INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO): Yesterday, Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann announced the cities that will be awarded money from Indiana's Hardest Hit Fund Blight Elimination program. Making the list locally are seven cities located in DeKalb, Noble, and Blackford counties; they'll be receiving a combined total of over 1.6 million dollars to help prevent avoidable foreclosures. An estimated 4,000 abandoned homes will be eliminated across the state, which should help to stabilize property values.

The following cities will all receive money:

DeKalb County:
-The City of Auburn – $100,000
-The City of Garrett – $75,000
-The Town of Waterloo – $236,000

Noble County/The City of Kendallville – $487,000

Blackford County:
-City of Dunkirk (Jay/Blackford) – $176,000
-City of Hartford City – $507,000
-City of Montpelier – $61,000