Lincoln Day Dinner Returns to Bedford This Friday: Lawrence County Has Every Right to Celebrate Where It’s Headed
This Friday, April 10, the Lawrence County Republican Party will host its 2026 Lincoln Day Dinner at the Historic Indiana Limestone Company in Bedford — and the evening is shaping up to be more than just a traditional political gathering. With the event nearly sold out and a marquee keynote from State Rep. Hunter Smith (the former Indianapolis Colts punter turned legislator), it’s the perfect moment for the community to come together and mark real progress in a county that is quietly building serious economic momentum.
Lawrence County sits in a strong position relative to its neighbors. While Monroe County’s median household income edges higher (around $67,457 in 2024 data, boosted by Indiana University), Lawrence County’s $65,270 median household income holds its own for a rural manufacturing and limestone stronghold. Unemployment in December 2025 matched the statewide rate at a solid 2.7 percent. Per capita personal income stands at $54,421 (about 89 percent of the state average), and the county’s poverty rate is only slightly above the Indiana average. In short, Lawrence County isn’t just keeping pace — it’s showing tangible signs of acceleration.
That momentum was on full display in 2025, when Bedford alone recorded $32 million in commercial investment — a sharp 68 percent jump from $19 million the year before. Thirteen new commercial construction permits were issued and another 30 for remodels and upgrades. Local leaders and businesses are pouring money into the community rather than looking elsewhere, and the results are visible.
Standout projects include:
- A $3 million expansion at CAP Group Inc.
- An $8 million investment in a new fire safety system at GM’s Bedford Casting Operations.
- The opening of a new Culver’s (which set one of the chain’s highest single-day sales records) and Rookie’s entertainment center and restaurant in the former Great Escape Theater space.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the pipeline remains strong. Wawa is resuming construction at Fifth Street and State Road 37, with opening expected this fall. Del Taco has submitted rezoning plans for a new location on John Williams Boulevard and Limestone Drive. Walmart is adding a fueling station at its existing store, and additional retail pads on John Williams Boulevard and Williams Park Drive are ready for development. A 77-unit apartment complex is already under construction on 39th Street.
Transportation upgrades are reinforcing the growth. Ongoing Indiana Department of Transportation projects on State Road 37 include resurfacing, reduced-conflict intersections, rumble strips, and targeted bridge work — all designed to improve safety and flow through the heart of the county. These improvements, combined with the county’s proximity to Naval Support Activity Crane and its established limestone, automotive, and defense-related industries, position Lawrence County as an increasingly attractive place for both residents and new investment.
The Lawrence County Economic Growth Council continues to drive proactive recruitment and retention efforts, including workforce training partnerships at StoneGate Center and support for small businesses. In a region where some neighboring counties lean heavily on tourism or higher education, Lawrence County is proving that a balanced, manufacturing-and-retail foundation — paired with smart infrastructure — can deliver steady, sustainable growth.
That’s exactly why this Friday’s Lincoln Day Dinner feels like more than politics as usual. It’s a celebration of where Lawrence County is right now and, more importantly, where it’s headed. Attendees will enjoy fellowship, great food, and an evening at one of Bedford’s most iconic venues — the Historic Indiana Limestone Company, itself a symbol of the county’s industrial heritage and ongoing strength.
State Rep. Hunter Smith will deliver the keynote. A former NFL punter who played for the Colts, Smith brings a unique perspective on leadership, teamwork, and Hoosier values to the podium. His message is expected to focus on the legislative accomplishments from the recently completed session and how state policies on government efficiency, tax relief, and economic development are helping counties like Lawrence County thrive.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person (or sponsorship packages for tables of eight). The event is nearly sold out — only a limited number of individual tickets and tables remain. To reserve your spot, email Lawcogop@gmail.com or message the Lawrence County Republican Party on Facebook as soon as possible.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or simply a Lawrence County resident who wants to see the area continue its upward trajectory, this is the night to connect with neighbors, hear from local and state leaders, and toast the progress that’s already underway. In a time when many communities are still recovering, Lawrence County is moving forward — with new businesses, better roads, growing investment, and a clear vision for the future.
Friday’s dinner is the perfect place to celebrate that momentum. See you at the limestone plant — tickets won’t last much longer.
For more details or to RSVP, visit the Lawrence County Republican Party Facebook page or email Lawcogop@gmail.com.