Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How is IMPD trying to reach 15,000 Indianapolis kids?

Happening soon: The Nutcracker - presented by Metropolitan Youth Ballet on the Indianapolis Patch calendar

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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Good morning Indianapolis! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How is IMPD trying to reach 15,000 Indianapolis kids?
  • Are your holiday packages stuck in an Indianapolis mail facility?
  • Could wastewater soon be flowing into Eagle Creek Reservoir?

Also on today's calendar: The Nutcracker - presented by Metropolitan Youth Ballet and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Indianapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Indianapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Breezy and much colder, with a high of 29 and low of 26 degrees.
  • Saturday: Breezy in the morning, temps: high: 48, low: 24.
  • Sunday: Colder with plenty of sun, with a high of 35 and low of 26 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. IMPD reflects on community engagement efforts (wishtv.com) — Indianapolis police spent 2025 expanding youth outreach, connecting with more than 15,000 young people through school visits, camps, sports, and the new CEOB Community Day Jamboree. IMPD leaders say these programs, including Teen Academy and Indy Pal, aim to prevent violence by building trust and giving kids safe spaces and mentors, with even more engagement planned for 2026.
   

2. Indianapolis residents face mixed experiences with USPS during busiest shipping week (wrtv.com) — Indianapolis residents are seeing very different experiences with USPS deliveries during the busiest mailing week of the year, with some packages stalled for nearly two weeks at a local distribution center. Others say their mail is arriving on time, while postal officials urge accurate addressing and correct ZIP codes to avoid delays as the final Christmas shipping deadline approaches.
   

3. Lebanon Utilities plans pipeline to Eagle Creek Reservoir (wrtv.com) — Indianapolis officials are weighing a proposal for Lebanon Utilities to pump treated wastewater into Eagle Creek Reservoir, raising concerns about wildlife, water quality, and transparency. The Eagle Creek Advisory Committee and State Sen. J.D. Ford want a full water study, which the city says it supports, while Lebanon Utilities works toward a 2026 pipeline design and plans a future town hall for residents.
   

4. 'We're in a Crisis': Eskenazi launches new programs to improve maternal health (wrtv.com) — New Eskenazi Health programs are targeting maternal and infant deaths in Indianapolis neighborhoods, especially on the east, far east and west sides. Free initiatives like NEST and Mothers Get a Lyft will connect pregnant residents with prenatal care, social support and transportation, with a focus on Black mothers who face the highest risks.
   

5. Proposed Decatur Township data center sparks opposition, bypasses council vote (wthr.com) — A major data center proposed for Decatur Township in Indianapolis is advancing without a City-County Council vote because the land is already zoned industrial, frustrating nearby residents. Neighbors worry about higher electric bills and infrastructure strain, while the developer touts millions in tax revenue and jobs ahead of a key Metropolitan Development Commission vote on Jan. 29.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • MISSING GIRL: 15 years old, pink coat, blonde hair, about 5’4”.
    She’s been missing since 5pm, we have been looking and have reported to the police but we have no idea which direction she went. anyone on or around… (Nextdoor Mapleton Fall Creek)
  • Found dog this morning at 730 am Delaware and 32st.
    Female , brown, medium size and Pink leash. Please contact Nicole 317 809 6442. (Nextdoor Meridian Park)

Ok Indianapolis! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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