Cigarette Tax Increase on the Horizon

Indianapolis, IN (November 26, 2020) - Legislative leaders are open to the idea of hiking Indiana's cigarette tax in an effort to reduce the state's 21.8% adult smoking rate, one of the highest in the nation.

But the top Republicans and Democrats in both the Indiana House and Senate recently said any proposal to raise the current $1 per pack cigarette tax must be accompanied by a specific plan for how the additional money will go toward improving public health.

"The pandemic has taught us that poor quality of health, unfortunately, has dire consequences, and we need to figure out ways to improve Hoosier health," said House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers.

At the same time, Huston said his experience as the former chairman of the budget-writing House Ways and Means Committee taught him that while increasing the cigarette tax is likely to decrease smoking rates, it also will make some state revenue less reliable.

"The whole genesis of increasing the cigarette tax is it's the one thing, more than cessation programs and other things, that's been shown to reduce smoking," Huston said. "So literally the day you implement a new tax rate is the most amount of money you're going to collect if the policy is successful." 

"So you have a declining revenue source and you just have to be thoughtful and manage that appropriately."

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, said that makes it challenging to do innovative things with the money raised by a higher cigarette tax because the revenue will decline in subsequent years. But it's probably still worth doing, he said.

"I just don't want it to go back into the General Fund or something like that. I'd like to really see some concrete programs that we're going to use the money for to improve the health of Hoosiers," GiaQuinta said. "There's a lot of needs out there."

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has recommended boosting the cigarette tax by $2 per pack for a total state tax of $3 per pack. 

That would be two cents higher than Illinois' $2.98 per pack cigarette tax. Cigarettes sold in Northwest Indiana still would be a comparative bargain because Cook County ($3) and Chicago ($1.18) each add a local cigarette tax to every pack sold in their jurisdiction.

Indiana Senate President Rod Bray, R-Martinsville, said if the Republican-controlled House endorses a cigarette tax hike — since all tax legislation is constitutionally required to begin in the House — the Republican-controlled Senate would be happy to consider it.

Meanwhile, Senate Democratic Leader Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, said if lawmakers want to tax smoking to raise revenue, the best course would be to legalize and tax recreational marijuana as most of Indiana's neighboring states, including Illinois, already have done.

"We're going to be on an island out here by ourselves," Taylor said. "The implementation of medical or recreational marijuana in Indiana would raise more money than any cigarette tax that we could ever think about."

Taylor said a tax on legal marijuana would raise money for a variety of state and local needs and save money if Indiana no longer is locking up people nabbed by police with small amounts of marijuana, including substances legally purchased in a neighboring state.

However, even if marijuana legalization somehow were to win General Assembly approval, Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb has said he opposes legalization as long as marijuana is classified as a prohibited controlled substance by the federal government.

The Legislature is due to convene its four-month annual session January. 4 at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.

White Castle Stuffing Recipe

Beech Grove, IN (November 21, 2020) - If you're still in search of one final dish that will really take your meal to the next level, consider White Castle's burger-stuffed turkey recipe.

To celebrate the biggest food holiday of the year, the chain famous for it's little burgers recently re-released its stuffing recipe and it's a pretty fun take on the traditional dish. 

The White Castle's original burger stuffing recipe actually dates all the way back to 1991 when, as the story goes, a White Castle team member used a sack of burgers to beef up her grandmother’s stuffing recipe.

“As a family-owned business, we’re happy to have the Original Slider and the Turkey Stuffing recipe a Thanksgiving staple for so many families across the country" Jamie Richardson, vice president of White Castle, said in a statement.

If you like burgers, this recipe might just be a big home run since you can use it to stuff your bird or bake it off in a casserole dish.

Ingredients:

• 10-12 White Castle Sliders without pickles 
• 1 ½ cups diced celery 
• 1 ¼ teaspoons ground thyme 
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground sage 
• ¾ teaspoons coarse ground black pepper 
• ¼ cup chicken broth or 1 cup for casserole version

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, tear the sliders into pieces and add the celery, thyme, sage, and black pepper.
2.  Add ¼ cup chicken broth and toss well. Stuff the ingredients into the cavity of the turkey before roasting and then simply cook the turkey for several hours, based on the size of your bird. 
3. Or, place into casserole dish; add an additional ¾ cup of chicken broth, toss, and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. The recipe makes about 9 cups of stuffing (enough for a 10-12 pound turkey). 
4. Note: Allow one slider for each pound of turkey, which will be the equivalent of ¾ cup of stuffing per pound.

While the recipe is pretty out there, it’s not that weird. Those soft, doughy slider buns are a great stand in for any type of bread and a lot of people add sausage or bacon to their stuffing ... so why not beef?

Since some variation of the recipe has been around for over 25 years now, plenty on social media have shared their (mixed) results and reactions.

SOURCE: White Castle

Ring recalls 350,000 smart doorbells over fire concerns

Indianapolis, IN (November 11, 2020) - Ring issued a recall Tuesday for hundreds of thousands of its smart doorbells after receiving several reports of the devices catching fire.

The recall affects around 350,000 second-generation Ring doorbells sold in the US and roughly 8,700 more sold in Canada, according to a notice posted by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The video doorbells were sold on Ring's website and on Amazon between June and October, according to the notice.

"The video doorbell's battery can overheat when the incorrect screws are used for installation, posing fire and burn hazards," the notice said.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Ring has received 23 reports of its doorbells catching fire and causing minor property damage. The company has also received eight reports of minor burns as a result fires associated with its doorbell.

"The safety of our customers is our top priority," a Ring spokesperson said. "We have and continue to work cooperatively with the CPSC on this issue and have contacted customers who purchased a Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) to ensure they received the updated user manual and follow the device installation instructions.

"Customers do not need to return their devices," the spokesperson said.

Consumer can check whether their Ring doorbells are subject to the recall by entering the serial number printed on the back of the device at on the company's support website.

SOURCE: Ring

Google Limits Free Photo Storage

Oakland, California (November 11, 2020) – Alphabet Inc’s Google will start limiting how many high-quality photos users can store on the company’s cloud back-up service starting next June, it announced on Wednesday, in a move that could help protect profit margins. 

“Growing demand for storage” means Google Photos can no longer honor a years-old policy of unlimited capacity for high-quality images, the company said in a blog post. Storage of images, along with files in Google’s document editing services, will instead be capped at a combined total of 15 gigabytes.

“Original quality” images, or incredibly high-resolution copies, were the only ones to previously count against the limit. Google’s plans for additional storage, dubbed Google One, start a $2 a month.

More than 1 billion people use Google Photos each month, but the company estimated fewer than 20% of them will need to upgrade for extra storage in the next three years.

Google has faced eroding profits in recent years as it invests heavily in cloud storage systems without experiencing a related increase in revenue. But the company this year has been aiming to close the gap by adjusting perks of its Google One offering to draw more sales.

