Right to work legislation passes the Indiana House
(Indianapolis) — Over the loud protests of union members and Democrats, the Indiana House has passed right to work legislation. The move paves the way for Indiana to become the first right to work state in the Midwest. Five Republicans joined all Democrats in voting against the bill, which passed 54-44. The Indiana Senate has already passed its version of the controversial bill.
New coach selected to lead Indianapolis Colts
(Indianapolis) — The Indianapolis Colts have chosen a new head coach. Colts owner Jim Irsay is expected to formally announce at a Thursday afternoon news conference that Chuck Pagano, a defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens will assume the role. Pagano, 51, who interviewed for the job Tuesday, was previously Baltimore’s secondary coach. His role with the Colts will be the first head coaching job of his career.
High tech security center opens
(Indianapolis) — A new security center covering all of Marion County is now open in the old Eastgate Mall in Indianapolis. The $18 million dollar facility called the Regional Operations Center, or ROC, gives IMPD extra assistance using technology. Marion County Public Safety Director Frank Straub said the center has made Super Bowl 46 next weekend “the most technologically secure Super Bowl in history.” Phones and tablet computers carried by police will send back pictures of problems in real time to help officers monitor activity.
Firefighters kept busy fighting multiple blazes
(Indianapolis) — The Indianapolis Fire Department spent overnight battling three fires on the city’s east and northeast sides. The first fire started around 9:00 p.m. Wednesday in the 500 block of North Oxford. The second blaze less than half a mile away happened just after midnight in the 400 block of North Beville. One firefighter was slightly injured when he fell through a floor. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Then, a third fire was called in near 35th and Sherman Drive around 4:30 a.m. Thursday morning. All cases are under investigation.
Car found in canal
(Indianapolis) — Rescue workers were dispatched to the Central Canal in Broad Ripple earlier this week after a car drove into the water. The incident happened around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday morning near the area of 63rd and Broadway. Police say the driver missed a turn and drove directly into the canal. The six people inside the car at the time of the accident were able to get out; two were hospitalized for observation. Police are continuing to investigate.
Couple arrested for attacking school administrator
(Anderson) — A husband and wife were arrested this week after the man punched a school administrator. Officers were called to the Anderson Preparatory Academy on Tuesday and found John Hayden unconscious on the floor. Witnesses said Earl Davenport, 36, and his wife, Tammy, 41, appeared at the school and demanded to talk to an administrator about their son’s suspension from the school’s basketball team. According to police reports, when Hayden introduced himself, the father punched him in the face. Davenport was taken into custody on a charge of battery causing serious bodily injury. Tammy Davenport was arrested on a preliminary charge of disorderly conduct after she became disruptive with officers at the scene. Hayden was taken to an Anderson hospital for examination.
New location will consolidate state agency divisions
(Indianapolis) — The Indiana Department of Revenue will combine three of its divisions into a new leased building located on the city’s southwest side. The move to the Ameriplex building is planned for October, allowing the department to reduce its space usage by 44% to 98,000 square feet. The department says it will reduce its yearly lease payments by more than $495,000 dollars over the course of the 10-year lease. The new building will hold the Returns Processing Center, Motor Carrier Services and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division.
