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(04/27/04 5:40pm)
Monroe County Special Prosecutor Barry Brown is requesting charges be filed against two Monroe County police officers in the death of James Borden. \nCircuit Court Judge Marc Kellams will decide on Brown's request to file charges against Officer David Shaw for a felony battery and Officer Chris Hutton with a misdemeanor assault. Kellams is expected to make a decision sometime this week, said Steve Borden, James' brother.\nJames Borden died in the Monroe County Jail Nov. 6 while being processed for violating his probation. Borden was under house arrest in Bedford at the time but was found wandering by the Jackson Mini Mart. \nPolice responded to Mini Mart employees who complained Borden's behavior was unusual. \nAfter assessing Borden's condition, the police decided he needed medical treatment. The officers informed EMS personnel that Borden was under arrest for violating his probation and was being escorted to the Monroe County Jail.\nUpon his arrival at the Jail, Borden was shocked three times by Officer David Shaw, who said Borden was being "uncombative" and "uncooperative." Shaw shocked James Borden with an M26 taser gun that has 50,000 volts in each shock. \nA Monroe County coroner concluded Borden died from an irregular heartbeat caused by an enlarged heart, pharmacological intoxication and electric shock. \nThursday, Sgt. Chuck Cohen, an Indiana State Police detective who investigated the case, read testimony regarding Officers Shaw and Hutton.\nCohen testified that he concluded Borden was not a threat to himself or anyone else the evening of Nov. 6. Shaw and Hutton both stated at the hearing that Borden would not comply with their verbal requests. \nSteve Borden, who attended the Thursday hearing, said conflicting reports concerning the number of shocks don't add up.\n"They reported that the taser gun trigger was used 11 times," Steve Borden said. "I guess that is from that night. Shaw pulled the trigger 11 times, but the autopsy only shows three marks ... But then it came out Thursday the trigger had been pulled 11 times."\nJohn Potter, a Lawrence County sheriff's deputy who transported Borden to the Monroe County Jail from Borden's home in Bedford, recalled seeing Shaw's teeth each time he pulled the trigger on the stun gun.\n"I think he was enjoying it," Potter told State Police during the investigation.\nJail officers have reported Borden was kicking and struggling while pinned, face down, on the floor with his hands cuffed behind him. Brown, however, suggested in court the prisoner may have had difficulty breathing, or may have even been dying at the time.\nSteve Borden said he thinks Kellams is hesitant to make a ruling. \n"(It) didn't seem like (Brown's testimony) was enough to satisfy the judge," Steve Borden said.\nBut Borden said Kellams said he would make a ruling sometime this week.\n"(Kellams) said he would come back with a ruling this week," Steve Borden said. "If that had been anybody else, there would have been a warrant. But for some reason the judge didn't want to serve one. I don't know if it was political, or if the community was on him or if it's an election year. I have no idea."\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(04/27/04 2:03am)
INDIANAPOLIS -- With warm wishes from Mitch Daniels and other Republican hopefuls, Vice President Dick Cheney endorsed and supported gubernatorial candidate Daniels Friday night at a campaign fundraising dinner in downtown Indianapolis. The event was expected to raise $400,000 with the $1,000 per-person dinner. Some attendees paid up to $3,000 to get their picture taken with Cheney. \nDaniels will run against the other Republican candidate, Eric Miller, in the primary, and the winner of that race will take on current Gov. Joe Kernan in November. Daniels has taken in much more money than Miller this year, and Friday night put Daniels well ahead following Cheney's visit. According to The Associated Press, Daniels and Kernan each began the year with about $4 million, while Miller had about $905,000. Kernan raised about $2 million more from January through April 9 and had about $4.7 million in cash on hand as of that reporting deadline. Daniels raised about $1.6 million more and had about $3 million on hand as of April 9. Miller took in another $150,000 and had about $387,000 left.\nDaniels served as White House budget director under President George W. Bush from January through June 2001. \nCheney was in Kansas at a campaign luncheon earlier Friday and flew to Indianapolis to speak at Daniels' dinner. \nCheney, who was the keynote speaker, talked about knowing Daniels and his work for President Bush. \n"With Mitch Daniels, the president signed into law significant tax breaks and put death tax on its way to extinction," Cheney said. "Last month, the economy created 30,000 new jobs. The American economy is moving in the right direction."\nCheney also said Daniels' experience at the White House groomed him to be Indiana's governor.\n"We need good partners at the state level and with a governor with free enterprise and low taxes, and that is the kind of governor that Mitch Daniels will be for Indiana," Cheney said. "We spent many hours with a superb budget director. He helped us with many budgets and numbers, and we didn't call him 'The Blade' for nothing."\nCheney also spoke about knowing Daniels' character and why his qualities will make him a good governor for Indiana.\n"It's a lot easier to go to functions like these when you know the guy," Cheney said. "I consider Mitch one of the best public servants I've ever worked with. … He's one of the best people for any job in any office in the country, but I can't wait 'til Inauguration Day, when Mitch Daniels is sworn in as governor of Indiana."\nIndiana Sen. Teresa Lubbers was also on hand to offer her thoughts on Daniels.\n"Daniels is qualified to be governor, he has the experience," Lubbers said. "It's not just what Mitch has done, but it's more importantly what Mitch will do. He believes in Hoosiers. If it weren't for the last 16 years, maybe we wouldn't be in the situation we find ourselves in now. This campaign is about ideas and getting Hoosiers to turn the state around, and no one is better than Mitch Daniels."\nDaniels introduced Cheney to the crowd of about 400, speaking about the vice president's background as one of the reasons Bush chose him for the position.\n"There was no better choice for vice president than Dick Cheney. Cheney was (Bush's) first choice. It wasn't chosen on the basis of geography or ideology," Daniels said. "Cheney was just the best person possible for the job. He is so utterly American."\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.
