>>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY: >>> COMING UP ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," SEX EDUCATION ISN'T REQUIRED TEACHING IN INDIANA.

SO A NUMBER OF SCHOOL SYSTEMS HAVE TURNED TO OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS FOR HELP.

>> SEXUAL HEALTH IS REALLY ABOUT COMMUNICATION AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS.

IT'S ABOUT KEEPING YOUR BODY SAFE.

>> MONROE COUNTY SCHOOLS HAVE PARTNERED WITH I.U.

HEALTH TO START TEACHING SEX ED IN THE FIFTH GRADE.

A GROUP IN WASHINGTON CALLED COMFORTING HEARTS HAS COME TOGETHER TO BUILD A HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND.

>> WE CANT GO TO PARKS BECAUSE I CAN BARELY DO ANYTHING.

I JUST HAVE TO WATCH MY SISTER PLAY.

>> THE GROUP HOPES TO HAVE THE PLAYGROUND COMPLETED NEXT SUMMER.

>>> AND SENATOR MIKE BRAUN ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK HE WAS RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR.

AHEAD, WE TALK WITH AN EXPERT ABOUT WHAT THAT MEANS FOR THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE IN THE STATE.

WE WILL HAVE THESE STORIES, PLUS THE LATEST NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STATE, RIGHT NOW ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

♪ >>> WELCOME TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

I'M JOE HREN.

MORE THAN 80% OF HOOSIERS BELIEVE AN ABORTION BAN SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST SOME EXCEPTIONS AND MORE THAN HALF SAY ABORTIONS SHOULD BE LEGAL IN MOST CASES.

BRANDON SMITH SAYS IT'S THE RESULTS OF INDIANA BROADCASTERS BALL STATE HOOSIER SURVEY.

>> ABOUT 78% OF THOSE POLLED SAY ABORTIONS SHOULD BE LEGAL IN CASES OF RAPE OR INCEST.

AND 62% SAY IT SHOULD BE LEGAL IF THERE ARE HEALTH PROBLEMS.

INDIANA PUBLIC LAWMAKERS PASSED A BAN THAT ALLOWS ABORTIONS ONLY IN SOME CASES OF RAPE OR INCEST AND THE LAW PERMITS ABORTION IF THE FETUS CAN'T SURVIVE OUTSIDE THE WOMB.

SOME WANT THEM TO RESTRICT ABORTION FURTHER.

GIVEN THE POLL NUMBERS, THAT'S A TOUGH SELL.

>> THAT COULD BE A POLITICAL LANDMINE IF -- CAPITAL IF THEY GO THAT ROUTE.

>> NEARLY HALF OF ALL OF THOSE POLLED SAY THEY WOULDN'T VOTE FOR A CANDIDATE WHOSE ABORTION VIEWS WERE DIFFERENT FROM THEIRS.

FOR INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING, I'M BRANDON SMITH AT THE STATE HOUSE.

>>> INDIANA IS ONE OF 18 STATES THAT DOESN'T REQUIRE SCHOOLS TO TEACH SEX EDUCATION TO STUDENTS, BUT IF A SCHOOL DOES TEACH SEX EDUCATION, THE STATE MANDATES TEACHING ABOUT HIV AND AIDS WITH EMPHASIS ON ABSTINENCE.

WITH LIMITED TIME AND GUIDANCE, SOME DISTRICTS TURN TO OUTSIDE GROUPS TO HELP TACKLE THE SUBJECT.

BENTE BOUTHIER REPORTS.

>> IT'S OLIVIA COSGRAY'S FOURTH DAY WITH THE 7th GRADE CLASS AT NORTHVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHING SEX EDUCATION.

THEY'S BROUGHT IN THROUGH THE LIFESMART YOUTH TO PROVIDE INSTRUCTION.

TODAY IS SET ASIDE TO TEACH ABOUT STI AND STDs.

AND WITH THE FUTURE OF ABORTIONS UP IN THE AIR, SHE'S MORE CONVINCED THAT STUDENTS NEED ACOMPREHENSIVE SEX EDUCATION.

>> YOU WANT TO TRY TO MAKE PEOPLE REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS.

