>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY: >>> COMING UP ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," THE NEW YEAR HAS ALREADY SEEN RECORD NUMBERS OF POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES, AND HOSPITALIZATIONS ARE AT THEIR HIGHEST IN MORE THAN A YEAR.

>> MORE THAN HALF THE CHILDREN ADMITTED ARE SPENDING TIME IN THE I.C.U., AND AT LEAST 40% OF THOSE ARE SPENDING TIME ON THE VENTILATOR.

>> AHEAD, WE'LL TALK WITH A MEDICAL EXPERT ON THE IMPACT ON HOSPITALS.

>>> FARMERS DIE BY SUICIDE AT SIX TIMES MORE THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE AND THE PANDEMIC HAS ADDED TO THE STRESSES THAT EVERY FARMER FACES.

>> WE NEVER THOUGHT IT COULD HAPPEN TO BLAKE.

>> THE INDIANA RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION HAS DESIGNED A PROGRAM TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ON THE FARM.

>>> AND AS CHURCH ATTENDANCE DECLINES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, SMALLER CHURCHES HAVE HAD TO MAKE HARD DECISIONS.

THOSE STORIES, PLUS THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES RIGHT NOW ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

♪ >> WELCOME TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

I'M JOE HREN.

THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH APPROVED BOOSTERS FOR HOOSIERS 12 TO 15 YEARS OLD THIS WEEK.

THE MOVE COMES AFTER THE STATE REPORTS A SINGLE DAY RECORD 15,277 NEW CASES THURSDAY, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF POSITIVE CASES TO MORE THAN 1.3 MILLION.

MONROE COUNTY SET A SINGLE DAY RECORD WEDNESDAY WITH 297 NEW CASES AND THE COUNTY'S SEVEN DAY POSITIVITY RATE HAS CLIMBED TO ALMOST 19%.

>> THESE NUMBERS MOVED OUR ADVISORY TO A 2.5, WHICH IS STILL ORANGE, BUT WE ARE QUITE LIKELY ON THE ROAD TO BEING RED.

>> MORE THAN 3,000 HOOSIERS REMAIN HOSPITALIZED WITH THE VIRUS.

THE MOST IN MORE THAN A YEAR.

STATE HAS ADDED 150 NEW DEATHS THURSDAY, BRINGING THE STATE TOTAL TO JUST UNDER 19,000.

>>> WE'RE JOINED NOW BY DR. PAUL CALKINS, THE INTERIM CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER FOR I.U.

HEALTH SOUTH CENTRAL REGION.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW, DR. CALKINS.

AS WE JUST HEARD MORE THAN 3,000 HOOSIERS HOSPITALIZED IN THE STATE WITH COVID-19.

WE HEAR THESE NUMBERS BUT WE DON'T SEE IT.

HOW MUCH STRESS IS THAT PUTTING ON THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM?

>> WELL, IT'S PUTTING A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF STRESS ON THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

JUST SO YOU KNOW, I.U.

TOPPED 600 PATIENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN THE PANDEMIC TODAY.

IT'S JUST EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY INTENSE RIGHT NOW.

I BELIEVE WE'RE FIVE WAVES INTO THIS PANDEMIC, DEPENDING ON HOW YOU COUNT, AND PEOPLE ARE EXHAUSTED.

IT'S JUST REALLY BECOMING REALLY KIND OF MORE THAN YOU CAN TAKE TO JUST HAVE THIS SURGE AFTER SURGE AFTER SURGE.

I THINK THE OTHER THING YOU NEED TO RECOGNIZE IS THAT WE HAVE CERTAINLY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE DELAYED SURGERY BECAUSE OF THE PRESSURE ON THE HOSPITALS, AND MANY, MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT ARE HAVING TO WAIT BECAUSE WE JUST DON'T HAVE THE CAPACITY TO TAKE CARE OF THEM.

SO ONCE WE FINALLY GET THROUGH COVID WE HAVE A WHOLE OTHER POPULATION OF PEOPLE THAT WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF.