(04/22/04 6:44am)
Checking e-mail or registering for classes Wednesday was probably harder than most days. \nThe IU network was experiencing problems all day, which left many students and professors on campus frustrated and with more work than usual. In some cases, going back to manual and old- fashioned ways of communication was the only option. \nSenior Richard Kaler, who went to the computer lab in the Indiana Memorial Union, found some computers connected to the network and some wouldn't. \n"I am trying to print up an assignment for a class, and I'm pretty irritated," Kaler said. "It's taking me an extra 15 minutes to get this assignment, where normally I would print it. But now I have to transcribe it since I can't print."\nLucas Telecom Operations and Systems Director Michael Lucas said some of the problems encountered were caused by a router that failed, and late Wednesday engineers were still working to figure out what caused the problem.\n"The network in Bloomington was unstable today due to a failure in the primary campus core router, located at the (Wrubel Computing Center)," Lucas told the Indiana Daily Student in an e-mail. "Because these routers are very complex, the exact cause of the problem can take some time to diagnose. At this point the engineers do not know exactly what caused the failure … That process is underway now."\nLucas said workers transferred the network to another backup router located in the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and this process contributed to the unstable network throughout the day. \nLucas said he will try to ensure this problem does not happen again.\n"But in the long term, the goal is to add additional routers into the design of the network to lessen the impact of a router failure," he said.\nAnother reason for the problem was a single router could not handle the amount of users on the network. \n"The amount of traffic on the network has continued to grow, and the demands on the network have been such that the single-router/single-backup design is no longer viable," Lucas said. "The engineers have been developing a new multi-router network design since last December, and the equipment to implement that design has been ordered."\nSara Williams, a lab consultant in the IMU computer lab, said many students encountered problems all day Wednesday, and there wasn't much she could do to help.\n"I've been here since 2 this afternoon, and students have been having problems from logging on to basically anything you can think of," Williams said. "Another problem was OneStart wouldn't work, which is the core of everything for students. So I've just been letting people know."\nWilliams also said some students have been more frustrated than others.\n"Some have been upset," she said. "There's been some cursing here and there."\nTransactions at the IU Bookstore in the IMU were also faced with problems and taking longer than usual. Bookstore employees freshman Libby Pfancuff and senior Jennifer Gurchiek said they were told to write everything down and to just do the best they could.\n"All the cash registers but one are down, so we're not completely debilitated," Pfancuff said. "But we have to take credit manually and actually use the swipe tool."\nStudents had to wait longer for transactions to go through since everything had to be done manually and employees had to use calculators.\n"It's frustrating because students don't get what they want as quickly as they usually can," Gurchiek said. \n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.
(04/19/04 6:15am)
Cook Group Inc. announced Friday its plans to build Cook Pharmacia, a new biotech facility that will bring 800 jobs to Bloomington within the next several years.\nThe company, which originated in Bloomington in 1963, plans to build a $45 million state-of-the-art facility and use a portion of the Thompson Consumer Electronics factory, which is located on the southwest side of the city. The plant closed six years ago and cost Bloomington 1,100 jobs after it relocted to Mexico.\nCook Pharmacia, a biopharmaceutical company, will use a highly complicated process to produce genetically engineered cells that are manufactured from living cells, according to a press release. \n"Scientists working with the genetically engineered field will be creating small quantities of genetically engineered cells of vaccines, and Cook will grow it to create large enough quantities," said David McCarty, director of public relations at Cook Group. \nThe company will then produce the drugs for larger pharmaceutical companies and biotech researchers. \n"Ultimately, we would like to sell the drugs after we receive approval from the FDA," McCarty said. "Initially, we want to focus on small clinical trials, and that will cost about $45 million. The plant will take about three years to be built, and then we must wait for FDA approval, and it will take about two years, so it will be three years before we can even produce anything."\nInitially, the company will create about 200 jobs and will create 600 more jobs once the plant is built, McCarty said.\nIn a statement, Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan said the creation of Cook Pharmacia is significant for the creation of jobs and development in Bloomington.\n"(Today), we mark a new era of opportunity," Kruzan said. "This project puts into practice everything we preach: economic development, job creation, increased productivity, revitalization, life sciences and advanced manufacturing."\nTina Noel, press secretary to Gov. Joe Kernan, was pleased with the announcement and thanked the Indiana Department of Commerce for its cooperation.\n"This is the proof that businesses in Indiana are a good place to grow and expand," Noel said. "Indiana Department of Commerce was very helpful in creating the project and any jobs that will be provided to graduates to keep and retain them in the state."\nNoel also pointed out many are unaware of Indiana's significant role in the life sciences.\n"Actually, I don't think many people know that Indiana is the leader in the life sciences, and this is one of the fastest growing industries in the states," Noel said. "Not many people know about Indiana life sciences."\nMcCarty also said Cook Group looked at other locations for its new venture but chose Bloomington for several reasons.\n"We looked at quite a few other places, one of which was in Colorado," McCarty said. "Obviously Cook has a strong commitment to Bloomington, and we like it here, this is our home. (The Thompson plant) had everything we wanted. We also received state contributions and incredible cooperation to work with us and help to provide incentive. It's been a cooperative effort between city administration and council offices and Mayor Kruzan.\nTo support Cook Group with expansion of its new company, the state provided almost $7 million in incentives, including, through the Indiana Department of Commerce, $2 million in "Economic Development for a Growing Economy" tax credits, a $125,000 grant from the Industrial Development Grant Fund, a $50,000 Technology Enhancement Certification for Hoosiers grant and Community Revitalization Enhancement District tax credits amounting to $4.75 million.\n"There will be much more to come," Noel said. "I think this is a tremendous success story and a homegrown success story. We couldn't be more pleased that (Cook is) committed to Indiana."\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.
(04/15/04 4:49am)
For the second time in three weeks, Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan addressed the $500,000 shortfall from the 2004 income taxes. \nThe problem comes in light of the city misprojecting the amount it was going to receive in the City Option Income Tax. The city initially projected to receive about $6.8 million in revenue, but because the city only makes estimates based on the previous year, there was no concrete number. \nThen, earlier this year, the city learned it would only be receiving $6.2 million, which was a projected loss of $529,245. \nThis announcement came after the city said earlier this year it was losing $476,619 in property taxes and levy reductions. \nNow, the city has a total shortfall of $1 million.\nSusan Clark, interim controller, said the controller's office is doing everything it can to not affect workers in Bloomington.\n"We are going through the budget with a fine-tooth comb," Clark said. "At this stage, we are looking at department heads to see what they can save. We certainly hope to make cuts without affecting citizens."\nClark also said her main concern right now is trying to find solutions to the problem.\n"Right now, this is my priority," she said. "We're not going to save money foolishly. We need to look at everything harder with different opinions."\nKruzan said he is concerned with the budget in light of the recent events.\nIn a statement, Kruzan said, "We now face the hard reality that substantial revenues anticipated when the 2004 budget was prepared will not be available."\nKruzan also agreed with Clark in saying every possible option will be considered to try and not affect the public.\n"Our common goal is to reduce expenditures with as little adverse impact on city services as possible," Kruzan said. "There is no more competent and qualified team than the city staff to keep the community moving forward, even in a tough time."\nNow with the shortfall, several options are up for consideration to try and remedy the problem.\nClark has suggested three options for the 2004 budget -- cut expenditures, dip into reserves or try a combination of both. \nBut in the past, Kruzan has said dipping into reserves would not be a wise alternative for the city, mainly because reserves cannot replenish themselves.\nDeputy Controller Sharon Williams said by cutting expenditures, the city is trying to tighten its budget to alleviate its problems.\n"We are trying to be very frugal. We have cut out a lot of things from the budget as of now, and I am very proud of what we have done so far," she said.\nWilliams also said the budget would balance soon if residents pay their property taxes and stay in Bloomington. But a decrease in tax income or a population decrease could extend the city's trouble, and it could take up to five years to even the budget.\n"I want to hope that we recover soon, but it could possibly take up until 2009. We are optimistic of that year being sooner," Williams said. "But things unfortunately can come up that could set us back, so to say how many years is tough."\nSetbacks, Williams said, including careless spending by the city.\n"We need to not spend so quickly if we have the money," she said. "Just because we say that you can spend doesn't mean you should. We need to get back to a cash balance."\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.
