Home Blog Page 7

Washington County Inmate Roster – 8-15-25

0

Mugshot of Johnston, Gerald
Johnston, Gerald
Booking #:
63935
Booking Date:
08-15-2025 – 5:00 pm
Charges:
Possession of methamphetamine
Mugshot of Sowder, Toby
Sowder, Toby
Booking #:
63934
Booking Date:
08-14-2025 – 11:41 am
Charges:
Petition to revoke

Mugshot of KNOY, SHAELYN
KNOY, SHAELYN
Booking #:
63933
Booking Date:
08-14-2025 – 2:42 am
Charges:
Possession of methamphetamine
Mugshot of McCoskey, Jeremiah
McCoskey, Jeremiah
Booking #:
63932
Booking Date:
08-14-2025 – 2:11 am
Charges:
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of paraphernalia
Possession of syringe

Mugshot of HARDY, MARIA
HARDY, MARIA
Booking #:
63931
Booking Date:
08-14-2025 – 12:01 am
Charges:
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of paraphernalia
Mugshot of Ball, Michael
Ball, Michael
Booking #:
63930
Booking Date:
08-13-2025 – 8:42 pm
Charges:
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession or use of legend drug or precursor

Mugshot of Newsome, Ethan
Newsome, Ethan
Booking #:
63929
Booking Date:
08-13-2025 – 4:02 pm
Charges:
Invasion of privacy
Mugshot of Brand, Scott
Brand, Scott
Booking #:
63926
Booking Date:
08-11-2025 – 12:31 am
Charges:
Possession of methamphetamine

Mugshot of CARBAJAL, JUAN
CARBAJAL, JUAN
Booking #:
63925
Booking Date:
08-10-2025 – 3:33 pm
Charges:
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated per se
Mugshot of KIRTLEY, SHAWN
KIRTLEY, SHAWN
Booking #:
63924
Booking Date:
08-10-2025 – 1:15 am
Charges:
Domestic battery committed in physical presence of a child less than 16

Mugshot of GUTHRIE, Steven
GUTHRIE, Steven
Booking #:
63923
Booking Date:
08-09-2025 – 11:42 pm
Charges:
Out of state charges only
Mugshot of MORROW, TRENT
MORROW, TRENT
Booking #:
63921
Booking Date:
08-07-2025 – 1:09 pm
Charges:
Domestic battery committed in physical presence of a child less than 16
Neglect of a dependent

Mugshot of KNIGHT, GARY
KNIGHT, GARY
Booking #:
63918
Booking Date:
08-06-2025 – 3:45 pm
Charges:
Possession of syringe
Mugshot of Kerr, Travis
Kerr, Travis
Booking #:
63915
Booking Date:
08-05-2025 – 11:40 am
Charges:
Theft

Mugshot of DENTON, CHARLES
DENTON, CHARLES
Booking #:
63914
Booking Date:
08-05-2025 – 2:19 am
Charges:
Intimidation
Interference with the reporting of a crime
Criminal Mischief
Violation of terms of release for offense
Mugshot of CRAIN, CASEY
CRAIN, CASEY
Booking #:
63913
Booking Date:
08-04-2025 – 11:14 pm
Charges:
Violation of Probation

Mugshot of Gibson, Richard
Gibson, Richard
Booking #:
63912
Booking Date:
08-04-2025 – 1:51 am
Charges:
Possession of marijuana hash oil hashish or salvia
Criminal Tresspass

Standoff Ends with Arrest of Jeffersonville Man

0

An unnamed Jeffersonville man is in custody after a four-hour standoff with police in the 3000 block of Callaway Drive off Charlestown Pike in Jeffersonville. 

Police have not released any details but according to neighbors in the area, the man stabbed his father resulting in his death.

The son then fled to another home where he barricaded himself inside.

May be an image of 3 people, ambulance, golf cart, grass and text that says 'POLICE la'
Photo by Rebecca White, WSLM

The neighbor, who spoke to WSLM under the condition of anonymity, said the man “was barricaded in a house after he stabbed his father in his home…[the father] lived in a different household nearby.

