The expanded Indiana Digital Archives has a new home! Now called the Research Indiana Indexes, the site includes over 1.36 million names and entries and can be found on the Indiana State Archives’ website at www.in.gov/iara/services-for-public/search-archives-holdings. The site allows users to search the names of Hoosiers indexed in the Indiana State Archives’ historic collection, spanning more than two hundred years. To go directly to the name search index click here.

The Research Indiana Indexes includes everything previously available on the Indiana Digital Archives, like Civil War and other military records, original land sales, and prison records. In addition, the site has over 100,000 additions and increased search capabilities. Some of the new tables included are:

• Several naturalization tables, including Benton, Cass, Decatur, Delaware, Franklin, Fulton, Huntington, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, LaGrange, LaPorte, Madison, Marshall, Miami, Newton, Orange, Perry, Posey, Shelby, Spencer, Vanderburgh, Vigo and Washington counties, as well as naturalizations, did in the Supreme Court. The naturalization records of 66 Indiana counties are now indexed and searchable online.
• Marshall County court records (1870 to 1945)
• Foster Parent Applications (1877 to 1933)
• Significant additions to the Supreme Court and Dissolved Corporations indexes

Researchers and genealogists alike can use the Research Indiana Indexes to discover new Indiana stories: find your ancestor in the earliest state pharmacist records, or browse through a list of 19th-century petitions submitted for pardons from the Governor.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Effective Oct. 1, 2021, two Indiana county income tax rates will increase, according to the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR).

Local income tax rates are determined by county officials and provided to DOR for review regarding compliance with Indiana law.

Below are the two counties impacted along with their new tax rates:

• Owen County: 0.025 (increased from 0.016)
• Warrick County: 0.01 (increased from 0.005)

These tax rates affect businesses with employees who live or work in any of these counties and have income tax withholdings.

• For Indiana residents on Jan. 1, 2021, county tax rates for individuals are based on the employee’s Indiana county of residence on that date.
• For individuals who are not Indiana residents on Jan. 1, 2021, county tax rates are based on the individual’s county of principal business or employment on Jan. 1.

A complete list of current rates for all Indiana counties is available on DOR’s website in Departmental Notice #1 at dor.in.gov by clicking on the “Legal Resources” icon, then choosing “Tax Library” and selecting the “Departmental Notices” tab.

Todd Rokita Warns Hoosiers To Beware Of Purchasing Flood-Damaged Vehicles

Attorney General Todd Rokita is warning Hoosier consumers to watch out for flood-damaged vehicles when shopping for used cars.

Hurricane Ida recently brought widespread and devastating flooding throughout large portions of the southern United States. As affected communities begin to recover from the damage, car buyers around the country, including in Indiana, need to be aware of the likelihood that increased numbers of flood-damaged vehicles will be offered for sale.

“We take action every day against individuals who have victimized Hoosiers by engaging in deceptive and unfair business practices,” Attorney General Todd Rokita said. “But we also stress education and outreach to help Hoosiers avoid becoming victims in the first place.”

As a result of Hurricane Ida, tens of thousands of vehicles were likely submerged by flooding. Prior to Hurricane Ida, there were already almost a half million flood-damaged vehicles on U.S. roads. That number is now likely to increase significantly.

Flood damage to a vehicle is often catastrophic, and even if the most obvious damage is repaired, the vehicle can suffer long-lasting effects. Besides cosmetic and engine damage, floods can short out a vehicle’s electrical system and compromise safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes. Floods also can cause mold and mildew infestation that can result in health issues for passengers long after a vehicle was submerged.

If a vehicle is flood damaged, its title should be branded as “salvage” or “flood damage,” and such a title brand must be disclosed in writing to a purchasing consumer. However, some flood-damaged vehicles lack such a title brand due to fraudulent activity. Such unbranded vehicles will be moved to states throughout the country, including Indiana, and sold to unsuspecting consumers. With the current shortage of used car inventory, unscrupulous sellers will likely be even more aggressive in pushing flood-damaged vehicles onto the market.

To reduce the risk of unknowingly purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle, consumers should follow these steps prior to making a transaction:

• Ask the dealer to provide a vehicle history report. If the dealer refuses to provide such a report, purchase one yourself. Consumers can obtain a vehicle history report from a variety of sources, such as Carfax, Autocheck, the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, or the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

• Check the vehicle’s history report to see if there are any reported title brands on the vehicle, such as “salvage,” “rebuilt,” “junk” or “flood damage.” Also note on the report the state or geographic area where the vehicle was last titled or registered to determine if the vehicle was recently located in an area affected by flooding.

• Ask to see the vehicle’s title, or a copy of the title, and check to see if the title includes any title brands, including “salvage,” “rebuilt,” “junk” or “flood damage.”

• Inspect the vehicle closely for any signs of flood damage by checking to ensure all electronic components, including the heat and air conditioning, are operational. Check for any signs of mud or rust anywhere on or in the vehicle, including the engine compartment. Check for discolored or mildewed carpeting. Note whether the vehicle has any odd smells. Be suspicious of a vehicle that smells like mildew. The aroma of heavy disinfectants and cleaners may also be an indicator that someone has tried to mask a mold or odor problem.

• Take the vehicle for a test drive.

• Have an independent mechanic of your choosing inspect the vehicle prior to purchase. Specifically ask the mechanic to check for any signs of flood damage.

Hoosiers can apply for assistance to help with their utility costs, including a new program focused on household water expenses.

IHCDA’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) EAP provides a one-time annual benefit that can assist you with the high cost of home energy and can help if you are about to get disconnected. An EAP benefit will not cover all of your annual heating and electrics costs, so you should continue to pay your bills regularly.

Please click HERE to access the online application for utility assistance.

When you complete the EAP application, check the box that you want to receive water assistance as well. The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary emergency water/wastewater program that will help low-income households and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It will be used to fund a one-time benefit for eligible households who have been disconnected or are on disconnect notice from water/wastewater services or arrearages for water/wastewater services. This funding is available to be used through September 2023 and the program will be finished when the funds run out.

For assistance and/or questions about the Energy Assistance and/or Water Assistance programs, please contact the Community Programs team at LIHEAP@ihcda.in.gov.