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The importance of mental health is recognized today more than ever. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an important time set aside to spotlight mental health issues, combat stigmas surrounding mental health conditions and to assess the status of one’s own mental health.

“Paying attention to our mental health is a practice we all need to develop,” said Sheriff Brent Miller. “The fact is, mental health is every bit as important to our well-being as physical health.”

Mental Health Awareness Month began as a national observance in 1949 with the goal of raising awareness of the importance of mental well-being.

While great strides have been made regarding attitudes toward mental health, the truth is many Americans don’t have access to the care they need. Here are some sobering statistics regarding mental health in America from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing:

• 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year.

• Only 47.2% of adults with mental illness received treatment in 2021.

• 1 in 20 adults experience serious mental illness each year.

• Only 65.4% of adults with serious mental illness received treatment in 2021.

• 1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment.

• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24.

“Millions of Americans struggle with mental health issues each year,” said Sheriff Miller. “It’s important to foster dialogues and approach the issue with empathy and understanding. There should be no guilt or shame associated with mental health conditions which are common, manageable, and treatable.”

The 2024 theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.”

Mental Health America notes that the world is constantly changing, and it can be overwhelming to deal with everything going on around you.

MHA stresses that it is never too soon to seek treatment for your mental health. Getting help early saves lives.

The following are important mental health resources:

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a 24/7 treatment referral and information service

• Mental Health America Screenings provide a free, anonymous way to determine if someone is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Take the test at mhascreening.org

Indiana State Park Inn summer lodging savings

Stay two or more consecutive nights, and receive 25% off your stay May 27 through Aug. 29, 2024. Certain property specific restrictions may apply. Reserve today by calling 1.877.LODGES1 or reserve at IndianaInns.com.

Wearing a life jacket could save your loved one's life

Wearing a life jacket could prevent most loss-of-life tragedies that happen in the water.

A large percentage of drowning victims are over the age of 20. Life jackets are for everyone.

DNR encourages everyone to learn to swim, but a life jacket is still the best option to prevent drowning.

Altered winner: Frog Baby Fountain on campus of Ball State University by Tim Underhill of Muncie

DNR announces winners of historic photo contest

The DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology has announced the winners of its annual Historic Preservation Month photo contest.

Gov. Holcomb cuts ribbon on 100th mile of Next Level Trails

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb on April 30 joined the DNR, the town of Merrillville, and the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department to celebrate the official opening of the recently completed C&O Trail. The new trail marks the 100th mile of trail built under the Next Level Trails program (NLT).

To date, NLT has awarded $180 million to 89 projects across the state. Of these NLT projects, 34 are already completed, contributing 100 miles of trail since the program's inception. Several projects are under construction, with many more scheduled to break ground later this year.

Chain O'Lakes State Park

Get your summer passes and permits

To visit state parks properties frequently or to launch your boat in DNR waters, get your yearly passes and permits now. Available for purchase online:

Annual state park entrance pass
Golden Hoosier entrance pass
Motorized lake permit
Non-motorized lake permit
Annual horse tag
Off-road cycling permit

2024-25 Migratory bird hunting seasons announced

Indiana’s migratory bird hunting seasons for 2024-25 have been submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The hunting seasons include those for mourning dove, waterfowl (i.e., ducks, coots, mergansers, and geese), woodcock, snipe, and sora rails.

New this year, the white-fronted goose season and bag limit are separate from other geese. The white-fronted goose season is closed during the Canada goose season segment in September, but it is open at the same time as for the other geese later in the season. The daily bag limit is two white-fronted geese.

Hike Pisgah Marsh Nature Preserve on June 15

An Indiana birdwatcher’s hidden treasure, Pisgah Marsh includes grassland, marsh, lake, and upland habitat. Pisgah Marsh, just east of Warsaw, is an ecologically sensitive, geologically significant, and biologically diverse area accessible via a boardwalk.

Two state-endangered species are found there, the massasauga rattlesnake and Blanding’s turtle. The wetland and upland areas also provide habitat for migratory waterfowl, sandhill cranes, beavers, rails, squirrels, raccoons, and deer.

