Home Blog Page 3105

EPA Releases PFAS Groundwater Guidance for Federal Cleanup Programs

0

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued Interim Recommendations for Addressing Groundwater Contaminated with Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) under federal cleanup programs, a priority action under EPA’s PFAS Action Plan. Aggressively addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is an active and ongoing effort for the agency.

“Today, we are delivering on one of our most important commitments under the PFAS Action Plan,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “The interim recommendations will provide clear and consistent guidance for federal cleanup programs and will help protect drinking water resources in communities across the country. This is a critical tool for our state, tribal, and local partners to use to protect public health and address these chemicals.”

“We welcome the EPA’s release of the Interim Recommendations for Addressing Groundwater Contaminated with PFOA/PFAS under federal cleanup programs,” said the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO).  “Our members are working every day to address this important issue across the country and we look forward to reviewing the just released document, which we hope provides clear and consistent guidance on this evolving national issue.”

Federal agencies and states have asked EPA to provide guidance on this issue, and EPA is following through on its commitment. After reviewing public comments on the agency’s April 2019 draft guidance, EPA is finalizing these interim recommendations based on the available data and scientific information on PFAS toxicity. EPA acknowledges that the scientific information on these compounds continues to evolve. As part of the PFAS Action Plan, EPA is continuing to develop and assess toxicity information, test methods, laboratory methods, analytical methods, exposure models, and treatment methods, among other research efforts to improve our knowledge about this class of chemicals. As new information becomes available on other PFAS chemicals, the agency will consider additional recommendations as the agency advances its knowledge of these other substances.

Today’s Action

With these interim recommendations, EPA is prioritizing public health impacts by focusing on addressing groundwater that is a current or potential source of drinking water. The guidance recommends:

  • Using a screening level of 40 parts per trillion (ppt) to determine if PFOA and/or PFOS is present at a site and may warrant further attention.
  • Screening levels are risk-based values that are used to determine if levels of contamination may warrant further investigation at a site.
  • Using EPA’s PFOA and PFOS Lifetime Drinking Water Health Advisory level of 70 ppt as the preliminary remediation goal (PRG) for contaminated groundwater that is a current or potential source of drinking water, where no state or tribal MCL or other applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements (ARARs) are available or sufficiently protective.
  • PRGs are generally initial targets for cleanup, which may be adjusted on a site-specific basis as more information becomes available.

Arts Commission Now Accepting Applications For Community Services Programs

0

Arts Commission Now Accepting Applications For Community Services Programs

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announces the opening of applications for three Community Services programs: Arts Project Support, Arts Organization Support I, and Creative Community Pathways.

Arts Project Support

Arts Project Support grants provide funding to nonprofit organizations to support a specific part of the organization’s art activities, such as a one-time event; a single production; an exhibition; an educational workshop; or a series of related arts activities such as art classes or training sessions. Arts Project Support grants are administered by the IAC’s Regional Arts Partners.

Arts Organization Support I

Arts Organization Support grants provide annual operating support for the ongoing artistic and administrative functions of eligible arts organizations that align with the Indiana Arts Commission’s Public Funding Imperatives. The grant amount is based on the average of the applicant’s last three years of total cash income, panel’s ratings, number of eligible applicants, and the dollars available. Arts Organization Support I grants are administered by the IAC’s Regional Arts Partners.

Creative Community Pathway

The IAC’s Creative Community Pathway is a roadmap for any Indiana community to start, focus, or deepen arts and culture-based strategies to grow community wellbeing. As a capacity-building program, the Pathway aligns local creative assets – artists, arts and culture strategies, partners and resources – to support a community’s unique goals and dreams. Simultaneously, it organizes a sustainable, healthy creative ecosystem for artists and cultural organizations.

The Creative Community Pathway organizes community efforts using best practices and provides resources. The Pathway also directly prepares communities who wish to pursue the Indiana Cultural District designation and Spotlight Community recognition. Communities interested in pursuing special designation through the program need to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by February 27, 2020.

HAMRICK TOWING EXPANDING AND HAS SEVERAL JOB OPENINGS

0

HAMRICK TOWING EXPANDING AND HAS SEVERAL JOB OPENINGS

Hamrick Towing is expanding and has immediate openings for several positions.

According to the firms President John Hamrick said “there are several full-time positions that he needs to fill right away.

