Summer safety tips

With summertime fast approaching, and children out of school you should probably know where the registered sex and violent offenders are located in your area. You can find the registry by visiting this website, or by visiting http://www.indianasheriffs.org/ . You may also sign up for free email alerts when a new offender registers in your area. Keep in mind that not all criminals are registered, and you should always know where your children are and who they are associating with. Check out their friends, and get to know their friend's parents before letting them visit or stay overnight. Your children and their wellbeing is your responsibility. Let's all make this a safe and happy summer.

Texting and driving against the law in Indiana

As of July 1st, 2011 it will be against the law in Indiana to type, transmit, or read text messages or e-mail while operating a motor vehicle. Police officers will be allowed to pull you over and issue a citation for this offense, and the fine could be as much as $500. Drivers using hand-held devices are four times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash. Distracted drivers accounted for 7,800 collisions in 2009 and cost Indiana tax payers $257 million dollars. Please drive safely, don't text and drive, and don't give my deputies a reason to pull you over and issue a citation. Let's do everything we can to keep Indiana's roadways as safe as possible.