>> THE MAJORITY OF THE CASES WE HEAR ARE THE DELTA VARIANT, BUT OMICROM RAPIDLY ON THE RISE.

WE HEAR IT'S MORE TRANSMISSIBLE WHAT KINDS OF CHALLENGES DOES THAT POSE?

>> I THINK WE SHOULD ASSUME THAT OMICON IS RAPIDLY BECOMING DOMINANT.

THEY WERE CALLING 50% OF THE VARIANTS OMNICRON AS THE 20th 20th OF DECEMBER.

AS THE RATE THAT'S GROWING, I THINK WE HAVE TO ASSUME THAT OMNICRON IT IS BECOME REALLY DOMINANT IN INDIANA.

APPARENTLY IT'S LESS LIKELY TO CAUSE HOSPITALIZATION, BUT THERE'S JUST SO MUCH DISEASE THAT WE ARE VERY WORRIED WE WILL NOT SEE ANY RELIEF IN THE HOSPITALS FROM OMNICRON.

>> REILLY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL SAID ADMISSIONS OF CHILDREN IS FOUR TIMES HIGHER THAN AT ANY POINT IN THE PANDEMIC.

ARE YOU SEEING THOSE NUMBERS AT I.U.

HEALTH?

>> SO IN THE HOSPITALS HERE DOWN IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE STATE, WE GENERALLY WOULD NOT KEEP CHILDREN WITH COVID IF THEY NEEDED TO BE HOSPITALIZED.

WE WOULD TRANSFER THEM TO RILEY.

SO OUR PATIENTS TEND TO BE YOUNG MIDDLE AGE AND UP INTO THE ELDERLY POPULATION.

I WOULD SAY THE 0 TO 19 PATIENT DEMOGRAPHIC IS ACTUALLY THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF COVID CASES THAT ARE RECORDED IN INDIANA, AND WITH THE NUMBERS BEING AS HIGH AS THEY ARE, IT'S NOT SURPRISING THAT THE NUMBER OF HOSPITALIZATIONS HAS GONE UP.

IT IS FAIRLY STRIKING AT RILEY RIGHT NOW.

>>> DR., THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

WE KNOW YOU ARE BUSY.

SO WE APPRECIATE HAVING YOU HERE TODAY.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING ME ON.

>> SUICIDE RATES AMONG FARMERS ARE SIX TIMES HIGHER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.

IT'S A PROBLEM THAT'S PERSISTED FOR DECADES AND ONLY MADE WORSE BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

BROCK TURNER HAS THIS REPORT.

>> KATHY WALKER KNOWS THIS IS AN UPHILL CLIMB.

WALKER IS LEADING THE HEALTHY MINDS, HEALTHY LIVES PROGRAM FOR THE INDIANA RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION.

TODAY, SHE'S GETTING THE WORD OUT ABOUT A NEW WORKSHOP DESIGNED TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

>> THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR US IS GETTING SOME OF THESE HARD-WORKING FARMERS AND AGRICULTURAL PEOPLE TO -- TO BE WILLING TO OPEN UP AND TALK ABOUT THIS.

>> KEVIN KALB IS ONE OF A FEW FARMERS WHO IS NOT SHY WHEN TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH, BUT IT WASN'T ALWAYS THIS WAY.

>> EVERY MORNING WE WOULD GO TO THE GAS STATION DOWN HERE AND GET A HONEYBUN, A MOUNTAIN DEW OR WHATEVER, AND SOLVE THE WORLD'S PROBLEMS THERE AND THEN WE WOULD TALK ON THE PHONE PROBABLY AN HOUR A DAY, BULL BACK AND FORTH.

AND THEN A LOT OF SPORTING EVENTS WE WOULD SEE EACH OTHER.

I WOULDN'T BE AFRAID IN A 24-HOUR DAY, I PROBABLY WAS -- I PROBABLY TALKED TO BLAKE MORE THAN I DID TO MY FAMILY, MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY, WE WERE THAT -- YOU KNOW, AND HE HAD A LOT OF FRIENDS LIKE THAT, I MEAN HE TALKED TO A LOT.

