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(09/05/13 2:21am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Hoosiers without high school diplomas will be taking a new high school equivalency exam starting January 2014.Indiana has opted to use a new affordable test by CTB/McGraw-Hill to replace the current General Education Development test, which has been used by Indiana and many other states for decades.Brian Belardi, director of media relations for McGraw-Hill Education, said the Test Assessing Secondary Completion will be available on paper and electronically, something the new GED is no longer providing. The GED will only be available online starting in January.“The two major differences are accessibility and affordability,” Belardi said. “The TASC allows for more flexibility in all areas.”The GED Testing Service announced the new price of their exam at $150 per person in August. However, Belardi said the expected price for the TASC is $52 per person, not including additional outside fees.In addition to being more feasible, the exam will be available at state-authorized testing centers, such as high schools and churches.Belardi said states administrating the TASC will give test takers the option of taking the exam with pencil and paper or on a computer.Indiana and New York will be the first two states to begin administrating the TASC in 2014, but Belardi said a majority of states are still in the decision-making process.Jackie Dowd, deputy commissioner of Indiana Adult Education, said the selection process for Indiana took several months. After a proposal was put in motion by the Indiana Department of Administration, a committee was formed to review the proposal, and it was ultimately approved, Dowd said.People who evaluated the proposal included representatives from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the Indiana Department of Correction and the Indiana Department of Education, according to a press release from the IDWD.“A quality workforce is essential to economic growth,” IDWD Commissioner Scott Sanders said in the release. “It was crucial to select an exam that is on par with Indiana’s College Career and Career Readiness Standards while ensuring it is accessible to any Hoosier.”As Indiana plans to move forward with its new high school equivalency exam, Dowd said the state is hopeful this switch will continue to improve adult education.“The state had an interest in this because we wanted to find a test that was in good alignment with the high school diploma,” Dowd said. “We wanted it to be rigorous and have meaning for the clients so they can transition to a post-secondary education.”Follow reporter Brett Frieman on Twitter @brttfrmn.
(09/03/13 3:25am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Taking advantage of the months before the holiday season, the Bloomington Local 586 Union of Professional Firefighters organized its fourth annual cookout fundraiser this weekend at the Bloomington Fire Department Headquarters.Food sold throughout the weekend will fund Local 586’s annual “Shop with a Firefighter” event in December.Local 586, along with the Monroe County Head Start program, organizes the philanthropic event during the wintertime to give families with children an opportunity to have a Christmas they otherwise couldn’t afford. George Cornwell, secretary and treasurer of Local 586, said the total profit of the cookout varies from year to year, but it is still is a big contributor in funding the organization’s other events throughout the year.Receiving families are given vouchers to shop at the Target on East Third Street to purchase food, clothes and other necessities they might need during the holiday season.In addition to funding the event, Local 586 firefighters also volunteer by helping bag the items at Target.During the weekend cookout, firefighters and local volunteers worked more than 20 hours preparing a variety of meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and a new fish fry.Other events include the fire department’s annual “Fill the Boot” campaign of collecting donations for the International Association of Firefighters and a 9/11 Memorial Fund for a Public Service Memorial to be placed on the B-Line Trail.“This is a big, big fundraiser for us,” Cornwell said. “What we make right here helps us take care of our ‘Shop with a Firefighter’ event.”Although last year’s fundraiser was canceled because of inclement weather, this year’s cookout gave local residents the opportunity to eat and socialize as well as inform themselves about fire safety.The Bloomington Fire Department Headquarters offered tours of its station and a fire truck and provided informational pamphlets containing fire-safety tips.Firefighter Lee Chapman, a 27-year veteran of the Bloomington Fire Department, originally proposed the idea for the fundraiser.Firefighter Fred Matthews said Chapman helps cook the majority of the food and plans many of the fire department’s events.Matthews said participants also contributed by donating money for December’s event.“Their Christmases are based on how much we get,” Matthews said. “That’s why we’re all here, and that’s where the money goes.”Follow events and culture reporter Brett Frieman onTwitter at @brttfrmn.
