State Fair Train Schedule - Fishers Indiana

AtFishers -

The Indiana Transportation Museum will, again, provide round-trip transportation from the Fishers Train Station to the Indiana State Fairgrounds every day of the Indiana State Fair (Wednesday, August 9 to Sunday, August 20). (more...)

TheIndyBlog: We Were Afraid This Might Happen

I sure hope a fight doesn't break out.

Fines For Your Day in Court

WTHR -

Traffic court fines
....

And while Shive admits the odds are stacked against the accused traffic offender, he won after taking advantage of his constitutional right to trial. And while the Marion Superior Court isn't trying to take that right away. It will be imposing a $50 fine for anyone who tries to fight their ticket in court and is not dismissed.

Court administrator Ronald Miller said, "There are just a lot of folks that play the system, play the game and this is an effort to hold folks accountable."

The attempt is to cut back on wasted court time and police overtime by discouraging those who show up with the hopes that the police officer won't.
(more...)

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No Deal Yet for Colts RB

Slam! Sports -

Colts top pick hopeful of new contract
Joseph Addai might already be taking a page from Edgerrin James' playbook - even if he'd rather not emulate James' prolonged rookie holdout.
(more...)

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TheIndyBlog: Famous People Dig Us

Thanks Dave. Glad to have you as a loyal reader.

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Hoosier Birthday

Happy Birthday Jim!



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Bauer Wants Answers on Gas Prices

Advance Indiana -

Bauer Wants Carter To Investigate High Gas Prices
Nobody likes paying higher gas prices, but as long as crude oil prices continue to skyrocket and oil companies have to meet blending regulations to comply with new environmental emissions regulations, consumers are going to have to pay more at the pump. (Read full post...)

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Immunity Response May Be Helped By Proteins

Political Gateway -

Proteins could help boost immune response
Indiana researchers are theorizing that a family of proteins which fight bacteria could help increase the body's immune response rate in certain patients.

Roman Dziarski, Ph.D., and Dipika Gupta, Ph.D. have released their discovery of peptidoglycan recognition proteins which could boost individuals with compromised immune responses, including patients with HIV, the Indiana University School of Medicine said in a release. (more...)

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No Way for Opponents to No Call

The News-Sentinel -

Federal appeals court upholds Indiana's no-call law
A federal appeals court on Friday turned down a challenge to the state's do-not-call list which claimed that the law violates constitutional free-speech rights.

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago ruled that the state's interest in protecting residents' right not to endure unwanted speech in their own homes outweighed the First Amendment concerns of the charities which sued.
(more...)

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Guitar Roadshow

For the musician who is interested in or collects vintage guitars....

Gretschworld.com -

GUITAR ROADSHOW
JULY 29-30th 2006
FREE ADMISSION & APPRAISALS
Sponsored by GRETSCHWORLD.COM

WORLDS LARGEST INVENTORY OF GRETSCH GUITARS.
COLLECTORS, AND CERTIFIED APPRAISERS ON HAND TO EVALUATE
YOUR VINTAGE GUITAR, MANDOLIN, BANJO OR AMPLIFIER. ALL VINTAGE GUITARS ON DISPLAY WILL BE FOR SALE! CASH PAID FOR FENDER, GIBSON, GRETSCH, MARTIN & MORE!

SATURDAY-JULY 29TH - Memorial Coliseum
4000 Parnell Ave. Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Show hours 10am-4pm


SUNDAY-JULY 30TH - Hilton Indianapolis North Hotel
8181 N. Shadeland Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46250
Show Hours 10am-4pm

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Copycat on Indiana Interstate?

M & C News -

More highway shooting reports in Indiana
Authorities in Hammond, Ind., are wondering whether a copycat is at work following reports of three sniper shootings along a stretch of highway.
(More ...)

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Indiana State Fair - Biggest Yet

Inside Indiana Business -

Indiana State Fair Breaks Sponsorship Record
With 13 days left until the Indiana State Fair officially starts celebrating its 150th anniversary, fair officials are celebrating their most recent piece of history as the annual summertime tradition tops $1.1 million in sponsorships for the first time.