I MEAN, HE WAS JUST A -- OH, HE WAS A GOOD DUDE.

>> HIS COUSIN, BLAKE CALL KALB ONE OF HIS CLOSEST FRIENDS TOOK HIS LIFE A YEAR TO THE DAY.

>> THE SCARY THING ABOUT IT, HE WAS ONE THE MOST LIKED PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY, EVERYBODY -- I MEAN NOBODY EVER SAID ANYTHING BAD ABOUT BLAKE.

>> THEY PROBABLY SOLD SEED CORN FOR 16, 17 YEARS MAYBE.

HE WAS A LITTLE BIT YOUNGER THAN ME, BUT, YEAH, HE'S A PRETTY GOOD FELLER.

>> KALB SAYS MANY OF THE STRESSORS FARMERS FACE ARE FINANCIAL.

THOSE ARE AMPLIFIED AMONG THE SMALL FAMILY OPERATORS WHO FEEL THE EXTRA PRESSURE KEEPING THEIR GENERATIONAL FARMS GOING.

>> EVERY FARMER DON'T THINK IT COULD HAPPEN TO THEM.

WE NEVER THOUGHT IT COULD HAPPEN TO BLAKE.

NEVER, EVER, DID I THINK BLAKE COULD EVER DO IT.

I MEAN HE WOULD BE THE LEAST ONE IN OUR RUNNING GROUP THAT I WOULD THINK THAT COULD DO IT.

>> THAT'S WHY ADVOCATES LIKE WALKER ARE ATTEMPTING TO MEET FARMERS EXACTLY WHERE THEY ARE.

SHE PLANS TO HOST WORKSHOPS AND LISTENING SESSIONS THROUGHOUT INDIANA THAT WILL BRING FARMERS TOGETHER TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH.

FEDERAL FUNDS FIRST ALLOCATED TO INDIANA'S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO MAKE THE PROGRAM POSSIBLE.

ABBEYABBY HEIDENREICH'S TEAM, RECEIVED PART OF THE GRANT.

>> IT'S EMOTIONAL TO ADMIT WEAKNESS, THAT YOU CAN'T HANDLE SOMETHING.

BUT THAT WAY OF THINKING IS WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO HELP SHIFT.

I THINK, YOU KNOW, OVER HALF OF THE PEOPLE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES AREN'T FULLY AWARE OF THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT FARMERS ARE DEALING WITH.

YOU KNOW, YOU HAVE TO ALMOST EXPERIENCE IT FIRSTHAND TO REALLY UNDERSTAND IT, AND THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE'RE TRYING TO CHANGE THROUGH OUR PROGRAMMING AND JUST THROUGH ADVOCACY FOR MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES.

>> HEIDENREICH AND WALKER SAYS THAT IT'S STEPS TO SOLVING A GENERATIONAL PROBLEM.

EVERYONE AGREES AGREES INVOLVED SAYS MORE FUNDING IS NEEDED.

SUICIDE RATES IN AGRICULTURE ARE WORSE THAN ANY OTHER SECTOR.

FOR AGRICULTURAL WORKERS, THE RATE IS 36 PER 136,000.

WHICH TRAILS MINING AND CONSTRUCTION.

KALB WELCOMES THEIR EFFORTS AND BELIEVES MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE BUT FOR MANY, IT TAKES A TRAGEDY BEFORE THEY RECOGNIZE HOW DIRE THE SITUATION REALLY IS.

>> MOST PEOPLE, IF YOU DON'T KNOW 'EM, OR IF IT HAS NOT HAPPENED TO SOMEBODY THAT YOU KNOW, YOU JUST KIND OF BRUSH IT OFF, UNTIL SOMETHING LIKE THIS DOES HAPPEN.

YOU KNOW, THAT'S UNFORTUNATE THAT WE SEE IT THAT WAY.

>> KALB SAYS HE SPEAKS OUT BECAUSE HE DOESN'T WANT ANOTHER CIRCLE TO HAVE TO ENDURE THE PAIN HE AND HIS COMMUNITY HAVE.