(08/29/13 3:45am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>On the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, the Birthday Celebration Commissionbearing his name met at City Hall to vote on new committee positions and discuss plans for upcoming events.The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission, which works to raise awareness about the life and legacy of King and promote acceptance of diversity, meets year-round on the last Wednesday of every month.Craig Brenner, special projects coordinator for Community and Family Resources of Bloomington, said the commission takes advantage of this time of the year to prepare for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January, which is when a majority of the group’s activities take place. These activities include an MLK Legacy Award, service projects and inviting guest speakers to talk about topics that embrace King’s values.Past speakers include former U.S. congressman Lee Hamilton. “January is a busy time for the commission,” Brenner said. “But the time leading up to it is also time consuming for planning.”The commission reviewed various names for possible guest speakers at upcoming events and analyzed fundraising reports.Chairwoman Mary Tourner said the commission is funded solely by donations and grants. Although the commission does not receive funds like other city commissions, Tourner said they are still able to stay active in the Bloomington community.In addition, the commission helps finance a wide variety of service projects, such as feeding people experiencing homelessness. Tourner said the commission is willing to endorse any project in tune with King’s values, as well as projects occurring around MLK Day. Members also elected new positions among members, including Reverend Bruce Ervin,director of Outreach and Service Ministries at First Christian Church.Ervin was appointed as an associate of the commission. He said this coming January is an ideal time for the commission’s activities.“January marks a good point between the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Freedom Summer,” Ervin said. One of the most anticipated events for the commission is their annual MLK Day Video Contest in January. The contest accepts original videos that address the life and legacy of King and is open to students in first through 12th grades.This year’s first place winner will receive an iPad. Students interested can submit their entries on the commission’s website, bloomington.in.gov/mlk.Past submissions included a rap video about King’s speech. “I’m really excited about this year’s video contest,” Tourner said. “We’re hoping we can get even more participants than last year.” Follow reporter Brett Frieman on Twitter @brttfrmn.
(08/28/13 4:05am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Gary, Ind. is a city known for its predominantly African-American population. Valerie Grim, IU department chair of African American and African Diaspora Studies, said although there have been setbacks, democratic ideas toward race have prevailed in Indiana. Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson became Indiana’s first African-American female mayor in 2012 — and mayor of a city that proved crucial to African-American politicians statewide, Grim said in an email.At the 1972 Gary Convention, African-American leaders and organizations developed an agenda for black empowerment in Indiana and throughout the U.S.“Gary is one of several large cities, with a strong black presence, that shifted the political focus of African-Americans to electoral politics in the 1970s,” Grim said. “This took full advantage of what had been gained through mass demonstrations and protests of the 1960s.”Since assuming her position as mayor in 2012, Freeman-Wilson has helped improve many social and economic aspects of the city, said Gary resident Clarence Boone.Freeman-Wilson, a Gary native, attended both Harvard undergraduate and Harvard Law School and went on to become Gary’s city judge before being appointed as Indiana Attorney General by Gov. Frank O’Bannon in 2000, succeeding previous state Attorney General Jeff Modisett after his resignation.After her first term in office, she became the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, an American non-profit drug court organization, as well as the director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.Boone said although economic downtimes have hit the city hard, residents have continued to show resilience.“People are hanging in there,” Boone said.In addition, Boone said he believes Freeman-Wilson’s positive attitude is helping lead the town in the right direction through her efforts to improve the community by cleaning up surrounding neighborhoods and her overall pride.“She brings a remobilized spirit to her position and inspires the citizens of Gary,” Boone said. “The pride in the city is there, but I think the populous is struggling to collectively come together.”Follow reporter Brett Freiman on Twitter @brttfrmn.