(04/06/04 6:16am)
Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., spoke out in Washington, D.C., last week to encourage young voters to March Across America this summer and increase voter registration. \nIt's one of a series of events being lined up for this summer to get young voters to the polling box in November and to encourage volunteering and giving back to communities across the nation.\n"The character of a nation is defined by its citizens, and today, you have the opportunity to reforge the character of our nation through individual service to our communities and greater voter participation nationwide," Bayh said in a statement. "By exercising your right to vote, you are serving your country and using your voice to help determine the future of America."\nBayh is also working with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., alongside AmeriCorp to promote volunteering and giving back to communities. Bayh stressed the importance of national service and the promising future of America's youth who give back to their country. Both senators have introduced legislation to increase funding to AmeriCorp to provide additional opportunities to young Americans.\nThe March Across America will be held in 15 cities over the summer, and the goal is to actively engage young Americans in the political process.\nThe march is also being sponsored and run by Mobilize America's Youth, a group trying to educate young people on the need for political involvement.\nDavid Smith, executive director for MAY, said involvement from senators in Washington, D.C., is a significant step.\n"On March 24, we began discussions between youth officers and elected officials," Smith said. "It was an intense day up on the hill and we were excited that Sen. Bayh made his way to speak with youth and showed us that he has a high priority of youth voting."\nSmith also said the gap between those youth who volunteer is high, but the number of those who vote is low. \n"The gap between people who service their community is among the highest it has ever been," Smith said. "But the number of those people who volunteer and vote is only around 28 to 32 percent." \nSmith emphasized the misconception about young voters being apathetic and not involved is going to change.\n"We're seeing a complete uprising in youth participation," he said. "I think this presidential election will be unlike any other we've seen in terms of younger voter turnout."\nSmith might be onto something. The press release reported efforts to reach young voters are paying off. Voter turnout in presidential primaries in Iowa and Delaware resulted in a 400 percent increase in voter turnout and a 50 percent increase in New Hampshire.\nThis is coupled with the need to give back to communities and volunteer. Joe Smith, executive director for the Indiana Commission on Community Service and Volunteerism, said the funds that are being introduced in legislation for AmeriCorp in Indiana will help engage young people in getting involved. The ICCSV is the state branch of the national orginization AmeriCorp, and is also responsible for administering AmeriCorp in Indiana.\nJoe Smith said there is a direct connection between getting involved in communities and participating in the political process.\n"We are pushing for involvement. If we get people to see the value in community work, then you are more able to see a connection to the political process," Joe Smith said. "(Young voters) want to get involved locally and make a difference."\nJoe Smith also commented on the apathetic voters and how they are making it difficult to promote democracy in other areas of the world.\n"It's discouraging when young people are not engaged in the political process at home, but we are trying to promote democracy in Middle East. It's frustrating," Joe Smith said.\nAt the rally, which was also sponsored by MAY, representatives spoke with youth members voting and the importance it can have.\n"Democrat or Republican, we are here today to work toward a common goal of encouraging more Americans -- especially young Americans -- to take up their role in shaping the future of our country," Bayh said in a statement. "We need to work together with friends and colleagues from across the aisle to accomplish this goal, in whose success we all share a stake."\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.
(03/25/04 6:10am)
The remainder of 2004 may have the city tightening its belt in the face of a substantial revenue loss. \nNevertheless, Mayor Mark Kruzan was optimistic at Wednesday evening's city council meeting. In the near future, he said Bloomington will receive about $500,000 less in property tax revenue than had been earlier projected.\nThe loss will result from legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly in 2002 which will change in the city tax structure and establish a New Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit.\nInterim Controller Susan Clark also stated at the council meeting because the Senate bill was enacted last year as a law, Bloomington cannot recoup the losses.\nKruzan urged the council to give input and let the public know not to worry about a crisis.\n"This is not a fiscal crisis ... there will be no job loss, this is not a situation where people will be laid off," Kruzan said. "I hope this situation will lead to a statewide debate on what is causing this problem. We need to implement cuts or dip into reserves or even a combination of the two. I think dipping into reserves should be a last option because they don't replenish themselves. I think it would be a huge error to rely on reserves. Immediate steps are to have full public disclosure and let people know what is happening. Next is to have council input and how to solve this problem and get your opinion."\nDistrict VI Representative Steven Volan questioned when city officials became aware of the problems. Clark responded that the city found out Jan. 30, which was too late to react to the potential problem. Clark said the budget order was received March 5, when a concrete figure of the loss was calculated.\nDistrict IV Representative Dave Rollo asked if there was any way to prevent this situation from happening again. \n"In 2002, with restructuring, this one did not hit out radar screen," Clark said.\nKruzan also commented with new developments he won't be able to implement as many things as he had intended.\n"I am optimistic that we can pull together and do this," he said. "There are a lot of things I want to do that might not be able to get done in the city."\nThe city council also passed three resolutions concerning development around the city. \nIn a unanimous decision, the council passed a resolution to allow the $1,010,000 project allows Bloomington Paint and Wallpaper a tax abatement for five years and allow for the construction of apartments and a carpet store at 1116 S. Walnut Ave.\nRon Walker, director of economic development said the two-story facility is great for downtown area.\n"This project will create job growth, we think this is a fantastic project and will give great entryway into Bloomington downtown."\nCouncil members also unamimously passed a resolution to authorize agents to accept pension liability on behalf of the Bloomington.\nThe final legislation of the evening was to provide a lease for the Utility Board for another space at 501 North Morton since its offices were destroyed in a fire occurring earlier this year.\nVickie Provine, program manager said the lease was only temporary, but an agreement is imperative.\n"Since this is being brought to you under state law, certain steps must be taken to enter into a lease. We need a petition to go forward -- it needs your approval," Levine said. "This is a temporary lease arrangement because of the fire that destroyed the building downtown. Its certainty time for us to formalize the arrangement. We will go from approval from the council to a forum on April 5." \nMayer said the petition needs to be looked at and other concerns still remain.\n"(The Showers Building) is one of the options that is being looked at," Mayer said. "There is a time and money issue, and things are moving forward and the committee is consolidating"
(03/04/04 4:54am)
