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Olson’s big night spoiled in loss to Slammers

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Evansville, Ind. – Jacob Olson’s three-hit day was not enough as the Evansville Otters fell 6-4 to the Joliet Slammers in the series opener Friday night at Duly Health and Care Field.

Olson launched a two-run home run over the right field wall in the second inning to give the Otters a 2-0 lead. Evansville scored first for the 17th consecutive game.

The Otters’ first baseman added a single in the fourth and double in the sixth for his first three-hit performance of the season.

Despite the early scoring from the Otters, Joliet did enough with the bats in the third and fourth inning to pull away themselves. A two-run home run tied the game in the third before the Slammers took the lead with three runs in the fourth courtesy of a walk, single, double and error.

James Krick and Leoni de La Cruz worked out of the bullpen to keep the Otters within swimming distance of the Slammers. Krick tossed two scoreless innings before De La Cruz struck out all three batters he faced in the seventh.

Evansville plated two in the eighth to cut the lead to one. Jomar Reyes had the key hit and would score on great baserunning when he went all the way home from second on a routine ground ball, catching the Slammers off guard, allowing Reyes to advance home on the mental miscue.

Joliet added a run in the bottom of the eighth to extend the lead to two and the Otters went down in order in the ninth.

Ethan Skender extended his hit streak to 10 games. Kona Quiggle brought his on-base streak to 16 games and Bryan Rosario stole his league-leading 21st base of the season.

Game two between the Slammers and Otters is slated for 6:05 PM CT Saturday evening in Joliet.

All home and road Otters games this season are televised on FloSports with audio-only coverage available for free on the Evansville Otters YouTube page.

Gov. Beshear Announces $3.6 Million in Awards To Benefit Woodford County

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gov beshear
gov beshear

Gov. Beshear Announces $3.6 Million in Awards To Benefit Woodford County

JUNE 1, 2023

Funds support tourism, economic development, infrastructure, law enforcement, nonprofits, and local park

 Gov. Beshear announced more than $3.6 million in funding that will benefit tourism marketing, economic development, water infrastructure, transportation projects, law enforcement, nonprofits and a park in Woodford County.

“We’re making sure that every community across Kentucky is a part of the bright future we’re all working to secure,” said Gov. Beshear. “These kinds of investments move our communities forward. If we stack up enough good days, that brighter future will be here for us and generations to come.”

“Today, we celebrated funding to improve the lives of citizens across Woodford County,” said County Judge/Executive James Kay. “We have so much to look forward to, and these funds will help move forward important projects in our communities.”

“The City of Versailles is grateful that Gov. Beshear has recognized opportunities to invest in our local infrastructure, economic development and nonprofits,” said Mayor Brian Traugott of Versailles. “Often these grants make the difference in a project moving forward or remaining in the planning stage.”

Cleaner Water Program
Gov. Beshear announced the commitment of $2.8 million in funding from the Cleaner Water Program. The funds will go toward the following projects:

  • $1.2 million to bring water service to 33 unserved homes in Woodford County;
  • $1 million to install almost 7,000 feet of water main in Versailles;
  • $432,270 to install over 1,000 new water meters. These funds will also aid in rehabbing a water tank and a pump station;
  • $100,000 to help maintain a water tank at the Midway Industrial Park; and
  • Gov. Beshear also recapped his earlier announcement that the Northeast Woodford County Water District will use $100,000 to repaint an aging storage tank, allowing the tank to stay in operation.

The Cleaner Water Program is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority. Through a bipartisan agreement with the General Assembly, $500 million has been appropriated to provide clean drinking water and wastewater grants to fund projects in all 120 counties since 2021.

“The City of Midway will benefit greatly from this grant, and we appreciate the opportunity to invest in vital infrastructure and in future generations who call Midway home,” said Mayor Stacy Thurman of Midway.

“I would like to thank the state for providing the grant so we can paint our water tank,” said Northeast Woodford County Water District Chairman John Davis. “Maintaining the facilities and the resources that we have is extremely important, and this will do that. I thank them greatly for this, and that’s on behalf of 1,021 customers in our water district.”

Community Development Block Grant Funding for The Rickhouse Hotel

Gov. Beshear announced $300,000 will help purchase distilling equipment for The Rickhouse Hotel and Distillery in Versailles. This hotel will be at the former Woodford Bank & Trust Building. The boutique hotel will be complete with a restaurant and a bourbon distillery specializing in experimental craft bourbons. The project is expected create 15 jobs.

The funding comes from the Community Development Block Grant program, administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government.

Land and Water Conservation Fund

Gov. Beshear recapped his announcement that Woodford County plans to use $125,000 to construct a new picnic pavilion at the Huntertown Community Interpretive Park.