(08/26/13 2:32am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>By setting up donation drop-off spots at every Bloomingfoods, Kroger, O’Malia’s and Walmart throughout Bloomington, Monroe County United Ministries expanded collection for its Emergency Food Pantry and childcare program.MCUM organized its eighth annual “Each One, Feed One” Community Food Drive last Friday through Sunday, collecting donations ranging from non-perishable food items to hygiene and cleaning products.MCUM is an organization which assists working families and those in distress with emergency needs. The MCUM also offers emergency services,which include a voucher program that sells discounted essential house items and clothing, a rent and utility fund to assist family homes from disconnection or eviction and a cleaning/clothing closet that distributes cleaning and hygiene products as well as new underwear, socks and diapers.Carol Peterman, a member of the board of directors for the MCUM, said donations increased over the weekend, with the most popular donations being canned foods and toilet paper.“A lot of people this year have been looking at the fliers, which helps us collect the things that are really needed,” Peterman said.Peterman volunteered for her fourth year and said these donations will help serve locals in need for the months to come and are a substantial factor in keeping the MCUM’s programs in operation.Volunteer Edna Clark also participated for a fourth consecutive year.“They’ve done a lot of pickups throughout each day,” Clark said. “People are even bringing items from their homes in perfectly good condition and donating them.”
(08/25/13 9:50pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>By setting up donation drop-off spots at every Bloomingfoods, Kroger, O’Malia’s and Walmart throughout Bloomington, Monroe County United Ministries expanded collection for its Emergency Food Pantry and childcare program.MCUM organized its eighth annual “Each One, Feed One” Community Food Drive last Friday-Sunday,collecting donations ranging from non-perishable food items to hygiene and cleaning products.According to the organization’s mission statement, the MCUM is “a nurturing organization serving working families and those in distress by assisting with emergency needs and subsidized childcare.” The MCUM also offers emergency services,which include a voucher program that sells discounted essential house items and clothing, a rent and utility fund to assist family homes from disconnection or eviction and a cleaning/clothing closet that distributes cleaning and hygiene products as well as new underwear, socks and diapers.Carol Peterman, a member of the board of directors for the MCUM, said donations increased over the weekend, with the most popular donations being canned foods and toilet paper.Participants passed out fliers listing the most commonly requested items.“A lot of people this year have been looking at the fliers, which helps us collect the things that are really needed,” Peterman said.The food items most in need this year were canned meat and vegetables, soup and fruit.Peterman volunteered for her fourth year and said these donations will help serve locals in need for the months to come and are a substantial factor in keeping the MCUM’s programs in operation.Volunteer Edna Clark also participated for a fourth consecutive year.“They’ve done a lot of pickups throughout each day,” Clark said. “People are even bringing items from their homes in perfectly good condition and donating them.”In addition to the food drive, the MCUM accepts donations at its emergency pantry year round,8 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday-Friday and is always accepting applications for volunteers. Those interested can contact the organization directly at 812-339-3429.
(08/20/13 3:14am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Indiana is currently the only state that regulates the sale of beer by temperature. The state law only allows liquor stores to sell packaged cold beer, while convenience and grocery stores are only permitted to sell their beer at room temperature.In May, the Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming their guidelines are irrational.The IPCA argued the law is in violation of the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution and is not treating all businesses fairly, according to an article from WXIN.Although the current law imposes different standards for businesses selling the same products, the debate had been ongoing before the lawsuit was filed.Former Sahara Mart employee and recent IU graduate Michael Herrick said that the family aspect that grocery stores provide, along with the current restriction of not allowing minors on premises where cold beer is sold, is a substantial factor for why this is a continuing issue.“Sahara Mart, like many other stores, is a family-friendly place, and with the current state restrictions of ‘the inability to allow minors on premise’ due to the sale of cold beer, families would feel detracted from the small business, family appeal of it,” Herrick said.Grocery and convenience stores are allowed to sell cold wine under state code, but the allowance of stores to sell all alcoholic drinks cold could come at a higher price to grocery and convenience stores.Jim James, owner of liquor store chain 21st Amendment, said his chain plans on joining the lawsuit with the state, if allowed to. James, who operates 19 stores across the state, said that if these businesses want the state to rule in favor for them, then they must be willing to play by the same rules as liquor stores.James said most regular store licenses are $1,000, while his liquor stores have to pay up to $200,000 or $300,000 for one.James also said some restrictions for liquor stores require employees be 21 or older, licensed to sell alcohol, with staff attending training twice a year. He said a majority of grocery and convenience stores do not have to follow the same requirements.“They want all the privileges we have,” James said. “We don’t care if they sell cold beer, we care that if they sell it, they have to do it the same way we do.”
