Time for the Annual Debate Over Indiana Time Zones

Here we go again! Daylight Saving Time kicks in Sunday, November 3, 2024, and with it comes the never-ending debate over Indiana's time zones. It's been going on for ages, yet nothing changes. So why are we still at it? Because everyone has a different opinion, and no one can seem to agree.

Every year, there’s at least one Indiana lawmaker pushing for a committee to tackle the time zone issue. The usual suggestions pop up—like moving the entire state to Central Time or shifting some counties to Eastern Time. But honestly, it feels like a lot of noise for not much change.

Take my drives to Valparaiso to see my wife’s family: on our 5-hour trip up U.S. 41 from Evansville, we switch time zones three times! We start in Central, shift to Eastern in Knox County, then back to Central near Valpo. It’s a bit wild.

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What Indiana Counties are in Central Time Zone?

From in.gov
Most of Indiana is in the Eastern time zone, except 12 counties* in northwest and southwest Indiana that have remained or changed to the Central time zone.
*Counties in Central time zone -
Northwest Indiana: Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, and Starke
Southwest Indiana: Gibson, Perry, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick

There was legislation approved by the Senate and sent to the house for the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021, however it died at the house and was not voted on. Therefore the Indiana Time Zone remains the same.

Surprisingly, the current setup seems to work for most folks. If we were to move Vanderburgh County to Eastern Time, what about Warrick, Posey, and Gibson? My wife, a Northern Indiana native, insists there’s no way that part of the state can be in a different zone than Chicago. Meanwhile, counties near Louisville feel the same about staying put. So, what’s the solution?

Honestly, it’s time to either make a change or leave things as they are. Just stop the endless chatter and make a decision! No matter what happens, someone’s bound to be unhappy. For now, the way things are seems to work, but a clear line is needed—where that line goes is anyone’s guess.

I’d prefer our lawmakers focus on issues that truly matter instead of wasting time and resources on the time zone debate. What do you think?

Indiana Goodwill Stores Will Not Accept These 24 Items

So much of what we accumulate, we don't really use. Some of the stuff that is cluttering up our closets, basements, spare bedrooms, and garages is in good condition and can easily be used by someone else.

Other items that have simply worn out or broken need to be cleaned out or replaced, too. But, Goodwill is not the place for those items.

Here is what Goodwill says about items that they can't and won't take.

Gallery Credit: Leslie Morgan