Erika Malone 0:00

This week on Beyond the Headlines, electric equipment passes the public test. Framewood is getting a bucky's in an Amazon facility. And the Daily Journal takes on several awards from the New Jersey State Press Association. From the Daily Journal, this is Beyond the Headlines, a local news podcast focused on story shaping Johnson County. How are you? I'm doing good, man. It's been very busy here lately. It's been very busy. Uh with our uploads. We're making some changes, uh, some staffing changes. Uh I'll go ahead and just announce now. Uh Leanne uh Dorfline, our editor. Uh, we're filming this on Friday. It's her last day. Yep. Uh so she will uh be leaving us. She is moving on to uh a legal publication and got a different job. So I'm, you know, we're all pretty excited for her. Uh it's a good opportunity, but we are gonna miss her dearly. Yep. Um, and yeah, we're making some staff changes as well. Um, you know, looking to uh we're looking to hire uh education reporter to kind of help me out as I take on some more editing responsibilities. Um all gonna have to pitch in a little. Yes. So uh we might be sporadic in these. We might be on hiatus. We're gonna uh see how it goes if we have time for it. Okay, as I know we have a lot of people that like listening to this. We want to keep it going. Yeah, we want to keep it going. So um, yeah, but let's get into uh some news that we had this past week. Yeah, it's super busy. So it has. Um, and some exciting news, or maybe some that are not so excited about this. Uh, Greenwood's Bucky's zoning request was approved.

SPEAKER_01 2:01

I personally am very excited for Bucky's because Bucky's is really cool. I've been to a couple, so I really excited for the beaver nuggets.

Erika Malone 2:09

Yes, yeah, yeah, I can see that for sure. Um, so this will be Indiana's first Buckeyes, um, and it's officially coming to Greenwood after the Greenwood Common Council approved the project's rezoning request in a seven to two vote. Um, the proposed travel center will be built on more than 80 acres near Interstate 65 and Worthsville Road. The vote came after months of public debate and a delay to allow for a new traffic study focused on school traffic near Clark Pleasant Small. Yes, this has been in the works for quite some time. Yes, absolutely. Uh with zoning approval in hand, the project can now move forward through permitting and construction process. Bucky's officials say the new travel center could open in approximately six to twelve months, depending on construction and permit timelines.

SPEAKER_01 2:55

That is a very quick turnaround. Yeah, it sounds like a quick turnaround to me.

Erika Malone 2:58

Yeah, six months, six to twelve months, that's that's insane.

SPEAKER_01 3:02

So we could be seeing him by this time next year.

Erika Malone 3:05

Yeah, absolutely.

SPEAKER_01 3:07

Uh so what's going on with the project?

Erika Malone 3:09

So uh just a little bit of background. We've covered this before, but for maybe those that uh have forgotten or are new and just now hearing about this, the development will include a $74,000 square foot travel center, green space, and landscaping, walking trails, a drainage pond, and a new roundabout as well. The location will become Bucky's 39th store in the first location in Indiana, and the company expects to employ between 175 and 225 people. Yeah, so lot bringing lots of jobs for sure. Yeah. Officials estimate the facility will generate approximately 9 million in annual payroll as well. Wow. Yeah. Uh Bucky's plans to invest $13 to $15 million in roadway improvements surrounding the project as well. Uh planned upgrades include a roundabout at Wertzville and Collins Roads, acceleration and de-acceleration lanes, extended turn lanes, and a new traffic signal on Wertsville Road, improvements to the I-65 interchange area, and the site plan also includes extensive landscaping with more than 300 trees and nearly 400 shrubs as well. Wow, that's very detailed.

SPEAKER_01 4:18

So they're giving back to the environment as well, I guess.

Erika Malone 4:21

Yeah, absolutely.

SPEAKER_01 4:22

So you we brought up a traffic study. Um why was that uh requested and what did it reveal?

Erika Malone 4:29

Yeah, so this is uh interesting. The additional study was requested after school officials raised concerns that the original traffic analysis did not account for student drop-off and pickup times as well, which makes sense. There's like two or three um schools over there. Yeah. So Bucky's representative said the updated study found the project should not negatively affect peak school traffic. And the study also concluded that a planned roundabout at Wortsville and Collins Roads would improve traffic flow compared to the current intersection. And Bucky's agreed to fund any additional road improvements found necessary if future traffic impacts emerge near the schools as well.