The federally funded Land and Water Conservation Fund has allotted $3.9 million to communities across Kentucky for a wide variety of outdoor, health-related improvements, including the renovation or replacement of playground equipment, construction of walking and paths and bringing recreational facilities into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines. To receive the federal funds, which are administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government, selected applicants must undergo federal review and receive approval from the National Park Service.

Law Enforcement Protection Program

Gov. Beshear announced $76,759.44 in funding to the City of Versailles from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security through the Law Enforcement Protection Program. The funds will be used to better protect police officers.

Nonprofit Assistance Fund

Gov. Beshear awarded over $321,000 to eight local nonprofits in Woodford County. The awards come from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund, which is helping organizations across Kentucky recover from the impacts of the pandemic. The funding comes from ARPA, and Gov. Beshear supported the allocation of funds by the 2022 General Assembly. This funding will provide one-time direct relief payments to support the mission and long-term sustainability of each eligible nonprofit.

The awards include:

  • $100,000 to the Life Adventure Center;
  • $69,368 to the Bluegrass Railroad Museum;
  • $60,797 to the Woodford Theater;
  • $48,115 to the Woodford Habitat for Humanity;
  • $26,064 to the HOPE Spay/Neuter Clinic;
  • $10,000 to the Art Village;
  • $4,092.66 to the Salvation Army of Woodford County; and
  • $2,593 to Strengthening Transformations.

“As divisional commander of the Salvation Army, Kentucky-Tennessee Division, I extend deep gratitude to the Governor of Kentucky and the General Assembly for their generous gift from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund,” Maj. Thomas Louden said. “These funds will provide emergency financial assistance to those in need and enable us to expand our efforts in feeding the hungry. Together, we can transform lives and foster a brighter future for Woodford County. Thank you for your unwavering support.”

“Here at Strengthening Transformations, we strive to transform women and girls’ adversities into strengths,” said founder Brittany Campbell.

“These funds will help Woodford Habitat continue to provide affordable housing in Woodford County,” Woodford Habitat for Humanity president Ron Baker said.

“When you give up on the humanities you will lose your humanity,” said Judy English, president of the Art Village. “The funds will be used to assist the arts in our community. Creativity at all ages and in all walks of life is essential.”

Tourism Marketing Funding

Gov. Beshear awarded $63,167 to the Woodford County Tourist Commission to support travel marketing and promotion. The award is part of the $75 million in ARPA funding announced by the Governor in July to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy following the decline in visitors brought on by the pandemic.

“Woodford County is so thankful for the ARPA recovery monies to the community that will allow tourism to have a wider reach than ever before to tell the story and invite the world to experience Woodford County charm and all that we have to offer here as one of the nation’s best-hidden gems,” said Emily Downey, executive director of Woodford County Tourist Commission (Reserve Woodford). “We aim to be a standalone destination and not just a pass-through or flyover community as people travel from North to South or come to our larger communities in Kentucky. This investment will allow us the unique opportunity to market Woodford County and invite the world to eat, stay and play.”

The funds are distributed by the Kentucky Department of Tourism to eligible tourism organizations throughout the Commonwealth.

Transportation Upgrades

Gov. Beshear announced $60,000 in funding to help resurface a portion of Old Clifton Road and a portion of the Old Clifton Road exit in Woodford County. Maintenance on the road will create safe traveling conditions, and the improved boat ramp will increase traffic to the area for boating season.

Legislator Quotes

“Clean water, law enforcement and economic development are critical to a healthy, thriving community, but so are our local parks where families play and the nonprofits who help those in need,” said Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe of Lexington. “The General Assembly worked hard to make sure funds were allocated through the state budget for our communities’ needs, and I was honored to be part of it.”

“I am very pleased to take part in this announcement for such integral funding for our community,” said Rep. Dan Fister of Versailles. “Whether it is water infrastructure or nonprofit assistance, the legislature has fought to make sure our local facets are taken care of. I look forward to seeing projects take shape as a result of the work of my colleagues and I.”

OLD NATIONAL EVENTS PLAZA GOES CASHLESS THIS WEEKEND

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OLD NATIONAL EVENTS PLAZA GOES CASHLESS THIS WEEKEND

JUNE 3, 1023

 Evansville, IN – June 3, 2023 – Old National Events Plaza, Evansville’s convention center and entertainment theatre, will transition to cashless transactions for all food and bar services this weekend. The move comes on the heels of a major shift in cash-handling policies at venues across the nation during the pandemic. The result of cashless efforts at food service and bar locations has been noticeable; cashless transactions decrease wait times and increase customer satisfaction.

