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

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   

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

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

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.

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."

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

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

Kroger Launching eCommerce Marketplace

Indianapolis, IN (August 12, 2020) - The Kroger Company, America’s largest grocery retailer, announced Kroger Ship will expand to offer an extended ship-to-home assortment through a marketplace offering of third-party sellers powered by Mirakl, the leading software platform enabling B2C and B2B digital marketplaces.

“Our customers are increasingly turning to our e-commerce solutions provided at Kroger.com for their grocery and household essential needs. To better serve our customers, we’re continuing to invest in technology that enables us to expand our digital services to deliver anything, anytime, anywhere,” said Jody Kalmbach, Kroger’s group vice president of product experience. 

“Leveraging Mirakl’s best-in-class marketplace solution, we are broadening Kroger’s ship-to-home capabilities by offering more relevant products for our customers through exciting new partnerships with reputable third-party sellers.”

Kroger Ship, which launched in August 2018, will offer customers an extended aisle of products made available through marketplace partners. Initially, more than 50,000 additional items will be available to customers across multiple categories, including natural and organic, international food, specialty items, housewares and toys.

“Kroger has long been a retail giant, and by integrating an online marketplace into its leading eCommerce experience, Kroger is continuing to lead from the front,” said Adrien Nussenbaum, CEO and Co-founder of Mirakl. “It’s clearer than ever that digital marketplaces are the foundation of the next generation of commerce, and we look forward to supporting Kroger as it takes advantage of this opportunity.”

Kroger’s marketplace products are expected to launch this fall. Eligible Kroger.com orders earn loyalty rewards like fuel points.

“The expansion of our Kroger Ship platform will continue to bring together our industry-leading customer insights and merchandising data to offer our customers a digital shopping experience that includes staples available in our physical stores as well as products that are exclusive to Kroger.com,” said Stuart Aitken, Kroger’s senior vice president and chief merchant and marketing officer. “As part of our continuing transformation, we look forward to accelerating the development of our e-commerce platform and providing our customers with even more choices.”

Kroger’s strategic investments in e-commerce technology and channels over the past two and half years under Restock Kroger have positioned the company to more effectively respond to the sustained, increased demand of delivery, pickup and ship-to-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SOURCE: Kroger

Southport Police Blood Drive

Southport, IN (July 24, 2020) - Now is a good time to give blood if you have never done so. The Southport Police Department is holding its annual Fallen Officer Blood Drive tomorrow.

The police department blood drive is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the training room at the Southport Municipal Complex at 137 Worman Street. To schedule a time to donate, click here.

Press release regarding this Saturday’s, “Fallen Officer Blood Drive” in partnership with Virsiti Blood Center of Indiana.

Use the link below to schedule your appointment to donate ahead of Saturday. #SouthportStronghttps://t.co/sfGQ8YWcU2 pic.twitter.com/UnNoVmX5tx

— Southport Police (@SouthportPD) July 22, 2020

This an opportunity for you to “raise your sleeve” in memory of the Indiana police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Use the map below to find your way to the Blood Drive.



July 27 will mark three years since the department lost Lt. Aaron Allan, who was shot and killed in the line of duty. The goal of the blood drive is to give a little in honor of those who gave all.

Homecroft Hamburger Soup

Homecroft, IN (July 24, 2020) - Nana always loved having family and friends over and nobody ever left her house hungry.  Nana's Homecroft Hamburger Soup was always a big hit and is so easy to make. Loaded with ground beef and vegetables, and the perfect comforting soup recipe for a weeknight dinner.

Nothing better than a bowl of warm and hearty soup made with simple ingredients you have on hand in your fridge and pantry. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this soup is great reheated for lunches all week but even better, it freezes perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup potatoes peeled and diced
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 6 cubes beef bouillon
• 5 cups of water
• 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 (16 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (10 ounces) package frozen corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 3 tablespoons ketchup

Directions
In a medium skillet, brown hamburger over medium heat. Drain off fat.
Combine beef, carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, bouillon, water, tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes, salt, corn, basil, and ketchup in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for at least 1 1/2 hours.

