As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Americans should be aware of the dangers associated with fireworks and the necessary precautions to keep themselves and others safe.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks in 2023. Of those injuries, 66% occurred in the weeks before and after the Fourth of July holiday. As Americans gather to celebrate and communities hold special events, fireworks may be used in unsafe ways or by children and teenagers who do not know how to properly handle the explosive material. In fact, these firework accidents tend to involve children and teenagers the most. Within the four weeks surrounding the Fourth of July holiday, teenagers ages 15 to 19 had the highest rate of emergency department-treated injuries, with children 5 to 9 having the second highest rate, says the CPSC.

“The importance of practicing safety and caution when it comes to fireworks cannot be underscored,” says Mayor Justin Green. “The improper use of fireworks poses a real threat to the children and adults in our community. We all want to celebrate, but we must do it responsibly when it comes to dangerous material like fireworks and pyrotechnics.”

To keep yourself and others safe, never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Even the use of sparklers can leave children injured, as 700 of last year’s reported injuries came from these handheld fireworks. We encourage citizens to opt for watching professional fireworks display rather than setting them off on their own, but if individuals do purchase pyrotechnics, they should make sure the fireworks are legal and for consumer use. Do not buy fireworks marked for professional use or that have noncompliant components. When setting off fireworks, it is important to keep a bucket of water or hose handy, in case of mishaps. Light fireworks one at a time, and never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that are not fully ignited. Finally, never use fireworks while impaired with drugs or alcohol. If you choose to set off fireworks, be sure the person who is handling and igniting the pyrotechnics is sober and aware.

“We want everyone to have fun and enjoy the holiday, and that involves putting these safety tips into practice and looking out for one another over the Fourth of July,” says Mayor Green.

Indiana consumer firework use is allowed from June 29 through July 3 from 5pm until two hours after sunset, July 4 from 10am to midnight and July 5 to July 9 from 5pm until two hours after sunset.

For more information on fireworks safety, visit https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks.

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor E&B Paving, Inc. is scheduled to begin paving and milling work on State Road 60 west of Salem beginning on or after Saturday, June 29, in Washington County.

Work will take place between Smedley Road located approximately two miles east of Campbellsburg and Dog Trot Road located approximately three miles west of Salem.

Work is expected to take up to four days, weather permitting. Flagging operations will be utilized while work is in progress.

This work is part of a $2.1 million contract awarded to E&B Paving in January 2023. 

INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, use extra caution and avoid distractions when traveling in and near work zones.

All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is scheduled to increase the speed limit on I-69 in Monroe County from mile marker 112 to mile marker 122 beginning on or after Thursday, June 27, near Bloomington. 

The speed limit will increase from 55 mph to 65 mph. The increased speed limit is intended to help enhance safety and mobility by establishing consistency along the corridor.

INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, use extra caution and avoid distractions when traveling in and near work zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

As summer kicks off in Indiana, local lawmakers want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws taking effect July 1.

State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session take effect July 1, including honoring first responders. Indiana will recognize firefighters, emergency medical responders, law enforcement and other first responders who go above and beyond the call of duty through the creation of the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor. The award could also be presented to the families of first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice for our state.

“Whether it’s one of Indiana’s firefighters, law enforcement or other first responders, these Hoosiers put their lives on the line to help in an emergency,” said Lucas, who authored the new law. “To honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, this award will serve as a way to help give these heroes the recognition they deserve.”

State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like protecting Hoosier farmland. To help protect Indiana’s farmland and food supply chain, individuals or entities associated with foreign adversaries like Russia and China will be banned from purchasing or leasing agricultural land, and mineral, water or riparian rights. China, Russia, North Korea and Iran will also be prevented from purchasing or leasing land within a 10-mile radius of military installations.

“Recently, more and more of our adversaries have bought up vital farmland, raising legitimate concerns for Indiana’s agriculture industry and food supply,” Engleman said. “This measure simply ensures our land is protected.”

Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:

Supporting Veterans, Military Members

A new public notification like Indiana’s Amber Alert and Silver Alert will soon help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans and military members. A Green Alert could be issued by the Indiana State Police for veterans, service members, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the individual being reported missing.

Cutting Government Red Tape

Food truck operators raised concerns about the patchwork of regulatory ordinances and costly fees from county to county, which can make it difficult to operate and expand their mobile businesses. To simplify permitting for food trucks, counties will be required to create a permit that follows universal state standards and is capped at a $200 fee.

“We need to continue making it as simple as possible for businesses of all sizes to grow in our state,” said State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford). “Capping fees and streamlining the permitting process for food trucks can help these entrepreneurs flourish without having to jump through so many hoops.”

Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.

On Friday, June 28^th, 2024, Harrison County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch advised of a vehicle submerged in the Ohio River at the Mauckport boat ramp. 

Arrested and Charges from Harrison County Warrant was James D. Schuppert, 61, Mauckport, IN

• Manufacturing Methamphetamine – Level 4 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine- Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer – Trooper Dustin Whitaker

Assisting Officers – Sergeant Dustin Zehnder and Trooper Nathaniel Newton

Assisting Agencies – Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, Harrison County EMS, Harrison County EMA, Heth Township Fire Department, Boone Township Fire Department, and A-1 Towing

Indiana State Police Sergeant Dustin Zehnder and Trooper Nathan Newton responded along with first responders. When first responders arrived, they located an F-150 pickup mostly submerged in the Ohio River that backed too far down the boat ramp. The driver was identified as James Schuppert of Mauckport. Officers were familiar with Schuppert and knew he had an active arrest warrant. 

Scuba Diver Trooper Dustin Whitaker assisted A-1 towing with recovering Schuppert and his vehicle. When Schuppert was back on land, he was taken into custody and transported to the Harrison County Jail for his active arrest warrant.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after recovering the body of a man from Patoka Lake yesterday evening.    

At approximately 6 p.m., Orange County Dispatch was notified that a male had disappeared under the surface of the water near the Painter Creek boat ramp.

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Law Enforcement divers recovered the body at 8:13 p.m. using sonar. The swimmer’s identity is being withheld pending family notification. 

Other assisting agencies included the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Rural Fire District 1, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, IU Health Paoli, and Indiana State Police. 

Indiana Conservation Officers remind the public to always wear your life jacket when on or around the water.