“[Police] are trying to get the man,” said the neighbor. “The police, SWAT team and snipers are all here…trying to get him out of the house safely. They’re trying to clear it out before school is out.”

“I’m really close to the family,” the neighbor said. “All of it’s new and fresh. I’m hearing details but all I know is that he was stabbed to death. [They’re’] trying to get him out.”

The man ultimately came outside and was arrested without incident. 

At approximately 10am, police responded to the 1700 block of Summerlin Place, not far from Callaway Drive, on a homicide investigation.

One person was reported to have been killed at the scene on Summerlin and an armed person of interest was located on Callaway.

WSLM will provide additional news as they become available. 

 

Underwood Released After Prosecutor Dismisses Charges

0

A 35-year-old Salem man was released today from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department at 12:57p after Prosecutor Tara Hunt dismissed charges of child molestation that originally put Jeremy W. Underwood in jail back on August 3. 

The Washington County Prosecuting Attorney released the following statements earlier today. 

“As the elected Prosecuting Attorney, it is my office’s responsibility to pursue justice for both the community and victims in every case we handle. Even after an initial filing decision is made, the investigation and discovery processes in a criminal matter can remain ongoing. When my assessment of a case changes based on the totality of the circumstances, I have a duty to reevaluate the charges alleged and determine whether charges should be added, amended, or dismissed. 

“I take every investigation seriously from my initial review through trial, fully understanding the impact each case has on both a victim’s and a defendant’s life. If developments occur at any stage of the process that make it unjust to the parties involved to continue prosecution, I am obligated to make the difficult decision to dismiss charges. This is why our criminal justice system rightfully considers all defendants innocent until proven guilty.

“Child sex crimes are among the most serious matters my office handles, and I consider their prosecution one of my highest priorities. Since taking office in 2023, we have secured convictions against more than 32 defendants for child sex crimes, resulting in approximately 153 years of incarceration. This represents a more than 300% increase in filings compared to the three years prior to my election, during which there were 15 convictions totaling approximately 38 years of incarceration. These results demonstrate my unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.

“In the State of Indiana v. Jeremy Underwood, after reviewing the totality of evidence obtained through the ongoing investigation, proceeding would have been unjust to the parties involved. As a result, we requested that the charges be dismissed and the defendant released, which the court has ordered. While these decisions are never easy, they are essential to ensuring that the pursuit of justice remains fair, ethical, and in accordance with the law.”

Hunt dismissed three charges against Underwood. 

 

Marla S. Ratliff, 55, of Milan

0

Marla S. Ratliff, 55, of Milan passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at home with her loving friends by her side.

Marla was born on Wednesday, June 3, 1970, in Salem, Indiana; daughter of Donna (Emmons) and William LaFollette.

She worked in finance and HR for Hidden Valley Lake Property Owners Association.

She was a dedicated volunteer for SAAP, Stray Animal Adoption Program, and dearly loved all animals.

Spending her time volunteering and working with animals was very important to her. Marla also enjoyed taking trips and traveling. Most of all Marla cherished time well spent with her family and friends.

Marla will be missed by her father William LaFollette of Louisville; siblings Michael Ratliff of Fort Worth, TX, Sharon LaFollette of Louisville, Scott (Sandy) LaFollette of Bardstown, KY, Todd (Robbyn) LaFollette of Louisville, and Jennifer LaFollette of New Albany, IN; mother-in-law Patricia Lickn of Virginia Beach; sister-in-law Delores (Steven) Ware of Virginia Beach; nieces and nephews Emmons Ratliff of Fort Worth, TX, Elias Ratliff of Fort Worth, TX, Zach (Holly) LaFollette of Louisville, Syndi (Jimmy) Stratman of Louisville, Chasarae LaFollette of Louisville, Jacqueline LaFollette of Louisville, Mikal Casteman of Bardstown, KY, Patrick Dasher of Lexington, Timothy Ware of Virginia Beach, and Emily Ware of Del Rio, TX; and special friends Leah Hower of Lexington, Carrie Henzi of Dayton, Jennifer Reuter of Lawrenceburg, Patricia Hawkins of Lawrenceburg, and Julie Langston of Delphi.