>> CLASS OPENED WITH A WORD SCRAMBLE AND THEN A WORK SHEET ASKING STI AND STDs WITH THEIR CHARACTERISTICS.

SHE ANSWERED QUESTIONS CAN I GET HIV FROM SITTING ON A TOILET SEAT TO HOW TO KNOW WHEN TO GET TESTED.

>> SOMETIMES THEY GET REALLY WACKY QUESTIONS, BUT EVEN THOSE QUESTIONS ARE REALLY IMPORTANT, BECAUSE IF IT'S IN THEIR BRAIN, IT'S SOMETHING THEY ARE WONDERING ABOUT AND THEY NEED A FACTUAL ANSWER TO IT.

>> LIFESMART YOUTH SENDS SENDS NINE PEOPLE ACROSS THE STATES.

THEY MOVE INTO STD AND STI PREVENTION AND HEALTH I HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH OLDER STUDENTS.

FAN HAS THE 18th HIGHEST TEEN BIRTH RATE.

THE STATE'S YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEY REPORTS THAT CONDOM USE IS DECLINING AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.

MORE THAN 31% OF INDIANA HIGH SCHOOLERS REPORT BEING SEXUALLY ACTIVE ACCORDING TO TAMMIE CARTER.

>> WE CAN TALK ABOUT ABSTINENCE BUT IF THE TRAIN HAS ALREADY LEFT THE STATION, IT'S A LITTLE BIT LATE AND WE HAVE TO BE VERY VIGILANT ABOUT TEACHING YOUNG PEOPLE HOW TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.

>> HER ORGANIZATION IS NOT THE ONLY RESOURCE SCHOOLS TEAK TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH INFORMATION.

THE MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION PARTNERED WITH I.U.

HEALTH FOR SEX EDUCATION CURRICULUM.

THEY START EDUCATION ON PUBERTY WITH FIFTH GRADERS AND PROGRESS IN TOPICS THROUGH MIDDLE SCHOOL AND TENTH GRADE HEALTH CLASS.

THEY HELP THEM ACCESS MORE IN-DEPTH INFORMATION AND THEY PUT AN EMPHASIS ON HEALTHY COMMUNICATION THROUGHOUT THE CURRICULUM.

>> WE KNOW THAT HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION ARE EXTREMELY VALUABLE SKILLS FOR OUR CHILDREN AS THEY MOVE THROUGH THEIR LIFE.

AND SEXUAL HEALTH IS REALLY ABOUT COMMUNICATION AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS.

IT'S ABOUT KEEPING YOUR BODY SAFE, KEEPING YOUR BODY HEALTHY.

>> IT'S TOUGH TO FIT LESSONS IN WHILE KEEPING UP WITH OTHER CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION.

SHE SAYS KIDS NEED INFORMATION YEAR-TO-YEAR TO RESPOND TO CHANGING NEEDS.

>> WE KNOW THERE'S A LOT OUT THERE RIGHT NOW THAT KIDS CAN STUMBLE UPON THAT MAY NOT BE THE BEST, ACCURATE INFORMATION OR HEALTHIEST INFORMATION.

AND SO IT'S REALLY BEEN JUST EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL AND HELPFUL THAT WE HAVE I.U.

HEALTH AS A PARTNER TO BE ABLE TO HELP PROVIDE THAT ACCURATE INFORMATION.

>> THE NUMBER OF INDIANA TEACHERS WOULD REPORT TEACHING HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF EARLY PREGNANCY, STDs AND STI HAS GONE DOWN, THOUGH THE CDC SAYS MOST INDIANA SECONDARY SCHOOLS TEACH SOME SEX EDUCATION.

COSGRAY HAS 45 MINUTES TO GET THROUGH TEACHING SIX STIs AND STDs.

ON THE FINAL DAY, SHE TALKED ABOUT HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS.

ONE SEVENTH GRADER ASKED HER WHAT TO DO IF ONE PERSON WANTS TO WEAR A CONDOM DURING SEX AND THE OTHER DOES NOT.

>> I WAS LIKE, DO YOU THINK THAT IS A CONVERSATION THAT PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE?

AND WHAT IF THEY CAN'T COME TO AN AGREEMENT.

