Safety

Mom is keeping kids safe By TERRY TALBERT / Staff Writer photo: JOE CROCETTA / staff photographer Kim Buchanan has turned her kids into "little safety terrorists. " The 29-year-old mother of four is obsessed with preventing kids from getting hurt, and it has rubbed off on them. "We have a stick with a sign that says 'Buckle Up!' on it, and the kids hold it up in the car when we see someone without their seat belt on," she said. "I told them there are probably times when that isn't such a good thing to do. Some people get upset.

A series of free educational life safety programs will be offered during Emergency Medical Services Week, May 18-24 at the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway. Tuesday, May 20 - the American Heart Association will hold a citizens CPR course from 8 a.m. to noon. Wednesday, May 21 - when and how to call 911, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 22 - child safety seat education program, 2 to 3 p.m. Child seats will be checked during the program. Friday, May 23 - drug recognition education program, 2 to 3 p.m. Members of the public can attend the classes at 11114 Lincoln Ave. Call 301-582-2223 to register.

The ramp from southbound Interstate 81 to eastbound Interstate 70 near Hagerstown will be reopened to traffic Thursday -- a week ahead of schedule -- the State Highway Administration announced Tuesday. The ramp has been closed since April 14 as part of a $3.4 million project to improve safety at the interchange. The closure was necessary to facilitate construction as crews improved the bank elevation of the curve to enhance safety along the ramp, SHA said in a news release.

Toy industry group launches Web site WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Toy Industry Association has launched a Web site and toll-free phone number designed to provide up-to-date information about toy safety and toy recalls, U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., said Tuesday in a press release. "As a parent, I am troubled by the number of recent news reports concerning toy recalls from China," Shuster said. "Friday marks the launch of the Christmas shopping season and no parent should fear buying a toy for their child.

trishr@herald-mail.com BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. - The WVU Extension Service in Morgan County wants to offer an all-terrain vehicle safety course, the county agent said Thursday. Bob Knight told the Morgan County Commission on Thursday that additional education for ATV safety was offered in Berkeley Springs last year and was well received. Knight said his office worked with the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement and health officials. Knight said new ATV licensing regulations became effective Jan. 1. The new state regulation provides that riders younger than 18 must pass free, state-certified safety courses.

Heroes are defined by their brave actions, not their age. Consider, for instance, Timothy Heidtke and Jared Morgan. The two 8-year-old boys took control of medical emergencies that occurred at each of their homes. They stayed calm, followed the proper procedures and came to the aid of two people they loved - their parents. On Saturday, Timothy and Jared were honored for their efforts by being inducted into the Children's Village Life Safety Hall of Fame. Children's Village of Washington County Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing free life-safety education to elementary school children.

Heroes are defined by their brave actions, not their age. Consider, for instance, Timothy Heidtke and Jared Morgan. The two 8-year-old boys took control of medical emergencies that occurred at each of their homes. They stayed calm, followed the proper procedures and came to the aid of two people they loved - their parents. On Saturday, Timothy and Jared were honored for their efforts by being inducted into the Children's Village Life Safety Hall of Fame. Children's Village of Washington County Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing free life-safety education to elementary school children.

Red light cameras won't enhance motorists' safety To the editor: I'm writing in response to Hagerstown Police Chief Smith's comments that traffic light cameras reduce accidents.  The fact is, study after study has proved that they cause more accidents than they prevent.  Typically, what happens is that a motorist will brake heavily at a yellow light, not wanting to risk getting a ticket. This may surprise the driver behind them, who'd ordinarily expect someone to go through the light rather than brake.

Police department responds to 297 calls SMITHSBURG - The Smithsburg Police Department responded to 297 calls for service in September, Smithsburg Police Department Chief Michael Potter said at the town council meeting Tuesday night. Ordinance violations and disorderly conduct were the most commonly reported incidents. County candidate meets with council SMITHSBURG - Kristin Aleshire, a Democratic candidate for county commissioner, attended the Smithsburg Town Council meeting Tuesday night.

Hagerstown Councilman J. Wallace McClure said Tuesday night that he wants to organize an army of volunteers to clean up the city. McClure named the effort Operation Pride and Groom. To be successful, the effort will require volunteers to go out time and again to clean up trash and pull weeds, he said. McClure said he needs residents to tell him what public rights-of-way in Hagerstown are strewn with trash and overgrown with weeds so he knows where to take his army. He suggested volunteers work on Saturdays between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. They should wear long pants and long sleeves and bring gloves, two plastic bags and a trowel, if they have one, McClure said.