Statehouse approves bill regulating outdoor stage equipment
(Indianapolis) — The Indiana House has passed a bill to regulate outdoor entertainment structures in hopes of preventing a repeat of last year’s stage collapse at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The bill would require Indiana’s Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission to adopt rules for stage equipment used for outdoor performances that would remain valid through Jan. 1, 2014. The measure passed 92-to-5 and goes back to the Senate for consideration of House changes. If signed by Governor Mitch Daniels, the legislation would require outdoor structures be inspected by an engineer or an architect and must be approved by the state fire marshal. Seven people died and dozens of people were injured when the wind blew over the stage rigging last August 13th before the county music act, Sugarland was to perform.
Statewide smoking ban goes to Senate
(Indianapolis) — The Indiana Senate will debate a statewide smoking ban for the first time today with a possible vote by Wednesday. The Indiana House has passed legislation for a ban since 2007, but the measure did not make it in the Senate. Last Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Public Policy voted 8-2 in favor of a statewide ban. The ban if passed, would cover most public spaces and workplaces, including restaurants and bars with exemptions made for certain gaming facilities, cigar and hookah bars, retail tobacco stores, nonprofit private clubs and fraternal organizations. Bars would have 18 months to comply. The rest of the facilities covered under the ban would have to go smoke-free by July 1.
Law banning Sunday motorcycle sales could be changed
(Indianapolis, IN) — The state’s ban on selling motorcycles on Sunday could become history. A bill to legalize motorcycle sales by dealers is on its way to Governor Mitch Daniels desk for his signature. The measure however does not change the law regarding the sale of cars and trucks, which will remain illegal to sell on Sundays.
Ex-state police commander receives prison sentence
(Elkhart) — A former Indiana State Police post commander will spend 10 years in prison after admitting to stealing more than $91,000 in state money. “The Elkhart Truth” is reporting that an Elkhart Superior Court judge yesterday sentenced Dallard Tackett, 60, to 20 years in prison on Monday, with 10 years suspended. Tackett also faces 10 years of probation after he is released from prison and must repay almost $92,000 in restitution. Tackett, a 31-year veteran of the department, retired as commander of the Toll Road post near Elkhart last year when an investigation began looking into his activities. Authorities said he took money intended for the state police and put it in his own personal accounts.
Double shooting under investigation
(Indianapolis) — IMPD is investigating the shooting deaths of two people found near a southwest side business yesterday morning. Police called to Independent Concrete Pipe in the 2000 block of Harding Street around 7:45 a.m. discovered the bodies of Jose Casillas, 46, and Patricia Medina, 42, inside a van on a parking lot. Investigators are calling it amurder-suicide and believe no other individuals are involved. The Marion County Coroner’s Office will perform autopsies on the two bodies to determine their exact cause of death.
Mother arrested in death of toddler
(Trafalgar) — A woman was taken into custody in connection with the death of her son. Amanda Smith, 33, was arrested at her home in the 700 block of West Trafalgar Pointe Way. Dispatchers received two 911 calls just after 9 p.m. Monday night, one from Smith claiming her son was dead and another from Smith’s mother telling dispatchers “that her daughter told her that she had done that could not be undone.” Upon arriving at the home officers had to force their way inside after no one responded to their knocks. Once inside, they found the body of a 3-year-old boy. He was taken to Johnson Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Investigators say after the child was taken out of the apartment, Smith emerged from the closet swinging an ax. The officers left the apartment and called in the SWAT team. Smith surrendered before they arrived.