SOURCE: Reuters 

Steak ‘n Shake closes another 13 locations

Indianapolis, IN (November 9, 2020) - Steak ‘n Shake and its franchisees appear to have closed another 13 locations as the brand continued its pullback during a pandemic that has sapped it of much of its customer traffic. The Indianapolis-based chain, part of the Biglari Holdings conglomerate, has been shuttering locations at a steady pace as years of sales declined have deteriorated its finances.

The company appears to have closed another 11 locations in the third quarter, while franchisees closed another two, based on Biglari Holdings securities filings. Steak ‘n Shake currently operates 528 locations, including 260 company units, 69 operated by “franchise partners,” and 199 by traditional franchisees.

Some 37 of those 260 company-operated locations remain “temporarily closed,” according to the filings. 

Steak ‘n Shake has been permanently closing locations all year due to the pandemic. It started 2020 with 610 units, suggesting 82 restaurants have shut down so far this year, or 13% of the chain. The closures have come as traffic has taken a nosedive during the pandemic. According to the filing, same-store traffic plunged 54.2% in the third quarter ended Sept. 30. Traffic has fallen 44.6% so far this year.

Same-store sales numbers were not published, but the company has seen steady decreases in recent years that have presumably worsened in recent months during quarantine-related dine-in restrictions.

To combat that, Steak ‘n Shake has been shifting its traditionally full-service business into a counter-service model—a rare shift, yet indicative of the challenges facing traditional dine-in concepts at a time when consumers are taking their food with them.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected our restaurant operations and financial results,” Biglari Holdings said in a filing. The company has been adding equipment in reopened restaurants to shift the restaurants’ model to one that emphasizes counter service and does away with wait staff. Yet details in the earnings report suggest the effort has been "limited."



But, the company noted, “the funds needed for the transition are limited under its current debt agreement.” Steak ‘n Shake has $153 million in debt that Biglari Holdings doesn’t guarantee—and refuses to guarantee.

That has put the chain under some pressure to turn itself around before next March, when the debt comes due. “Absent a resolution with the lenders, Steak ‘n Shake may need to seek refinancing options, which may not be available,” the company said. The pandemic could also limit those financing options.

Steak ‘n Shake has been shifting many of its restaurants to operators who would take ownership in exchange for a fee of “up to 15%” of sales and a split of the remaining profits. The company now has 69 such restaurants run by those franchise partners.

But traditional royalties have plummeted during the pandemic: Franchise royalties and fees fell 33% in the third quarter and are down 31.5% for the first nine months of the year.

SOURCE: Restaurant Business Online 

Public Health Emergency Extended in Indiana

Indianapolis, IN (October 31, 2020) - Governor Eric Holcomb signed an executive order Friday extending Indiana's public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic until at least December 1, 2020.

So far, this is the eighth extension of the coronavirus emergency initially declared by Indiana's chief executive March 6, 2020 after the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Indiana. 

A state law enacted in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks entitles vast authority on the governor when he determines the state has been struck by one or more of 30 potential disasters, including a "public health emergency." 

The governor is authorized during a disaster to "employ any measure and give any direction" in accordance with the recommendations of the State Department of Health or local boards of health, both of which have a statutory obligation to "do what is reasonable and necessary for the prevention and suppression of disease."



Governor Holcomb's directive for residents to wear face masks in public places is among the powers derived from his emergency declaration is one example.

PayPal Opens Network to Cryptocurrency

Indianapolis, IN (October 21, 2020) - PayPal Holdings said on today it will allow customers to hold bitcoin and other virtual coins in its online wallet and shop using cryptocurrencies at the 26 million merchants on its network.  The new service makes PayPal one of the largest U.S. companies to provide consumers access to cryptocurrencies, which could help bitcoin and rival cryptocurrencies gain wider adoption as viable payment methods.

The San Jose, California-based company hopes the service will encourage global use of virtual coins and prepare its network for new digital currencies that central banks and companies may develop, President and Chief Executive Dan Schulman said in an interview. “We are working with central banks and thinking of all forms of digital currencies and how PayPal can play a role,” he said. 

U.S. account holders will be able to buy, sell and hold cryptocurrencies in their PayPal wallets over the coming weeks, the company said. PayPal plans to expand the service to its peer-to-peer payment app Venmo and some other countries in the first half of 2021. The ability to make payments with cryptocurrencies will be available from early next year, the company said.

Other mainstream fintech companies, such as mobile payments provider Square Inc SQ.N and stock trading app firm Robinhood Markets Inc, allow users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, but PayPal's launch is noteworthy given its size. The company has 346 million active accounts around the world and processed $222 billion in payments in the second quarter. PayPal’s shares were up 4% at 1418 GMT, set for their best day in a month.


Bitcoin and other virtual coins have struggled to become established as widely used forms of payment despite being around for more than a decade. Cryptocurrencies’ volatility is attractive for speculators, but poses risks for merchants and shoppers. Transactions are also slower and more costly than other mainstream payment systems.

PayPal believes its new system will address these issues as payments will be settled using traditional currencies, such as the U.S. dollar. This means PayPal will be managing the risk of price fluctuations and merchants will receive payments in virtual coins. “We are going about it in a fundamentally different way to make sure we provide the maximum amount of safety to our merchants,” Schulman said.

PayPal's service comes as some central banks have announced plans to develop digital versions of their currencies, following a Facebook-led FB.O cryptocurrency project Libra in 2019, which was met by strong regulatory pushback.. PayPal was among the founding members of this project but dropped out after a few months.

PayPal has secured the first conditional cryptocurrency licence from the New York State Department of Financial Services. The company will initially allow purchases of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies called ethereum ETH=BTSP, bitcoin cash BCH=BTSP and litecoin LTC=BTSP, it said.

PayPal is teaming up with cryptocurrency firm Paxos Trust Company to offer the service.

SOURCE: NBC News

Coronavirus Concerns Prompts Two Libraries to Close

Indianapolis, IN (October 20, 2020) - The Indianapolis Public Library’s East Washington and Southport Branches are closed to the public Tuesday, October 20, after a staff member who had worked in both locations recently learned that they had been exposed to a family member with Covid-19. 

Both branches will remain closed through October 20 for deep cleaning, and both are tentatively planned to reopen to the public on Wednesday, October 21.

The employee and any fellow staff with whom they had close contact (defined as within six feet for ten or more minutes) are under a 10-day quarantine. Patrons who visited the East Washington or Southport Branch Library on or around October 17-19 are encouraged to self-monitor for any symptoms.

