Entries are being accepted for the Pekin 4th of July Baby Contest which takes place on Sunday, July 4th at @3:30p on the Pekin Park Stage. 

Pre-Registration will be on July 3rd and July 4th until 3:00 pm at the PCBO Booth
by the Pekin Park Stage.

 Entries will be separated by gender from 0-3 years old.
 There will be multiples categories.
 The entry fee is $20.00 per baby or $30 for the multiples category.
 Be at the Pekin Park Stage by 3:20 pm to line up via your category.
 Babies do not have to be from Pekin or Washington County to participate.
 The Theme of the 4th is “A Magical 4th .” Participants will be judged based on their personalities. Judges will judge based on outfits if there is a tie.
 Babies may bring one small toy with them on stage and up to two adults.

PEKIN 4th of July Baby Contest Registration Form 

Davisson highlights new Indiana laws effective July 1

State Rep. Steve Davisson (R-Salem) said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state laws effective July 1, including the state budget and those supporting broadband expansion, mental health and youth agriculture programs.

“These laws will continue to move Indiana forward and our new state budget reflects our priorities, which range from education to public health,” Davisson said. “We also made an unprecedented investment in expanding broadband access, which has been a critical issue in rural communities like ours. We also made great strides to ensure Hoosiers who are struggling with their mental health can find treatment and support.”

Davisson highlighted several new and notable laws:

Expanding Broadband Access
Indiana’s next two-year, $37 billion state budget reduces taxpayer-funded debt by over $1 billion and provides opportunities for future tax cuts and reforms. House Enrolled Act 1001 also funds critical government services and proven programs, and invests $250 million to expand reliable and affordable internet service, especially in unserved and underserved areas. House Enrolled Act 1449, which was effective upon passage, prioritizes internet access for Hoosier schools, students, and health care clinics in rural communities.

Prioritizing Students, Teachers
K-12 education will also receive a historic, $1.9 billion increase in funding over the next two years to support students and teacher pay raises through House Enrolled Act 1001. House Enrolled Act 1008 establishes a new, $150 million grant program to support students who are at risk of falling behind or scored below academic standards because of disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Establishing A New Crisis Hotline
Under House Enrolled Act 1468, which Davisson authored, a 988 crisis hotline will help callers, including those considering suicide, in real-time with the ability to deploy mobile crisis teams. These teams will provide onsite community-based intervention, including de-escalation, stabilization, and treatment.

Supporting Local Ag Students
Students gaining valuable experience in agricultural education programs like the FFA will be able to continue selling their products like lettuce and pork to their school cafeterias thanks to House Enrolled Act 1119, authored by Davisson. A state procurement process for vendors that sell products to schools will be waived so students can sell up to $7,500 worth of goods to a school.

Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.

Today, Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed Executive Orders 21-16 & 21-17. Executive Order 21-16 extends the public health emergency and Executive Order 21-17 rescinds all directives in previous orders and then outlines a limited number of directives necessary to support the state’s health care system and vaccination program.

It also provides additional financial assistance for health and welfare programs, specifically, the second-order allows certain individuals who otherwise would not be eligible to administer COVID-19 vaccinations.

It also allows the state to continue to receive pandemic emergency funds for programs such as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

Both Executive Orders last until July 31.

The Indiana State Fair today unveiled the 2021 list of all scheduled performers who will appear on the Indiana State Fair Free Stage July 30 through August 22 (Fair is closed Mondays and Tuesdays). All shows at the Indiana State Fair Free Stage are free with paid fair admission and seating is first-come, first-served.

