Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Division of Law Enforcement    
 
 
Recent cold temperatures may have some people heading outside for icy activities.  Indiana Conservation Officer’s (ICO’s) urge the public to be aware of ‘thin ice’.  District 5- ICO Sgt. Chris Springstun adds, “With this Holiday weekend’s predicted warming temperatures, it’s important to ensure our citizens put safety first.”
 
Every winter, thousands of Hoosiers enjoy fishing, skating, hiking or just sliding around on frozen ponds and lakes.  And every year, people drown after falling through ice.
 
Here are a few tips to remember before going onto a frozen lake or pond:

• No ice is safe ice
• At least 4 inches of ice is recommended for safe ice fishing
• If you don’t know, don’t go.—Wear a lifejacket or flotation coat
• Carry ice picks/hooks and rope gear

 
Depending on conditions, ice can change from several inches thick to nearly open water within a few feet.  Flowing water, such as rivers and streams, should be avoided when covered by a layer of ice.  Water surrounded by sand, often freezes with inconsistencies.  Wind, waterfowl and beavers can also keep areas of ice thin.

​When participating in any recreational activity on ice, partnering up is a must.  Before you head out the door, make sure someone knows where you are going and when to expect you home.  Parents are strongly encouraged to closely monitor all activities their children participate in when on frozen waterways.
 
A fall into icy water can quickly result in the onset of hypothermia for the victim, which can lead to catastrophic consequences if not treated immediately.  If you see a person fall through the ice, call 911 immediately with clear and concise instructions on the location of the victim.  Attempts to rescue a victim should only occur after calling 911.  Going into the water after a victim should be the last option in a rescue effort. 
 
Know before you go and remember....no ice is safe ice! #indianaico
 
District Five Post encompasses eight counties in west-central Indiana: Vermillion, Parke, Putnam, Vigo, Clay, Owen, Greene, and Sullivan.  
 

Rich Larsen, Wabash Valley Correctional Facility

CARLISLE --  A couple plots of land, lots of donated seeds and tons of hard work is reaping big results for the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility(WVCF) 2016 garden project!
 
Over 6,435 pounds of produce has been picked so far by volunteer offender workers from the facility PLUS (Purposeful Living Units Serve) unit.  Seven area food pantries have been distributing the fresh vegetables to those in need. 

“Folks needing food gave the pantries ideas about what we should plant in our two gardens, said WVCF Community Services Director Breanna Trimble.  So, using seeds and plants given to us by Mayall’s Greenhouse (Knox County),our offender workers planted squash, zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, watermelon and pumpkins.”

​ Wabash Valley also added potatoes to the planting mix this year along with the fertilizers needed to make the gardens grow.    

​WVCF Captain Eric Brewer said the group really takes pride in the garden project, adding, “This benefits the public and lets our offenders give back to the community in a very helpful and nutritional way.”  
​The gardens are located within the fences of the maximum-security facility.  Captain Brewer and WVCF Caseworker Travis Davis oversee the garden project, now in its third year of giving.  
 
Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) Commissioner Bruce Lemmon planted the seeds of encouragement for IDOC facilities to create gardens, helping the less fortunate and instilling pride of accomplishment for offender workers.   
 
The WVCF garden benefits food pantries in Knox, Greene, Sullivan and Vigo Counties.  The pumpkins will be given to youngsters attending the WVCF Fatherhood Fall Festival this weekend.