Trustee Cathy J Lareau

06/14/2026

This week, DAV Chapter #17 Commander Steve Bremer, past State DAV Commander Bob Carnegey, and I attended the St. John/Dyer Chamber luncheon, where we had the opportunity to promote the upcoming August 22, 2026 DAV Walk.

I hope you’ll join us. And please don’t let the word “walk” discourage you to participate — you can walk as much or as little as you’d like. The goal is simply to support our local veterans.

06/05/2026

Thank you to the St. John Lions Club for your generous monetary donation to the St. John Township Food Pantry. Your contribution will make a meaningful difference to families in our Township who are facing financial hardship. Your kindness, care, and continued commitment to our community are truly commendable. We are deeply grateful, and we thank you!!

05/29/2026

Thank you, Daniel, from the St. John Post Office, for dropping off the generous food pantry donation collected during the Post Office’s May food drive. The kindness and commitment shown by all of you and the residents is truly appreciated. Your donation will go to help families in the Township who are in need of food assistance. Thank you!!

05/26/2026

This is a wonderful overview of what we do.

Across Indiana, township trustees are often the quiet helpers of their communities — serving neighbors in moments of crisis, providing aid during financial hardship, supporting fire and emergency services, and making sure no one faces difficult times alone.

Township government is more than a level of local government — it’s neighbors helping neighbors.

Every day, township officials work behind the scenes to strengthen communities, connect residents to resources, and provide compassionate service where it matters most. Whether it’s emergency assistance, community support, or helping families navigate challenging times, township trustees continue to make a real difference in the lives of Hoosiers across our state.

The Indiana Township Association is proud to support the dedicated township leaders who serve their communities with professionalism, compassion, and commitment.

Strong Townships. Strong Indiana.

Learn more at: www.ita-in.org

05/23/2026

Remembering and Honoring all who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy and are blessed with.

05/09/2026

Last Sunday, I had the privilege of co‑hosting a DAV (Disabled American Veterans) informational meeting. Veterans within a 25‑mile radius of the St. John Township Community Center were invited to learn more about the VA benefits they may be eligible to receive. DAV Chapter 17 service officers were also on hand to assist veterans with filing their VA claims.

We welcomed approximately 60 attendees, and I’m proud to share that 39 veterans were able to file a claim that day.

It is truly an honor to partner with DAV and support the men and women who have served our country!

If you would like more information on help with filing a VA claim, you may call the St. John Township Trustee Office at (219) 865-2705. We will assist in connecting you with a DAV service officer.

05/04/2026

Governor Braun signed SEA 270 into law, a bill addressing township mergers. Senator Rick Niemeyer authored this commonsense legislation in collaboration with the Indiana Township Association (ITA). The bill is performance‑based and evaluates townships using a point system. If a township reaches a designated point threshold, it will be required to merge with an adjoining township. The goal is to address townships that are operating inefficiently.

I attended the Dyer, Schererville, and St. John Town Council meetings to reassure members that our township is not affected by this legislation. I ensure that we remain fully compliant with all requirements of the State Board of Accounts (SBOA) and the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF). We also operate efficiently and responsibly in serving our community across all areas of our work.

The bill evaluates calendar years 2023 and 2024. The chart below outlines the amount of township assistance provided during that period.

04/30/2026

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for having been part of the monumental purchase of a 2026 ALS (Advanced Life Support) ambulance for Lake Hills Fire Department.
When every minute matters in an emergency, it is truly an honor to have worked alongside the St. John Township Board and the Lake Hills Fire Chief and Deputy Chief to bring this level of care and this new ambulance to the residents of St. John Township.
In 2023, the Township Board and I made the decision to move forward with this investment, and I signed the contract for the new ambulance in October of that year.
Yesterday, Lake Hills Fire Chief Michalak and Deputy Chief VanVleet picked up the ambulance and drove it to the Township Board meeting. The photos capture just how excited we all were to see it together for the first time.

In addition to myself, pictures include:
St. John Township Board:
Lisa Elder, Mike Quigley, Eric Stanich;
Lake Hills Fire Department: Chief Michalak, Deputy Chief VanVleet, Assistant Chief Michalak, and Lake Hills Board President Michalak

04/28/2026

Yesterday, I attended the mandatory State Board of Accounts (SBOA) State Called Meeting, the annual conference that all township trustees are required to attend. During the session, the SBOA reviewed state statutes related to trustees and township operations to help ensure our compliance and support us in preparing for audits.

“The Indiana State Board of Accounts shall keep the attendance of elected officials at each conference called by the State Examiner and publish the attendance on the Indiana State Board of Accounts' website.”

Pictured with me are other trustees from the area (Alice Dahl, Kevin Toth and Jan Meyers) and SBOA Government Technical Assistance and Compliance (GTAC) Director, Jonathan.

04/23/2026

UPDATE: Due to circumstances beyond the Township’s control, IU has cancelled the Mobile Lung Screening. They are experiencing mechanical difficulties with their truck. We will notify you as soon as a new date is scheduled.
I apologize for any inconvenience.
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