>>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY: >>> COMING UP ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," MCCSC IS WORKING TO IMPLEMENT A RACIAL EQUITY POLICY AFTER STUDENTS SPOKE OUT ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH RACISM IN SCHOOLS.

>> I JUST REALLY WANTED TO BE A VOICE FOR MY PEERS.

I ALSO HAVE YOUNGER SIBLINGS, AND I KNOW THAT THEY HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED RACISM AT, LIKE, A REALLY YOUNG AGE.

>> THE SCHOOL BOARD READ ITS FIRST DRAFT OF THE POLICY AT THIS WEEK'S MEETING.

>>> LICENSING FOR HUNTING PERMITS ARE SETTING RECORDS THIS YEAR AND ONE REASON MAY BE INFLATION THAT SOARED TO 9% THIS SUMMER.

>> I THINK PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR THAT PLACE TO PROCURE THEIR OWN FOOD, AND TAKE SOME OF THAT EXPENSE OUT OF THE GROCERY STORES.

>> AND BLOOMINGTON CITY COUNCIL SIGNED OFF ON THE CREATION OF A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD TO RUN THE CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION.

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

♪ >>> WELCOME TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

I'M JOE HREN.

WELL, MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION IS EXPLORING A NEW POLICY TO COUNTER AND PREVENT RACIAL DISCRIMINATION.

IT PUBLISHED THE FIRST DRAFT OF ITS RACIAL EQUITY POLICY THIS WEEK.

THE DRAFT MARKS A MILESTONE IN THE PROCESS THAT BEGAN IN MAY, WHEN A GROUP OF STUDENTS SPOKE OUT ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH RACISM IN SCHOOLS.

PATRICK McGURR HAS MORE.

>> STANDING BEFORE THE SCHOOL BOARD AND MCCSC LEADERSHIP IN MAY, THE STUDENTS SHARED ACCOUNTS OF RACIST BEHAVIOR FROM CLASSMATES AND STAFF.

>> I'VE EXPERIENCED MANY INSTANCES OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION DURING MY CAREERS AS A STUDENT IN MCCSC SCHOOLS.

I HAVE FELT POWERLESS AND AS IF THERE'S NOTHING MEANINGFUL I CAN DO TO CHANGE WHAT IS HAPPENING.

>> THE STUDENTS SAID THEY WANTED A POLICY THAT WOULD STAND FIRMLY AGAINST RACISM IN MCCSC SCHOOLS AND SUFFICIENTLY PUNISH OFFENDERS.

BLOOMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL NORTH SENIOR SABER WAGNER WAS ONE OF THE STUDENTS WHO SPOKE IN MAY AND WENT BACK TO THE BOARD IN JUNE.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> I THINK FOR ME, AT LEAST, FEELING THAT THIS POLICY WOULD BE ABLE TO SUPPORT ME IF SOMETHING ELSE WERE TO HAPPEN, AND THAT I WOULD FEEL SAFER KNOWING THAT SOMETHING WOULD HAPPEN AS A RESULT.

>> SCHOOL CORPORATION LEADERS PROMISED TO ACT AND PLEDGED TO DIFFERENT STUDENTS A VOICE IN CREATING A NEW POLICY.

>> SO THE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT PIECE WAS A REALLY BIG PRIORITY FOR US, IN TERMS OF MAKING SURE THAT STUDENT VOICE WAS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THIS WORK, AND SO WE'VE HAD A NUMBER OF SESSIONS OF OUR STUDENTS TO BE ABLE TO HEAR THEIR THOUGHTS, THEIR IDEAS, THEIR PERSPECTIVES, THEIR CONCERNS.

THE CHALLENGES THAT THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED.

>> BLOOMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH SOPHOMORE, SIDNEY CROSSLY HAS SERVED AS A STUDENT EQUITY AMBASSADOR AND SPOKE AT THE MAY MEETING.