Mr. Hamrick also stated that these positions offer paid vacations and holidays. Performance bonuses are offered to those who excel in the workplace.  Also, the hourly pay is very competitive. An Equal Opportunity employer.

The Following List Of Full-Time Positions Are Posted Below:

1) Five (5) Tow Truck drivers

2) Paint and Bodyman

3) Welder

4) Dispatcher

5) Diesel Mechanic

Finally, Mr. Hamrick said; “that the workplace environment is employee-friendly with a downhome attitude.”

Interested applicants need to immediately apply in person at Hamrick Towing located at 1277 Maxwell Avenue from thee hours 10;00 to noon Monday through Friday. No phone calls, please.

 

ARTability Raises $40,000 For Opportunity Enterprises

0

Hundreds of guests attended Opportunity  Enterprises’ ARTability Art Show and Sale in the Valparaiso University Christopher Center Community Room, the 13th annual event that benefits artists with disabilities.

ARTability featured an auction with 80 pieces of canvas as well as a variety of ceramics and art prints, which were available for direct purchase. Over the past year, artists with disabilities created the pieces with the assistance of skilled instructors through the Artistic Visions program at OE.

Two awards were presented to the artists at the event: The Judges’ Choice award and the People’s Choice award. The Judge’s Choice award was presented by Urschel Giving, selected by an expert panel of judges including Donna Catalano, Jane Lohmeyer, and Aimee Tomasek; and was awarded to Kenny C. for his piece, “Reflections.” The People’s Choice award, where guests at the event were able to vote for their favorite piece, was presented by M. E. Simpson Co., Inc; and was awarded to Matt D. for his piece, “Frog Rock.”

The Instructors’ Choice award, presented by The Times Media Co., selected by the art instructors including Benjamin Dunn, Keith Goddard, Cathy Jasinski, and Alex Kozlowski; was awarded to Whitney W. for her piece, “Cat Flower Party” which was also on display at the event.

NEA Military Healing Arts Network

Image courtesy of NEA Military Healing Arts Network

NEA Expands Creative Forces Healing Arts Network

Story by National Endowment for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Rural Health (ORH) are announcing plans to expand the telehealth component of Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network to additional Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

Creative Forces is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs as well as state and local arts agencies to provide access to creative arts therapies—art, music, and dance/movement therapies, as well as creative writing instruction—for service members and veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through telehealth, creative arts therapists connect with patients in rural and remote places via video conferencing platforms. Read the full story.

Ohki alley public art rendering

Rendering of the Ohki Alley project

Ohki Alley crowdfunding project to transform alleyway

The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation and the City of Columbia City present the Ohki Alley project, which will make the alleyway located between 116 and 118 W Van Buren Street a more vibrant public space for the community to enjoy. This public alleyway will close to traffic and create walkable and usable space to connect downtown Columbia City to Parking. With the addition of this Public Alley Space, community organizations will have access to create and improve on events such as Art in the Alley, First Fridays, outdoor music, beer garden and much more. The campaign will only collect funds if it reaches its goal by December 28, 2019.

Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Photo courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

TIME for Kids names Indianapolis Children’s Museum one of the World’s 50 Coolest Places

Courtesy of Rebecca Katzman, TIME for Kids

There are many children’s museums, but none are quite as amazing—or as expansive—as the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. After all, it’s the largest children’s museum in the world. Here, kids can learn about dinosaurs, ancient Greece, outer-space artifacts, and much more. In 2018, the museum opened the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience. It’s a 7.5-acre space where kids can play while learning about the history and culture of sports. Experts are on hand to coach young athletes. They can help them use their newfound skills in football, basketball, hockey, golf, car racing, and other sports. Kids can also sculpt their own sports figures or record a TV-ready sports broadcast.

See the full list here.

Cool opportunities you should know about

A little bit of this. A little bit of that. A whole lotta good.

Interested in the Indiana Cultural District designation program?
That program is opening back up in 2020 and the Creative Community Pathway is how you get there. Click here to learn more.

Know an artist?
Tell them about On-Ramp and the Individual Advancement Program.

