Indiana
Indiana football offensive lineman Austin Barrett will enter transfer portal during spring window
Curt Cignetti wants players approaching spring practice with ‘great sense of urgency’
Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti talks about how he defines progress for his position groups and players during spring practice:
BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football offensive lineman Austin Barrett plans on entering the transfer portal during the spring window that runs from April 16-25.
Barrett, who has three years of eligibility left, announced his decision with a social media post on Friday afternoon ahead of next week’s spring game.
“Here at Indiana, I had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people and become a better student-athlete,” he wrote. “I’ll always cherish my time here at IU and have friendships that will last a lifetime. Thank you coach (Bob) Bostad, (Curt) Cignetti, (Tom) Allen, (Mike) Shanahan, (Walt) Bell and (Darren) Hiller for all you have invested in me and the opportunties I’ve had here at IU.”
Barrett was a three-star signee in IU’s 2023 signing class out of St. Charles East in Illinois. He had 18 scholarship offers including ones from Boston College, Duke, Illinois, Syracuse, West Virginia and Virginia Tech. He made a strong early impression on the previous staff while redshirting as a true freshman.
The 6-foot-6, 308-pounder played in five games last season with his most extensive action (23 snaps) coming in a 77-3 win over Western Illinois in Week 2.
Barrett was working at guard this spring as IU sought to replace two starters (Mike Katic and Trey Wedig) up front from last season. The Hoosiers added Notre Dame center Pat Coogan, Ohio State tackle Zen Michalski and Colorado guard Kahlil Benson out of the transfer portal along with three high school signees to shore up their depth.
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti told reporters earlier this spring that he was pleased by the group’s overall progress.
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
Indiana
Indiana State Police prepared for busy holiday weekend
With millions of Americans expected to hit the road for the holiday weekend, Indiana State Police are prepared for the uptick.
The weekend coincides the Indiana State Police’s Click It or Ticket Campaign, something Sergeant Ted Bohner says gives them more resources.
“It gives federally funded overtime to put troopers that can work some overtime at the end of their shift, beginning their shift, or on a day off, just to put some extra, extra eyes and cars on the road to make sure everybody’s safe,” Bohner said.
With construction ongoing, Bohner says they will continue to have a heavy prescense on US-31 with the Indy 500 taking place.
But says drivers need to pay attention to construction zones as well.
“Watch for those signs, they’re all going to be marked ahead of time, and just pay attention for maybe a different traffic pattern, definitely a reduced speed limit in those areas, and you know, just navigate it safely, you know, without distractions,” Bohner said.
Bohner also saying it’s important to prioritize safety during Memorial Day celebrations to protect yourself and others.
“There’s going to be a lot of parties, a lot of cookouts, that type of thing, and a lot of times some drinking is involved in that, so we just want people to make the smart choice and drive sober, and if they need a way home, either use the tried and true method of a designated driver, a cab or ride share, and or any other means just to get home safely,” Bohner said.
Bohner says the department wants to emphasize driving the speed limit, wearing a seatbelt if you are traveling and to never drive under the influence.
Indiana
Suspect accused of stealing from local barbecue restaurant arrested in Indiana
DEARBORN COUNTY, Ind. (WKRC) — Authorities in Indiana have arrested a man wanted for a break-in at a Tri-State business.
Pig Candy BBQ said the break-in happened at their location on Kellogg Avenue earlier this week. Employees say 44-year-old Chad Snider let himself into a rear gate that is used for deliveries and got away with tools and equipment.
Cincinnati Police sent out an alert asking people for help in finding Snider on Friday. He was arrested Saturday for a separate incident and is currently in the Dearborn County jail.
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Snider is not currently charged with anything related to the robbery.
Indiana
Speedway’s Rockin’ on Main draws crowd, despite the rain
SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) — Despite the rain and damp conditions, hundreds of people gathered on Friday evening for Rockin’ on Main, keeping the annual tradition alive with music, food and family fun ahead of the Indianapolis 500.
Attendees under umbrellas and in ponchos spent the day exploring vendors, enjoying live entertainment, and splashing through puddles. For many, the event is more than just a festival, it’s a yearly reunion with friends and family tied to the excitement of race weekend in Indiana.
Jameison Turk enjoyed dinner with her family. “My mom, my dad, my brother, friends, and family; it’s a big thing for Indiana, so I’m happy,”
Businesses and artists also filled the strip with pop-up shops and displays.
The Speedway Artist Collective featured a variety of Indy 500-inspired artwork and handmade items ranging from bracelets and T-shirts to fine art pieces.
“We have everything from stickers to fine art,” said Lisa Schmitz, founder of Speedway Artist Collective. “If you come in with your little ones, they’re going to find things that are appropriate for them, and you might find something to put on the wall in your home. We are here to represent not only Speedway but Indiana, and we have fans from all over the country and the world.”
Some artists showcased creative upcycled pieces, including handbags made from old Indy 500 programs and lamps crafted from vintage Indy 500 beer cans.
Even with the rainy weather, attendees said the atmosphere remained upbeat throughout the event. Cooper Miles said, “Everybody seems to be having a good time, good food, so nothing to complain about.”
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