State Road 16 in Cass County will close between C.R. 1050 W and C.R. 900 W on or after Monday, April 29 through late May for a bridge deck overlay project.

The official detour will follow State Road 119, State Road 39, U.S. 24 and U.S. 35.

INDOT had previously announced that this project would begin in early April.

With the coming of warmer weather, off-road vehicle (ORV) enthusiasts are eager to ride. Indiana Conservation Officers reminds the public to operate ORVs responsibly.

remember to follow these safety rules:

• Always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet. All riders under 18 years of age are required by law to wear a helmet while operating an ORV. Goggles, long sleeves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots are also recommended.
• Never operate or ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Never carry a passenger on an ORV designated for one occupant, and don’t ride with more than one passenger on an ORV specifically designed for two occupants.
• Children should only ride ORVs if they meet the minimum age designated by the manufacturer of that ORV.
• Riders younger than 14 years of age are required to be supervised by an adult at all times when riding an ORV.
• ORVs are primarily designed to be operated off-road and should be operated at a speed where the operator can control the ORV and stop in time to avoid a collision.
• On side-by-side style ORVs, in addition to helmets and other safety equipment, seat belts should be worn by the operator and any passengers.

To learn more about ORV safety visit offroad-ed.com/indiana and register for a comprehensive online off-road recreational vehicle course.

The Indiana State Police will partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for their 26th “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative.

The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of unwanted prescription drugs.

Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment. This program is for pill and liquid medications. Vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges will also be taken. Needles or sharps of any kind will not be accepted for disposal. This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose both potential safety and health hazards.

As in the past, unwanted medications may be dropped off at any Indiana State Police Post, except for the Toll Road Post.

The Indiana State Police Peru Post will host their collection site from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on April 27. The Peru Post is located at 1451 N. Eel River Cemetery Road, Peru.

Please help keep officers safe by ensuring no needles or sharps are included in your contents at drop-off.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development congratulates Jobs for America's Graduates Indiana students for accolades garnished through their efforts at the 2024 National JAG Career Development Conference.

The National CDC is the pinnacle experience for JAG youth across the country to demonstrate their professional skills, explore career options, connect with employers and create pathways for their future. Top students from the JAG Indiana state CDC, which took place in March, traveled to compete.

Award Winning JAG Indiana students Include:

4th - Prepared Speaking: Gunnar Crispin, Tippecanoe Valley High School

At the National CDC, students from approximately 38 states compete in events that highlight the employability skills they have learned through the program. This year's national competition took place April 18-20 in St. Louis, Missouri.

"Through JAG Indiana, we at DWD see the educational and professional impact the program has on students," said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. "Their recognition and accomplishments on the national stage are encouraging votes of confidence in our expansion efforts. The students’ success is a reminder of why Governor Holcomb committed to doubling the number of JAG students to 11,000 by the end of his term. JAG hones students’ innate talents and abilities, enabling them to make a long-term positive impact on workforce throughout the state of Indiana."

DWD is expanding JAG with the goal of impacting 11,000 Indiana students through 250 programs annually and looking to launch programs at more middle and high schools as well as some universities by the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025. Currently, JAG Indiana is over 60% of the way toward completing its goal.

Schools interested in JAG expansion are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/jag to learn more.

First Federal Savings Bank has been honored as a Five Star Member of the Indiana Bankers Association.

The award was presented on April 17, by Rod Lasley IBA COO, in recognition of First Federal Savings Bank’s Association involvement throughout 2023.

The Five Star Member designation recognizes those IBA-member banks that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the Association in five areas: political awareness, issues advocacy, life-long learning, IBA volunteerism and Preferred Service Provider utilization.

“We very much appreciate the dedication of First Federal Savings Bank and as a Five Star Member bank,” said Amber Van Til, IBA president and CEO. “Our Association is strong, thanks to our supportive members who strive to grow stronger communities.”

The Indiana Bankers Association supports Indiana banking through issues analysis, professional education, and products and services that enhance member banks’ ability to serve their communities.

Photo: Displaying First Federal Savings Bank’s Five Star Member award from the Indiana Bankers Association are (from left): Evan Gottschalk, First Federal Savings Bank CEO & President,Rod Lasley, Indiana Banker’s Association COO and Amanda Morris-Feldman, First Federal Savings Bank CFO.

Motorists Encouraged to Exercise Caution with Increasing Farm Equipment on the Roadways

As Indiana’s planting season quickly approaches, the Indiana State Police emphasizes the importance of cautious driving and heightened awareness when encountering farm equipment on the roads. With farmers preparing to work their fields, large agricultural machinery will soon become a common sight along rural routes and highways.