HAPPENINGS AT THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY GOP

0
Vanderburgh County Republican Party
Central Committee:
     Wayne Parke, Chairman
     Mary Jo Kaiser, Political Director
     Dottie Thomas, Vice Chairman
     Lon Walters, Secretary
     Farley Smith, Treasurer
     Kevin Harrison, Editor  
 
News and Upcoming Events for December 24,

scvasvasvasv

Inauguration Ceremony – New Year’s Day 2020
Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Time: Noon
600 Main St,, Evansville
Reception with Light Refreshments Following.

 
Happy Holidays from Mayor Lloyd Winnecke
Wishing you a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year.  -Mayor Lloyd Winnecke

 

  First day to declare candidacy for 2020 Primary Election is Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 is the first day a declaration of candidacy for major political party primary nomination (or election as a Republican Party precinct committeeman, or state convention delegate of either major party at the primary) may be filed. Refer to the Indiana Secretary of State Election Division’s Candidate Information web page for candidate forms and additional information.

Candidates for precinct committeeman must be a Qualified Elector of the precinct and a Qualified Primary Republican (or obtain authorization from the County Chairman). Candidates for precinct committeeman must file a CAN-37 form with the county clerk between Wednesday January 8, 2020 and noon Friday, February 7, 2020.  Form CAN-37  can be found on the Secretary of State Election Division’s Candidate Information web page.

Republican State Convention Delegate Candidates must be a resident of the Election District and a Qualified Primary Republican. A declaration of candidacy for election as a state convention delegate (form CAN-37) must be filed with the county election board no earlier than January 8, 2020 and no later than noon February 7, 2020. All delegates will be assessed a $100 fee payable to the Indiana Republican State Committee to help defer State Convention costs.

Contact VCRP Political Director Mary Jo Kaiser at beamerjo59@gmail.com or 812-425-8207 for more information.
Looking ahead to 2020:
The VCRP is looking for good Republican candidates for the following political offices:
  • State Rep District #77
  • County Coroner
  • County Surveyor
  • County Commissioner District #1
  • County Commissioner District # 3
If you or someone you know is interested in running for one of these offices, please contact Chairman Wayne Parke to discuss the office and how to go about filing for the position should you decide to run. Chairman Parke can be reached at 812-455-1685 or via Email at wparke@wowway.com .

 County Council Meeting-   Date: Wednesday, January 8, 2020

  

 
   Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Room 301, Civic Center Complex
                1 NW Martin Luther King Blvd, Evansville
 For more information visit

County Council

VCRP Central Committee Meeting – Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: GOP Headquarters
815 John Street, Evansville
Meetings are open to all Vanderburgh County Precinct Committeemen

Meet Your Legislators – Saturday, January 11, 2020
Time: 9:15 AM (doors open at 9:00 AM)
Location:Central Library- Browning Rooms
200 SE ML King BLVD, Evansville
Local state legislators are invited to make themselves available to answer questions on the second Saturday of each month during each legislative session.This is the first of  three scheduled meetings for 2020.

EVSC Board of School Trustees Meeting-
  Date: January 13, 2020
             Time: 5:30 PM
 Location: Board Room, EVSC Administration Building
                  951 Walnut St., Evansville
For more information visit the Board of School Trustees web page.

 County Commission Meeting-      Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2020
     Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Room 301, Civic Center Complex
                1 NW Martin Luther King Blvd, Evansville
 For more information visit

County Commissioners

VCRP Monthly Breakfast – Saturday, January 18, 2020
Time: 7:30 AM- 9:00 AM
Location: C.K. Newsome Center , Room 118A-B
100 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47713
 For more information contact Mary Jo Kaiser at 812-425-8207 or email beamerjo59@gmail.com

 

Season’s greetings to you and your family
From home to home, heart to heart, and one place to another, the warmth and joy of Christmas brings us closer together. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family this Christmas, and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve our community.

