Superintendent is a contender for new position
(Indianapolis) — “The Indianapolis Star” is reporting in today’s edition that Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Eugene White, 63, is a finalist for the same roles in the Greenville, South Carolina, and Mobile, Alabama school districts. According to paper, White says he was contacted by recruiters for the positions and agreed to allow them to submit his name. While stating he is not unhappy in his current position, the Alabama native says as eyes retirement his desire is to eventually return to the Southeast part of the country. White has worked in various capacities in education since 1971, beginning in Fort Wayne. He became superintendent for the state’s largest school district in 2005 after 11 years as superintendent of the Washington Township School district.
House passes watered-down smoking ban
(Indianapolis) — A compromise bill banning smoking in some areas of Indiana passed the state House by a vote of 60-33 and now heads to the Senate for consideration. The legislation exempts bars, casinos, tobacco shops and private clubs and bans smoking in other workplaces. Governor Mitch Daniels is expected to sign the legislation when it hits his desk. Some lawmakers wanted the ban to include bars, but said they had to agree to the exemption to ensure the ban was passed.
Governor requests federal aid for tornado victims
(Indianapolis) — Governor Mitch Daniels has sent a letter to President Obama seeking a federal disaster declaration for six southern Indiana counties wiped out after last Friday’s devastating tornadoes. Aid is being sought for Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties. Thirteen people were killed by the tornadoes with nearly 200 homes destroyed. Governor Daniels is asking for major disaster declarations for both individuals and businesses.
Public safety offices strapped for money
(Indianapolis) — Marion County Sheriff John Layton says his department is facing a $12 million to $15 million dollar shortfall and Indianapolis Public Safety Director Frank Straub says IMPD is also facing big money problems. Straub says the situation is so dire that many offices may have to shut off their electricity by the end of this month. A budget deficit of between $50 million and $70 million dollars is expected for 2013 for the sheriff’s department and IMPD.
Few clues available in city’s latest homicide
(Indianapolis) — A man was found fatally shot on the city’s northside early this morning. Officers dispatched to a residence in the 1600 block of Stevenson Street near Grandview Drive and Kessler Boulevard around 5 a.m. discovered the victim’s body inside the home. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots, but investigators have little else to go on. Few additional details were available, but investigators said the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Business is a total loss after fire
(Indianapolis) — A blaze at a southwest side towing company last night has caused thousands of dollars in damages. Wayne Township fire officials were dispatched to Cook’s Towing Company in the 1400 block of South Holt Road around 10: 30 p.m. on reports of a business fire. Upon arrival, firefighters saw heavy smoke and flames coming through the roof of the building. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
IU and Purdue win in first round tournament play
(Indianapolis) — For the first time in six years, the Indiana Hoosiers have won a game in the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament. IU defeated Penn State yesterday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 75-58. Next up, the Hoosiers will take on fourth-seeded Wisconsin this afternoon. Senior guard Verdell Jones III sprained his right knee in the first half of the game yesterday. Coach Tom Crean said he doesn’t think Jones will be able to suit up for today’s game. In other tournament news, Purdue celebrated a 79-61 win over Nebraska in the opening round of the Big Ten men’s basketball tournaments. The Boilermakers sank 13 three-point shots to advance to the second round; they go on to play Ohio State tonight.