SHE'S LIKE, PROBABLY NOT HAVE SEX.

YEAH, PROBABLY NOT HAVE SEX.

>> LIFESMART USES EVALUATE WAYS TO EXPAND THE PROGRAMMING TO MORE SCHOOLS.

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

>> SCHOOLS ARE REQUIRED TO SEND HOME A FORM SO PARENTS CAN OPT THEIR KIDS OUT OF SEX EDUCATION IF THEY WANT.

>>> WHAT DOES AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT MEAN FOR INDIANA WORKERS.

THERE ARE ANY ALTERNATIVES SOME VIEWERS WANTED TO KNOW BUT AS ADAM I CAN'TIA REYES, THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO FIRE ANY WORKER FOR ALMOST ANY REASON.

>> INDIANAPOLIS EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY AMBER BOYD MOORMAN SAYS A LOT OF PEOPLE COME TO THEM WHEN THEY FEEL LIKE THEY ARE UNFAIRLY FIRED.

>> THEY CAN DO UNFAIR THINGS BUT NOT ILLEGAL PRACTICES.

>> AT-SATELLITE ACROSSWILL IS ACROSS THE STATE.

>> THE MAJOR EXCEPTION WAS THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT OF 1935.

YOU CAN DISMISS FOR ANY REASON, BUT NOT FOR JOINING OR SUPPORTING A UNION.

>> IF A FIRING CROSSES THE LINE, THE EMPLOYEE MUST PROVE IT.

THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS MORE SHARED.

>> MOST OF THE INDUSTRIAL WORLD RECOGNIZES THAT EMPLOYEES, ONCE THEY ARE PASSED A PROBATIONARY PERIOD, HAVE A RIGHT NOT TO BE DISMISSED EXCEPT FOR GOOD OR JUST CAUSE.

>> THERE HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTS TO CHANGE AT-WILL LAW IN INDIANA AND BEYOND, BUT SO FAR, NONE HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL.

FOR INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING, I'M ADAM I CAN'TIA YAHYA REYES.

>> THEY SHOULD DOCUMENT COMPLAINTS TO H.R.

OF UNFAIR TREATMENT AND SHE RECOMMENDS THOSE THINGS ARE SAVED ON PERSONAL, NOT ONLY COMPANY DEVICES.

>>> WE ARE JOINED NOW BY HOLDEN ABSHIER FOR MORE HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE STATE.

HELLO HOLDEN.

>> CALCATALENT PHARMACEUTICAL IS LAYING OFF 400 PEOPLE PEOPLE.

TEMPORARY AND FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES WILL BE AFFECTED MOSTLY IN OPERATIONS.

THE DECISION WAS BASED OFF THE CURRENT PHASE OF THE PANDEMIC.

THE CHALLENGING GLOBAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT, AND THE NEED TO OPERATE EFFICIENTLY.

CATALENT IS THE SECOND LARGEST EMPLOYER AFTER INDIANA UNIVERSITY.

>>> ERIC HOLCOMB, THE READI GRANT PROGRAM WILL LOOK FOR ANOTHER INFLUX OF FUNDING.

PAULPAT BEANE REPORTS.

>> THE READI GRANTS WERE CREATED, THE FIRST ROUND OF FUNDING $500 MILLION GAME FROM THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION STIMULUS PROGRAMMING, THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN.

TODD HOUSTON WANTS ANOTHER $500 MILLION IN THE UPCOMING STATE BUDGET.

>> USING READI FUNDING AND OR TOOLS, WE CAN WORK WITH OUR LOCAL PARTNERS TO ENSURE MORE COMMUNITIES HAVE HOUSING OPTIONS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF TODAY AND THE FUTURE.

>> SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER GREG TAYLOR SAYS THE REPUBLICAN-LED LEGISLATURE SPENT TOO MUCH TIME CUTTING TAXES FOR BUSINESSES AND NOT ENOUGH TO ENSURE THAT THE STATE HAS AN ADEQUATE WORKFORCE.

>> ADEQUATELY FUND K-12 EDUCATION.

START CHILDREN IN SCHOOL AT AGE 5 INSTEAD OF 7.

