ISO tunes up for the holidays

IndyStar.com:

"For the first time, the 22nd annual production will feature the African Children's Choir, composed of children from east Africa whose performances raise money for youth education. Grammy Award-winning vocalist Sandi Patty will return to host the extravaganza, which features more than 20 singers and dozens of dancers. Portraits of angels by Hoosier artist Nancy Noel will adorn the stage during the performance of 'Star of Bethlehem.'

The ISO and Duke Energy will conduct a warm-clothing drive through the 'Yuletide Stocking' program throughout December. The public is encouraged to bring new or slightly used items of warm winter clothing to the Hilbert Circle Theatre."

Is The Competition Faltering?

Scout.com:

"So what's wrong with the Colts?

Nothing that getting some rest and a few injured players back in the starting lineup can't fix.

Indianapolis won't have much time to get that much-needed rest this week as the team will play at Atlanta on Thursday night in a nationally televised game. That means a day off on Monday, a full practice on Tuesday and most likely a short workout Wednesday before heading south to face the Falcons. The good news, however, is that after the Atlanta game, the Colts will have 10 days to recuperate before a Dec. 2 home rematch with AFC South rival Jacksonville."

Indiana SWAT Teams Raids Wrong Home

FOXNews.com :

"Convinced the fugitive they were looking for was inside, a SWAT team raided the wrong apartment and left a single mother of two homeless, WLWT is reporting.

The SWAT team reportedly surrounded the apartment building and spent hours ordering the suspect to surrender, but when he didn't, they forced themselves into the apartment and sprayed tear gas, the station is reporting.

'It looked like my apartment was on fire,' Kayla Irwin told WLWT. 'The smoke was just blowing out of my windows.'"

Property tax debate begins as legislative session opens

WTHR :

"Indiana lawmakers are beginning the hard job of finding a solution to skyrocketing property taxes.

Organizational Day at the Statehouse is normally an opportunity to set the agenda for the session, but this year, it marks the beginning of the property tax debate, one the entire state will be watching.

The debate can be broken down into a tale of two cities. Representative David Orentlicher believes he has a solution that will equalize property taxes in Hamilton and Marion Counties."

Assessors Crunch Reassessment Numbers as Deadline Looms

WISH TV 8:

"Hundreds of thousands of Marion County property owners are anxiously waiting for the reassessment ordered by Governor Daniels. The deadline to get it done is now just over two months away.

Four new staff members and an outside vendor are working at the Marion County Assessors Office, crunching the numbers that will eventually give taxpayers an updated assessment.

The assessor needs to turn over numbers to the state for 330,000 residential and 23,000 commercial and industrial properties by February 1st. Marion County Assessor Greg Bowes says the assessment is ahead of schedule on the residential side, finding problems in only two of nine townships. "

Sheriff says vote should decide who leads IMPD

IndyStar.com:

"The Marion County sheriff wants a public vote on whether he or the mayor of Indianapolis should oversee the consolidated Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

But a referendum is not possible in Indiana unless the General Assembly passes a law to allow one. And before that vote could be set up, the City-County Council may have already acted to give Mayor-elect Greg Ballard the control he wants.
"It would take at least a year to go to a ballot, but the council has the power to (put the mayor in charge right away), and I think that's going to happen," said Bob Cockrum, the new leader of Republicans on the council. He is expected to be elected council president in January."

Small fire closes NCAA headquarters, museum

SI.com :

"The NCAA museum and headquarters closed for the day because of a small fire, and some exhibits at the NCAA Hall of Champions sustained water damage from sprinklers.

The fire was reported Wednesday morning and apparently was caused by an electrical problem, Indianapolis fire Capt. Gregg Harris said.

Damage was confined to part of the museum's second floor. The area included interactive, electronic exhibits and displays on tennis and volleyball."

Justices hear police oath dispute

IndyStar.com:

"The Indiana Supreme Court heard arguments this morning in the appeal of a Marion Superior Court judge's ruling that could throw into question nearly all arrests made by Indianapolis police this year.
Judge Reuben Hill dismissed a woman's drunken-driving charges in August, ruling her January arrest was invalid because the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer in the case had not been sworn in again this year after the merger of county police agencies.

