By Lacy Scarmana

Summer officially begins in June, but Memorial Day, the Indy 500 and warm weather unofficially mark the beginning of the season in Indiana. In addition to sunshine and barbeques, summer also presents new opportunities and challenges to several industries, including law enforcement, parks management and entertainment.

On this episode of Noon Edition, we spoke with guests from the Indiana State Police, the Department of Natural Resources and the Nashville Arts and Entertainment Commission to see how they adapt to the changes.

Safety is top of mind for many departments.

Sergeant Curt Durnil says the Click It or Ticket campaign, which launched earlier this month, was designed to remind folks of the safety of being properly restrained in a car.

“Not only is it the safest way to do it, but it’s the legal way to do it,” Durnil says.

He references studies that have shown how seatbelts can save lives and prevent serious injuries during a crash.

Angie Goldman, Department of Natural Resources law enforcement officer in Monroe County, says safety is also their number one goal. DNR law enforcement oversees campgrounds, water and hunting and fishing enforcement.

Goldman recognizes that oftentimes camping and boating go hand-in-hand with alcohol consumption, so she urges people to drink responsibly.

“We’re looking for some folks out there who are doing some things that aren’t smart,” Goldman says. “We also want to keep the peace out there.”

People are allowed to consume alcohol while on a boat, but the operator must adhere to the same alcohol standards as driving a car, so their blood alcohol content must remain below .08. If you would prefer to stay on land, Ginger Murphy, Assistant Director for Stewardship for Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs, recommends using one of the many trails in the state park. She says a growing number of mountain bike trails are scattered across the state, including one in Brown County that has been recognized internationally.

“If you’re a mountain bike rider, Brown County is the place you want to go,” Murphy says.

Speaking of Brown County, it’s also home to the Nashville Arts and Entertainment Commission, headed by President Tom Tuley.

Nashville is one of five official cultural arts districts in the state of Indiana.

“We’re trying to make people understand what exists in this district and get you to the arts and entertainment venues,” Tuley says.

An 18-foot sculpture is under construction in the middle of the district outside of the convention center to attract attention to the arts.

Guests

Sgt. Curt Durnil – Indiana State Police

Tom Tuley – President of the Nashville Arts and Entertainment Commission

Angie Goldman – Public Information Officer in Monroe County

Ginger Murphy – Assistant Director for Stewardship for Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs