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By Becky Killian, Staff Writer
Officials have adopted a new ordinance that includes a fine of up to $500 plus costs for tractor trailer drivers who use county roads rather than the official detour routes.The Washington County Board of Commissioners recently approved the ordinance, which took effect immediately.
The law aims to discourage tractor trailer drivers from using – and damaging – county roads rather than the state-approved official detours.
The county Highway Department will erect signs along roads where tractor trailer traffic is restricted.
Exceptions to the law include vehicles involved in the maintenance or repair of county infrastructure or trucks being used for pickups, deliveries, or service calls; however, such traffic must be kept to a minimum and drivers must use the shortest, most direct route.
By Becky Killian, Staff Writer
County officials heard about an incident involving law enforcement at the Hardinsburg ballpark last week. The discussion was held during the Tuesday, May 7, meeting of the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
Kristy Pavey, a parent of a ballplayer, said the scheduled game was cancelled shortly before its start due to predicted inclement weather and the gate to the field was locked. The opposing team had already arrived when the decision was made to cancel the game. Since the players were present, they held a practice. Pavey said at some point, the gate was unlocked, but she didn’t know who unlocked it. The practice ended when deputies arrived to remove the players and parents from the ballpark.
Commissioner Todd Ewen told Pavey the locks are needed to prevent vandals on four-wheelers from accessing and damaging the field. Pavey said she understands the need to lock the gate used for vehicle access; however, she believes the ballpark’s pedestrian access should remain open.
Pavey said parents of the players have been “shut out” from interacting with the board responsible for the ballpark. When parents express interest in participating with the appointed board, they are ignored.
Commission President Phillip Marshall said the commissioners have been advised by their attorney to develop rules concerning access to the ballpark. He said the county is responsible for the park – as well as for paying to repair any damage from vandals. He assured Pavey that commissioners are working on a solution.
Other matters discussed during the meeting included:
*Anthony Green, of Livonia, complained that the town’s Council refused to allow him to establish a medical taxi business out of his house. He said the Council overlooks the business conducted at his neighbor’s house. Commissioners said they have no jurisdiction over the town and advised him to hire an attorney.
*County Highway Superintendent Jason Clodfelter said his department has started mowing and expects to begin paving in early June.
*Commissioners approved a payment of up to $5,100 to have a company update the county’s ordinance book.
*Commissioners approved amending the county’s budget to accept a $97,958 Community Development Block Grant.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Indiana Bar Foundation have teamed up to bring the importance of civics for young Hoosiers to the forefront. The 40th edition of the Here Is Your Indiana Government book – previously published exclusively by the Indiana Chamber – is now complimentary via an electronic guide and specifically designed to help teach to civics and government standards for grades four through 12.
The publication, which is still relevant for the general public and business community, is a resource to educate readers about the structure of Indiana government. This includes nearly 250 pages of content, including charts, photos, historical information and interesting Indiana facts.
“We’re excited to bring back this staple of our publications division. Increasing civic engagement for all Hoosiers is one of the goals of the Indiana Chamber’s new long-range visioning plan for the state called Indiana Prosperity 2035,” shares Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders. “For decades, Indiana students have been educated through this book and we’re pleased to make it even more impactful by meeting current educational standards regarding civics.”
The overhaul of the publication coincides with a new Indiana law now in effect that every middle school student must take one semester of civics education (in advance of the high school government requirement).
Indiana Bar Foundation President and CEO Charles Dunlap echoes Sinders’ enthusiasm about this collaboration.
“The Foundation is excited to be a part of the Here Is Your Indiana Government resource book,” he says. “This will be an outstanding tool for educators around the state to help learn and teach about state and local government. Hoosier students and educators are getting a top-notch resource to help better understand our government.”
The PDF of Here Is Your Indiana Government: 2024-2025 Edition can be downloaded at no cost at www.inbarfoundation.org/IndianaGovernmentBook. Hard copies of the publication will also be available for sale at www.indianachamber.com/here. (The book will be printed in March and pre-orders are currently being taken.)
The book is sponsored by Church Church Hittle and Antrim, Indiana Civics Coalition and the IU Center for Representative Government.
The timing of “Here Is…” also aligns with the deadline for young Hoosier students to take part in the first-ever Indiana Civics Bee. To do so, a student must submit a 500-word essay to a participating local chamber by February 19 with their ideas for improving their community and showing their enthusiasm for civics. The top three winners from each local event will advance to compete in the Indiana Civics Bee on August 23 at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. The program is hosted by the Indiana Chamber and Indiana Department of Education. The state finalist winner will have the opportunity to compete this fall in Washington D.C. at the National Civics Bee.
Congresswoman Erin Houchin has joined over 40 lawmakers in signing an Amicus brief in support of the state of Texas in its legal battle with the Biden Administration over immigration policies. The brief, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas —Austin Division, accuses the Federal Government of an "abdication of its duty" at the border.
Congresswoman Houchin stated, "I am proud to stand with my colleagues in supporting Texas' efforts to stop the chaos, secure the border, and protect our country. The Constitution is on our side, and so are the American people."
The legal battle stems from a law signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott that allows Texas law enforcement officers to arrest and charge illegal migrants. The Justice Department argues that this falls under Federal Authority, leading to a lawsuit filed against Texas.
"The Biden Administration's inability to contain the crisis at the border has made it necessary for border states like Texas to take action," Congresswoman Houchin added. "President Biden has willfully disregarded the laws of the land and has failed his constitutional duty to safeguard our national security."
The Amicus brief, led by Rep. Jodey Arrington of Texas, accuses the Federal Government of facilitating "mass illegal entries" into the U.S. and interfering with states' efforts to secure their borders.
Congresswoman Houchin emphasized the importance of defending states' rights in the face of federal overreach. "Every state has the power to fend off the Biden Administration’s intentional illegal invasion," she stated. "I applaud Governor Abbott for holding the line against President Biden’s self-inflicted border crisis."
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Latest Washington County Mugshots
The following individuals were arrested recently by local law enforcement agencies. Those listed, in most cases, are just facing charges at this point, and are to be considered innocent of those charges unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are often dropped or lessened. Mugshots are collected from local law enforcement agencies on Mondays and are public records.
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