The Pisgah Marsh boardwalk and golden eagle viewing deck were constructed to provide guests the opportunity to experience and understand the natural habitat and diversity of the marsh while protecting the habitat.

National Fishing and Boating Week and Free Fishing Days

Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1-9, with a fishing trip. What better way to celebrate than taking your family, friends, and neighbors out on the water? Indiana residents who fish on June 1-2 don’t need a fishing license or trout/salmon stamp to fish on state waters, as these days are Free Fishing Days.

Keep in mind that all other rules such as seasons, bag, and size limits still apply on Free Fishing Days. Explore the outdoors today.

DNR seeks State Fair Fishin’ Pond volunteers

DNR is seeking volunteers to help ensure the Fishin’ Pond runs smoothly. With four different volunteer positions available, we have the perfect opportunity for you. Volunteers receive free admission to the fair on the day of their shift, a free T-shirt, and the opportunity to fish with kids for a few hours at the pond.

Several more McCormick’s Creek State Park trails reopen Friday

Several trails at McCormick’s Creek State Park will reopen Friday, May 24 after being closed for clearing of downed trees after last year’s March 31 tornado.

Through the efforts of DNR staff and volunteers from Team Rubicon, trail access has increased from 3.6 miles to 7.1 miles since the fall of 2023. Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during, and after disasters.

The reopened hiking trails are trails 2 and 3, and the Bridle Trail is reopened for hiking only, as the saddle barn will be closed during the 2024 season for pasture restoration and barn maintenance.

Turtle traffic: Saving turtles from roads

This summer, you may see turtles crossing roadways to find places to nest. Here’s how you can safely lend a helping hand:

Do not remove turtles from the area, as they will seek to return to their home range, even if it means spending the rest of their life trying. If it is safe to do so, you can move turtles off the roadway in the same direction in which they were already heading. Move them by grasping the back of the top shell.
If you see a snapping turtle trying to cross the road, be aware that grabbing a snapping turtle’s tail can damage its spine. To keep yourself and the snapping turtle safe, hold it by the top back of its shell and leverage it upward.

One million trees planted

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb celebrated the historic milestone of the DNR planting one million trees throughout Indiana in five years by planting a tree on the Statehouse lawn on April 26.

The tree Gov. Holcomb planted, a cucumber magnolia, is native to southern Indiana. The 12-foot tree was grown on Clark State Forest. A plaque next to the tree recognizes the achievement of planting one million trees over five years.

Today, the state is home to 4.8 million acres of forestland, including 160,000 acres across Indiana State Forests.

Enhanced fishing opportunities at Griffy Lake

After a year of planning, Bloomington Parks and Recreation has collaborated with DNR to plan, fund, obtain permits, and install fish habitat structures in Griffy Lake in Bloomington.

Structures were installed near the five fishing bump outs on the accessible walkway that extends a quarter mile across the causeway. The location of the Griffy Lake habitat placement can be found online on DNR’s statewide fish habitat map.

Lake Michigan angler catches state record yellow perch

Blas Lara was fishing Lake Michigan in Lake County during the Mayor’s Fishing Derby in Hammond on April 21 when he landed a 3-pound, 2-ounce yellow perch, shattering a 43-year-old Indiana state record.

Yellow perch are native to Lake Michigan and popular with anglers due to the relative ease of catching them and their high quality as table fare.

To learn more about the Indiana Record Fish program, see on.IN.gov/recordfish.

Indiana Conservation Officer K-9 School graduation

Four K-9 teams were recognized for completing the DNR Division of Law Enforcement’s nine-week K-9 Resource Protection program during a graduation ceremony held May 23. The teams came from Indiana and Arkansas.

K-9 teams provide conservation officers an essential tool to help stop poaching, to find concealed game and firearms, and to find shell casings in road hunting and hunting-with-a-spotlight cases. K-9 teams are used to find lost hunters as well as poachers who have tried to hide from officers.

Because of their unique abilities, K-9 units are often requested by other state and local law enforcement agencies for help in locating evidence, missing persons, or fleeing felons.

At least one K-9 unit serves in each of the 10 Indiana DNR Law Enforcement districts.