The former IPD and the Marion County Sheriff's Department became IMPD Jan. 1. The next day, some officers and top brass took part in a swearing-in ceremony, but attendance wasn't required."

Lt. Governor Skillman Announces New Foreclosure Initiative

Indiana Real Estate:

"Last spring, the Indiana State Legislature passed a bill authorizing IHCDA to establish a statewide program to provide free mortgage foreclosure counseling and education to at-risk homeowners. This bill outlines a multi-tiered solution that includes a targeted public awareness campaign, a telephone hotline available seven days a week, and a local network of qualified advisors. The toll-free number, 877-GET-HOPE, is available starting today.

“There are far too many Hoosier homeowners having trouble making ends meet. They need to know help is available,” said Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. “We want to encourage anyone who has fallen behind on their mortgage payments, or thinks they might, to call 877-GET-HOPE. The earlier homeowners reach out for help, the more options they have to avoid foreclosure.”"

Moochie opens Indianapolis store

Business First of Columbus::

"Moochie & Co. has reached the 10-store mark with a new location in Indiana's largest mall. The Columbus-based pet apparel and accessories retailer opened a 1,245-square-foot location in Indianapolis' Castleton Square Mall, a 1.26 million-square-foot mall whose anchors include Macy's and JCPenney."

Freeney could miss next game after ankle injury

IndyStar.com:

"The Indianapolis Colts’ ever-expanding injury report remains uncertain in the wake of Sunday night’s loss at San Diego, but it appears that one of their most important players, defensive end Dwight Freeney, could miss at least next weekend's game and possibly more.

Freeney, offensive linemen Ryan Diem and Charlie Johnson and defensive tackle Keyunta Dawson all left the game with injuries."

Ind. Car Wash Changer Pays Off Like Slot

The Associated Press:

"A car wash change machine paid off like a Las Vegas slot for one customer, but he turned over his booty to police. Eldon McCammack put a dollar in the change machine Saturday at the Trojan Car Wash in this city about 40 miles east of Indianapolis. In return, he got 1,042 quarters, or $260.50. McCammack, 71, said he first grabbed a top from a trash can to catch the coins. Another customer found a plastic container for the overflow."

Indiana Launches Foreclosure Hotline

The Truth About Mortgage:

"State officials in Indiana have launched a telephone hotline and accompanying website to aid homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments and may be facing foreclosure.

The “Indian Foreclosure Prevention Network”, or IFPN, “is a public-private partnership of community-based organizations, government agencies, lenders, realtors, and trade associations that has devised a multi-tiered solution to Indiana’s foreclosure problem.”

“This statewide initiative includes a targeted public awareness campaign, a telephone helpline, an educational website, and a network of local trusted advisors.”"

Medco to Build World's Largest, Most Advanced Automated Pharmacy in Central Indiana

CNN Money:

"Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels joined executives from Medco Health Solutions, Inc. today to announce the company's plans to build the world's largest and most advanced automated pharmacy in Central Indiana, filling a growing nationwide demand for lower-cost medicines. The new 318,000-square-foot pharmacy, slated to open early in 2009, will cover an area equivalent to six and a half football fields -- bringing approximately 1,300 jobs to the state by its anticipated peak operation in 2012.

Medco selected Central Indiana as the home of its new facility capping a year-long selection process that covered 48 states. Headquartered in Franklin Lakes, N.J, Medco will invest more than $140 million to develop a next- generation mail-order facility that will employ pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, engineering technology, pharmacy support and management positions to dispense more than one million prescriptions a week at peak operation. Using the most advanced technologies, the automated pharmacy will exceed Six- Sigma(R) accuracy levels, delivering the highest level of prescription drug dispensing accuracy in the pharmacy industry."

The Best Cities to Live Well & Affordably

Michelle Morris’s Indianapolis Real Estate Blog:

"What a pleasant surprise to see Indianapolis ranked as the number 2 top city to live well & affordably! According to Forbes Magazine, we have just the right mix of arts, leisure, and entertainment opportunities as well as a low cost of living, making Indianapolis a great place to live. Census figures were used to measure quality of schools and healthcare and guage crime and poverty rates."

