‘Tis the season to safely decorate the home with winter holiday decorations. The State Fire Marshal reminds Hoosiers that unattended candles and Christmas trees placed too close to heat sources cause many home fires during the holiday season.

“Following a few safety tips can help prevent decorating-related home fires that occur every year,” said State Fire Marshal James Greeson. “Learn about and stay aware of possible hazards that can make the holiday less than merry for you and your family.”

The Indiana Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service (warn of fraudulent e-mails impersonating either revenue agency encouraging individuals to open files corrupted with malware.

These scam e-mails use tax transcripts as bait to entice users to open the attachments. The scam is particularly problematic for businesses or government agencies whose employees open the malware infected attachments, putting the entire network at risk. This software is complex and may take several months to remove.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security encourages Hoosiers to use Winter Weather Preparedness Week, Nov. 11-17, as a time for learning and household preparation.

Power outages are a major concern during severe winter storms. Snow, ice, high winds and extreme cold conditions may cause above ground power lines to work irregularly or stop working. Winter Weather Preparedness Week provides a chance for Hoosiers to prepare and practice a household emergency plan for utility distractions.

After a warm start to fall, cooler temperatures are finally expected this weekend. Hoosiers using alternative heating methods to avoid the furnace a bit longer should exercise caution.

“During the months of October through December, fire-related deaths increase because of alternative heating sources,” said State Fire Marshal James Greeson. “These heating sources are the leading cause of all home fires for the calendar year so sharing information about their dangers is vital.”

INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags across the state to be flown at half-staff to honor U.S. Sen. John McCain.

Flags should be flown at half-staff from now until sunset on the day of his burial, Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018.

Gov. Holcomb also asks businesses and residents across the state to lower their flags to half-staff to honor him.

According the 2018 College Completion Report released by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education today, more Hoosier students are graduating college than ever. In addition, on-time college completion rates are improving across all four and two-year public campuses statewide, and extended graduation rates are increasing at most Indiana public campuses.

“It is encouraging to see Indiana’s significant progress in moving the needle on college completion,” said Indiana Commissioner of Higher Education Teresa Lubbers. “These successes are a direct reflection of the hard work happening at public campuses across the state, as well as the support of the General Assembly.”

As Independence Day approaches, Hoosiers are encouraged to practice safety when it comes to fireworks. In 2017, 77 percent of all reported firework injuries occurred from July 1-7, and 39.5 percent of all firework injuries occurred on July 4.

“Fireworks can cause serious injuries if not properly handled,” State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson said. “If planning to use personal fireworks, always follow label instructions and keep precautions such as a hose or bucket of water nearby. Taking a few seconds to think about safety is important for everyone involved.”

The Indiana Department of Revenue is reminding taxpayers that data thieves don’t take a summer vacation. In fact, summertime tends to be a favorite period for tax scammers, as many individuals are awaiting a response from DOR or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after filing their tax returns.

Tax scammers try to get individuals to disclose personal information, such as their Social Security number, account information and/or passwords. Scams often come through as phone or email scams, however social media may also be used to target victims.

Paul L. Renn, son of the late Opal Renn McAninch of Sheridan, is celebrating his 100th birthday on May 5,2018.

Mr. Renn is a l936 graduate of Sheridan High School. 

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles will extend hours of operation on Monday, May 7 and Tuesday, May 8 to issue ID cards and driver’s licenses to be used for identification at a polling place. Branches will be open on Monday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday, May 8, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

As required by state law, branches will only process new, amended, or replacement ID cards, and renewed, amended, or replacement driver’s licenses and learner permits. New driver’s licenses and learner permits will be processed provided the customer has previously completed all required testing. Customers who are required to take a knowledge or driving skills exam to obtain or renew a license may choose to apply for a free ID card to use for voting purposes.

INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today issued a proclamation calling a special session of the 120th Indiana General Assembly Monday, May 14, 2018. The Constitution of the State of Indiana provides that the governor may call a special session at his discretion if he believes public welfare requires it.

“I’m calling lawmakers back to take action on the critical issues of school safety and federal tax conformity,” Gov. Holcomb said. “And, with sharp focus, I’m confident they can finish this work in a single day.”

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is continuing a collaborative community effort, 500 Forward, to celebrate the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil and the Month of May.

Now in its second year, 500 Forward harnesses the collective efforts of 13 partner organizations and countless individuals alongside IMS to offer programming and events that celebrate the Month of May and support a broad array of community initiatives.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is encouraging Hoosiers to plan ahead for weather events as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 18-24.

“While many parts of Indiana continue to experience flooding and damage from February, the arrival of spring historically brings a greater threat of severe weather in the region,” said IDHS Director Bryan Langley. “Severe Weather Preparedness Week provides a great reminder of the risks facing Indiana and the steps Hoosiers can take to prepare now – before the storm hits.”

All Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) branches will be closed Friday, March 30 in observance of the Good Friday holiday. Branches resume regularly scheduled business hours on Saturday, March 31.

For more information on branch locations and hours, BMV Connect self-service kiosk locations, or to complete an online transaction, please visit myBMV.com.

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Secretary Dr. Jennifer Walthall and Indiana Executive Director for Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement Jim McClelland recently announced a new tool to help Hoosiers seeking treatment for substance use disorder immediately connect with available inpatient or residential treatment services.

This new tool is made possible by a partnership between the state, OpenBeds®, a software platform that manages health services, and Indiana 2-1-1, a non-profit organization that provides health care and other resource referrals to those in need. The partnership brings together OpenBeds® technology with Indiana 2-1-1’s database of service providers to give Hoosiers access to addiction treatment options in real time—as well as ongoing services when Hoosiers leave treatment to help them return to productive and fulfilling lives.