The Independence Day holiday in central Indiana will feature a mix of warm temperatures, scattered showers, and thunderstorms, with unsettled weather expected to continue through the weekend and into early next week.

On Independence Day, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day. Skies will be mostly sunny at times, with a high near 88 degrees. Winds will come from the southwest at 3 to 8 mph. There is a 50 percent chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts generally ranging from one-tenth to one-quarter of an inch, although higher totals are possible in thunderstorms.

Forecasters also note that peak heat index values on Saturday are expected to reach up to 105 degrees, adding another layer of heat stress to the holiday weekend. Additional showers and thunderstorms are expected from Saturday into early next week, with a few strong to severe storms possible on Saturday.

Saturday night will bring increasing chances for wet weather, with showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm developing after sunset. Skies will be mostly cloudy, and the low temperature will fall to around 70 degrees. South-southwest winds will remain light at 3 to 5 mph. The chance of precipitation increases to 60 percent, with rainfall amounts generally under one-tenth of an inch, though heavier amounts may occur in storms.

On Sunday, the weather pattern remains active with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, becoming more likely after 2 p.m. Skies will be partly sunny, and temperatures will reach a high near 85 degrees. West-southwest winds will range from 5 to 7 mph. The chance of precipitation remains at 60 percent, with most areas seeing light rainfall, though thunderstorms could produce locally higher amounts.

Sunday night will continue the trend of unsettled weather, with showers and thunderstorms likely before 11 p.m., followed by a chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Skies will stay mostly cloudy, with a low around 66 degrees. Winds will become calm in the evening after initially coming from the west at around 6 mph. The chance of precipitation remains at 60 percent, with generally light rainfall expected but isolated heavier bursts possible in thunderstorms.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware throughout the holiday weekend, as conditions may change quickly with the combination of heat and thunderstorms.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office has officially welcomed its newest team members, marking the beginning of their careers in public safety and community service.

Sheriff Tony Harris announced the addition of new Communications Officers and Corrections Officers, recognizing their commitment to serving the residents of Boone County. These professionals will play essential roles in supporting the Sheriff’s Office by assisting with emergency communications, ensuring the safe operation of the county jail, and helping fulfill the agency’s mission of protecting the community.

In a message shared by the Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Harris expressed excitement about the newest members joining the agency, emphasizing the importance of their dedication, professionalism, and willingness to serve.

“Please join us in welcoming our newest Communications Officers and Corrections Officers as they begin their careers serving Boone County,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “Their commitment, professionalism, and dedication to public service will play an important role in supporting our mission and keeping our community safe.”

The Sheriff’s Office also extended its appreciation to the new employees for choosing careers in public service and becoming part of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office family.

As they begin their training and transition into their new responsibilities, the newest Communications and Corrections Officers will help strengthen the agency’s ability to provide quality service, respond to emergencies, and maintain the safety and security of Boone County residents.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office congratulates its newest team members and looks forward to the positive impact they will make through their service to the community.

Taking decisive action to make life more affordable for Hoosier families, Governor Mike Braun today announced he is extending his suspension of Indiana’s gas taxes.

Under Governor Braun’s leadership, Hoosiers have enjoyed the cheapest gas in America.

“Affordability is my top priority. I am once again extending these gas tax savings to make life more affordable for Hoosier families. Hoosiers will be able to celebrate 250 years of American independence this Fourth of July with the cheapest gas in America.” — Governor Mike Braun

Governor Braun’s suspension of the Gasoline Usage Tax and Gasoline Excise Tax will last for an additional 30 days.

This week, Governor Mike Braun directed his administration to make local governments whole for any gas tax revenues missed while the ongoing energy emergency is in effect, saying “we are running government more efficiently and as a result, we have the resources to offer tax relief while supporting local partners.”

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces an intersection closure that will impact State Road 32 at County Road 250 W. near Lebanon.

Beginning on or after Monday, July 13, INDOT contractors will block access to S.R. 32 from C.R. 250 W. Traffic will remain open in both directions on both roads with the access restriction. The purpose is to shift traffic as part of an ongoing realignment project of S.R. 32. This intersection will remain closed through the duration of this project, which is anticipated to last through June 2027 but is weather permitting and subject to change.

INDOT encourages drivers to use caution when traveling in and around work zones.

As the anniversary of Indiana’s Blackout license plate approaches, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is proud to announce that over 240,000 Hoosier vehicles are now adorned with a version of the Blackout plate.

Each time the BMV posts about our Blackout license plate on social media, the agency’s accounts almost always receive comments that Blackout license plates can more easily be read by Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras. The BMV would like to debunk this common rumor about its popular Blackout license plate.

ALPRs can read the Blackout plate with the same efficiency and accuracy as any other plate available to Hoosiers on the road.

The Indiana State Police confirm that ALPR systems read Blackout plates with the same accuracy and efficiency as any other Indiana license plate. The color and design of a license plate has no impact on an ALPR camera’s ability to read it. Law enforcement’s priority is enforcing traffic laws and keeping Hoosiers safe regardless of which license plate design a driver chooses.

