The article discusses the exclusion of AnnCatherine Heigl, a student with Down syndrome, from sorority recruitment at George Mason University. Despite her achievements and active participation in the university's cheerleading team, AC did not receive any bids from the eight sororities she visited. Her sister, Lillie Heigl, expressed her disappointment and concerns about inclusivity and discrimination in an email to the Mason Panhellenic, which governs the university's Greek organizations. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the participation of students with disabilities in Greek life. The sororities mentioned have policies against discrimination, and the issue may involve individual bias or national policies that limit students who are not eligible for a traditional university degree. The article also notes that October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, established by the National Down Syndrome Society.

The article by Heather Lusk discusses the rising concern of vaping in Zionsville Community Schools and its popularity among teens in the United States. Vaping devices, which can resemble everyday items like highlighters or USB drives, are unregulated by the FDA and can contain harmful chemicals even when labeled nicotine-free. The article highlights the efforts of public health educator Claire Haughton and ZCS Supt. Scott Robison in addressing the issue. It mentions the doubling of suspensions related to vaping in schools and the ease with which students can conceal these devices. The Boone County Health Dept. is advocating for measures to curb youth vaping, such as raising the tobacco purchase age and implementing stricter online purchase regulations. The article also provides information on the nature of vaping devices, the risks associated with their use, and resources for quitting tobacco.

The article discusses the Zionsville Country Veterinary Clinic, a newly constructed veterinary facility in Whitestown designed to provide a fear-free experience for pets. Dr. Shari Lyons, who owns the clinic with Dr. Rick Lyons, has incorporated features such as a Cattery with natural light and hiding spaces, separate entrances and exits for cats and dogs, soft tile floors, and outdoor exam rooms to reduce animal anxiety. The clinic also has larger surgery prep rooms, dental cleaning spaces, and a comfort room for bereavement. The design aligns with the fear-free initiative started by Dr. Marty Becker, aiming to make vet visits calming. The clinic is one of the first to be built from scratch to meet these upcoming standards, and the feedback from pet owners has been overwhelmingly positive.

The article recounts a personal story of a family's journey through South Dakota, coming to a close near the Wyoming border. The family encounters a severe storm while on a simple two-lane highway, isolated from civilization. The author describes the sudden onset of heavy rain, thunder, and lightning that engulfs their car, making visibility nearly impossible. The family's children are captivated by the storm, while the parents try to keep spirits high with songs and jokes, despite their own concerns. The family relies on their GPS to navigate through the storm.

The article by Heather Lusk discusses the formation and growth of Boone County Voices for Change (BCVC), an organization that emerged from the collective interest of Zionsville residents to make a difference in their community after the 2016 election. Jan Hornaday, the founder, describes BCVC as a non-partisan group that provides resources for political information and has held forums on various community issues. The group has grown to include a diverse membership and encourages civic participation, including running for office. Marcia Rosenfeld, inspired by BCVC, is running for Boone County Council. Additionally, a sister chapter, HCVC, has been established in Hendricks County to promote civic engagement and has launched a voter registration campaign, particularly focusing on educating high school students.

Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding, led by Executive Director Liz Coit, is planning to build a new facility in Whitestown to accommodate more organizations and riders. The new facility will be on 30 acres of farmland and will include additional meeting space, training rooms, and both outdoor and indoor arenas. Morning Dove is a Premiere Accredited Center through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship and offers various programs, including therapeutic riding and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) for different groups such as veterans and at-risk youth. The organization is launching a campaign to fund the new facility and an endowment for operating expenses, with a goal to raise half the funds through lead investors before going public in 2019. The annual Dove Ball fundraiser contributes significantly to their operational costs. The expansion will allow Morning Dove to increase the number of clients, lessons, staff, and horses, and extend their operational weeks per year.