Wednesday night's Bloomington City Council meeting saw a continuance of Bloomington and Indiana residents' quarrel over gay marriage\nIn response to recent events surrounding the controversy over the amendment proposal to legally define marriage by the Indiana General Assembly, members of the newly formed BloomingPride voiced their opinions on the matter.\nMembers of the group used public forum time from the council's meeting to speak out against the Indiana General Assembly attempts to try and change the Indiana Constitution concerning the definition of marriage. \nMembers of the council -- while supportive of same-gender marriage -- spoke of the need to spend precious legislation time on more important matters.\nCouncil at Large representative Chris Gaal said Bloomington welcomes the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, but the Indiana GOP needs to divert their attention to more pressing issues, such as the economy.\n"We were the first city in Indiana to offer diversity. We encourage diversity and tolerance and drive our national market in Bloomington for gay and lesbian visitors ... this makes Bloomington, Bloomington. We need to help people in nontraditional relationships in certain issues concerning life partners ... we should be more compassionate," Gaal said. "This issue is distracting us from issues such as job creations and young educated people leaving this state."\nBloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan said, according to Indiana law, he would not be able to follow San Francisco and permit city officials to authorize marriage licenses, regardless of the gender of the partners. Kruzan said if he were to violate this, he would face a Class A Misdemeanor and could be disbarred.\n"I do not intend to issue licenses for same-sex marriages, just as I cannot issue opposite-sex licenses," Kruzan said.\nKruzan went on to say Indiana legislators are wasting time arguing the issue.\n"Cities' statues rest in providing affordable health care and creating jobs," Kruzan said. "As a 16-year member of the General Assembly, I've seen many ugly things occur in the hallways, but in this case, countless hours have gone to waste to skew an election year instead of talking about job growth, it's truly sad that in a new millennium, old ways are coming forward."\nThe issue is not only affecting the Bloomington community but also IU students who want Indiana legislators to be held more accountable for their actions.\nMatthew Briddell, a senior, said what current legislators are proposing is discriminatory toward gays and lesbians.\n"The federal constitution should not be altered to take rights away," Briddell said.\nDistrict V Representative David Sabbagh said he is saddened by the events occurring in the General Assembly.\n"Actions of the state government have serious impacts on citizens ... I am disappointed with Indiana House Republicans when they boycott sessions, when they could have worked on creating jobs, education, or moving Indiana into the 21st century," Sabbagh said. "The local government tools are limited by what the state government gives us."\nBriddell said same-sex marriages should be given the same attention as a heterosexual message.\n"I am trying to get same-sex marriages the same legal status as an opposite-sex marriage." Briddell said.
(02/26/04 6:14am)
The Bloomington City Council unanimously denied a petition for the creation of a for-profit speciality hospital at the request of both the petitioner and the Bloomington Hospital at Wednesday night's meeting.\nIn an surprising announcement, the petitioner representing the physician trying to build a speciality hospital in Bloomington asked the City Council Wednesday night to deny the petition, citing a lack of support and the use of the word "inpatient" in the petition.\nThe petition included 102 acres of land marked for development, including commercial and industrial space, as well as a medical park with a for-profit, inpatientand outpatient care facility. The inpatient wording in the petition raised concern for the hospital, citing that competition with another hospital would hurt the community. The existing Bloomington Hospital maintained that an inpatient facility would create competition and potentially decrease its revenue -- specifically with subsidies for ambulances.\nDaniel Ubecker, the attorney representing the petitioner, asked the council to give specific recommendations before he brings the legislation before the council again in April.\n"We had hoped to handle this differently. We understand that several groups are opposed to this petition, and we formally request that city council deny this request so that we can work to accommodate the city council," Ubecker said. "We ask the city council to give clear directions, and we ask the Planning Commission to give clear intent."\nThe controversy surrounding a new for-profit speciality hospital has divided the community for the last several months. \nMark Moore, CEO and president of Bloomington Hospital also urged the council to deny the petition, and thanked the public and fellow physicians for their support on the issue.\n"We oppose the use of inpatient care -- if this is removed and the petition is firm, we will not oppose a future petition," Moore said. "Bloomington Hospital will continue to work with the city and county to make sure that anything regarding an inpatient hospital will go through city comment."\nCouncil members praised the public for the discussion provided and also asked for a specific definition of what "outpatient" signifies.\nDistrict V representative David Sabbagh was pleased with the outcome for now but would like a clear definition of "outpatient."\n"I'm happy to see that the "in patient" is being removed from the petition," Sabbagh said. "I also want a good definition of 'outpatient,' consistent with current community standards."\nCouncil at Large representative Chris Gaal, praised the Bloomington community for its involvement and also said the decision made was the right one.\n"I think that this is good for the community to have discussion and to witness this regardless of where you fall," Gaal said. "I think we're getting to the best possible outcome"
(02/20/04 5:51am)
Everyday, Steve Borden still questions why his brother died in the Monroe County Jail instead of being taken to the Bloomington Hospital.\nHe wonders why the police aren't cooperating in helping him get answers and why no one was disciplined in his brother's strange death.\n"Are those officers ever going to be punished?" Steve asked. "If that was me, I'd still be in jail. They are peace officers, why should they be above the law?"\nNow, the Borden family is suing the Lawrence County and Monroe County Police Departments, and they said they plan to file a civil suit. \nSteve said he wants to change the system.\n"I want to make sure that this never happens again and correct the problem so that we can move on. Lots of people think it's about money," Steve said. "But my brother is dead, no amount of money will bring him back."\nJames Borden, 47, died on the evening of Nov. 6, 2003, while being processed in the Monroe County Jail. Borden had been arrested by city police earlier that evening for violating his probation. Though he was under house arrest for fighting with his ex-wife, he had wandered to the nearby Jackson Mini Mart, where employees reported to police he was acting unusual and disoriented. \nA report from Borden's probation officer, Alison Piper, to Monroe County Corrections Probation Officer Jeff Hartman shows he was arrested on the night of Nov. 6 at his residence. Police officers had a warrant.\n"Bedford Police Officer and Field Officer Jerry Jackson reported that Mr. Borden was obviously confused and disoriented. He was observed talking to inanimate objects claiming they were his relatives. He was confused concerning the death of his father and unable to stay on topic and maintain normal conversation. ... Mr. Borden did not remember speaking with Mr. Jackson and denied ever having met him, he was not oriented to date or time."\nAn ambulance arrived that night at the Borden resident, according to an Emergency Medical Service report. The EMS told police officers James Borden needed medical attention.\nThe report states, "EMS advised law enforcement of the need of medical care." \nHowever, police told the EMS Borden was under arrest and police were assuming care of Borden.\nHe was then taken to the Monroe County Jail to be processed. \nWhile at the jail, Borden was reported as acting "uncooperative and combative."\nThree separate shocks from a taser gun were given to Borden by Officer D. Shaw, according to a police document. Officer D. Shaw said in a statement he shocked Borden for not pulling up his pants and for being uncooperative.\n"Inmate was being combative ... I asked Borden to lift up his foot to remove the shorts, but he was being combative and refused. I dry stunned Borden in the lower abdominal area ... We got Borden into the booking area. Borden was still combative and uncooperative. I dried stunned Borden in the buttocks area."\nEach shock packs 50,000 volts.\nAfter the final shock, Officer Shaw noted that Borden was no longer responsive and his face was discolored. \nAt that time, an ambulance was called.\nMonroe County Sheriff Steve Sharp said the police officers and the nurse who were involved in the Nov. 6 arrest and processing all acted within the set of BPD rules. \n"The police officers involved followed the protocol of the Police Department," Sharp said. "We will still continue to use taser guns."\nSharp also said none of the seven officers involved received any kind of suspension.\nThe county coroner ruled Borden's death accidental as a result of his enlarged heart, drug intoxication and a heart attack.\nBorden hopes he and his family can move on from his brother's death. Right now, he's searching for answers and justice, hoping his lawsuit might start the healing process and ensure the same thing doesn't happen again in his community.\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.
