book Club
Thursday, March 13, 2025 starting at 6:30pm
The book selection for March is “Meet Me at the Library: A Place to Foster Social Connection and Promote Democracy” by Shamichael Hallman.
You can visit the Batesville Memorial Public Library to borrow the book or if you’d prefer to buy your own copy, please shop local and visit The Bookshelf at 101 North Walnut. You can still shop small while ordering online by ordering your book through bookshop.org
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BCSC SPRING BREAK
March 14-21
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STATE OF THE CITY
Presented by Mayor John Irrgang
The Gibson Theatre
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
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FOURTH OF JULY ACTIVITIES
The City of Batesville is gearing up for an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration in 2025, and we're inviting businesses, non-profits, and service organizations to join the fun.
The community provided terrific feedback in the 2024 survey. Based on nearly 500 survey replies, we’d like to expand the festivities to create a day filled with excitement for all ages.
Here are just a few ideas to spark your imagination. These are the most popular suggestions received in the survey:
- Food trucks, food booths, or restaurant specials
- A family-friendly fishing derby
- Live music
- Games and activities for kids
- Bingo
- Breakfast before the parade
- Patriotic Costume Contest
Some ideas for how your business or nonprofit can participate:
- Family Fun Zone: Host exciting games, a petting zoo, or a fun obstacle course for children.
- Culinary Delights: Set up a mouthwatering food booth for your nonprofit or offer special Fourth of July menus at your restaurant.
- Join in the Parade: Ride a bike or bring your golf cart or ATV (floats welcome too of course!)
- Live Entertainment: Showcase local talent with a live music performance.
- Community Giveback: Offer complimentary refreshments or donate a portion of your proceeds to a local charity.
Interested in getting involved? Send an email to alinville@batesville.in.gov to discuss your participation options. We’re working to create an organized calendar for the day, and we’d love to have you there. Let's make this the most memorable Independence Day yet!
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LIFEGUARDS NEEDED
Even though we are all still bundled up in our coats and hats, the City of Batesville is hard at work planning for the summer months and the opening of the city pool.
To apply for a lifeguard position, click here for the application. Once completed, it can be dropped off at the Memorial Building at 1352 South Main or can be emailed to awade@batesville.in.gov.
If you are curious about getting a lifeguard certification, click here to learn more about the lifeguarding classes as the Southeastern Indiana YMCA.
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AN INVITATION TO LEADERS IN BUSINESS, INDUSTRY, AND SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Feeling disconnected from the pulse of our community? Want to make a real difference in Batesville? Then join us for "Community Partners," a quarterly gathering hosted by the City of Batesville and designed to connect local leaders, foster collaboration, and keep our community informed.
At "Community Partners," you'll:
*Discover new partnerships, share resources, and brainstorm innovative solutions to community challenges.
*Learn about exciting upcoming events and initiatives throughout Batesville. No more missed opportunities or feeling out of the loop!
*Benefit from expert marketing tips and hear inspiring case studies of successful community collaborations.
*Each meeting includes a "One Minute Update" where you can share your organization's latest news, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities with the group.
The next "Community Partners" meeting will be held in August. Please email alinville@batesville.in.gov to receive all the information.
Don't miss this valuable opportunity to connect with other leaders, positively impact our community, and ensure Batesville continues to thrive.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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WINTER PUB CRAWL HOSTED BY BATESVILLE MAIN STREET
Downtown Batesville was bustling with activity for the Winter Pub Crawl. There was bingo, drink specials, and tons of friends and fun. Special thanks to Batesville Main Street for coordinating this event and to all the merchants who participated.
LiL' Charlie's Restaurant and Brewery
Benny's Bar & Grill
Back Roads Bar and Grill
Randy's Roadhouse - Batesville
VFW Auxiliary 3183 - Batesville, Indiana
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We have a limited number of paper copies of this newsletter available for citizens with email difficulties.
Please call 812-933-6116 and leave a voicemail with their name and address (or send an email to alinville@batesville.in.gov), and we will mail them a copy each month.
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132 South Main Street
Batesville Indiana 47006
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