ALERT: The East Washington Branch and Southport Branch are both temporarily closed due to a staff member being exposed to COVID-19. For more information, please visit https://t.co/XZXWvEAihp

— Indianapolis Public Library (@indylibrary) October 20, 2020

All Indianapolis Public Libraries have had a face mask requirement in place since reopening in June. Other precautions include capacity limits at libraries, one-hour time limits for patrons when necessitated by building capacity limits, accessible hand sanitizer, regular surface cleaning, and 96 hour quarantining of returned books and other library materials.

“Library administration hopes to utilize staff from other locations to continue to serve the East Washington and Southport patrons immediately after a deep clean,” said Jackie Nytes, Library CEO. “Nimble scheduling for an issue like this is a necessity, as we understand that The Library is essential for residents who need access to information, materials, wi-fi, and computers – and we aim to fulfill our mission of providing access to these services as safely as possible.”

Visit The Indianapolis Public Library's website or follow The Indianapolis Public Library on social media for the latest on this situation, and for any future incidents of potential COVID-19 exposure at libraries.

SOURCE: Indianapolis Public Library

The 1987 Indianapolis Ramada Inn Plane Crash

Indianapolis, IN (October 20, 2020) - On this date in 1987, an Air Force jet attempting to make an emergency landing, crashed into a bank and then a hotel near the airport, killing ten people. 

All of those killed and injured were on the first floor of the hotel when the jet, gliding without power, glanced off the flat roof of a bank, hit the ground, then bounced up and smashed into the hotel marquee. Fire covered much of the center-front of the building.

''It was like skipping a rock,'' said Robert Duncan, staff lawyer for the Indianapolis Airport Authority.

The pilot, Maj. Bruce Teagarden, 35, of Mt. Morris, Pa., ejected seconds before the single-engine A-7D Corsair crashed at 9:15 a.m. He parachuted into a parking lot less than two blocks from the crash site, said Robert Spitler, acting director of the Airport Authority.



Teagarden apparently was following approved procedure after his aging jet fighter lost power.

Marion County medical examiners said all ten of those killed may have been hotel employees. Three had been positively identified and one tentatively identified by 8:00 p.m., said Dennis Nicholas of the coroner`s office. Dental records must be used to identify the five other victims.

The four for whom names were available were hotel employees: Beth Louise Goldberg, 30; Emma J. Brownlee, 37; and Brenda Joyce Henry, 26, all of Indianapolis; and Allen Manter, 18, of Amo.

Six people were injured. Thomas Murray, 41, of Indianapolis, was listed in critical condition with third-degree burns over 95 percent of his body. Darryl Crenshaw, 28, a firefighter, was in serious condition. Betty Gonzales, 52, a hotel employee, was in fair condition, with second-degree burns over 10 percent of her body.

Davis Bosan, 21, of Mattoon, Ill.; John Cameron, 43, of Wauwatosa, Wis. and pilot Teagarden were treated at area hospitals and released. Teagarden was released to military medical authorities.

None of the three customers and six employees in the bank, Bank One, was injured when the plane tore off two-thirds of the building`s roof and collapsed the southwest corner of the structure. ''It`s hard to imagine there were human beings that walked away from it, but they did,'' said Fred Roesner, head of security for Bank One.

Some of the hotel`s guests were also counting themselves among the fortunate. Nearly half of the previous night`s 107 guests had checked out before 9:00 a.m., said a spokesman for the Ramada chain in Tucson. And more than 50 guests attending an engineering conference at the back of the hotel were unscathed when the plane hit, said Neil Sullivan, a spokesman for the Marion County Sheriff`s Department.



But those gathered near the lobby were not so fortunate. The plane disintegrated on impact, with parts of it hurtling 75 feet into the hotel, said Larry Curl, Wayne Township deputy fire chief.

''It looked like it was exploding from the inside. There was a sheet of flame, then an explosion,'' said Shirley Heaton, an employee at Indiana National Bank, across the street from the Ramada Inn.

Lori Leisen, secretary for H.L. Yoh, a technical service firm across the street from Bank One, said: ''I saw something real big and dark come in front. I heard the explosion and saw the fireball.'' Windows of cars in the parking lot blew out from the intense heat, she said.

''There wasn`t anything we could have done. The heat was atrocious. It was a holocaust,'' she said.

City firefighters, who gathered at the airport when Teagarden radioed that he was in trouble, averted what probably would have been a greater disaster by arriving at the hotel within minutes to extinguish the flames, said Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut.

Emergency workers late Tuesday night were still trying to account for some guests, Marion County Sheriff Joe McAtee said at a news conference. He added that it was likely these guests had checked out before the crash and had not called to notify authorities, as they have been asked to do. No more bodies were expected to be found, he said, because the hotel had been thoroughly searched several times.

Teagarden had failed an attempted instrument landing through a low cloud ceiling and apparently was heading the plane toward an open field when he bailed out.

''He came through the clouds and was making a right turn and said he would have to get out,'' Spitler said.

Shortly before 9:12 a.m., Teagarden, flying west at 31,000 feet from Pittsburgh to Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas on a proficiency cross-country training mission, notified Indianapolis air-traffic controllers that he had lost power in his single jet engine and was urgently seeking a landing site. 

He was given a choice of landing at Terre Haute, 44 miles due west, or Indianapolis, 15 miles north, said James McCue, airport operations manager.

''It was up to the pilot to determine which,'' said Spitler.

Teagarden, of the 4450th Test Group Squadron at Nellis, told the tower he would land at Indianapolis, and controllers tried to guide him in, McCue said. He could not see the runway because there was an 800-foot cloud ceiling and light fog, Spitler said.  Spitler said Teagarden came over the airport too high, so the control tower tried to take him around to another runway. The plane had lost too much power to complete the maneuver.

''The major made the best decision he could have made,'' said Col. Bruce L. Johnson, a senior public relations officer at Ft. Benjamin Harrison Army Base, near Indianapolis.

An Air Force source told The Tribune that, if a power failure occurs during the final landing approach, the pilot ''is only a second or two from the ground.''  ''The orders are to do what you can when you have control of the aircraft and then get out'' if control is lost, the source said.

McCue said the Vietnam-era fighter had lost its thrust and was gliding when it went down.

He speculated that the force of the pilot`s ejection from the jet could have pushed the plane down, deflecting it from its course toward open fields beyond the hotel. 

SOURCE: LA Times   

Man Arrested on Child Molesting Charges

Crown Point, IN (October 20, 2020) - A man is expected to make his first court appearance today on charges filed more than seven years ago alleging he sexually abused a girl when she was between the ages of 4 and 10. Fermin B. Rosales, 20, of Joliet, Illinois  recently was extradited from El Paso County, Texas, to Lake County.

Rosales is accused of repeatedly molesting the girl when they lived in the same home in Hammond between March 2003 and March 2009. Rosales' initial appearance was scheduled for today before a Lake Criminal Court magistrate, online records showed. 

