During his eight years in the Indiana Senate, Aaron Freeman has made more than a few enemies among Indianapolis Democrats for routinely meddling in city affairs, leading to accusations he acts as more of a city councilor than state lawmaker.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) denied a permit application to turn wetlands in Marion County into a retail complex last week. Gershman Partners submitted a permit in February to transform wetlands in Franklin Township – on the northeast corner of East County Line Road and South Arlington Avenue – into an area with warehouses and a hotel. IDEM rejected the proposal stating the developers did not show “reasonable alternatives” to destroying the wetlands.

Two of the three incumbents face challengers in three races for seats on the Franklin Township school board. One is running unopposed.

Franklin Township Community School Corporation is asking voters to approve a nearly $100 million property tax referendum in the May primary. The construction referendum would allow the school to build an additional wing to the 50-year-old Franklin Central High School and make improvements at six elementary schools.

The merger of Franklin, Union and Needham townships in Johnson County south of Indianapolis took effect Jan. 1 following unanimous votes in favor of the merger by all three township boards last April.

In every state, the AP and Chalkbeat surveyed the largest school districts in each of four categories set by the National Center for Education Statistics: urban, suburban, town and rural.

The Indianapolis City-County Council held a full meeting Monday night and discussed a variety of issues.

Aaron Freeman, an Indianapolis City-County Councillor, announced Wednesday he will run for the seat being vacated by fellow Republican Sen. Patricia Miller.