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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Sometimes a real hidden talent is discovered on America’s Got Talent. So was the case of Richard Goodall.

Goodall, 55 years old, is a janitor in the Vigo County school system in Indiana, and would sing as he worked. He has been a janitor for 23 years.

The middle school students where he worked noticed his talent and greatly encouraged him to tryout on AGT.

The first time he tried out in 2009 in Chicago, he didn’t get past the first audition. He would wait some 15 years before trying again and this time with different results.

He made it to the stage of AGT in front of the Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and the sometimes “hard” judge Simon Cowell. Nervously he took the stage and introduced himself. After a pause to collect his composure, he began to sing. He sang a really appropriate song, “Don’t Stop Believing,” a song made popular by Journey in 2005.

It wasn’t long before the audience was standing, clapping and dancing to this song.

The judges were taken away with him. At that point he got the total approval of the judges and the roaring applause of the audience. This greatly humbled the 55-year-old janitor in to tears, but the great finale of this performance was yet to come.

Heidi Klum, so taken by his performance, hit the Golden Buzzer, showering the stage with golden graffiti.

She said, “Richard, Richard, Richard! You are living proof that we should never ever stop dreaming, believing, and singing! I cannot wait for America to fall in love with you like I have. It’s an honor to hit my Golden Buzzer for you.”

The Golden Buzzer sends the contestant directly to the Live rounds.

This year there are four stages: Audition, Live Quarterfinals, Live Semifinals, and a two-week Finale event.

Howie Mandel said, “You just cleaned up.”

Cowell chimed in with “You are my hero.”

Of course, he made it to the Live Semi Finals, where he sang “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You,” originally performed by Michael Bolton.

Goodall said he started singing along with his Radio Shack stereo. He is also in a band called “ ManOpause.”

Richard said, “This was not on my radar, and I never had been on a plane before.”

At a local send-off at the Vigo County Fairgrounds, country music star Walker Hayes gave Goodall a brand-new Buick. Mullen’s Dressing had their own gift for Goodall: a lifetime supply of dressing.

To get to the finals he sang “Eye of the Tiger,” then Faithfully.” He definitely was a favorite of the four judges. 

Tuesday Sept. 24, was the finale. All contestants performed for the last time. To add to the show’s drama, each performer was eliminated one at a time. Finally, there was only one left, and that was the singing janitor from Terre Haute, humble Richard Goodall.

In the final performance, he was accompanied by Neal Schon and members of Journey as he again sang “Don’t Stop Believing.” Richard said, “Somebody pinch me.”

Goodall had just married his girl, Angela Vanoven.

The prize money is an annuity paid over 40 years at approximately $25,000 per year, or the winner can receive a reduced lump sum.

Indiana Proud!

Goodall with his new bride, Angela.

Country music star Walker Hayes presented Goodall with a new car.

Indiana is second most expensive state for dental exams nationwide

Indiana is the second most expensive state for dental exams, with an average exam costing $247.
New Hampshire is the most affordable state for dental exams, with an average exam costing $153.
The study analyzed the cost of an average routine dental exam that includes a dental cleaning and X-rays.

According to a new study, the second most expensive state for dental exams is Indiana.

Research conducted by affordable orthodontists at Celebrate Dental & Braces has revealed the most and least expensive states for dental exams by gathering data on average dental exam costs in 2023 by state from CareCredit. This was done by examining the average cost of a routine dental examination that includes a dental cleaning (a fluoride treatment may or may not be included) and X-rays. Each state was then ranked based on their average dental exam cost.

Top five most expensive:

1. North Dakota has been identified as the most expensive state for dental exams, with the average cost for a routine checkup, including a dental cleaning and X-rays, reaching $263. The national average for a routine dental exam is $202, meaning that an average check-up is 30.2% above the national average in North Dakota.

2. Indiana ranks second on the list, with an average dental exam costing $247. An average check-up is 22.3% higher than the national average in the Hoosier State.

3. Montana sees an average dental exam cost of $236, making it the third most expensive state for routine care. In Montana, an average dental exam is 16.8% greater than the national average.

4. Missouri takes the fourth spot, with an average dental exam costing $229, which is 13.4% above the national average.

5. Oklahoma and Texas round out the most expensive states, with a routine dental appointment costing $227 in both states. For an average exam, both states pay 12.4% in excess of the national average.

Top five most affordable:

1. New Hampshire has emerged as the cheapest state for dental exams, with an average check-up costing $153. This puts New Hampshire at 24.3% below the national average for routine dental care.

2. Washington state ranks second among the most affordable states for dental exams, with an average cost of $166 per appointment. An average dental check-up is 17.8% below the national average.

3. Colorado secures third place, with the average cost of an exam being $167. This puts Colorado at 17.3% under the national average.

4. Kentucky takes fourth place, with a dental exam costing $168, which is 16.8% beneath the national average.

5. Wyoming is the fifth most affordable state for dental exams, with an average cost of $170. This figure is 15.8% under the national average for a routine examination.

Dr Kelsey Loveland - Doctor of Dental Medicine - DMD, Doctor of Medicine – MS at Celebrate Dental & Braces commented on the findings:

“Regular dental exams are not just about maintaining a bright smile—they are critical for early detection and prevention of more serious health issues. Oral health is intricately linked to overall well-being, with conditions like gum disease potentially leading to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic problems.

“More can be done to make dental care affordable and accessible for all. By expanding Medicaid coverage, increasing funding for community dental clinics, and implementing sliding scale payment options, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to the preventative care that can catch issues early, ultimately saving lives and reducing long-term healthcare costs.”

https://lvdentalbraces.com/

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) invites the public to a comprehensive traffic safety event at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Traffic Safety Day will take place on Saturday, September 28th, from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. This free event is designed to educate and empower drivers of all ages, offering a variety of interactive activities to enhance traffic safety knowledge and skills.

"Traffic safety is a shared responsibility,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “We must all do our part to ensure our roads are safe for all users."

Event Highlights:

Interactive Workshops: Participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities such as controlled braking, evasive maneuvering, impaired driving simulation, seat belt convincer, and blind spot recognition.

Expert Presentations: Traffic safety professionals will provide valuable insights into traffic safety topics, including proper vehicle maintenance and the dangers of distracted driving along with child passenger safety and pedestrian safety.

Community Engagement: The event will feature representatives from various traffic safety organizations, offering resources and information to attendees.

Along with the Rule the Road program, several organizations are joining ICJI for Traffic Safety Day. These include the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police, Automotive Safety Program, Impact Teen Drivers, Safe Kids Indiana, Safe Kids Worldwide, Speedway Fire Department, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. ICJI also expects special guests to make appearances at Traffic Safety Day.

"We're committed to keeping our roads safe for everyone,” said James Bryan, ICJI’s Traffic Safety Director. “Traffic Safety Day is a great opportunity to reach out to drivers and provide them with the information they need to be safe on the road."

Traffic Safety Day is free and open to the public. Space is limited for some of the workshops, visit www.ruletheroadindiana.com to reserve a timeslot. A Valid driver’s license or permit and personal vehicle required for participation in the driving workshops.

About Rule the Road

Rule the Road provides teen drivers with driving knowledge and skills beyond the standard driving education programs. Taught by certified emergency vehicle operators/certified driver instructors, this program offers instruction to teens ages 15-18 with varying levels of driving experience. By participating in Rule the Road, drivers are equipped with new skills to keep themselves and others safe behind the wheel.

ICJI brings the Rule the Road program across the state to share traffic safety information.

About the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is the state planning agency for criminal justice, juvenile justice, traffic safety and victim services. ICJI is designated as the state administering agency for distribution of federal funds and as the state Statistical Analysis Center for research. ICJI is responsible for coordinating and collaborating with local, state and federal entities to identify, assess, plan, resource and evaluate new and emerging issues facing the criminal justice and public safety spectrum. Visit www.cji.in.gov to learn more about the agency.

Indulge in Indiana's iconic breaded pork tenderloin sandwich as 'Porktober' returns for its fourth year. Diners can celebrate by visiting locally-owned restaurants on the Tenderloin Lovers Trail™. The trail can be found on the Indiana Culinary Trails Passport, launched by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) and Indiana Foodways Alliance (IFA).

Since 1908, the breaded pork tenderloin (BPT) has been Indiana's unofficial sandwich. The golden-brown crust and notable size of Indiana's BPT has made it a fan favorite for years. Crispy and thin or thick and juicy, pounded and usually fried, tenderloin lovers recognize Indiana's mouthwatering BPT for almost always being bigger than the bun.

"The breaded pork tenderloin has been a staple of Indiana's culinary scene for over a century," said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "The variety of pork tenderloins crafted at local restaurants across Indiana is a testament to Indiana's love for the sandwich and culinary innovation."

This little piggy went home this year! In October, the first 50 diners who use their Indiana Culinary Trails Passport to check in to two restaurants on the Tenderloin Lovers Trail™ will win an exclusive 'Porktober'-themed sandwich saver.

"With the exclusive 'Porktober'-themed sandwich saver, you can take your tenderloin sandwich home in style and keep your favorite breaded pork tenderloin fresh," said Elaine Bedel, Secretary and CEO of IDDC. "The Tenderloin Lovers Trail™ includes over 70 restaurants throughout Indiana that serve their take on the tenderloin sandwich. Restaurant-goers who use the free Indiana Culinary Trails Passport support local businesses and earn points towards prizes with every visit."

To participate in 'Porktober', sign up for the Indiana Culinary Trails Passport at VisitIndiana.com/Cuisine. Each restaurant check-in earns points towards a variety of prizes including pie servers, tumblers, hats, sunglasses and more!

“Indiana Foodways is thrilled to partner with IDDC once again for Porktober," said Haley Anderson, President of Indiana Foodways Alliance. "This celebration is all about the delicious pork that brings friends together and flavors to life. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out and explore our beloved local pork tenderloin. Let’s savor the taste of community this season!”

Tenderloin Collage

Follow Visit Indiana on social media at @VisitIndiana on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

By Nathaniel Smith, Editor

On Thursday, September 19th, a group of community members and local candidates gathered at the office of the Clerk of Courts to witness the public testing of voting machines that will be used to determine the outcome of the 2024 elections. For decades, voting machines have made elections all across the world easier and more efficient. However, voter confidence has been dwindling at a rapid pace as of late, and some have been skeptical in regard to the election process as a whole. This is all the more reason to hold public testings and reinstate confidence into the community.

Led by Clerk of Courts Stephanie Rockey, this public test demonstrated how to properly use the machines, as well as how the machines react to various situations such as submitting a blank ballot or putting marks for too many candidates. Stephanie Rockey also described the straight-party ticket process, and how it does not necessarily mean the voter is locked into only voting straight Democrat or Republican.

“Say for instance you go to vote straight-party Libertarian, but you go back and vote for somebody in the Republican Party or the Democrat Party in another office. That trumps the straight-party ticket,” said Rockey. “So, any other offices that you didn’t pick will go Libertarian, and the two that you chose differently will override that portion of the straight-party ticket.” She also reminded attendees that straight-party voting does not cover non-partisan offices such as school board positions.

As per usual, voters have the option to write in their candidate of choice. However, not just any name can be written and counted as a legitimate vote.

“We see it all the time on election night,” said Rockey. “We get Mickey Mouse, celebrities, actors and actresses, and we have to inspect each one of those. I’ll then look at my certified list to see if the name is on it. If it isn’t on the list, the ballot will then be marked invalid.”

After being asked why the government instructs their office to test certain machines, Rockey simply said they have a list of their inventory and choose which machines to test at random.

“They have our inventory, and they do a random selection. We have a certain percentage of it that we have to use, and they email me a list prior to each election of the inventory percentage that we are required to test,” Rockey stated. “It’s usually 1%, but we normally do 2%. We even have to tell them exactly where our equipment is kept. We have to prove that it is safe and secure. That started back in July of 2018.”

Each voting machine tested during the public testing worked as expected without error and is ready for November 5th. So, make your way to the polls with confidence, because ensuring that our election process is fair, free, and as secure as possible is paramount.