Intro

SPEAKER_01 0:00

This week Beyond the Headlines. Campaign financing reports across local candidates. Project Frey visits Greenwood. And Princess Blakes gets funding for accessibility in their community garden.

Erika Malone 0:12

From the Daily Journal, this is Beyond the Headlines, a local news podcast focused on story shaping Johnson County.

SPEAKER_01 0:23

Hello everyone and welcome. It's Halley Galinath. That's my first time leading the podcast. And we have our new reporter here, uh Josh Worm. He's taking over for Erica Malone as she stepped into the editor role. So hello, Josh. How are you doing?

SPEAKER_02 0:38

I'm doing good. How are you?

SPEAKER_01 0:40

I'm doing good. It's Friday when we're recording this, so I'm ready for the weekend. Um, before we get started, uh Josh, why don't you uh tell listeners a little bit about yourself?

SPEAKER_02 0:50

Yeah, so I'm originally from uh Greenwood and I went to Purdue University for communication. So I got into journalism up there with the Purdue Exponent. And after that, uh I got into video journalism with our program at Purdue. Well, not our program, but the student program Purdue called Fast Track News. And from there I worked at Star City News, um ABC 35, NBC 16, Fox 16, whatever the numbers are. Um, and I uh had to move back home after my contract was up there, and now I'm excited to be back home and covering news in my home county.

SPEAKER_01 1:34

Yeah. So what is it that you're going to be doing uh for the Daily Journal?

SPEAKER_02 1:38

Yeah, so I'll be covering uh education. So I'll be covering all the school districts here, the different uh happenings of the school boards, and I'll also be covering Bargersville and Trafalgar.

SPEAKER_01 1:51

Awesome. All right, well, welcome to to the Daily Journal.

SPEAKER_02 1:56

Yes, thank you. I'm excited.

SPEAKER_01 1:57

All right, let's get started uh with

Campaign Financing

SPEAKER_01 2:00

Inside Story. Uh first we're going to be taking a look at campaign finances. Uh so campaign finance reports are providing a snapshot of how much money candidates with John Cunty districts are raising and spending ahead of the November 3rd general election. So this includes Indiana's 6th congressional district, Senate District 41, and House Districts 47, 57, 58, and 60. So campaign contribu contributions are often viewed as a measure of political support and organizational strength pending into election day.

SPEAKER_02 2:32

And what's the campaign financing situation like for the 6th district right now?

SPEAKER_01 2:37

Yeah, so incumbent Republican Jefferson Shreve, uh, he maintained a massive fundraising vantage over Democratic challenger Cindy Wirth. Uh Shreve raised more than $105,000 uh during the reporting period and finished with more than $1.6 million cash on hand. Uh Worth raised about $48,000 and ended the reporting period with nearly $30,000 spell. Shreve also reported carrying $3.9 million in debt uh and obligations, reflecting the scale of a congressional campaign.

SPEAKER_02 3:11

Gotcha. So uh what's the situation like in district in Senate District 41?

SPEAKER_01 3:15

Yeah, so Republican Michelle Davis uh significantly outraised Democratic challenger Ross Thomas. Uh Davis raised nearly $8,000, $80,000, uh, fueled by several large donations from business leaders and political supporters. Uh her campaign spent more than $102,000, with a large portion going towards advertising and campaign consulting. Uh in comparison, Thomas raised approximately uh $12,500, much of it from individual donors, uh, and including contributions from himself.

SPEAKER_02 3:49

Gotcha. So what's uh what's going on in the House districts?

SPEAKER_01 3:52

Yes, so uh for House District 47, Republican incumbent Rob Green uh raised about $11,500 through a mix of individual and political action committee donations. The Democratic challenger Michael Potter actually raised more during the reporting period, collecting more than $25,000, largely because of a single $25,000 contribution vermont donor. Uh both candidates entered the fall campaign with roughly uh $25,000 available. Uh for House District 57, Republican Wesley Bennett posted one of the largest fundraising totals among local state house candidates, raising nearly $69,000. Uh a significant portion came from the House Republican Campaign Committee, including a major $30,000 contribution. Uh and Democratic challenger Suzanne Portonberry raised just over $6,000 during the same period. So moving on to House District 58, uh Republican John Reed raised nearly $9,000, helped out by contributions from construction and education-focused political action committees. Uh Democratic challenger Michelle Hennessey Sears raised just over $1,000. Uh Reed finished the reporting period with substantially more money available uh for the final structure of the campaign. And then lastly, for House District 60, Republican income Mitt Peggy Mayfield entered the reporting period with more than $214,000 already in campaign funds. Uh she raised an additional $39,000 and finished with roughly $227,000 in cash on hand, making her one of the strongest funded candidates locally. Democratic challenger Carrie Sicello raised about $8,000 and ended with approximately $1,450 a bill.

