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Archived NewsBytes located at the bottom of the page
April 30
Plans to build the new jail in Brown County have been postponed for at least a year. The construction bids were higher than expected, which would increase the cost by $1 million to almost $7.7 million, and the project had already caused protests and a lawsuit. The current jail is in bad shape, with inadequate facilities for questioning suspects and poor conditions with such hazards as exposed electric cords in the cells.
Just fifteen minutes before the midnight deadline for ending the regular session of the State Legislature, lawmakers voted to adopt a two-year budget, thus avoiding a special session. Increases of 3.5 percent/year for the average public school district and 3.2 percent/year for state-supported colleges and universities are included, as well as money for building projects and for human services are included. However, the state's current cash surplus will be tapped and some bookkeeping tricks will be used. It will be necessary to control Medicaid if higher taxes are to be avoided. The current budget expires July 1st.
State police are investigating the death of an inmate who died at the Bartholomew County Jail hours after returning to his cell following a brief release to attend a family emergency. 32-year-old Michael Pedigo of Columbus was unresponsive when jail staff found Pedigo after other inmates said he was ill. An autopsy will be performed today.
JC Penney stores in Bloomington and Anderson are no more. The company is closing stores that have poor sales, and is also closing stores in Martinsville and Washington Square Mall.
April 27
April 26
A "fish story" which could never be made up. Three men fishing in an abandoned gravel pit around Columbus had their poles get hooked on drugs. The men had hooked a backpack containing a methamphetamine lab. Police say the pack contained all but three necessary components to manufacture meth.
Senate Republicans have rejected a proposal to revive dockside gambling legislation as one way to make up an expected $923 million revenue shortfall. Instead, they propose staying within the means, using some bookkeeping tactics, and tapping into the state's Rainy Day Fund. The 4 percent increase for schools and universities, which has been proposed by the House Democrats, may not be possible.
Dogwood time in Indiana is a beautiful sight to see, but a fungus has drastically reduced the number of dogwoods in recent years. Purdue University biologists say it is not only fungus that has caused the reduction, but the mix of the larger trees in the forest is having a major impact on the dogwoods. Oaks and hickories allow patches of sunlight to reach the forest floor, but as those older oaks and hickories are dying out, they are being replaced by faster growing maples which have dense canopies and provide too much shade. The dogwoods cannot compete. And shade also promotes the growth of anthracnose and other fungi. Dogwoods in seventeen Indiana counties, Brown County included, have been documented with anthracnose fungus, which is first noticeable as spots on the leaves of the tree and then moves to the twigs and finally the branches and trunk.. Powdery mildew, dogwood borers, and root-rot also take a toll. The change in the habitat affects the whole ecology of the forest--birds, mammals, insects, etc.
April 25
Two weeks ago the public was made aware of a proposal from Cummins Inc in Columbus to obtain a $35 million from the state, which the company's chief executive says is necessary to preserve the company's diesel engine business in Columbus. Promoted by Gov. O'Bannon and his staff, the proposal was discussed by the key budget negotiators yesterday. Many have believe that the Indiana money would actually be used to protect jobs at the company's factory in New York (which is where the new engine would actually be manufactured) and that other Indiana company's have not received equal treatment. The Senate Finance Chairman was told that Cummins is seeking assistance from the state instead of from a bank because it has maxed out its credit. Since last August the company has reduced its southern Indiana force by 750. Cummins CEO yesterday pledged that if the loan is granted, the company's headquarters would remain in Indiana, would keep a significant manufacturing presence in the state, and maintain the primary technical center for the enginedivision in Indiana. The company is also asking for assistance from New York. State Senator Robert Garton (R-Columbus) says the loan is vital for Columbus, where Cummins is the largest employer. It is very likely that the plan will be approved.
The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp has announced that fifty-three teachers will receive pink slips if the General Assembly fails to pass an increase in school funding. Teachers must be notified by May 1st if their contracts will not be renewed for the next year. However, the debate on school funding continues in the General Assembly, and a solution is not expected by May 1st.
Lawyers representing Indiana University basketball have asked a judge to rule bye June 15th on the legality of the meeting in which the I.U. trustees discussed Bob Knight's dismissal with IU President Brand. They believe it violated the state's open meetings law since it was held without advance public notice. They lawyers argue that Brand may not have had to power to take the action again Knight, and that Brand disregarded the open meetings law. A meeting required 48 hours advance notice from the university, but university officials say the meetings did not set the open meetings law into force because Brand purposely held two separate meetings in which a quorum was not present. Bob Knight is not a party to the lawsuit.