SOURCE: Nana

Roncalli High School Changes Nickname

Indianapolis, IN (July 22, 2020) - Roncalli High School, located on the south side of Indianapolis will soon change their school nickname from the “Rebels” to a new name to be decided by the Roncalli community, school officials announced today.

Father Robert Roberson, interim president of Roncalli High School said he will appoint a special task force this summer to explore alternative names and symbols that will “better reflect our Catholic mission and honor the legacy of our patron, Angelo Roncalli.”

“The confusion and negative connotation attached to the name Rebels are also a source of concern as we move forward over the next 50 years,” said Terese Carson, vice president for institutional advancement. “We have had alumni and community member express concerns about how this nickname can be misunderstood, particularly as it relates to our deep commitment to honoring the dignity of every person, as Christ calls us to do.”


Roncalli has used the “rebel” mascot and nickname since its creation in 1969, out the consolidation of two different Catholic high schools. The school was named for Pope John XXIII, whose family name was Roncalli. According to the school’s website, the nickname was in homage to him. John XXIII was “referred to by some in the church as a rebel.”

New Dates For Marion County Fair

Indianapolis, IN (May 22, 2020) BGI — Save the dates, the 90th Marion County Fair will be held July 4-12 at the Marion County Fairgrounds located at 7300 East Troy Avenue. It was originally scheduled for June 19-28, but officials decided to postpone the fair until July, when the county would likely will be nearly completely re-opened.

Purdue Extension, which oversees the state’s county fairs, has prohibited in-person meetings and events until July 1. They issued a statement that allows counties to open fairs if that county reaches the final stages in the Back on Track plan issued by state officials. They have also developed virtual models for counties that may not meet the state’s requirements for Stage 5.



Accordingly, county fairs would have to maintain required physical distancing , offer daily health screenings for all employees and volunteers, and increase their hand sanitizing stations and cleaning stations. The Marion County 4-H continues its partnership with the fair, and the chapter has participated in physical distancing events, including scheduled webinars.

Right now, admission to the fair is only $5.00 per day, and a 10 day pass will set you back just $25.00.

Tickets can be purchased HERE

History of the Marion County Fair

The Marion County Fair was established in 1930 as a street fair in New Bethel or Wannamaker. Following several moves in the Wannamaker area, it was relocated onto 123 acres of land at Troy Avenue and Fisher Road. There are presently 17 permanent buildings on the grounds.

SOURCE: Marion County Fair

The Pet Valu Contest Is Back

Homecroft, IN (May 20, 2020) BGI — Attention all Southside pet owners, it's that time of year and casting calls are open for the Pet Valu 2021 calendar contest. The 9th annual casting call to have your pet featured is open through June 15, 2020.

Submit your pet's best photo online by June 15, a panel of judges will choose the finalists, then the public will vote for the top 13 pets. They will have one cover pet and 12 to be featured in their calendar. Pet owners can submit one dog, one cat, and/or one small pet.

Casting Call is BACK!
Is your pet a start? Enter you pet's best photo between now and June 15th for your chance to be featured in our 2021 Pet Valu Calendar!
Enter Here: https://t.co/UagsZVuJvg pic.twitter.com/qpEM1FlNXF

— Pet Valu - US (@PetValuUS) May 1, 2020

You can submit your pet HERE and you can read the official rules HERE

Gov. Holcomb Issues Order

Indianapolis, IN (March 23, 2020) — Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Monday ordered residents to remain in their homes except for essential errands in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus, mirroring similar orders in adjacent Illinois and Ohio.

Holcomb said Monday that the order still allows the state’s 6.8 million residents to seek essentials including groceries and medicine and makes exemptions for employees of crucial industries.