SPEAKER_01 5:09

That's good. I can't can you imagine going to school and then right after being like, hey, let's go to Bucky's.

Erika Malone 5:16

Yeah. I mean, I I feel like that would be uh a kid's dream come true. If you're like, oh, I want to go to Bucky's and get some beaver nuggets. Yeah, sandwich.

SPEAKER_01 5:25

Right after school. Yeah. You could walk there. Yeah. Um, but what did the community and council say about it?

Erika Malone 5:30

Yeah. So uh nearly 50 people attended the council meeting to voice opinions on the project. Uh many opponents remained concerned about traffic congestion, the project's uh compatibility with Greenwood's character and the impact of a large interstate-oriented development. Um, understandable. Yeah. Uh some residents argued the site would be better suited for locally owned walkable businesses. Um, and supporters countered that the project will create jobs, expand Greenwood's tax base, generate new revenue for city services, and require substantial private investment in infrastructure as well.

SPEAKER_01 6:06

So there's good arguments coming from both sides of the aisle, right? I think.

Erika Malone 6:10

Yeah. Um, and then two council members did vote against the proposal. Councilman Ezra Hill said the uh his opposition stemmed largely from Bucky's history of pursuing trademark and copyright lawsuits against smaller businesses. Oh, yeah, I saw something like that out of Ohio. Yeah, we yeah, there's been some news around that too, so that's interesting. Um, other council members said the economic benefits outweighed concerns and noted that Bucky's was not seeking tax abatements or financial incentives from the city, which is interesting because you do see that a uh sometimes from companies that come here. Yeah. That uh want to get a tax break.

SPEAKER_01 6:44

So it's interesting that they're not, especially with how big they are.

Erika Malone 6:48

Yeah. So it's approved, it's here. It's coming, it's it's officially approved. So um we're gonna see some major changes in that intersection.

SPEAKER_01 6:57

So I just hope that uh during the construction period that traffic isn't too heavily impacted.

Erika Malone 7:03

I think it's gonna be impacted no matter what, but we'll see. Um we'll see how that goes. But uh let's take a quick break and be right back. Want your business to reach our listeners in Johnson County and beyond? Reach out to the Daily Journal by calling 317-736-2730 to ask about our advertising opportunities. And we're back. Uh and we have some uh some other news going on. There's uh we're preparing for the election. Yep, that's why we've been so busy as well. Yes, so taking care of that. Yeah, and uh they're they got the voting equipment in. Yes, they did. Tell us a little bit about how that went.

SPEAKER_01 7:42

Uh Johnson County's election equipment passed its public testing process with zero errors. Uh, and that's a rare outcome. Uh Trina McLaughlin said, uh, she's the county clerk. Uh she said that's uncommon.

Erika Malone 7:54

Oh wow, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 7:55

Uh so the Johnson County Election Board tested 11 voting machines ahead of the November general election. So they tested that equipment on Monday uh during their um during their meeting. Uh Indiana law requires counties to test at least 5% of the election equipment that will be used during early voting and on election day. Um officials said that the testing went smoothly because workers carefully documented every vote cast uh during the test process and double check their results.

Erika Malone 8:23

Awesome. Yeah. I've uh I honestly didn't know that they uh publicly tested voting machines. I imagine they like tested them in general, but uh it's nice that the public can be involved too. But yeah, how does the testing work?

SPEAKER_01 8:36

Uh so election workers, they first ran a zero tape on each machine to verify that no votes were already stored in the system. Um bipartisan teams then cast sample ballots for different candidates and parties to ensure votes were recorded accurately. Uh so they had uh Democrat member, they had a Republican member, uh Trina herself tested one, um, then a couple other people. They had someone from Microvote there as well.

Erika Malone 9:03

Um they have like a nonpartisan member too. Yeah, okay.