Marla was preceded in death by her mother Donna LaFollette and partner of 10 years Michael Lickun.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be given to SAAP, Stray Animal Adoption Program, at www.adoptastray.com.

Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements: PO Box 243, Milan, IN 47031; (812) 654-2141.

Please visit our website at www.lawscarrmoore.com to share your condolences and memories of Marla.

 

Campbell Maness, age 83, of Salem

0

Campbell Maness, age 83, of Salem, passed away Friday, August 8, 2025 at his residence. Born May 18, 1942 in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, he was the son of Creed Maness and Olga Mae (Coomer) Maness. On May 3, 1963, he married Virginia Sue (McClure) Maness who survives.

Campbell was previously employed at GKN for a total of 30 years served.

Campbell is survived by his wife, Virginia (McClure) Maness; 1 son: Brian Maness; 1 daughter: Lisa Jones; 3 brothers: David Maness, Reece Maness, and Robert Maness; 1 sister: Linda Brewer; 4 grandchildren: Brandi Hamilton, Brittney Jones, Elijah Maness, and Noah Maness; and 4 great grandchildren: Kileigh Griffith, Emily Roll, Kinzie Cornett, and Darius Cornett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Creed Maness and Olga (Coomer) Maness; 6 brothers: Richard Coomer, Monroe Maness, Jimmy Maness, William Claude Maness, Charles Maness and Sheff Maness; 2 sisters: Betty Sidwell, and Ruby Maness; and 1 grandson: Billy Jones.

Private funeral services will be held with burial to follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Hughes-Taylor funeral Home was entrusted with funeral care.

www.hughestaylor.net

Mary Louise Durbin, age 61, of Salem

0

Mary Louise Durbin, age 61, of Salem, passed away Saturday, August 9 at Baptist Health Floyd.

Mary was born November 29, 1963, in New Albany, the daughter of Murphy and Sharon Schwinger Booker. She was a retired employee of the Washington County Assessor’s Office. She was a member of Mt. Tabor Christian Church.

Mary is survived by two daughters: Taylor Blakey (Kullan) of Salem and Tara Brewer of Salem, a brother: Shannon Booker (Sonja) of Hardinsburg, three sisters: Sherry Booker of Salem, Donna Carbaugh of Salem, and Tammy Shanks of Salem, and three grandchildren: Kace Blakey, Eliana Brewer, and Noah Blakey. She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter: Tami Jo Durbin, a niece: Melissa Carbaugh, and a nephew: Ryan Abbott.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11AM at Weathers Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Hardinsburg Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-8PM and Thursday from 9AM-time of service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the funeral home for help with funeral expenses.

Rep. Houchin Requests Over $14 Million in Community Project Funding for Southern Indiana

0
Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) announced that over $14 million in Community Project Funding she requested for Indiana’s 9th District will move forward in the House Appropriations process.
 
“Every one of these projects was driven by local leaders and community input,” said Rep. Houchin. “From public safety and water infrastructure to parks, sidewalks, and trail improvements, this funding supports the quality of life and growth of our communities.”
 
The projects include:
 