>> I WANTED TO BE A VOICE FOR MY PEERS.

I ALSO HAVE YOUNGER SIBLINGS, AND I KNOW THAT THEY HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCES RACISM AT, LIKE, A REALLY YOUNG AGE.

AND I'M WILLING TO DO ANYTHING IN MY POWER TO MAKE THEM FEEL COMFORTABLE AND SAFE.

>> CROSSLY HAD THE CHANCE TO SPEAK TO DISTRICT TEACHERS ABOUT ISSUES OF RACE THIS FALL.

SHE SAYS THE TALK WITH TEACHERS WENT PARTICULARLY WELL.

>> I THINK THAT HAS PROBABLY BEEN THE BEST MEETING AND I'VE PROBABLY HAD THE BIGGEST VOICE IN THAT MEETING.

>> THE STATED PURPOSE OF THE POLICY THAT EMERGED THIS WEEK, QUOTE, IS TO CONFRONT, MITIGATE AND ELIMINATE RACISM, RACIST BEHAVIORS AND MICROAGGRESSIONS IN ALL FORMS "IT CHARGES THE SUPERINTENDENT TO CARRY OUT SIX DIRECTIVE, RANGING TRAINING STAFF, AND A SYSTEM TO REPORT INCIDENTS OF RACISM AND HIRING MORE DIVERSE TEACHERS TO REFLECT THE STUDENT POPULATION.

STUDENTS AT THIS WEEK'S MEETINGS STILL HAD CONCERNS.

WAGNER SAYS SHE WORRIES ABOUT A LACK OF DETAILS ABOUT ENFORCEMENT OR PUNISHMENT IN THE POLICY AS WRITTEN.

>> WE HAVE HEARD FROM THE STUDENTS, BUT I'M A BIT CONCERNED THAT THE SAME STUDENTS WHO INSPIRED US TO PURSUE THIS PROCESS HAVE SOME CONCERNS.

>> HE SAYS GUIDELINES TO DEAL WITH SPECIFICS AND PUNISHMENTS WOULD COME NEXT.

>> WE WILL BE WORKING WITH OUR STUDENTS TO DEVELOP THOSE.

AS YOU LOOK THROUGH MOST OF THE POLICIES WE HAVE, THERE ARE ACCOMPANYING GUIDELINES THAT SPEAK TO THAT SPECIFIC PIECE.

ALSO, WE HAVE A STUDENT HANDBOOK AND THAT'S WHERE SOME OF THIS REALLY SPECIFIC DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES EXIST.

>> BOTH MCCSC OFFICIALS AND CONCERNED STUDENTS AGREE THE POLICY DRAFT IS ANOTHER STEP IN AN ONGOING, COMPLEX PROCESS.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M PATRICK McGURR.

>> THE NEXT DRAFT OF THE POLICY WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE JANUARY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.

>>> WE'RE JOINED NOW BY MARK HAY WINSTON, THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT AT MCCSC, AND ONE OF THE DRIVING FORCES BEHIND THE POLICY.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW, DR. WINSTON.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HAVING ME.

>> SO IS THIS POLICY WHERE YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD BE AT THIS POINT?

YOU KNOW, WHEN THIS WHOLE PROCESS BEGAN?

WAS THERE A TIMELINE?

>> THERE WAS A TIMELINE.

WHEN WE FIRST LEARNED OF THE CONCERNS THAT THE STUDENTS BROUGHT TO US AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, WE KNEW THAT OVER THE SUMMERTIME, WE WANTED TO START PLANNING AND PREPARING AND WE BEGAN MEETING WITH STUDENTS IN AUGUST TO ARTICULATE WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE NEW POLICY.

AND SO WE'RE REALLY AHEAD OF SCHEDULE IN SOME WAYS, IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRESENTING A DRAFT POLICY TO THE BOARD.

>> NOW, WERE YOU SURPRISED BY SOME OF THE CONCERNS RAISED?