The girl first disclosed the alleged abuse in early 2012, after she was admitted to a mental facility for treatment, court records state. Rosales was charged in June 2013 with nine felonies, including three counts of child molesting.

The girl told police Rosales repeatedly touched her inappropriately when she was between the ages of 4 and 6, documents state. When she was 10 years old, Rosales began forcing her to have intercourse and oral sex, court records allege.

The girl told police Rosales punched her in the stomach or face if she refused to do as he ordered, and he threatened to kill her if she told anyone. The girl's mother told police Rosales' father was deported to Mexico for sexually abusing a female child, records state.

SOURCE: North West Indiana Times

Need help? Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

Homecroft Hummingbird Cake

Homecroft, IN (October 19, 2020) - If you’ve never tried Homecroft Hummingbird cake before and are a fan of anything with bananas, this is a cake you need to try. Nana told all us kids this cake got its name because every bite makes you hum with delight.

Whenever Nana would make this cake, everyone fell in love along with it. It would make a great cake for a special occasion, especially Thanksgiving, which is coming up. 

Ingredients:

• 2 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mixes 
• 6 eggs 
• Water for mixing cake mixes, go by directions on boxes use melted butter for cake mixes instead of oil, for amount go by directions on box 
• 1 can(s) crushed pineapple, 20 oz., drained 
• 3 bananas, cut and smashed 
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 
• 2 Tbsp vanilla extract 
• 1 c chopped pecans 
• 1 dash(es) salt

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 pkg cream cheese softened, 8 oz. 
• 1 pkg confectioners’ sugar, 16 oz. 
• 1 stick salted butter, softened 
• 1-2 Tbsp milk 
• 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 and grease a large square cake pan (like 12×18). If you do not have a 12×18 pan, a 9×13 will work. Just cut all the ingredients in half.

2. First, mix cake mixes according to directions on the boxes except use melted butter in place of oil. Also, add vanilla extract.

3. Next add pineapple, smashed bananas, cinnamon, salt, and pecans.

4. Mix all this together well.

5. Pour into pan and cook for 25 to 30 min or until toothpick is inserted and comes out clean. Let cool and ice with cream cheese frosting.

6. For frosting, add cream cheese to mixing bowl. Add butter, confectioners sugar, and vanilla. Mix well.

7. Add milk, a little a the time, to get the consistency you want it to be.

8. Then frost cake after it cools and enjoy.

SOURCE: Nana

Beech Grove Butterscotch Lush

Beech Grove, IN (October 17, 2020) - Nana loved deserts and her Beech Grove Butterscotch Lush recipe is a rich and refreshing dessert recipe that is delicious any time of the year. It especially works well during the winter holiday season. Serve this recipe at your next dinner party or birthday party. 

Beech Grove Butterscotch Lush is a 4-layer dessert of graham cracker crust, cream cheese, pudding, and whipped cream. Topped with butterscotch and chocolate shavings.

Ingredients:

Graham Cracker Crust:

1.5 cup graham crackers, crushed 1 stick butter (1/2 cup), melted 1/2 cup sugar

Cream Cheese Layer ~

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 2 cups heavy cream 1/4 cup sugar

Pudding Layer ~

2.5 cups milk 

2 small packages butterscotch instant pudding 

Whipped Cream Layer ~

1 cup heavy cream 3 Tbs powdered sugar

Toppings (optional) ~

Butterscotch ice cream topping 

Chocolate bar, shaved 

Directions: 

Graham Cracker Crust ~ Preheat oven to 350° F. Mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press mixture into the bottom of a 8×8 baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.

Cream Cheese Layer ~

Use a hand mixer to beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add in 2 cups heavy cream and beat until stiff peaks form. Layer over cooled graham cracker crust.

Pudding Layer ~

Beat milk and pudding mix. If too thick, add a little more milk. You want it thicker than traditional pudding, but not so thick you can’t pour or smooth your pudding layer. Spread over cream cheese layer.

Whipped Cream Layer ~

Beat heavy cream and powdered sugar, until it forms soft peaks. Spread over pudding layer. Chill 4 hours in the refrigerator, or until set.

Toppings (optional) ~

Drizzle warmed butterscotch topping across the top. Sprinkle with shaved chocolate pieces.

SOURCE: Nana

Indianapolis In Top Twenty For Rats

Indianapolis, IN (October 17, 2020 - Indianapolis recently received a not-so-great distinction. According to pest control company Orkin, the Circle City is one of the “rattiest” cities in the country--15th to be exact.

Orkin says the ranking is based on the number rodent treatments performed in the last year. Chicago, Los Angeles and New York took the top three spots. 

The company warns that as the winter months set in, rodent activity will increase inside people’s homes and places of work as the vermin seek the indoors’ warmth and safety. Orkin adds that coronavirus lockdowns may make matters worse for homeowners as they spend more time at home. Homeowners should take greater care not to leave food scraps around and to “pay extra attention to the attractants that entice rats and mice.”

“Rodents are experts at sniffing out food and shelter, and they’re resilient in their ways to obtain both,” Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist, said in the company’s statement. “Residential properties offer the ideal habitat for rodents, and once they’ve settled in, they’re capable of reproducing rapidly and in large quantities.”

The company also noted that rats cause structural damage with their chewing of wooden beams and their burrowing below structural foundations. Worse, they carry harmful pathogens and diseases that can infect humans and pets.

Orkin also offered a series of tips on preventing rat infestations, including throwing away food scraps, keeping floors swept, making sure garbage is not left to gather, and saying foodstuffs should be kept in sealed glass metal containers. 

Outdoors, the company suggests keeping lawns trimmed and to keep weed patches eliminated. Finally, homeowners were advised to keep an eye out for infestation including droppings, and things that seem to have been chewed. 

SOURCE: Orkin

The 9 Signs Your Child Can See Ghosts

Southport, IN (October 8, 2020) - Most children can see spirits. For some, this ability starts as soon as they can focus their eyes and for others, the ability to see Spirits develops as they get older.

Until, at some point, when they tend to stop seeing Spirits. There’s a societal and cultural conditioning that exists that continues to tell children that their friends are imaginary and that monsters aren’t real, and neither is the man they keep talking about. 

This is the same reason most adults cannot see spirits – because at some point along the way, we were told in numerous ways that our experience wasn’t real.

But before this happens, and it doesn’t have to, there’s a period of time in childhood where most, if not all, children can see, hear, and feel those in Spirit. Good and Bad. All kinds.

This period of time is generally most evident to parents between the ages of 2 to 8 years old. Although, it can start much earlier and go on much, much later.

Think your child can see Ghosts? 

Here’s a list of the most common signs that a child can and is seeing those in Spirit.

1. Your child has a long history of sleeping troubles, usually starting in infancy and toddler hood with not sleeping through the night. 

