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INDIANAPOLIS — Starting Monday, state and local law enforcement agencies will increasing patrols as part of the national “Click it or Ticket” high-visibility enforcement effort.

From May 20 through June 2, officers will be out in full force making sure drivers and passengers are buckled up and children are properly secured.

The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

“We want seat belt use to be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said ICJI Traffic Safety Director James Bryan. “Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash.”

Since the “Click It or Ticket” initiative began more than 20 years ago, seat belt use has gone up 30% in Indiana to 93.2%, higher than the national average of 91.9%.

Despite making progress and advances in vehicle safety, in 2023, 390 unbuckled vehicle occupants lost their lives on Indiana roads. Nationally, there were 11,813 unbuckled vehicle occupants killed in crashes.

Research has repeatedly demonstrated the safety benefits of seat belts. Buckling up can reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash by up to 65%. Without a seat belt fastened, people can be ejected from a vehicle and killed.

Tragically, vehicle collisions continue to be a leading cause of death for children aged 1-13. NHTSA data shows that approximately 46% of all car seats are being used incorrectly.

Indiana law requires the driver and all passengers to buckle up. Children under age eight must be properly restrained in a child car seat or booster seat.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make sure children are in the right car seat and that it’s used correctly and properly installed. Resources can be found at www.nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat. To schedule an appointment with a certified car seat safety technician at one of Indiana’s fitting stations, visit on.in.gov/SafeKids.

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By: Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

On Tuesday morning, May 14, at approximately 9:41 a.m., deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department responded to North State Road 135, near the intersection of Spurgeon Road, for a single motor vehicle crash.Upon arrival, deputies observed a white 2006 Dodge Ram truck, off the west side of North State Road 135, resting against a utility pole.

The driver was identified as Jimmy Dobbs, age 76 of Vallonia.

The driver’s statement and evidence at the scene indicated Dobbs was northbound when he drove through a pool of rainwater, causing the vehicle to travel into the opposite lane of travel, off the west side of the roadway, down an embankment and roll over before coming to a stop.

Dobbs was transported to University of Louisville Hospital for complaint of shoulder pain and minor bleeding.

Deputy Devin Hopkins is the investigating officer and was assisted by Detective Brad Naugle, Sgt. Matt Hein, members of the Salem Fire Department and the Washington County Ambulance Service.

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The Salem Fire Department is in need of volunteer firefighters.

Applicants must be 18-40 years of age, live in Salem or Washington County, possess a valid Indiana Drivers License and be willing to complete state mandatory training within one year.

Those interested should contact Salem Fire Department at 109 North High Street, Salem or call 812-883-4970.

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Press Release from the Town of Orleans

A brief dedication ceremony was held April 24th for the new historic Downtown Orleans Mural created by Chloe Houston, senior art student at Orleans High School. Chloe created the idea in art class last year and her design was chosen for the mural. Her idea was also the 2024 Dogwood Logo and was featured on the Dogwood Tabloid. The mural is located in the Gateway Park across from the Orleans Bandstand (east side of square).

The mural was designed in art class under the instruction of Dr. Leah Morgan, edited and printed by Nikki Deckard of HD Graphix, and placed in its downtown location by town employees. It was funded in part by a Simmons/Tegarden grant from the Orange County Community Foundation. The mural project was also made possible in part by the Brown County Community Foundation and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Several were in attendance for the ceremony to help honor artist Chloe Houston on her creation including Orleans town and chamber officials. Also present to take part in the dedication activities was Sen. Eric Koch.

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Hardingsburg Christian Church is hosting "Here's to Our Heath", a program dedicated to learning how to prepare healthy meals, be more physically active and take charge of your health. Each household will recieve a free meal kit to take home each week to create a simple, healthy meal that will feed a family of four. This event is taking place on Tuesdays from 6-8 PM until July 16. If you are interested, please call (812)-883-4601 by May 21 to register.