AND WE'LL SEE THE BENEFITS FROM THAT ACROSS THE STATE OF INDIANA AND BUSINESSES WILL BENEFIT.

>> FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M PAT BEANE.

>>> THE NEW SESSION AT THE STATE HOUSE BEGINS IN JANUARY.

>>> A GROUP OF BLOOMINGTON BUSINESSES, INCLUDING SPROUTBOX AND SOMA COFFEE HOUSE IS ON THE WAY TO INNOVATING THE 100-YEAR-OLD SHOWERS KILN DOWNTOWN.

AND THE FIRST PHASE OF RENOVATION WILL START WITHIN SEVERAL MONTHS AND INCLUDE RENOVATING THE FIRST FLOOR AND THE SECOND PHASE IS EXPECTED WITHIN SEVERAL YEARS AND INCLUDE BUILDING ADDITIONAL FLOORS.

IT WAS PART OF THE SHOWERS BROTHER FURNITURE COMPLEX AND IT CONSISTED OF FIVE LARGE OVENS THAT DRIED LUMBER BEFORE BEING MILLED INTO FURNITURE.

>>> MONROE COUNTY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTED A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD OR C.I.B.

TO EXPAND THE CONVENTION CENTER.

BLOOMINGTON MAYOR JOHN HAMILTON'S ADMINISTRATION LAST WEEK RELEASED A LIST OF 15 CHANGES IT WANTS BEFORE SIGNING ON TO THAT PLAN.

COUNCILMEMBER GEOFF McKIM SAYS DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CITY WILL CONTINUE.

>> THERE ARE SOME LEGITIMATE ISSUES RAISED IN THE CITY MEMO THAT WE NEED TO CONSIDER, JUST NOT IN THIS RESOLUTION.

>> ONE ISSUE THAT CAUGHT THE EYE OF SEVERAL COUNCIL MEMBERS IS THE CITY'S REQUEST TO HAVE TWO APPOINTMENTS THE COMMISSION.

>> THE MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY ASKED FOR A RECOUNT IN ONE RACE.

AFTER PROVISIONAL BALLOTS WERE ADDED TO THE TOTALS EARLIER THIS MONTH, HALL IS LEADING GITTENS.

BY 43 VOTES.

THE RECOUNT IS EXPECTED TO BE DONE BY DECEMBER 20th.

>>> DESPITE CHALLENGES LIKE INCREASED INPUT COSTS AND HOT SUMMER, HARVEST ACROSS INDIANA ENDED UP BEING PROFITABLE FOR MANY FARMERS.

CLAYTON BAM GARTH HAS THIS REPORT.

>> THE STATE SAW CROP YIELDS VARY GREATLY BETWEEN REGIONS REGIONS THANKS TO DIVERSE WEATHER PATTERNS.

AND SOME HAD THE BEST CROPS AND OTHERS HAVING THE WORST YEAR YET.

>> WE HAD DECENT YIELDS AND GOOD PRICES.

THOSE TWO GENERALLY DON'T GO ALONG TOGETHER, BUT THAT'S KIND OF HELPED MEND THE FENCE AND GOT US THROUGH THE YEAR.

>> THE WAR IN THE UKRAINE WAS A BIG FACTOR IN THE PRICE OF PRODUCTION AND CROPS.

RUSSIA IS A MAJOR PRODUCER OF FERTILIZER IN THE WORLD MARKET AND SANCTIONS HAVE CAUSED A SHARP DECLINE IN SUPPLY.

THE COST OF DIESEL HAS ALSO BEEN ENVIRONMENTHEAVILY AFFECTED BY THE WAR.

THEY ARE PREDICTING THE NEXT HARVEST TO BREAK EVEN FOR MANY.

BUT KRON NOTED THAT GRAIN PRICES ARE EXPECTED TO DECREASE.

WHILE THAT MAY MEAN 2023 COULD BE DIFFICULT, KRON REMAINS OPTIMISTIC.

>> HE SAYS YOU ARE ALWAYS OPTIMISTIC.

I SAID I THINK IF YOU ASK MOST FARMERS, NEXT YEAR WILL ALWAYS BE BETTER.