2. Your child frequently stares off into empty space, blank walls, or windows. 

3. Your child talks about “peoples,” “bats,” “monsters,” etc. that you cannot see. 

4. Your child talks to your about individuals and beings that you cannot see. 

5. Your child points and talks about animals that you cannot see. 

6. Your child has conversations with “nothing.” 

7. Your child shares their food and drink with a seemingly non-existent being. 

8. Your child suddenly gets nervous and scared in public places, often looking down and averting their eyes. 

9. Your child comes running to you fearfully while playing outside with no discernible danger

SOURCE: Morticia

Phantom Phone Calls

Beech Grove, IN (October 6, 2020) - Is it possible for those who have passed from this mortal coil to make contact from the spirit world through electronic media? Can a loved one make contact through the humble telephone to say one last good-bye or even give warning of impending disaster?

As odd as it may seem, this phenomenon is not an unusual one and occurs quite frequently, usually with in the first 24 to 48 hours after someone has died. However, many people have reported getting phone calls from deceased loved ones years after they have passed on. These calls are nearly always filled with heavy static and the caller’s voice sounds faint, as if it is coming from a great distance.

Countless people have reported receiving telephone calls that seem to have come from a deceased relative or friend. These strange calls usually happen not more than once or twice and are nearly always brief messages. For some, these phone calls can be frightening, but for others they are a source of comfort and help grieving loved ones move on with their lives.

Often when a person receives such a phone call he or she may not realize, at first, that the person that they are talking to is someone who has passed on from this world and thinks that he or she is talking to corporeal person.



Man people have reported receiving phone calls from a person that they never knew directly in life, but receive an urgent message to relay to another person he or she and the deceased both know/knew. These types of phantom phone calls are more rare. Often, the recipients of such calls say that the voice sounds odd, almost mechanical or unreal in some way.

In most of these phantom phone call cases, people reported that the ring sounded different than it usually did. The tone would be different and the rings would come in shorter than usual bursts. Considering that paranormal investigators use all sorts of electronic equipment to detect spirit activity due to the fact that spirits do indeed seem to be able to communicate through electronic means; then it is not at all far fetched to think that the spirits of departed friends or loved ones could conceivable use the telephone as a medium to make contact between this world and theirs.

If this is indeed the case, then it is quite possible that one day we may find a way to develop such a device that is specifically designed to be able to allow direct interaction with the spirit world using the basic telephone technologies and developing them to a whole new level.

 Not only would this enable people to talk to their loved ones, but it would invariable prove that we continue to live on even after physical death. Perhaps we could gain new insights as to what happens after we die and remove the fear and uncertainty from this seemingly inevitable process.

Until such a time comes, the mystery of these phantom phone calls will continue to be just that, a mystery.

SOURCE: Morticia

Grey Lady of Willard Library

Haunted Indiana - The Willard Library, located in Evansville, Indiana, was built in 1881 by William Carpenter, known locally as a pioneer of public charity. Victorian Gothic in design, the brick building stands two stories tall, with a tower and ornate window arches. Being the oldest library in the state of Indiana, it contains a treasure trove of local historical archives and genealogy materials.

It also has a ghost. An apparition reportedly roams the hallways and library rooms. She became known as the Lady in Grey, since she was dressed in an 1800’s period grey dress with a matching grey shawl. First seen in the late 1930’s by a custodian, who soon quit his job in fear of seeing her again, she’s been viewed countless times since.

Patrons and employees alike have witnessed water turning on and off, touches on their hair, unexplained noises, and items being moved. After numerous sightings, the library installed a series of web cams around the library, allowing viewers from around the world to search for her from the comfort of their own homes.

The results have been phenomenal. People from all around the world have captured images of the grey lady as she roams the library in the middle of the night. Some even see her during the daytime, lingering in the children’s room or browsing the titles in the library.

During the mid ­1970’s, when the library was under construction, the lead librarian, a woman named Margaret Maier, reported that the ghost went home with her. Her son didn’t believe her until he saw the apparition for himself.



He witnessed a woman in a long grey dress climbing the staircase to the second floor in their house. When he went to investigate, she vanished before his eyes. After construction was completed, the Lady in Grey soon returned to the library.

The special collections librarian also experienced the apparition. She was reading a book, while walking out of the second story staff room. As she passed a stack of books, she stopped short, catching something out of the corner of her eye. When she looked up, she found herself face to face with the ghostly figure.

SOURCE: Willard Library
WATCH: Willard Library Ghost Cam

Josh Fryar Loses Black Stripe

Beech Grove, IN (October 4, 2020) - Ohio Sate Offensive tackle Josh Fryar was given the honor of having his black stripe removed yesterday. Fryar was a three-star recruit from Beech Grove, Indiana, coming in at 6 feet, 4 inches and 275 pounds.

The black stripe ritual was designed by Urban Meyer as an in-house motivational tactic for his players. The stripe doesn't come off a freshman's helmet until he has proven he's worthy of being a Buckeye. So the longer it's on, the more stressful it becomes. Everyone in practice sees it.

Fryar becomes the first of six offensive linemen to lose the black stripe. More than a player's personal pride is at stake because the coach announces every time a freshman has his stripe removed. In a world where Ohio State invites top-rated prospects into the program every year, it gives fans -- who can't see practice -- a way of tracking which players are acclimating to the program the right way. It's very public.

Fryar was excited about the honor and had some words of gratitude.

“I just want to thank everybody here, thank you Coach Stud, especially, thank my O-line unit, thank my strength coaches, and I especially want to thank the defense for going hard every day and giving me a look. Go Bucks!”

Fryar thanks his teammates and coaches below.

🚨 Black Stripe Alert ‼️

Big moment for the big man! Congrats on losing your stripe @joshfryar2!#GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/yyBvigqYj8

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 3, 2020

Fryar becomes the eighth freshmen to lose their black stripe, a list that includes Miyan Williams, Trey Sermon, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kourt Williams, Gee Scott, Jr. and Julian Fleming.

SOURCE: Buckeyes Wire

The 1983 Nuclear False Alarm

On September 26, 1983, Lt. Colonel Stanislav Petrov was in command at Serpukhov-15, a bunker where the Soviets monitored their satellite-based detection systems. Shortly after midnight, panic broke out when an alarm sounded signaling that the United States had fired five Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, or ICBMs, toward Russia.

The warning was a false alarm—one of the satellites had misinterpreted the glint of sunlight off clouds near Montana as a missile launch—but to the Soviets, it appeared the United States had started a nuclear war.

Protocol demanded that Serpukhov-15 report any signs of a missile launch to the Soviet high command, but Petrov had a hunch the warning was an error. He knew the new satellite system was mistake-prone, and he also reasoned that any nuclear strike by the Americans would come in the form of hundreds of missiles, not just five.