>> I ABSOLUTELY UNDERSTAND THE CONCERNS RAISED IN THAT THERE'S A DIFFERENCE IN UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN A POLICY AND GUIDELINES.

THE POLICY IS VERY ASPIRATIONAL AND IT'S INTENDED TO KIND OF LAY OUT WHERE WE'RE GOING TO GO.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES IS THE NEXT PHASE OF THAT PROCESS.

AND THAT'S GOING TO TAKE SOME TIME, AND THAT'S WHERE THE LEVEL OF SPECIFICITY ABOUT HOW WILL WE IMPLEMENT THE POLICY, THAT'S WHERE WE WILL GO NEXT, AND THAT'S GOING TO BE A REALLY SIGNIFICANT ASPECT OF THIS PROCESS.

>> SO I WAS GOING TO ASK, WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP.

IS IT MORE FINE TUNING?

YOU STILL HAVE A WAYS TO GO?

>> SO WE ARE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE COMPLETION OF THE POLICY.

AS WE WRITE OUT THE ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES, THAT'S WHERE THE SPECIFIC ACTIONS AROUND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, TEACHER TRAINING, SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS AND HELPING THEM TO KNOW HOW TO REPORT, WHEN TO REPORT, AND HOW WE'RE GOING TO ADMINISTER AND IMPLEMENT THE POLICY.

SO THAT IS A SIGNIFICANT PIECE OF WORK THAT WE WILL -- WE WILL BEGIN THAT WORK ONCE THE BOARD APPROVES A POLICY.

>> SO HOW UNIQUE ARE POLICIES LIKE THIS?

ARE YOU ABLE TO DRAW FROM OTHER SCHOOL CORPORATIONS?

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION!

WE'VE HEARD THAT OTHER SCHOOL CORPORATIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE STATE OF INDIANA CERTAINLY HAVE BEGUN TO LOOK AT THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIRACISM POLICIES.

WHAT I THINK IS A LITTLE BIT MORE RARE IS HAVING STUDENTS VOICE AT THE TABLE AND CO-CONSTRUCTING THE POLICY ALONGSIDE THE ADULTS.

SO WE FEEL AS IF WE CAN BE A ROLE MODEL FOR OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

AND ONE MORE QUESTION, WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU WANT THIS TO HAVE DOWN THE ROAD WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT THIS?

>> WE WANT OUR STUDENTS TO FEEL SAFE IN OUR SCHOOLS.

WE WANT THEM TO HAVE A TRUSTED ADULT THAT THEY CAN GO TO, IN THE EVENT THAT THEY DON'T FEEL SAFE, AND WE WANT TO HAVE A CLEAR AND TRANSPARENT MECHANISM FOR HOW THEY CAN SHARE WITH US ANY CONCERNS THEY MIGHT HAVE.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR ADULTS CREATE A CULTURE WITHIN OUR SCHOOLS TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERY STUDENT IN EVERY CLASSROOM FEELS SAFE AND SECURE AND THAT THEY ARE BEING RESPECTED FOR ALL OF THEIR IDENTITIES.

>> DOCTOR THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

APPRECIATE IT.

THANK YOU.

>> THE MCCSC SCHOOL BOARD ALSO HEARD FROM PARENTS THIS WEEK ABOUT HOW TO IMPROVE SCHOOL SAFETY, FOLLOWING A RECENT GUN THREAT AT JACKSON CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL.

COURTNEY DALEY, A VOLUNTEER WITH MOMS DEMAND ACTION AND MOTHER OF THREE STUDENTS DOESN'T WANT ANY HARDENING OF SCHOOLS.

HER GROUP ADVOCATES FOR EDUCATION ON SAFE GUN STORAGE.

>> THE MESSAGE OF SAFE STORAGE IS SO IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE THINGS WE CAN DO TO KEEP OUR CHILDREN SAFE AT SCHOOL AND AT HOME.

IT GETS TO THE CORE OF THE PROBLEM.