THAT'S A LARGE PART OF WHAT DRIVES WALKER AND OTHER ADVOCATES.

SHE SEES THIS PROGRAM AS A FIRST STEP AND KNOWS SHE'S RUNNING A MARATHON.

>> WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT YOU ANTICIPATE?

>> GETTING THEM TO COME TO THE WORKSHOP AND TALK ABOUT IT.

[ LAUGHTER ] YOU KNOW, I MEAN I HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF PEOPLE STOP BY OUR BOOTH AND WE HAVE THESE BRAIN SHAPE SQUEEZE BALLS AND THERE'S A LOT OF JOKES AND LIGHT HEARTEDNESS ABOUT THE TOPIC AND THAT'S FINE.

I UNDERSTAND THAT, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, YOU KNOW, WE NEED TO HAVE -- IT'S NOT REALLY A LAUGHING MATTER, BUT IT'S A SERIOUS MATTER, BUT WE CAN APPROACH IT WITH HUMOR, BUT WE ALSO NEED TO APPROACH IT REALISTICALLY AND TALK ABOUT IT, AND NOT JUST LAUGH IT OFF OR SHRUG IT OFF.

>> FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M BROCK TURNER.

>> WE'RE JOINED NOW BY HOLDEN ABSHIER FOR A LOOK AT THE LATEST HEADLINES.

HI, HOLDEN.

>> THANKS, JOE.

THE 2022 INDIANA LEGISLATIVE SESSION OPENED THIS WEEK, WITH THE GOP AGAIN MAINTAINING A SUPER MAJORITY IN BOTH CHAMBERS AND THE HOUSE REPUBLICANS WENT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY ON A BILL THAT WOULD EFFECTIVELY BAN PRIVATE COMPANIES FROM ENFORCING COVID-19 VACCINE MANDATES.

THE MEASURE, WHICH IS CLEARED THROUGH COMMITTEE DOES ALLOW BUSINESSES TO REQUIRE WEEKLY COVID TESTING FOR EMPLOYEES WHO REFUSE TO GET THE VACCINE BUT IT SAYS THOSE BUSINESSES CAN'T CHARGE IF THE EMPLOYEES TAKE THE TEST.

MATT LEHMAN SAYS HIS MEASURE IS TRYING TO WALK A FINE LINE.

>> THAT PLACE BETWEEN AN EMPLOYER'S RIGHT TO DO WHAT EMPLOYERS HAVE A RIGHT TO DO AS PRIVATE ENTERPRISE, AT THE SAME TIME, NOT INTERFERING WITH THE FIRMLY HELD BELIEFS OR THE MEDICAL CONDITIONS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.

>> EVERY MAJOR HEALTHCARE AND BUSINESS ORGANIZATION IN THE STATE OPPOSES THE OVERALL BILL.

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE, INDIANA HOUSE DEMOCRATS WANT THE LEGISLATURE TO SPEND SOME OF THE STATE'S $4 BILLION SURPLUS THIS YEAR TO HELP SUPPORT STRUGGLING HOOSIERS.

MINORITY LEADER PHIL GIAQUINTA SAYS THE STATE SHOULD BE HELPING THEM WITH MEDICAL DEBT, CHILD CARE COSTS AND STUDENT LOANS, WITH TAX CUTS ON THE AGENDA, GIAQUINTA SAYS ANY DEBATE SHOULD INCLUDE CREATING A CHILD TAX CREDIT.

THE CAUCUS IS ALSO PUSHING FOR PAID LEAVE LEGISLATION.

>> NO HOOSIER SHOULD HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN CARING FOR A LOVED ONE AND A PAY CHECK.

PAID LEAVE IS NOT A PERK.

IT CREATES STABLE AND SECURE ECONOMIES AND HOUSEHOLDS.

>> THIS YEAR'S LEGISLATION IS SET TO END IN MARCH.

>>> THE FOUR-MONTH REMONSTRATION WINDOW TO PETITION AGAINST BLOOMINGTON'S ANNEXATION ORDINANCES IS OVER AND PETITIONERS SAY THEY HAVE ENOUGH SIGNATURES TO STOP IT.