THAT'S PART OF WHY YOU HAVE TO HAVE THAT ATTITUDE TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT.

>>> FOR INDIANA, I'M CLAYTON BAUMGARTH.

>> IF DIESEL AND FERTILIZER COSTS MANAGE TO DROP, NEXT YEAR COULD BE ANOTHER RECORD HARVEST, JUST LIKE IN 2021.

>> HOLDEN, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>>> COMING UP NEXT ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," SENATOR MIKE BRAUN ANNOUNCED HE'S RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR IN INDIANA, AND THAT MEANS HIS SEAT IN CONGRESS WILL BE UP FOR GRABS IN 2024.

AND WE VISIT THE YOHO GENERAL STORE IN SOLSBERRY, WHICH WILL CELEBRATING THE 10th YEAR RENOVATION ANNIVERSARY.

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

>>> WELCOME BACK TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

INDIANA U.S.

SENATOR MIKE BRAUN FILED PAPERWORK WITH THE STATE ON TUESDAY TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR IN 2024.

BRAUN IS IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS FIRST TERM IN THE U.S. SENATE.

AND PRIOR TO THAT THE JASPER REPUBLICAN WAS A STATE LEGISLATOR FOR THREE YEARS AND SERVED A DECADE ON A LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD.

WE'RE JOINED NOW BY ANDY DOWNS, A POLITICAL ANALYST FROM FORT WAYNE AND FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE MIKE DOWNS CENTER FOR INDIANA POLITICS.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW, ANDY.

>> THANK YOU.

>> SO LET'S JUST -- IF BRAUN RAN FOR ANOTHER TERM IN THE SENATE, YOU JUST FIGURE HE WOULD EASILY WIN REELECTION.

WHY MAKE THE RUN FOR GOVERNOR?

>> WE HAVE TO REMEMBER, MIKE BRAUN IS A C.E.O.

HE'S SOMEBODY WHO IS USED TO BEING AT THE TOP OF THE HIERARCHY AND BEING ABLE TO MOVE ORGANIZATIONS IN A PARTICULAR DIRECTION.

WHEN YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THE SENATE, IT'S AN ELITE GROUP.

THERE ARE ONLY 100, BUT YOU ARE NOT THE LEADER OF IT.

EVEN IF YOU ARE THE MAJORITY LEADER, THERE ARE LIMITS TO WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT DO.

AND I THINK IT'S BEEN PRETTY CLEAR FROM THE BEGINNING THAT MIKE BRAUN IS SOMEBODY WHO LIKES TO BE ABLE TO MOVE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE DIRECTION HE WANTS THEM TO GO.

THAT MEANS BEING AN EXECUTIVE.

AND THE GOVERNOR IS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE STATE.

>> HE'S THE BIGGEST NAME TO ANNOUNCE FOR GOVERNOR.

WHO ELSE DO YOU THINK MIGHT RUN FOR THE GOP NOMINATION?

>> WELL, WE ALREADY KNOW ERIC DODEN IS IN THE RACE.

HE'S A SERIOUS CANDIDATE, SOMEBODY WHO CAN'T BE IGNORED.

AND THE OTHER NAME THAT HAS TO BE MENTIONED IS THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, SUZANNE CROUCH.

BEYOND THAT IT BECOMES A BIT MORE SPECULATION.

I THINK THERE PROBABLY WERE SOME PEOPLE WAITING TO SEE WHAT MIKE BRAUN WOULD DO.

AND NOW THAT HE'S MADE HIS DECISION TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR, THERE MIGHT SOMEBODY PEOPLE WHO JUST DECIDED TO RUN FOR SENATE INSTEAD OF GOVERNOR.

>> NOW, FORMER SECRETARY OF EDUCATION, JENNIFER McCORMICK LOOKS LIKE SHE MIGHT RUN FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION.

HAVE YOU HEARD OF ANYONE ELSE AND DOES A DEMOCRAT EVEN HAVE A CHANCE IN THE STATE?

>> WELL, McCORMICK IS THE NAME THAT'S BEEN COMING UP THE MOST.

OBVIOUSLY THERE WILL BE SOME OTHER NAMES THAT COME UP.

