The first issue I would like to talk about is the smoking ban that was recently instituted in Lowell, Indiana, which is where I live. The talk of the ban came about in February and then was put in to place. It bans all smoking inside any public buildings, areas, and restaurants. Also, it bans smoking within 15 yards of any public building. There was a meeting recently in which many people were trying to get the ban lifted. The ban is greatly effecting the bars, restaurants, and bowling alley. Also, those at the meeting said that it is taking away their rights. The people who care about this issue are those who wish to take away the ban, the owners of restaurants, bars, and bowling alley, as well as those who wish to keep the ban in place.
The next issue I would like to talk about is the fire that occurred at Reiter Automotive Plant in Lowell, Indiana on August 10th. Ten people were inside the building when the fire started, and all got out safely. The smoke could be seen for miles and completely filled the sky. Firefighters from Lowell and other towns surrounding were there for hours trying to put it out. The building has been shut down since last November and was recently sold. Investigators have not found the cause for the fire yet. The people who care about what happened are the people who were inside the building, the people in homes near the fire, the fire departments, policemen, and the families of those working to put the fire out.
My last current event I would like to discuss is the death of Augy Vicari who had lived in Lowell, Indiana but was serving in the U.S. Army National Guard and was stationed in Afghanistan. He had been killed when a roadside bomb hit his vehicle. It happened on July 29th, and he was only 23 years old. In his honor, Lowell held a memorial parade. He had only been in Afghanistan for about 3 weeks. I think that the people who care about this issue are his family, friends, and many others in the area who knew he was in Afghanistan and appreciated the fact that he fought for our country.