(02/19/04 5:28am)
Mitch Daniels is attempting to get all Hoosiers on the same page, at least on the same time zone.\nA Republican candidate for governor, Daniels is proposing to move all of Indiana's 92 counties to Central Standard Time, thus eliminating confusion across the state. The change to Central Time is part of an economic package designed to stimulate Indiana's economy.\nPresently, 82 of Indiana's counties are on Central time, but 77 of these counties do not observe daylight-saving time. Southeast counties observe Eastern Time with daylight-savings time, while northwest and southwest counties are in the Central time zone with daylight-saving time.\n"It's just another factor dividing us," Daniels said in a statement.\nWhile most of the country observes daylight-saving time from early April to late October, the majority of Indiana does not. Every year at 2 a.m. on the last Sunday in October, each state in the country except for Indiana, Arizona and Hawaii turns its clocks back an hour.\nEllen Whitt, deputy campaign manager for Daniels, said the proposal's main focus is trying to ease difficulty among Hoosiers.\n"The problem right now is the disruption for the people in the state," Whitt said. "Moving to Central Time would give some continuity to the residents. It's just a matter of simplifying things."\nWhitt also said moving the time zone will help decrease confusion among businesses.\n"For businesses in Northwest Indiana, it might take five hours to distribute something, or it might take four," Whitt said. "Going on Central Time derives the benefit of Indiana's central location."\nAnother reason for the proposal is to move Indiana into the future. Right now, with counties around the state on different time zones, Indiana is out of sync with the rest of the country.\n"One of the biggest reasons for Daniels' proposal is because Indiana is out of step with the rest of the country in regards to time zones, and we don't change our clocks," Whitt said.\nIndiana legislators also think the confusion should be addressed. Rep. Chet Dubois, D-Merrillville, said. Being from Northwest Indiana and in close proximity to Chicago, which is on Central Time, can be confusing to others around the state. \n"My reason for this concurrent resolution is because of the inconvenience coming from across the state," Dobis said.\nDobis introduced a concurrent resolution last week into the Indiana House of Representatives that would have most of Indiana move to the Central time zone and observe daylight-saving time. \nIn a statement, Dobis said, "My objective is uniformity 365 days a year -- with Chicago."\nDobis also stressed the need for consistency.\n"My philosophy is the state should be in the same time zone," Dobis said. "There should be a uniformity."\nThe benefits from the resolution will help those in the transportation industry who pass through Indiana.\n"People transporting into Indiana will benefit," Dobis said. "Now they will be on the same time as the rest of the country."\nDobis also said families will get benefits and more time to relax at night, and the questions why the state should be on Eastern Time.\n"Daylight-saving time provides more recreation time in the evening. I question why would we would want to be on the same time zone as New York," Dobis said. "Why not Chicago? We are closer in proximity, and it makes more sense."\nOverall, the controversy surrounding what time zone Indiana should be on remains an unanswered question. Dobis said regardless of political preferences, the issue of Central Time versus Eastern Time affects everyone.\n"This isn't a political issue," Dobis said. "It's a geographical one and a personal preference"
(02/12/04 5:33am)
A proposed development had Bloomington residents and physicians speaking out at Wednesday night's Committee of the Whole meeting. Controversy over 102 acres of land marked for development, including a for-profit specialty hospital, meant a jam-packed City Hall.\nMembers of the Bloomington City Council met not to vote on legislation, but rather to let the two opposing sides, the Planning Department and Bloomington Hospital, present their case to the council concerning the petiton.\nThe land, off West Tapp Road along Indiana State Road 37, is being proposed to be re-zoned into a mixture of office, commercial, industrial and medical buildings.\nCurrently, the land is undeveloped and zoned as a quarry.\nJames Roach, senior zoning planner from the Planning Department said the owner wanted to build on the land that currently isn't serving much of a purpose.\n"The existing zone now is limestone mining, but the owner, Southern Indiana Medical Park, instead would like to develop the land," Roach said.\nThis is the second time the legislation is being discussed by the council. \n"The first project was denied by the council with concerns about the environment issues," Roach said. "But much of the project now meets city plans."\nSince the proposed legislation includes a mixture of zones, the Planning Department said in order to allow the project, it must be established as a Planned Unit Development.\nThe controversy surrounds the medical uses proposed. Employees of Bloomington Hospital raised concerns over the construction of a speciality hospital built on the property. If such a facility was built, employees are concerned it would take away both revenue and ambulance services available through Bloomington Hospital.\nOwen Slaughter, medical director for Bloomington Hospital's Emergency Department, said he is afraid of some parts of the petition.\n"There are currently about 12 uses of the plan, and I don't have a problem with the petition except for the part that concerns creating a for-profit speciality hospital in Bloomington," Slaughter said.\n"Our fear is, as a community, we have limited healthcare resources, and we have constructed a system that allows subsidies for ambulances ... this is not in the best interests of the community."\nJim Roach also pointed out in his presentation to the council that the Bloomington Hospital opposed the petition due to Bloomington Hospital already providing adequate healthcare. The speciality hospital may increase the burden of the Bloomington Hospital to provide indigent care, and it may also have a negative impact on their ability to maintain ambulance services.\nLocal attorney Mike Ellis said Bloomington Hospital lacks proof that the speciality hospital will be harmful.\n"We are proposing to offer patients and doctors healthcare choices that they currently don't have," Ellis said. "What has been missing from the hospital is evidence showing that revenue will be taken from the hospital or ambulance services will be gone."\nCity Council District V Representative David Sabbagh also felt concerns about the hospital should be taken with high regard.\n"I would be concerned about the speciality hospital and the effects of long-term care," Sabbagh said. "Medical care in Bloomington is the major issue, I think we need to look at the effects of Bloomington Hospital revenue, ambulance services and emergency room service as well."\nThe council will vote on the matter at its Feb. 25 or March 3 meeting.
(02/03/04 6:10am)
Indiana is in desperate need of change. That was the message republican candidate for governor Mitch Daniels brought to Monroe County Monday night when the Indiana Republican Party held its annual Lincoln Day Dinner.\nDaniels, the keynote speaker for the evening, gave his view on the current problems facing Indiana and offered a series of solutions that formed the theme of his campaign agenda. \nMany of Indiana's republican leaders and supporters were present to discuss Daniels' campaign and to share ideas about the state's financial problems.\nBloomington City Council District V Representative David Sabbagh expressed his happiness with Daniels and the need for change in the state.\n"Mitch is a very bright man. He's about innovative solutions to the state's problems," Sabbagh said. "For example, he is trying to bring investments into the state, like venture capital."\nDaniels has plenty of experience in working with leaders. He worked under both George W. Bush and President Ronald Reagan and as a member of senior management with Eli Lilly from 1990 to 2001.\nAs the keynote speaker of the evening, Daniels addressed the growing concerns of Indiana's current budget, job growth and the ever-present brain drain.\n"I think the Republican Party in Indiana has a duty to prepare a constructive and compelling case for change," Daniels said. "Given the loss of jobs and the the loss of bright people, we need a new direction."\nDaniels said Indiana is faced with the recognition of economic decline and government mismanagement. \n"We need to change for change's sake," Daniels said. "If there was a place in Indiana where jobs existed and people were satisfied and complacent, I would think I had found it by now."\nRepublican Eric Miller, another candidate for governor, also emphasized Indiana's need to control spending and increase jobs.\n"Over the last four years, spending has increased more than the state has room for," Miller said. "We need to make Indiana business-friendly and create more jobs to give to Indiana graduates. Businesses create jobs, not the government."\nConnie Nass, auditor of the state, said the state is desperate for new leadership and a new direction.\n"Indiana is a great place to live, but we're far behind, thanks to 16 years of leadership by the other guys."\nDaniels called for an end to the state's regional feuding.\n"It's important that we start to act like a uniform state. We are so divided right now, and every corner of the state that I've been to, someone tells me they feel like the forgotten part of the state. We don't have the luxury to pit ourselves against one another."\nDaniels said that although the state faces problems, Indiana residents are still succeeding.\n"For every story of hardship I hear about, I find five stories of people who are making it against the odds," Daniels said. "We've got what it takes, I don't doubt we can get Indiana back into the game."\nThe banquet had the largest crowd in its history with almost 260 republican supporters in attendance.\nJohn Shean, chairperson of the Monroe County Republican Party, helped run the evening's event and was very pleased with the outcome.\n"Traditionally, this is the annual gathering for republicans throughout Indiana," Shean said. "It's a way for all of us to get together and have a celebration of the party, and its our biggest event of the year, and this year was our biggest crowd ever."\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.
(01/30/04 6:04am)
Mayor Mark Kruzan appointed Susan Clark as the new city interim controller Friday, Jan. 23, because the term of the previous controller has ended. \nAs the interm city controller, she will help with some of the most important jobs in the city, such as preparing the city's annual budget.\nClark has served as budget and research manager since 1999 and has been a part of many budget plannings since then.\n"The city controller is one of the most important jobs," Kruzan said. "It is literally the office of the control of finances in Bloomington, every financial transaction that occurs is controlled through that office."\nClark is officially the interim city controller, which means she is not yet permanently the city controller. \n"This is an interim position," Kruzan said. "There is not a set term for office for this position, it's on a trial-run period, and we'll see how it works out and how Susan enjoys the job."\nClark's duties as the budget and research manager made her a logical choice for city controller, Kruzan said.\nDuties included the main responsibility for arranging Bloomington's annual budget in addition to assessing and developing recommendations on an assortment of fiscal and management programs, requests and policies of the city.\nClark expressed her confidence with her new position.\n"I've been with the city for six years," Clark said, "I am confident that I will be able to fairly easily make the transition to controller, mainly in part because I so completely understand the duties to the 'n'th degree." \nSome of Clark's new duties will include preparing different financial documents and submitting to the appropriate officials and agencies -- including the city's annual budget, monthly and annual finance statements, cash flow balances and administering department budget upon approval.\nClark's experience with preparing Bloomington's budget over the years made her a strong applicant for the position.\n"Her budget and research background for the last five years made her the perfect person for the job." Kruzan said.\nClark also asserted her confidence about the job she has done with preparing the city's annual budget. \n"As the budget manager, I was involved from the start to finish of the budget process, which takes about nine months to organize." Clark said.\nPenni Sims, communications director for the mayor, said Clark's understanding of the position makes her the best person for the job.\n"Susan has been an integral part of the controller's office for some time now, she's had her hand in several different budget years," Sims said. "She's a logical choice for this transitional change."\nClark also said she is confident, mainly due to the staff surrounding her.\n"I think that the comfort level is high because the staff here at the controller's office is very competent and things here run very smoothly," she said.\nClark's position of budget and research manager will not be filled immediately, the mayor said. \n"I do not plan to fill that, in case she does not like the interim position, she can have that job back."\nThe mayor also said later in the year, there will be an evaluation of Clark and an assessment of her position. A date has not yet been set.\nOverall, Kruzan said he is pleased with the appointment. In a statement he said, "I'd like to thank Susan Clark for taking on the responsibility of serving in this interim position," Kruzan said. "She has the knowledge, skills and abilities required to assume this very important role for the city and the community."\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.
