October 2025: Local growth, state partnership and courtroom closure in murder case
LAWRENCE CO. – October closed out with a flurry of activity across the local area, highlighting positive developments in Indiana’s agricultural sector and high school athletics, as well as the resolution of a tragic, high-profile criminal case in Lawrence County.
A New Official Beverage for Indiana High School Athletics
In a major partnership announcement, the American Dairy Association Indiana, Inc. (ADAI) and the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) established milk as the official beverage for high school athletics in Indiana.
The three-year “Winners Drink Milk” campaign is designed to position milk as the premier post-game recovery drink and a potent fuel for student-athletes. Scientific backing for milk highlights its 13 essential nutrients—including calcium, vitamin D, protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes—that help athletes refuel, hydrate, build muscle, and strengthen bones.
The partnership is rolling out several key initiatives:
- Celebratory Milk: Indiana dairy farmers and their families will present milk to the winners at all state championships.
- Educational Materials: Resources promoting the benefits of milk will be distributed to all IHSAA high schools.
- “Winners Drink Milk” Posters: Exclusive posters will be featured in schools across the state.
The initiative has already begun, with champions in girls’ golf, boys’ tennis, and Unified flag football celebrating their fall victories with milk presentations.
Vital Farms Breaks Ground in Mitchell with $250M Indiana Investment
The agricultural sector received a significant boost with the announcement of a major expansion by Vital Farms into Lawrence County. The company is investing $250 million in Indiana, which includes establishing its first company-owned farm on 50 acres in Mitchell later this year.
This Mitchell facility will house approximately 20,000 pasture-raised hens and is designed to serve as a hub for sustainable agriculture innovation and research. The site will act as a “playground for testing bold ideas,” focusing on increasing biodiversity and enhancing forage quality.
While most of Vital Farms’ eggs will continue to come from its network of small family farms, the company-owned sites enable it to innovate without requiring its farming partners to bear the financial risk of new experiments. The overall investment also includes a new egg-washing and packing facility planned for Seymour by 2027.
Sentencing in McMaken Case Brings Courtroom Closure
In a development that closed a tragic chapter for a local family, Kameron L. McMaken was sentenced to 16 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections in connection with the fatal shooting of his father, Chad McMaken.
McMaken pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony. The decision to accept the plea agreement was significantly influenced by the wishes of the victim’s family, who testified on Kameron McMaken’s behalf.
Kameron McMaken’s mother and brother both spoke in favor of the plea deal, advocating for a path to allow the family to heal. His mother testified that the victim was aggressive and intoxicated the night of the incident, stating her belief that the death “was not intentional.”
Judge Robert Cline acknowledged the family’s input, stating, “I absolutely believe the victim’s family has input on the outcome of a case. I firmly believe victims have rights, and the court must consider their wishes. Because of that reason, I will accept this plea agreement.”
The fatal incident occurred after a confrontation at the family residence, where Kameron McMaken admitted to retrieving a loaded 20-gauge single-shot shotgun and pointing it at his father before pulling the trigger.