CIVIL WAR!!!

Indiana Barrister:

"You guys have no idea about how long I have been waiting to write that headline with exclamation points. With respect to last week’s local election results that swept Republicans in Indianapolis into the Mayor’s office and control of the City-County Council, I figured if one party lost either slot there would be infighting and soul searching taking place. But with the GOP in, and Democrats out, a war is about to break out that will make the War of the Roses seem more like the Rose Bowl parade."

Indiana Death Row Inmate Found Dead In Cell

WISH TV 8:

"Prison guards found Indiana death row inmate Norman Timberlake dead in his cell, Saturday.

During the midnight head count, guards found Timberlake sitting upright with his television on.

When Timberlake didn't respond, guards called medical staff.

Initial reports indicate the 60-year old died of natural causes pending an autopsy."

Non-compete Agreements - The Medical Field

Indiana Civil & Business Lawyer:

"Are Indiana doctors restricted by a non-competition agreements?

I say 'no' with about as much certainty as lawyers can say anything for certain. Indiana lacks any bias favoring restrictive employment covenants in general, and using covenants not to compete with professionals raises some specific objections.

Take a look at Duneland Emergency Physician’s Med. Group, P.C. v. Brunk, 723 N.E.2d 963. (Ind. Ct. App. 2000) (Microsoft Word format). "

Alarming Rate Of Foreclosures Makes Indiana State Sit Up

Foreclosure1 Blog:

"Indiana is ranking third amongst the nation’s foreclosure offenders. The state government can no longer remain a spectator. With the implications of foreclosures touching each and every aspect of the socio-economic scenario it is to the interest of all – government, lenders as well as of course the borrowers to pitch in.

What makes the foreclosure tale more tragic is that winter and the merry season is just around the corner. Community non-profit groups have also joined hands with the state to find some solution to the inevitable foreclosure. The state has launched a new programme called the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network with high hopes. Importance is being placed on the vital role of the adviser. Arrangements are being made first to make the borrowers become aware of the necessity of the counselor and then to tell them that the advisers are only a phone call or a mouse click away."

Bush to visit New Albany on Tuesday

IndyStar.com:

"President Bush is traveling to New Albany, Ind., on Tuesday to talk about the federal budget, the White House announced today.

Bush has criticized the Democrat-controlled Congress for not sending him the annual spending bills on time. He has threatened to veto most of them. The president plans to speak at the Grand, a convention and banquet center, at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday.

No other details about his trip were immediately available."

Court Upholds Death Penalty For Man Who Killed Officer

WRTV :

"The Indiana Supreme Court has again upheld the death penalty for Benjamin Ritchie, who killed a Beech Grove police officer in 2000.

The high court on Thursday rejected Ritchie's claims that he received ineffective legal counsel and a claim that jurors should not have seen interviews he did with the media while he was shackled and wearing jail clothing.

Ritchie is on death row for the September 2000 shooting death of Officer William Toney."

Beech Grove backs past, future

IndyStar.com:

"Two years ago, Beech Grove Mayor Joe Wright launched his 'Better, Brighter, Beech Grove' initiative, staking his political future on eight economic development and quality of life projects.

As he narrowly defeated Democratic challenger Frank Mascari in Tuesday's general election, Wright remained committed to carrying out what he calls examples of 21st century democracy.

'Basically giving a message of hope and a message of accomplishment,'' Wright said of his key to victory."

20 percent cast votes in Hamilton County

IndyStar.com:

"To illustrate how much elections cost taxpayers, Richardson pointed to the primary in the six municipalities.

Carmel spent about $52,000, Noblesville $27,000, Fishers $26,000, Westfield $13,000, and Cicero and Sheridan $3,000 each. Costs for Tuesday's election have not been tallied.

The expenses, most of which are paid by the individual municipalities, cover the cost of poll workers, ballots, supplies, legal notices, postage for absentee ballots, meals, poll books and precinct change notices, Richardson said."

