Also, Circle of Ivy announces $20,000 in grants; Bona Vista All-Abilities Prom, Oct. 9; Trunktoberfest at Judson Road Christian, Oct. 30
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Indiana American Water announced that it is providing a fourth bill credit to customers this month following the company’s receipt of proceeds from settlements reached with manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). With this latest credit, Indiana American Water will have returned more than $25.5 million of PFAS settlement distributions to customers statewide.
Since November 2025, eligible water customers have received nearly $75 per account in PFAS settlement credits. For the average residential customer, that amount exceeds the cost of a typical monthly water bill, based on average usage of 4,000 gallons per month and an average monthly bill of approximately $55.
The first credit, which was issued in November 2025, amounted to $13.20 per customer. A second credit of $39.43 was issued in January 2026, and a third credit came about in July and August, amounting to $10.64. The fourth credit, arriving this month, will mean $11.65 for each customer.
The credits distribute settlement proceeds Indiana American Water received from PFAS manufacturers through a customer bill credit mechanism approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). This streamlined approach allows settlement funds to be returned quickly, equitably and transparently through automatic bill credits that are applied equally among eligible tariffed water customer accounts.
The company plans to continue providing additional bill credits as future settlement payments are received and approved for distribution.
“Indiana American Water remains committed to returning these settlement proceeds directly to our customers while continuing to invest in the long-term protection of safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water across Indiana,” said Barry Suits, president of Indiana American Water. “These credits provide a direct customer benefit from the settlements, while our company continues making significant investments in monitoring, treatment technologies and infrastructure improvements designed to address contaminants of emerging concern such as PFAS. We believe customers should receive the benefit of these settlement funds as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
The credits are not based on whether PFAS has ever been detected in a customer’s water supply, and Indiana American Water remains committed to meeting all state and federal drinking water standards while proactively addressing evolving PFAS regulations.
Indiana American Water has been a leader in PFAS treatment and water quality investments in Indiana. In January 2026, the company announced operation of Indiana’s first drinking water treatment system specifically designed to remove PFAS at its Charlestown Water Treatment Plant. The company also has advanced PFAS treatment projects underway in Terre Haute and is evaluating additional treatment investments in other communities as part of its broader strategy to address emerging contaminants and comply with future regulatory requirements.
PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in consumer products and industrial applications for decades. Indiana American Water, along with numerous other water utilities nationwide, participated in multi-district litigation (MDL) proceedings seeking damages from manufacturers of PFAS chemicals. Settlement agreements provide payments over multiple years, allowing utilities to return proceeds to customers as funds are received.
Customers interested in learning more about PFAS, including what these compounds are, how they are regulated and the steps Indiana American Water is taking to address them, can visit the company’s PFAS information webpage at Indiana American Water PFAS Information. Customers can also view annual Water Quality Reports for their local community, which provide detailed information about drinking water quality, testing and compliance with state and federal standards.
Circle of Ivy announces $20,000 in grants
Here’s to the power of women in philanthropy!
That power was on full display recently when Ivy Tech Kokomo’s Circle of Ivy members gathered in Hingst Hall for the women’s philanthropic group’s fall luncheon.
“Our circle’s 126 members together raised $20,234 this year and voted to fund seven special projects that will empower, equip and elevate students from the six counties we serve,” said Allie Tomlinson, executive director of Development for the Kokomo Service Area. “We are so grateful for their friendship and belief in our mission of Ivy Tech.”
The grants the group selected for funding include:
- $3,975 to the Student Readiness Clinic for incoming Nursing and Health Science students to receive the required physicals, TB testing, and vaccinations prior to attending clinicals.
- $3,982 will provide Health Science and Nursing students who cannot afford a Compliance Tracking Program Subscription that is required to record background check, drug screen, and immunization records.
- $3,830 will provide Digital Multimeters for Automotive Students who have completed a technical certificate and continuing on to pursue an Associate Degree of Applied Science.
- $651 to the Pages of Potential: Young Ivy Scholars program to provide books and instructional materials to assist the Ivy Tech volunteers as they work with the Elwood Haynes Elementary students to increase their reading ability.
- $2,915 to Cass County Student Support to support the diverse population of Cass County by addressing the unique challenges multicultural students face.
- $1,500 for the Logansport Library Revitalization to make the library a warm and inviting place to visit.
- $3,380 for an Ultraviolet-VIS Spectrophotometer to expand Biology and Chemistry students’ hands-on experience with advanced scientific instrumentation, quantitative analysis, and research.
Members will learn how the funded projects have impacted student success when they return to Hingst Hall for the Circle of Ivy’s spring dinner on April 29, 2027.
Andrea Stonestreet served as guest speaker for the luncheon, describing the impact the Ivy Tech Kokomo Development team has had on her family.
Andrea shared that she and husband William, both Ivy Tech graduates, were supportive when son Will, then a senior at Northwestern High School, became part of Ivy Tech’s Integrated Training & Education Pathways (ITEP). He was taking college courses and learning even more as an intern at the FCA Transmission Plant.
Will’s life was tragically cut short in a traffic accident in November 2017. Andrea said Kelly Karickhoff, then executive director of Development, reached out and gently guided them through the process of establishing a scholarship in Will’s memory. The Will Stonestreet Technology Scholarship for Industrial Technology majors grew past its $10,000 goal and now is funded through an endowment that has grown to more than $24,000.
“Thanks to Kelly, the scholarship was a blessing in the midst of sorrow,” Andrea said. “Ivy Tech created beauty from the ashes. With each scholarship given, Will’s name is there. He is remembered.”
For information about the Circle of Ivy, contact Allie Tomlinson at atomlinson32@ivytech.edu or 463-223-5483. Anyone interested in helping celebrate Will’s life may make a memorial contribution to the Will Stonestreet Technology Scholarship at https://impact.ivytech.edu/willstonestreet.
Bona Vista All-Abilities Prom, Oct. 9
DSI Together with Bona Vista will hold its annual All-Abilities Prom on Fri., Oct. 9. The event takes place at Bona Vista’s Crossing facility at 1221 S. Plate St.
The entire community is invited to join Bona Vista’s clients for an evening of dancing, music, food, and fun, including photo ops and a chance to relive that special date night from the old school days.
This year’s theme is “Once Upon a Sweet,” so expect some candy and cake-centered decor. The event’s dress code ranges from casual to formal, so couples can decide ahead of time what fashion statement they’d like to make.
Those interested in attending the All-Abilities Prom are asked to RSVP by following the QR code on the graphic included with this article. For additional information about DSI Together with Bona Vista, visit dsiservices.org.
Trunktoberfest at Judson Road Christian, Oct. 30
There is trick-or-treat. There is trunk-or-treat. And then there is Trunktoberfest!
Judson Road Christian Church, 2006 W. Judson Road, will welcome every ghoul, goblin, princess, and superhero to visit on Fri., Oct. 30, from 6-9 p.m. for plenty of sweet and safe treats and so much more.
There will be tons of games, a dunk tank, a hayride, and live music. And for the grown-ups who want to celebrate the season and engage in a little friendly competition, there will be a chili cook-off between the Judson Road parishioners. Enjoy the chili and choose your favorite. There also will be drinks and a coffee truck at the event.
For more information, visit Judson Road Christian Church on Facebook.