Sixty-four companies are now part of Indiana's largest multi-day event, including 31 that signed sponsorship agreements for the first time in 2006. These organizations are spending $1.15 million to have a presence at the fair. This figure is 7 percent above last year's previous record of $1,080,200.
More ...

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Ten Selected For IU Award Program

Kelley Scholars announced at Indiana University
Ten Kelley Scholars have been selected by the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington.

Kelley Scholars, all incoming freshmen this fall who intend to major in business at IU Bloomington, will receive full tuition and fees, a stipend for living expenses, and other funding, including for overseas study. The award is for four years and has an annual value of more than $15,000 for recipients who are Indiana residents and about $30,000 for those who are non-residents.
More ...

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Happy Birthday, I Think

WISH-TV -

Indiana man wins 288 pounds of jelly beans
An Indiana man got a sweet birthday present at the Jelly Belly Center in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
The 288-pound Mike Lively won 288 pounds of jelly beans yesterday -- for being the factory's one (M) millionth visitor.

The 41-year-old man _ who says he only weighs 278 pounds _ says he'll share his windfall with his family, but not his colleagues at work where he's a steel worker.
More ...

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Westfield Showcases New-Concept Community

Topics.com -

New-concept community opens in Westfield
Michael Ievoli lived in a condo downtown, but decided he needed more space.

"I was ready for my first real 'house-house.' I just needed more room," he said. He drove by a sign for M/I Homes one day and investigated the builder online. He also visited an M/I model, as well as models by other builders.
More ...

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Parks Employee Facing Charges

Accounting Web -

Indianapolis Accounting Staffer Embezzled $350,000, City Claims
The accounting staffer, who was fired after allegedly admitting her crime to investigators, steered fake credit and debt card refunds to her own accounts, according to charging papers. Questionable transactions went back to 2000. The employee, Kenya Miles, faces charges of official misconduct, theft and fraud against a financial institution. She posted a $7,500 bond and was released from the Marion County Jail July 13.
More ...

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State Fair Preview - Show Up Hungry

Woman Motorist -

150th Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis
The 150th Indiana State Fair's signature food will be deep-fried chocolate-covered strawberries. Fairgoers will get to sample these fresh strawberries, which are skewered, battered and deep fried before being topped with chocolate sauce, powdered sugar and more strawberries. Some of the other finalist foods that will be served include: Deep-fried Sauerkraut Balls, Cool Dog, Cream-filled Fried Puff Balls, and Caramel-Popcorn Pie.
More ...

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Fishers Makes The Grade Second Straight Year

MSNBC -

Fishers makes 'best cities' list - again
Americans are flocking to places that offer big-city benefits with more green space and less stress. That's according to Money Magazine which on Monday listed the best places to live. Fort Collins, Colorado ranks number one. Naperville, Illinois is number two, followed by Sugar Land, Texas. A central Indiana city is also on the list.

In its 115th year, Fishers stands tall as one of the best places to live in America. "It doesn't surprise me. There are a lot of good things in Fishers and it's family-oriented. They have a lot of good things to offer," said Stephanie Harper.

Money Magazine agrees. Among the high marks for Fishers: award-winning schools, affordable housing and a crime rate well below the national average of places chosen as the best in America.
Read more about Fishers rating ...

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Indiana Highway Sniper Charged

Reuters -

Teen charged in Indiana highway sniper slaying
Police on Tuesday charged a 17-year-old high school student with carrying out an Indiana highway sniper spree that left one dead and one injured.

The motive behind the attacks on Sunday July 23 were still not clear, officials said, though the person arrested, Zachariah Blanton, has had unspecified run-ins with the law in the past, investigators said.

Blanton, of Gaston, Indiana, a town near Muncie northeast of Indianapolis, was arrested following a tip. Delaware County Sheriff George Sheridan told a news conference the youth was "remorseful and cooperative" and, while he had not confessed, his statements provided probable cause to charge him with murder, attempted murder and criminal recklessness.

He was being held without bond at the Jackson County jail near Seymour, south of Indianapolis, where the first attacks occurred on Sunday along Interstate 65, a busy Great Lakes to Gulf Coast thoroughfare.
Full report ...