Indiana-based Remy to sell unit for $18.5 million

WTHI-TV:

"Anderson, Indiana-based Remy International Incorporated plans to sell its M&M Knopf Auto Parts unit back to its original owners for $18.5 million. Papers Remy filed yesterday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court say the business is not essential to Remy's reorganization. The unit remanufactures parts and deals in scrap metal. It would be sold to Heywood and Marshall Knopf. Remy filed for Chapter 11 protection last month with plans for a rapid debt reorganization."

Noisegate Solved In Indianapolis

Colts Gab:

"The New England Patriots won their game against the Colts Sunday. After the game, quarterback Tom Brady said the noise was so intense no one could hear anything. The NFL looked into claims the Colts piped in artificial crowd noise to confuse the Patriots, but that wasn’t the case. "

Eight-time Indy starter Freeland dies at 82

SI.com :

"Don Freeland, who drove in the Indianapolis 500 eight times and finished third in 1956, has died at age 82.

Freeland, of Torrance, Calif., died Nov. 2 in San Diego after a period of declining health, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway said Tuesday.

A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Freeland began racing roadsters shortly after the war and moved up to AAA and USAC competition in 1952. He had 36 top-10 finishes and was third in the 1956 USAC championship points."

The Indianapolis Colts Enhance New Social Networking Portal With Omniture Web Analytics

CNN Money:

"Omniture, Inc. (NASDAQ: OMTR), a leading provider of online business optimization software, today announced that the Indianapolis Colts -- Super Bowl XLI Champs and one of the most popular NFL teams of the last decade -- are using Omniture SiteCatalyst Web analytics to measure visitor activity across their recently launched social networking portal, MyColts.net. As one of the first NFL teams to create a site solely dedicated to fan interaction, the Colts are using Omniture to not only measure the effectiveness of blogs, videos, fan group forums and other social media, but they are also determining the impact MyColts.net has on driving increased traffic to the team's main site, Colts.com.

'MyColts.net represents a networking community for our fans -- an online environment where people can discuss ideas and form sports-based relationships by discussing similar interests,' said Pat Coyle, executive director of digital business for the Indianapolis Colts. 'Omniture allows us to ensure MyColts.net members are finding value in our highly interactive site and provides us with the information we need to meet our community's needs.'"

Entertainment Distribution Company Announces Management Changes

iWon Money & Investing:

"Entertainment Distribution Company (EDCI), a global and independent provider of supply chain services to the home entertainment market, today announced changes to its executive management team.

On November 5, 2007 Jim Caparro transitioned from the position of Chief Executive Officer to the newly created position of non-executive Chairman of the Company's subsidiary Entertainment Distribution Company, LLC ('EDC, LLC'). Mr. Caparro will remain in this role through March of 2008 during which time he will help manage the transition process, will play a key advisory role in the management of our customer relationships and will assist in our evaluation of strategic alternatives for EDC, LLC. Accordingly, Jim retains his seat on the EDC, LLC subsidiary Board of Directors and has given up his seat on the parent company Board of Directors, effective November 5, 2007.

Jordan M. Copland, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, will assume the additional role of Interim Chief Executive Officer."

Three suspected in counterfeit ticket ring

UPI.com:

"Indianapolis police have apprehended three men suspected of involvement in a nationwide ticket counterfeiting ring.

Police said the man were arrested Sunday after they were found with more than 190 falsified tickets to an Indianapolis Colts game and hundreds of fake tickets for other sporting events, the Indianapolis Star reported Monday.

Dwight Wilcox, Archie Blair and Eric North -- all from Atlanta -- were arrested on preliminary Class C felony charges of counterfeiting. "

Honeywell to acquire Muncie company

nwi.com :

"Honeywell has announced it will acquire Muncie-based Maxon Corp. for $185 million. Maxon, which manufactures combustion burners, gas valves, and engineered systems for industrial businesses, will become a part of Honeywell's Environmental and Combustion Controls business. The status of Maxon's Muncie headquarters and its employees is unclear. "

Strong turnout reported across the county

IndyStar.com:

"Marion County election officials reported all touch screen voting machines were up and running by mid-afternoon . At one time about 83 of the 529 touch screens weren't working. Officials believe the problem was related to low batteries or because a computer disc was inserted improperly and so prevented the machines from working. By noon, the number of defective machines had been reduced to 66 and by 4 p.m. all were operating again."