MITCH LEGAN HAS THIS REPORT.

>> MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND RESIDENTS AGAINST ANNEXATION MARK THE OFFICIAL CONCLUSION OF THE REMONSTRATION THURSDAY EVENING AT THE MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE.

LEADING THE CHARGE IS MARGARET CLEMENTS.

SHE SAYS HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS MOBILIZED DURING A PANDEMIC, GOING DOOR-TO-DOOR, GATHERING SIGNATURES TO AVOID ANNEXATION.

>> I THINK IT'S AN IMPORTANT TIME TO HAVE A DISCUSSION OF HOW WE WOULD LIKE TO EVOLVE TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE.

IT CAN NOT JUST BE AN AUTHORITARIAN TOP-DOWN THE CITY THE GETS TO TELL THE COUNTY WHAT THEY WANT TO DO THROUGH THEM.

>> INDIANA LAW STATES IF 65% OF THE LANDOWNERS REMONSTRATE, THEN THE ANNEXATION IS INVALIDATED FOR THAT AREA.

IF 51% OF LANDOWNERS REMONSTRATE, THEY CAN FIGHT THE ANNEXATION THROUGH THE COURT SYSTEM.

CLEMENTS SAYS SHE HAS ENOUGH SIGNATURES TO AVOID ANNEXATION IN ALL SEVEN AREAS.

THE OFFICIAL REMONSTRATES RECORDS IS KEPT BY KATHERINE SMITH'S OFFICE.

SHE SAYS THERE'S MORE TO COUNT AND VALIDATE BEFORE IT'S OFFICIAL.

>> I EXPECT TO HAVE SOME NUMBERS SOON BUT THOSE WOULD BE WITH A MARGIN OF ERROR WITH 5%.

SO ONES THAT ARE OVERWHELMINGLY ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, WE'LL HAVE THAT A LOT SOONER.

>> SMITH SAYS OFFICIAL REMONSTRATION RESULTS WILL BE ISSUED BY THE MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

IF ANNEXATION ORDINANCES ARE VOIDED, THEY COULD CHALLENGE MOST OF THE SIGNATURES IN COURT.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M MITCH LEGAN.

>> IF ANNEXATION SUCCEEDS MORE THAN 8300 ACRES AND 14,000 PEOPLE WILL BE ANNEXED IN THE CITY LIMITS IN JANUARY OF 2024.

>>> THE MAN WHO BARRICADED HIMSELF IN A HOTEL ROOM AT THE INDIANA MEMORIAL UNION MONDAY NIGHT WAS CHARGED WITH THREE MISDEMEANORS RELATED TO THE INCIDENT.

CECIL LAMAR GILBERT WAS CHARGED WITH INTIMIDATION, CRIMINAL TRESS MASS AND FALSE INFORM -- TRESPASS AND FALSE INFORMING.

GILBERT CLAIMED TO BE ARMED WITH AN AK-47 AND HOLDING A FAMILY HOSTAGE.

HE'S CURRENTLY BEING HELD AT THE MONROE COUNTY JAIL.

>>> WHILE SOME COLLEGES ARE DELAYING A RETURN TO THE CLASSROOM THIS SEMESTER, INDIANA UNIVERSITY IS NOT ONE OF THEM.

THE UNIVERSITY SAID THE DECISION TO RESUME CLASSES MONDAY AS USUAL WAS CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND IT WILL CONTINUE TO AGGRESSIVELY MANAGE THE HEALTH AND THE SAFETY OF ITS CAMPUSES.

I.U.

REQUIRES ALL OF ITS STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 WITH VERY LIMITED EXCEPTIONS.

IT'S NOW INCENTIVIZING STUDENTS TO GET BOOSTER SHOTS BY GIVING THEM A $20 CRIMSON CARD CREDIT.

>>> THAT'S ALL THE TIME WE HAVE FOR HEADLINES.

BACK TO YOU, JOE.

>> THANKS, HOLDEN.