“I wouldn’t want Hoosiers to miss out on the Blackout plate because of incorrect information,” says Commissioner Kevin Garvey. “The Blackout plate’s purpose is to give our customers more choices when it comes to their plate design. It’s simply a fun style choice.”

The Blackout plate is available for passenger motor vehicles, light trucks (11,000lbs or less), motorcycles, or RVs for an additional fee of $45 and may be personalized for another additional $45 (these fees will be due upon initial registrations and all subsequent annual renewals). For more details visit the Blackout License Plate Fact Sheet on the BMV’s website.

Runners, walkers, and families are invited to lace up their shoes for the 2026 Hickory Hustle 5K & 10K Run and Kids Run, returning to Colfax on Saturday, August 1, as part of the annual Ole Hickory Days celebration.

The weekend festivities begin with a community fish fry on Friday, July 31, followed by race day on Saturday. The 5K and 10K races will start at 8:30 a.m., with the Kids Run beginning at 9 a.m.

This year’s race carries special meaning as it honors the memory of Joe Buedel, a longtime Colfax resident, Elder and Youth Leader at Colfax Christian Church, and dedicated member of the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.

Buedel battled Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, before passing away in July 2025. Race organizers hope to honor his life of service while raising awareness of ALS and supporting his family, especially his wife, who survives him.

All proceeds from the event, along with donations, will benefit the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Buedel family.

The race course is mostly flat and includes a scenic stretch of the Big 4 Trail, making it an enjoyable route for runners and walkers of all experience levels.

Participants who register by July 12 are guaranteed an official race T-shirt. Race-day registration will also be available at the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, located at 103 W. Main St. in Colfax. The race begins at the fire station and finishes a short distance away at Colfax Christian Church, 314 S. Clark St.

Following the race, participants are invited to enjoy a free breakfast at Colfax Christian Church. Donations for the meal are welcome and will benefit the church’s Dorcas Ladies ministry.

Get ready for an evening of great food, live music, and hometown nostalgia as Arborwood brings back its popular Party on the Patio on Friday, August 1.

After hearing requests from the community, Arborwood is bringing the celebration back at the perfect time. As America marks its 250th birthday and Arborwood celebrates its 100th anniversary, this year’s event embraces the theme “Americana,” honoring the timeless traditions and flavors that bring people together.

Guests can enjoy classic American favorites including apple pie with vanilla ice cream, hand-pressed smashburgers, ice-cold bottled Coca-Cola, and other backyard cookout favorites. The evening is designed to capture the nostalgia of summer nights under the stars while creating new memories with friends, family, and neighbors.

Entertainment will be provided by Radio Flyer, performing classic rock favorites throughout the evening, setting the soundtrack for a fun-filled celebration.

Tickets are available July 7.

An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect until 8:00 p.m. EDT Friday, with dangerously hot conditions expected across much of Indiana. Forecasters warn that heat index values could reach 110 degrees, creating hazardous conditions for anyone spending extended periods outdoors.

The warning covers dozens of counties across central, eastern, western, and southern Indiana. The first 10 counties included in the warning are Carroll, Warren, Tippecanoe, Clinton, Howard, Fountain, Montgomery, Boone, Tipton, and Hamilton.

Communities within the warning area include Lafayette, West Lafayette, Frankfort, Kokomo, Crawfordsville, Lebanon, Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers, Indianapolis, Muncie, Anderson, Bloomington, Terre Haute, Columbus, Seymour, Vincennes, Bedford, and many others.

Dangerous Heat Expected

The combination of high temperatures and oppressive humidity will make it feel as hot as 110 degrees during the warning period. These conditions significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and individuals without access to air conditioning.

Safety Recommendations

Residents are urged to drink plenty of water throughout the day, stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and check on elderly relatives, neighbors, and anyone who may be vulnerable to the extreme heat.

Officials also stress that children and pets should never be left unattended inside a vehicle, even for a few minutes. Interior temperatures can climb to deadly levels in a matter of minutes, even with the windows cracked, making it one of the most dangerous situations during extreme heat.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness, including dizziness, nausea, confusion, rapid pulse, or excessive sweating, should move to a cooler location immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Those showing signs of heat stroke should call 911 without delay.

The Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect until 8:00 p.m. EDT Friday

Kirklin Main Street has announced that The Mulligan’s will perform live at this year’s Freedom Fest 250, set to take place on July 4th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Travelers Point Distillery.

The event will be held on the lawn at Travelers Point Distillery, 400 East Madison Street in Kirklin, and is open to the public as part of the community’s Independence Day celebration.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, family and friends, and enjoy an evening outdoors in a relaxed festival atmosphere.

Freedom Fest 250 is proudly presented by Kirklin Main Street and made possible through the support of local partners, volunteers and small businesses throughout the community.

More information about the event can be found at:
https://www.kirklin-mainstreet.org/freedom-fest.html