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IDHS seeks volunteers to participate in the PFAS Testing Pilot Program. In 2023, the Indiana General Assembly instructed the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to establish a pilot program to determine if firefighters in Indiana have per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances PFAS) in their blood.

PFAS substances got the name “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily and they stay in the body and environment for long periods of time. Most Americans have these suspected carcinogens in
their body, but researchers have shown that firefighters likely have higher levels of PFAS due
to exposure from protective gear, products of combustion and some firefighter foams.

PFAS Testing Pilot Program
IDHS is launching a voluntary program where firefighters in Indiana can apply to have their blood tested for PFAS free of charge. The results will be shared with the individual firefighter. The de-identified data collected from the pilot program will be analyzed by IDHS and other state agencies to determine how to better
protect Indiana’s firefighters from PFAS exposure.

How To Participate
Indiana firefighters interested in participating in the pilot program should submit their name, email address and PSID via the interest form. A follow-up application will be emailed from the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. email address to those who fill out the interest form. The follow-up application must be completed in full to move forward in the process. A limited number of participants will be selected. Completing the application does not guarantee you will be selected for the program.

If selected for the program, participants will be mailed an at-home testing kit, which needs to be returned within 14 days. Participants are not guaranteed results if the test is not returned within 14 days.

After returning the test, participants will receive the results of their test and IDHS will receive de-identified results to use in a report for legislative purposes. Participants’ personal information will be protected. No identifiable information will be shared with IDHS or in the public report.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 9.

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By Sgt. Carey Huls, Public Information Officer, Indiana State Police Sellersburg District

Washington County - Friday, July 19, 2024: Indiana State Police served an arrest warrant on a Hardinsburg man on Friday for child molestation and other related charges following a month-long investigation.    

The investigation began on June 12, 2024, after an Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) family case manager was made aware of the allegations.  The case manager then contacted ISP Detective Travis Baker who initiated a criminal investigation working alongside DCS personnel. The investigation included a forensic interview conducted at a local child advocacy center and Detective Baker obtained a search warrant for cell phones related to the investigation. 

As a result of the investigation and search, Detective Baker believed illegal sexual contact occurred between the child and 31-year-old Michael Allen Richardson of Hardinsburg, Indiana.  Richardson was arrested on a warrant for the current charges while incarcerated at the Washington County Jail for previous and separate charges.  Charges for this investigation are listed below:  

1. Child Molesting (4 counts) - Level 1 Felony. 
2. Child Exploitation (5 counts) – Level 4 Felony.
3.  Incest (4 counts) – Level 4 Felony.

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Delaney Creek Park is on track to achieve its most profitable year – but the number of visitors is overwhelming the park’s staff.

Park Manager John Burlington, who was frequently visibly frustrated, gave the report during the Tuesday, July 16, meeting of the Washington County Parks & Recreation Board of Directors.
As of the end of June, the park had made a profit of $150,249.

The park sees hundreds of visitors every weekend, with Burlington saying some of those visitors ignore rules and cause damage. He said he would support increases to the gate and annual camper fees to possibly decrease park visitation. He also said he has considered making the beach accessible only to campers who are staying in the park.

The number of visitors has caused safety concerns, with Burlington continuing to have to chase swimmers out of the lake at night. He said his greatest concern has always been the possibility of a swimmer drowning.

Over the Independence Day holiday, Burlington said he helped rescue three boys who got lost on the Knobstone Trail. Despite his lifelong familiarity with the trail, and the tendency for the county to call him when hikers are reported lost, Burlington said his joints are too worn now to be expected to trek such a challenging trail.

Overall, Burlington said the park is understaffed, workers are underpaid, and more security is needed; however, county officials continue to simply pat him on the back for a job well-done rather than address his concerns. He is also disappointed that no county official has ever attended a park board meeting during his tenure.

“I’m tired,” he said. “Very tired.”