AAA Motor Club Predicts Drop in Holiday Travel
The Triple A Hoosier Motor Club expects July 4th holiday travel to drop a little this year, even though gas prices are dramatically lower than they were one year ago. Spokesman Greg Seiter cites the poor economy and higher gas prices over the recent weeks. Triple A says overall travel will be down almost two percent this year. In 2008, almost 38 million people traveled 50 or more miles away from their home. That's more than a ten percent drop off from 2007. This year, experts expect about 37 million travelers to be hitting the roads and airways. They say people traveling by car will decrease almost three percent.
Troopers Out in Force Over July 4th Holiday
About 150 additional state troopers will be on patrol during the July 4th holiday weekend.
Through Tuesday, State police are taking part in federally funded programs to reduce accidents and target impaired or unsafe drivers.
Troopers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers, motorists who speed, follow too closely, make unsafe lane changes, drive aggressively, and fail to wear seat belts or properly restrain their children.
Five people were killed in crashes and there were 131 alcohol-related accidents during the July 4th holiday period last year.
Daviess Co. Arrests
Washington Police arrested 18-year-old Brittany Durocher of Washington Friday on preliminary charges of Battery and strangulation. Durocher was booked into the Daviess County Security Center on 45-hundred dollars bond. Meanwhile, Washington Police arrested 30-year-old Eddy Torres; 19-year-old Salvador Ramos; 35-year-old Mario Hernandez, hometowns unknown, and 26-year-old Edwin Martinez of Washington Friday on charges of Public Intoxication; Resisting Law Enforcement and Battery Causing Bodily Injury. In addition, Torres is facing a charge of Robbery. Ramos also is charged with identity decepetion and Martinez faces an additional charge of Possession of a False Government ID. Washington Police arrested 34-year-old Ricky Demoss of Washington on a Petition to revoke a Suspended Sentence for Conspiracy to Commit Dealing in a Schedule 1, 2, or 3 Controlled Substance. And, the Daviess County Sheriff's Department arrested 52-year-old Steven Smith of Washington for Failure to Appear in Court on a charge of Check Deception.
MJ Growing Operation Shut Down in Owen Co.
The Owen County sheriff's department says a four-month investigation with Indiana State Police led to the seizure Thursday morning. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents, Indiana conservation officers and officials with the county prosecutor's office joined Owen County deputies and state police in serving a search warrant at the growing operation. However, the exact location of the raid wasn't given. And authorities are not saying if any arrests were made. Police also seized two vehicles during the raid.
Federal, state and local authorities seized over 900 marijuana plants this week during a raid on an indoor growing operation in Owen County.
Terre Haute Bank Absorbs Failed Danville, Ill., Bank
The seven offices of The First National Bank of Danville will reopen on Monday as branches of First Financial Bank of Terre Haute. First Financial assumed all of the Illinois bank's deposits. As of April 30th, The First National Bank of Danville had total assets of $166 million and total deposits of $147 million. First National is one of six Illinois banks that were shuttered Thursday as government regulators proposed new rules for private equity firms seeking to take over failed banks. The FDIC says the failure of the six Illinois banks, which are all controlled by one family, resulted primarily from losses on investments in risky instruments known as collateralized debt obligations and other loan losses. 
A Terre Haute bank has taken over a failed Illinois bank.
Cummins Recalling 400 Workers at Columbus, IN Plant
The company shut down its Columbus MidRange Engine Plant and Cummins plans to restart the plant with one shift beginning July 13th. Cummins spokesman Mark Land says the plant will produce engines He said that workers were expected to be called back again in October. Land says Cummins has "solid commitments" from Chrysler for
Cummins Inc. is recalling 400 laid-off workers as it resumes production of the Dodge Ram engine at a central Indiana factory.
laid off 720 employees in May after Chrysler stopped vehicle
production during its bankruptcy proceedings.
for the 2009 model Ram through mid-August, but that the plant would be idled again until Chrysler starts building the truck's 2010
model.
the 2010 Dodge Ram.
SR 257 Closing Monday in Daviess/Pike Counties
State Road 257 in Daviess and Pike Counties will be closed between US 50 and State Road 356 starting Monday for repairs to the Veale Creek Bridge.
The Indiana Department of Transportation says the highway will be reopened to traffic at the end of the day Friday.
The official detour will re-route motorists using U.S. 50, State Road 57 and State Road 356.
Women in Cancer Treatment Session in July
The session will be held Monday July 13th from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Daviess Community Hospital. The deadline to register is Monday, June 29th. Those interested in attending should call 800-227-2345 to make a reservation.
The American Cancer Society will hold a free Look Good/Feel Better session in July for women going through cancer treatment.
Be Aware of State Fireworks Laws
The following is provided by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security:
With the fireworks season in full swing, Indiana citizens and retailers are being reminded of the state law governing the use and sale of fireworks.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) Fire & Building Safety division urges Hoosiers to play it safe when using fireworks this summer.
In March of 2006, Governor Mitch Daniels signed a law that will help fund important public safety programs around the state, such as firefighter training, through the collection of a 5-percent safety fee on the sale of all fireworks.
The law also includes requirements regarding where and when consumers can set off fireworks, as well as requirements for structures where fireworks are sold.
“Hoosiers need to remember that restrictions are in place regarding the use of fireworks, as well as the possible penalties for violations,” said Jim Greeson, State Fire Marshal. “We want to stress the personal responsibility of each fireworks consumer. Obey our laws, follow directions for safe use and apply common sense.”
Fireworks law provisions:
• Fireworks may be used only on the user’s property; or on the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks; or at a special discharge location.
• Fireworks can be purchased only by persons 18 years of age or older and children may possess or use any kind of firework only when an adult is present.
• Penalties for violating the fireworks law can range from a Class A misdemeanor up to a Class C felony in the case of the reckless or intentional use of fireworks that results in a person’s death.
• On Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day and New Year’s Eve, fireworks may be discharged from 9 a.m. to midnight. Any other day of the year fireworks may be discharged from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Local laws may further affect fireworks use.
The IDHS Fire & Building Safety Division recommends Hoosiers check the fireworks they purchase to ensure they contain the following information:
• Class “C”
• Consumer Fireworks
• 1.4 g
“If you find a package that you cannot read because it is in a foreign language, it says Class ‘B’ fireworks, or 1.3 g, we strongly encourage you to call the Consumer Product Safety Commission hotline (800-638-2772),” Greeson added.
