According to Washington County Clerk Stephanie Rockey, the deadline to file to run for the general election in November is today at noon. 

Those filing to seek positions on the ballot are: 

Max Greene, Libertarian, Surveyor

Rhonda Greene, Libertarian, Washington County Commissioner, District 3

David L. Brown- Campbellsburg Town Council (this is a non-party office)

Donnie Williams has filed and is certified to be placed on the ballot for Campbellsburg Town Council.

Darlene A. Hall has filed and is certified to run on the ballot for New Pekin Town Council, as of the hour.

School Board filings for all three schools will start July 22^nd and will end at noon on August 21^st.

Openings for school board:

Salem At-Large (Gibson, Jefferson, Monroe, & Washington Townships)- 4 positions

East Washington- 2 positions- Polk township and Town of Pekin

West Washington- 3 positions- Madison, Posey, and Vernon townships.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) and is forecasting high levels of fine particles (PM2.5) in the air for Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 in the following areas:

• Southeast Indiana – Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Scott and Washington
• Southwest Indiana – Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick 

IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce PM2.5 while remaining safe during the COVID-19 health crisis by making changes to daily habits. You can:

• Avoid burning wood in fireplaces or wood-fired boilers
• Reduce activity time outdoors to reduce unhealthy exposure to PM2.5 and avoid exercising near busy roads
• Combine errands into one trip
• Avoid using gasoline-powered lawn equipment or gas-powered recreational vehicles
• Turn off your engine when idling for more than 10 seconds (e.g., at a bank or restaurant drive-thru)
• Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above 

A dust cloud blowing across the Atlantic Ocean from the Sahara Desert in Africa has been impacting air quality in the southeastern U.S. and it is expected to reach Indiana this weekend. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and anyone with cardiac (heart) or pulmonary (lung) problems should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors while the PM2.5 AQAD is in effect. If breathing becomes difficult, go indoors and contact your health care provider.

PM 2.5 is composed of microscopic dust, soot, liquid droplets, and smoke particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller. The human hair is 75 microns wide. PM2.5 deposits itself deep into the lungs and cannot be easily exhaled. Those at risk are particularly vulnerable after several days of high PM2.5 exposure. 

IDEM examines weather patterns and PM2.5 readings to make daily air quality forecasts. To learn more about PM2.5 or sign up for air quality forecasts, visit www.SmogWatch.IN.gov.

About IDEM
IDEM (www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.  

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.