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Indiana On Shaky Ground

U.S. Geological Survey -

Earthquake History of Indiana
The most damaging Indiana earthquake originating within the State, occurred on September 27, 1909, near the Illinois border between Vincennes and Terre Haute. Some chimneys fell, several building walls were cracked, light connections were severed, and pictures were shaken off the walls. It was strong in Indianapolis and Oakland City. It was felt over an area of 30,000 square miles including the southwestern half of Indiana, all of Illinois and parts of Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, and probably in parts of Kansas.

Another damaging earthquake originating in Indiana occurred on April 29, 1899, and rated intensity VI to VII on the Modified Mercalli Scale. It was strongest at Jeffersonville and Shelbyville; at Vincennes, chimneys were thrown down and walls cracked. It was felt over an area of 40,000 square miles.

In 1876, twin shocks fifteen minutes apart were felt over an area of 60,000 square miles. A shock in 1887 centered near Vincennes was felt over 75,000 square miles and an 1891 shock damaged property and frightened people in church at Evansville.
Read the entire story ...

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Eli Lilly Under Fire in Mississippi

The Clarion-Ledger -

State sues drug company
The state today filed a lawsuit against pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Co. over an alleged calculated marketing plan to defraud the state out of millions of dollars in Medicaid reimbursements for “off-label” uses of the anti-psychotic drug Zyprexa.

The suit, filed in Lafayette County Circuit Court, alleges that representatives of Eli Lilly persuaded Mississippi doctors to prescribe the drug to patients suffering from conditions like anxiousness, mood swings and disturbed sleep when the drug only is approved to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Continue reading ...

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Hurrle Orthopaedic Acquired by HealthSouth

Birmingham Business Journal -

HealthSouth acquires 7 Indiana outpatient facilities
HealthSouth Corp. has acquired the assets of a seven-facility outpatient physical therapy operation, absorbing its 35 employees.

The deal gives Birmingham-based HealthSouth (OTC Pink Sheets: HLSH) ownership of Indiana-based Hurrle Orthopaedic Physical Therapy P.C.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but the deal boosts HealthSouth's presence in Indiana from three to 10 facilities. HealthSouth spokeswoman Kristi Gilmore says, prior to the Hurrle deal, HealthSouth operated only two inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and one outpatient facility in that state. Continue here ...

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Sniper Attacks on Indiana Interstates

CTV -

Police hunt for clues in Indiana sniper attacks
Residents of Indiana are hoping police will make some arrests soon in a series of sniper shootings yesterday that killed one man, injured another and damaged a series of cars.

Two sets of sniper attacks were reported Sunday morning about 160 kilometres apart on Interstates 65 and 69.

The first shooting took place just after midnight on Sunday.

Jerry L. Ross, 40, of New Albany, was shot to death as he rode in his pickup truck on 1-65 near Seymour, about 80 kilometres south of Indianapolis.

Soon after, the Seymour Police Department received a call about a second shooting at a gas station off I-65. Read more about this ...

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EPA Gives Indianapolis Education Grant

Environmental Protection Agency -

EPA awards $15,729 to Indianapolis environmental education project

CHICAGO (July 21, 2006) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has awarded a $15,729 environmental education grant to Improving Kids Environment, Indianapolis, Ind., for a school bus idling project.

Improving Kids' Environment is among 10 organizations in EPA's six-state Region 5 that received a total of $187,200 in environmental education grant money this year. More than 100 proposals were received from groups in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

"These creative projects inspire environmental stewardship in communities throughout the Midwest," said Region 5 Acting Administrator Bharat Mathur. "We recognize the winners' imaginative approaches to environmental education."

Improving Kids' Environment will educate students, teachers, staff, administrators and parents at Indianapolis elementary schools about the environmental and health impacts of unnecessary vehicle idling. As a result of the project, the school community will be able to make informed decisions about personal behaviors and how they affect air quality.
Continued ....

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Indiana Business News

Business Wire -

Hurco Reports Departure of CFO
INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 21, 2006--Hurco Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ:HURC) today announced that its Chief Financial Officer, Stephen J. Alesia, has notified the company that he intends to resign from his position effective September 1, 2006, to pursue another business opportunity.