I hope the new year brings you many opportunities and happiness. Enjoy the holiday season, and remember to rest and give thanks for our many blessings.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
The best gift one can hope for this Christmas is to spend time together with family and friends. As you celebrate this special season, may your heart be filled with joy and peace. I hope these holiday blessings linger in your home and stay with you throughout the year.Here’s to a season filled with warmth, comfort and good cheer! Please enjoy the holiday season, and thank you for your support and prayers.
2019: A Year of Results (from the 12/20/19  Party Line Newsletter)

Governor Holcomb is all about results. And in 2019, Governor Holcomb delivered results in a big way for all Hoosiers. Here’s just a few of his 2019 accomplishments:

  • CNBC this year ranked Indiana’s infrastructure as the best in America. And that’s because of major investments – including $612 million in Community Crossings matching grants for local roads, and a record year for road construction as part of Governor Holcomb’s 20-year, fully-funded infrastructure plan.
  • We passed another honestly-balanced budget and maintained our AAA credit rating – leading the way for fiscal responsibility at the Statehouse.
  • Governor Holcomb signed into law a phase-out of income taxes on our veterans’ military pensions. This new law will work to attract and retain patriotic military veterans as part of our state’s workforce!
  • Governor Holcomb and Lt. Governor Crouch this year led the state’s largest investment in broadband infrastructure in Indiana history, with $100 million going toward connecting unserved Hoosiers with access to affordable, high-speech internet.
  • Indiana provided a historic increase in K-12 education funding in the state’s 2019-2020 biennial budget – with $763 million in additional funds this year…and $1.6 billion in increased funds since 2017! This includes a $150 million payoff of teacher pensions liability, which is putting more money in teacher paychecks.
  • Thousands more Hoosiers are getting skilled-up to fill high-wage jobs – whether that’s through programs like Next Level Jobs or The Last Mile.
  • Fewer Hoosiers are dying from the drug epidemic, and Indiana’s infant mortality rate is dropping. In fact, overdose deaths are down 12.9% across Indiana!
  • Indiana’s economy keeps on growing! Our unemployment rate remains below the nation’s and below all of our neighboring states, while we’ve seen wage growth of 4%!

Staying Connected Through the 2020 Session (from 12/20/19 post)
On Jan. 6, the Indiana General Assembly will reconvene for the 2020 legislative session, and there are a number of ways for you to stay involved in the process.

Throughout session, legislators hear testimony from industry experts and stakeholders from around the state, but one of the most valuable assets is constituent input. The easiest way to have your voice heard is through your senator’s legislative survey, which you can complete online or through the mail. These surveys cover a wide range of topics, and the information gained is taken into account when it comes time to vote on legislation. Along with the survey, there are many other ways you can stay informed and voice your opinion during the legislative session. Be sure to sign up to receive your senator’s e-newsletters, which are sent weekly and provide a brief update on the topics being discussed. You can sign up by finding your senator’s page here.

You can also visit iga.in.gov to track legislation and stream committee meetings.

The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus also provides updates through our various social media platforms. Feel free to like or follow us on the following sites:

* Twitter: INSenateGOP
* Instagram: INSenateRepublicans
Be sure to stay informed and have your voice heard as the General Assembly works to make Indiana an even better place to live and work. For more information on the 2020 session, click here.

 Merry Christmas from the Holcomb Family!

 I am so grateful to be spending Christmas with family and friends in Indiana. It is a truly special time of year and I wouldn’t want to spend it any other way.

I hope that you are as blessed as I am and get to do the same this holiday season.

From my family to yours,  Merry Christmas!
-Eric

 President Donald J. Trump is signing funding legislation that provides vital support for our military, maintains funding we need to enforce our immigration laws, secure our borders, and build the wall. President Trump has also secured important funding for programs that will further Administration priorities.
Learn more here.
 
Also see:

“On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ with prayer, feasting, and great merriment. But, most of all, we experience it in our hearts. For, more than just a day, Christmas is a state of mind. It is found throughout the year whenever faith overcomes doubt, hope conquers despair, and love triumphs over hate. It is present when men of any creed bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man. . . . And it is reflected in the brilliant colors, joyful sounds, and beauty of the winter season.”

-Ronald Reagan (1981)

Visit the Vanderburgh GOP 

page for daily updates.

  Mark Your calendar                CLICK on event for more information
January 1, 2020 (Noon)
January 8, 2020
 First day to file a Declaration of Candidacy for 2020 Primary
January 8, 2020 (3:30 pm) County Council Meeting
January 11, 2020 (9:15 am)
January 13, 2020 (5:30 pm) EVSC Board of Trustees Meeting
January 14, 2020 (3:00 pm) County Commission Meeting
January 18, 2020
 VCRP Monthly Breakfast
January 31, 2020 Congress of Counties

  Make sure you add vandygop@gmail.com to your address book so we’ll be sure to land in your inbox!