April 24
The Southern Indiana Center for the Arts will open a new show Saturday with a reception from 2-5 p.m. The show featuring more than 50 paintings by Nellie Reynolds of Bedford, IN, will run through May 26th. There is no admission fee. SICA is located at 2001 N. Ewing St. and is open from 12-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call 812-522-2278.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles had a contest in which the public was asked to submit designs for the state's next license plate. From the 1400 designs that were submitted, the number has been reduced to 16 and will again be reduced to five finalists. On May 9-18 Indiana citizens will have the opportunity to vote for their choices at license branches across the state or online. The winning design will be announce in June. The next license plate will be released in January 2003.
With only a few days left in the regular session of the State Legislature, big differences still exist and tensions are increasingly evident as political barbs fly from both sides. Two of the biggest tasks still unresolved are the budget and redistricting, likely making a special session necessary.
Indy's peregrine falcon eggs are hatching. Two of the eggs have already hatched and two are still incubating. Check out the progress on the Falcon Cam
April 23
Gov. Frank O'Bannon's plan to raise the cigarette tax is being met by a lack of support by both Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature. Several of the Democrats represent counties in southern Indiana that grow tobacco and they don't want the increase because they will eventually be facing reelection. Republicans still believe the state can get by without a tax increase because the shortfall isn't severe enough to justify the raise in taxes. Although O'Bannon has stated that he was the first to sound the alarm about the slower economy a year ago, although he then suspended the state sales tax on gasoline last summer, and it was in effect until after his reelection. That cost the state more than $40 in tax revenue. Could that have been a political move? He denies it. Developing.....
Have you cast your vote for which tree would make the best symbol for America? Only five days left! The National Arbor Day Foundation has provided a voting site to collect votes for America's National Tree. The votes will be tallied daily and the top five vote-getters will be highlighted on the site. The voting period, which began January 1, 2001, will extend to midnight April 26, 2001. Besides the opportunity to vote, there is a lot of educational information about trees on the website. On April 27th, National Arbor Day, America's choice for our National Tree will be announced. Congress will make the official decision.
This week is Earth Week and will end this Saturday. Many communities are offering special programs to call attention to the environment, and everyone is reminded of the need to RECYCLE!
April 20
Today is the last day of "Make Seymour Shine" week. Better get busy!!
A Petersburg man was arrested early this morning for the murders of two emergency medical technicians found dead at an ambulance barn. 23-year-old Christopher Helsley is employed by Pike County EMS and was one of the EMT's that arrived early yesterday morning to relieve co-workers Marsha Rainey and Bradley Maxwell. Helsley is being held without bond at the Pike County Jail. His initial court appearance is set for Monday.
There will be Thunder in Louisville tomorrow night, and there also may be showers! That is from the weather man, so you may need an umbrella. If you are going, plan on lots of traffic. It would be a good idea to save some time and confusion by finding out which roads will be open or closed by checking the website before you leave home!
Remember when we were asked to submit designs for the Indiana commemorative quarter? Hoosiers submitted more than 3,700 designs, which were reviewed and narrowed to 17. The Indiana Commemorative Quarter Committee then cut the list to 7, and Gov. O'Bannon selected the finalists that were to be sent to the Mint designers. Although O'Bannon's favorite (also the favorite of the people participating in an Indianapolis Star poll) contained the likeness of a face car, a basketball, and 19 stars, the one that has been chosen by the U.S. Fine Arts Commission portrays Chief Little Turtle and an outline of Indiana. The Commission now will send its recommendation back to the state for Gov. O'Bannon's final decision during the summer. The coin is part of a program designed to honor each of the fifty states with a quarter depicting the state's history and traditions, and many people have been started collecting the coins. They are being released in the order in which the states joined the union. Indiana was the 19th state to join the Union. Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, and Mississippi quarters will also be minted next year.
According to word from Gov. O'Bannon's office, the Muscatatuck State Developmental Center, an institution for the mentally disabled, will close by December 2003. He also announced that admissions to Madison State Hospital have been stopped and a plan to move is residents is in the works. The goal is a system of smaller, regional care centers for those with mental illnesses and retardation. Muscatatuck has had its share of troubles and lost most of its Medicaid funding in April 1999 because of poor care. The Justice Department started investigating Indiana's mental institutions in 1998 because of reports of patient abuse, and the Senate Republicans have been calling for O'Bannons action.