(01/29/04 5:44am)
Pyrotechnics may no longer be seen by local residents in Bloomington's premier clubs because of new legislation that places rules and regulations on indoor pyrotechnic use throughout Indiana.\nState Sen. Vi Simpson D-Ellettsville introduced legislation that would establish rules to help ensure the safe use of indoor pyrotechnics and fireworks. Simpson said her legislation, Senate Bill 386, was prompted by a nightclub fire caused by a pyrotechnic show in Rhode Island in February 2003 that claimed the lives of nearly 100 people. \nSimpson said in a statement the legislation is needed because currently no rules exist.\n"This fire drew nationwide attention to the dangers of indoor pyrotechnics and the lack of regulation existing to prevent such tragedies," Simpson said. "As Indiana and many other states quickly discovered, there were no state provisions in law to regulate the use of indoor pyrotechnics."\nThe bill requires the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission to adopt rules and issue permits for supervised displays of fireworks and also. The bill requires at least $500,000 of personal injury and $500,000 of property damage insurance coverage for a supervised display of indoor pyrotechnics under certain circumstances. \nSimpson said in a statement if club owners do violate the legislation severe penalties will be given. If a venue commits a violation, it will result in a Class C infraction. If the violation results in injury, it will be a Class D infraction. A reckless violation of the rules resulting in death is a Class C felony.\nRandy Brown, general manager of the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, said the legislation will not really affect the Coliseum.\n"The new legislation will not make a big difference," Brown. "We require a liability insurance of $1 million dollars, whereas the legislation only needs $500,000."\nBrown said the pyrotechnics are used for sporting events and music venues, including the local football team.\n"Our indoor football team uses pyrotechnics, it's small and not as big as a KISS concert, but we do use flash pots."\nBrown said the legislation will help to regulate the smaller venues that use fireworks and set guidelines.\n"I think the legislation is more beneficial and gives value to a greater degree for safety purposes," Brown said. "This hopefully will stop amateurs from trying to shoot off firearms without experience and not endanger the lives of innocent people as well."\nState Sen. Thomas Wyss R-Fort Wayne, a co-author of the legislation, is very pleased to now have something in place in Indiana.\n"Presently, there is no regulation," Wyss said. "I am trying to ensure that what happened in Rhode Island does not happen here in Indiana.\n"We've been working all summer on this bill; Vi came to me and asked me to help her and other senators around the area," Wyss said.\n"I am thrilled to death about this bill, we can't guarantee that a situation like Rhode Island wouldn't happen here, but I am certain that this is a big step to making sure that this does not happen here," Wyss said. "I just applaud Vi Simpson's efforts. It seems that every time a major disaster occurs, unfortunately it spurs code changes and requirements that will help to ensure it never happens again"
(01/22/04 5:01am)
A new session of City Council began Wednesday night with two newly-elected members taking part in their first meeting.\nRepresentatives Chris Sturbaugm of District I and Steven Volan of District VI were both enthusiastic about their very first, regular city council meeting of the year.\n"I'm really pleased to be on the council," Sturbaum said. "Each issue looked at will be given my full attention."\nWith the elections, Democrats maintained their majority lead over the council, and controlled the top three seats within the council -- president, vice president and parliamentarian. The council met Jan. 5 and elected council members to these positions as well as chose their assigned seats for the remainder of the term.\n"It felt like the first day of school," Sturbaum joked. "We were making seating charts and picking our assigned seats."\nOther returning council members expressed their hopes about both the newer members and the new leadership of the council, newly-elected president Michael Diekhoff said.\nDistrict V Representative David Sabbagh said the new changes should make for an effective council in cooperation with the new mayor.\n"I think the relationship between the council and the mayor's office will be good, and I hope that it will continue throughout the four years," Sabbagh said.\nCouncil members also thought Diekhoff would help lead the council.\nNewly elected parliamentarian and Council-at-Large, Tim Mayer, said he is enthusiastic about this term.\n"I am happy with the results," Mayer said. "I think that president Diekhoff, vice president Ruff and myself will work well together."\nSabbagh is also looking forward to the council's new leadership.\n"I think Mike Diekhoff will be a good president and run efficient meetings," Sabbagh said.\nDistrict II Representative Jason Banach said he is confident about the new members of the Bloomington government.\n"We have a new administration, a new mayor, a new council president and two new council members," Banach said. "I do not foresee a lot of changes. I am confident that everyone will be cooperative."\nBanach also said Sturbaugm and Volan will bring new ideas to the group.\n"I think they'll bring out new perspectives to the council," Banach.\nMayer agreed new blood will bring new viewpoints.\n"I think this is a whole new council," Mayer said. "Two new people will bring a whole different dynamic to the group. The new faces will invigorate the council."\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.
(01/22/04 5:00am)
The first regular city council meeting of the new term began and ended with a unanimous vote to keep the McDoel Gardens District a conservation district.\nThe McDoel Gardens District, located south of the Bloomington Hospital, was designated a conservation district in February 2001. The ordinance called for the Housing and Neighborhood Development department to survey owners of the property within the district regarding the future of the district after three years and report to the council.\nThe council voted to keep the district as a conservation district instead of elevating the status of the neighborhood to a historical district, which many current owners of the district and council members also oppose.\n"McDoel is a wonderful neighborhood," said District I Representative Chris Sturbaum. "It's a very successful place to live, and I think others will look to this neighborhood as a pattern for other neighborhoods in the future."\nThe residents and property owners of the neighborhood were given the opportunity to vote on whether or not to keep the district the way it currently is. Of the 265 ballots received, 105 residents voted to retain the conservation district and 121 voted to not elevate it to a historic district.\nMany council members were opposed to making the district a historical one.\n"If the council upgrades the district, it will place a much higher bar on the property," said Council-at-Large, Tim Mayer. "A historical district would take away affordability and make it harder for people -- especially younger people -- to buy homes here."\nThe district was established to provide protection from demolition and establish a border around homes to prevent further erosion of the neighborhood.\nDanielle Bachant-Bell, member of the executive committee for the McDoel Gardens neighborhood, said she is happy with the current status of the neighborhood.\n"I realize how safe it is to walk in this neighborhood. It is also a very diverse neighborhood. We have older couples, younger couples, veterans, teachers, with all kinds of background," Bachant-Bell said. "The neighborhood really gets along well, and it's a nice, small community that the conservation district has helped to establish as a great neighborhood."\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.