Michael Doar, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Steve has been an important contributor to our success in recent years and we wish him success in his new position. We appreciate the fact that he has agreed to continue to remain through the end of August to assist us in completing our financial reporting requirements for our third quarter. We have initiated a search for qualified candidates, both internal and external, for the CFO position."

Hurco Companies, Inc. is an industrial technology company that designs and produces interactive computer controls, software and computerized machine tools for the worldwide metal cutting industry. The end market for the company's products consists primarily of independent job shops and short-run manufacturing operations within large corporations in industries such as aerospace, defense, medical equipment, energy, transportation and computer equipment. The Company is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and has sales, application engineering and service subsidiaries in High Wycombe, England; Munich, Germany; Paris, France; Milan, Italy; Shanghai, China and Singapore, along with manufacturing operations in Taiwan. Products are sold through independent agents and distributors in the United States, Europe and Asia. The Company also has direct sales forces in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Asia. Web Site: www.hurco.com
More ...

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BMV Employee Fired, Dems Think Wrong Person

IndyStar -

BMV employee thinks e-mail led to firing
Bureau says worker's performance didn't meet expectations; governor supports agency's action

Karen Woods was a Bureau of Motor Vehicles employee until the day after she sent an e-mail to Gov. Mitch Daniels detailing her frustrations with the new computer system.

The system installation has caused headaches for BMV customers and employees alike, with breakdowns, inaccurate information and other problems.

Woods thinks her e-mail, in which she stated, "I like my job and would like to keep it," led to her dismissal the morning after she sent it. She said she had never been "written up" for any problems and had not received any complaints from her supervisors.

The BMV issued a statement saying Woods was "in her first seven weeks of employment and failed to perform her duties up to expectations based on job performance. The BMV invites its associates to offer suggestions for improvement and constructive criticism."
Continued here ...

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New Fireworks Law Causes Some to Lose Sleep

Courier-Journal -

Indiana may revisit fireworks change
Lenient law sparks urban complaints

INDIANAPOLIS — A bill passed this year to legalize the use of fireworks in Indiana was supposed to inject some common sense into the state's long-criticized law.

But the issue has instead exploded into a new controversy that could lead to more changes.

Residents in some of the state's more urban communities have complained that the use of consumer fireworks in neighborhoods has been more prolonged than in the past, disrupting those trying to sleep.

Brad and Terilyn Myers, who live with their 11-month-old daughter in a suburban Elkhart neighborhood, became so frustrated that they are among the 201 people who have complained to Gov. Mitch Daniels.
Continue reading ...

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RCA Championship Finals Set

ZeeNews.com -

Blake and Roddick in all-American final
Indianapolis. Second seed Andy Roddick will face U.S. compatriot and top seed James Blake in the finals of the RCA Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana on Sunday (July 23).

Roddick defeated fourth seed and defending champion Robby Ginepri in two sets (7-5, 6-3) in Saturday's first semi-final.

Roddick, aged 23, broke Ginepri service games twice and held every one of his own. Roddick won 64 points compared to 48 for Ginepri and is seeking his third title at the event in four years.

Blake beat ninth seed Xavier Malisse 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 in Saturday's other semi-final.
More ...

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Pat, I'd like an "R"

ABC News -

Letter Rs Stolen From Ind. Signs Returned
GREENCASTLE, Ind. Jul 21, 2006 (AP)— Dozens of letter Rs swiped last weekend from several businesses' signs were returned in an R-filled box left outside the Greencastle Police Department.

An officer found the box Thursday on the department's front step, said Police Chief Tom Sutherland.

Sutherland said officers don't know why the letters were taken from the signs of several businesses and the marquee of a National Guard post. Officers plan to dust the box and the letters for fingerprints before returning the Rs to their owners.
A bit more to this story ...

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Final Four Event Adds to Indy's Growth

Indy Star -

Final Four nets $40 million
The 2006 Men's Final Four had an economic impact of more than $40 million for Indianapolis, according to a study commissioned by the NCAA.

