The Indiana State Police would like to remind Hoosier motorists that Fall harvest is rapidly approaching and there will be an increase in agricultural equipment on the roads.

Hoosier motorists should expect to see large combines, tractors pulling grain carts, and other agricultural equipment on the roadways.

The Indiana State Police is partnering with the Indiana Department of Agriculture, and together we can increase roadway safety by encouraging careful driving and taking the correct steps when safely navigating around large farm equipment on the roads this fall.

In 2020, the Indiana State Police reported 270 statewide crashes involving farm equipment and other motor vehicles which resulted in 95 injuries and 2 fatalities.

In 2021, the Indiana State Police reported 296 crashes involving farm equipment and other motor vehicles which resulted in 83 injuries and 3 fatalities. While the number of statewide crashes in 2022 dropped to 284, the number of injuries increased to 84 and the number of fatalities increased to 7.

This Fall Hoosier motorists and farmers should particularly note:

• If you see agricultural equipment on the roadways, slow down.
• Large agricultural equipment makes slower and wider turns than passenger vehicles.
• Farm equipment is wide and can take up most of the road. Be sure to use caution when passing.
• With the movement of large and wide agricultural equipment on the roads, allow plenty of time to get to your destination and be aware of alternate routes.
• When following slow-moving agricultural equipment, exercise patience.
• Be aware that agricultural equipment may be moving on the roadways at night.
• Observe for animals such as deer.
• Farmers should look for a wide pullover location to allow backed up traffic to safely pass.

If Hoosier motorists and farmers follow the above tips, we can all enjoy a happy and safe Fall season.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an ORV accident that happened yesterday in Posey County.

At 6:45 p.m, officers were dispatched to the area near the intersection of Oliver Road and Springfield Road for an ORV accident with injury. 

Upon arrival, it was discovered that Kristin Murillo, 22, of Evansville, was operating an ORV when it left the roadway, striking a tree and causing the passenger, Parker Gross, 19, of New Harmony to be pinned inside.

Murillo was taken to the Posey County Jail and booked for suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Responding agencies included the Wadesville Fire Department, Posey County Sheriff’s Department, and Posey County Emergency Medical Service.

The Washington County Commissioners joined nine other counties around the state today to enact a burn ban due to dry conditions.

The counties are: Shelby, Franklin, Dearborn, Ohio, Switzerland, Martin, Lawrence, Washington and Perry Counties. 

Only Northern Indiana is under a Drought Advisory from the National Weather Service due to extreme dry conditions and having received less than 25% of normal precipitation over the last month.

The proclamation was signed this morning at 11a and prohibits the following in Washington County:

1. Campfires and other recreational fires. 
2. Open burning of any kind using conventional fuel such as wood, or other combustible matter, except for grills fueled by charcoal or propane.
   1. Charcoal from permitted grills shall not be removed from the grills until the charcoal has been thoroughly extinguished.
3. The burning of debris, such as timber or vegetation, results from building construction activities. 

In addition, the Commissioners encourage residents to attend public displays of fireworks and limit their personal use of fireworks to those that do not have the ground, and that they refrain from using aerial firework devices. 

The National Weather Service has predicted a small chance of rain for the area this Tuesday and Wednesday. 

WSLM will alert the public when the burn ban has been lifted. 

While Splashin’ Safari has closed for the season, Happy Halloween Weekends return this Saturday, September 23 and run through October 29. 

New for 2023, the park has introduced the Twilight Ticket for Happy Halloween Weekends.

At no additional cost, Guests who purchase Pick Your Date Tickets online for Sundays during the event may enter the park the Saturday evening before their visit, starting at 5 p.m CDT. 

Earlier this year, Holiday World officials announced that the Halloween in the Sky Drone Show will be all-new this year with 400 drones every Saturday night through Happy Halloween weekends. 

“Halloween in the Sky is a sight to behold,” adds Eckert. “And our new Twilight Ticket ensures our Sunday Guests won’t miss a moment of the fun of Happy Halloween Weekends.”

Happy Halloween Weekends include all of the rides Guests love at Holiday World, plus new Halloween-themed shows, and special Halloween attractions, including Holidog’s 3-D Adventure, Carnival Chaos, and a 12-acre corn maze PLUS hay ride. In addition, each year, the park introduces a special fall menu, which this year includes S’mores Funnel Cake, Candy Corn Ice Cream, and a BBQ Pork bowl with pepper jack macaroni and cheese. 

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari’s Mammoth water coaster took top honors at the 2023 Golden Ticket Awards ceremony, held recently at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN.

At the industry awards ceremony, it was announced that three of the top five water park attractions in the world call Splashin’ Safari home, with Wildebeest and Cheetah Chase earning second and fifth place, respectively. 

“This is a huge achievement,” says President & CEO Matt Eckert. “We’re the self-declared Water Coaster Capital of the World, and it means the world to us to have a community of industry fans agree. It’s an honor to have had one of our water coasters named as the best of the best since 2010.”