The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate what the United States of America means to each of us. For me, being American means freedom and opportunity, and I recognize other countries do not afford their citizens the same rights. If we know what matters to us, then we know what is worth protecting. While this summer holiday might feel or look different, we can still come together as a country on July 4 to honor our nation’s independence and the people who sacrificed so that we may live freely.

Since our nation’s birth, Americans relied on fellow brave members of the United States Armed Forces to protect our liberties and nation from foreign and domestic oppressors. For 244 years, Americans have answered the call to serve and defended our freedoms so we can continue celebrating our country, core values, and beliefs. Our rights to pursue happiness, our freedoms of speech and religion and our right to bear arms is the foundation that makes our home unique and exceptional. We can continue to say thank you for those who have served, are serving, and will serve to protect these rights.

While the last three months have been a trying time for many Hoosiers, we can still celebrate all the great achievements we have made, together as a country. This includes our individual work to slow the spread of this new virus – something we have not experienced as a society in a century – to help protect our families, neighbors, and communities. We can also reflect on other milestones that have made our nation the best place to call home like being the first country to put a man on the moon or being the land where anyone can pursue their dreams.

Going forward, we should rely on all the lessons and country-defining accomplishments, as well as our failures, to continue making our country a better place for Americans coast to coast.

Our nation has evolved and grown since its birth, but 244 years later, we still abide by the same constitution written by our Founding Fathers. As we celebrate the holiday this year, keep in mind that the Fourth of July is not just a birthday, and it is not only a celebration of the physical location in which we call home. The Fourth of July is Independence Day. The celebration of the values, freedoms, and liberty that make America unique and exceptional in its place on Earth. Please stay safe while celebrating this Fourth of July.

The Indiana State Police in Sellersburg would like to remind everyone of changes to Indiana’s distracted driving law taking effect this coming Wednesday, July 1, 2020.  

Every year in North America, an estimated 1.6 million crashes occur as the result of driver inattention. Many of those crashes result in injury or death and an economic impact of around 40 billion dollars.  

Making a phone call while driving may increase your odds of being in a crash by as much as 400%.

Typing or reading a text takes your eyes off the road an average of five seconds. If you drive 55 mph, you will travel the length of a football field in that same period.  

On Wednesday, July 1, amendments to Indiana’s distracted driving law will take effect in an effort to make Indiana roadways safer.   

Indiana Code 9-21-8-59, as amended, states a driver may not hold or use a telecommunications device while operating a moving motor vehicle.  

There are two exceptions listed in the statute.  

1.  Drivers will still be permitted to hold and use their phone to make an emergency 911 call. 
2. Drivers may also use hands-free or voice-operated technology to make and receive calls.  

Drivers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their vehicle’s hands-free technology and may wish to research aftermarket products that facilitate its use, such as a phone mount

This morning, just after midnight, emergency responders were called to the scene of a single-vehicle crash along I-465 eastbound near Ditch Road (28.7mm).

Upon arrival, first responders located a Kia Optima heavily damaged in the ditch on the south side of I-465 and two people were entrapped.

The Indianapolis Fire Department worked hastily to extricate both occupants, the male driver was alert and conscious and the female passenger was unconscious.

Both patients were rushed to the hospital by EMS.

Despite life-saving efforts, the female passenger, 24-year-old Qua Dasia Keone Hill of Indianapolis, was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Investigators believe the driver, 26-year-old Dailon Downing of Indianapolis, was impaired and under the influence of narcotics when the crash occurred.

Downing drove the 2015 Kia off the side of the road, struck a crash attenuator barrier at the base of an overhead information sign, then spun into the ditch and struck a tree.

Downing was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, a blood draw to test for intoxication was conducted. The investigation into his impairment is ongoing.

All criminal actions mentioned above are alleged and all suspects are considered innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. Troopers will work with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office to determine criminal charges. 

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an incident where a child was pulled from a pond after being submerged.

The incident occurred today at approximately 4:00 p.m. near the 10000 block of South Ohio Street in Keystone, Wells County.

The juvenile female was swimming in a private pond when she went under the surface of the water.  

911 was called and first responders arrived on the scene a short time later.

The child was recovered in approximately 8-13 feet of water after approximately 20 minutes by a member of the Liberty Center Volunteer Fire Department.

She was transported by ambulance to Bluffton Regional Hospital and later transferred by ambulance to Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne in critical condition.

Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted at the scene by the Liberty Center Volunteer Fire Department, Bluffton Fire Department, Lancaster Volunteer Fire Department, Wells County Sheriff’s Department, and Wells County EMS.

With the recommendations from the Washington County Health Department, the Salem Community School Board, and the Salem Administration, the Salem High School Graduation Ceremony will be held on July 11th, 2020. 

The location of the ceremony has been determined to be outside at the football stadium, according to Salem High School principal Troy Albert. 

Because of the outdoor setting of the Graduation Ceremony, the time has changed to 10:00 AM.  

Expectations:

Students will be sitting on the folding chairs located on the track/football field.  Student chairs will be 6’ apart.

Students will be limited to 7 tickets for their guests to attend the ceremony.  Student Guests will be expected to sit in the home bleachers or bring folding chairs and blankets beside the bleachers in the grassy area.

All students, faculty, staff, and guests attending will be requested to wear masks, keep social distance as to protect themselves and others.

There will be gloves worn in the distribution of the diplomas. 

There will not be any handshakes or hugs during the presentation of the diplomas.

The expectations of entering and exiting the football field will be shared with the seniors at the practice prior to the ceremony. 

The practice will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 10th, 2020.

The graduation ceremony will be filmed and live-streamed for others to observe the ceremony from outside the venue.

A rain date of Monday, July 13th at 7:30 PM.   The decision will be made by 7:00 AM on July 11th.

The ceremony will start promptly at 10:00 AM. 

The SHS Band and Choir will not be expected to perform with the limited attendance. 

The students will have four speakers to the group and the presentation of the class to receive their diplomas on the stage. 

The closing of the ceremony will be an exit to the outside parking lots and other grassy areas.