Two researchers from Indiana University's Department of Business Economics and Public Policy did the study, based on interviews with visitors.
The report said the event attracted 44,392 people to Indianapolis, 38 percent of whom were in the city for the first time. The report said the average visitor stayed four days and spent an average of $227 per day. Read more ...

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Hispanic Growth in Indianapolis

Wish-TV -

Study: Indianapolis has 5th-fastest Growing Hispanic Population
A new study out says the Circle City has one of the country's fastest growing Hispanic populations. That's means big money and challenges for Indiana.

"In the last ten years, Indianapolis has become the hot destination for Hispanics," said Ricardo Gambetta, Latino Affairs Director.

So much so, that a new report says Indianapolis has the nation's fifth fastest growing Hispanic population in America and Mexicans make up 70 percent of the state's entire Hispanic population. Continue this story ...

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TheIndyBlog: Business Showcase / Bio-Trauma 911

Periodically, TheIndyBlog will report on new and unique businesses based in the area.

Wish-TV -

Indianapolis Company Hired to Clean Crime Scenes
A new company in Indianapolis has an unusual business plan. It deals with some of the most unpleasant tasks you can imagine. The workers clean up crime scenes. The company showed 24-Hour News 8 a training room that's very realistic.

Police lights and crime tape always mean something is wrong. They also mean, for an unsung few at Indy based Bio-Trauma 911, it's time to go to work.

"It just depends how awful the world is out there sometimes. As crime escalates and situations happen, that's when we're out there to be available," Marty Lenz with Bio-Trauma 911 said.
Continue here ...

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2006 Mayor's Latino Forum - Saturday July 22, 2006

Inside Indiana Business -

Indianapolis Mayor to Host Latino Forum
Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS - Mayor Bart Peterson, in conjunction with the Mayor's Commission on Latino Affairs and Indy Parks, will host the 2006 Mayor's Latino Forum.

WHEN: Saturday, July 22; 1 - 10p.m.
2 * 6 p.m.- Community, Education and Health Fairs
6 * 9:30 p.m. * National City Latino Concert
9:30 p.m. * Fireworks presented by Morales Group, Inc.
& National City

WHERE: Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Dr.
(Located on Raymond St. between Madison & Shelby.)

The Forum is free of charge to attendees and will offer information regarding legal, medical and social services, as well as workshops on topics from housing to education. Free medical and dental screenings, as well as immunization shots for children will be provided on site. The National City Latin Music concert will include bands playing Latin-style rock, pop, Caribbean, salsa and other music. Shortly after, the fireworks presented by Morales Group, Inc. & National City will begin. More than 150 organizations are participating in this year's forum.
Read about this and more at Inside Indiana Business.

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RCA Championships Update

The Sports Network -

Blake advances at Indianapolis

Top seed James Blake was a second-round winner in straight sets Wednesday at the $575,000 RCA Championships.

The American Blake defeated the unseeded Danai Udomchoke of Thailand 7-6 (7-5), 6-4. Up next for Blake will be the unseeded Wesley Whitehouse, who upset 16th-seeded Russian Marat Safin 6-1, 6-4. Safin was a finalist here in 2000.

In other action involving top-eight seeds, No. 5 German Tommy Haas handled Swiss George Bastl 6-3, 6-3, No. 8 Thai Paradorn Srichaphan held off Aussie Wayne Arthurs 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (4-7), 6-4 and Denmark's Kenneth Carlsen upset sixth-seeded Slovakian Dominik Hrbaty 6-3, 6-2. Srichaphan was the 2003 runner-up here to American Andy Roddick.
More details here ...

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President Bush Gives Kudos To IRL

WANE-TV -

Bush praises Indy Racing League

WASHINGTON President Bush is praising the Indy Racing League for bringing alternative fuels to motorsports.
The I-R-L is switching to 100 percent ethanol for all races next year, including the Indianapolis 500. Rest of the story ....

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Mayor Peterson Meets Nora Council

Topics.com -

Public safety, traffic, sewers top concerns in Nora
100 hear Peterson's plans, ask questions at annual NCC meeting.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP -- Mayor Bart Peterson answered questions about public-safety mergers, replacing septic systems with sewers and traffic concerns during the annual Nora Northside Community Council meeting.