THERE MIGHT BE SOME PEOPLE WHO GO BACK IN TIME AND LOOK FOR SOMEONE LIKE JOE DONNELLY OR MAYBE EVEN A JOHN GREG AND SAY WHY NOT ASK THEM TO DO IT.

SOME PEOPLE MIGHT TRY TO CONVINCE PETE BUTTIGIEG THAT IT'S TIME FOR HIM TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR.

THE ONLY PERSON EXPLORING IT SERIOUSLY ARE JENNIFER McCORMICK.

THE CHANCES WITH WINNING, WE HAVE TO START WITH THE ASSUMPTION THAT EVERY RACE IS WINNABLE AND SOME ARE HARDER THAN OTHERS.

THIS WILL BE AN UPHILL CLIMB FOR THE DEMOCRATS, ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, WHEN YOU LOOK AT HOW ERIC HOLCOMB DID IN 2020.

IT WAS A VERY EASY VICTORY FOR HIM.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED IN THE SENATE RACE JUST EARLIER THIS YEAR, THAT WAS A VERY EASY WIN FOR TODD YOUNG.

THIS IS A TIME WHEN REPUBLICANS DO QUITE WELL RUNNING STATEWIDE.

>> SO WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR BRAUN'S SENATE SEAT?

WHO MIGHT GO AFTER THAT SEAT?

WILL IT BE IN PLAY FOR DEMOCRATS.

>> WELL, THAT SEAT -- ANY TIME THERE'S AN OPEN SEAT, BOTH PARTIES THINK THEY HAVE A SHOT AT IT.

OBVIOUSLY THEY DO.

WE REELECT INCUMBENTS AT AN UNBELIEVABLE HIGH RATE.

WHEN IT'S AN OPEN SEAT, BOTH PARTIES REALIZE THERE'S A BETTER CHANCE.

IN TERMS WHO HAVE MIGHT RUN, THAT'S A LONG LIST.

SOME NAMES ARE VICTORIA SPARTZ AND OTHER NAMES, AND MAYBE TODD ROWROPITA, WHAT HAD TO HAPPEN FIRST WAS MIKE BRAUN HAD TO SAY I'M NOT RUNNING FOR THAT SEAT.

ONCE THE DEMOCRATS GET A FEEL WHO IS IN THE REPUBLICAN FIELD, THERE MAY BE A FEW DEMOCRATS WHO SAY I LIKE MY CHANCES NOW BECAUSE MAYBE IN THE REPUBLICAN FIELD, THEY ARE RUNNING TOO FAR TO THE RIGHT OR TOO MANY NAMES FOR PEOPLE TO CHOOSE FROM, WHICH WILL CAUSE A FRACTURE IN THE PARTY.

SO, YOU KNOW, DEMOCRATS MAY END UP REACTING A LITTLE BIT TO WHAT THE REPUBLICANS DO.

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

APPRECIATE IT.

>> MY PLEASURE.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> A SUPPORT GROUP IN WASHINGTON IS RAISING FUNDS TO GET A NEW PLAYGROUND BUILT THAT WILL BE SUITABLE FOR KIDS OF ALL ABILITIES.

DAVE FOSTER OF WVUT IN VINCENNES HAS THIS STORY.

>> THIS IS KAITY HUNT.

SHE'S 8 YEARS OLD AND LIVES IN WASHINGTON AND ATTENDS WASHINGTON COMMUNITY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL, JUST ACROSS FROM LONGFELLOW PARK.

AS YOU CAN SEE, SHE USES A WHEELCHAIR.

SHE JUST WANTS TO BE ABLE TO PLAY WITH HER SISTER.

>> WE CANT GO TO PARKS BECAUSE I CAN BARELY DO ANYTHING.

I JUST HAVE TO WATCH MY SISTER AND PLAY.

>> KAITY LIVES WITH SEGMENTAL SPINAL DYSGENESIS, A RARE SPINAL DISEASE.

THEY HAD THE FIRST MEETING IN MARCH AND IT WAS AT THAT MEETING THE DISCUSSION WAS STARTED ABOUT A NEW PLAYGROUND IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON.

