Parke County Covered Bridge Festival Commences

By: Spencer Deery

One of District 23’s largest events starts today: The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival.

If you are from outside the area, come and visit and enjoy the county’s many covered bridges, changing leaf colors and goods for sale from both vendors and community yard sales.

Thank you to the county’s emergency personnel and others who will work tirelessly to make the festival happen over the next two weekends. As residents know, it’s not an easy task to host this festival each year, but it’s an important part of the county’s economy. If you visit, I hope you will support the local small businesses and vendors you encounter.

I continue to work with local leaders to find more ways to help both county budgets and everyday citizens benefit from the natural beauty and tourist attractions in Parke County.

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Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence

The National Domestic Violence Hotline reports intimate partner violence affects more than 12 million people every year and Indiana, sadly, is no exception.

This issue should be addressed year-round, but we recognize October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to raise awareness of the signs of abuse and help share the resources available to support survivors.

This year, I supported two new laws to help protect victims and prevent domestic violence offenses. One new law will help victims make arrangements for their safety by requiring individuals arrested for domestic violence to be held for at least 24 hours before they can be released on bail. A second new law makes it a crime for certain individuals to use electronic devices like Air Tags to track an individual without their knowledge.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or click here to locate a certified domestic violence help program in a county near you.

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Deadline Approaching

The deadline to apply for the Indiana Senate Republican Caucus Internship Program is quickly approaching. Applications should be submitted by Oct. 31.

Paid spring-semester internships are available in our communications, information technology, legal, legislative, page and policy offices.

– Spencer Deery is an Indiana State Senator serving District 23 which includes Fountain, Parke, Vermillion, Warren and portions of Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.