“We always want to do what’s best for our patrons to enhance their experience while at The Plaza. Many ASM Global properties made the shift to cashless services during the pandemic and have seen significant spikes in positive customer feedback along with drops in wait times. Our team plans to assist guests with alternatives as we make this transition, and we look forward to impressing crowds with our service times,” said Nick Wallace, The Plaza’s General Manager.

The Plaza’s cashless food and beverage policy will start with the Nate Bargatze shows this Saturday evening. Guests may pay for food and beverage with any debit or credit card, along with mobile wallet apps including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and Cash App. Gift cards from major banks will also be accepted at bar and food service locations

                             About Old National Events Plaza

Old National Events Plaza, managed by ASM Global, is Evansville, Indiana’s premier convention center and largest live entertainment theatre. Housing a spacious 2,500-seat theatre, 38,000 square- feet of column free exhibit space, a beautiful 14,000 square-foot ballroom, and 12,00 square-feet of meeting space, Old National Events Plaza hosts a variety of events. The venue offers easy scheduling, one-stop-shop services, and in-house catering and audio-visual services. For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com.

About ASM Global

ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. For more information, please visit www.asmglobal.com.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY DEMOCRATIC NEWSLETTER

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  • May 31st – June 13th — Stephanie Terry Listening Tour
  • June 3rd — River City Pride Parade
  • June 16th — Hoosier Hospitality Dinner
  • June 16th — Missy Mosby Golf Scramble
  • June 23rd — 8th District Dems Golf Scramble
  • June 24th — 8th District Dems Regular Meeting

Celebrate love and equality at the River City Pride Parade on June 3! Join us for a vibrant and inclusive event that embraces diversity. Show your support, march together, and let’s make a powerful statement of unity. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary celebration! We will meet at 11:15 AM at 101 NW 4th St. (parking lot on the corner of Sycamore St. & 5th St.)
View Event on Facebook

Mark your calendars for June 24 at 9 AM! The Vanderburgh County Democratic Party invites you to join us at Ironworkers Local 103 for our monthly breakfast meeting. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with fellow Democrats, discuss important local issues, and strengthen our community’s voice. Be a part of the democratic process, share your ideas, and contribute to building a brighter future for Vanderburgh County. We look forward to seeing you there!
View Event on Facebook

Save the date! On June 16, join us in Indianapolis for the 2023 Hoosier Hospitality Dinner. This exclusive event is open to all state-wide party members, offering an evening of camaraderie, networking, and celebration. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as we come together to strengthen our party’s unity and vision. with a delectable dinner and inspiring speakers.

We’re looking forward to seeing you and having a night of food and fellowship with Democrats from all across Indiana.
Buy Tickets
May 31 – Sixth Ward – 6:00 PM
June 6 – Fifth Ward – 6:00 PM
June 13 – First Ward – 5:30 PM
Follow 8th District Dems on Facebook

July 22, 2023

Join the Indiana Democratic Party on Saturday, July 22nd at 10 AM for our District 8 Candidate Training! This in-person training will focus on setting local campaigns up for success this 2023 municipal cycle by thoroughly covering the topics of field and data.
View Event

Eagles announce addition of Hasson for 2023-24

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball announced the addition of six-foot-nine forward Yarin Hasson (Gan Yavne, Israel) to the roster for the 2023-24 season. Hasson is the fifth new player to join the Screaming Eagles and Head Coach Stan Gouard this spring.  
 
“We are very thrilled to add Yarin to our program,” said Gouard. “He has challenged himself, both academically and athletically, and is well prepared to thrive at USI.
 
“Yarin plays the game with a lot of enthusiasm and passion,” continued Gouard. “Our fans will absolutely love watching him compete in a Screaming Eagles uniform.
 
“He has the size and athleticism to be efficient around the rim, while combining that with the necessary ball skills to make him a very unique and talented player on the perimeter,” concluded Gouard.
 
Hasson transfers to USI from the University of Connecticut where he was a member of the Huskies 2023 NCAA National Championship team. He appeared in 11 games as a freshman playing in 11 minutes.
 
Prior to joining the UConn program, Hasson played high school basketball for Gimnasia Realit in Rishon Le-Zion, Israel, and is a member of the U18 Israeli National Team. He also has played for Maccabi rishon le Zion, a club team, and is considered one of the top rising young players in Israel.
 
In addition to Hasson, the Eagles have added 6-foot-10 center Nolan Causwell (Duluth, Georgia), 6-foot-5 guard Xavier McCord (Cheyenne, Wyoming), 6-foot-1 guard Luther Smith, Jr. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), and 6-foot-2 guard Jordan Tillmon (Pine Bluff, Arkansas) for the 2023-24 season.