About 100 people attended the July 13 meeting at First Baptist Church of Indianapolis, 8600 N. College Ave.

"The consolidation of public safety is in the heart of Washington Township," Peterson said. "Washington Township is the one fire department that has agreed to merge with IFD (Indianapolis Fire Department)." Continue reading ...

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J.C. Penny to Open Largest Off-mall Store

IndyStar -

Growing corridor to add Penney

National clothing and housewares retailer J.C. Penney Co. will open the doors July 30 to a new department store on the Northwestside, becoming one of the anchors in a revitalized Michigan Road retail, restaurant and office corridor.

The 100,000-square-foot store at 8752 Michigan Road is an extensive renovation of a long-vacant building that formerly housed Kmart.
While it will not be as large as its typical 150,000-square-foot, two-story mall stores, the new facility is the retailer's largest layout for a free-standing, off-mall building, said Penney spokesman Tim Lyons.
"And it will contain all of the major and Penney brands and departments including a beauty salon, portrait studio, catalog desk and other services," he said.
Continue this story ...

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Global Warming, Maybe - Knozone Action Day, Absolutely

WTHR -

Knozone Action Day declared as heat continues

Indianapolis - A Knozone Action Day has been declared for Monday as 90-degree temperatures continue. The city has also declared a Knozone Day for Tuesday, and poor air quality is in the forecast.

Electricity demand record set

The Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (Midwest ISO) said it has set a new record for peak electricity demand. As of 2:59 p.m. EDT, demand within the Midwest ISO's reliability footprint reached 131,527 megawatts (MWs), breaking the record of 131,434 MWs set on August 3, 2005. Con't ...

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Stolen Car Scanner Now In Lawrence

The Mercury News -

Scanner helps Ind. police find stolen cars

INDIANAPOLIS - Lawrence police officers are using a new scanning device that can quickly identify stolen cars. The system has helped the department recover 21 stolen cars in seven weeks. It uses two cameras attached to a squad car that scans license plates and compares them in less than a second to a nationwide FBI database of reported stolen vehicles.

A police officer in the Indianapolis suburb sought the system and funding after a fellow officer was killed last year by a driver in a stolen vehicle.

Craig Herbert, a five-year veteran of the department, died when a 15-year-old driving a stolen van lost control of the vehicle that was traveling more than 90 mph and plowed into Herbert's squad car, authorities said.

Read more ...

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Fire Merger Approved

IndyStar -

City-County Council approves fire department merger

The Indianapolis and Washington Township fire departments will merge next year after the City-County Council voted Monday for a consolidation.

The 17-10 vote included the 14 Democrats present, as well as three Republicans. Opponents said they doubted the merger would improve public safety in Washington Township and questioned the estimated savings of $2.3 million projected by Mayor Bart Peterson.
Indianapolis Fire Chief James Greeson said he’s excited to bring what the IFD offers to the rest of Washington Township.

“What’s going on is a giant step toward much better delivery of fire services,” Greeson said.

Operationally, Greeson said the two departments work closely together in areas such as hiring, training, equipment and communications. He said the remaining work includes merging areas like human resources and technology.

Continue reading ...

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Arbonne International Comes to Greenwood

Expansion Management Online -

Arbonne Opens Distribution Center Near Indianapolis, Indiana

GREENWOOD, Ind. (July 17, 2006) — The state of Indiana offered incentives include up to $112,500 in training grants, along with approximately $1 million in tax credits based on job creation and capital investment.

Arbonne International recently held the official opening of a new 208,000 square foot distribution center in Greenwood, Ind. A developer of skin care products, Arbonne has hired more than 400 new employees to date at the new facility, and plans to add additional jobs throughout the year as the facility reaches full capacity.

The company’s new technologically advanced distribution and inventory management center is designed to serve two-thirds of the U.S. and will allow 99 percent of Arbonne orders to be delivered within three days, according to the company. Arbonne has one other distribution facility in Irvine, Calif. Continue reading ...