If you have any questions, contact Mary Jo Kaiser, VCRP Political Director, at

or (812) 425-8207.
for more info. Thank you.
Paid for by the Vanderburgh County Republican Party, Farley Smith, Treasurer
HAPPRNIMGS AT THE VANDERBURGH

Yesteryear: Division and Main Streets

0

Division and Main Streets

by Pat Sides

In this 1982 photo, the old railroad tracks that once stretched down the center of Division Street are still intact. The intersection of Division and Main streets was one of the busiest in the city; regarded as the “gateway to the north,” the historic Jacobsville neighborhood begins in this block north of Division Street, terminating at Bosse Field.

As plans for a new east-west expressway progressed, familiar landmarks began to disappear along Division. The prominent two-story brick structure sitting at an angle in the center of the photo had stood since the 1890s. Originally built by North Side businessman Newton Kelsay, the firm manufactured harness parts for horse-drawn buggies and other products until it was sold in 1957. 

Along with all the other commercial buildings pictured here, it fell victim to the wrecking ball in the late 1980s. A fast food restaurant now occupies the site where most of these buildings stood.

Price named GLVC Player of the Week

0

University of Southern Indiana junior forward Josh Price was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week after averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in the Screaming Eagles’ weekend sweep of King University and Tiffin University in the Bill Joergens Memorial Classic. The award is the first of Price’s career and the second-straight by the Eagles.

Price started the weekend by coming off the bench to post his first double-double with a team-high 23 points and 10 rebounds in USI’s 87-68 victory over King University. He was 10-of-15 from the field and three-of-six from the stripe, while recording an assist, a steal, and two blocks.

The Indianapolis, Indiana, junior forward completed the weekend by depositing 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in the 105-89 victory over Tiffin. Price was six-of-11 from the field and four-of-six from the line, in addition to dishing two assists.

The 16th-ranked Eagles and Price resume the 2019-20 regular season and GLVC action January 2 when they host Drury University for a 7:30 p.m. game at the Screaming Eagles Arena.

 

USI announces the 2020 Hall of Fame Class

0

University of Southern Indiana Athletics is pleased to announce the selection of the 2020 USI Athletic Hall of Fame class that will be inducted during homecoming week in February. The class of six individuals and one team was selected by a nine-member USI Athletic Hall of Fame Committee.

Any Screaming Eagles fan was eligible to nominate student athletes or teams on the 10th anniversary of their last season of competition, or a coach/administrator who has been separated from the USI Athletics for two years. Special individuals (e.g., Varsity Club members) also were eligible for nominations as well.

This year’s class includes Matt Blauvelt ’91 (Men’s Soccer, 1988-90); Emily Blinzinger Parke ’03 (Women’s Tennis, 1999-2003); Dean Doughty ’95 (Men’s Soccer, 1990-92); Dave McAtee ’88 (Men’s Golf, 1984-88); Ashley Rees ’06 (Women’s Tennis, 2002-06); Allie Shafer-Krieger ’09 M’12 (Women’s Cross Country & Track, 2005-09); and the 2007 Baseball Team.

“I continue to be amazed by the amount of outstanding student-athletes and teams this University has had,” said USI Director of Athletics Jon Mark Hall.  “The Class of 2020 truly represents our growing tradition here at USI. The six individuals and one team that will be honored in February are truly worthy of this extraordinary honor. I know that the entire USI community is proud of this class and what it accomplished while at USI.”

In addition to the induction of the Hall of Fame Class of 2019, USI is inducting Ray Wright and Elmer Sanders into the Athletic Hall of Distinction for contributions to the success of the University’s varsity programs.

Reservations for the February 21 induction ceremony must be made in advance and can be made by calling (812) 464-1846 or emailing Holly Delph at hdelph@usi.edu.

2020 USI ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS

Matt Blauvelt ’91 (Men’s Soccer, 1988-90): Blauvelt, an All-GLVC performer, holds the season and career records for shutouts and goals against average since 1990 and is tied for the single-game record with 15 saves. He also was the goalkeeper for three-straight GLVC championship seasons.

Emily Blinzinger Parke ’03 (Women’s Tennis, 1999-2003): Blinzinger was a four-time All-GLVC and Academic All-GLVC selection, who also was the GLVC Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2001 and 2002. A Member of the 2002-03 team that advanced to the NCAA II Regional, she holds the USI records for career singles wins and combined singles/doubles wins and single season record for singles and combined wins.

