Local News

INDIANAPOLIS (October 23, 2017) – The Julia M. Carson Transit Center (Transit Center) was recognized threefold at the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce (Indy Chamber)’s 40th annual Monumental Awards ceremony. The Monumental Awards acknowledge excellence in the built environment through recognition of individuals and businesses that contribute to high quality architecture, …

As children take to the streets on Halloween to trick-or-treat, their risk of being injured by motorists increases greatly. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Halloween is consistently one of the top three days for pedestrian injuries and fatalities, and the Centers for Disease Control and …

PLAINFIELD, IN–Congressman Todd Rokita received the Spirit of Enterprise Award for his pro-business, pro-jobs record. “Hoosiers have the best work ethic and the best products to offer. I am proud to represent Indiana by fighting for policies that help our businesses, create jobs, and cut unnecessary and burdensome government regulations,” said Congressman Todd Rokita. Brad DuBois, CEO of the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, commended Rokita for his efforts. He said, “It comes with great pleasure that a homegrown business in Hendricks County is able to host such an award for Congressman Rokita.  We thank the US Chamber of Commerce and we congratulate Congressman Rokita. We hope to see him continue his support of business and commerce in our small community, county, state and nation on the world stage.” The Spirit of Enterprise Award is given out to Members of Congress by the Chamber of Commerce. Recipients who align with the Chamber on at least 70% of the Chamber’s key votes receive this award. Congressman Rokita aligned with the Chamber on every single vote last year and he has aligned with the Chamber on 91% of votes since his election in 2010. “This recognition from the Chamber of Commerce is truly an honor. I am proud to stand as their ally in Washington fighting for what truly matters, Hoosier families,” concluded Rokita. Tom Donohue, CEO for the Chamber of Commerce also commended Rokita. Donohue said, “Businesses of all shapes and sizes need sound, commonsense policy in place in order to get off the ground, grow, and succeed.  The Spirit of Enterprise Award recognizes those members of Congress who have done what’s right for our friends, family, and neighbors running businesses across the country. We applaud Congressman Rokita for his commitment to free enterprise and economic growth.”

Hendricks Co – Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating Kevin McGrotty, the owner of Brownsburg Taxidermy located in Brownsburg, IN.  On September 26 search and arrest warrants were served on McGrotty and his business.  McGrotty was jailed and charged with Corrupt Business Practice and multiple counts of Theft. The court has …

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 9, 2017) – The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) reports it anticipates setting a new record for passenger traffic in 2017, and is just one flight away from hitting the airport’s all-time high in nonstop flights leaving out of Indianapolis. Based on monthly trends in passenger traffic, the Indy airport broke records three times this year, in the months of January, May and June. The airport anticipates it will exceed the 8.5 million passenger traffic record it set in 2016. IAA Executive Director Mario Rodriguez said there are many contributing factors to the record growth. Rodriguez also noted that the Indy airport has announced or launched 11 new flights to date in 2017, including the first transatlantic nonstop flight out of Indy. That flight will be offered through Delta Airlines to Paris beginning May 24, 2018. “That puts us at 38 flights added since 2014, and 48 nonstop destinations available to date – the most number of nonstops since the new terminal opened in 2008,” said Rodriguez. “We are among the top 10 most connected medium hub airports in the U.S.” Rodriguez’s data comes from the most recent MIT Airport Connectivity Quality Index, which places the Indianapolis International Airport fifth in the nation for best connected among airports in its class, and predicts that with recent and future service additions, the Indy airport will maintain or enhance that strong position. Nonstop air travel is crucial to passengers and Indy businesses, with 40 percent more passengers using nonstop flights out of Indianapolis to access final destinations in 2017. “Compared to 11 other peer midsize markets, we have more nonstop destinations and more daily departures on average,” said Rodriguez. Southwest Airlines currently makes up the bulk (34%) of the airport passenger traffic, with American and Delta airlines each making up 22 percent respectively. United Airlines currently makes up 13 percent of the Indy airport’s passenger traffic, and Allegiant (4%), Frontier (3%) and Air Canada, Alaska Airlines and OneJet collectively making up approximately one percent – per 2017 year-to-date numbers. “I’ve said it many times this year, and the data backs it up — the investments our airline partners have made in the Indianapolis market is a testament to the value they see in our city and the state,” said Rodriguez. Last year, the Indianapolis airport operations contributed more than $5.4 billion dollars to the Marion County economy, and supported more than 22,000 jobs. Click here [1] for the mid-year 2017 Airline Activity Report. ### ABOUT THE INDIANAPOLIS AIRPORT AUTHORITY The Indianapolis Airport Authority owns and operates Indiana’s largest airport system. In addition to the Indianapolis International Airport, its facilities include the Downtown Heliport, Eagle Creek Airpark, Hendricks County Airport, Indianapolis Regional Airport and Metropolitan Airport. IND has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing it as a leader within its class, including best airport in North America in …

Have you visited our Alpha Shelter lately? It’s located adjacent to Williams Park and the Maple Ridge Trail, and now it’s also adjacent to our new Outdoor Classroom! This new park feature encourages users to connect to nature through programs, workshops and other activities. The classroom will help visitors enjoy …

FISHERS, Ind. (Oct. 2, 2017) – Fuzic, a marketing tech platform that provides custom audio advertising and licensed music for location-based businesses, announced plans today to expand its operations in Indiana, creating up to 255 new, high-wage jobs by 2020. “The rapid growth of Fuzic and Indiana’s tech community is …

HENDRICKS COUNTY, IN – Flu season has just begun, and public health officials at the Hendricks County Health Department are urging residents to get their flu shot to prevent the spread of influenza this season.   “Getting your flu shot early in the flu season, which usually runs between October …

AVON, IN—(SEPTEMBER 29, 2017) U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today recognized 342 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2017. Maple Elementary is one of seven schools in Indiana to receive this honor. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. “National Blue Ribbon Schools are active demonstrations of preparing every child for a bright future,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to the honorees. “You are visionaries, innovators and leaders. You have much to teach us: some of you personalize student learning, others engage parents and communities in the work and life of your local schools and still others develop strong and forward-thinking leaders from among your teaching staff.” The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. This coveted award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 35th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,500 schools. On Nov. 6-7, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with these honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. All schools are honored in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates: · Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. · Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years. Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE). Here is a link to Secretary DeVos’ announcement: https://youtu.be/e_YqQtf1GaY [1] *Attached photo is of Maple Elementary Teachers and Principal

Hoosier high school students across the state will participate in College Application Day on September 29. Thirteen Indiana colleges will waive their fees in recognition of College Application Day, and more than 50 events will occur statewide—making this Indiana’s biggest College Application Day since joining the initiative in 2013. College …