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – McAlpine Shoreline Protection: Funding would be used to develop a comprehensive bank stabilization plan for the Ohio River shoreline in and near Clarksville, Indiana.
  • Town of Georgetown – SR64 Sidewalks Project: Funding would be used to create the first formal, continuous, safe pedestrian route through the heart of Georgetown, Indiana, linking residential areas with key community destinations and businesses.
  • City of Mitchell – Monon South Trail: Funding would be used to implement 3.5 miles of trail and update infrastructure between Salem and Mitchell. This section includes costs associated with the trail crossing an active rail line.
  • Floyd County – Sam Peden Community Park Improvements: Funding would be used to renovate a 650-foot section of the trail damaged by a hillside slide. The project would repair the trail and create a reinforced path for residents accessing the park from the Green Valley Road neighborhoods.
  • City of Charlestown – Charlestown Landing Blight Elimination: Funding would be used to remove World War II-era Quonset huts and allow for improved access to Charlestown State Park, as well as the construction of a new public works facility.
  • Indiana University – 10th Street Corridor Improvements: Funding would be used to install a HAWK or street-level signal, implement an on-street marking system that restricts roadway use to bus traffic, increase sidewalk width, and expand the center median. A clearer on-street crossing on Fee Lane would also be added.
  • City of Bloomington Utilities – Monroe Water Treatment Plant Booster Pump Station: Funding would support critical booster pump stations needed to serve constituents in the City of Bloomington, Monroe County, and the students at Indiana University.
  • Brown County Regional Sewer District – Lake Lemon Phase 1: Funding would complete the engineering design of a sanitary sewer system and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to provide residents and businesses in the Bean Blossom Creek watershed, including the eastern portion of Lake Lemon in Brown County and part of Monroe County, with safe, economical sewer services.
  • City of Madison – 2026 Stormwater Mitigation Project: Funding will support the City’s Stormwater Mitigation Project to reduce flooding and improve water quality along U.S. Highway 42. The project includes building two gravity-fed detention facilities designed to mimic natural wetlands, capturing and filtering stormwater runoff that contains pollutants, debris, and sewage.
 
“In all, we submitted nine requests to the House Appropriations Committee on behalf of Southern Indiana communities, and I am pleased all nine have been included,” said Rep. Houchin. “Community Project Funding can provide federal support to help make needed local improvements a reality. Without strong advocacy, these resources would go to other states.”
 

Campbell Maness, age 83, of Salem

0

Campbell Maness, age 83, of Salem, passed away Friday, August 8, 2025 at his residence. Born May 18, 1942 in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, he was the son of Creed Maness and Olga Mae (Coomer) Maness. On May 3, 1963, he married Virginia Sue Maness who survives.

Campbell was previously employed at GKN, and he served 30 years in the military.

Campbell is survived by his wife, Virginia; 1 son: Brian Maness; 1 daughter: Lisa Jones; 3 brothers: David Maness, Reece Maness, and Robert Maness; 1 sister: Linda Brewer; 4 grandchildren: Brani Hamilton, Brittney Jones, Elijah Maness, and Noah Maness; 4 great grandchildren: Kileigh Griffith, Emily Roll, Kinzie Cornett, and Darius Cornett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Creed Maness and Olga (Coomer) Maness; 4 brothers: Richard Coomer, Monroe Maness, Timmy Maness, and William Claude Maness; 2 sisters: Betty Sidwell, and Ruby Maness; 1 grandson: Billy Jones.

The family has requested that all funeral services be held privately.

Hughes-Taylor funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral care.

www.hughestaylor.net

20-Year-Old Salem Man Arrested for Battery and Neglect of Infant

0

A Washington County man was arrested Thursday after an Indiana State Police (ISP) investigation into alleged child battery.

Trent James Morrows, 20, Salem, was arrested and charged with  one count of Domestic Battery: Victim under 14 years of age causing Serious Bodily Injury, and one count of Neglect of a Dependent Causing Serious Bodily Injury. Both counts are Level 3 Felonies.

On August 4, 2025, the Salem Police Department requested assistance with an alleged battery involving an infant who had been taken to Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville.

Indiana State Police Detective Clay Boley responded and was informed the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) was also investigating.

Detective Boley also learned that the alleged battery occurred on August 2, 2025, in Washington County.

The investigation included interviews, including that of twenty-year-old Trent James Morrow of Salem.

The child was also evaluated by a forensic team at Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville.

All information gathered during the investigation was provided to the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office for charges.

A warrant was issued Thursday, August 7 and Morrow was arrested Thursday evening by Salem Officer James Moore of the Salem Police Department with the assistance of ISP Detective Boley and ISP Trooper Brett Walters.

Morrow was incarcerated at the Washington County Jail.