SPEAKER_02 5:43

Gotcha. So what were some of the trends that we noticed in those campaign finances?

SPEAKER_01 5:48

Yeah, so Republican candidates generally held significant fundraising advantages in most local legislative races. Political action committees played a major role in several campaigns, particularly in state house contests. Democrat candidates relied more heavily on individual donations, though a few benefited from large contributions from supporters and reaffiliated organizations. So we will be right back with more stories, more inside the story. All right,

Rodric Bray

SPEAKER_01 6:40

we are back. So Josh, uh I understand that Roderick Bray visited uh Greenwood recently. Uh why don't you tell us a bit about that?

SPEAKER_02 6:48

Yeah, so Indiana Senate President Pro Tempur Roderick Bray spoke to the Greenwood Rotary Club about the state's priorities going into the 2027 legislative session. Uh he also spoke about the accomplishments and challenges that they're dealing with. Bray is one of the highest ranking lawmakers in Indiana government and recently announced he will not seek re-election as Senate President Pro Tem, citing growing divisions within Senate Republican ranks.

SPEAKER_01 7:14

Interesting. So what are Bray's top issues for 2027?

SPEAKER_02 7:18

He talked about the issues he hears most from Hoosiers, which include affordability, property taxes, housing costs, and child care availability. Property taxes are expected to be one of the dominant topics of the upcoming session.

SPEAKER_01 7:32

So what were some of the topics that he discussed?

SPEAKER_02 7:35

Yeah, so Bray highlighted India's economic growth, saying that lawmakers have approved 30 tax cuts over the past decade, including repeated reductions in the state income tax. He also pointed to the repeal of the utility receipts tax, billions of dollars in private investment, growth in advanced manufacturing and business development, and growth in advanced manufacturing and business development. Bray said India's strategy of maintaining low taxes in a business-friendly environment has helped attract companies and create high-paying jobs. According to Bray, many of those new jobs pay wages above the national average. He also acknowledged criticism of India's recent property tax reforms, especially concerns that they place financial pressure on local governments.

SPEAKER_01 8:21

Yeah, he was saying that property taxes were one of his biggest issues.

SPEAKER_02 8:25

And he supports continued reform, but said completely eliminated property taxes is not realistic, arguing doing so would create a major budget shortfall. However, he expressed openness to discussing proposals that would eliminate property taxes on primary residences and replace that revenue through other mechanisms. He said lawmakers are likely to seriously debate those ideas during the next session. Bray warned that Medicaid is consuming a growing share of Indiana's budget, increasing significantly over the past several years. He said lawmakers will need to address fraud, abuse, and long-term costs to preserve the program for residents who need it most.

SPEAKER_01 9:05

So he's touched on a lot of things.

SPEAKER_02 9:10

Yeah, so he was asked about legalizing marijuana, which he remained opposed to. He argued that legalization should not be pursued as a way to simply generate uh more tax revenue. He also expressed concern about the message legalization could send to young people about the risks uh associated with marijuana. Um kind of getting away from that, he discussed Indiana's transportation funding challenges as gas tax revenues become less reliable due to more fuel-efficient vehicles. He noted that future budget flexibility could emerge as state pension obligations are paid down. He also has some stuff to say on the topic of data centers.

SPEAKER_01 9:55

We all do, as of late.

SPEAKER_02 9:58

Yes. Uh and he said that companies should pay for any infrastructure upgrades needed to serve their facilities. Local governments should avoid offering tax incentives to attract them, and communities should carefully weigh the benefits and costs before approving projects. He also reflected on the contentious debate over mid-decade uh congressional redistricting that dominated state politics last year. He said that he opposed redrawing districts for purely political purposes, despite pressure from national Republican leaders. He described the debate as one of the most I'm gonna say it again. Bray described the debate as one of the most difficult experiences of his legislative career. He argued that changing district lines primarily for political advantage would increase public cynicism toward government and damage trust in the political process.

Scare Away the Stigma

SPEAKER_02 11:04

Yeah, so what's going to be happening there?

SPEAKER_01 11:06

Yeah. So Johnson County's annual walk suicide out of the county event is returning on October 31st with a new spooky theme, Scare Away the Stigma. Uh the event is designed to raise awareness that suicide prevention, encourage conversations about mental health, and connect people with local resources and support. Uh organizers hope to reduce the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help when they are struggling.

