By JAKE OAKMAN Indiana Department of Tourism INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Mike Pence, First Lady Karen Pence and Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann unveiled a functional prototype of the torch today, Friday, Dec. 11, that will be used throughout the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay. The unveiling occurred in front of an audience of 400 Indiana fourth-graders as …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — The executive director of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission says next week’s Statehood Day will kick off dozens of events that will lead up to a “singular moment” in the state’s history. Perry Hammock says community and individual involvement in events that will take place in all 92 counties has brought thousands of Hoosiers together. In all, there are nearly 700 registered projects, with more than half designated Bicentennial Legacy Projects.

The Hoosier state turns 198 today. On Thursday, Dec. 11, 1816, Indiana became the 19th state to join the Union. “Indiana has a remarkable history that illustrates for the world the strength, inventiveness, and compassion of the Hoosier spirit,” said Governor Pence. Yesterday, Pence signed a declaration proclaiming Dec. 11 Statehood Day. To celebrate Gov. Pence …read more.

State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) urges local fourth-grade students to celebrate Indiana’s 196th birthday by entering the annual Statehood Day essay contest and answering the question, “What does Indiana mean to you?” before Oct. 29. Local fourth-grade classrooms are also invited to attend Statehood Day celebrations in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Space is limited …read more.