Many pools and beaches to open this weekend

Get ready to cool off, Hoosiers. DNR public swimming pools in Indiana State Parks will open soon, as will DNR swimming beaches.

Beaches generally remain open through Labor Day. Public pools generally are open through early to mid-August, depending on the availability of lifeguards as they return to school.

For public pool or beach hours at the property you plan to visit, contact the property directly since these vary by location. Directory information is at stateparks.IN.gov.

Participate in research for chronic wasting disease management

Researchers at Purdue are studying the willingness of hunters and non-hunters to reduce the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in white-tailed deer.

Information collected may help inform DNR’s response to CWD. Participants will answer online survey questions and use a web app that shows how CWD may spread. The activity and survey questions take about 30 minutes to complete. The study is open to everyone 18 years or older. Participate in the study online.

For questions about this study, please email the research team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please reference the following in the email: Study title - Web App Use and Intention to Reduce Chronic Wasting Disease Spread; Principal Investigator – Dr. Patrick Zollner; IRB Number – IRB-2023-1039.

Attention Father’s Day Shoppers

Dad wants Outdoor Indiana magazine. Buy him a gift subscription or get one for yourself at shopINstateparks.com. View excerpts of the May-June issue at OutdoorIndiana.org.

Resources For Indiana Artists

How to Talk About Your Art in a Grant Application
Are you an artist applying for a grant? It can be challenging to capture the emotional depth of your work in a grant application, especially with limited space. Learn how to navigate the world of grant applications with these tips from fellow creatives! Read recommendations on how to frame your work to resonate with potential funders in a blog post from Fractured Atlas.

Free Legal Assistance for Artists and Small Arts Organizations
Pro Bono Indiana’s (IndianaLegalHelp.org) Lawyers for the Arts project provides legal assistance at no cost to artists and small arts organizations. To obtain help, please call 812.402.6303. Calls from artists and small arts organizations are taken on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Central Time). Support for this service is provided by the Indiana Bar Foundation.

Accessibility in the Arts
Are you an artist with a project, program, or event accessible to the public? Physical and programmatic accessibility is an integral part of the planning and budgeting processes. Ensure that persons with disabilities will be able to participate in your offerings! Learn more about making the arts accessible to all.

Dates and opportunities to keep an eye on:

(May 23) Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities Application Deadline
(May 29) Zionsville Cultural District RFP for Muralist
(May 31) "I" Am Allen Bicentennial Legacy Sculpture Project
(May 31) Carmel International Arts Festival Entry Deadline
(June 1) Jazz Road Tours Grant Application Deadline
(June 1) Indiana Soybean Alliance Art Competition Entry Deadline
(June 14) New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art Exhibition Proposals
(June 28) SAMHSA Art of Recovery Submission Deadline
(July 16) Brown County Playhouse Mural Call for Entry

By: Washington County Community Foundation

The generous donors of the Washington County Community Foundation awarded grants to non-profit organizations serving Washington County by for the Spring 2024 grant cycle. Grants are awarded from the foundation’s Touch Tomorrow Funds.

Outside the Walls was awarded a grant for $3,375.00 to build wheelchair ramps in order to provide a safe way for elderly and disabled residents to enter and exit their homes.

The Dulcimer Homecoming Retreat will be making its way back to Washington County in 2025 thanks to a $1,100.00 grant.

Get ready for fun at the Pekin Fourth of July Celebration! The Pekin Community Betterment Organization was awarded a $4,750.00 grant to assist with carnival rides at the festival.

Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department was awarded a $5,500.00 grant to assist with Personal Protection Equipment for the volunteer firefighters. The equipment protects them from toxic and hazardous materials during fires.

Several students at East Washington Elementary School will be getting new backpacks and water bottles to kick off the new school year. A $1,060.93 grant will be used to purchase those items for their back to school event.

Students in all county schools will be learning about Financial Literacy from Junior Achievement due to a $2,500.00 grant to the organization. Students will be visiting Biz Town and Finance Park in addition to the lessons they’ll be learning.

