Local News

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced Friday that six World War II-era planes will fly over the world‘s most famous racecourse prior to the start of the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500. The pre-race flyover will feature a North American B-25 Mitchell, nicknamed "Axis Nightmare," and five North American T-6 Texan trainer aircraft. The planes will fly over the speedway at the conclusion of the National Anthem.

We may be punching-in more numbers in the future. The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is recommending the all-services overlay option for implementing a new telephone area code. It would overlay the 812 area code, because the 812 exchange will run-out out of numbers by 2015. We'd be required to include 812 or the new overlay number in all local calls. The new code would be used for new phones and services beginning in late 2014 or 2015. Calls that are local before a new area code is added would remain local afterward.

Most of the Union County girls’ softball team involved in a bus crash yesterday are released from hospitals.  Out of 28 people on the bus, 25 went to hospitals, and just one teammate remains hospitalized.  She is expected to be released Monday.  Athletic director for the Union County School District says the most severe injury was a broken leg.  Kentucky State Police have not determined what caused the bus to run off the shoulder of the road before crashing.

Indiana State Police say they‘re going after aggressive drivers. Starting tomorrow, troopers will be participating in a campaign to reduce the number of crashes involving semis and passenger cars. Troopers will be looking for vehicles who drive dangerously around semi trucks and other commercial motor vehicles. Some of the violations troopers will be looking for include: unsafe lane changes, failure to yield the right of way, following too closely and aggressive driving.

With the end of the school year about three weeks away, teachers and the Department of Education are laying groundwork to keep students reading over the summer. State school superintendent Glenda Ritz returned to Crooked Creek Elementary School, where she was media specialist before being elected superintendent, to sell students on the importance of reading. The Department of Education will try to encourage students by making 3,000 titles available for free on its website.

The potential for new Illinois casinos is threatening to throw the Indiana spending and tax cut plan out of balance. The Illinois Senate voted Wednesday for a Senate Bill permitting new casinos in Chicago, the south suburbs and three other cities; slot machines at horse racing tracks and the two Chicago airports; and a reduction in casino tax rates. The gaming plan, which now goes to the House, is strongly backed by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who has pledged to give schools all the revenue from the Chicago casino.

The University of Southern Indiana's Board of Trustees makes plans for the next two school years.  Yesterday, the Board learned more about the state's new two-year budget and other outcomes of the 2013 Indiana General Assembly.  Trustees determined the university's operating appropriation will increase by about 5% during the 2014 fiscal year.  USI is also alotting funds for dual credit priority courses, full-time faculty support, and renovations and repairs.  The school will hold a public hearing the week of May 20th to talk about tuition and fees for 2013 through 2015.<

Even though the cornerstone of this year's Hadi ShrinersFest...the Blue Angels won't be there...many acts will be in the skies over Dress Plaza, during the day and at night. Shriner Steve Eberhart says some of the other flying teams are now working together to put together a stunning opener. Eberhart also says a dozen aircraft will perform before and after the 4th of July fireworks. $5 buttons will only be required on Saturday and Sunday. 12 and under get in free. The festival is July 3rd through 7th.

A cheerleading league for children with special needs is inspiring a local man to create another activity for these youth. Highland Baseball Club Vice President David Fisher is working to develop a Challenger Division baseball league for children with mental or physical challenges ages 4 through 18, or up 21 if they are still in high school. Club President Matt Pokorney says the league will have no costs or fees, and it will provide all of the uniforms and equipment for participants.

Schools will receive financial help to upgrade security under a bill on its way to Governor Pence.  The House and Senate gave overwhelming approval to a bill setting aside 10-million dollars in matching grants to help schools to hire security officers, conduct threat assessments, or make physical improvements to security. Attorney General Greg Zoeller, who supported the bill, says it will produce "safer schools and a greater appreciation for law enforcement."