Indiana Driver's Licenses

Libertarian Party of Allen County:

"The Indiana BMV recently cross-checked information reported by Indiana Drivers with information on file by the Social Security Administration. They found that about 206,000 people had discrepancies. These discrepancies include name, gender, birthday, sex, and typo's."

Will This Election Run Smoothly?

Advance Indiana:

"Marion County Beth White tells reporters she is confident the problems of this year's May primary will not be repeated. As of noon, approximately 35 inspectors had not picked up election day materials. White told WTHR replacement workers would be contacted this afternoon to substitute if the materials weren't picked up. Walk-in absentee voting ended at noon today. Although WTHR reported absentee balloting would be up about 25% over four years ago, that number had already been reached by noon on Friday and walk-in voting occurred throughout the weekend. On Friday, White predicted absentee voting would increase by about 50%. That's remarkable, and it could suggest the low voter turnout predicted by WISH-TV's Jim Shella will be proven wrong."

New Study Gives Hovering College Parents Extra Credit

washingtonpost.com:

"'Compared with their counterparts, children of helicopter parents were more satisfied with every aspect of their college experience, gained more in such areas as writing and critical thinking, and were more likely to talk with faculty and peers about substantive topics,' said survey director George D. Kuh, an Indiana University professor.

The study found no evidence that helicopter parenting produces better grades. In fact, students with very-involved parents had lower grades than those whose parents were not so involved, but the authors suggest that 'perhaps the reason some parents intervened was to support a student who was having academic difficulties.'"

Pilot Lands Near Indiana Interstate

WNDU :

"An Indiana pilot was forced to make an emergency landing Sunday next to a busy interstate. Alan Gluff took off from Greenwood's airport today in his experimental plane. Minutes later, the oil light went off and the plane took a nosedive into a cornfield, next to Interstate 65. Though shaken, Gluff walked a way with only a scratch on his cheek."

Officials huddle over absentee ballots

IndyStar.com:

"Election officials in Hamilton County met for more than two hours Friday to clarify how to count ballots cast by absentee voters. The issue applied to voters who choose a straight-party ticket and then decide to choose a candidate from another party for a certain race. A provision in state election law that took effect in January could have voided a vote cast for that opposite party candidate. County officials said Friday if a voter chooses a straight-party ticket, then decides to vote for a candidate in the opposite party in a particular race, that vote will count instead of the straight party vote for that race."

Indiana coach satisfied with report

SFGate.com:

"Embroiled in the second investigation into improper telephone calls to recruits since his arrival at Indiana last year, coach Kelvin Sampson said Thursday that he is satisfied with a university report to the NCAA that has already led to the resignation of an assistant coach, the forfeiture of one scholarship and new restrictions on recruiting. Sampson, who also gave up a scheduled $500,000 pay raise, said he didn't know whether the self-imposed penalties would satisfy the NCAA in his first public comments since the resignation of assistant Rob Senderoff on Tuesday."

Indiana Call Center to Be Built

Houston Chronicle:

"A Florida company says it will spend more than $6 million to start a customer service center here and hire 750 people over the next year. Connextions Inc. will hire insurance agents to help sell and maintain individual policies for insurance companies. It also will hire registered nurses to provide health care advice to customers for some of those insurers. Connextions will fill other customer service and technical support jobs too. Outside the insurance industry, its clients include Sprint Nextel Corp., FedEx Corp., and Mercedes-Benz."

