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."

Indianapolis Colts raffling off Super Bowl rings for charity

The Canadian Press:

"Want to win an Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl ring? Here's your chance. During a pep rally for Sunday's game against New England, Colts owner Jim Irsay wore a giant blue top hat, large round blue sunglasses and a white showman's suit as he told hundreds of fans about the 'Quest for the Ring' raffle. 'I look like Willie Wonka Elton, a combination of Willie Wonka and Elton John,' Irsay joked before throwing open a gold treasure chest containing a small box with five shiny rings. Although some fans clearly hoped Irsay would toss the rings into the crowd, he explained the rings would be given away in a raffle he hopes will raise up to US$1 million for Indiana charities."