Dean Doughty ’95 (Men’s Soccer, 1990-92): Doughty was a three-time team Most Valuable Player on USI squads that won back-to-back GLVC titles and made the move to NCAA Division I in 1992. He also was All-Region and All-GLVC in 1991.

Dave McAtee ’88 (Men’s Golf, 1984-88): McAtee is a member of the only USI golf team to win the GLVC Conference championship (1984). He also was the GLVC Conference Medalist in 1985; two-time All-GLVC award winner (1985, 1986); All-District IV (1986); finished top 30 in the NCAA II in 1986; and is the first and only individual to compete for USI in the NCAA II National Finals. After college, McAtee has played in two USGA National Championships and three State Amateur Championships.

Ashley Rees ’06 (Women’s Tennis, 2002-06): Rees was a member of the 2002-03 and 2004-05 NCAA II Tournament teams, while earning All-GLVC and Academic All-GLVC honors during her four seasons. She also was the GLVC Freshman of the Year?in 2002 and the?GLVC Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2004. Rees holds the career record for doubles wins, while ranking second in singles victories and combined wins. She also is second all-time in singles wins in a season and tied for second in doubles victories in a single year.

Allie Shafer-Krieger ’09 M’12 (Women’s Cross Country & Track, 2005-09): Shafer-Krieger was one of the most decorated runners during her tenure with the women’s programs. She is a three-time All-American (cross country 2006, indoor 5k in 2007, outdoor 10k in 2007) in addition to being a three-time GLVC champion (2006 cross country, 2007 3K indoor, and 5k outdoor. Shafer-Krieger also was named All-GLVC four times in cross country, twice in indoor track, and twice in outdoor track. She also was named GLVC Scholar Athlete of the Year for cross country in 2006 and track & field in 2007.

2007 USI Baseball Team: The first USI baseball team to win the Midwest Regional (undefeated) and advanced to the NCAA II Championship Series, tying for fifth. The 2007 Eagles also set a program record for wins in a season (43).

ADOPT A PET

0

Libby is a female black & white cat! She was surrendered in June with her 1 kitten, who has now been adopted. They were just neighborhood strays that a friendly passerby wanted to rescue. Libby is a very spritely & friendly girl who is always greeting you loudly when you walk in the room! Her adoption fee is $40 and includes her spay, microchip, vaccines, and more. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!

State Troopers Increase Holiday Patrols During Operation C.A. R. E.

0

Millions of Americans will be traveling over this Christmas and New Year’s Holiday period, with the majority traveling by automobile. What this means for Hoosiers is more traffic on Indiana’s roadways. To help ensure the safety of all motorists, the Indiana State Police will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., or Combined Accident Reduction Effort, from December 22nd through January 2nd.

Operation C.A.R.E. is a federally funded program that allows additional troopers to patrol Hoosier roadways looking for drivers that are driving aggressively or impaired. Please help do your part to make this Christmas-New Year’s Holiday travel period safe by observing the following safety rules:

  • When planning to travel, make sure you are well rested, as a fatigued driver is a dangerous driver
  • Increase your following distance; remember the two-second rule
  • Watch for slowed or stopped traffic when approaching construction zones or crash sites
  • Leave a car length between you and the vehicle in front of you in stopped traffic. Watch approaching traffic in your mirror and be prepared to take evasive action
  • Decrease your speed according to traffic and road conditions
  • Beware of bridges, overpasses and intersections where ice tends to form first during cold inclement weather
  • Make sure everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained, including making sure Child Safety Seats are properly anchored and that children stay securely fastened in them
  • DON’T BE DISTRACTED-Pull over and stop to use electronic devices
  • DON’T DRIVE IMPAIRED-Have a designated driver or use a ride sharing service
  • MOVE OVER and SLOW DOWN for emergency and highway service vehicles
  • Don’t “hang out” in the left lane.  Always drive in the right lane except to pass a slower moving vehicle

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, safety belt use is the most effective strategy a person can employ to prevent death and minimize injury resulting from traffic collisions. Motorists are encouraged to report aggressive or suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.  Give a vehicle description, location, and direction of travel.

1...3,1043,1053,106...7,307Page 3,105 of 7,307