Following the excessive heat watch issued by the National Weather Service for a large portion of the central United States, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reminds local residents about steps they should take to protect their health from the extreme heat.

People suffering from heat stress may experience heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; and nausea or vomiting. Early signs include muscle cramps, heat rash, fainting or near-fainting spells, and a pulse or heart rate greater than 100. People suffering from heat stress should be moved to a cooler location to lie down. Apply cool, wet cloths to the body especially to head, neck, arm pits and upper legs near the groin area where combined 70 percent of body heat can be lost; and have the person sip water.

Outgoing 2016-17 Sheridan Rotary Club President Steve Martin handed the gavel off to incoming 2017-18 President Scott McCullough at a recent Sheridan Rotary get-together.

Congratulations, Scott!

Last fall the Sheridan Rotary Club partnered up with the Carmel Rotary Club to obtain a matching Rotary District 6560 grant to put a new roof on the MAMA’s Cupboard Food Pantry facility in uptown Sheridan. The clubs are proud to announce that the project is complete and MAMA’s Cupboard has a brand new roof.

The Sheridan Club donated $2,500 dollars as did the Carmel Club and that total amount of $5,000 was matched by the District. The $10,000 raised was combined with further funding from MAMA’s Cupboard to finish the project. Located on the northeast corner of Main and 2nd Streets in Sheridan, the facility should be rain and snow proof for many years to come.

Looking for something fun to do on the hot summer nights?

Then mark Aug. 5 and head over to Biddle Memorial Park for Biddle Foundation's Move in the Park Night. The show begins at dusk and admission is free.

Hamilton County has reported one of the first human cases of West Nile virus in 2017.

"Unfortunately, West Nile disease is a common occurrence in Indiana during mosquito season," said State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H. "When we find evidence of the virus in multiple counties, that means the risk is starting to increase statewide. Protecting yourself from mosquito bites and eliminating breeding grounds are the best ways to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses."

Shirley A. Emry, 78, Sheridan, passed away Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Harbour Manor Care Center in Noblesville.

She was born on Aug. 9, 1938 to the late Hugh and Leota (Rich) Addington in Westfield.

Keith A. Vawter, 69, Noblesville, passed away Friday, June 16, 2017.

He was born Aug. 3, 1947 in Boone County.

Earnest “Ernie” Alvin Lafferty, 82, Kirklin, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at St. Vincent Hospice in Indianapolis.

He was born Dec. 13, 1934, in Allen, Ky. to the late Clark and Dona (Gray) Lafferty.

Jill Leigh Doty-Brock went to be with her Lord and Savior over the weekend and into the loving anticipated arms of her loving brother Kevin.

She was born Feb. 3, 1972 to Eddie and Karen (Reddick) Doty of Sheridan.

Wilbur Hammack, age 82, of Sheridan, passed away on Saturday evening, June 24, 2017, at Premier Healthcare of Sheridan.

Born Jan. 2, 1935 in Westfield, he was the son of the late Marion Elza and Inah Esther (Mann) Hammack.

Brian L. Smith, 89, Lebanon, passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2017.

He was born Dec. 18, 1927 to the late Brian W. and Marie (Reed) Smith.

Allan D. Stamper, 62, Sheridan, passed away June 13, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Jan. 27, 1955 to the late Van and Evelyn (Waters) Stamper in New Castle, Ind.

Mary Patricia "Pat" Park, 85, LaGrange, Ind. died Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at Miller's Merry Manor in LaGrange, Ind.

Mrs. Park was born April 9, 1932 in Indianapolis, Ind. to Patric C. and Mona Mae (Osborn) Lindenmayer and attended school at Sheridan.

Floyd Mathew Ottinger, 79, passed away at his home in Sheridan Monday morning, June 12, 2017.

The youngest of 13 children, Mr. Ottinger was born on July 3, 1937 in Westfield to the late Francis Leonard and Ocal Leona (Brown) Ottinger.

Bryan Eugene McKinzie, 49, Sheridan, passed away June 5, 2017.

He was born June 15, 1967 to Don McKinzie and Sandra McKinzie in Noblesville.

Maurice Dent 82, Westfield; passed away on May 20, 2017 surrounded by his family.

Mr. Dent was born June 7, 1934 to the late Nathaniel and Susan Jane (Hawkins) Dent in Petersburg, Ind.

The debate between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones has been going on ever since they first crossed paths on the charts 53 years ago. The argument at the time, and one that still persists, was that the Beatles were a pop group and the Stones were a rock band: the boys next door vs. the bad boys of rock. So who’s better? These two legendary bands will engage in an on-stage, throw down - a musical 'showdown' if you will - on Sunday, Aug. 20 at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center courtesy of tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction - The International Rolling Stones Show.

Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the county's top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles' career. They face off against renowned Stones tribute band Satisfaction - The International Rolling Stones Show, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion.

With fireworks season under way, the State Fire Marshal is reminding all Hoosiers to be aware of fireworks laws when celebrating.

“Hoosiers using fireworks this summer need to be both safe and legal when doing so,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson. “Responsible use of fireworks will help contribute to safe and enjoyable celebration.”

Both fireworks users and fireworks retailers selling to the public need to abide by the law.

Ivy Tech Community College and Indiana Wesleyan University have partnered to create a statewide reverse transfer agreement for students who have transferred to Indiana Wesleyan University prior to completing their associate degree at Ivy Tech.

“We are pleased that our existing articulation partnership with Indiana Wesleyan has been enhanced by this reverse transfer agreement. This provides an alternative path to an associate degree for students who transfer prior to degree completion. Such an option is particularly valuable when an unexpected event disrupts pursuit of the baccalaureate,” says Dr. Russ Baker, vice president of academic affairs and university transfer division, Ivy Tech Community College.

The 100th lap of the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 will be in honor of Bryan Clauson.

Clauson, a Noblesville High School graduate, died after a racing accident in August 2016. He raced in three Indy 500's in 2012, 2015, and 2016.

"Going into the month of May, we didn't expect anything because Bryan had only run three years in Indy Car," said Diana Clauson, Bryan's mother, "but he was a pretty impactful guy. So it didn't surprise us when they told us about it."

Bryan had his best run at the 500 in 2016 and had a "really positive experience" his mother said. Aside from Indy Car Bryan also raced dirt track races and was working to bring the dirt track history back to the motor speedway. "We're absolutely honored," said Clauson. "Last year he led the 100th lap, so we think it's a really cool way to honor him."

The NRA Foundation has awarded the Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry’s “Meat” the Need program a grant in the amount of $1,000.00.

These funds will be used to assist Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry in paying processing fees for donated large game and livestock. Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry encourages the donation of large game and livestock to their “Meat” the Need program. Hunters and farmers may donate, at no cost to them, by taking large game or livestock to a participating meat processor in their area. The donation will be processed, packaged, and frozen. Local hunger relief agencies will be contacted for pick up and distribution of this nutritious protein back into the community in which it was donated.