(04/29/13 2:20am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A group of IU students are creating a proposal to provide Bloomington’s homeless community a place for long-term shelter this summer.For the last four years, the Interfaith Winter Shelter has served the homeless population of Monroe County as a low-barrier shelter every October through April. In addition, the Genesis House Summer Shelter has been in operation for the last three years to ensure those in need of shelter have a place to stay during the summer months as well. This summer, however, neither shelter will be open.Samantha Harrell, an IU senior and social work student, said this poses a major threat for homeless individuals, as the next six months will leave them without any resources until the Interfaith Winter Shelter reopens in October.Harrell said in the time since the Interfaith Winter Shelter closed in mid-April, homeless persons have resorted to sleeping on doorsteps, in gutters and under porches.Harrell, along with IU senior Brianna Underhill and six other social work students have created a proposal for a low-barrier summer shelter called the Ubuntu Shelter. The major components of the proposal include operating from May through October and being open during nighttime hours to individuals experiencing homelessness. So far, no set location has been established, but the group is working to locate vacated real estate and commercial property areas that can be used for the next six months.“We’re looking for any place that can fit 60 people, pass fire code inspections and that has bathrooms. We really don’t have that high of standards,” Harrell said.Likewise, many homeless residents in Monroe County are preparing for this summer accordingly.Dennis Shelton, a Bloomington man who has been without a home for the last four years, has utilized the Interfaith Winter Shelter’s services since it opened in 2009 as well as the Genesis House Summer Shelter since 2010. He said although these and other shelters may provide a place of warmth and comfort for a night, it still doesn’t alleviate the ongoing issue of drawing in more homeless people.In the last few years, homelessness has become a growing issue in not only Bloomington, but the rest of Monroe County. According to the United States Census Bureau, from 2007 to 2011, more than 25 percent of people living in Monroe County were below the poverty level. Forty percent of Bloomington residents, alone, fall below the poverty level. “No matter how much people help the problem is going to keep growing.” Shelton said. “We’re hungry, but not for food, more for friends and support.”Shelton, 47, said he will do what he can to find resources in order to survive this summer. Recently, volunteers set up a military-grade tent on West 11th Street, which Shelton, along with many other homeless people, has utilized.Chris Donohue, one of the property owners, granted use of the land last week in order to give more time to the students heading the Ubuntu Shelter project to find an established location.“They asked me if they could put the tent on the land and I said yes. It’s the least I could do,” Donohue said.On Thursday the tent was ordered to be taken down by noon on April 29, as it is not in ordinance with city code. Harrell and the other five students hope their proposal will find shelter for the homeless for six months, or at least until the Interfaith Winter Shelter re-opens its doors.
(03/29/13 4:46am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Indianapolis businesses and attractions are anticipating more revenue this weekend with visitors for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional tournament games being played at Lucas Oil Stadium this Friday and Sunday.The city has seen an increase in leisure tourism in recent years as host to major sporting events such as the 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, Super Bowl XLVI and the Big Ten Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament for the last five consecutive years, 2008-12. Morgan Greenlee, senior communications manager for Visit Indy, said this weekend is expected to bring in more than 40,000 leisure tourists, many of whom will be attending the games.One of the larger attractions associated with game crowds includes a tailgate sponsored by Bud Light on Georgia Street. Greenlee said the event was originally created in 2011 for the NCAA Big Ten Football Championship, but has since then been used for other sporting events that the city has continued to play host to. “Indianapolis is a sports destination and is built to host sporting events like this,” Greenlee said. “Very often when we have visitors for events like the games this weekend we’re able to activate that space to accommodate for more event goers.”Likewise, many downtown hotels are preparing for a higher quantity of guests this weekend, which is projected to increase revenue.Mike Clark, Indianapolis Crowne Plaza rooms division manager, said event weekends such as the tournament are a busy time for many hotels, which often causes rates to go up. Customers willingness to pay, as well as location and walking distance are substantial factors, he said, especially with 10 major hotel businesses within a mile of the stadium.“Typically a weekend like this is a high demand time so rates generally do go up, which is something you’ll find at a lot of hotels,” Clark said. “This is the case for our hotel’s proximity to Lucas Oil Stadium being directly behind our building.”Proximity to Lucas Oil Stadium will also serve as an advantage for many other downtown businesses, including restaurants and bars.Despite the fact that the Hoosiers were selected to play in Washington D.C. instead of in Indianapolis, business owners are still preparing for a big turnout.