 

Noelle Peplowski Joins Indiana Coaching Staff

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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana head swimming coach Ray Looze announced Friday (June 2) that recently graduated swimmer Noelle Peplowski has joined the IU coaching staff as an assistant coach for men’s and women’s swimming.

“It is an honor to have Noelle join our coaching staff,” Looze said. “She has been one of our all-time best athletes over the last five years, and she has the make-up, intelligence and foundation to become an outstanding coach.

“I believe her experiences in swimming will translate immediately into her coaching career. We are excited to have her continue to contribute to our Hoosier swimmers.”

“I am thrilled to join the Indiana swimming and diving staff,” Peplowski said. “Spending the last five years as a student-athlete here have proved how special the environment is here in Bloomington. The culture, tradition of success and high expectations are unmatched.

“I want to thank Coach Looze along with the rest of the staff for providing this opportunity to continue my journey, now outside of the pool. I’m excited for the challenge. Go Hoosiers!”

Following her fifth-year season at IU, Peplowski graduated this spring with a degree in sports marketing and management.

As a swimmer, Peplowski was an 11-time All-American. At her final NCAA Championships in March, she finished fifth nationally in the 200-yard breaststroke. This past season, she became the second-fastest woman in program history in the 200 breast with a 2:05.52, following only Olympian Lilly King.  In February, she won her first-career Big Ten individual title in that event.

Peplowski helped the women’s team capture the Big Ten team title in 2019, her freshman season, and the Hoosiers have finished among the top three in conference each year since. She is a four-time All-Big Ten selection.

Peplowski’s sister, Anna Peplowski, will be a junior during the upcoming 2023-24 season. The siblings were teammates for each of the elder’s final two collegiate seasons. 

Trailblazer basketball welcomes James Kingsley to coaching staff

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VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University men’s basketball program made another addition earlier this week, this time in the hiring of new Assistant Coach James Kingsley.

“Growing up in Bloomfield, I had always heard of the success and rich history that VU basketball had,” Kingsley said. “It always seemed like Vincennes was making deep tournament runs and sending players to Division I programs. My wife, Lauren, graduated from the nursing program in 2016 and I remember being fixated on the championship banners in the gym during the ceremony. Seven years down the road, Coach Brian Davis announced that VU was looking for another assistant. I sent in my resume and within a few days I had an offer to join the program. I didn’t really need to put too much thought into whether or not I was going to accept. I mean, come on! VU is one of the top NJCAA programs in the country and Coach Todd Franklin is a Hall-of-Famer. Lauren and I are back home and close to friends and family. It was a no-brainer to become a coach here.”

Kingsley joins the VU staff after spending last season as an assistant coach at NAIA Texas A&M-Texarkana, where he helped guide the Eagles to a 22-9 record and an appearance in the NAIA National Tournament.

Kingsley is originally from Bloomfield, Ind., where he played under head coach Matt Britton. Britton would later give Kingsley his first coaching job in 2019 as a freshman coach at South Spencer High School in Reo, Ind.

Kingsley worked his way up through the coaching staff at South Spencer, later becoming a varsity assistant and a JV coach.

During his time with the at South Spencer, the Rebels had a 58-14 record, winning a 2A sectional championship in 2020 and a Pocket Athletic Conference Championship in 2022.

“Growing up in a basketball-rich town like Bloomfield, I had a love for the game very early on,” Kingsley said. “Around 14 years old, I decided I wanted to coach collegiately. My coach at Bloomfield, Matt Britton, was a huge influence on my decision to coach. When I was a senior in high school, he told me to reach out after I graduated from USI and he would try to help me find a spot. Five years later, he made good on that promise and hired me to be his freshman coach/varsity assistant at South Spencer. I was on the staff there for three seasons, going from freshman coach to varsity assistant and lastly JV Coach. Coach Britton has been a huge influence on my career and where the game has taken me.”

Kingsley will be working alongside VU Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin, who will be entering his 27th season as head coach at the collegiate level and 14th season as head coach at Vincennes University.

Kingsley will also work alongside Assistant Coach Brian Davis, entering his 19th season at Vincennes University. Davis was named one of the 50 most impactful coaches in all of Junior College basketball by  Silver Waves Media and was named the top assistant coach in the NJCAA by Basketball Scoop in 2020.

“I am looking forward to being a part of the winning culture here at VU,” Kingsley added. “Coach Franklin and Coach Davis have set the standard. I want to help Vincennes achieve their fifth NJCAA National Championship. More importantly, I am excited to make a positive impact on the lives of the players. Being around the guys and being a positive influence for them is the best thing about coaching. I look forward to being a part of the VU community. Since I started, everyone has been extremely nice and welcoming.”