SPEAKER_02 11:29

So, what's going to be happening at this event?

SPEAKER_01 11:31

Yeah, so the read that will take place at Young's Creek Park uh on October 31st at 11 a.m. Uh at the drivehubler.com amphitheater. Uh and it will feature an accessible, self-paced one-mile walk. Uh participants will encounter educational signs along the route focused on suicide awareness, mental health education, coping strategies, and prevention resources. Organizers are also incorporating in interactive activities, including an ISPY component that teaches breathing exercises, emotional regulation skills, and healthy coping techniques. Uh, because the walk will take place on Halloween, attendees are also encouraged to wear their costumes, though that's not required. Uh participants will receive treat bags containing candy and information about local mental health resources.

SPEAKER_02 12:17

Yeah, so what's the importance of this being held in the local community?

SPEAKER_01 12:21

Yeah, so according to state health data, 24 Johnson County residents died by suicide in 2024. Suicide rate of 14.3 per 100,000 responds. Statewide, 1,168 users died by suicide in 2024, making it the high second highest annual total since 2015. Organizers stressed that every suicide affects far more than one individual. The event is being organized by the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Johnson County, which was formed in 2019 to increase awareness, provide education, and reduce stigma surrounding suicide. The coalition believes creating a safe space for open conversations can help people feel less isolated and more willing to ask for help. Uh, local mental health organizations and community partners will host information booths at the event, offering crisis resources, support group information, suicide prevention education, and services for people grieving the loss of a lower.

SPEAKER_02 13:19

So, what has the impact been like with these events in the past?

SPEAKER_01 13:22

Yeah, so this year's event works third vocal pre-side awareness walk held in Johnson County. Organizers launched the local walk after community members repeatedly expressed interest at having a county-based event focused on mental health and suicide prevention. Previous walks have brought together residents, support groups, and mental health advocates, civil connections, and race awareness. So if you are interested, again, that's on October 31st at 11 a.m. Uh, and I'm sure they will be more than happy to see everyone there.

SPEAKER_02 13:50

Yeah, I'm sure. So we're gonna take a quick break and we'll be right back.

Erika Malone 13:54

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.

Roundtable: FFA Students

SPEAKER_01 14:10

And we're back with our roundtable. Uh Josh, why don't you tell us a little bit about your first story with some FFA students?

SPEAKER_02 14:18

Yeah, so Indian Creek is sending three teams to national competitions this year, and two of those are soil evaluation teams, and they qualified for nationals after earning first place and fourth place at the state competition in Clay County. Um, the state champion soil team consisted of Anna Zimmerman, Taylor Ennis, Blake Leggan, and Zane Wilkerson. Anna Zimmerman also earned individual state champion honors in the competition. The second Indian Creek soil team is made up of Wyatt Harrell, Riley Swank, Haley Zimmerman, and Corbin Wolf. Both of those soil evaluation teams will compete at the national competition in Oklahoma next May. But Indian Creek's meat evaluation team earned reserve state champion honors at Purdue University earlier this year. They're preparing for the national competition in Denver next year.

SPEAKER_01 15:09

Two very different parts of the country.

SPEAKER_02 15:11

Yeah. Um, members of the meat evaluation team include Reagan Ferris, Hannah Shanefeld, Brooke Setzer, and Luke Schanifeld. So they're uh the two competitions are very different from each other, but teach the kids some pretty valuable skills, uh, whether they're gonna be sticking in these uh career fields or just for personal knowledge and personal use. Um so the soil evaluation team learned how to assess land for agricultural and residential uses, uh, including crop suitability, nutrient management, uh practices for drainage and crops, and uh also for foundation and construction considerations. And the meat evaluation students learned how to identify different cuts of beef, pork, and lamb, uh, grade different meat qualities, analyze meat processing scenarios, and determine the most cost-effective uh ways to build a meat locker if that is the career that they're looking to get into. Some students say the competitions directly support their career goals. Taylor Ennis hopes to become a soil scientist. Wyatt Harrell plans to apply the soil knowledge on his family farm and in his careers in the future. Reagan Ferris sees opportunities in agricultural education and food systems. Orban Wolfe believes understanding the foundation aspects of soil and drainage will help in his future career as a firefighter in EMT.

SPEAKER_01 16:43

Huh. You don't know how to think about it. I never considered soil as being a part of those jobs, but I do think that would be useful.

SPEAKER_02 16:50

Yeah, that's part of the competition too. Uh and uh their agriculture teacher, Joey Dunn, emphasized that the skills extend beyond farming, helping students understand home construction and drainage issues for when they have their own homes and how they need to organize their landscaping and uh septic systems and even basic everyday things that they can use uh when they're purchasing meat at the store, making cost-effective uh smart consumer decisions.