As a result of the disturbances after the final game of the NCAA women's tournament, Purdue University has expelled four more students, bringing the total thus far to six students expelled and two suspended. Others are still pending. Purdue police were successful in identifying people from videotapes taken during the disturbance and announced that all but five of the 158 images on the police web site had been identified.
April 19
Investigators are considering a theory that IU student Jill Behrman may have been struck by a vehicle accidentally but the driver is afraid to come forward. Behrman left her Bloomington home on May 31, 2000 for a bike ride but as not been seen since. Police are considering a number of possibilities including the fact that she may have been abducted.
The new Congressional District map is one of the major topics of concern for both Democrats and Republicans. Each has proposed a map which is objectionable to the other side. However, the Democrats are more likely to have their way since they control both the Indiana House and the governor's office. Indiana's population did not grow as some other states did, so Indiana is losing a congressional district, reducing the number from 10 to 9. DO NOT waste any time. Take a look at the proposed maps (links located at the top of this page). RESPOND TO THE LEGISLATORS (links also at top of this page), and WRITE TO THE GOVERNOR!. Be sure to include your name and mailing address. They answer electronic mail with standard mail replies.
April 18
There will be Thunder in Louisville Saturday, and that isn't a forecast from the weatherman! The day will feature an air show in the afternoon, and the huge fireworks display on the river Saturday night is expected to draw 750,000 spectators to the riverfront area. That adds up to lot of cars and lots of traffic. If you are planning to attend, it would be a good idea to save some time and confusion by finding out which roads will be open or closed by checking the website before you leave home!
The news has been full of items about hoof-and-mouth outbreak in Great Britain, its spread to Europe, and how it has affected the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people. Hoof-and-mouth virus has not been in the U.S. since 1929, and there are currently restrictions on imports of animals and animal products into this country from Europe and Great Britain. But what if an outbreak should occur in Indiana? State animal health officials have been developing plans and emergency steps to deal with that possibility, although some believe an outbreak is not likely. Several weeks ago veterinarians and livestock industry people were asked to watch for telltale signs in animals. Yesterday State Veterinarian Bret Marsh spoke to the Indiana Commission for Agriculture and Rural Development, describing what might happen. He stated that such an outbreak could be on a much bigger scale than that in Great Britain, involving multiple sites, and that probably "the country will pretty much be shut down for awhile" because of travel restrictions. In case of an outbreak, the Board of Animal Health would first quarantine animal movement within a five-mile radius and then take the prescribed steps which would allow the State Emergency Management Agency to stop human movement within the area. Animals would be euthanized and buried on the infected farm rather than being transported to another site for burial.
Work continues on the state budget, trying to figure out how to find about $1 billion in lost revenue, and Gov. O'Bannon continues to push for an increase in the cigarette tax and a scaling back of the 1999 tax break in his appeals directly to legislators. Many groups will be lobbying for the cigarette tax increase, but the idea is not popular with the lawmakers. The new budget must be settled by April 29th or they will be called back for a special session.
April 17
It feels like winter is back. A hard freeze is expected tonight, but gradual warming is on the way as the week progresses.
It is beautiful to see the fountain in the center of the mall at Purdue University, but many people on the campus seem to think that those fountains are there for recreation. In 1999, there were 7 ambulance runs to the fountains. Last year, a 7 year-old girl suffered a broken arm when a spray of water knocked her into one of the concrete structures; obviously she was NOT standing outside the fountain. And many Purdue students insist on running through the fountains during final exams and after commencement. Such incidents have caused the university to have concerns about safety and liability. On Monday the university announced plans to erect 42" high railings around the fountains. However, student petitions, as well as a discussion with the designer of the "Class of 39" water sculpture, have put a temporary hold on the fence plans while a group of faculty, students, and community representatives will meet to consider the safety, aesthetics, and interaction issues. Until then, the fountains will be be flowing only for special events and under close supervision. Will I.U. follow this example?
As expected, Gov. Frank O'Bannon announced yesterday that he wants to raise the state's cigarette tax by 50 cents per pack (from the current 15.5 cents) and suspend a property tax credit for mobile home owners and businesses to help ease the budget crunch. Republicans describe it as tax and spend and think it is time for the state to live within existing revenues. Democrats also are not enthusiastic about the proposal, but O'Bannon says the increases are needed to fund education and social services programs. It would be the first tax increase in the state since 1987.