“I am incredibly excited to be back coaching in Southern Indiana,” Kingsley said. “’In 49 states it’s just basketball, but this is Indiana’, so to be able to represent one of the best programs in the country, while being back home will be an incredible experience. I am very excited to be back home. Having friends and family watch me coach at the collegiate level for the first time is something I’m very much looking forward to.”

Kingsley is a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a master’s degree in Sports Management.

Kingsley also holds certifications in personal training from the American Council of Exercise.

James and his wife Lauren have been married for five years and have a golden retriever named Duff.

The Vincennes University Athletic Department is proud to welcome Coach James Kingsley and wishes him good luck this upcoming season.

Application Period for FY24 Secured School Safety Grant (SSSG) Delayed

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The application period for the Secured School Safety Grant will not open June 1 like previous years. Legislative changes required edits to the SSSG application and IntelliGrants needs additional time to implement these changes. All interested parties will be notified as soon as IDHS identifies a new date to accept applications.

The period of performance for the FY24 SSSG is expected to be on schedule: Sept. 1, 2023, through Aug. 31, 2024.

What you can do now

Interested parties must be registered with the IntelliGrants system. Visit the IDHS Grants Management page for complete information and instructions on registering with IntelliGrants.

What is an allowable expense for the SSSG?

The program supports a dedicated state grant fund that provides matching grants to school corporations, accredited non-public schools, charter schools or a coalition of school corporations and/or charter schools applying jointly to:

  1. Employ a school resource officer (SRO) or law enforcement officer (LEO).
  2. Conduct a site vulnerability assessment and/or critical incident digital mapping.
  3. Purchase equipment, hardware, materials and technology to:
    • Restrict access to school property and classrooms; or
    • Assist with visitor management on school property; or
    • Expedite notification of first responders; or
    • Expedite access to school property for first responders; or
    • Provide school staff with information about the open or closed status of interior and exterior doors; or
    • Detect fire, chemical, visual or audible threats; or
    • Enhance emergency communications inside the building; or
    • Assist with emergency medical response on school property; or
    • Expedite access to school property for first responders.
  4. Implement a student and parent support services plan.
  5. Purchase or provide training for a canine trained to detect drugs and illegal substances, explosives, or firearms or to otherwise provide protection for students and school employees.
  6. Provide funding for school employees to receive training, including expenses for per diem, travel and lodging related to eligible training.
  7. Provide funding for school resource officer or law enforcement officer to receive training, including expenses for per diem, travel and lodging, related to handling a trained canine.
  8. Design and construct additions or renovations on school property if the primary purpose is to enhance the physical security of the school building.
  9. Implement a bullying prevention program.
  10. Purchase a one-time non-matching grant to enable school corporations to work with their sheriff to provide the initial set up costs for an active event warning system.
  11. Provide a response to a threat in a manner that the school corporation or charter school sees fit, including firearms training (curriculum now defined) or other self-defense training or securing funds for counseling in the event of a school shooting.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

 

 

FOOTNOTE:  EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

Vincennes University and Jet Access Flight Training announce partnership to educate and train next generation of pilots

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INDIANAPOLIS, June 2, 2023 – Vincennes University and Jet Access Flight Training have announced a partnership to increase the availability of commercial pilots and provide quality educational opportunities to students interested in aviation.

The Jet Access/Vincennes University (JAVU) Professional Pilot Program was designed as a way for students to take lecture courses and general education courses from Vincennes while taking flying courses through Jet Access. Students have the opportunity to qualify for financial aid and have the flexibility of taking flying courses at any of the Jet Access locations around the state of Indiana or out of state. Jet Access operates 11 flight training locations including six in Indiana.

“Vincennes University is excited to partner with Jet Access to create a talent pipeline and offer opportunities for promising students in one of the most in-demand and highest-paying careers in the aviation industry,” said Vincennes University Director of Aviation Mike Gehrich. “Together, we are building the future workforce by offering a flexible education option that should help alleviate the shortage of pilots the industry is experiencing.”

The collaboration will offer students a new program in which to receive aviation education through flight training with Jet Access and ground training at Vincennes, while enrolling in VU’s Aviation Flight Technology Associate Degree Program online.

The program is expected to begin as early as fall 2023.

“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Vincennes and expand our partnership through the JAVU Professional Pilot Program,” said John Mauch, Executive Vice President of Flight Training Operations, Jet Access. “Through this partnership, we will be able to provide greater exposure to career opportunities available in aviation in Indiana and across the country.”

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