SPEAKER_01 9:07

Um, so then after voting, uh officials compared machine tolls against the expected results to confirm that the equipment was functioning properly. Uh the machines also included voter-verified paper audit trail or VV PET systems, um, which allows voters to review a paper record of their selections before finalizing their ballots. Interesting. Um, election officials also tested a relatively new process uh known as ballot retraction. Um and that was first tested, um that was tested during the primaries as well. Oh, okay. Um so that means um it removes a ballot from election totals if a voter becomes ineligible after voting, but before election day, um, such as cases involving like a voter's death.

Erika Malone 9:53

Like if they voted, like if they participated in early voting and then they died before election day. Or maybe something a little less a little less uh morbid, but kind of in that situation. Yeah, that that's when you would use a ballot retraction.

SPEAKER_01 10:07

Yeah, so they tested that as well. Uh, and that test um was successful with no issues. Um, Indiana's election law now requires counties to test this uh capability to ensure affected ballots can be properly removed from final results. So that's why they did that.

Erika Malone 10:22

Gotcha. Yeah. Um, and I mean, with the election coming up, uh, what's kind of what's to be expected? Um, are we gonna see a high turnout?

SPEAKER_01 10:33

Yep. Uh county officials say signs are already pointing to a high turnout election. Nice. Uh about 546 absentee by mail ballots have already been distributed. Uh that surpasses the number sent out during uh the comparable period in the 2022 election cycle. Um so that's pretty cool. Um, this year's ballot includes more than 25 contested races, uh congressional races, state offices, county offices, county council and township races, school board elections, and two public referendum questions. It's a loaded ballot for sure. That's a lot. Uh because of the lengthy ballot, which officials estimate could run about nine pages, uh, voters may spend a little more time than usual voting machines. So be prepared. Yeah. Um bring your water. Yeah. Make sure you go to the bathroom before maybe eat a good breakfast if you're voting in the morning. Because it might be there a bit. Um, voter registration deadline is October 5th, and I keep thinking that's further away than it is. Yeah, it's it's right around the corner. It's already it's already almost October. Um, in-person registration ends at the close of business days, and online registration remains open until 11.59 p.m. So you have until then on October 5th. Uh early voting then begins October 6th at the Johnson County Courthouse, and uh four satellite early vote voting locations will be available White River Public Library, the Greenwood Public Library, the Trafalgar Public Library, and the John R. Drybad Community Center in Edinburgh.

unknown 12:07

Awesome.

SPEAKER_01 12:08

There's also going to be special voting opportunities um available at three retirement communities in Greenwood and Franklin. And we have more information about that um on our website.

Erika Malone 12:17

Yeah. And uh since we're talking about voting, uh, I want to take a moment to shamelessly plodge our voter forum as well. Um, we do have a voter for forum coming up next week on Thursday at 6:30, uh, from 6:30 to 8:30 in the Branagan room on the second floor of the Napoleon Student Center at Franklin College. Um, you can hear from experts on key issues facing the community, and candidates will be given 90 seconds for remarks on each topic. Um, this is in partnership with Bridge uh Bridges Alliance, League of Women Voters of Johnson County, and the political science department of Franklin College. Um, and so far, here's a list of candidates um that are expected to attend. Michael Chiapetta, uh, he's a Democrat for Barkersville Town Council, Jane Dunigan Smith, uh, independent for Centergrove School Board. Um, Taylor Christman, uh, Democrat for Franklin Union Needham Township Trustee, Chad Schaefer, Republican for Greenwood School Board at large, Lori Feller for Republican for Greenwood School Board at large, Ross Thomas, Democrat for Indiana Senate District 41, Michael Potter, Democrat for Indiana House District 47, Suzanne Fordenberry, Democrat for Indiana House District 57, Michelle Hennessy Sears, Democrat for Indiana House District 58, Amanda Stevenson Holmes, Democrat for Johnson County Council District 2, Sheely Hyde, Democrat for Johnson County Council District 4, Marla Clark, Republican for Judge of Johnson Superior Court 4, uh Peter Nugent, Republican for Judge of Johnson Superior Court 2, Saad Tafiq, uh Democrat for Pleasant Township Trustee, S. Tyler Alt, Democrat for Pleasant Township Advisory Board, Charlotte Ansbach, uh Democrat for White River Township Trustee, Mark W. Mesick, Republican for White River Township Trustee, Mark Barencoe, Democrat for White River Township Advisory Board, Christina M. McDougall, Democrat for White River Township Advisory Board, and Cindy Wirth for U.S. House Representatives 6th District. That's an outfull. Um but there you go. There's all your candidates that are coming. Uh and if you have questions um that you want to ask, they may also be submitted in advance by emailing news tips at dailyjournal.net. Yep. So come out and see us. Come out and see us. We'll be there. Uh should be a fun time, and uh come say hi to us too. Yeah. So um we have some more news coming up uh in Greenwood. Uh this was uh kind of some unexpectedness. It was as well. Um there uh a hundred million dollar Amazon facility is coming to Greenwood. Wow, Greenwood's getting a lot. Yeah. Uh Amazon is bringing a major advanced manufacturing facility to Greenwood, uh, investing more than $100 million in creating approximately 300 skilled jobs by 2028. The new facility will be located at 1175 Collins Road and will be total roughly 585,000 square feet. There's a lot of jobs coming, Greywood. There's lots of jobs. So if you're if you're looking for a job, you uh won't it be too hard to find one uh in the future. Uh unlike Amazon's existing warehouses and fulfillment centers, this site will be a manufacturing hub from uh producing tools and equipment that support Amazon's robotics and fulfillment operations across North America. So that'll be interesting to see. Yeah. The facility is expected to offer average salaries of around $100,000 per year, making it one of the higher paying economic development projects announced in Johnson County. Wow. Yeah, that's awesome.