(03/01/13 5:28am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A business owner in Avon, Ind., is fighting town officials after he was restricted from roadside costumed wavers as a form of advertisement.Victor Ruthig owns five Liberty Tax franchises, including a location in Avon. Ruthig said the issue arose last April when town officials said they were going to start fining his Avon franchise for using mascots to advertise along the road outside his business. The initial reasoning was that it poses a threat of distracting drivers.The town’s current ordinance states any sign that moves is prohibited, and it has now reclassified Liberty Tax’s advertising tactics as a sign, despite the fact their mascots don’t use one. To comply with this, Ruthig took the matter in front of the city in hopes of reaching a compromise.“We asked if there was a way we could work it out, and they took it to the zoning board,” Ruthig said. “We were voted out 4 to 1.”As of now, Ruthig has filed a civil lawsuit against the town but is hoping to settle a compromise before the matter goes to trial, which is set for early April. His initial compromise consisted of his employees being able to stand in the business’s parking lot. The recommendation was rejected.“We’ve still got several different proposals in front of the town as compromises,” Ruthig said. “We’ve proposed that we would only do it for certain lengths of time, but they haven’t responded yet.”Indianapolis attorney Matt Price is representing Liberty Tax in the case. Price said Liberty Tax and other franchises in the Avon metro area have been using these wavers for many years, and no incidents have been reported as a result from them causing any sort of distraction.“It’s an odd argument that the town’s trying to make,” Price said. “What they fail to do is have any nexus between the wavers and the accidents.”Although the Avon case has yet to settle, it is not out of the question the outcome could affect sign ordinances already in place in other locations, including Bloomington.Sen. Mark Stoops, D-Bloomington, said the city of Bloomington regulates a strict sign ordinance, but so far there has been no talk or dispute about amending this.“A bill to address something like this would be pretty difficult to craft. Judging by some of the bills I’ve seen in the legislature, though, it wouldn’t surprise me if I did see one proposed,” Stoops said. “The question is how much they can regulate it. You could make the case that they’re a distraction, but at the same time they’re still just a sign.”
(02/08/13 6:02am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Gov. Mike Pence reminded a cluster of constituents gathered Wednesday that this is no ordinary time in the life of the Hoosier state.The recently inaugurated governor visited IU Thursday to address the Kiwanis Club of Bloomington at the Indiana Memorial Union, discussing his vision for Indiana’s future.Pence addressed issues surrounding Indiana’s economy, education system and job market prospects.According to the group’s website, the Kiwanis Club of Bloomington primarily services area children and the local community through activities and service events. The club hosts weekly luncheons every Thursday at the IMU.“Some of the events that the Bloomington Kiwanis Club are known for is our annual pancake breakfast, spaghetti dinner and veterans program,” said Vanessa McClary, governor elect of the Indiana district of Kiwanis.In addition to annual projects, the Kiwanis club also organizes events with other community service clubs.Throughout his speech, Pence emhpasized collaboration and community values.Pence said he believes that in order for the state to prosper, the Hoosier community will need to renew its commitment to the policies, practices and directions Indiana has been working toward for the last several years.“Our state is on the verge of an era of growth and opportunity like no other in our lifetime,” Pence said.In addition, he also addressed the progress Indiana has made in the last eight years, which he said includes the promotion of economic freedom in the workplace, achieving the largest budget surplus in the state’s history and the recent educational reforms that aid underprivileged families.Pence said to achieve success in the marketplace, it must first come in the classroom. Too many schools, he said, are lagging behind, citing his proposals for increased funding for K-12 schools in the next two years and creating regional work councils to provide high school students with more career opportunities.Pence touched on the issue of unemployment and said a quarter of a million Hoosiers are currently out of work.Pence said he intends to lower income tax by 10 percent across the board for every state resident within the next few years.“This is Indiana’s moment,” Pence said. “I think we have an opportunity to put Hoosiers back to work and make Indiana first in job creation, education and quality, but it’s going to take all of us to do it.”