Free family fun across the county will be available throughout the year thanks to a $14,500.00 grant to the Washington County Family YMCA for substance free alternative events. Look for the events on social media so you can be sure to sign up.

The Home Stretch Foundation, a new nonprofit in Washington County, has been awarded a $6,000.00 grant to support their mission of being a catalyst that paves a smooth transition to successful adulthood for at-risk youth.

A new entertainment platform will be the newest addition at Becks Mill. They were awarded a $4,500.00 grant to aid in the construction of the platform.

Thank you to the donors of Washington County Community Foundation for making our community a better place for our residents through their generosity and compassion for Washington County.

Washington County Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1993 to serve donors, award grants, and provide leadership to improve Washington County forever.

Larry DeBoer April 25, 2024

It was printed in bold letters on the front of the envelope. “Open Immediately. Property Tax Notice Enclosed.” It was the annual property tax bill on my house! I remembered last year: a jump in my tax bill of 31 percent.

I tore open the envelope and found the page of numbers showing how my tax bill was calculated. The taxable assessed value of my home went up only 3 percent this year. Last year the increase was 35 percent. My tax rate went down by almost 5 percent. The tax bill is the assessed value times the rate. If my home value went up 3, but my tax rate went down 5, my tax bill should decrease by about 2 percent, right?

Wrong. My tax bill went up 10 percent.

This is pretty typical for Indiana homeowners this year. Statewide, taxable homestead assessed values rose 3.8 percent, the average tax rate fell by half a percent, yet the average tax bill rose 6.6 percent. That’s much less than last year’s 17 percent tax bill increase. Still, how does the tax bill rise more than assessed value when the tax rate goes down?

We can all answer this question for our own homes. Indiana provides a page of numbers with every tax bill showing how it’s calculated. You get the page even if your mortgage holder pays your taxes from escrow. Let’s take a look.

At the top of the page is the gross assessed value. That’s the assessor’s estimate of the possible selling price of my house. It rose 11 percent this year, close to the statewide average increase of 10.1 percent. Home values have been rising everywhere, and our market-value-in-use assessment system is capturing the increase.

Gross assessed value minus deductions is net assessed value, which is taxable. The General Assembly increased deductions for this year, to provide some tax relief. The $48,000 standard homestead deduction changed a little. The supplemental homestead deduction changed a lot. It was increased from 35 percent of the assessment after the standard deduction, to 40 percent. That’s why net assessments rose so much less than gross assessments.

The tax rate is a combination of the rates of the county, city, school district and the smaller units. Tax rates are recalculated each year by dividing the local unit’s tax levy by the total net assessed value within the government’s boundaries. Statewide, the levy rose 5.9 percent, total net AV rose 6.4 percent, so the average tax rate fell 0.5 percent.

This year the General Assembly restricted levy growth by cutting the growth of the maximum levy from 5 percent to 4 percent, and restricting growth of school referendum levies for operating costs to 3 percent. Last year the average levy increased 8.8 percent, an unusually large rise. The new restrictions helped limit that increase to 5.9 percent this year.

About two-thirds of the counties have local income taxes that provide property tax credits to homeowners. Some counties increased their LIT credits this year, which caused homestead tax bills to drop. My county left the credit about the same.

That’s the end of the tax bill calculation for homeowners where tax rates are lower. Those homeowners probably saw modest increases, or even decreases in their tax bills this year.

If the tax rate you pay is high enough, though, you’ll be eligible for a circuit breaker tax cap credit. The Indiana Constitution limits homeowner tax bills to 1 percent of the gross AV of the home, before deductions. The taxpayer gets a credit if the tax bill exceeds the cap.

My house is eligible for a tax cap credit. It dropped by 84 percent. Homestead tax cap credits fell 61 percent statewide. My tax bill went up, not down, because of the drop in tax cap credits.

The constitutional tax caps are based on gross assessed value. Tax bills are based on net assessed value. Deductions increased, so net AV grew much less than gross AV. That means the cap rose faster than the tax bill, so the credit needed to bring the tax bill down to the cap was much smaller.

The General Assembly gave homeowners a tax break, but for some, the Indiana Constitution took it back.