• The Indiana State Fair will offer free admission to all First responders, current and former Military, and their families through the remainder of the Fair (Sunday, August 23rd) to thank them for their efforts to help flood victims.
• The Oaklandon Road and 75th Street roundabout project has been delayed again due to uncooperative weather. The full closure of the intersection is now scheduled to begin Tuesday, Aug. 25.
• The City of Lawrence Fire Department has been awarded a $70,000 Indiana Department of Homeland Security grant to strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve public safety. The funding will provide a new EMS MedCart and thermal imaging cameras to help Lawrence firefighters respond more effectively to emergencies throughout the community.
• Justin Alan Payne will be the featured artist at the acoustic open mike on Monday, Aug. 24 from 7-10 p.m. at the Irving Theatre. Local musicians play original music on this Monday night tradition. The theater is located at 5505 E. Washington.
• There will be a Community Safety Day in Lawrence on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Lee Road Park, 6200 Lee Rd. Highlights include K9 demonstrations, SWAT demos, and at 1 p.m., a Fire Dept. vs. Police Dept. kickball game. There will be bike safety info, plus much more for the whole family. The pickleball courts will be closed.
• Beech Grove will host Fourth Friday Art Walks on Friday, Aug. 28 from 5:30-9 p.m. on Main St. Local artists, musicians, businesses and makers will be featured.
• The BoomBlaze Music Festival will be held at Garfield Park South between Shelby St. and Madison Ave. and East Troy Ave. on Saturday, Aug. 29 from noon-9 p.m. Expect Caribbean rhythms and global music from artists from around the country. There will be food trucks and vendors as well. Tickets are $12.51-$33.85 and available on Eventbrite.com (search for BoomBlaze).
• Roberts Park UMC, 401 N. Delaware, offers a free, hot take-out dinner every Wednesday from 6-7 p.m., thanks to their food ministry.
• On Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., there is a Statehouse Market at Robert D. Orr Plaza on S. West St. near the Indiana Historical Society building. Fresh produce, local vendors, and food trucks will be there.
• Films at the Fort will present a free showing of Hitch on Friday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. on the lawn of Fort Ben Cultural Campus. Pack your lawn chairs and snacks, or order from food trucks before the movie. Doors open at 6 p.m. The campus is located at 8950 Otis Ave.
A big thank you needs to go out to our first responders and volunteers who have been helping the flood victims over the past several days. Our hearts go out to those who have been affected by these terrible, historic floods.