SPEAKER_01 16:09

So many, so many jobs and good jobs too.

Erika Malone 16:12

Yeah, opportunities.

SPEAKER_01 16:13

So, what jobs are expected to be there?

Erika Malone 16:15

Yeah, so uh positions expected at the facility include welders, assemblers, powder coating technician technicians, manufacturing engineers, control engineers, quality assurance specialists, CNC operators, and program manufacturing professionals. Uh employees will be involved in many in advanced manufacturing processes such as robotic welding, automated powder coating, advanced fabrication, and product assembly.

SPEAKER_01 16:42

And so if you fill in any of those criteria, yeah, reach out or stay tuned.

Erika Malone 16:47

Yeah, it's up your alley for sure. Uh local economic development leaders say the project aligns with Johnson County's uh strategy of attracting high-wage advanced manufacturing jobs as well.

SPEAKER_01 17:00

So why Greenwood exactly?

Erika Malone 17:02

Yeah. Um, Amazon already operates multiple facilities in Johnson County, including locations in Greenwood already, uh, Whiteland and Franklin. Amazon officials cited Indiana's strong manufacturing workforce, competitive business environment, transportation and logistics network, and workforce development pipeline.

SPEAKER_01 17:20

We do have a good manufacturing workforce here. Yes.

Erika Malone 17:23

Uh state leaders noted that Central Indiana colleges and universities produce thousands of engineering graduates annually, helping support advanced manufacturing growth. That is also true. Yeah. State officials say Amazon has has invested more than $40 billion in Indiana since 2008 and created more than 27,000 jobs statewide. Amazon also highlighted its ongoing workforce development efforts in Indiana, including the company's career choice program, which helps employees earn certifications and degrees in high demand fields. More than uh 4,200 Indiana Amazon employees have reportedly participated in the program since 2019. Interesting.

SPEAKER_01 18:07

So with Greenwood getting a Buckies now and getting this Amazon facility, um, what are local officials saying about this?

Erika Malone 18:15

Yeah, so uh Greenwood mayor Mark Myers called the project exactly the type of long-term investment city leaders hope to attract. Oh, good. Yeah, so uh he seems to be for it. Uh Aspire Johnson County officials said the project checks several major goals outlined in the county's economic development strategy, including creating higher-paying jobs, expanding advanced manufacturing, attracting innovative companies, and building long-term economic growth as well. Um, and state officials say the facility uh further strengthens Indiana's position as a natural manufacturing leader as well. Yeah, adding on to that strong manufacturing base. Yeah. So uh it's gonna be interesting to see uh, you know, this type of facility in here, uh, especially with uh it being a manufacturing facility for robotics and fulfillment center uh you know equipment and stuff. So um yeah, lots of lots of good economic growth coming to Greenwood. I'm excited because I lived there. So good. Um awesome. Yeah. So we're gonna take a quick break and be right back. Like listening to this podcast, you can help support it. Subscribe to the Daily Journal at subscribe.dailyjournal.net to support your local newspaper and this podcast. Your support helps make everything we do possible. And we're back with our round table.

