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(Indianapolis, IN)-Major Nila Miller-Cronk has announced her retirement from the Indiana State Police following a law enforcement career which has spanned the last 38 years.

Major Miller-Cronk, a native of Spiceland, Indiana is a 1977 graduate of Tri Jr. Sr. High School in Straughn, IN. She began her law enforcement career as an Advisor for the Henry County Sheriff’s Department Explorer Scout Troop #433 in 1981 (and for the next 15 years), she then became a Reserve Deputy for the Henry County Sheriff Department in 1983 through 1986 before earning acceptance to the 44th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy in July of 1986. In 1990 she graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Administration degree in Business Administration.

On November 16, 1986, Major Miller-Cronk was appointed as a Trooper and assigned to the Indiana State Police Post in Pendleton, where she served the citizens of Henry County. In 1990 she was promoted to the rank of Corporal and served as a District Duty Officer at the Connersville Post. In 1994 she was promoted to Sergeant serving as a Recruiter assigned to Human Resources at General Headquarters. In 2000 she was promoted to First Sergeant to serve as Commander of the Recruiting Section. In 2003 she was promoted to Lieutenant to serve as Commander of Financial Management & Research Section assigned to the Fiscal Division. In 2004 she was promoted to Captain to serve as Assistant Commander in Human Resources Division where she served for six months and was transferred to Fiscal Division to serve as Assistant Commander. In 2006 she was transferred to Professional Standards to serve as Assistant Commander. In 2007 she was promoted to Major to serve as Commander of the Internal Investigations Section. In this position she also served as the Department’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office and the Department’s Ethics Officer. Major Miller-Cronk served in every rank between Recruit and Major. Between 2007 through 2021 Major Miller-Cronk served as the highest-ranking female in the Department until Major Dana Harshman was promoted to Major.

For the first 16 years of her career she was active in the ISP Career Camps (Girls & Co-Ed), where she served as a counselor (two years) and as Career Camp Director (14 years). During that same period, she also served on the Indiana State Police Youth Services Board of Directors. Between early 2004 through June of 2013 she served as the only female elected to serve as a member of the Pension Advisory Board and Insurance Committee member for the Department.

During her career she attended numerous training courses. Major Miller-Cronk also completed: Northwestern University Command Officer’s Development Course, Southern Police Institute Staff and Command School, Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (FBINA) #258 in Quantico, Virginia, International Chiefs of Police Women’s Leadership Institute, and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Mentoring Training.

Major Miller-Cronk was recognized by the Indiana General Assembly, in House Resolution No. 38, on March 1, 2018, as one of several Indiana women serving in law enforcement. She was awarded the Indiana Commission for Women’s Torchbearer Award with the Trailblazer Distinction in October of 2018, and the Indiana Office of the Inspector General’s Award of Excellence - Veteran Ethics Officer Award in November of 2020. She currently serves as the Director of the Board for Survivors of Blue Suicide.

One of her proudest professional accomplishments was her involvement in the creation of the Indiana State Police Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Committee/Program in 2016, followed by the First Annual ISP Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Training in 2018, followed by the Second Annual ISP Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Training in 2019, but due to COVID the third annual training in 2020 was cancelled; however, this training was rescheduled and held in November of 2021, and has been held every year since.

Over the past few years, she was also afforded the opportunity to serve as an assessor on numerous promotion assessment centers for other agencies: Illinois State Police, Delaware State Police, Arkansas State Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Kentucky State Police, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Indianapolis Airport Police Department, Springfield Police Department (Illinois), Tulsa Police Department (Oklahoma), and Chicago Police Department.

She is a member of the following organizations: National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) where she served as former Secretary, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Indiana State Police Alliance (ISPA), National Internal Affairs Investigators Association (NIAIA), and FBI National Academy Associates – active member of both national & state chapters.

Major Nila Miller-Cronk and the late Kim Cronk have two grown daughters, Lauren Cronk from Los Angeles, California, and Leanna Lome (husband Josh), from Westfield, Indiana.

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), in partnership with the Indiana State Library, announced today that the works of 28 poets have been added to the State of Indiana's poetry archive, INverse.

View the poets that are now in the archive.

“Celebrating and preserving the work of Indiana poets is a very worthy project and the Indiana State Library is honored to participate in this collaboration,” said Jake Speer, State Librarian.