>> SHE CAN'T ROLL AROUND TOO MUCH ON THE MULCH AND ROCK WHEN THERE'S PLAYGROUNDS.

AND WHETHER WE GET THERE, THE EQUIPMENT IS NOT SUITABLE.

WE HAVE REALLY REALLY NICE PARKS IN OUR TOWN, BUT THERE'S NOT ANYTHING THAT'S ALL INCLUSIVE FOR CHILDREN OF ALL ABILITIES.

>> SOON THE COMPANY HEART GROUP MARVEDMORPHED TO BUILD A ALL-ABILITY PLAYGROUND.

THEY HAVE AN A.D.A.

ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND BUT A.D.A.

COMPLIANT DOES NOT MEAN ACCESSIBLE.

SHE STRUGGLES WITH THE MULCH.

SHE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET INTO THE JUNGLE GYM OR THE SWINGS.

SHE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET INTO THE CHAIR OVER THERE.

>> THIS IS CHRISTINA McCOLLUM DAVIS AND HER DAUGHTER TALA.

SHE SERVES AS THE GROUP'S SECRETARY.

TALA IS ALSO IN A WHEELCHAIR AND HAS ONE OF THE MOST SEVERE FORMS OF MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY.

IT AFFECTS THE MUSCLE, BRAIN AND EYES.

TALA CANNOT EXPERIENCE PLAY IN MOST PARKS.

SHE NEEDS ASSISTANCE TO GET TO THE EQUIPMENT AND THEN CANNOT ACT WITH IT.

>> FOR TALA, SHE REALLY ANT ABLE ABLE -- ISN'T ABLE TO DO ANYTHING, AS FAR AS PHYSICALLY.

SHE'S FULLY DEPENDENT ON ME.

I HAVE TO USE MY HANDS TO HELP HER PLAY AND TOUCH AND FEEL THINGS.

IT'S VERY IMPORTANT FOR HER BECAUSE SHE NEEDS FULL BODY SUPPORT TO BE ABLE TO STAY IN HER WHEELCHAIR, TO BE ABLE TO SWING IN, LIKE, A WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE CHAIR.

>> AND SINCE TALA IS ALSO VISUALLY IMPAIRED, SHE NEEDS SENSORY OPTIONS WHILE AT PLAY.

>> THINGS THAT MAKE SOUNDS, SOMETHING THAT SHE CAN TOUCH AND FEEL.

THINGS THAT HAVE DIFFERENT TEXTURES ON IT.

IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT FOR HER TO BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE WORLD, BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T EXPERIENCE THE WORLD LIKE WE DO.

>> IN A LETTER TO COMMUNITY LEADERS SEEKING SUPPORT FOR THE ALL INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND, COMFORTING HEARTS EXPLAINS THAT IT'S WIDELY DOCUMENTED THAT NONINCLUSIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES INCREASE THE SEGREGATION OF KIDS WITH DISABILITIES, ADDING TO THE NEGATIVE STIGMA THEY SUFFER.

COMFORTING HEARTS DID THEIR RESEARCH AND SOLICITS AND OBTAINED BIDS.

IT WAS NO SURPRISE FOR THOSE WHO LIVE IN DISABILITY WORLD THAT THE COST IS MUCH HIGHER FOR EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL WHEN THEIR LABELED SPECIAL NEEDS.

>> BECAUSE IT HAS TO DO WITH DIFFERENT ABILITIES, ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH A CHILD WITH DIFFERENT ABILITIES, OR AN ADULT, YOU ARE PAYING TWICE AS MUCH.

SO THE PLAYGROUND IS GOING TO COST US MORE, JUST BECAUSE WE HAVE TO FIT IT FOR EVERY CHILD.

>> SOME OF THE SPECIFIC PLANS INCLUDE AN ALL-ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND GYM WHERE A CHILD IN A WHEELCHAIR, CRUTCHES CAN ENTER THE GYM.

SENSORY OBJECTS WILL BE LOCATED THROUGHOUT FOR THOSE WITH AUTISM AND HEARING ABILITIES AND OTHERS ON THE ENDS MAKE IT GO.