SPEAKER_01 17:20

Yeah, there's a lot of uh applications I did see that uh could come from those competitions.

Roundtable: Community Garden

SPEAKER_01 17:25

So, and kind of on the topic of uh of soil, I suppose, um Princess Lakes, uh they received funding for uh community for their community garden uh for accessibility appearance.

SPEAKER_02 17:37

That's cool. What was that like?

SPEAKER_01 17:39

So Princess Lakes Community Garden uh has received national recognition and funding through the Administration for Community Livings Cultivating Connected Communities Prize Challenge. Uh the garden was selected as just one of 70 phase one winners nationwide and one of only three winners in Indiana. Uh the work crossed with uh $4,000 in prize funding to help improve accessibility at the community garden. Uh the funding will be used to address a long-standing challenge, uh, which is the garden's rock terrain, which makes it difficult for people using wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and other mobility devices. So if you events include a paid entrance into the garden and a stable, accessible pathway within the garden. Uh organizers say accessibility concerns became apparent during the garden's first two years of operation. So the goal is to ensure older adults and people with disabilities can more easily enjoy the garden and participate in its programs. So the town of Princess Lakes has had uh a community garden now for a couple of years. Uh, it's located behind their town hall. It allows residents to rent plots and raise beds to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other plants. Uh, garden volunteers regularly offer educational workshops as well on gardening topics and sustainable growing practices, such as worm casting, which I did not know was a thing, but apparently it does mean work worm poop. I guess it's fertilizer.

SPEAKER_02 19:01

Okay, that's interesting. So, what does this kind of mean for the local community?

SPEAKER_01 19:05

Organizers saying the garden has evolved into a gathering place where residents can meet neighbors, build friendships, and spend more time outdoors. Uh, they already have raised garden beds uh to accommodate gardeners who have difficulty bending or kneeling. Phase one award qualifies Princess Likes to compete for phase two funding, which would provide an additional $8,000. Uh, but not everyone who's in phase one will advance to phase two. Um, to advance the garden must demonstrate that its accessibility plan is practical, community supported, and capable of making a meaningful impact. Uh, their accessibility plan focuses on circum older adults, individuals with physical disabilities, and people with intellectual and uh developmental disabilities. Gardens say the full accessibility project will cost more than the initial $4,000 uh and are continuing to seek donations, grants, and sponsors. It's selected for phase two. Organizers hope construction can begin immediately after funding decisions are announced next summer. Uh the ultimate goal uh is to remove barriers and ensure more residents can enjoy gardening, healthy food, and community connections. So bear in mind. Sounds

Roundtable: Museum America 250 Exhibition

SPEAKER_01 20:10

like things have been happening at the Johnson County Museum.

SPEAKER_02 20:15

Yes, so the museum unveiled the second part of their America 250 exhibition. Uh it's titled America's 250th Part 2: India and Johnson County Now and Then. Uh the exhibit covers local history from 1861 through today, continuing the story that began with part one, which focuses on the county's early development alongside the nation's founding.

SPEAKER_01 20:40

Why did they split it into two parts?

SPEAKER_02 20:41

Yeah, so the museum split into two parts because there's too much history and material to fit into just one single display. Uh there's a lot there, so the visitors can explore Johnson County's role in major national events like the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the growth and modernization of local communities. The exhibit highlights how everyday life changed with the arrival of electricity, running water systems, new communication technology, industrialization, and manufacturing growth. A major focus is Camp Atterbury, which museum director David Pfeiffer describes as Johnson County's most significant contribution to the World War II effort. Historical materials were donated by Don Wirtz, co-creator of the Atterbury Files, and they helped tell the story of the military base and its evolution.

SPEAKER_01 21:29

I love that name. The Atterbury Files.

SPEAKER_02 21:32

Oh yeah, yeah, that sounds cool. Um, they also examined more recent local milestones like the construction of Greno Park Mall, the role of Who's Your Horse Park during the 1987 Pan American Games, and the restoration of Franklin's historic artcraft theater. The project is part of a broader America 250 celebration with Johnson County organizers collaborating since 2024 to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary. Other America 250 activities have included a Benjamin Franklin reenactment event, a Boston Tea Party themed programming and historical speaker series on colonial printing and revolutionary war veterans buried in Johnson County. The exhibit offers residents a chance to reflect on 250 years of change, from rural communities without electricity to the modern county that we live in today.net.

Outro

SPEAKER_01 22:36

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SPEAKER_02 22:41

See you guys next time.