With only minutes to make a decision, Petrov chose to ignore the blaring warning alarms and reported the launch as a false alarm—a move that may have averted a nuclear holocaust.

The incident remained classified until after the Cold War ended, but Petrov later received several humanitarian awards for his extraordinary actions, and was even honored by the United Nations.

Southport Salisbury Steak

Southport, IN (September 25, 2020) - Served with mashed potatoes and gravy, there's nothing that says comfort food and home cooking like Nana's delicious Southport Salisbury Steak. We suggest a nice serving of southern style green beans on the side.

We have listed all the ingredients and steps for you to follow. Feel free to add more ingredients though if you feel that you can make this even better.

Prep time: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Total: 40 mins | Servings: 4 | Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1-pound lean ground beef 
• ⅓ cup dry bread crumbs 
• ¼ cup chopped onions 
• 1 egg, beaten 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 
• 2 cups beef broth 
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms 
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch 
• 3 tablespoons water

Directions:


Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, add in the ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Step 2: Make 4 patties, 3/4-inch thick out of the mixture.
Step 3: Place a large skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium.
Step 4: Pan-fry the burger patties for 10 minutes on both sides or until the color turns brown.
Step 5: Add in the broth, mushrooms, and onion. Allow it to boil and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the patties are cooked through.
Step 6: Place the cooked patties on a clean plate. Let it sit at room temperature to cool.
Step 7: Allow the onion mix to boil.
Step 8: In a small bowl, add in the cornstarch and water. Stir until well mixed then pour the mixture into the onion mixture.
Step 9: Cook for 1 minute or until the sauce becomes thick.
Step 10: Spread the sauce over the patties.
Step 11: Serve and enjoy..

SOURCE: Nana

Marion County Restrictions Easing Slightly

Marion County, IN (September 25, 2020) - Today, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Dr. Virginia Caine, Director of the Marion County Public Health Department provided an update of Marion County restrictions on various activities and current COVID-19 data.

RELATED | Indiana To Begin Stage 5 Saturday 
RELATED | Marion County Under New Restrictions

One restriction that won't ease up is the current requirement that taverns, nightclubs and restaurants all close at midnight.

Starting on Monday, September 28, the following changes go into place:

• Restaurants, taverns, nightclubs and food establishments can have up to 50 percent indoor capacity and 100 percent outdoor capacity. 
• Restaurants and taverns will continue to be closed at midnight. 
• Museum, cultural sites, music venues and other similar businesses are now able to open to 50 percent capacity. 
• Gyms, fitness centers and similar businesses can also expand to 50 percent capacity. 
• Live entertainment can resume at taverns, clubs and performance venues with certain social distancing precautions in place. A 10-foot buffer should be maintained between the stage and audiences, as well as audiences social distancing themselves. 
• Assisted living facilities may be open to indoor visitation. 
• Funeral homes and churches can have indoor services at 75 percent capacity. 
• Outdoor services can operate at 100 percent capacity.

Mayor Hogsett said the seven-day moving average rate for all tests has fallen from 5.6 percent at the beginning of the month to 4.8 percent as of Thursday, Sept. 24.

Zip Line For Socially Distanced Halloween

Garden City, MI (September 24, 2020) - Woodworker Matt Thompson of Thompson Woodworks constructed a delightful contraption to help keep the trick-or-treat dream alive for his town. He built a social-distancing safe zip-line so he can hand out candy to kids who come by.

He used a cable and some pulleys to create a line that runs from his porch to a decorated pole near the sidewalk. That way kids can safely take some candy from the attached ghost without having to get close to the house.

But the best part is that this is not just a candy delivery service. It also includes a beer caddy so Thompson can send out some grownup treats too. He hauls it back in with a fishing reel, in a system we’d like to see used on every holiday.



This isn’t the first device someone has come up with to make Halloween 2020 possible. The Wicked Makers YouTube channel released a video for a DIY candy tube.

It’s been a long year, and no matter your age we can all use some treats this Halloween.

Greenwood Green Beans, Ham and Potatoes

Greenwood, IN (September 24, 2020) - Green beans and potatoes and ham is one of my favorite all time dishes. I remember when Nana cooked fresh green beans and potatoes straight from the garden seasoned with a ham hock and all us kids could not get enough, they were just that good.

Slow cooked Green Beans, Ham and Potatoes  

This simple recipe is perfect for a great weeknight or anytime family dinner. Slow cookers are the answer to busy evenings, and this easy dish assembles in just minutes. Onions, green beans and ham combine together in the slow cooker with just enough water to cover—three to four hours later, dinner is ready, and because it was all cooked in one pot, cleanup is a snap as well.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 ham hocks
• 1 1/2 pounds new potatoes, quartered
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
• Ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Halve beans if they are large, place in a slow cooker with water to barely cover, and add onion and ham hocks. Cover, and cook on High until simmering. Reduce heat to Low, and cook for 2 to 3 hours, or until beans are crisp but not done.
2. Add potatoes, and cook for another 45 minutes. While potatoes are cooking, remove ham hocks from slow cooker, and remove meat from bones. Chop or shred meat, and return to slow cooker. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, bouillon, and pepper. Cook until potatoes are done, then adjust seasoning to taste.
3. To serve, use a slotted spoon to put beans, potatoes, and ham into a serving dish with a little broth.

SOURCE: Nana

Indiana To Begin Stage 5 Saturday

Indianapolis, IN (September 24, 2020) - Indiana's six-month effort to combat the coronavirus by restricting personal liberties and business operations is coming to a close.

Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Wednesday he will sign an executive order moving the state to Stage 5 of his five-stage Back on Track reopening plan for at least a three-week period.

At Stage 5, all businesses may reopen to full capacity, including restaurants, bars and nightclubs; gyms, entertainment and cultural destinations may operate at 100% capacity; and there no longer are any attendance limits at sporting events, conventions or community gatherings — absent more stringent local or industry requirements.

The governor still is directing Hoosiers to wear masks, or another face covering, when they are unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other people in public places, and businesses can continue requiring every person entering their premises to wear a face mask.

In fact, Holcomb credited voluntary Hoosier compliance with his July 24 mask order for making it possible for Indiana to fully reopen ahead of its neighboring states.

"I know no one wants to wear a face mask. I mean, this is different, especially for Americans and Hoosiers. I get it. It's not my preference either," Holcomb said. "But it's not my preference that the pandemic is on top of us either and follows us around."

"And while our numbers are tracking in the right direction, enabling us to further open up, it's because of this,” Holcomb said while holding up a cloth face mask during his weekly COVID-19 press conference in his Statehouse office.

According to the State Department of Health, Indiana is conducting approximately 15,000 COVID-19 tests per day, with a seven-day positivity rate of just 3.9%.