SPEAKER_01 19:36

And uh, Hallie, you got some more news for us. Wooden benches aimed at suicide prevention, uh, they have been installed around the county. Okay. So a new suicide prevention initiative is bringing 30 speci specially designed awareness benches to locations around Johnson County with a simple but powerful message that says you are not alone.

Erika Malone 19:55

Oh, that's awesome.

SPEAKER_01 19:56

So the project is being led by the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Johnson County. Uh, they're a program of upstream prevention, uh, and it's intended to connect people in crisis with resources before it's too late. Oh, that's free. It's very important. Uh each bench includes the message you are not alone, uh, as well as information for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and a QR code linking people to additional mental health resources. Organizers hope the benches serve as a visible reminder uh that help is available for people struggling with suicidal thoughts, uh, mental health challenges, and personal crisis.

Erika Malone 20:31

That's so important. And uh it's nice to see that they are uh kind of bringing awareness to this as well. Uh, because I think it's maybe something that it's uh I wouldn't say taboo to talk about, but a lot of people, it's it can be an uncomfortable conversation for sure. So it's nice that they are kind of bringing awareness to this.

SPEAKER_01 20:51

And in a very visible way, I think, too, because everybody needs to use a bench. Yeah, every now and then. So benches have already been installed at Johnson Memorial Health's Behavioral Health Center, uh, Camp Atterbury and the Trafalgar branch of the Johnson County Public Library, which I think are great places to put them. Uh, and additional benches are planned for American Legion posts, uh, VFW posts, Johnson County Parks locations, Edinburgh Parks and Recreation, the Johnson County Armory, Windrose Health Network, and Upstream Prevention's Greenwood Office.

Erika Malone 21:22

Those are all great locations to have benches for sure.

SPEAKER_01 21:25

Very strategically placed. Yes. Um, organizers believe Johnson County could become one of the largest participants in the statewide bench program. Uh, and the bench project is part of a larger effort uh to address suicide prevention, particularly amongst veterans.

Erika Malone 21:40

Very important as well.

SPEAKER_01 21:42

Uh upstream prevention received uh $135,000 in grant funding from the India, Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs through its community challenge to prevent suicide program. Uh the funding supports suicide prevention awareness, uh, veteran outreach, firearm safety initiatives, community Connection programs and mental health education efforts.

Erika Malone 22:03

Great. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 22:04

So the Suicide Prevention Coalition's work also includes suicide prevention training, community outreach events, uh support groups, and the Atlas program, which helps families and individuals after the loss of a loved one to suicide. Um organizers say reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and encouraging conversations about mental health remain key goals. So kind of going back to what you were saying. Yeah. Um about it being kind of a more uncomfortable subject. Um hopefully these benches help someone out.

Erika Malone 22:34

Yeah. I and I I can definitely see that um being the case, especially with uh with where they're placed and just kind of the message behind them. Uh, you know, I think it's a great message to for everyone to believe in that they're not alone. So absolutely. You know, that's such a great story. Good job, Brian Terrez. Uh and uh in some other news, uh cup if you went to uh Custer Baker Intermediate School, they recently just celebrated their 50th anniversary. Oh wow, yeah, long time school. Um, they celebrated by welcoming former students, teachers, staff, and community members back for a special open house. Uh I got to attend, and it was so fun. Uh, the event gave attendees the chance to walk the school halls, browse decades of yearbooks, revisit memories with classmates and former educators, and explore a time capsule from 2013. Oh my goodness. Yeah. I was only like two and do that so many. It was so funny uh seeing all of the because they had like old soda cans and like uh you know what music was played on and stuff like that. They had like vinyls and cassette tapes, which cassette tapes are a little older than 2003, but I'll give them that. Um, and these uh two students uh were sit, you know, in front of the display, you know, kind of showing people the time capsule. And I got to ask them a few questions, and it was so funny. Um but um look at this ancient technology they were I was like, Have you ever seen a cassette tape before? And they were like, No, this is my oh wow. Um, he feels super old. Yeah, that makes me feel old. Um, Superintendent David Clendoning said the anniversary celebration highlighted the traditions, learning experiences, and relationships that have shaped generations of students. The school is named after Custer Baker, a lifelong Johnson County educator and community leader. Uh he graduated from Franklin College and earned his master's degree from Butler University. Uh he served as a teacher, a coach, and principal, and spent 33 years as Johnson County superintendent. This was back when the county had just one superintendent instead of a superintendent for each school district. So my gosh. That was very interesting. So he had a lot on his plate. Yeah, for sure. Um, in recognition of his contributions to education, the school was named in his honor when it opened in 1976. Members of the Baker family attended the celebration, including Custer Baker's son and granddaughter as well. I got to talk to them. They were uh such a sweet family. Uh family members said they were touched to see how high how highly Baker is still regarded decades after his service to the community as well. And that his intermediate school is still going strong. Yeah, absolutely. His uh granddaughter Elizabeth Sanchez shared that she is uh not only attended the school but also had her wedding reception on there because of its connection to her grandfather's legacy.

