Band director resigns over allegations
(Indianapolis) — The Ben Davis High School band director has resigned from his position after allegations arose that he had inappropriate communications with students. Principal Joel McKinney sent a letter to parents of the students there that an investigation had begun involving John Papandria. The letter stated that an investigation uncovered communications between Papandria and students that are not reflective of the expectations they have for their staff or community. According to a district spokesperson, Papandria resigned from his position as Wayne Township Schools officials were beginning the firing process.
Coroner releases findings in child’s death
(Fort Wayne) — A 9-year-old girl allegedly killed by a family friend died of blunt force trauma and suffocation-related injuries, according to a coroner’s report released this week. Aliahna Lemmon’s dismembered body was found last December 26. Police believe she was killed a few days earlier by a neighbor, Michael Plumadore, 39. Plumadore is scheduled for trial in June on charges of murder, abuse of a corpse and removing a dead body from the scene. He had been caring for the girl and her two younger sisters while their mother was ill.
No charges to be filed in church daycare drowning
(Indianapolis, IN) — The Marion County Prosecutor’s office has decided not to file charges in the death of a one-year-old boy at an Indianapoli church daycare. Juan Cardenas drowned last month in a baptismal pool at the Praise Fellowship Assembly of God located in the 6700 block of Michigan Road. A department spokeswoman said after speaking with detectives, it was determined there was no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing and it’s believed the boy’s drowning was an accident.
Governor Daniels proposing total shutdown of an interstate
(Indianapolis) — Governor Mitch Daniels is considering completely shutting down the highway from Interstate 465 north to an area north of Westfield to speed up reconstruction of US-31 by three years. This move could mean traffic headaches for the hundreds of commuters who use the interstate. The state has been working to revamp the highway from Indianapolis to South Bend, promising a reduction of 30 minutes of drive time after the completion of the project.
IMPD facing severe budget shortages
(Indianapolis) — A $15 million dollar budget shortfall has forced the Marion County Sheriff’s Department to suspend a recruiting class and the Indianapolis Metro Police Department to review its spending for squad cars and body armor for officers. According to the City Controller, the city faces a $50 million to $70 million dollar shortfall of its own at the end of this year. Meanwhile, Fraternal Order of Police president Bill Owensby says the dilemma is due to either poor planning, mis-spending of funds or both. The Community Justice Planning Agency passed a resolution asking both public safety agencies to devise a funding plan. Both agencies have agreed to issue a report next month.
