Wednesday Morning News
Healthy Indiana Plan Extended For Some
More than ten-thousand low-income Hoosiers are keeping their state-sponsored health insurance plan for four more months. On Tuesday, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced it is extending the Healthy Indiana Plan—also known as H.I.P., through April 30th for those who earn between 100 and 200-percent of the federal poverty level. Officials say extending the coverage will allow those affected by tighter guidelines to have more time to get new health coverage.
Two Area Families Escape Blazes Overnight
Two area families are very fortunate after escaping blazes that broke out in their homes early Wednesday morning. To the north, a couple woke up at about a 3:45 a.m. when the husband choked on smoke in a home just north of Westfield in Hamilton County. Crews from six departments fought that blaze. Apparently, there were two smoke alarms in the home which didn’t go off. To the south, a fire broke out in a Greenwood garage and spread to the home next door where a family of four was sleeping. Two departments fought and are currently investigating in Greenwood, searching for the cause. Both families made it out of the fires.
Plans For Criminal Justice Center
Mayor Greg Ballard, Marion County Sheriff John Layton plus other city leaders are planning a new criminal justice center. An announcement regarding the new multi-million dollar development is expected Wednesday morning in a press conference at the WellPoint Building on Monument Circle.
IPS Super To Reorganize Top Slots
The new Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent is reorganizing the top academic positions in the district. Lewis Ferebee will create six new central office jobs and replace eight previous slots. Some administrators will be forced to reapply to keep working at IPS.
IPS High School Gets New Leader
The Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners has approved hiring a new principal for John Marshall Community High School. Ashauna Short is getting that top slot. She was approved on Tuesday night. Short is a 10-year veteran in education hailing from North Carolina where she holds an assistant principal post at a high school in Greensboro. An HBCU undergrad alum, she holds advanced degrees and is currently pursuing a doctorate at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Short replaces Charles Gray who will now be a part of IPS’s Alternative Education Department.
Cost Of Bisard Trial Tallied
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office says more than 70-thousand-dollars was spent on the David Bisard trial. The former IMPD officer was convicted last month of driving drunk and crashing his patrol car into a group of motorcyclists, killing one of them. The price tag includes travel costs, and fees for exhibits and expert witnesses. It does not include staff salaries or the cost to move the trial north, to Allen County.
An Indiana City’s Mayor Dies From Cancer
The City of Greenfield is mourning the loss of its mayor. Richard “Dick” Pasco died Tuesday. He’d been suffering from liver cancer. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Erlewein Mortuary and Crematory. A funeral will be held Monday at Brandywine Community Church.
Health Improving Across America; How Indiana Measures Up
Good news! The status of health is improving across the nation. America’s Health Rankings reports Hawaii is rated first while Mississippi is last. Spokesman Reed Tuckson said more people are eating healthy foods and not smoking. But where do we fall in the Hoosier state? Indiana ranks 41st on the list provided by the United Health Foundation.
Another Presidential Action at Memorial Stirs Controversy
President Obama and two other heads of state remain under fire Wednesday for posing for a selfie at Nelson Mandela’s memorial service in South Africa. Obama, Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and British Prime Minister David Cameron leaned together and smiled for the smartphone picture, while dignitaries around them, including First Lady Michelle Obama, stayed focused on the memorial in a serious posture.
Pacers Beat Miami Heat
The Pacers are celebrating their latest win. They beat the Miami Heat Tuesday night 90-84. The Blue and Gold took this win under the watchful eye of singer Justin Timberlake who hung out at the game while in Indy early to perform. The Pacers are the number one team in the Eastern Conference. The Heat trails at second place—and Timberlake—he takes the stage at Bankers Life Fieldhouse tonight.
Weather, etc: Icy Roads in the morning causing slick spots and crashes. Sunny today. High of 25 degrees.
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