The governors of adjacent Illinois, Ohio and Michigan, as well other states, have ordered residents to remain in their homes, except for to perform essential tasks, to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The governor also warned that any restaurant or bar that does not immediately comply to the state’s order to switch to a carryout-only model will have its food and beverage license suspended. The order raises plenty of questions about what’s allowed.

Here are some answers along with his public announcement below.

When does the stay-at-home order start?
The order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.

When does it end?
11:59 p.m. April 6, but it could be extended longer, if necessary.

Is this mandatory or a recommendation? 
This order is mandatory. For the safety of all Hoosiers, people must stay home and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

How will this order be enforced? 
Staying home is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in your community. Adhering to the order will save lives, and it is the responsibility of every Hoosier to do their part. However, if the order is not followed, the Indiana State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce this order. The Indiana State Department of Health and the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission will enforce the restaurant and bar restrictions.

Will the Indiana National Guard enforce this order? 
No. The Indiana National Guard is aiding in planning, preparation and logistics with other state agencies. For example, the Indiana National Guard assists in distributing hospital supplies the state receives.

What is considered as an “essential” business?
The executive order Holcomb issued Monday lays out a long list of industries, businesses and services that are considered essential. Some on that list includes grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, doctor’s offices, health care facilities, garbage pickup, public transit, day care centers, airport operations, utilities, convenience stores, pet supply stores, food distribution companies, animal shelters, churches, media, food banks, auto repair shops, banks, insurance companies, hardware stores, real estate firms, manufacturing companies, hotels, funeral homes, public service hotlines such as SNAP and HIP 2.0, post offices and other shipping and delivery service companies, educational institutions (but K-12 public and private schools are still closed until May 1 under a different executive order), dry cleaners and restaurants (but dine-in service is prohibited).

What about non-essential business. Do those have to close?
The executive order requires those businesses to cease operations, unless employees are working from home.

Does this apply to not-for-profits?
Yes, unless an organization falls under one of the essential exemptions. For example, not-for-profits like food banks, shelters or those that provide other social services for “economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, individuals who need assistance as a result of this emergency and people with disabilities” are considered essential.

What about churches?
Churches are required to abide by CDC guidance on social gathering, which prohibit more than 10 people together.

Restaurants were already closed, except for takeout. What else will be closed now?
All other retailers that don’t fit the “essential” definition. Also, hair salons, fitness centers/gyms, tattoo parlors, spas and barber shops will have to close. They were specifically excluded from the health care and public health operations exemption.

What is considered an essential activity?
Going to the grocery store or pharmacy, spending time outside (i.e. biking, walking, hiking, running), going to work (assuming it is at an essential business), taking care of others (i.e. delivering groceries or supplies to someone or caring for a pet), going to see a health care professional or going somewhere to purchase medical supplies.

Can I travel to and from work?
Yes. Law enforcement will not be stopping drivers traveling for essential purposes.

Can I still use public transit?
Yes, but individuals using public transit are urged to maintain a six-foot distance from others whenever possible.

Can I still take a plane out of Indiana?
Planes and other types of transportation should be used for essential travel

Can restaurants still offer carry-out?
 Yes. Holcomb ordered all restaurants, bars and nightclubs to close except for carry-out and delivery services on March 16, and those establishments can continue to provide those limited services. But if a restaurant is violating the dine-in prohibition, the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission has authority to revoke an establishment’s food and beverage license.

Can groceries and other online orders still be delivered?
 Yes.

Does this mean I should buy two weeks worth of groceries?
No. “Get groceries only when you need them,” Holcomb said. “And only buy what you need.”

What else is closed?
All amusement parks, aquariums, zoos, museums, arcades, children’s play centers, playgrounds, bowling alleys, movie theaters, entertainment venues, etc.

Gov. Eric Holcomb discusses #COVID19 in Indiana.

Posted by Governor Eric Holcomb on Monday, March 23, 2020

SOURCE:  IN.GOV