>> THE CORPORATION RECENTLY HIRED TWO NEW SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS.

THE BOARD SAYS IT HAS NO PLANS TO HAVE THEM CARRY A FIREARM AS PART OF THE JOB OR INSTALL METAL DETECTORS IN SCHOOLS.

>> WELL, WE ARE JOINED NOW BY CALI LICHTER FOR MORE HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE STATE, HI, CALI.

>> BLOOMINGTON MAYOR JOHN HAMILTON'S ADMINISTRATION REMAINS THE LONE HOLDOUT IN THE CREATION OF A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD TO RUN THE MONROE COUNTY CONVENTION EXPANSION.

THAT'S AFTER THE BLOOMINGTON CITY COUNCIL VOTED 8-1 WEDNESDAY NIGHT ON A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE C.I.B.

THE MAYOR'S OFFICE WANTS A NONPROFIT 501(c)(3) TO HAVE SAY OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CONVENTION CENTER.

THE LAST MONTH, THE MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL APPROVED THE CREATION OF A C.I.B., PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE TWO CITY BODIES TO ACT.

>> IT'S NOT JUST THE VOTE, BUT IT'S ALSO THE VOTE.

AND SO WE WANTED TO PUT SOMETHING OUT THERE TO BE -- TO START ON A DEFINITIVE PATH, BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN GOING BACK AND FORTH.

>> THE CITY COUNCIL KEPT THE MAJORITY OF THE 15 CONSIDERATION HAMILTON'S ADMINISTRATION REQUESTED TO BE IN THE C.I.B.

IN VOTING YES, COUNCILMEMBER STEVE ROLLINS SAID THE ADMINISTRATION DID NOT MAKE A STRONG ENOUGH CASE FOR A 501(c)(3).

>> I'M GOING TO BE VOTING FOR THIS RESOLUTION BECAUSE I DO WANT TO GET ON WITH IT.

>> THE COUNTY'S ORDINANCE GIVES THE ADMINISTRATION UNTIL JANUARY 1st TO TAKE ACTION ON THE C.I.B.

>> THE CITY OF TERRE HAUTE IS WORKING WITH THE COUNTY ON A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR A SPORTS COMPLEX AND WATER PARK.

THE PROJECT WOULD INCLUDE BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL DIAMONDS AND POSSIBLE MORE FOR THE CITY COLLEGIATE BASEBALL TEAM.

>> WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT OUR MARKET WILL SUSTAIN THIS, THE SCOPE OF WHAT WE ARE THINKING ABOUT IS A DOABLE PROJECT.

AND I BELIEVE THAT IT WILL BE.

>> STATE GRANT FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR THE STUDY, BUT THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD WOULD OWN AND OPERATE THE ENTITY.

BENNETT SAYS THE ART SPACES ORGANIZATION IS ALSO ASKING THE BOARD FOR $1.5 MILLION TO HELP FUND PHASE TWO OF THE TURN TO THE RIVER PROJECT.

>> PART OF THE LEGISLATIVE PIECE OF THIS, WHEN THE STATE APPROVED OUR C.I.B., THE ABILITY TO CREATE A C.I.B., THERE'S AN ARTS COMPONENT IN THERE.

>> THE MULTI-YEAR PROJECT RECONNECTS THE CITY'S DOWNTOWN WITH THE WABASH RIVER THROUGH ART AND DESIGN.

>> ANNOUNCING THE INTENTION TO RUN FOR INDIANA GOVERNMENT'S TOP JOB.

AND IF HER NAME APPEARS IN THE BALLOT ON MAY 2024, SHE WILL HAVE ALREADY MADE STATE HISTORY, THE FIRST WOMAN TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR IN A REPUBLICAN PRIMARY.

SHE WOULD BE INDIANA'S FIRST WOMAN GOVERNOR AS WELL.