April16
Here is a reminder that this is the week and it is time to shine!! "Make Seymour Shine" week is April 16-20, and the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce is asking residents to clean their property as part of the celebration. The city will pick up smaller items on the regular pickup schedule, and they will pick up larger items by appointment, including cars and appliances.
It's the day we have learned to loath. It's tax day. Because April 15th fell on a Sunday, the deadline for filing your state and federal tax forms in midnight tonight.
Bloomington is trying to control noise in the neighborhoods around the I.U. campus. Police will patrol the city streets Thursday though Saturday nights with windows down. They log addresses where loud music is heard from the street, and if the noise is still heard from the street when they return to that address 15 minutes, each resident of the house or apartment who is home at the time is given a $50 ticket. The goal is to make the neighborhoods more livable for residential property owners, who have praised it. The students, on the other hand, are not enthusiastic about the program. It is reported that through the first week of April there had been 181 tickets passed out.
April13
This is Good Friday. Many local government offices and services are closed in observance of the day.
Since the beginning of the year, Heilig-Meyers has closed many of it 568 stores in 25 states, including their stores in Vincennes, Washington, Greensburg, and Evansville. The company has filed Chapter 11 petitions in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Richmond, VA, and will close their remaining thirteen stores in Indiana, which includes the Seymour store. Company officials say they will focus on maintaining and adding to their RoomStores outlets which offer for purchase complete room designs with accessory items and are located in Texas, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
Now the real session begins! Yesterday was the magic day in the State Legislature that bills having cleared one chamber to be passed by the other chamber, and the task now is reconciliation of differences in the remaining two weeks of the regular session. Although most of the bills not finished by then will die, the budget and the redistricting are mandatory. If they are not agreed upon before April 29th, there will be a special session. Other bills passed yesterday exempts the legislature from the public records law (which O'Bannon has indicated he may veto), the pay raise for state legislators (on which O'Bannon is noncommital but questions its priority), and the lowering of Indiana's legal limit for drunk driving (which O'Bannon says he will sign). Although his aides say Gov. O'Bannon is not considering increases in sales, income, or corporate taxes in order to fund priorities in the budget, he may be considering doubling the states cigarette tax or roll back the $12,500 property tax credit for business inventories, equipment, mobile homes, boats and airplanes.
April 12
The State Legislature as they rush to finish the session by April 29th! HB 1979 first passed the House and then proceeded to the Senate where the chairman of the Senate Energy and Economic Development Committee refused to grant a hearing to for the bill. The purpose of the bill was to place restrictions on where merchant power plants can be built, but the chairman was concerned that a lot of authority might be taken away from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. There is still some hope with passage of an amendment by Sen. Becky Skillman, R-Bedford, added to HB 1181, which would require the commission to notify adjacent landowners and local government officials when a merchant plant seeks to locate in their area. If HB 1181 passes the Senate today, there will be an attempt in conference committee to restore the House provisions.
Is the timing right for this one? All statistics point to the fact that the state is not in good financial shape, but today state senators will consider a raise for themselves and fellow lawmakers. The proposal has already passed the House (70-27). The proposed pay raise would cost an additional $3.58 million in taxes over the next two years. Indiana's part-time lawmakers earned an average (that means some make more and some make less) of approximately $29,944 last year, and with that could add up to more during a year with a long budget session. The average full-time state worker receives just over $30,000. The last raise lawmakers had was in 1984. They currently have a base salry of $11.600, but there are daily expense allowances of $112/day (including weekends) during the legislative session and when they are in summer study committee meeting and performing other official duties. They also receive $25/day when they are not in session, and there are bonuses up to $6,500 for legislative leaders (38 of them in 2000). If House Bill 1856 passes, the new base salary will be 20% of the governor's salary (a raise of $7,400 in 2003), with the out-of-session per diem based on the federal travel allowance rate (increasing it from the current $25 to $44.80, which alone could mean an extra $4,871 in 2001 if they adjourn April 29).
In spite of much negative discussion, a $35 million request for a loan guarantee for Cummins Inc. in Columbus was added to Senate Bill 333, which also helps a Shelbyville company and one in East Chicago. Several believed that other businesses had not been treated equally and some think the action is "unprecedented" since Cummins is not required to make any guarantees. It was also pointed out that the money may not stay in Indiana, but actually go to New York. The bailout loan would be made from the state's Public Depository Insurance Fund.
Employees at Teletron in Bloomington had a break from every day activities Wednesday afternoon. Not because of the warm weather but because of a bomb threat. Office personnel received a call shortly after 2 p.m. saying bombs were placed in both buildings of the business. Law enforcement officials did not find any bomb and said it was a false report.
