Fraternity placed on suspension
(Bloomington) – The Indiana University chapter of the Kappa Sigma fraternity has been suspended this week until an investigation is completed after a student was hospitalized. The student was taken by car to a Bloomington hospital early Wednesday morning where doctors say the student had “an extremely high blood-alcohol level.” The fraternity could face further disciplinary action.
Mother leaves baby with sitter
(Indianapolis) – Police are searching for an Indianapolis woman who left her 13-month-old son with a babysitter and then disappeared. Police went to a residence in the 6400 block of Arbor Oak Drive on the city’s southwest side this week to talk with the babysitter. She told authorities the woman, known as “Jen” advertised on Craigslist for someone to watch her son. The babysitter also told police the mother said she can no longer care for her child and did not leave emergency contact information. Police made contact with the person they believe is the child’s mother, but were met with an instruction from the person who answered the phone not to call back again. The child is in custody of The Department of Child Services.
Fraud victims to receive money
(Indianapolis) – More than 70 victims of foreclosure fraud will soon get a refund of about $60,000. Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller says the money is available due to a state crackdown on mortgage fraud. The Consumer Protection Assistance Fund will pay people who fell prey to businesses who falsely advertise to offer help to homeowners with foreclosure problems. Thirty-two of the victims live in Marion County.
Manhole covers installed to minimize explosions
(Indianapolis) – Indianapolis Power and Light work crews spent Thursday putting new manhole covers on some downtown streets. The area of work included sections of South Street in front of Lucas Oil Stadium, between Capitol and Missouri streets. About 50 of the new covers will be placed at the Georgia Street pedestrian mall between Conseco Fieldhouse and the Indiana Convention Center. The city has been plagued with multiple explosions since February 2010, the latest was November 19 on Delaware Street. There were no injuries. An outside firm has been hired to investigate the cause of the manhole explosions. The results of their investigation will be unveiled on December 19th.
Democrats want investigation into surplus
(Indianapolis) – House and Senate Democrats are requesting an independent audit of the state’s books on the heels of Governor Mitch Daniels’ Tuesday announcement of the finding of more than $300 million in an overlooked account. Sen. John Broden, D-South Bend, and Rep. Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, said they are sending a letter to House Ways and Means Chairman Jeff Espich, the Uniondale Republican who currently is chairman of the State Budget Committee, asking for the audit. The legislators say public confidence is at stake and there are questions about other possible irregularities in state government under the leadership of current Republican auditor Tim Berry.
Arts center reduces staff
(Carmel) – Faced with financial troubles, the Center for the Performing Arts eliminated five staff positions this week. The jobs were in fundraising, production and outreach; the center now employs 36 full-time and six part-time workers. About 38 percent of the center’s budget is publicly supported and now Carmel City Council members want to monitor current operations of the center.