The presence of farm equipment on roadways poses unique challenges for both drivers and operators. These machines are often large, slow-moving, and may obstruct visibility. Therefore, it is imperative for all road users to remain vigilant and patient.

To ensure the safety of everyone on the road, the Indiana State Police offer the following tips:

1. Stay alert: Keep a lookout for slow-moving farm equipment, especially on rural roads. Be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.

2. Maintain a safe distance: Keep a safe distance when following farm equipment. These vehicles may need to make sudden stops or turns.

3. Pass with caution: If you need to pass farm equipment, do so with extreme caution. Only pass when it is safe and legal to do so, ensuring there is enough room to maneuver safely.

4. Use signals: Signal your intentions early when approaching or passing farm equipment. This allows operators to anticipate your movements and adjust accordingly.

5. Be patient: Remember that farmers are working to feed our communities. Exercise patience and understanding, as delays caused by farm equipment are temporary.

6. Watch for turning vehicles: Farm equipment may need to make wide turns. Stay back and give them ample space to complete their maneuvers safely.

7. Obey traffic laws: Adhere to all traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits and passing zones. Avoid distractions and remain focused on the road.

A $250 reward is being offered to find out who is responsible for an act of vandalism.

The reward will be issued for information correctly identifying those responsible for intentionally breaking windows at Sonshine Preschool in Fulton.

You can send a message the preschool's Facebook page, or call / text 910-494-4890.

U.S. 35 will be reduced to one lane in Pulaski County between 15th St and C.R. 50 N in Winamac on or after Monday, April 15 through late May for a bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance project at Quigley Marsh Ditch.

Traffic will be controlled by temporary traffic signals.

Kewanna Youth League announced registration for Youth Baseball is still open.

The league is accepting applications until April 15. You can pick up and drop off your application at the Kewanna Public Library.

For any inquiries or assistance, Email: kewannayouthleague@yahoo.com or call:

David Stangle, (574) 817-0653

Dawn Boehme, (574) 727-0357

Chelsea Miller, (808)354-7060

It's a campout that provides a safe haven for veterans to meet and bond with other veterans, so they can have a battle buddy to help them through crises.

It's a way to support veterans who have invisible wounds and let them know they matter and have a purpose. The campout is presented by U Matter 2 Inc. and this is our second All American Campout. We have special guests who offer services and advice to those in need. There are great activities, such as cornhole, horseshoes, games, camaraderie, and more, to help veterans meet others with common ground.

Several organizations will be in attendance, and dinner and breakfast will be served.

This event will take place on May 4 at 9 a.m. until May 5 at 2 p.m. The location is 18890 5th Rd., Plymouth 46563. This is primitive camping, and RV/campers are allowed and must have their own generator. The campout is free for veterans and one guest.

Please note that this is an adults-only event, and participants must be 21 years old and above. You must show DD-214 or Military ID to enter. Our mission is simple: Helping one veteran at a time! We are everyday people who want to make a change by helping our local veterans who are struggling in today's world. We want them to know they are not alone.

Registration is available at www.umatter2inc.org. If you have any questions, please contact Ruth Dilts, Public Relations Officer at 1-574-216-5041, or email um2pro@yahoo.com .

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) announced the following dates, times, and locations that his office will be holding mobile staff office hours in April throughout Indiana’s Second District.

Mobile office hours will allow for Congressman Yakym’s staff to assist constituents with casework questions: 

Cass County

Thursday, April 18

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET

Walton-Tipton Library

110 N Main Street
Walton, IN 46994

Thursday, April 11

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

Goshen Chamber of Commerce

232 S Main Street

Goshen, IN 46526

Fulton County

Rochester District Office – Tuesdays, 8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. ET; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

709 Main Street

Rochester, IN 46975

Thursday, April 11

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET

Akron Clerk’s Office

206 W Rochester Street

Akron, IN 46910

Kosciusko County

Thursday, April 11

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET

Etna Green Town Hall

106 S Walnut Street

Etna Green, IN 46524

Tuesday, April 23

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

Warsaw City Hall

102 S Buffalo Street

Warsaw, IN 46580

La Porte County

Monday, April 15

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET)

Kingsford Heights Public Library

436 Evanston Road

Kingsford Heights, IN 46346

Marshall County

Thursday, April 11

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET

Argos Town Hall 

201 West Walnut St.

Argos, IN 46501 

Miami County

Thursday, April 18

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET

Converse Library

108 S Jefferson Street

Converse, IN 46919

Pulaski County

Monday, April 15

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET

Medaryville Town Hall

409 E Main Street

Medaryville, IN 47957

Starke County

Monday, April 15

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. CT (1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET)

Hamlet Town Hall

10 S. Starke Street

Hamlet, IN 46532

St. Joseph County

Mishawaka District Office - Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

2410 Grape Road, Suite 2A

Mishawaka, IN 46545

Wabash County

Thursday, April 18

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET

Wabash City Hall

202 S Wabash Street

Wabash, IN 46992

Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Fund announced the selection of Adam Thada as their new president.

