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Indianapolis Star
29-05-2025
- General
- Indianapolis Star
More license-free fishing days coming for Hoosiers in June and September
Hoosiers can fish for free June 7 and 8 during Indiana's upcoming Free Fishing Days. Indiana residents of all ages can head out to a public waterway that weekend to fish without a license or trout/salmon stamp. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has hosted annual free fishing events, which also include a single day in May and another in September, since 1995 when it became state law, said DNR's Cindy Stites. The idea is to get outside and try something new, Stites said. 'It's good exercise and good for your mental health," she said. "It's really a lot of fun to go out with family and friends, as well." For new anglers casting lines out during Free Fishing Day, Stites said there is nothing to be intimidated about. Go out and buy or borrow an easy-to-use rod and reel combo with a hook and bobber, then grab some worms. That's all you need to get started. 'You don't need a real expensive set up and gear, just get some sunscreen and bug spray and give it a try,' Stites said. While fishing is free for the weekend, Stites said to remember to stick to the state's fishing regulations. Anglers will still have to obey the state's fishing limits, which can be found on DNR's website. DNR's website offers an interactive map showing users public access and fishing sites for ponds, streams, rivers and lakes across Indiana. Each point on the map has information about the site, including what kind of fish can be caught, whether there are entry fees and what amenities are nearby. Outside of DNR properties, some cities are holding their own events for June's Free Fishing Days. Friends of Pogue's Run is working with Go Fishin' with Clint on June 8 for free fishing celebration with expert instruction and extra rods and reels for participants. Multiple locations are holding Fishing Derbies for kids during Free Fishing Days. DNR's website has more information on where those events are located. While the June Free Fishing Days are popular in Indiana, Stites said first-timers who enjoy going out when it's free should consider picking up a license and continuing the hobby. Some of the state's conservation funding comes from an excise tax on hunting, fishing and sports shooting equipment, Stites said. 'We encourage people to go out because it's giving back to conservation and it's also fun,' she said. Hoosiers can buy a fishing license online, by mail or in person. DNR's website has a hub to purchase hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; and retailers, county clerks and DNR properties throughout Indiana will have them for sale in person. IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
More license-free fishing days coming for Hoosiers in June and September
Hoosiers can fish for free June 7 and 8 during Indiana's upcoming Free Fishing Days. Indiana residents of all ages can head out to a public waterway that weekend to fish without a license or trout/salmon stamp. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has hosted annual free fishing events, which also include a single day in May and another in September, since 1995 when it became state law, said DNR's Cindy Stites. The idea is to get outside and try something new, Stites said. 'It's good exercise and good for your mental health," she said. "It's really a lot of fun to go out with family and friends, as well." For new anglers casting lines out during Free Fishing Day, Stites said there is nothing to be intimidated about. Go out and buy or borrow an easy-to-use rod and reel combo with a hook and bobber, then grab some worms. That's all you need to get started. 'You don't need a real expensive set up and gear, just get some sunscreen and bug spray and give it a try,' Stites said. While fishing is free for the weekend, Stites said to remember to stick to the state's fishing regulations. Anglers will still have to obey the state's fishing limits, which can be found on DNR's website. DNR's website offers an interactive map showing users public access and fishing sites for ponds, streams, rivers and lakes across Indiana. Each point on the map has information about the site, including what kind of fish can be caught, whether there are entry fees and what amenities are nearby. Outside of DNR properties, some cities are holding their own events for June's Free Fishing Days. Friends of Pogue's Run is working with Go Fishin' with Clint on June 8 for free fishing celebration with expert instruction and extra rods and reels for participants. Multiple locations are holding Fishing Derbies for kids during Free Fishing Days. DNR's website has more information on where those events are located. While the June Free Fishing Days are popular in Indiana, Stites said first-timers who enjoy going out when it's free should consider picking up a license and continuing the hobby. Some of the state's conservation funding comes from an excise tax on hunting, fishing and sports shooting equipment, Stites said. 'We encourage people to go out because it's giving back to conservation and it's also fun,' she said. Hoosiers can buy a fishing license online, by mail or in person. DNR's website has a hub to purchase hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; and retailers, county clerks and DNR properties throughout Indiana will have them for sale in person. IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at Follow him on BlueSky @ This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana offering more license-free fishing days in June and September
Indianapolis Star
29-05-2025
- General
- Indianapolis Star
More license-free fishing days coming for Hoosiers in June and September