April 11
Students at Brown County High School will be able to see the sentencing of a woman charged with drunken driving. 23-year-old Stephanie Baker agreed to be sentenced before the students as part of her plea agreement. She's charged with causing her nephew's death while driving drunk last June.
On June 10 a Brown County census worker was mauled to death by dogs. Now, ten months later, Wayne Newton and Joann Latvaitis will plead guilty to criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, a felony, and harboring a non-immunized dog. As a result of the attack, the General Assembly has considered new penalties for owners whose dogs attack people, and that proposal could be voted on today by the House. Newton and Latvaitis will appear in court April 30 for sentencing.
Four years ago, Gov. O'Bannon got the State Legislature to approve more than $45 million to help communities beef up their police forces. Funding for this program ran out December 31st, and O'Bannon says he planned to phase it out over the next four years. However, the legislators have not agreed on funding it again. With the possibility of the national budget also dropping its financial support, many communities across the state are concerned about where the money may come from. When the program was launched, the communities were warned that someday they would be expected to pick up the tab. O'Bannon has suggested raising traffic fines, but that is unpopular with many legislators.
April 10
Groups are spreading the word on shopping cart safety. According to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, falls from shopping carts are the No. 1 cause of serious head injuries to children under 5. Kids should be buckled into the seat with a safety belt. Kids should also NOT be allowed to stand in the carts.
After a 96-hour surgery, the 11-month-old twin girls who were joined at the head are finally separate. It is too early to tell if either of the girls will suffer brain damage.
April 9
A mystery man has inquired about purchasing a building and liquor license in order to open a strip club in Brownstown. The owners could not remember the man's name, but have said they will not sell out their morals.
The Jackson County Jail trustees may soon be hitting the road - for work, that is! The plan to have the trustees work as flaggers was discussed at a Jackson County Commissioners meeting Tuesday morning. There are some concerns that must be addressed first, such as liability.
Seymour police have busted the same couple for the second time for operating a meth lab. This is the third time since November that the couple has been arrested on drug related charges.
April 6
After Purdue University lost the final game of the NCAA Women's Tournament on Sunday night several students were involved in destructive and unlawful behavior on the campus. Damage to campus property last weekend is estimated to be $60,000 with another $16,500 worth of damage to city property. One student has been expelled, eight others have been summoned for disciplinary action, and six are facing criminal charges. Yesterday the Purdue Police Department started using the Internet to track down the offenders by posting on its website the photos of people who were videotaped in the streets that evening. There are rewards up to $5,000 for tipsters who can identify individuals or provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of vandals. Overnight it has become a popular website and has resulted in many telephone calls. Although the ICLU has criticized the practice, use of the Internet for such a purpose is not a new concept and has been used successfully by other major universities, such as Duke University and Michigan State University.
Redistricting in the State Legislature (required every ten years to reflect population shifts) is progressing. District 44 (which includes parts of Lawrence, Jackson, Monroe, Orange, and Washington counties) would remain unchanged if the plan presented yesterday by the Senate Republicans is adopted. The GOP controlled (32-18) claim the plan is a fair one. Their proposed plan deviates from the equal population standard by 2 percent or less, forty-eight (currently 39) of the 92 counties would be represented by only one senator, and it does not pit any incumbents against each other in the next election. Senate Democrats have been invited to submit their ideas. Meanwhile, the House, controlled by Democrats, has been working on its legislative map as well. The House Republicans are asking for districts of equal population where possible, which would result in forty counties represented by single representatives and twenty-one counties represented by two. House Demos will present their proposed district maps soon.
April 5
Time to Shine!! Make Seymour Shine week is April 16-20, and the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce is asking residents to clean their property as part of the celebration. The city will pick up smaller items on the regular pickup schedule, and they will pick up larger items by appointment, including cars and appliances.
Warm weather is here with warm daytime and nighttime temperatures. The crab grass will like that! Enjoy the sunshine because the weekend may bring showers--which, of course, will bring the May flowers!
Implications for education reform. A representative sample of about 2,000 Indiana eight graders took the 90-minute test which was part of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study 1999. This test was also administered to students in twelve other participating states, as well as students in 37 other countries. The results were released yesterday, and Indiana ranked third in math and science among the thirteen states. Michigan was tops in both math and science. As a group, however, the U.S.A. students scored just above average when compared with other countries. Asian nations dominated. Researchers explained that students in the U.S. were usually taught by teachers with degrees in education or "other", while those students from the other countries with higher scores were taught by teachers with a degree in math or science. How did Indiana stack up internationally? Sixty-nine percent of the Indiana students scored above the international median in math and 72 percent scored above the median in science.