>> I DON'T SEE MYSELF AS, YOU KNOW, I'M A FEMALE CANDIDATE OR I'M A FEMALE OFFICE HOLDER.

I AM A WOMAN, AND I'M PROUD OF THAT, BUT I SEE MYSELF MORE AS SOMEONE WHO IS TRYING TO GET THINGS DONE FOR HOOSIERS.

>> CROUCH JOINS REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RACE THAT INCLUDES U.S.

SENATOR MIKE BRAUN AND FORT WAYNE BUSINESSMAN ERIC DODDEN.

>>> AND A BILL TO BRING MORE TO THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IS STUCK IN THE SENATE.

WE HAVE A REPORT.

>> THE FARM WORKFORCE MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2021 WILL CREATE A NEW CERTIFIED AGRICULTURAL WORKER STATUS FOR SOME IMMIGRANT EMPLOYEES ALLOWING THEM TO STAY IN THE U.S. FOR FIVE AND A HALF YEARS AND APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS AFTER MEETING CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS.

THE BILL WOULD ADJUST THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFY A MINIMUM NUMBER OF HOURS THEY NEED TO WORK.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS COORDINATOR FOR THE INDIANA FARM BUREAU SAYS THE BILL IS AN EXCITING DEVELOPMENT.

>> SO WHILE IT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR THE PAST THREE OR FOUR YEARS IN THE HOUSE, THIS SENATE MOVEMENT IS KIND OF NEW AND WE DO HAVE SOME DISCUSSIONS GOING ON ABOUT THIS GETTING PASSED IN THE LAME DUCK CONGRESS.

>> LOCAL SUPPORT FOR THE BILL IS VARIED, BUT MOSTLY POSITIVE.

WHILE THE INDIANA INARM BUREAU AND THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU HAVE SOME ISSUES, INCLUDING THE MANDATORY USE OF EVERIFY AND THE LOW CAP ON THE WORKERS ALLOWED, THEY ARE HAPPY ON WHAT IS BEING DISCUSSED.

>> THIS IS COMPROMISE.

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT'S BEEN HEARD IN THE SENATE.

IT'S BEEN A BIPARTISAN VOTE UP UNTIL NOW.

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

>> LEGISLATURES WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE NEW CONGRESS IS SEATED IN JANUARY TO TRY AGAIN IF IT IS DOES NOT PASS.

>> THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES HAS CONFIRMED AVIAN FLU IN SNOW GEESE.

IT'S THE SAME TRAIN OF AVIAN FLU THAT HAS BEEN AFFECTING THE COUNTY SINCE SPRING.

>> THE STRAIN OF AVIAN FLU THAT IS CIRCULATING THIS YEAR IS AFFECTING OUR BIRDS A LITTLE MORE SEVERELY THAN USUAL.

WE ARE SEEING A GREAT NUMBER OF BIRDS DYING IN MULTIPLE STATES, INCLUDING INDIANA.

>>> AND JOE, WESTRICH ASKED THE PUBLIC TO NOT COME IN CONTACT WITH A SICK BIRD.

>> CALI THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>>> COMING UP NEXT ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK" DEER HARVESTING IS AT A SEVEN-YEAR HIGH IN THIS STATE AND SOME ATTRIBUTE THAT TO INFLATION AND HIGHER PRICES AT THE GROCERY STORE.

>>> AND A NEW HINDU TEMPLE AND CULTURAL CENTER IN NEWBERG WAS DEDICATED IN A THREE-DAY CEREMONY.

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

>>> WELCOME BACK TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

THE TRI-STATE HINDU TEMPLE AND CULTURAL CENTER INAUGURATED ITS NEWLY CONSTRUCTED TEMPLE EARLIER THIS FALL.

THE THREE-DAY EVENT INCLUDED PRAYER, CHANTS AND MANTRAS TO SANCTIFY THE SPACE FOR THEIR DEITIES.

WNIN ATTENDED THE EVENT.

