Fifty-one probationary troopers from the 78th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy class were recently issued their state police cars at the Indiana State Police Youth and Education and Historical Center in Indianapolis. Five of the officers are assigned to the Indiana State Police Lowell Post and start solo patrol in the district which covers Lake, Porter, La Porte, Newton, Jasper, Starke and Pulaski counties. The probationary officers recently completed a three month field training period with veteran troopers. They will serve a one year probationary period before attaining permanent status as a trooper. In addition to the field training, the new officers received approximately 1,018 hours of structured training in law enforcement techniques as well as hands-on practical and scenario based training exercises when they were assigned to the Indiana State Police Recruit Academy. 
It’s that time of year again when riding your bike to work is made possible with the South Shore Line’s (SSL) Bikes on Trains program. This program is offered on two morning and two evening rush-hour weekday trains in addition to select weekend trains. Bike cars will be available on these select trains from April through October. Not only can you bike to work during the week, but you can also explore the bike trails along the South Shore Line on the weekends. Bike cars are bike rack-equipped in addition to regular seating so that passengers can ride in the car near their bicycles. Bike icons can be found on the SSL timetable next to specific train times that run equipped with bike-racks. Bike-rack equipped train cars are also clearly marked with a bike symbol prominently located on the windows of the car. Bikes are not permitted during special Chicago events such as Lollapalooza and the Chicago Air & Water Show. For more information on bike-friendly train schedules, discounts and to plan your trip, please visit mysouthshoreline.com or download the SSL app (available for iPhone and Android). Passengers wishing to bring their bicycles on the train must comply with the requirements listed on the South Shore Line’s website at: www.mysouthshoreline.com/ plan-your-trip/bikes-on-trains.