(01/21/04 3:59am)
The Indiana House Republicans are looking in a new direction this year. With the release of the 2004 legislative agenda and the State of the State address, Republicans of the Indiana House of Representatives will look to topics such as job creation, eliminating executive branch scandal, taxpayer protection and the state's budget problems.\nHouse Republican Leader Brian Bosma said the current economic situation in Indiana needs to be remedied.\n"The statistics are staggering," said Bosma. "We lag the nation in job growth and continue to lose our college graduates due to the absence of quality jobs ... this must change. Our economic growth plan will protect the recent achievements we have made and further the House Republican goal to create jobs."\nBosma attributes the dearth of jobs to the lack of business growth in recent years. Bosma also attributes the lack of economic growth to Indiana's infamous "brain drain."\n"When I grew up in Indiana, the state's number one exports were soy and corn," Bosma said. "Today the number one export is college graduates."\nIn a press release, House Republicans said they will propose a package of economic development proposals to stimulate job creation. Indiana has fallen from sixth in the nation in job creation in 1988, to 50th in 2000 and was ranked 50th in job growth in 2001.\nBosma said there is a need to attract employers and provide tax benefits to locate new businesses in Indiana. \n"We need to provide strong incentives for employers to locate in Indiana and expand their business. Only then will we have a strong environment that employees will want to work in," Bosma said.\nThe current budget also has House Republicans concerned. Bosma said the fiscal situation continues to worsen, and will take in $450 million less than projected for the current biennium, which will result in a $1 billion budget deficit. \n"The problem is a result of overspending with money we never had. We need to get back to basic balanced budget." Bosma said.\n"The administration's fiscal management is causing hardships for Hoosiers that must be ended," said Rep. Cindy Noe, R-Indianapolis. "Our economy will not grow when we are constantly struggling to stay afloat ... This legislation will force us to adhere to fiscal discipline."\nTo solve the problem, Republicans have proposed a 99 percent appropriation limit which will redistrict annual appropriations to 99 percent of projected revenue collections.\nTo address the ongoing scandals and mismanagement, Bosma will introduce a bill to establish a non-partisan Legislative Office of Accountability. The office will provide a system for immediate accountability and ongoing review of state agency performance. It will be directed by the Legislative Council, an already-established body that includes bipartisan representation from all four legislative bodies.\n"Actions speak much louder than words," Bosma said. "Commissions and study committees have their place, but in the numerous cases of our most vulnerable Hoosiers dying, suffering from neglect or facing undue hardships because of a broken system, we need to act immediately and make changes. The Legislative Office of Accountability will serve Hoosiers as an independent entity with a mission to seek out the causes to these dangerous situations and eliminate them."\nHouse Republicans are also proposing a plan to create Agricultural Enterprise Zones to increase demand for Indiana agricultural output by encouraging investments in agricultural processing operations. \nRep. Jim Buck, R-Kokomo said the plan will help to stimulate the agricultural growth in the state. \n"One of the greatest economic assets for Indiana is our agricultural community," Buck said in a press release. "This initiative expands the opportunity for the agricultural community to grow and prosper from new technology and processing locations in closer proximity."\nThe press release also stated House Republicans will also propose amendments to bring tax relief to Hoosier homeowners. The amendment will address shortcomings in various House Democrat bills regarding property tax reassessment.\nHouse Republican Fiscal Leader Jeff Espich said the proposed legislation will help to give tax relief to Hoosiers. \n"Our legislation will offer responsible and attainable relief to Hoosiers," said Espich.\nOverall, Bosma hopes the new agenda will help get the state back in the right direction.\n"It's time we lead Indiana in a new direction," said Bosma. "It's time we end the downward spiral we have been caught in for several years. The results are devastating and they are hurting Hoosiers. It's time for efficiency, integrity and honesty. It's time for a new direction"
(01/15/04 5:29am)
While some will use next Monday's day off for leisure, local volunteers in the Bloomington community will be donating their time for a good cause.\nThe city of Bloomington has been awarded a $7,500 grant distributed among 35 local organizations for the "A Day On! Not a Day Off!" volunteer services for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday Monday. \nThe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission received the grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service and dispersed the funds to groups in need of supplies and materials used by volunteers.\nCraig Brenner, special projects coordinator for the community and family resources department, said he is very pleased with the grant.\n"We're really grateful to receive these funds," Brenner said. "It's an important day to honor Dr. King and celebrate his life."\nAfter the commission awarded the grant, Brenner said the King Commission subcommittee was formed to review proposals and decide which local organizations would receive funds.\nDetermining the amount of funds awarded to each group proved to be a challenge.\nBeverly Calendar-Anderson, chairperson for the 2004 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission for the City of Bloomington, also served on the subcommittee that chose which groups in the community received parts of the $7,500 for the project.\n"It was very hard to decide," Calender-Anderson said. "The subcommittee looked at every proposal and we just could not award the full amount requested by any group."\nThe amount of funds given was determined by what the groups would use the funds for and if local groups were planning to use the money just on MLK Day or over a period of time, said Brenner.\nCalendar-Anderson said she is happy with the amount of money given to the city.\n"I'm totally excited; we are the only community that applied for the Commission National Service that was funded for the full amount," she said. "I am very proud of what we do, this community is better and bigger when it comes to volunteering activities, and everyone really helps out. We're really keeping the spirit of the day to get out and about and volunteer."\nAnother local group that received funds was the IU Asian Culture Center, which received $50 and plans on holding a panel-led discussion Monday evening at the Union led by former IU students who were active in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's.\nTheresa Chen, graduate assistant for the Asian Culture Center, said she hopes the panel discussion will be beneficial to those who attend.\n"I think it will be a very strong program," Chen said. "We wanted to celebrate MLK Day and bring a part of history back to life."\nThe Bloomington Opportunity House, in its sixth year of participating in the project, located at 907 W. 11th St., will have volunteers from the Circle K Club paint and refurbish two dressing rooms, two bathrooms and a cabinet.\nWilma Crewell, chairperson of the Board of the Directors for the Opportunity House, said she is happy to participate in the project.\n"I found out yesterday we received $90, and I am very pleased with that," Crewell said.\nThe Area 10 Nutrition Project received $400 that will help cover the delivery of shelf-stable meals for homebound seniors to parts of Bloomington and Monroe County. \nThe shelf-stable meals will be used during periods of inclement weather when meal delivery must be suspended.\nJewel Echelbarger, Executive Director of Area 10 Agency on Aging, said the money received by the Commission will be used to cover as many meals as possible.\n"I think that we welcome the cash and volunteers to help deliver meals," Echelbarger said. "We ask everyone to celebrate the spirit of MLK."\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.
(12/12/03 6:05am)
After 20 years of business, the Martinsville Planned Parenthood of Greater Indiana will close its doors Dec. 15.\nThe Martinsville clinic is one of three clinics scheduled to close this year, with others closing in Salem and New Castle.\nA statement released last month from Planned Parenthood of Greater Indiana, said after a demographic evaluation, the clinic was said to be unnecessary.\n"It was a difficult decision," said Vice President of Medical Services, Cathy Hansell, of the decision to close this clinic."But we're examining all areas of the agency and streamlining everything we do."\nTheresa Browning, Director of Communications for Planned Parenthood of Greater Indiana, said when looking at zip codes from which Planned Parenthood patients go, people were traveling elsewhere.\n"We found that Martinsville residents were driving to Bloomington and Indianapolis, for other services," Browning said. "Those that work in those cities also tend to seek services in these cities."\nBrowning also said confidentiality issues from living in a smaller community could also be another important factor in why people travel to other cities.\n"You want that sense of privacy," Browning said. "Running into your next door neighbor when you're at your local Planned Parenthood sometimes makes people uncomfortable."\nBecky Cockrum, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Indiana, said more time and resources dispersed in a smaller number of clinics can better provide for patients.\n"We are investing our resources differently to best serve our clients, and we will be upgrading and adding services at existing and new locations," Cockrum said. "We're freeing up resources to increase professional healthcare hours and services." \nAccording to a press release, the other Indiana clinics will be open longer hours and more days of the week to allow for more patients to schedule appointments and have walk-ins.\nThe Bloomington clinic is one of the largest clinics in the state. Indiana offers 35 clinics in the state, making it one of the biggest Planned Parenthood states in the nation.\n"These are tough economic times for all non-profits," Cockrum said. "Planned Parenthood depends on patient fees and donations to meet its expenses. There are nearby sites open more days that could better serve these clients. It's the responsible thing to do."\n--Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.