>> WHAT YOU ARE SEEING IS VERY SPECIAL AND VERY RARE.

THE I INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF A BRAND NEW HINDU TEMPLE IN NEWBURGH, INDIANA.

MOST MEMBERS OF THIS HINDU COMMUNITY HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS EITHER AND LIKELY NEVER WILL AGAIN.

PANDIT IS A MEMBER OF THE CULTURAL CENTER IN NEWBURGH.

>> IT'S FIRST I'M SEEING ALL OF THESE DEITIES HERE TOGETHER.

TODAY IS THE FIRST TIME, WHEN YOU WERE RECORDING, WE ALSO SAW THEM THE FIRST TIME.

[ SPEAKING NATIVE LANGUAGE ] >> IT'S THE OPENING OF THE TEMPLE, BASICALLY.

THAT'S WHY IT'S SO SPECIAL.

[ SPEAKING NATIVE LANGUAGE ] >> IT'S CALLED BRINGING LIFE INTO THE TEMPLE AND WELCOMING AND SANCTIFYING THE HINDU DEITIES IN THEIR NEW HOME.

MANY OF THEM ARE SCULPTED OF WHITE MARBLES.

>> WE HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR THREE DAYS.

THE DEITIES CAME FROM INDIA AND MOST OF THE CEREMONIES ARE JUST SANCTIFYING, YOU KNOW?

[ SPEAKING NATIVE LANGUAGE ] >> YOU KNOW, A LOT OF CHANTINGS AND THEN BATHING AND THEN OFFERING FLOWERS, OFFERING, YOU KNOW, DIFFERENT -- DOING DIFFERENT CHANTING CEREMONIES.

SO IT WAS ALL, LIKE SANCTIFICATION PROCESS.

>> THE CEREMONIES REPEATED FOR EACH DEITY WHETHER SARASWATHI, VISHNU OR OTHERS.

THESE SCULPTURES OF THE DEITIES, THEY ALL COME FROM INDIA, CARVED IN SOUTHERN INDIA.

PANDIT SAYS THEY PRESENT SEVERAL DEITIES FOR THE VARIOUS BELIEFS OF THE COMMUNITY, WHICH HAILS FROM ALL OVER INDIA.

>> WHOEVER THEY ARE CONNECTEDW.

THEY CAN COME AND PRAY.

-- CONNECTEDW.

THEY CONNECTED WITH, THEY CAN COME AND PRAY.

>> SANJAY IS A MEMBER OF THE TEMPLE.

IT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED ONCE IN A LIFETIME, YOU KNOW, WHERE THERE'S A LOT OF DEITIES AND IDOLS THAT ARE BROUGHT INTO THE TEMPLE AFTER A LOT OF INVOCATION AND PRAYERS.

AND THIS IS SOMETHING VERY -- VERY IMPORTANT, YOU KNOW, TO THE HINDU COMMUNITY.

>> HE SAYS ABOUT 900 ATTENDED OVER THE WEEKEND, DRAWING AS FAR AWAY AS LOUISVILLE.

THE COMMUNITY ITSELF NUMBERS ABOUT 600.

BEFORE THIS NEW TEMPLE WAS CONSTRUCTED, THERE WAS NO DEDICATED SPACE FOR PRAYER AND WORSHIP, JUST ONE BIG ROOM, THE TEENS ALSO USED FOR THEIR ACTIVITIES.

♪ OF COURSE, THERE'S ALSO LOTS OF FOOD AND FOOD OFFERINGS.

>> WE OFFER EVERYTHING TO GOD.

WATER, FOOD, FLOWERS, EVERYTHING.

ONCE OFFERED TO THE DEITIES, THE FOOD CAN BE EATEN.

AFTER CULTURAL EVENTS, THERE'S DANCING AND RAFFLES AND ICE CREAM.

TO HINDUS, THESE DEITIES ARE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OR MANIFESTATIONS OF GOD.