April 4
Although a curfew law was struck down in federal courts last year, yesterday the Indiana Senate unanimously passed a bill to bring back a curfew for minors in the state. The House passed it unanimously in February, so it is now on its way to the Governor. The bill would establish an 11 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors on weeknights and 1 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. While police welcome a curfew to help curb crime and some parents may want it to help keep their children in line, it is almost certain to cause court battles because others say it is impinges on the rights of parents.
Last week Indiana Sen. Thomas Wyss declared dead the attempt to lower the state's drunken driving limit. The Senate had passed the proposal, but he took that action because the House added amendments for a delay and a provision to benefit beer distributors. However, in separate meetings with the sponsors of the Senate version and the House version, Governor O'Bannon has engineered a second chance for the bill, and the House has agreed to remove the amendments, restoring the Senate bill to original condition, for a full House vote. If the House approves the bill, it will go to the Governor for his signature. Millions of dollars in federal highway funding depends on the outcome of this bill. The House is looking for another bill to carry the beer wholesaler amendment.
Although Cosco Inc., based in Columbus, IN, redesigned or relabeled seven of its products, the company is paying a $1.3 million settlement for delaying the reporting of injuries and safety defects which is required by law.
Bloomington is losing another business and its related jobs. 190 employees at Columbia House will be offered jobs in Terre Haute when the Bloomington center moves it's domestic order processing center. Bloomington workers were notified of the closing during a noon-time meeting yesterday. The closing will come by the end of June.
April3
Congratulations are in order for the 8th Grade Girls Basketball team from St. John's Lutheran Elementary School on their national championship at the Lutheran Schools National tournament last weekend. The team had an enviable 28-0 season!
Another sign of spring. The falcons residing in Downtown Indy are raising a family and Starnews.com is installing a Web cam for your viewing pleasure. At last report there are four eggs in the nest. The eggs should hatch in April, and the chicks should fly in May. For interesting falcon facts and other links, as well as a link to a streaming video of the falcons.
The effort to raise the gas tax to15 cents per gallon (an increase of 6 cents) was derailed Monday in a caucus meeting. The proposal failed to get the required support of the Senate Republicans in order to be heard by the Senate Finance Committee during its final hearing of the year on Wednesday. Some hope that yesterday's roadblock is temporary and that the gas tax increase may be considered when negotiations over the Indiana's next budget are held later this month.
April 2
A grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is providing in excess of $18,000 to the Brownstown Public Library to be used for the purchase of new computer hardware and software.
Flushing of Seymour hydrants will continue from 10 p.m. - 6 1.m. through April 3rd, according to an announcement from the Indiana American Water Company.
A local Bloomington group of activists, known as Buffalo Trace Earth First, have scheduled several peaceful protest activities, which they are calling a "Week of Resistance", hoping to raise awareness of social and environmental causes. They are also showing their support of a local activist charged with spiking trees to prevent them from being felled for lumber. Two such activities have already caused the police to move in. Friday evening many bicyclists gathered at the I.U. main gates to ride through the streets in support of alternative modes of transportation. In the downtown area police arrested seven bike-riding activists for blocking traffic through the area, as well as for disorderly conduct, and two were charged with battery on a police officer. The incident led to a confrontation, cries of police brutality, and further rallying against the arrests at the Monroe County Justice Building.
In another incident occurring in Bloomington on Sunday, police declined to arrest two environmental protesters outside an Old Navy store celebrating its Grand Opening at College Mall. Police cut the locks yesterday from Marie Mason and Cody Hagerty, both of Bloomington. Police carefully used tools to remove a steel u-lock from around the neck of Mason. The activists chose Old Navy because they wanted to draw attention to their claim that the national chain pays "sweat-shop" wages to overseas laborers who make the clothing it sells.
Not all the action (or reaction) is in Bloomington! The Sunday night loss of the NCAA Women's championship game to Notre Dame, 68-66, coupled with a comfortable night temperature, resulted in several groups of students milling around on the campus. Although there was no reported violence and only a few arrests, there were some dumpster fires around the campus, and state police used tear gas to break up crowds of students and move them along. There were reports of students throwing rocks at officers, but that hasn't been corroborated.
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