With ten years of experience in the conservation and sustainability field, Thada brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the organization.

Thada comes to the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Fund most recently from the Indiana Toll Road Concession Company (ITR) where he served as the Sustainability Manager. Prior to the ITR, he served as the Director of Ecological Relationships for The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ in Donaldson.

Thada is Vice President and founding member of the Marshall County Parks and Recreation Board.  In addition, he was a part of 2019 Leadership Marshall County, a 2021 Hoosier Resilience Hero from IU Environmental Resilience Institute, a 2019 Partners for Clean Air from Michiana Area Council of Governments and a 2018 Friends of Conservation from Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

“We are thrilled to welcome Adam to our team.” says Abbe Starr, LMEF Chair. Starr also noted that “his approach, experience and mindset align perfectly with our mission and objectives. We are confident he will lead us well.”

Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Fund Inc. (“LMEF”), including the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Council (“LMEC”), established in 1983, is a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping Lake Maxinkuckee and its surrounding watershed clean, healthy and safe through research, education and collaboration.  Learn more about Lake Maxinkuckee, LMEF, LMEC and how you can get involved at www.lakemax.org.  

Fulton County Sheriff Travis Heishman announced he will sponsor up to 10 students who resides in Fulton County to cover the camp registration fee for the Indiana Sheriffs' Association Youth Leadership Camp.

The Indiana Sheriffs' Association announced and will be celebrating its 44th Annual Indiana Sheriffs' Association Youth Leadership Camp to be held in June and July again this year.

There will be two camp sessions this year, the first session will be held June 17 - June 20, 2024, at Pine Creek Camp in Pine Village, Indiana (Warren County) serving the northern part of the state. The second session will be held July 1 - 3, 2024, serving the southern part of the state at Waycross Episcopal Camp in Morgantown, Indiana (Brown County).

The Indiana Sheriffs' Association Youth Leadership Camp is a program provided by the Indiana Sheriffs' Association for boys and girls who are currently in the 7th or 8th grade of school and are interested in learning more about a possible career in law enforcement. The camp provides a very meaningful experience and relationship with other campers from throughout the state and sheriff officers who serve as counselors and instructors.

Any boy or girl currently in the 7th or 8th grade of school interested in attending the camp should contact the Sheriff's Office or school counselor for an application and additional information.

State Road 14 will close between U.S. 35 and State Road 17 on or after Monday, April 15 through early November for a resurfacing project.

While local access will be maintained, through traffic should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow U.S. 35, State Road 10 and State Road 17.

This project will be done through Cold-in-Place (CIR) recycling, a method of removing and reusing the existing asphalt surface. It involves grinding off the top two to five inches of the existing asphalt surface and mixing the crushed asphalt with an asphalt recycling agent, and placing it back down with a paver.

Fulton County 4-H will host its annual fish and tenderloin fundraiser this weekend.

Powerball's grand prize reached $1 billion.

That comes less than a week after one lucky winner in New Jersey snagged a $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot on March 26. 

Powerball's top prize since hasn't been won sinceNew Year's Day. That's 39 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. That streak without a winner is nearing the record number of 41 consecutive drawings, set twice in 2022 and 2021.

The Powerball drawing takes place live at 10:59 p.m. Eastern every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Meanwhile, Hoosier Lottery announced a winning Powerball ticket worth $50,000 was purchased at the Warsaw Deli Mart.

The winning numbers for Wednesday, April 3, are 11-38-41-62-65 with the Powerball of 15.

Lottery officials say the ticket holder should keep their ticket in a secure place, consider meeting with a financial advisor, and contact Hoosier Lottery customer service at 1-800-955-6886 for specific claim instructions.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, in collaboration with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Aging, announced today that nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Golden Hoosier Award.

This is the 17th year of the program.

“Our state is filled with generous Hoosiers who are constantly giving back to their neighborhoods and communities,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "The Golden Hoosier Award is an amazing opportunity to honor those who have dedicated their lives to serving Indiana communities." 

The award began in 2008 and annually honors senior Hoosiers for their lifetime of service and commitment to their communities. Since the start of the program, more than 200 Hoosiers have been honored. 

To be eligible, the nominee must currently be an Indiana resident, age 65 or older and have been a volunteer in the community for the past three years.

The deadline for submitting applications is Sunday, July 14. Nomination forms can be accessed electronically by visiting in.gov/lg/lt-governor-initiatives/golden-hoosier-award.

A ceremony honoring those selected will be held later this year.