First Indiana Announces Special Shareholder Meeting

CNN Money:

"First Indiana has announced that it will hold a special shareholder meeting on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 to consider and vote upon the merger agreement between Marshall & Ilsley Corporation and First Indiana dated July 8, 2007. Shareholders of record as of October 17, 2007 are eligible to vote at the meeting. The exact time and location of the meeting are in the proxy materials for the meeting, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 5, 2007 and mailed to shareholders of record beginning on November 5, 2007. The merger is anticipated to close in early January 2008. First Indiana Corporation is a full-service financial services company offering comprehensive financial solutions to businesses and individuals. It is the holding company for First Indiana Bank, N.A., the largest commercial bank headquartered in Indianapolis. Founded in 1915, First Indiana Bank is a national bank with 32 offices in central Indiana. Information about First Indiana is available at (317) 269-1200, or at www.firstindiana.com, which is not a part of this news release."

Beech Grove is First in Nation to Use New DNA Technology

Inside INdiana Business:

"As the first city in the nation to serve as a pilot site to use a new method of “touch” DNA collection, the City of Beech Grove announced its partnership with Indianapolis-based Forensic ID today. The Beech Grove Police Department, will utilize Forensic ID’s new device in the collection of DNA evidence at crime scenes. The self-contained device gathers DNA left after someone touches an object or surface, leaving behind skin cells, oils or perspiration. In the case of use by narcotics agents, DNA can be collected from a plastic bag of confiscated drugs, for example. Kits will be available, allowing police/narcotics officers, who often are first on the scene, to swab the “touch” or “contact” DNA into a cylinder type device for later analysis. The innovative element of the Forensic ID device is that, unlike traditional DNA collection, it eliminates the drying process, thereby simplifying and expediting the analysis of evidence from a crime."

Indiana's property tax rebate check to average $240

IndyStar.com:

"Property tax rebate checks averaging $240 for Hoosier homeowners moved a step closer to reality Thursday, though it'll be months more before the money reaches them. In all, about 1.6 million Hoosiers with a homestead exemption, including roughly 100,000 homeowners in Marion County, will get a check, though the amounts from county to county will vary widely based on property values. The checks are part of a $300 million relief plan meant to offset anticipated increases in property tax bills. They were approved by the legislature earlier this year."

Town of Geist Takes Next Step to Form East and West Geist

WISH TV 8:

"The town of Geist takes the next step in its move to become incorporated into East and West Geist. The Fishers Advisory Plan Commission heard arguments both for and against the proposal Tuesday night. Some Geist residents thought the meeting was pointless. Many Geist residents felt the incorporation proposal fell on deaf ears because they were presenting to a Fishers Commission. But the commission says they're not biased but instead they were interested in hearing from both sides."

County looks for ways to handle airport's rapid growth

IndyStar.com:

"Growth at Hamilton County's airport in Boone County has exceeded expectations, and airport officials are scrambling to complete a master plan to accommodate it.

During a meeting this week with the Federal Aviation Authority, the Hamilton County Airport Authority board said it now has 105 airplanes based at Indianapolis Executive Airport on Ind. 32 about a half-mile west of the Hamilton-Boone county line.

The number of planes, mostly midsize corporate jets, exceeds a 2006 forecast that predicted 103 planes would be based at the airport by 2010."

Indianapolis City Market Welcomes Back Businesses

Inside INdiana Business:

"The Indianapolis City Market is pleased to announce that more merchants have opened for business in the last week. Jumbo's, under new ownership, and a 35 year favorite at the market, opened for business last week. Yesterday, Just Cookies, a merchant for the last 18 years opened for business. Additional merchants that are now operating in the newly renovated Market House include Cath Coffee, Inc. who added an internet cafe to its new digs. Jerry's Fudge also celebrated its first day on Tuesday featuring homemade fudge and goods."

Court hears arguments in property tax lawsuit

nwi.com :

"An attorney for several taxpayers challenging the constitutionality of Indiana's property tax system and steps taken by the governor asked the Indiana Tax Court on Wednesday to let the lawsuit proceed. Attorneys for the state, Marion County and Indianapolis argued primarily that the lawsuit should be dismissed because the taxpayers who sued had not exhausted administrative remedies. John Price, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said that seeking such remedies would be time-consuming and fruitless at a time when Indiana is facing numerous, pressing property tax problems that are hitting many taxpayers hard."