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"Circuit Breaker" Tax Cap

Indianapolis Business Journal -

Tax-cap concern growing

Law limits property levies, but local officials fear resulting service cutbacks
By Peter Schnitzler pschnitzler@ibj.com

Local officials say a new state law that caps property tax bills for homeowners and businesses will send the city into a financial tailspin if legislators don’t modify it in an upcoming session.

The law was intended to shield homeowners from unmanageable tax increases as Indiana moves to a market-based assessment system. But city leaders say the new cap limits their ability to generate revenue and will cause them to forfeit millions of dollars in taxes from businesses, some of which already pay more than the cap would allow.

Bond rating agencies have noted the city’s predicament, which is increasing the cost of issuing municipal bonds. In just a few years, the law might force local officials to choose between firing cops, firefighters or teachers.

“It’s a recipe for disaster,” said City Controller Bob Clifford. “If this remains unchanged, you will see draconian cuts in every aspect of the city.” Continues ...

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Lost and Found

The IndyChannel -

State Steps Up Effort To Return Unclaimed Property
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. -- State officials are intensifying their campaign to return to Indiana residents more than $325 million in unclaimed property -- much of it forgotten money squirreled away in idle checking and savings accounts.

At a news conference Friday in Jeffersonville, Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter said the state is trying to boost the public's awareness of the resources available to help them reclaim lost or forgotten property.

"It's their money, and they deserve to have property returned to them," Carter said.
Continues ...

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Bayh Campaign Trail?

IndyStar -

Bayh Watch
Senator sharing with Iowans

U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh has such important things to say about America's middle class that after he delivers what's being billed as a major speech on the topic in Washington on Monday, he's flying to Des Moines to give it all over again.

Bayh's spokeswoman said the Indiana Democrat is going to Iowa instead of, say, Indiana, "because he wanted to share his thoughts with the people of Iowa, who will play a critical role in the 2006 and 2008 elections."
Bayh's office said he will talk about how the Bush administration's policies have failed the middle class.
Asked what Bayh did while governor, 1989-96, to help Indiana's middle class, spokeswoman Meg Keck said he passed a tax cut, created new jobs, invested in higher education and worked for pension security. Continues ....

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A Casting Call In Indianapolis

Reporter-Times -

Inventors wanted for PBS show
By Nicole Kauffman | nkauffman@heraldt.com
Friday July 14, 2006

INDIANAPOLIS

Time to dust off that flux capacitor.

A new PBS television show, "Everyday Edisons," will feature amateur inventors -- and on Saturday, Indianapolis is one stop on a five-city casting call.

"First off, one of the things we're looking for are products that are easy to understand, easy to communicate, functional and very useful," said Louis Foreman, an executive producer of the show.

Only 12 to 14 people will be chosen for shows to air nationwide in 2007. An estimated 5,000 people are expected to audition. Other casting call cities are Boston, Houston, Phoenix and Seattle. Continue reading ...

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Sheriff Pay Review By State House

IndyStar -

Daniels: Assembly could review pay

The Indiana legislature may need to review how county sheriffs are paid after revelations that Marion County's sheriff was paid more than $350,000 last year, Gov. Mitch Daniels said Friday.

"I don't have a lot to say about this except that it's just one more example that we have a very antique system of local government in this state," Daniels told reporters at his regular weekly news conference.
"We have talked about it so often: We have more offices than we need. We have more layers than we need. We need a modernization, and (addressing the compensation of sheriffs) may well be part of that."
Continue reading ...

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Sting Nets 51 in Housing Fraud

Wish-TV -

51 People in Indianapolis Charged with Housing Fraud
A sting operation by the Indianapolis housing authority nets 51 people. All are now charged with welfare fraud. The U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development was in Indianapolis to applaud the crack down.

"By exposing those who do wrong, we're making it difficult for others to hide out," said Alphonso Johnson, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Johnson praised the Indianapolis housing agency for rooting out fraudulent claims against HUD. A multi-agency investigative team has been checking welfare recipients' paperwork. For example, investigators found the woman who lived in one east side home received more than $21,000 in assistance while allowing an unregistered sex offender to live with her. Police arrested both the woman and the man. A few blocks away police say another home used to be a drug house. While the owner received federal assistance investigators say she lied about living here. Continue reading..

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