SUCH A CEREMONY MAKE PANDIT FEEL CLOSER TO GOD.

>> IT FEELS EMOTIONAL.

IT FEELS VERY GOOD, AND YOU JUST FEEL LIKE ALL OTHER THOUGHTS HAVE JUST VANISHED, JUST GONE.

IT'S JUST YOU AND GOD.

♪ >> WITH MORE THAN A MONTH LEFT IN INDIANA'S PUBLIC SEASON, HUNTING LICENSES ARE SELLING.

>> BRAD SITS IN HIS QUAINT CABIN IN BROWNSTOWN.

HE'S GETTING READY TO GO OUT IN THE WOODS NEARBY FOR DEER.

>> I HAVE BEEN LIVING OFF THE LAND EVER SINCE I WAS A LITTLE BOY, BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT MY MOM AND DAD DID.

>> IN THE SPRING HE AND HIS WIFE FISH FOR BLUE GILL.

WHEN FALL COMES, IT'S ALL ABOUT SQUIRREL, DEER AND TURKEY MEAT, WITH SQUIRREL BEING THEIR FAVORITE.

>> NOTHING MAKES AS GOOD A GRAVY AS SQUIRREL GRAVY.

ANYBODY THAT'S EVER HAD IT WILL AGREE WITH YOU ON THAT.

>> BRAD IS A LONG-TIME BELIEVER IN HOMESTEADING TO STAY WITHIN HIS MEANS.

HE SAYS THE STANDARD FOR WHAT HOOSIERS ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE THIS HUNTING SEASON.

SINCE COVID HIT IN 2020, HUNTING HAS BECOME MORE POPULAR.

MANY NEWCOMERS TRIED THEIR HAND AT THE HOBBY TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE.

THIS YEAR, THE LARGE NUMBERS ARE INCREASING EVEN MORE.

ALMOST 113,000 DEER HAVE BEEN HARVESTED IN THE STATE THIS YEAR, AND THAT'S BEFORE THE END OF THE SEASON.

IT'S A SEVEN-YEAR HIGH.

LOCAL MEAT PROCESSORS SAY THEIR INTAKE IS UP NOTICEABLY OVER LAST YEAR.

IN BOW SEASON, WE NORMALLY DO 100 DEER UP UNTIL THE FIRST DAY OF GUN SEASON.

THIS YEAR, WE DID ABOUT 125, ALMOST 130.

SO THAT WAS UP ONE-THIRD OVER NORMAL.

>> BUSINESS GOT SO CRAZY, THAT ARNOLD HAD TO STOP ACCEPTING DEER TO STOP PROCESSING.

WITHIN THE FIRST TWO DAYS OF GUN SEASON, THEY TOOK IN 125 DEER.

>> SOME OTHER PROCESSORS, THEY MAY TAKE IN MORE OR LESS, BUT FROM MY UNDERSTANDING, ALMOST EVERYBODY FILLED UP FIRST WEEKEND, AND THEN PEOPLE -- IT WAS GOING CRAZY ALL WEEK LONG.

>> ARNOLD BELIEVES THE HIGH FOOD PRICES ARE ENCOURAGING MORE PEOPLE TO HUNT THIS YEAR IN OWEN COUNTY, HUNTERS CAN HARVEST TWO DOES AND A BUCK.

USUALLY THEY GET THEIR TROPHY BUCK AND CALL IT A YEAR.

BUT IN 2022, ARNOLD NOTICED THEY WERE PROCESSING MORE DOE THAN USUAL.

>> THEY ARE GOING OUT FOR THE DOES FOR THE FREEZER MEET.

THE BUCK WENT IN THE FREEZER TOO.

ONCE THE SEASON IS OVER, YOU KNOW, THERE'S NO CHANCE TO GO OUT AND BAG A DEER FOR THE FREEZER.

>> ARNOLD IS WORRIED FOR THE DEER POPULATION, NOR DOES HE BELIEVE THAT PROCESSORS LIKE HIM WILL HAVE PROBLEM MEETING DEMAND.