 

Expanded Area for Bourbon and Beyond and Louder Than Life

0

Festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents is excited to announce a major festival site expansion and extensive enhancements to elevate the experience for fans at Highland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky for the upcoming Bourbon & Beyond (September 11-14) and
Louder Than Life (September 18-21) festivals.

These incredible upgrades to the 2025 festival site are possible as part of DWP’s recently announced 10-year lease agreement with Kentucky Venues to host Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life at the Highland Festival Grounds.

The 10-year commitment runs from 2026-2035 and showcases both DWP’s and the city’s commitment to Louisville’s cultural and economic future.

The newly expanded festival footprint for Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life makes greater use of the Kentucky Exposition Center’s infrastructure, creating a more comfortable and resilient experience for fans.

More space will improve the crowd flow and there will be more room for all to relax and enjoy the onsite festival
experiences.

In addition, all festival passes will include FREE access to amusement rides inside Kentucky Kingdom (which will be part of the festival footprint and open exclusively to festival attendees), including the Giant Wheel (ferris wheel, with extended hours), Lightning Run roller coaster, and more fan-favorites.

In addition, a 7th stage has been added to Louder Than Life inside the park featuring a dozen new music artists
– XweaponX, Haywire 617, Silly Goose, Unearth, War of Ages, Convictions, Upon A Burning Body, The Browning, Fight From Within, Orthodox, Fox Lake, and 156/Silence.

“This move has been years in the making, and we’re thrilled to finally bring it to life. With Bourbon & Beyond, and Louder Than Life both growing year over year, we knew it was time for more space, more comfort, and more ways to elevate the fan experience beyond just the music,” says Danny Wimmer of DWP.

“The new layout delivers so much to be excited about: expanded shade, indoor experiences, air-conditioned areas, and—thanks to our collaboration with Kentucky Kingdom—an amusement park inside the festival. It’s a truly unique addition that brings incredible value to fans, along with more food options, more ways to cool off, and so much more to explore. I’m ecstatic because this is just the beginning of something truly special for our festivals in Louisville.”

Check out virtual videos of the reimagined festival sites here:
Bourbon & Beyond: https://youtu.be/JqyUx_iv4ks
Louder Than Life: https://youtu.be/–5VlliI9lU
Here are some of the key updates and enhancements to the festival grounds:
More Comfort & More Space
DWP is rolling out sitewide enhancements to make festivalgoers’ weekends smoother, more comfortable, and
easier to keep cool.
● An immersive merch experience inside the climate-controlled Kentucky Expo Center, featuring festival
gear, additional activations, and lounge seating
● More tree-shaded areas throughout the grounds to beat the heat
● Expanded turf zones at the main stages and GA areas
● A more spacious layout designed to let fans stretch out, sway easy, and savor every moment between
sets
● An added main entrance to help ease the flow and get fans in the gates quicker
● Bourbon & Beyond will be more than doubling its GA Lawn Chair Pass capacity and releasing more
for purchase. Current passholders will have first access starting tomorrow (August 7) at 12:00 PM ET
before any remaining are released to the public Friday, August 8 at 12:00 PM ET.
All festival passes now include:
● FREE access to amusement rides inside Kentucky Kingdom from 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily (closed to
the public during the festivals)
● Attractions include the Giant Wheel (ferris wheel, with extended hours), Lightning Run roller coaster,
Scream Extreme and Skycatcher, for a total of 18 fan-favorites
● Extra shaded areas, picnic spots & restrooms
● Select concessions, shopping & air-conditioned indoor dining
● The Kentucky Kingdom Water Park will not be open/accessible to festival patrons or the public during
this time.
VIP Just Got An Upgrade
● MINT VIP is now 35% larger than ever before, with an expanded layout designed for extra comfort
Brand-new 3-story shaded viewing platform offering an elevated view of both main stages (replacing
former outdoor patio)
● Added large shade structure for additional coverage throughout VIP area
Transportation & Festival Entry Improvements
● Festival site will be able to better utilize the infrastructure in place on the festival grounds, including
roadways and parking as they were originally designed
● A second festival entrance will be added this year
● Dedicated rideshare/taxi area
● Shuttles will be vastly improved
● More details on the specific traffic and parking plan will be provided in the coming weeks