The 2021 Indiana State Fair Free Stage lineup includes:

All artists, dates and times are subject to change without notice

• State Fair Yacht Rock Night with Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall & Orleans presented by Yacht Rock Radio – Friday, July 30
• John Waite and Kyle Cook of Matchbox Twenty, presented by IndianaRockHistory.com – Saturday, July 31
• Mary Mary, presented by WTLC FM – Sunday, August 1
• Josh Turner – Wednesday, August 4
• Run Forrest Run, Ultimate 90s Party Band – Thursday, August 5
• Noah Cyrus – Friday, August 6
• Blanco Brown – Saturday, August 7
• Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, presented by WTLC FM – Sunday, August 8
• for KING & COUNTRY – Wednesday, August 11
• TBA – Thursday, August 12
• Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe – Friday, August 13
• Home Free – Saturday, August 14
• Casting Crowns – Sunday, August 15
• Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Association, Classics IV, The Vogues, The Cowsills – Wednesday, August 18
• Barracuda – America’s Heart Tribute – Thursday, August 19
• The Beach Boys – Friday, August 20
• Latino-Fest at the Indiana State Fair, presented by Radio Latina – featuring AK7, Banda Blanca and La sonora Dinamita de Colombia – Saturday, August 21
• Gospel Music Festival with headliner Hezekiah Walker, presented by WTLC AM & FM – Sunday, August 22

The 2021 Indiana State Fair is scheduled to open on Friday, July 30 and runs through August 22, when you can enjoy The Greatest 18 Days of Summer at this iconic Hoosier tradition. The Fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The safety of our guests, staff, and community is our number one priority. Please follow CDC guidelines regarding wearing masks. There are no capacity restrictions for Free Stage concerts and no reserved seating.

For more information, please visit www.indianastatefair.com or follow the Indiana State Fair on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The 2021 Indiana State Fair theme is Celebrating the Hoosier Spirit.

The Indiana State Police is now accepting applications for the 82nd Recruit Academy.  Individuals who are interested in beginning a rewarding career as an Indiana State Trooper must visit our website at https://www.in.gov/isp/2368.htm and follow the link to the application. Applicants will first need to create a user account before being able to apply for the Trooper Trainee job posting for the Indiana State Police 82^nd Selection Process. 

The website link provides a detailed synopsis of the application process as well as information on additional career opportunities with the Indiana State Police.  Applications must be submitted electronically by 8:00 AM (EST) on Sunday, August 22, 2021. 

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted for the 82^nd Recruit Academy.

Basic Eligibility Requirements and consideration factors for an Indiana State Trooper:

1. Must be a United States citizen.
2. Must be at least 21 and less than 40 years of age when appointed as a police employee. (Appointment date is June 16, 2022)
3. Must meet a minimum vision standard (corrected or uncorrected) of 20/50 acuity in each eye and 20/50 distant binocular acuity in both eyes.
4. Must possess a valid driver’s license to operate an automobile.
5. Must be willing, if appointed, to reside and serve anywhere within the State of Indiana as designated by the Superintendent.
6. Must be a high school graduate as evidenced by a diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).                                                                                

The starting salary for an Indiana State Police Department Recruit is $1,615.39 bi-weekly during the academy training.  At the completion of academy training, the starting salary is $48,000.00 a year.  Recruits of the 82nd Recruit Academy are offered an excellent health care plan including medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage for both current and retired employees and their dependents.  The Indiana State Police pension program provides a lifetime pension after 25 years of service.  Additionally, the Indiana State Police Department provides comprehensive disability coverage and a life insurance program.  Student loan forgiveness programs are being offered at this time through the following:  https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Current Law Enforcement Officers:

Current Law Enforcement Officers having a minimum of three continuous years of merit full time law enforcement service as of November 23, 2021, if they choose, will be assigned to the District where they currently reside.

Current Out of State Law Enforcement Officers having a minimum of three continuous years of merit full time law enforcement service as of November 23, 2021, if they choose, may be afforded their District of choice, if their home state certification is determined equivalent to the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board standards. 

Physical Ability Test (PAT):

Applicants are required to pass the ILEA Exit Standards listed below to proceed in the selection process.

Physical Ability Testing Dates:

Applicants are afforded the opportunity to attend additional PAT dates to improve current scores or achieve a passing score.  Additional information regarding the PAT can be found online at https://www.in.gov/isp/2880.htm.

Interested applicants can obtain additional information about a career as an Indiana State Trooper by visiting https://www.in.gov/isp/3041.htm to find the recruiter assigned to your area.