Cass County Safe Kids will be hosting a car seat event on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 1to 3 p.m. at Mosier Well Drilling, 21867 M-60, Cassopolis.

Dowagiac Department of Public Safety is a member of the Cass County Safe Kids program.

Local Safe Kids participants host car seat events throughout the county at various times of the year.

Purpose of these events is to provide free car seat checks, distribute educational materials on car seat safety and answer questions caregivers have regarding appropriate car seat use.

This is a vital service to the community given that four out of five car seats are used incorrectly.

Incorrect use can have devastating effects in the event of a vehicle accident.

Stop by the Safe Kids event this weekend and make sure your seat is installed properly and you are following current laws for car seat usage.

Michigan law on car seats

Car seats will have the minimum and maximum weight limit along with minimum and maximum height limit. Review owner’s manual or stickers on the car seat for information. NEVER have a child who is not in the height or weight requirements in that car seat!

Children ages birth to age 4 MUST BE properly secured in an approved child restraint system in a rear seat, if available. Children ages 4 to 8 (but under 4’9”) MUST be properly secured in an approved child restraint system (booster seats are usually used). Children 4 to 8 (but over 4’9”) MUST wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt.

Children 8 to 15 MUST wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt. The term “properly” means lap belt sits low on the hips (not stomach) and shoulder belt is on shoulder (not on neck, under arm or behind the back).

If you have specific questions on proper car seat uses or seatbelts, please contact your local agency:   Officer Stacey Bazan of the Dowagiac Police Department at (269) 782-9743, Cass County Deputy Katie White or MaKenzie Kreiner at (269) 445-8644,  Pokagon Band Tribal Police Officers Abraham Hohnke, James Sumners, Douglas Callahan or Justin Pangle at (269) 782-2232 or Michigan State Police (Niles Post 53) Trooper Rob Herbstreith at (269) 683-4411.

Holiday safe driving tips

The final summer weekend getaway is just around the corner with Labor Day falling on Monday, Sept. 6, this year.

Many families will be taking to the roadways to enjoy one last weekend of sun, sand and summer fun before students head off to school.

Extra law enforcement patrols will be on duty to monitor alcohol, seatbelt and speed compliance.

Motorists are reminded to schedule necessary vehicle maintenance to insure your vehicle is travel-ready, pack appropriate safety supplies in the event of an emergency and secure your home to insure that you enjoy your holiday weekend safe and worry-free.

Thank you

Department of Public Safety Director Thomas A. Atkinson commends the community for valuable assistance in locating family members for cremains recently discovered in the former Groner Funeral Home.

With your assistance, most of the cases have been closed, providing a respectful conclusion to an extremely sensitive situation for family members.

Phone scams abound

Community members are reminded to always be on the alert to telephone calls offering financial assistance you have not requested.

These calls usually involve the caller requesting financial, bank and personal information that could leave you vulnerable to identity and financial theft of your assets.

A report was made this week to the Dowagiac Police Department of a call in which the telemarketer indicates that “there is no problem with your account, however, our company can offer you a lower interest rate and save you money.”  This scam has been circulating for some months.

The homeowner was alert, however, and refused to give any information. The caller became belligerent and the homeowner simply hung up.