Data show hospitals have sufficient capacity to treat COVID-19 infections and a force of contact tracers is alerting Hoosiers who have been in close proximity to anyone confirmed to have the coronavirus.

"We have been very Steady Eddie, very methodical, about this. Very data driven. And that's how we'll continue to be," Holcomb said.

At the same time, Holcomb is encouraging Hoosiers to continue doing their part to minimize the potential spread of the virus by wearing masks, regularly washing their hands and routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces.



He's also asking restaurants and bars to ensure all their customers are seated, and not standing, as well as continuing to follow social distancing practices, even if it means operating at slightly less than full capacity.

"We like the path that we're on, the direction that we're moving," Holcomb said. "But we really have to just underscore how important it is for our citizens and our businesses to continue to make those adjustments and operate in a very safe manner."

"It has a huge impact beyond your personal space."

The governor's order does not immediately change the capacity and spacing restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Indiana's 13 casinos.

Sara Tait, executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission, said her agency will review Holcomb's forthcoming executive order and listen to gaming industry leaders on how they propose moving forward with steps like reopening poker rooms, given the governor's recommendation that businesses continue promoting social distancing in their operations.

The governor's Stage 5 announcement came exactly six months to the day of his unprecedented March 23 executive order commanding Hoosiers to stay home, except for "essential" purchases and employment, following the initial spread of COVID-19 in Indiana.

Dr. Woody Myers, the Democratic candidate for governor, said it's wrong for Holcomb to take Indiana to Stage 5 when the state needs "more vigilance, not less."

"It was only recently that Indiana had the highest one day total of cases reported since the beginning of the pandemic. With the arrival of autumn, public health experts are warning we can soon expect a significant increase of new COVID-19 cases," Myers said.

"The pandemic isn't going away anytime soon — Gov. Holcomb's decision today is simply wrong."

Beech Grove Butterscotch Brownies

Beech Grove, IN (September 18, 2020) - Made with butter and brown sugar, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whenever Nana made these brownies they were gone in no time. We have listed all the steps so you just need to follow them. 

Feel free to add more ingredients if you feel that this recipe can do better. Enjoy!

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup butter, melted 
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar 
• 3 large eggs eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 2 cups all-purpose flour 
• ½ teaspoon salt 
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 
• 1 cup chopped walnuts 

Coffee Frosting (Optional) 

2 teaspoons instant coffee granules 

2 tablespoons water 

½ cup butter softened 

3 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the oven and preheat to 180 degrees C or 350 degrees F. 

Step 2: Apply cooking spray in a 11x7x2-inch baking pan. 

Step 3: Place a large saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Add in the butter and allow it to melt. Add in 2 cups of brown sugar and stir until well mixed and dissolved completely. Remove from the heat and let it cool at room temperature. Add in the vanilla and eggs. Beat until well blended. 

Step 4: In a small mixing bowl, sift baking powder, flour, and salt. 

Step 5: Transfer the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until well mixed then toss in the walnuts and stir.
Step 6: Transfer the batter into the greased pan. 

Step 7: Place inside the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until cooked through. 

Step 8: Remove from the pan and let it sit on a wire rack to cool at room temperature. 

Step 9: Make the Frosting: In a medium mixing bowl, add in coffee and pour in water. Stir until coffee is dissolved completely. 

Step 10: In another small bowl, add in the confectioners’ sugar and butter. Whisk until well mixed. 

Step 11: Transfer the butter mixture into the dissolved coffee. Stir until well mixed. 

Step 12: Spread the mixture on top of the brownies.
Step 13: Serve and enjoy!

SOURCE: Nana

Amtrak Jobs and Service Cuts in the Works

Washington, D.C. (September 15, 2020) - Amtrak President William Flynn has told members of Congress that the company needs a $4.9 billion appropriation for fiscal 2021 to avoid employee furloughs and reduced long-distance train frequencies planned for October.

Flynn, Rail Passengers Association President and CEO Jim Mathews, and labor officials representing the Transport Workers Union and Transportation Communications Union testified Tuesday at the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Rail Subcommittee hearing titled, “Amtrak’s response to COVID-19.”

Amtrak CEO William Flynn testifies during Wednesday's online House hearing on Amtrak's response to COVID-19.

Amtrak declined to provide the figure needed to avoid the job and service cuts to Capitol Hill staffers until late last week, despite requests from elected officials in June [see “Senators seek more details on Amtrak service, job cuts,” Trains News Wire June 29, 2020.

That drew sharp criticism in the opening statement from subcommittee chairman Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) for “just now submitting their amended FY21 supplemental request to Congress less than one month before the current fiscal year expires and Amtrak plans to implement these furloughs.”

If Senate and House conferees don’t come up with the $4.9 billion (which includes the $2 billion Amtrak originally asked for in its annual Grant and Legislative Request in February), Flynn told Lipinski that with a “cash burn at nearly $250 million a month right now, we would have to make very dramatic reductions across the company to stave off bankruptcy.” He added that this would include “substantial reduction in all services and perhaps some elimination of some long-distance services if that’s the cash burn we’re having with no supplemental funding.”

In questioning from U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas), Flynn repeated management’s previous assertions that in fiscal 2019, “we were generating a surplus on our Northeast Corridor — essentially a break-even level of operation in our state-supported network, but the operational subsidy fundamentally underpins the long-distance services. So the vast majority, if not all, of that subsidy, if we were to do it on a service line basis, would be on the long-distance service.”

Rail Passengers Association President and CEO Jim Mathews pushed back against Flynn and the assertion by Babin and four other GOP lawmakers that Amtrak is required to make a profit.

“It is not — it is only required to minimize subsidies,” Mathews said. “A conversation about (Amtrak) profit ignores the benefit that communities receive.” In his opening statement, he unveiled research that quantifies by long-distance route exactly what those benefits are.

The document lists the direct and indirect economic impact of daily service, and the negative effects when four of seven weekly departures are eliminated.

The model, developed by the Rail Passengers Association with the help of Transportation 4 America, contends that the cuts will result in a “$2 billion bomb on ‘Flyover Country.’” It is available here.

Other revealing exchanges during the session:

— Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) raised concerns about aspects of Amtrak’s accounting methodology, such as considering taxpayer-funded state payments as revenue and not including depreciation in operating results.

— Flynn said that there were no plans to furlough any employees at the Beech Grove Heavy Maintenance Facility, and in fact Amtrak had to hire essential workers after some employees decided to take the company-wide buyout offer.

— Acela lead service attendant Amy Griffin, who testified as Local 1460 president of the Transport Workers Union of America, recounted a July incident in which she had been ordered to continue working after a co-worker tested positive for COVID-19. She eventually was told to quarantine, but then was ordered back to work after 10 instead of 14 days by Amtrak’s medical staff because she showed no symptoms

— Flynn was criticized by several lawmakers for reinstating a 401K retirement plan company match for management beginning Oct. 1 at the same time it counted on receiving bailout money and was laying off 2,000 employees. He defended the decision because it helped the company retain personnel and would not agree to reverse it, but did say Amtrak would withdraw a communications Request For Proposal that allowed outsourced bidders to shift jobs offshore.