>>> COMING UP NEXT ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," NINE HOOSIERS FACE CHARGES OR HAVE BEEN SENTENCED FOR THEIR ROLES IN LAST JANUARY 6th'S INSURRECTION AT THE CAPITOL.

AHEAD, WE LOOK AT THE STATUS OF THEIR CASES.

>>> AND SMALLER CHURCHES HAVE HAD TO MAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS DUE TO SHRINKING CONGREGATIONS AND THE PANDEMIC.

THESE STORIES AND MORE, RIGHT HERE ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

>>> WELCOME BACK TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

IT'S BEEN ONE YEAR SINCE THOUSANDS MARCHED ON THE U.S. CAPITOL TO PROTEST THE RESULTS OF THE FAIR AND LEGITIMATE 2020 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

IN THE TIME SINCE AT LEAST NINE HOOSIERS HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH CRIMES RELATED TO THE INSURRECTION.

BROCK TURNER HAS BEEN FOLLOWING THEIR JOURNEYS THROUGH THE LEGAL SYSTEM FROM THE BEGINNING AND JOINS US HERE WITH MORE.

THANKS, BROCK, FOR BEING HERE.

DO ALL THE HOOSIERS FACE THE SAME CHARGES FROM THE INSURRECTION?

>> NO, THEY FACE SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT CHARGES.

SOME FACE PRETTY MINOR MISDEMEANOR CHARGES FOR ENTERING PUBLIC PLACES THAT THEY WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE, CONTROLLED GROUNDS OF THE CAPITOL.

OTHERS SHOWED UP TO THE CAPITOL WITH WEAPONS AND FACE PRETTY SERIOUS FELONIES AND PRETTY SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL PRISON TIMES FOR THOSE CRIMES.

>> SO FOR ALL OF THOSE THAT WERE SENTENCED, HAVE THEY SERVED THEIR TIME?

>> NO, THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS VARY.

SOME HAVE JUST BEEN CHARGED AND ARE AWAITING INITIAL HEARINGS.

OTHERS HAVE ACCEPTED PLEA DEALS.

FOR EXAMPLE, JOHN SHAFFER, THE FIRST INSURRECTIONIST FROM INDIANA THAT WAS CHARGED, THE FIRST INSURRECTIONIST THAT WAS CHARGED ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND HAPPENED TO BE FROM INDIANA, HE WAS A SINGER AND A GUITARIST IN A HEAVY METAL BAND, HE HAS AGREED TO WORK WITH AUTHORITIES FOR THOSE CRIMES.

AND HAS AGREED TO TESTIFY FOR -- FOR SOME OF HIS ROLES THERE.

SO IT REALLY VARIES.

SOME HAVE FACED SIGNIFICANT -- SOME FACE SIGNIFICANT PRISON TIME, OTHERS HAVE HAD TO COMPLETE SOME COMMUNITY SERVICE.

>> WE HEARD A LOT OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE STOPPED POLITICAL DONATIONS BY SOME COMPANIES.

>> YES, SOME COMPANIES ARE FOLLOWING THOSE GUIDELINES.

IT'S NOT AN ELECTION YEAR FOR CONGRESS.

IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO WATCH THAT FOLLOWING FORWARD.

ELI LILLY RESUMED POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THOSE -- TO SEVERAL OF THOSE CONGRESSMEN AND WOMEN.

SO IT WILL BE REALLY INTERESTING TO SEE WHAT OTHER COMPANIES DO, YOU KNOW, AS WE CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD.

>> JUST HAVE A FEW SECONDS LEFT, WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED FROM ALL OF THIS?

>> I THINK A LOT OF THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE EVERYWHERE.

THESE FOLKS HAVE COME FROM EVERY INDIANA COMMUNITY.

THEY COME FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, DIFFERENT PLACES, AND THEY ARE REALLY EMBEDDED IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

SOME ARE SCHOOL TEACHERS.

SOME WORK AT, YOU KNOW, SIGNIFICANT COMPANIES, COOK MEDICAL BEING ONE OF THEM.

SO I AT THE -- OR PREVIOUSLY WORKED FOR COOK.

SO I THINK IT REALLY VARIES.