Bourbon & Beyond–The World’s Largest Bourbon, Food & Music Festival—returns for its 7th year September 11-14 with an incredible lineup of music talent including The Lumineers, Benson Boone and Alabama Shakes (reunion) on Thursday; followed by Phish (playing two sets; their only festival appearance of
2025 and first Louisville show in three decades), Khruangbin and Joe Bonamassa on Friday; Sturgill “Johnny Blue Skies” Simpson, Jack White and Vance Joy on Saturday; and Noah Kahan, Goo Goo Dolls and Megan Moroney on Sunday.

Additional “must-see” sets during the 4-day event include Cage The Elephant, TV On The Radio, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lake Street Dive, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, Foreigner (in one of the final announced dates of the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees’ Farewell Tour), Third Eye Blind, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, and many more.

The 4-day destination event has expanded to a total of five music stages and over 120 music artists in 2025, along with the festival’s culinary and bourbon experiences, following Bourbon & Beyond’s record breaking year in 2024 and winning Pollstar’s Global 2025 Festival of the Year.

Bourbon & Beyond offers multi-sensory opportunities and programming showcasing the country’s best chefs and rich bourbon culture on the Fork & Flask curated by Kroger Stage.
Hosts Chef Chris Santos (Chopped) and Chef Edward Lee (The Mind of a Chef) lead the culinary demonstrations and will be joined by acclaimed chefs including Chef Claudette Zepeda (Top Chef Season 15 and Founder of Chispa Hospitality), Chef Esther Choi (Food Network TV personality, Beat Bobby Flay and
Chopped), Local Louisville Chef Anthony Lamas, (Seviche A Latin Restaurant and Bar Rescue), and Chef Lawrence Weeks (North of Bourbon).

The Fork & Flask curated by Kroger Stage will also feature bourbon expert Chris Blandford and Chef Amanda Freitag (Top Chef and Chopped) with premium brands including
Old Rip Van Winkle, Angel’s Envy, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Buffalo Trace and more.

This year’s programming will also spotlight Kentucky Proud products, celebrating locally sourced ingredients and the
farmers and producers who help make Kentucky a world-class culinary destination.

Louder Than Life returns September 18-21 with one of the biggest and LOUDEST festivals in North America
all year. Over 160 bands will perform on 7 stages for the 11th edition of the festival.

Louder Than Life 2025 also marks the largest lineup in the history of producer Danny Wimmer Presents.

America’s Loudest Rock & Metal Festival will feature the return of metal legends Slayer, Rob Zombie in a global exclusive performance of Astro-Creep: 2000 in honor of the album’s 25th anniversary, plus Marilyn Manson on Thursday; Avenged
Sevenfold, Sleep Token and Breaking Benjamin on Friday; Deftones, Bad Omens and A Perfect Circle on
Saturday; and Bring Me The Horizon, $uicideboy$ and Evanescence on Sunday.

Louder Than Life will also feature performances from Knocked Loose, Three Days Grace, Lamb of God, Mudvayne, I Prevail,
Spiritbox, All Time Low, Dream Theater, Stone Temple Pilots, Motionless In White, Cypress Hill, Acid Bath, DOWN, Lorna Shore, Bruce Dickinson, and many more.

In 2024, Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life generated a total of more than $33 million in economic impact, according to Louisville Tourism, and drew more than 300,000 attendees, booking over 60,000 hotel room nights and creating a visitor boom at local restaurants and other businesses, including bourbon distilleries along the Urban Bourbon Trail.

Since DWP’s debut Louisville festival, Louder Than Life in 2014,
the DWP festivals have experienced remarkable growth, expanding from 36,000 attendees over two days to
nearly 400,000 attendees over eight days.

The 2024 edition was a record-breaking year, with over 70% of fans coming from outside Louisville, representing all 50 states and 27 countries.

Highland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Exposition Center is located at 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville,

Kentucky. Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life are produced by Los Angeles-based Danny Wimmer Presents, one of the largest independent producers of destination music festivals in America.