Crawfordsville Connection

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 260: 131st Monon Bell Game Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we are joined by Wabash College Head Football Coach Jake Gilbert, along with players Gavin Ruppert, TJ Alexander, and Atticus Blank, to talk about one of the biggest rivalry games in college football — the 131st Monon Bell Game! We discuss the history behind this iconic matchup, the atmosphere on campus leading up to game day, and what preparation looks like for players and coaches during such a high-intensity week.

Don't miss this year's Monon Bell Game on Saturday, November 15th at 1:07 PM - it's officially sold out and guaranteed to be an electric showdown at Little Giant Stadium!

Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville

To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 259: General Update (November 2025) Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we have another monthly general update where we talk all things Crawfordsville from A to Z! This episode dives into all of our current city projects - retail activity, proposed housing, wayfinding signage, and more!

Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville

To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 258: 'Tis the Season - Chamber Christmas Auction & Parade Review Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we are joined by Stacy Sommer from the Crawfordsville/Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce to talk about two of the community's most anticipated holiday events, the annual Chamber Christmas Auction and the Christmas Parade!

Stacy shares what goes into planning these festive events, how local businesses and community members can get involved, and why the Chamber's efforts play such an important role in supporting both economic growth and community spirit throughout the year. Hear about this year's parade theme, "Joy to the World," how to donate auction items, and what to expect at the holiday season's biggest celebration in downtown Crawfordsville!

🎄 Chamber Christmas Auction: Thursday, November 6 at 5:30 PM | 3rd Floor of Fusion 54 (101 W. Main St.) https://crawfordsvillechamber.weblinkconnect.com/atlas/events-v4/register/5310 🎅 Christmas Parade: Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 PM | Theme: Joy to the World

Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville

To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 257: No Small Matter - The Future of Early Childhood Education in Montgomery County Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we are joined by Kelly Taylor, CEO of the Montgomery County Community Foundation, and Lisa Walter, Early Learning Director with the Foundation, to talk about No Small Matter: The Future of Early Childhood Education in Montgomery County.

We discuss why investing in children is investing in our community's future, the upcoming No Small Matter documentary screening, and the importance of quality early learning opportunities for families across Montgomery County. Kelly and Lisa share insights into the local childcare landscape, recent funding changes, and how community members and employers can help improve access to affordable, high-quality care.

Don't miss the No Small Matter event on Wednesday, November 5th, from 6:00–8:15 PM at Crawfordsville High School featuring networking and refreshments from The Juniper Spoon, a film screening, and a Q&A panel discussion with national and local experts. This event is free and open to the public!

Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville

To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov.

Ep. 256: Motocross of Nations (MXoN) 2025 Recap Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week, we are joined by Heather Shirk and Holly Shaver to recap all things Motocross of Nations (MXoN).

We did it...and the world noticed! The 2025 Motocross of Nations brought thousands of visitors from around the globe to Ironman Raceway and downtown Crawfordsville, and this week's episode looks back on the unforgettable weekend that transformed our community into Motoville.

Listen to hear behind-the-scenes stories, event highlights, and reflections on the teamwork that made MXoN a success. From the high-energy parade and Motoville Oktoberfest to the international competition at Ironman Raceway, the group discusses community pride, economic impact, and what's next for Crawfordsville after hosting a truly world-class event.

Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville Questions or topic ideas? Email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 255: General Update (October 2025) Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we have another monthly general update where we talk all things Crawfordsville from A to Z! This episode dives into all of our current city projects - infrastructure, proposed housing, workforce updates, and more!

Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville

To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 254: Motocross of Nations (MXoN) is Here! Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week, we are joined by Heather Shirk to answer your biggest questions about Motocross of Nations (MXoN) and share everything you need to know before race weekend arrives. Known as the "Olympics of Motocross," MXoN brings riders from 38 countries to Montgomery County for a once-in-a-lifetime event.

We cover the weekend schedule, including races at Ironman Raceway, as well as community events like the Monster Energy FIM Nucor Indiana Grand Parade and Motoville Oktoberfest in downtown Crawfordsville. Tune in to hear about transportation shuttle service, parking, Motomeals Express, and community safety plans to keep the weekend fun and secure. Plus, learn how Crawfordsville is transforming into an international welcome center as we host fans from around the globe.

📅 MXoN Race Weekend – October 2–5, 2025 🌐 Full schedule and event details: www.mxonusa.com/schedule

Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville Questions or topic ideas? Email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 253: National Recovery Month & Supporting Events Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we are joined by Aaron Casper and Macy Simmons to talk about National Recovery Month, the upcoming Rock Out Recovery event, and the "All Recovery" meetings hosted through Alphabet Soup Mental Health & Recovery. We discuss the importance of reducing stigma, celebrating recovery, and providing spaces where everyone feels supported. Mayor Todd Barton also shares how the community's efforts around recovery have grown stronger in recent years.

🎸 Rock Out Recovery 📅 Thursday, September 25, 2025 🕠 5:30–8:00 PM 📍 Pike Place, 125 S. Washington St., Crawfordsville 🎶 Family-friendly event with live music, bounce house, keynote speaker Heather Rodriguez, Judge Petrie's opening remarks, 25+ community vendors, and 200 free meals from local food trucks!

📞 Recovery Resources

Macy Simmons direct line (Mon–Fri, 9AM–5PM): (765) 259-3457
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Chat: Alphabet Soup Facebook Group
Quick Response Team (QRT) 24/7 Hotline: (765) 401-6200
Mental Health Crisis: dial 988
General Resource Hotline: dial 211

Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville Questions or topic ideas? Email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 252: MCLA 9/11 Day of Service Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we are joined by Leann Parrish and Monica Nagele from the 9/11 Day of Service Committee. Listen to learn about the importance of volunteerism, the national 9/11 Day Campaign, and what community members can expect on September 17th.

📅MCLA 9/11 Community Day of Service Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Kick-off at 8:30AM at Pike Place, followed by community volunteer projects. Learn more about the Montgomery County Leadership Academy: www.crawfordsville.in.gov/mcla

Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville

To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

Ep. 251: Frequently Asked Questions Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we have a special episode going over some of the City's most frequently asked questions. Can you have chickens in the city? Who decides where new retail will go? Why is there standing water on Market Street? Listen to this episode to learn more about some of our most popular questions.

Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville

To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov

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