Explore Indiana this Fall

This weekend officially kicks off the fall season. Our state offers many ways to enjoy the fall weather and explore the outdoors by way of festivals, orchards, corn mazes, pumpkin patches and events at Indiana State Parks. Here are some resources to help you and your loved ones make the most of the season.

Visit Indiana lists events across the state and provides regional information on local attractions. To learn more, click here. 
Indiana Festivals details festivals across the state, including the famous Covered Bridge Festival from Oct. 13 - 22. Click here to learn more.
The Indiana Recreation Guide details outdoor recreation sites in our state, including state parks and events at those locations through the end of the year. Click here to download the guide.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers a mobile app for users to view state park property information and maps. Click here to download the app. 
The Indiana Department of Transportation offers the Trafficwise mobile app for users to receive statewide up-to-date information on Indiana roads. Click here to download the app.

In addition, foster families and foster youth now receive free admission to DNR properties thanks to a new law I supported during the 2023 legislative session. Indiana residents who are former prisoners of war and their surviving spouses are also entitled to a free Indiana Golden Hoosier Passport, which grants unlimited admission to DNR properties on an annual basis. 

For more information, click here. 

INDOT to Host Winter Seasonal Hiring Events

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will host hiring events for winter seasonal positions, which run from November to early April, Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (local time) at 13 locations across the state.

Registration is not required to attend the event. Interviews will be conducted on-site and INDOT team members will be available to answer questions.

For a full list of locations and more information, click here.

Applications Open for the K-12 Robotics Competition Grant

The Indiana Department of Education is now accepting applications for the K-12 Robotics Competition Grant. Applications are due Friday, Sept. 29, at 11:59 p.m.

The grant helps state-accredited schools maintain or establish robotics competition programs by providing students with high-quality STEM programming.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available and will be awarded based on the proposed project and budget.

To learn more about the grant and eligibility, click here.

BMV Sets New Hours

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has set new hours for branches across the state beginning Monday, Oct. 2.

To see the new hours for your local BMV branch, click here.

As a reminder, most BMV services like renewing a driver's license or registering a car can be done online at in.gov/bmv.

There are also BMV Connect kiosks, which allow many services to be done at any time of the day.

For more information on the BMV Connect kiosks, click here.

ICAC Launches Website to Help Report Child Abuse

The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) recently launched a website for people to file reports if they believe a child is being exploited sexually.

The Indiana State Police oversees the task force, which is made up of over 50 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

To learn more, click here.

American Red Cross in Need of Blood Donors

According to the American Red Cross, the United States is experiencing a blood shortage, with the national blood supply falling about 25% since August. With hospitals outpacing the number of blood donations, I highly encourage eligible donors to consider making an appointment to donate blood today.

To schedule an appointment, click here.

Remain Aware of Farm Equipment

Harvest season is officially underway for 94,000 Hoosier farmers, which means more slow-moving farm equipment will be on Indiana's rural roads and highways.

To keep Hoosiers safe, the Indiana Department of Agriculture asks motorists to be alert and patient as they share the road this fall.

To view a list of safety tips, click here.