Hoosiers can fish for free June 7 and 8 during Indiana's upcoming Free Fishing Days. Indiana residents of all ages can head out to a public waterway that weekend to fish without a license or trout/salmon stamp. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has hosted annual free fishing events, which also include a single day in May and another in September, since 1995 when it became state law, said DNR's Cindy Stites. The idea is to get outside and try something new, Stites said. 'It's good exercise and good for your mental health," she said. "It's really a lot of fun to go out with family and friends, as well." For new anglers casting lines out during Free Fishing Day, Stites said there is nothing to be intimidated about. Go out and buy or borrow an easy-to-use rod and reel combo with a hook and bobber, then grab some worms. That's all you need to get started. 'You don't need a real expensive set up and gear, just get some sunscreen and bug spray and give it a try,' Stites said. While fishing is free for the weekend, Stites said to remember to stick to the state's fishing regulations. Anglers will still have to obey the state's fishing limits, which can be found on DNR's website. DNR's website offers an interactive map showing users public access and fishing sites for ponds, streams, rivers and lakes across Indiana. Each point on the map has information about the site, including what kind of fish can be caught, whether there are entry fees and what amenities are nearby. Outside of DNR properties, some cities are holding their own events for June's Free Fishing Days. Friends of Pogue's Run is working with Go Fishin' with Clint on June 8 for free fishing celebration with expert instruction and extra rods and reels for participants. Multiple locations are holding Fishing Derbies for kids during Free Fishing Days. DNR's website has more information on where those events are located. While the June Free Fishing Days are popular in Indiana, Stites said first-timers who enjoy going out when it's free should consider picking up a license and continuing the hobby. Some of the state's conservation funding comes from an excise tax on hunting, fishing and sports shooting equipment, Stites said. 'We encourage people to go out because it's giving back to conservation and it's also fun,' she said. Hoosiers can buy a fishing license online, by mail or in person. DNR's website has a hub to purchase hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; and retailers, county clerks and DNR properties throughout Indiana will have them for sale in person. IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indiana farmers celebrate 2025 legislative wins, but key transition tax credit falls short
Indiana farmers had several legislative wins during the 2025 session, but budget constraints stymied some proposals. () Property tax tweaks and a new online portal were among this year's legislative wins for Hoosier farmers. But a high-priority proposal to help retiring farmers transition land to a new generation of growers failed to cross the finish line in the final days of the session. Rural-focused portions of Gov. Mike Braun's first agenda pledged to 'cut red tape,' strengthen the agricultural economy and protect Indiana farmland from encroaching development. The Republican governor had two early successes: property tax relief and a new online farmer portal. Baked into Senate Enrolled Act 1, a hotly-debated property tax measure, were changes to how farmland is assessed for property taxes — increasing the capitalization rate in the farmland formula from 8% to 9%, and adding a new assessed value deduction. Braun maintained those changes will bring at least some relief for farmers. Agricultural lobbying groups agreed, in part, but said more works need to be done on property taxes, specifically. 'While this will provide relief to Hoosier farmers on their real property taxes the next couple of years, taxes on other agricultural infrastructure like farm buildings and permanent structures are expected to increase due to shifts within the tax base,' said Andy Tauer, Indiana Farm Bureau's executive director of public policy. 'Our members have seen property tax bills go up 60% over the past three years, while net farm incomes have gone down. So, we need to return to the Statehouse in the coming years to craft a more comprehensive and sustainable solution for farmers.' Another win came in House Enrolled Act 1149, the first bill signed into law by Braun. The measure, authored by Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer, creates an online 'one-stop-shop' portal for farmers to access funding opportunities, regulatory information and state agency contacts. 'Hoosier farmers feed America and power our economy, and this bill makes their important job a little bit easier,' the governor told reporters at a Statehouse bill signing ceremony. Braun's plan additionally called for the creation of a farmland preservation task force, as well as upgrades in rural communities, including roads, broadband and water systems. Members of Indiana Farm Bureau's water task force in 2024 identified a 'gap' in protections for agriculture and significant groundwater well users who utilize irrigation or need water for livestock, Tauer said. Under earlier state law, those users were responsible for proving any loss of water and were liable in court. Farm bureau leadership said the lobbying group worked with Republican Sen. Sue Glick, of LaGrange, to craft Senate Enrolled Act 28, which establishes a reporting and investigation process managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to fix those issues and ensure that agriculture is protected in cases when usable water is unavailable. Braun signed the legislation in mid-April. 'Although we were successful in getting our water policy signed, we did not get the property tax relief that Hoosier farmers really need,' said Indiana Farm Bureau President Randy Kron. 