The Autumn on the River Committee will meet this Sunday, July 22 at 2 p.m. at the Bethlehem Schoolhouse. During last month’s meeting the committee voted to begin holding the meetings at 2 p.m.
    During the upcoming meeting the committee will discuss- the AOTR’s inaugural pageant, booths, parade and auction.
    Volunteers are always needed and the public is encouraged and invited to attend the meeting.
    For more information regarding the meeting contact David Abbott at 502-931-4669 or 812-256-6080.

     Founders Day 2007 just ended with all the tens, tables and banners back in storage until 2008. Chairperson Donna Coomer stated that 2007 was the most successful festival to date, brining in more vendor booths and other attractions than past years.
    One special attraction was the auction, chaired by Tim Copeland and Rhonda Davidson. Many quality items were donated and the public seemed to enjoy bidding against each other for the 2008 fundraiser. David Spear, owner of Cooper Kettle was the auctioneer.
    The talent show, chaired by Rick Jackson, was also a new addition to this year’s festivities and was a big hit. Many local artists performed. One patron was heard saying, "Why do we need to hire entertainment with all this local talent?"
    The favorite among youngsters seemed to be the parade, chaired by Chuck and Christie Ledbetter, where candy was tossed from passing floats. The Super Slide set up on Spring Street also attracted a young crowd.
    The First Annual Founders Day Dog Show was chaired by LaDonna Johnson. It was a great success with over 30 entries.
    It all closed with the beautiful fireworks show provided by Melrose Pyrotechnics and sponsored by the City of Charlestown.
    Chairperson Donna Coomer and Co-Chair Harold Goodlett want to thank all the Beautification Committee volunteers, City of Charlestown employees, Charlestown Police Department and Reserves, Charlestown Volunteer Fire Department and Masingo Electric. Many contributed much time and effort to make Founders Day the most successful on record. Coomer would also like to say a special thanks to all of her staff who worked tirelessly with the public to make sure the festival was a triumph.
    Finally, all the members of the Beautification Committee would like to thank each and every sponsor of this year’s festival. Without your time, generosity and patronage, this festival could not happen.

     Indiana has 121 new troopers assigned to state police districts throughout the state. Members of the 67^th Indiana State Police Academy took their oath of office on July 6 at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center. This is the largest Indiana State Police recruit class in the history of the department.
   Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman and Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D., recognized the accomplishments of the class upon their graduation from the Indiana State Police Recruit Academy. Following the keynote address by Lt. Governor Skillman, Chief Judge John G. Baker of the Indiana Court of Appeals, administered the oath of office to the recruits.
   The recruits received approximately 840 hours of structured training in law enforcement technique since January 26. Their curriculum included 80 hours of criminal law instruction, 50 hours of vehicle operations training, 30 hours of psychology and 40 hours of "Survival Spanish." They also developed skills in criminal investigation, vehicle crash investigation and impaired driver prevention and detection.
   "During the academy, these candidates have equipped with the skills and knowledge required to be a trooper," said Superintendent Whitesell. "Now it is time to put those skills to work for the people of Indiana."
   Cadets come to the academy from different places. Some had severed in the military; many entered the academy directly after college. Newly sworn officers look forward to a future with the Indiana State Police and are part of the Governor’s initiative to return the state police to full capacity.
   The six new troopers will be assigned to field training officers for at least three months before being placed on solo patrol within the Sellersburg District which is responsible for Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott and Washington Counties.
   The six new troopers assigned to the Sellersburg State Police Post are: Travis Baker from Washington County, Shannon Burton from Carter County, Kentucky, Mark Lamaster from Scott County, Brock McCooe from Floyd County, Greg Pate from Clark County and Patrick Shawler from Harrison County.