"The Indiana Arts Commission appreciates the partnership with the Indiana State Library, which allows us to preserve and showcase the work of Hoosier poets," said Miah Michaelsen, IAC Executive Director. "The poets highlighted in the INverse Poetry Archive demonstrate the creative talent at work in Indiana."

An initiative of former Indiana Poet Laureate Adrian Matejka, INverse celebrates and preserves the diverse range of Indiana poetry for future generations of Indiana writers and readers. In five submission cycles, the INverse Poetry Archive has preserved over 470 works from Hoosier poets.

"It's humbling to read and hear the varied richness of talented contributors on the INverse Poetry Archive--continuing to illuminate Indiana's creativity through poetics that I've been witnessing through the Pop-up Indiana Chitlin Circuit during these past months," said Curtis L. Crisler, Indiana Poet Laureate.

Learn more about the INverse Poetry Archive.

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Sometimes a real hidden talent is discovered on America’s Got Talent. So was the case of Richard Goodall.

Goodall, 55 years old, is a janitor in the Vigo County school system in Indiana, and would sing as he worked. He has been a janitor for 23 years.

The middle school students where he worked noticed his talent and greatly encouraged him to tryout on AGT.

The first time he tried out in 2009 in Chicago, he didn’t get past the first audition. He would wait some 15 years before trying again and this time with different results.

He made it to the stage of AGT in front of the Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and the sometimes “hard” judge Simon Cowell. Nervously he took the stage and introduced himself. After a pause to collect his composure, he began to sing. He sang a really appropriate song, “Don’t Stop Believing,” a song made popular by Journey in 2005.

It wasn’t long before the audience was standing, clapping and dancing to this song.

The judges were taken away with him. At that point he got the total approval of the judges and the roaring applause of the audience. This greatly humbled the 55-year-old janitor in to tears, but the great finale of this performance was yet to come.

Heidi Klum, so taken by his performance, hit the Golden Buzzer, showering the stage with golden graffiti.

She said, “Richard, Richard, Richard! You are living proof that we should never ever stop dreaming, believing, and singing! I cannot wait for America to fall in love with you like I have. It’s an honor to hit my Golden Buzzer for you.”

The Golden Buzzer sends the contestant directly to the Live rounds.

This year there are four stages: Audition, Live Quarterfinals, Live Semifinals, and a two-week Finale event.

Howie Mandel said, “You just cleaned up.”

Cowell chimed in with “You are my hero.”

Of course, he made it to the Live Semi Finals, where he sang “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You,” originally performed by Michael Bolton.

Goodall said he started singing along with his Radio Shack stereo. He is also in a band called “ ManOpause.”

Richard said, “This was not on my radar, and I never had been on a plane before.”

At a local send-off at the Vigo County Fairgrounds, country music star Walker Hayes gave Goodall a brand-new Buick. Mullen’s Dressing had their own gift for Goodall: a lifetime supply of dressing.

To get to the finals he sang “Eye of the Tiger,” then Faithfully.” He definitely was a favorite of the four judges. 

Tuesday Sept. 24, was the finale. All contestants performed for the last time. To add to the show’s drama, each performer was eliminated one at a time. Finally, there was only one left, and that was the singing janitor from Terre Haute, humble Richard Goodall.

In the final performance, he was accompanied by Neal Schon and members of Journey as he again sang “Don’t Stop Believing.” Richard said, “Somebody pinch me.”

Goodall had just married his girl, Angela Vanoven.

The prize money is an annuity paid over 40 years at approximately $25,000 per year, or the winner can receive a reduced lump sum.

Indiana Proud!

Goodall with his new bride, Angela.

Country music star Walker Hayes presented Goodall with a new car.

Indiana is second most expensive state for dental exams nationwide

Indiana is the second most expensive state for dental exams, with an average exam costing $247.
New Hampshire is the most affordable state for dental exams, with an average exam costing $153.
The study analyzed the cost of an average routine dental exam that includes a dental cleaning and X-rays.

According to a new study, the second most expensive state for dental exams is Indiana.

Research conducted by affordable orthodontists at Celebrate Dental & Braces has revealed the most and least expensive states for dental exams by gathering data on average dental exam costs in 2023 by state from CareCredit. This was done by examining the average cost of a routine dental examination that includes a dental cleaning (a fluoride treatment may or may not be included) and X-rays. Each state was then ranked based on their average dental exam cost.

Top five most expensive:

1. North Dakota has been identified as the most expensive state for dental exams, with the average cost for a routine checkup, including a dental cleaning and X-rays, reaching $263. The national average for a routine dental exam is $202, meaning that an average check-up is 30.2% above the national average in North Dakota.

2. Indiana ranks second on the list, with an average dental exam costing $247. An average check-up is 22.3% higher than the national average in the Hoosier State.

3. Montana sees an average dental exam cost of $236, making it the third most expensive state for routine care. In Montana, an average dental exam is 16.8% greater than the national average.

4. Missouri takes the fourth spot, with an average dental exam costing $229, which is 13.4% above the national average.

5. Oklahoma and Texas round out the most expensive states, with a routine dental appointment costing $227 in both states. For an average exam, both states pay 12.4% in excess of the national average.

Top five most affordable:

1. New Hampshire has emerged as the cheapest state for dental exams, with an average check-up costing $153. This puts New Hampshire at 24.3% below the national average for routine dental care.

2. Washington state ranks second among the most affordable states for dental exams, with an average cost of $166 per appointment. An average dental check-up is 17.8% below the national average.

3. Colorado secures third place, with the average cost of an exam being $167. This puts Colorado at 17.3% under the national average.

4. Kentucky takes fourth place, with a dental exam costing $168, which is 16.8% beneath the national average.

5. Wyoming is the fifth most affordable state for dental exams, with an average cost of $170. This figure is 15.8% under the national average for a routine examination.

Dr Kelsey Loveland - Doctor of Dental Medicine - DMD, Doctor of Medicine – MS at Celebrate Dental & Braces commented on the findings:

“Regular dental exams are not just about maintaining a bright smile—they are critical for early detection and prevention of more serious health issues. Oral health is intricately linked to overall well-being, with conditions like gum disease potentially leading to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic problems.

“More can be done to make dental care affordable and accessible for all. By expanding Medicaid coverage, increasing funding for community dental clinics, and implementing sliding scale payment options, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to the preventative care that can catch issues early, ultimately saving lives and reducing long-term healthcare costs.”

https://lvdentalbraces.com/

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) invites the public to a comprehensive traffic safety event at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Traffic Safety Day will take place on Saturday, September 28th, from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. This free event is designed to educate and empower drivers of all ages, offering a variety of interactive activities to enhance traffic safety knowledge and skills.

"Traffic safety is a shared responsibility,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “We must all do our part to ensure our roads are safe for all users."

Event Highlights:

Interactive Workshops: Participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities such as controlled braking, evasive maneuvering, impaired driving simulation, seat belt convincer, and blind spot recognition.

Expert Presentations: Traffic safety professionals will provide valuable insights into traffic safety topics, including proper vehicle maintenance and the dangers of distracted driving along with child passenger safety and pedestrian safety.

Community Engagement: The event will feature representatives from various traffic safety organizations, offering resources and information to attendees.

Along with the Rule the Road program, several organizations are joining ICJI for Traffic Safety Day. These include the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police, Automotive Safety Program, Impact Teen Drivers, Safe Kids Indiana, Safe Kids Worldwide, Speedway Fire Department, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. ICJI also expects special guests to make appearances at Traffic Safety Day.

"We're committed to keeping our roads safe for everyone,” said James Bryan, ICJI’s Traffic Safety Director. “Traffic Safety Day is a great opportunity to reach out to drivers and provide them with the information they need to be safe on the road."

Traffic Safety Day is free and open to the public. Space is limited for some of the workshops, visit www.ruletheroadindiana.com to reserve a timeslot. A Valid driver’s license or permit and personal vehicle required for participation in the driving workshops.

About Rule the Road

Rule the Road provides teen drivers with driving knowledge and skills beyond the standard driving education programs. Taught by certified emergency vehicle operators/certified driver instructors, this program offers instruction to teens ages 15-18 with varying levels of driving experience. By participating in Rule the Road, drivers are equipped with new skills to keep themselves and others safe behind the wheel.

ICJI brings the Rule the Road program across the state to share traffic safety information.

About the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is the state planning agency for criminal justice, juvenile justice, traffic safety and victim services. ICJI is designated as the state administering agency for distribution of federal funds and as the state Statistical Analysis Center for research. ICJI is responsible for coordinating and collaborating with local, state and federal entities to identify, assess, plan, resource and evaluate new and emerging issues facing the criminal justice and public safety spectrum. Visit www.cji.in.gov to learn more about the agency.