THERE WILL BE A FLAT MERRY-GO-ROUND ALLOWING A WHEELCHAIR TO ROLL UP AND THE OCCUPANT CAN STAY IN THE CHAIR WHILE RIDING.

AMBER IS HOPEFUL THAT IT CAN BE BUILT IN THE SUMMER OF 2023.

>> THERE ARE SOME KIDS OUT THERE ON A TIME LIMIT THAT MAY NEVER GET TO SEE THIS PLAYGROUND BUILT.

I WANT ALL CHILDREN TO BE ABLE TO SEE THIS PLAYGROUND.

>> THE CITY OF WASHINGTON IS HOME TO SEVERAL BEAUTIFUL PARKS.

APRIL TELLS US WHY COMFORTING HEARTS WANTS THE NEW PLAYGROUND LOCATED IN LONGFELLOW PARK.

>> THEY HAVE A LOT OF CHILDREN ELECTRIC DAVIESS AND MARTIN COUNTIES -- FROM DAVIESS AND MARTIN COUNTIES THAT HAVE DIFFERENT ABILITIES.

HOW GREAT WOULD IT BE FOR THEM TO BRING THEIR KIDS HERE AS A FIELD TRIP ONE DAY, AND LET THEM PLAY WITH NO -- NO BARRIERS.

>> I JUST WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT KIDS WITH WHEELCHAIRS AND ALL OF THESE DISABILITIES, THEY -- THEY CAN DO MORE THAN JUST SIT ON THE SIDELINES.

THEY CAN WATCH AND PLAY.

>> AND WHAT DOES KAITY WANT TO PLAY ON WHEN THE NEW PLAYGROUND IS BUILT?

>> THE TEETER TOTTER.

THE MERRY-GO-ROUND.

I JUST WANT TO PLAY ON EVERYTHING SO I CAN BE HAPPY.

>> FROM VINCENNES PBS, FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M DAVE FOSTER.

>>> AND THE YOHO GENERAL STORE IN SOLSBERRY HAD THE TEN-YEAR RENOVATION MILESTONE DECEMBER 1st.

CLAYTON BAUMGARTH HAS THIS STORY.

>> THE BUILDING ITSELF IS 90 YEARS OLD AND THE YOHO GENERAL STORE HAS BEEN SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 1061 101 YEARS.

C.O.

C., A COOK GROUP COMPANY, SPECIALIZES IN HISTORIC RENOVATION PURCHASED THE BUILDING IN 2012 AND RESTORED IT.

JIM MURPHY, PRESIDENT OF THE PROPERTIES SAYS HISTORIC PLACES LIKE THE YOHO GENERAL STORE ARE KEY TO RURAL AREAS LIKE SOLSBERRY AND SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE CARED FOR.

>> I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR THE COMMUNITY TO HAVE A SENSE OF PLACE.

I THINK THE YOHO STORE HELPS TO CULTIVATE THAT COMMUNITY AND CREATE THAT SENSE OF PLACE FOR THEM AND THIS IS HOME FOR THEM.

>> RENOVATION C.F.C.

PERFORM INCLUDES POURING A NEW FOUNDATION, INSTALLING NEW KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND REPAIRING THE FLOORS AND WALLS.

THEY KEPT PARTS ORIGINAL LIKE THE BAMBOO CEILING, POT BELLY STOVE AND SOME MEMORABILIA ON THE WALLS.

THE WORK SEEMS TO HAVE PAID OFF FOR C.F.C.

FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS HAVE MADE IT A POINT TO COME IN FOR A VISIT AND SEE THE HISTORIC BUILDING FOR THEMSELVES.

>> IT'S NOT JUST THE FOOD THAT THEY LOVE, BUT THEY LOVE THE NOSTALGIA OF THE PLACE, THE OLD GENERAL SHORE THAT'S BEEN HERE FOR -- STORE THAT'S BEEN HERE FOR 90 YEARS.

>> FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M CLAYTON BAUMGARTH.

>> THE STORE IS CELEBRATING THE ANNIVERSARY WITH A CUSTOMER APPRECIATION WEEK THROUGH DECEMBER 8th THAT INCLUDES SPECIALS ON MEALS, PIES AND FREE HOME MADE COOKIES.

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

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

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