WASHINGTON —
Fifth-graders at Lena Dunn Elementary School were treated to a demonstration by Daviess County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle officers Wednesday.
Along with a demonstration of their motorcycle-driving skills, Deputy Aaron Harbstreit and Lt. Detective Bill Dougherty talked about their jobs and training, and answered the youngsters’ questions. One topic Harbstreit touched on was the education needed to become a law enforcement officer.
“Education is very important in any line of work, including ours,” he said.
The presentation was the first of the school year for Project LEAD, Legal Education to Arrest Delinquency. Sponsored by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, the program brings speakers from law enforcement and legal careers into each of Daviess County’s grade schools once a month through May. It’s designed to prevent juvenile delinquency by educating youth about the law and helping them develop decision-making skills.
“It’s interesting,” said Lena Dunn fifth-grade teacher Susan Chambers. “I see in the beginning, from some of the children, fear of law enforcement and misunderstanding. Then, as they see these people and the things they do, it increases their understanding.
“I think it’s been a wonderful program. It’s brought so many community officials into the classroom that these students may never otherwise meet or see in a positive light. It’s a very positive program for these kids.”
One fifth-grader named Jacob enjoyed Wednesday’s motorcycle demonstration and was impressed with the motorcycles.
“It was cool,” he said enthusiastically. “They definitely had a lot of experience doing this because it was — indescribable.
“They were basic motorcycles equipped with lots of stuff.”
Project LEAD has been in place in Daviess County for five years, according to Economic and Community Development Associate Cindy Barber, who coordinates the speakers. During that time many speakers have been involved, including the mayor and prosecutor. Next month’s speaker will be a conservation officer, she said.
Objectives of Project LEAD are to demonstrate the need for laws and explore life in a lawful society; provide boundaries and expectations and to encourage development of positive standards, healthy beliefs, and positive social values; provide opportunities to interact with members of the law enforcement and legal systems in a nonthreatening environment, and to explore career alternatives; and strengthen decision-making, interpersonal communication, peer pressure resistance, and peaceful conflict resolution skills.
Barber said the program has been very effective. She explained the students take a quiz before and after the program, and results show their attitudes change dramatically in a positive direction. She said the speakers set good examples for the students and often inspire them.
“The speakers love to be invited back,” Barber said, adding they learn a lot from the students, as well.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Daviess County motorcycle patrol give a demonstration on Wednesday at Lena Dunn. By Andrea McCann
Discussion
Motorcyles LEAD the way
- Local News
-
-
Police Report
CITY REPORT
Monday
8:49 p.m. - A complainant on station turned in a pouch that contained an electronic tablet. The pouch was found at Eastside Park. -
WC to graduate on Friday
Washington Catholic High School will hold its commencement exercises at 8 p.m. Friday in the gymnasium. Following the procession and invocation, Karie Craney, principal, will make introductory remarks. The salutatory addresses by Hannah Emmons and Steven Holland will follow a musical selection by the WC Ensemble. The valedictory address will then be given by Andrea Onyett. Daryl Hagan, superintendent of Catholic Schools Diocese of Evansville, and Andrew Wibbeler, dean of students, will present graduate scholarships. Bishop Charles C. Thompson, Diocese of Evansville, Daryl Hagan and Karie Craney will then present the diplomas.
-
D2DInc moves to WestGate @ Crane
Design To Delivery, Inc., a consulting firm supporting private companies and government agencies engaged in federal procurement and government contracting, officially opened its first office outside of its Washington, D.C. region in the WestGate @ Crane Technology Park on Tuesday.
-
High winds hit area; cause damage
Daviess County and the city of Washington were hit hard by storms that passed through the area Tuesday morning.
High winds accompanying the storms ripped through the area damaging buildings, uprooting trees and sending a 20-foot piece of wood through a car parked on the lot of Washington Chrysler Center. -
WHS wins SeaPerch title
Washington’s SeaPerch teams took home gold at last Saturday’s national competitions at the IUPUI Natatorium.
The WHS NJROTC STEM team won first overall out of 100 teams competing at the national finals. The NJROTC team took first in the obstacle course and the deep water transfer portions of the competition, and received special recognition in the technical innovation.
-
Washington man arrested on molestation charge
A Washington man was arrested Friday for one count of child molesting. Jacob Tyler Taylor, 19, 603 E. Main St., Apt. 3, was arrested by city police for a count of Class B felony child molesting.
-
Lyons gets 65 years
Dressed in a bright green jumpsuit and escorted by members of the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department, Corey Mitchell Lyons, 23, entered the court room, and sat hunched over a table with his family sitting behind. On the other side of the room sat family members of a baby who's was life was taken too soon and the mother of Lyons’ child Savanna Johnson.
-
ND graduating Friday
North Daviess High School will hold its commencement exercises at 7 p.m. Friday in the high school gymnasium.
-
Police Report
CITY REPORT
Monday
8:36 a.m. - An employee of Fast Max, 1200 E. Nat’l Hwy., reported a drive-off worth $16.09. The driver was identified via video and after contact, went back and paid for the gas. A debit card malfunction was blamed. -
Area Briefs
1968 WHS reunion planned
Washington High School Class of 1968 is planning a casual reunion to be held at 7 p.m. June 22 at Mulligan’s. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be provided. - More Local News Headlines
-
Police Report
Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Former Rep. Weiner Running for New York Mayor
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore
Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Protests Outside Cincinnati IRS Office
New Xbox One Entertainment Console Unveiled
