North Vernon Mayor Shawn Gerkin seeks READI 2.0 match for new Youth Center

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 10:55 AM

Mayor Gerkin-Courtesy of City of North Vernon

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — Mayor Shawn Gerkin announced that the city is preparing to formally commit local matching funds for a proposed multi-million-dollar community youth center anchored by the Boys & Girls Club.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) requires a formal resolution from the North Vernon Redevelopment Commission pledging local matching funds for a $4.9 million state READI 2.0 grant allocation.

The city plans to match the grant to fund the transformation of the local armory site into a youth facility with indoor basketball and volleyball courts.

The resolution, which will specify the exact dollar commitment from the redevelopment commission, will be presented at the October meeting.

Additional matching contributions are being coordinated with the Jennings County Community Foundation, local youth organizations, and the Jennings County Council.

Community Calender

Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome
26th Annual Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome. Saturday October 10, 11am at Donner Park. FREE Music, Food, Fun. Raffle Prizes, Touch a Truck & MORE
Sep 23, 2026 at Donner Park Shelter House
FREE Mill Race Marathon Training Program
Have you been thinking about running or walking a Mill Race Marathon this fall? Whether you're training for your first 5K or preparing for the half marathon...
Sep 24, 2026
Kelleen Strutz at Jazz at Helen's
Kelleen will be here Sept 25 at 730pm at Helen Haddad Hall
Sep 25, 2026