SPEAKER_01 25:28

Um imagine having your wedding reception failed at your school or not intermediate school.

Erika Malone 25:33

Oh, that's fun. Yeah. Um, former classmates uh and current sixth grade teachers, Angie uh Huchen and Stacey Davenport reminisced about attending Custer Baker together in the 1980s. They played a lot of sports together um and talked about 80s hair and all that stuff. Um, they reflected on old yearbook photos, school sports teams, fashion trends that are now coming back around. Uh, the unique experience of later teaching alongside some of their former teachers as well. I can imagine that being a very interesting experience. Yeah, a lot of them were saying that uh, you know, after when they came back to teach, they were like, I can't call you by your first name anymore.

SPEAKER_01 26:12

Or, you know, I I can't call you Mrs. Yeah or Mr.

Erika Malone 26:15

Like it's so weird to call you by your first name. So I I have to call you Mrs. So and so.

SPEAKER_01 26:20

And uh and a colleague instead of like a mentor. Yeah. Um I guess mentor in still in some sense.

Erika Malone 26:26

The two friends uh went from classmates and teammates to colleagues and now lifelong friends, illustrating the lasting connection formed through the school as well. Cool. Um, current Custer Baker students uh served as guides during the event, helping visitors navigate displays and exhibits. Uh, and one popular attraction was the uh school's 2003 time capsule, like I mentioned, which offered a glimpse into life more than two decades ago. More than two decades. Um crazy. Dismal wrinkles boom on my face. Um students were fascinated by how much technology has changed, including music, moving from CDs to smart devices and streaming, changes in packaging and everyday products, uh, and continued growth of the school building itself.

SPEAKER_01 27:12

As somebody who was alive for that transition from CDs to iPods, then to everything else that we have now, that was just that was an interesting cat.

Erika Malone 27:22

Yeah. Uh, and some of the students were surprised to learn the school was 50 years old, thinking it was much newer than that. Um, and one funny thing I do have to mention, uh, if you haven't read the story, there's uh one student in there. Uh I asked them, where do you see Custer Baker in the next 50 years? And she said, an alien spaceship. Huh. So yeah.

SPEAKER_01 27:41

We had that to look forward to.

Erika Malone 27:43

Yeah, apparently we're all gonna live on an alien spaceship. I mean, if you see it on an alien spaceship in the next 50 years, then she was right. So I will all owe her a little bit of money, I guess. Yeah. So uh such a fun celebration, and congrats to Custer Baker for uh 50 years.

SPEAKER_01 28:00

So let's hope they have another 50 years ahead of them and may or may not be on a spaceship by again. We also have some news uh regarding us. Uh the Daily Journal earned multiple honors at the 2026 Who's Your State Press Association Journalism Conference and Awards. That was a ceremony held Friday.

Erika Malone 28:20

Um and we're filming this on Friday, so we just got back today. Yep, bring it in.

SPEAKER_01 28:25

Um highlighting the newspaper's reporting, writing, photography, and overall news coverage. Uh the newspaper earned the General Excellence Award for its division, marking the third time in three years that the Daily Journal has earned the organization's top overall newspaper recognition. So yay us. Yay us. Uh contest judges from Illinois reviewed pay newspapers based on the quality of reporting, writing and editing, news judgment, content variety, community service, and overall professionalism.

