Heed warning signs
When local roads are closed with high-water signs, it’s not meant as a recommendation, but a warning. Roadways that have high water on parts of them or are completely flooded present a safety hazard and are not meant for taking risks.
When motorists don’t heed the warnings and try to navigate them, that’s when problems occur. Vehicles get stuck and motorists stranded. And if the water is moving swiftly or rising, that increases the danger.
Road conditions can change rapidly, and it doesn’t take much for an accident to occur. The recent stretch of heavy rains provided proof. On May 6, a woman driving in a high-water area crashed into a water-filled ditch after her car hydroplaned, left the roadway and flipped. She is fortunate to be alive, thanks to a first responder from the Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department.
Motorists need to remember to be extra cautious during rainy and wet conditions and that it is better to avoid areas that have taken on a lot of water.
911 innovator
Ed Reuter is leaving Bartholomew County government as 911 Emergency Operations Center director effective Monday, having accepted an opportunity to become executive director of Indiana’s Statewide Board.
During Reuter’s 10 years overseeing the Columbus-based center, local efforts have gained widespread attention – especially text-to-911 services, which were launched in Bartholomew County in 2014 and have been helpful in cases of domestic violence.
Reuter already has had an opportunity to see the statewide landscape in 911 services as one of 14 members of the Indiana Statewide 911 Board. His experience and insight on emergency matters will be welcomed in Indianapolis.
Healthy goal
Kudos to Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. for continuing to offer fresh fruits and vegetables, and sticking to healthier nutrition standards despite rollbacks of federal requirements for school lunches. Adhering to higher standards will have greater health benefits for the children.
The school district’s efforts over the past decade to provide meals greater in nutrition for young, growing children — and use produce from local farmers — is appreciated.