--Near the end of session, Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) told Flynn, “I fully support using money you make on the north end of the Northeast Corridor to provide service to some of those rural areas — the ‘red’ states. Those lines don’t necessarily benefit my district but they benefit the country. … I hope you take very seriously the credibility that you will lose by engaging in these furloughs, and the representational damage that comes to Amtrak management. I’m asking you to reconsider that [because] it is not going to save the day.” Cutting 2000 employees, Lynch said, “is going to reduce service and spiral that bottom-line deficit. You’re going to lose the faith of members of Congress like me, who are behind you, because of this decision.”

Video of the entire 2 1/2 -hour hearing and links to the witnesses’ prepared testimony is below.

Amtrak’s Response to COVID-19
Subcommittee: Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Time: 11:00 AM

Fundraiser for Historic Gym in "Hoosiers" Movie

Indianapolis, IN (September 15, 2020) - The Indiana Broadcaster Association is hosting a special Thursday, September 17 screening of the movie Hoosiers at Tibbs Drive-In, 480 South Tibbs Avenue. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and sit outside of their vehicle, but everyone must comply with social distancing guidelines put in place by Tibbs Drive-In.

All the proceeds from the special event will be donated to support the historic Hoosier Gym in Knightstown which has been deeply impacted by COVID-19. The Knightstown locale served as the home gym for the “Hickory Huskers” in the 1986 movie.

RELATED | Beech Grove competes in historic gym

Tickets to the Tibbs Drive-In event are $11 per person are available now for advance purchase through HelpHoosierGym.com. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. The screening will begin with sundown at 8:30 p.m.



Attendees will have the chance to win several door prizes including:

• An autographed Larry Bird basketball 
• Victor Oladip Indiana Pacers “Hickory Edition” Replica Jersey
• Indiana Pacers “Hickory Edition” shirts and hats
• A full-size Hoosiers movie poster signed by screenwriter Angelo Pizzo and director David Anspaugh 
• A Hoosiers Eleven Life Lessons from Hoosiers book signed by author and Hoosier Gym Event Coordinator Bob Garner and by Brad Long (who portrayed “Buddy” in the movie.)
• Or a Tivoli AM/FM Table Radio

SOURCE: Help Hoosier Gym

There Won’t Be Any Holiday Peeps

Beech Grove, IN (September 12, 2020) - Don’t look for any pumpkin stuffed marshmallows this Halloween, or green trees at Christmas time.

Although Peeps traditionally releases seasonally-shaped marshmallow treats for Halloween and Christmas, due to the coronavirus pandemic, that won’t be possible this year.

Just Born, the family-owned candy manufacturer behind Peeps, Mike and Ikes and Hot Tamales, confirmed that the festive seasonal releases “will not be in stores again until 2021.”

“While PEEPS® Marshmallow Candies, MIKE AND IKE® and HOT TAMALES® would typically be available in fun shapes and packaging sizes for the Halloween and holiday seasons, unfortunately, the seasonal varieties will not be in stores again until 2021,” the company said in a statement.



Due to coronavirus concerns, the company “temporarily suspended production” earlier this year, and “resumed limited production” in May “after making extensive changes in our plant that ensure the safety of our associates.”

SOURCE: WBNS

Teacher Shortage May Force Students Back Online

Beech Grove, IN (September 9, 2020) - Many schools in Indiana are working to provide some sort of in-person instruction to students as they reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some school leaders say a shortage of teachers could force them to once again move students online.

Teachers everywhere are providing instruction in person, online, and in some cases, both. But substitute teachers are in high demand and have been in critically short supply.

Frontier School Corporation Superintendent Dan Sichting says his corporation employs 50 certified teachers, and has just five substitutes on hand this fall. Only two of them are available to work at the junior-senior high school.

"This is by far more difficult than any other years that we've seen up to this point," Sichting said.

He says the shortages have meant closing things like the school library or computer lab for the day while existing staff fill in.

But Beech Grove High School principal Lizz Walters says solutions she and other leaders have looked to for temporary relief in the past are wearing thin.

Teachers have given up their prep time to cover classes in a crunch before. But she says things have intensified this year, and it's not fair – or feasible – to ask teachers to regularly give up the small amount of time they have during the day to get ready for the classes they usually teach.

"You know we're now looking at the possibility of doing that more than once or twice a week, so that's very difficult from a sustainability standpoint," Walters says.

Many of the substitutes that school corporations like Sichting's rely on are retired, and he says several of them have concerns about their health and safety as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Others, like Noblesville substitute teacher Deb Marcum aren't as worried about the possible health risks. But Marcum said she's been pulled into a regular teaching role as her school navigates how they should conduct learning online and in-person at the same time.

Which means, one less substitute teacher available to cover when other classroom leaders get sick, have to quarantine, or need time off.

"To be honest with you it'll be a shortage of teachers that will cause schools to close rather than I think the illness of kids," Marcum said.



State leaders have urged schools to at least prepare for a return to online learning as the fallout from the ongoing pandemic continues. And Walters said she and others have prepared to move online in case local health departments close schools because of the spread of COVID-19 in their communities.

But the start of flu season is here, and Sichting and Walters both said they're already thinking about whether or not they will need to shift to online learning – and when – if they don't find more qualified staff soon.

SOURCE: Indiana Public Media

Milwaukee Tool Bringing Jobs To Greenwood

Greenwood, IN (September 9, 2020) - Milwaukee Tool, a maker of hand and power tools, storage, and accessories will establish a new tool service hub in Greenwood. Milwaukee Tool will lease a 150,000-square-foot facility on Southtech Drive in Greenwood that will house tool repair and warehousing space. It is expected to be open by March 2021.

“Milwaukee Tool continues to grow, and a new, centrally-located service hub here in Indiana will support the company’s increased demand and strengthen the customer experience,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “Indiana’s advanced manufacturing workforce will be a key asset for this growing company, helping Milwaukee Tool provide high-quality service to its customers and contributing to its mission of continuous innovation and commitment to the trades.”

Pending approval by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) board of directors, the IEDC will offer Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation up to $4.5 million in conditional tax credits and up to $500,000 in training grants based on the company’s plans to create up to 481 new Hoosier jobs.

These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired. The city of Greenwood approved additional incentives.

Milwaukee Tool is currently hiring key management and operations roles for the Greenwood service hub. Interested applicants can apply online. The company plans to create more than 450 new jobs by the end of 2025.

To apply online, go to MilwaukeeTool.Jobs