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BEDFORD (May 29, 2024) – Discover Southern Indiana is significantly expanding its regional tourism brand for the first time to include Owen County and Perry County.

Discover Southern Indiana is a region-wide tourism brand under the umbrella of Radius Indiana providing an identity to the eight rural counties making up the Radius Indiana region in south-central Indiana (Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, and Washington). Within the eight-county region, visitors can find one-of-a-kind resort experiences, Indiana State Parks, Hoosier National Forest, unique cultural events, culinary delights, a multitude of natural resources including karst, vast caving systems, rivers, and lakes, up-close animal encounters, indoor water parks, prestigious golf courses, and so much more. Radius established the regional marketing brand in 2018 in recognition of the importance of tourism to the regional economy, where hospitality and tourism provides nearly 2,400 jobs. The addition of Perry and Owen Counties will bring the expanded region’s total visitor spending to $435 million annually, as of 2022.

Discover Southern Indiana rebranded and launched a new website and marketing campaign in Spring 2023 which included increased visibility and engagement on social media platforms, partnerships with county Destination Marketing Organizations and Visit Indiana, and an overall increased awareness of the assets and attractions that make Southern Indiana a unique tourism destination. Discover Southern Indiana acts as a catalyst to drive regional tourism partnership and cooperation between the counties to strengthen and leverage each county’s marketing efforts by providing support, resources, and opportunities to broaden and expand messaging.

“With the success and momentum Discover Southern Indiana has experienced through the rebranding process it made sense to consider expanding the tourism region to include neighboring counties that fit with the rural profile and abundance of natural resources already included in the region”, said Kristal Painter, Discover Southern Indiana COO. Owen County to the northwest of the region and Perry County to the southeast of the region have signed on to become members of Discover Southern Indiana officially expanding the tourism region to now include 10 counties in southcentral Indiana. “The assets and attractions that each county brings to the table will help elevate the regional profile making the expanded Discover Southern Indiana region an enticing destination where you could easily spend several days exploring the abundance of offerings”, said Painter.

Owen County is home to Indiana’s first state park, McCormick’s Creek, and the Cataract Falls State Recreation Area which features the largest waterfall in the state. Over 800,000 visitors each year discover Indiana’s abundant natural resources that show off the ravines, steep cliffs, and hemlock forests that provide adventure in every season. The outdoor recreation, unique shopping, dining experiences, and events will add to the Discover Southern Indiana portfolio that current and prospective visitors are seeking out. “Owen County‘s partnership with Discover Southern Indiana will not only take Owen County’s quality of attraction to the next level, but will put it on the map like never before,” said Marce King, CEO of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corp

Perry County is nestled between the rolling hills of Hoosier National Forest and the banks of the mighty Ohio River, offering visitors nearly 60,000-acres of forest and direct access to the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Wineries, breweries, pubs, and numerous dining options add to the offerings for romantic getaways in a cabin tucked away in the forest, or a family friendly adventure exploring the outdoors by boat, foot, or horse. "Perry County joining Discover Southern Indiana is a monumental step forward in showcasing our vibrant community, rich heritage, and stunning natural beauty. This partnership will amplify our local attractions and offer an inviting gateway for tourists to experience the unique charm and warmth that Perry County has to offer," said Casey Stutsman, Executive Director of the Perry County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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By Sgt. Carey Huls, Public Information Officer

Detectives with the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg arrested a New Albany police officer on Wednesday following an investigation that began in late April of this year.

On April 29, 2024, New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey proactively contacted the Sellersburg Post and requested the Indiana State Police conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of harassment and possible misconduct involving Chad E. Armenta, a Sergeant in the New Albany Police Department.

During the subsequent investigation, Detective Mike Bennett learned that a New Albany resident made allegations that Chad Armenta arrived at her residence while off duty and in an unofficial capacity but refused to leave after being repeatedly asked to do so. The complainant also advised that Armenta arrived uninvited. The investigation, which included interviews and a review of recorded phone conversations, also revealed that Chad Armenta allegedly used his official position to interfere with an investigation after the victim placed a call reporting his actions to the New Albany Police Department.

Following his investigation, Detective Bennett provided all information to the Floyd County Prosecutor's Office for review and requested an arrest warrant for Chad Armenta. Detectives arrested Armenta on Wednesday afternoon on the following charges:

Official Misconduct (2 counts) - Level 6 Felony
Stalking - Level 6 Felony
Criminal Trespass - A Misdemeanor
Interference in Reporting a Crime - A Misdemeanor
Harassment - B Misdemeanor

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Washington County Fair Open Class exhibits are “Open to the World!” Exhibitors do not have to be Washington County residents.

All categories will have three (3) age groups: Children 11 years and under, Youth 12-18 years and Adult 19 years and over.

Open class entries for the exhibit hall shall be made at the north end of the exhibit hall on Saturday, June 15 from 8:30 a.m.- noon for Art, Canning, Family Stitchery & Crafts, Photography, Scrapbooking and Community Service Groups. Monday, June 17 from 8:30 a.m.- noon, entries for Baking, Farm Products, Floriculture, Garden Products, and Gourds will be accepted. No early or late entries will be accepted. All exhibits must remain in the exhibit hall until 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23 and must be removed by 2:00 p.m. that day. Premiums are paid at that time.

All articles competing for premiums must possess more than ordinary merit, otherwise no premiums will be awarded.

Unless there are two or more exhibitors in each open class exhibit, it shall be considered that a fist place ribbon will be given and second place money will be paid, unless the exhibit is declared “Best of Show.” In that case, first place money will be paid. The same person cannot be competing with him/herself and receive first, second, etc. premium monies, but will receive only the highest premium.

Any item that fits in a listed class may not show in “Other.”

Situations not covered by the mentioned rules will be at the discretion of the superintendents and their committees. All judges decisions are final.

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Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies held their quarterly Drive-Thru Drug Drop / Food Drive on Saturday, May 11.

They collected and incinerated 31 pounds of prescription medications, bringing the total amount of collected prescription medications to 1,062 pounds since the start of the program in the fall of 2019.

The department also collected 314 pounds of non-perishable food items, which were donated to the Washington County Food Bank. HUNGER KNOWS NO SEASON!

Sheriff Miller would like to thank everyone who dropped off prescription medications to be safely disposed of and say a special thank you to everyone who donated food for our local food bank.

Thank you to Matt Hein, who runs this important program for the sheriff’s department and to his helpers, Deputy Hailee Lopotosky, Deputy Tory Hildreth and Trenton Miller, who also helped with this event.