Erika Malone 28:53

And I will say it's uh it's very interesting because before that they do uh some conference talks and stuff like that. They bring in experts for different things. And yeah, it's just very eye-opening and kind of gets you inspired a little bit about, you know, new ideas and things you want to do. So I have some I brought back some new ideas. I'm excited to hopefully implement them in the future.

SPEAKER_01 29:14

Cool. What are uh the conference or the little like the little classes before? What did what did you learn?

Erika Malone 29:21

One of them was about um the uh battle of uh access to information. Uh that's something that uh journalists kind of battle with every day with uh fool-year requests, public records, and things like that. But there was someone that came in that uh implemented a program at their uh startup newspaper in Kansas. Um, and they talked about an earn your press pass program for everyday people that have an interest in writing and uh you know wanting to inform the community uh a way to train them how to uh report fairly and accurately and kind of be uh earn their press pass in a way. So it's a it's a cool program. Uh, you know, might see about uh bringing that here if anyone might be interested.

SPEAKER_01 30:07

That'd be really cool because I know with social media, a lot of people are kind of informing the community, maybe not as through a newspaper, but just through social media.

Erika Malone 30:18

So that's really cool. Like we have a lot of movers and shakers here that are involved in their community, and you know, with us being the staff that we are, we can't be everywhere at once. So having something like that would be really beneficial, not only for us, but I think for the community also to just be involved in reporting their niche reporting their community news. So yeah. Um, but let's talk about some of the awards we won.

SPEAKER_01 30:42

Yes. Uh senior reporter Ryan Charis won uh first place in business economic news coverage uh for his story about uh local food pantries adapting during a government shutdown. Uh former news editor Noah Crenshaw earned third place in the same category for his story on Greenwood-based weather forecasting company Bam Weather. Uh former reporter Alyssa Moslin won first place for best news coverage under deadline pressure for her reporting on the students displaced by the closure of Atbury job courts. Um Crenshaw also earned second place for best news coverage with no deadline pressure uh for a story about a Greenwood homeowner targeted by a property scam. And then you, uh reporter Erica Malone, uh received first place for best short feature story for your story about the viral center grove goat that can quite captured widespread attention after a lengthy search.

Erika Malone 31:36

I that was a very fun award to win. Uh very proud of that story.

SPEAKER_01 31:41

So you are the goat, apparently.

Erika Malone 31:44

I I am the goat. I'm the goat for writing a story about a goat.

SPEAKER_01 31:47

Yeah. Uh Charis earned third place for best profile feature for his story on a longtime Franklin children's librarian reflecting on her career. Uh, and the Daily Journal staff earned first place for headline writing as well. Uh, Charis also received second place in general commentary. Sports editor James Horn won first place for best sports news or feature coverage for his reporting on the Centergrove girls' basketball's team's uh run to the state finals, uh, and third place for best sports event coverage. Uh sports reporter Mike Bees earned uh third place for best sports news or feature coverage with his look back at a championship girls basketball team from 30 years ago. Um then former news editor Noah Crenshaw also won first place for Best Portrait and third place for Best General News Photo. Uh editor Leanne Dorflein earned third place for Best Portrait. Uh, and contributing photographer Rob Baker won second place for Best Sports Feature Photo and second place for Best Sports Action Photo. Uh contributing photographer Chris Williams earned first place for Best Multiple Picture Group for his coverage of Center Grove's girls basketball team, girls basketball state championship season. The Daily Journal staff also won second place for Best Special Section for Break Hearts, uh, which is our annual Cancer Awareness publication. So yay us. Yeah.

Erika Malone 33:10

Congratulations to uh to us and all the other winners uh their HSPA. Um always a fun conference to go to. Um, and I'm excited to go to more. Hopefully. Uh we it submits more stories. Yeah. Yeah. Uh thank you all so much for tuning in to this episode of Beyond the Headlines. And let us know what you would like to hear by submitting your thoughts to news tips at dailyjournal.net and follow us wherever you get podcasts and leave leave a review. We hope you tune in next time.

SPEAKER_01 33:37

Yep. See you then. See ya.