(01/30/13 5:48am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>After winning the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship, IU’s men are currently in first place in the Capital One Cup standings.The award is given annually to the country’s top men and women’s Division I college athletic programs, according to capitalonecup.com. As of now, IU is tied with Alabama and North Dakota State for first place in with 60 points.According to Fred Glass, vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics since 2009, this accomplishment is a positive sign for Hoosier athletics.“I think the investment we’ve been making in our academic centers, facilities and effort in retaining great coaches is starting to pay off,” Glass said.In the time Glass has been athletic director, the Hoosiers have gone from having two teams finish within the top 15 in the nation to nine last year.Perhaps one of the biggest achievements of the year came in December, when the men’s soccer team won the 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship. The team, led by Coach Todd Yeagley, defeated Georgetown 1-0 to secure the eighth national title in school history.“This award is known nationwide and is a great measure of how our athletic department is competing,” Yeagley said. “It shows that our sports are healthy and doing well here.”Glass said the battle is only halfway fought. He noted it is still looking positive, especially with the rise of other Hoosier sports teams. “We’re really optimistic about our baseball team,” Glass said. “They’ve been ranked by a number of media outlets as the preseason favorite for the Big Ten.” Glass said other teams such as golf, tennis and outdoor track, which is currently nationally ranked, have a positive season outlook, too. Glass said IU will need to continue finishing strong in every sport in order to secure the top spot.“Being number one halfway through is promising and a good indication, but, until the full year goes through, it won’t be final,” Glass said. “There are a number of opportunities left for us to keep scoring points.”
(01/29/13 7:42pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>IU athletics’ reputation has risen in the last year alongside a recent NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship and multiple teams ranking in top 25 polls. These factors were essential in IU’s recent accomplishment of being ranked first in men’s sports as a contender for the Capital One Cup.The award is given annually to the country’s top men and women’s Division I college athletic programs, according to capitalonecup.com. The scoring is primarily based on finishes and national rankings. As of now, IU is tied with Alabama and North Dakota State for first place in the men’s race with 60 points.According to Fred Glass, vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics since 2009 , this accomplishment is a positive sign for Hoosier athletics.“I think the investment we’ve been making in our academic centers, facilities and effort in retaining great coaches is starting to pay off,” Glass said.Glass, an IU alumnus, said this achievement is just another indication the athletic department is heading in the right direction.In the time since Glass has been IU’s athletic director, the Hoosiers have gone from having two teams finish within the top 15 in the nation to nine last year.Perhaps one of the biggest achievements of the year came in December, when the men’s soccer team won the 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship. The team, led by Coach Todd Yeagley, defeated Georgetown 1-0 to secure the eighth national title in school history.“This award is known nationwide and is a great measure of how our athletic department is competing,” Yeagley said. “It shows that our sports are healthy and doing well here.”In addition to IU’s accomplishments so far, Glass said the battle is only halfway fought. He noted it is still looking positive, especially with the rise of other Hoosier sports teams. “We’re really optimistic about our baseball team,” Glass said. “They’ve been ranked by a number of media outlets as the preseason favorite for the Big Ten.” Glass said other teams such as golf, tennis and outdoor track, which is currently nationally ranked, have a positive season outlook, too. Still, many rankings are to be determined in the time before the final first place contender is awarded the Capital One Cup. Glass said IU will need to continue finishing strong in every sport in order to secure the top spot.“Being number one halfway through is promising and a good indication, but, until the full year goes through, it won’t be final,” Glass said. “There are a number of opportunities left for us to keep scoring points.”