THE INFLUX OF NEW HUNTERS DRIVEN BY A NEED TO SAVE MONEY AT THE MEAT COUNTER MAY BE THE CULPRIT OF THIS BUSIER THAN NORMAL SEASON.

>> I THINK PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR THAT PLACE TO PROCURE THEIR OWN FOOD, AND TAKE SOME OF THAT EXPENSE OUT OF THE GROCERY STORES AND KIND OF TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT ON THEIR OWN.

>> SOME HUNTERS MAY THINK TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE HUNTING NOW, BUT FOR STITES, IT'S ULTIMATELY A GOOD THING FOR CONSERVATION.

HUNTING LICENSES ARE A MAJOR SOURCE OF INCOME FOR THE DNR.

>> WITHOUT THOSE PEOPLE PURCHASING LICENSES AND GETTING OUT IN THE FIELD AND BUYING EQUIPMENT, OUR CONSERVATION FUNDING IS GOING TO BE LACKING.

>> CONSERVATION EFFORTS SUCH AS MONITORING FOR DISEASES, AND TAKING CARE OF HABITAT WOULD BE DEAD IN THE WATER IF IT WAS NOT FOR THE MONEY FROM HUNTING LICENSE SALES.

SHE HOPES THESE INFLATIONARY HUNTERS STICK AROUND FOR YEARS TO COME.

>> I DEFINITELY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LICENSE SALES GO UP, BUT I WANT IT TO GO UP FOR THE RIGHT REASONS.

I DON'T WANT TO JUST THROW PEOPLE IN THE FIELD BECAUSE THAT'S MY JOB.

I CARE MORE ABOUT CREATING CONSERVATIONISTS THAN I DO CREATING HUNTERS OR ANGLERS OR TRAPPERS.

>> CERTAINLY, BRAD HERNDON IS ONE OF THOSE CONSERVATIONISTS WHO STITES WANTS TO CULTIVATE.

IT'S THE ABILITY TO SLOW DOWN AND BE IN TOUCH WITH NATURE.

>> I JUST THINK IT'S JUST A GREAT LIFESTYLE TO LIVE.

I REALLY DO.

YOU KNOW, TO FOCUS ON NATURE AND YOUR FAMILY CAN BECOME INVOLVED IN THAT, AND IT'S JUST A RELAXING TIME TO BE OUT THERE.

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

>> THE STATE DNR HAS A PROGRAM CALLED THE SPORTSMAN BENEVOLENCE FUND.

THEY ACCEPTED MORE THAN 45,000 POUNDS OF DEER MEAT.

AND SCIENTISTS AT THE LAWRENCE LIVERMORE CALIFORNIA, THAT THEY ACHIEVED A FUSION REACTION THIS WEEK THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY CREATED MORE ENERGY THAN THE INPUT.

NUCLEAR FUSION WORKS BY AIMING POWERFUL LASERS AT A TINY HYDROGEN TARGET, CONDENSING AND HEATING IT TO EXTREME TEMPERATURES TO CREATE ENERGY.

I.U.

PHYSICIST WALTER PETTIS WHO INTERNED AT THE LAB IN 2012, ADVERTISE COMMERCIAL VIABLE FUSION ENERGY IS DECADES AWAY, BUT THE PROGRESS THE RESEARCHERS HAVE MADE IN THE PAST YEAR CANNOT BE OVERSTATED.

>> THEY ARE A FACTOR OF TEN BETTER IN THE YIELDS THAN WHERE WE WERE, SAY, AT THE BEGINNING OF 2021.

SO THAT FACTOR OF TEN INCREASE IS A HUGE STEP FORWARD.

>> TUESDAY'S REACTION LASTED LESS THAN 100 TRILLIONTH OF A SECOND BUT PRODUCED AS MUCH ENERGY AS A POUND OF T.N.T.

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.

>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY: