For Cozy and Durable, Come See us at Cowpokes

Cowpokes has it all to keep you warm during this Indiana winter! Whether it's a hoodie, a pair of insulated boots, or a barn jacket, we have what you need to resist the elements. Come see us today to find your next winter coat or favorite go-to hat. You can find us in Anderson, Cloverdale, or online at cowpokesonline.com. 

_{*This is a paid ad}

📜 This Week in Indiana History 📜

President Lincoln Gives Speech from Bates House Hotel Balcony (1861)

This week in Indiana history, the newly elected Abraham Lincoln gave a speech to thousands of people from a hotel balcony at the Bates House in Indianapolis. The speech occurred on the eve of his 52nd birthday on Feb. 11, 1861. Though not fully inaugurated yet (that didn’t happen until March 4 at that time), the president-elect talked about the importance of preserving the Union and the importance of coming together.

The speech and visit was part of a tour of the Union states that Lincoln went on shortly before his inauguration, with Indianapolis being his last of six stops in the Hoosier State. It was a special visit for Lincoln, who spent much of his childhood living in Indiana, returning to the state where he received much of his education to eventually become a lawyer and the 16th president of the United States.

📰 Hoosier Headlines 📰

Valentine’s Day Restaurant Recommendations

The Get IN with Nate Spangle segment below highlights 10 of the most romantic restaurants to celebrate Valentine’s Day across Indiana. Some you have probably heard of (looking at you, St. Elmo Steak House), others maybe not.

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Indianapolis

Want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your significant other but still need to nail down plans? Here are restaurants, date ideas, and experiences for every budget in central Indiana.

Indiana University Announces Plans for Bob Knight Statue

On Monday, IU athletics announced plans for the installation of a bronze statue of the late Bob Knight in the south lobby of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, which opened in his first year as head coach in 1971. Knight guided the Hoosiers to three NCAA titles in 1976, ‘81, and ‘87, including a perfect 32-0 mark in ‘76 that is the last undefeated championship in men’s Division I hoops. (The Daily Hoosier)

Best and Brightest Finalists Announced

Last week Junior Achievement of Central Indiana announced its finalists for the 22nd annual Indy’s Best and Brightest event honoring 100 of central Indiana’s most outstanding young professionals. Get Indiana founder Nate Spangle was one of 10 finalists in the Media, Entertainment & Sports category! The awards program and reception is set for April 22 at the Fishers Event Center. See all the finalists here.

Indiana’s Most Underrated State Park

Rugged trails, dark skies for stargazing, and a history of… murder and mystery? Yeah, this is an Indiana state park worth exploring. (Get Indiana)

Indiana Accountants Who Think Like Business Owners

AccountedFor is a modern Indiana-based accounting firm built for business owners who want clarity without surprises. Their CPAs handle everything from tax prep to bookkeeping to Virtual CFO services — all under one cloud-based roof for a simple, fixed monthly fee. No surprise bills, no waiting games, just trusted advisors keeping your business accounted for every step of the way.

👉 Learn more at accountedforcpa.com

_{*This is a paid ad}

Hague Road Nature Preserve

If you like water, hiking trails, and the natural beauty of Indiana outdoors, then Hague Road Nature Preserve should be on your must-visit list. Katy Mann, founder of Indy with Kids, shared why it’s her favorite hidden gem on Get IN with Nate Spangle.

Wolf’s Fine Chocolates

If your sweetheart has a sweet tooth for chocolate and you want to shop local for Valentine’s Day, Wolf’s Fine Chocolates in West Lafayette and Attica will take care of you in-person and with online orders. The history of this chocolate-making operation is quite interesting, too. (Get Indiana)

What’s your Hidden Gem? Submit here to have it featured!

Events This Week

We Them Ones Comedy Tour: Mike Epps, Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly & Chico Bean - Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis - Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. - Big-name comedians bring laughs to Indy with a night of stand-up and hilarious performances. Details & Tickets.

Valentine’s Day Adoption Event - Indianapolis Animal Care Services - Saturday, Feb. 14 from 12 — 7 p.m. - Looking for the perfect Valentine? Forget flowers and chocolates and fall in love with a furry best friend instead. Plus, no adoption fees! Details.

Nate Bargatze: The “Hello World” Tour - Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis - Sat, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. - See acclaimed stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze live with his signature dry, clever humor. Details & Tickets.

Bret Michaels Concert - Belterra Casino Resort in Florence - Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. - Watch the sought-after performer and TV star Bret Michaels live. Tickets.

Free Puzzle Party on Presidents’ Day - Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis - Monday, Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. - Get ready for a puzzling, fun-filled FREE admission day as the Indiana State Museum hosts a puzzle takeover. Work together to solve escape room challenges, compete in a Rubik’s cube competition, and more. Details.

👏 1 Big wIN 👏

Earlier this month, Mishawaka leaders approved a new Gurley Leep automall economic development area for a planned 72-acre auto campus. The $19 million project is expected to get underway this spring and be ready for 2027 when Gurley Leep will celebrate its 50th year serving those in Michiana.

While surrounding development beyond the auto campus isn’t yet decided, the auto campus featuring eight dealerships, a maintenance facility, and a car wash will bring new jobs and economic growth to northern Indiana. (ABC57)

Need a GetIN. Approved Agent?

3BR/1BA Starter Home with Fenced Yard in Rocky Ripple! | Indianapolis | $245,000

Price Drop on a Five-Unit Old Northside Beauty! | Indianapolis | $1,699,999

Your Hoosier Home Awaits | Fort Wayne | $1,575,000

Hoosier Dream Home | Santa Claus | $1,649,500

🎧 The Rise of Major League Volleyball and Women’s Sports in Indiana 🎧

🎙 On today's show I learned the ins and outs of professional volleyball with Indy Ignite head coach Lauren Bertolacci and player Ainise Havili. The Ignite are one of eight Major League Volleyball teams and play their home matches at the Fishers Event Center.

We discuss the rapid growth of women's sports in Indiana, the establishment of Major League Volleyball, and the volleyball experiences of both Lauren and Ainise.

Lauren, an Australian-raised volleyball player turned coach, shares her journey through professional leagues in Europe before joining the Ignite.

Ainise, a setter with an impressive collegiate and professional background, talks about her transition from playing in Europe to being part of the Ignite.

Our conversation also covers the team's inaugural season, ambitions for the 2026 season, game day experience, and community engagement, plus the supportive sports culture in Indiana and possible expansions for Major League Volleyball.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- The Incredible Growth of Women’s Sports in Indiana
- Major League Volleyball and Its Future
- The Ignite’s Runner-Up Campaign in 2025 and Goals for 2026

Listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube!

Want more from us?

🎙 Hear our founder interview Indiana CEOs on Spotify!

📣 Partner with us to get your product/service in front of our audience.

💎 Know any hidden gems we should cover? Submit yours here!