(01/22/13 4:22am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Fire safety is an ongoing concern among many Bloomington residents.With December, January and February among the most common months for accidental home-heating fires to take place, Bloomington and state officials said many steps and precautions can be taken to assure safety for residents and their neighbors.According to the 2011 IU Annual Fire Safety Report, 46 on-campus buildings were equipped with at least one fire alarm, portable extinguisher and evacuation plan, whereas 108 residential houses near campus were only reported to be equipped with a portable extinguisher.Ian Connor, public information officer for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, said a majority of these fires come from kitchens, as well as people’s inability to handle them.“It is important to watch what you put on the stove,” Connor said. “A lot of accidental fires are caused that way.”Connor has worked with the IDHS since April. His duties include informing people how they can prevent fires and educating about fire safety.In addition to kitchens, home fires can also be caused from other common household systems. This can include unattended fireplaces, chimneys not being properly cleaned and outdated equipment such as furnaces.“A smoke detector has a 10-year lifespan, and after that it should be replaced,” said Bloomington Fire Department Fire Prevention Officer Scott Smith. He also said every bedroom and kitchen in a home should contain one as well.A Bloomington native, Smith has worked for the Bloomington Fire Department for 24 years. His job entails public education, fire investigation and fire inspections.Crucial steps residents can take to prevent fires include unplugging electronic items when not in use and having functional smoke detectors. Outdated or misplaced smoke detectors can lead to a serious threat for homeowners, Smith said. Another act of precaution to take is planning ahead, Smith said. This includes setting up an evacuation plan and organizing a meeting place in the event that a fire does take place. This can be especially important for residents who live in large homes or apartment complexes with multiple stories.If there’s one thing that should be noted about fire prevention, Smith said, it is that you can never be too safe. Anyone who has questions or concerns is encouraged to contact the local fire department or prevention center in order to become more informed about fire safety and awareness.“When in doubt, check it out,” Smith said. “If you think there’s a problem or something doesn’t look safe, you should always report it to a housing director.”
(01/14/13 5:15am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Bloomington gyms have experienced a rise in memberships as a result of the new year. Though many residents might habitually stay in shape by running or playing sports, the new year brings plenty of opportunities for a fresh start in staying active. The variety of workout facilities in Bloomington affords residents the opportunity to put New Year’s resolutions to the test. Anytime Fitness, 889 S. College Mall Road, one of Bloomington’s 24-hour gyms, is offering current members their first month free if they extend their membership for another full year this January. “Our membership has spiked up a lot,” Anytime Fitness Manager Danielle Vaal said. “It went up about 70 percent more from last month.”Vaal, who has worked at the gym since August, said the increase comes from people’s desire get in shape. She also said the new year serves as a good time to start.To accumulate customers, many gyms offer discounted membership fees and services. Not all Bloomington gyms, however, are offering discounts or specials to ring in the new year.Iron Pit Gym, 122 W. Miller Drive, another 24-hour facility in Bloomington, doesn’t offer any promotions for the new year. Iron Pit co-owner Matt Andrews said January still brings in one of the largest amounts of membership revenue. “We see tons of people come in even without any special membership rate,” Andrews said. “It all has to do with the time of year.”Andrews, an IU alumnus who graduated from the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, now known as the School of Public Health, in 2006, founded the gym with Doug Ballard in 1995. Andrews said, compared to other times of the year, the gym at the beginning of the year is the most active, while it tends to be slower in the middle of the year in June and July.IU senior Ellie Birch, who frequents Iron Pit Gym, said she has incorporated physical activity into her New Year’s resolution.“Last year, I started running more, but this year my resolution is to start lifting more weights,” Birch said.