'While we are appreciative of the change in the farmland formula, it's incredibly important that we advocate for more tax relief for our members in the future and we vow to do just that. Other agricultural sector bills that passed and were supported by Indiana Farm Bureau and other lobbying groups included: Senate Enrolled Act 461: Clarifies the responsibilities of the Indiana Grain Buyers and Warehouse Licensing Agency, ensuring better compliance and support for struggling licensees. House Enrolled Act 1012: Requires law enforcement to inform landowners of any damage to their property resulting from motor vehicle accidents. House Enrolled Act 1461: Provides additional funding and tax options for local government infrastructure projects, benefiting rural communities. Axed from the final draft of the state's next two-year budget, however, was a tax credit to support land transitions. The proposed 'retiring farmers tax credit,' originally introduced by Culp, would have offered up to $67,000 in tax credits to landowners who sell or lease farmland or agricultural equipment to beginning farmers, helping ease barriers to land access and encouraging transitions to a younger generation of farmers. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signs first bill into law, creating new online portal for farmers Claire Shipp, Midwest policy manager for the American Farmland Trust, said the policy was based on successful models in Minnesota, Iowa and other states. With more than 34% of Hoosier farmers now over the age of 65, Indiana is facing 'a major shift in farmland ownership,' Shipp said. Many retiring farmers want to sell or lease to a beginning farmer but can't afford to turn down higher offers from developers or institutional buyers, she added. The tax credit would have provided an incentive 'to preserve Indiana's agricultural legacy, support rural economies, and ensure farmland stays in productive use for future generations.' Although the tax credit was included in Braun's proposed budget in February, it was removed by GOP budget writers in the House. A Senate version of the state budget later added a 'beginning farmer tax credit,' modeled after a similar program in Ohio, but was ultimately dropped in final budget negotiations. Caitlin Smith, Indiana Farm Bureau's director of policy engagement, said that while her group supported the tax credit, budget pressures ultimately derailed the proposal. She pointed to the state's April fiscal forecast, which revealed $2 billion less in revenue that expected, prompting lawmakers to trim provisions late in the session. Keeping farmland in the hands of farmers is not just a private benefit — it is a public good. – Claire Shipp, Midwest policy manager for the American Farmland Trust 'Indiana Farm Bureau's two main policy priorities this year were to provide tax relief and water protections,' Smith said. 'While we supported the governor's agenda initiative, as well as Rep. Culp's bill as filed, ultimately those didn't make it across the finish line due to budget constraints. After the April forecast was released, legislative leadership made tough decisions to close the budget gap and that was one of the items that fell off.' Smith noted that the goal of the credit was to help encourage and foster young farmers buying land to start their businesses. 'We know land prices are skyrocketing while the farm economy is on a downward turn, so this credit would be a tool in the toolbox to foster the next generation taking over farms,' she said. 'We're supportive of those initiatives, but we were really focused on asking and advocating for tax relief this year.' Shipp said the American Farmland Trust plans to advocate for similar legislation again and is working with Culp and other lawmakers to revisit the proposal in 2026. 'Keeping farmland in the hands of farmers is not just a private benefit — it is a public good,' she continued. 'When young farmers have access to land, they contribute to local economies, bolster rural communities, and continue the agricultural heritage that sustains Indiana.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Pair — including former county victims advocate — charged in drug case
A man and woman — including a former Lake County crime victims advocate — were charged Wednesday in a drug case. A third man is mentioned, but not currently charged in public filings. Howard Geib, 54, of Merrillville is charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony, and misdemeanor resisting law enforcement. He is in custody, held without bail. A lawyer is not listed. Niki Fitusis, 55, of Crown Point, had a small bag of cocaine in her wallet, plus two needles and paraphernalia in her SUV's center console, records show. She is charged with possession of cocaine, possession of a narcotic drug, unlawful possession of a syringe, all Level 6 felonies, plus one misdemeanor. Her lawyer Mike Woods, of Stracci Law Group, declined comment Thursday. During a hearing Thursday, an arrest warrant was recalled and her $2,500 bond was ordered refunded, filings show. Fitusis worked for Lake County until 2019, according to Indiana Gateway, a public employee salary database. She was a longtime Lake County Prosecutor's Office victims advocate — who helped them navigate their court cases. Indiana Department of Natural Resources Det. Alex Neel was patrolling April 24 by the Little Calumet River and Clark Road in Gary when he spotted a Blue Infiniti SUV down a NIPSCO service road near brush, court records show. He saw a man — later identified as Geib — walking away with a bunch of copper wire. A second man was standing next to the SUV, while Fitusis was sitting in the back seat. The man with Fitusis said Geib wasn't with them, before saying he picked him up at a gas station, but didn't know his name. Fitusis zipped her purse. When Neel radioed dispatch, Fitusis said she didn't want her name over police radio. The man with her said the trio was there to 'burn wire.' Neel called in a K-9 police dog, who tracked Geib. After Geib ran briefly from the cops, he told police he had an active warrant for a meth dealing case. 'I love you guys,' Geib said to Fitusis and the other man. Police found two syringes, a scale, a mirror with cocaine, a razor, a straw and crystal-like substance in the console. They also found 56 grams of meth in Fitusis' purse that Geib said he put there. They also found Hydrocodine — a prescription pain killer — in another pill bottle in her purse. Geib denied anything in the console was his. Later, police found the 2.5 grams of cocaine in a bag in Fitusis' wallet, plus a metal spoon and 'broken smoking device' elsewhere in the vehicle. A further court date for Geib is not yet scheduled. Fitusis' next hearing is May 30. mcolias@