THESE ARE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY WHO ARE TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS.

>> BROCK, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT REPORT.

APPRECIATE IT.

>> THANKS, JOE.

>>> WELL, EVEN BEFORE THE PANDEMIC, CHURCH ATTENDANCE WAS DROPPING IN THE U.S. OUR BENTE BOUTHIER REPORTS THAT SOME SMALL CHURCHES HAVE HAD TO MAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS, HASTENED BY THE PANDEMIC.

>> GREENER PRESS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OPENED IN 1907.

AMY ARTIS SERVED AS THE PASTOR SINCE 2015.

THE CONGREGATION DWINDLED TO THREE MEMBERS THIS FALL, MAKING IT HARD FOR HER TO JUSTIFY REMAINING OPEN.

>> IT WAS DIFFICULT, AS A PASTOR, YOU FEEL LIKE YOU SHOULD STICK WITH THE CHURCH, YOU KNOW TO HELP THEM, TO BE THERE FOR THEM.

>> ARTIS SAYS WHILE THE PANDEMIC HASTENED ITS CLOSURE, THE CHURCH HAD BEEN STRUGGLING TO KEEP ITS DOORS OPENED FOR A WHILE.

>> TOO OFTEN CHURCHES JUST GET TO THE POINT WHERE THEY FIND THEMSELVES IGNORING THE CHANGE.

AND THEN THAT -- AND THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED, THINK, WITH GRAMMER.

THEY JUST -- THE CHANGE AROUND THEM, WITH THE PANDEMIC, IN SOME WAYS WAS THE OVERWHELMING.

AND THEY COULDN'T -- THEY COULDN'T GET THEIR MIND AROUND IT.

THEY COULDN'T SEE ANY, YOU KNOW, LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL.

>> THE CONGREGATION HAD MADE EFFORTS TO INCREASE ITS NUMBERS.

THEY GOT COMPUTERS FOR AN AFTER-SCHOOL STUDY PROGRAM AND TRIED TO START A FOOD PANTRY, BUT EFFORTS LIKE THESE TAKE VOLUNTEER NUMBERS THAT SMALLER CHURCHES DON'T HAVE.

AND ARTIS SAYS AS MORE PEOPLE MOVED TO CITIES RETAINING NUMBERS AND ATTRACTING NEW ONES IS NOT EASY.

WHILE COUNTIES IN SUBINDIANA INCREASES, SOME SAW DROPS AS LARGE AS 5% IN THE LAST DECADE.

ARTIS STILL PREACHES ON SUNDAY AT SCIPIO, ABOUT FIVE MILES FROM GRAMMER.

SHE SAYS SCIPIO ABSORBED A COUPLE OF GRAMMER'S OLD MEMBER BUT HAS ALSO FELT.

THEY HAD AN ATTENDANCE OF 22 AND IT'S DROPPED TO 16 AS THE PANDEMIC HAS GONE ON.

>> SMALL CHURCHES CAN BE MORE OPEN TO THINGS THAN LARGE CHURCHES, BUT THEY CAN ALSO BE VERY STEEPED IN TRADITION.

>> DEANNA HOWARD HAD BEEN A MEMBER AT SCIPIO PRESBYTERIAN FOR 35 YEARS.

SHE SAYS THE CONGREGATION FEELS LIKE FAMILY TO HER.

>> WALKED IN THE DOOR HERE AND PEOPLE STARTED TALKING TO ME RIGHT AWAY.

ASKED ME TO SIT WITH THEM.

I THOUGHT, I THINK I FOUND THE PLACE WHERE I NEED TO GO THAT FIRST SUNDAY.

>> ARTIS SAYS PART OF THE CHALLENGE IN GETTING NEW MEMBERS IS THAT PEOPLE HAVE CERTAIN NEEDS IN MIND WHEN THEY LOOK FOR A CHURCH.

ARTHUR FARNSLEY IS NOT SURPRISED TO HEAR THE PANDEMIC HAS CREATED CHALLENGES FOR SMALL CHURCHES.

>> PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN PROGRAMS FOR THE ELDERLY, FOR TEENS, FOR THEIR CHILDREN, FOR SCHOOLS, DAY CARES, RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS.

WHEN YOU GET TO REALLY BIG CONGREGATIONS, THEY HAVE GOT JAZZERCISE AND PILATES.

>> HE SAYS WHEN SMALLER CHURCHES CLOSE THEIR DOORS, IT AFFECTS THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, ESPECIALLY IN MORE RURAL AREAS.

>> CONGREGATIONS FILL A GIANT HOLE IN THE SOCIAL SAFETY NET.

THEY HAVE CLOTHING PANTRIES, EVEN SMALL CONGREGATIONS HAVE FOOD PANTRIES.

THEY ARE NETWORKS THAT CAN BE MOBILIZED WHEN SOMEBODY NEEDS HELP.

>> BUT HE CAUTIONS AGAINST SOUNDING ALARM TOO EARLY.

HE SAYS THINGS HAPPEN MORE SLOWLY IN INSTITUTIONS AS OLD AS CHURCHES.

ARTIS SAYS EVEN IF THE SCIPIO CONGREGATION CAN'T GROW IN NUMBERS, THEY WOULD LIKE TO EFFORT COMMUNITY.

THEY HAVE GIVEN MONEY FOR EQUIPMENT FOR A LOCAL PLAYGROUND, AN ANIMAL RESCUE AND THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

THEY ARE MEETING THIS WEEKEND TO TALK ABOUT THE OPTIONS FOR THE FUTURE.

>> I THINK IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN TWO PEOPLE TOGETHER, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE MORE THAN TWO OPINIONS.

[ LAUGHTER ] WE ARE TRYING TO COME TO A CONSENSUS OF, YOU KNOW, WHAT IS THE CHURCH?

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING?

>> ARTIS SAYS THE KEY TO THEIR SURVIVAL WILL BE WILLINGNESS TO ADAPT AND RECEPTIVENESS TO CHANGE.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M BENTE BOUTHIER.

>> HUNTING, FISHING AND TRAPPING LICENSES WILL COST MORE IN THE STATE STARTING THIS YEAR BUT AS INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING'S REBECCA THIELE REPORTS, IT SHOULD GENERATE $3 MILLION ANNUALLY FOR THE FISH AND WILDLIFE DIVISION.

>> MANY INDIVIDUAL HUNTING AND FISHING FEES HAVEN'T CHANGED SINCE THE EARLY 2000s.

AND SEVERAL COMMERCIAL ONES HAVE STAYED THE SAME SINCE 1980s.

LINNEA PETERCHEFF IS IN CHARGE OF THE LICENSING.

SHE SAYS FEET -- FEE INCREASES WILL GO TO HELPING MATCHING FUNDS FOR FEDERAL GRANTS WHICH COULD HELP MORE SPECIES WHOSE POPULATIONS ARE DECLINING.

>> THERE'S A RESEARCH DONE ON GRAY FOXES AND BOB WHITE QUAIL AND WE HOPE TO DO MORE OF THOSE RESEARCH PROJECTS PROJECTS, AS WELL AS WORK WITH MORE PRIVATE LANDOWNERS ON ESTABLISHING HABITAT ON THEIR PROPERTIES.

>> THE DNR CREATES THE NEW LICENSE FEES BY COMPARING THEM WITH FAIRS IN OTHER MIDWEST STATES, LICENSING FOR MOST HUNTING AND FISHING AND TRAPPING ACTIVITIES WILL GO UP FOR THE LICENSE YEAR STARTING APRIL 1st.

I'M REBECCA THIELE.

>>> NOW, SOME COMMERCIAL RIVER FISHERMEN SAYS THE HIGHER FEES WILL HURT A DECLINING INDUSTRY.

THE DNR HAS A LIST OF HOW THE DIFFERENT FEES HAVE CHANGED ON THEIR WEBSITE.

THAT'S THE END OF THIS PROGRAM BUT OUR WORK CONTINUES ONLINE AS WE COVER THE NEWS THROUGH THE WEEK AT WTIUNEWS.ORG.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

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