Even having a gun debate in Congress an issue
By Rick Yencer
MUNCIE, IN - The gun debate in Congress has bordered on bizarre as Indiana congressional members weighed in on even having a debate after the massacre in Newtown.
The U.S. Senate decided by 68-31 to continue the debate on the watered gun control bill that now only consists of requiring background checks on gun sales at gun shows or online. The assault weapon ban and limits on magazine clips have faded as senators argued over even having a debate.
Routine Truck Inspection on Ind. 1 Finds Spoiled Food
Free Press Report
$10,000 Guaranteed Pick-4 Pool on Thursdays at Hoosier Park
Free Press Report
ANDERSON, IN - Racing fans are reminded to participate in the guaranteed $10,000 Pick-4 pool offered at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Thursday, April 11. In partnership with the Unites States Trotting Association Strategic Wagering program and the Indiana Standardbred Association, Hoosier Park will offer this signature wager on Thursdays.
New downtown Muncie, IN hotel seeking operator
By Rick Yencer
MUNCIE, IN - DWNTWN will get a new $25 million hotel next to the Horizon Convention Center that will serve as a training facility for those with disability.
The Arc of Indiana, that represents those with intellectual and developmental disabilities said Thursday the group was seeking a request for proposal for a hotel operator as a feasibility study indicated the project could be built.
Mayor Tyler State of City emphasizes jobs, youth, those in need
By Rick Yencer
MUNCIE, IN - Mayor Dennis Tyler offered the hope for more jobs, a new downtown hotel and a better quality of life with more recreation and education for youth besides adults.
His common sense and partnership approach to local government was clear Thursday when he delivered a State of the City address before a standing ovation crowd of more than 300 people at the Horizon Convention Center.
James Whitford ready to compete with Indiana, Butler in Hoosier basketball nation
By Rick Yencer
MUNCIE, IN - James Whitford offered passion, experience and a promise to compete in the Hoosier basketball nation, introduced Wednesday as the new Ball State mens basketball coach to fans, students and others in the community.
And Whitford brought along a spouse, Amber, who also was a Division 1 basketball coach and already was talking with players and staff to bring Ball State back as a competitor in NCAA play.
More than 100 members of the Cardinal Varsity Club, Ball State staff and others listened to Whitford talk about his experience when it comes to recruiting and competition after being an associate coach at Miami, Xavier and Arizona before becoming a head coach for the Cardinals.
"There is incredible passion for this program," said Whitford. "I have seen it I have felt it."
Retired businessman George Swafford was up in front, seated behind Whitford's wife, Amber, hanging onto everything the new coach said.
Swafford's only hope was that Whitford would produce a winning season after nearly a decade from not even being competitive in conference and NCAA post-season play.
Gunman Holds Four Firefighters Hostage in Georgia Home
Free Press Report
SUWANEE, GA - According to reports from various media in the area, a gunman has barricaded himself in his home in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia along with four firefighters who are being held hostage.
Errington Pushes Local Government Legislation through Indiana House
Free Press Report
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Today the Indiana House of Representatives approved legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) that helps restore more flexibility to school corporations in the allocation for the losses of circuit breaker funds supported by property taxes.
Senate Bill 517 corrects an unintended consequence of a law passed last year that has created a hardship for nearly 50 schools around the state, including Muncie Community Schools. According to Errington, this is a problem for schools that must use a disproportionate amount of their levy to support the Debt Services Fund.
“Under this new provision, the amount of property taxes that go toward the operating balance for the Debt Service Fund will be capped at 50% or an additional 25%, depending on when the debt was incurred. This will allow those struggling districts to use the remaining tax dollars for the transportation, school bus replacement, and capital projects funds,” Errington said.
Ball State Ticket Office Accepting Deposits for 2013-14 Men’s Basketball Season Tickets
Free Press Report
MUNCIE, IN - Ball State fans can now make a non-refundable deposit of $50 per seat be applied toward the final cost of a full 2013-14 men's basketball season ticket package.
The 2013-14 season will be the first for the Cardinals under the direction of James Whitford, who was introduced Wednesday as the 19th head coach in Ball State men's basketball history.
Deposits can only be applied to a full season ticket package. The deposit cannot be applied toward mini plans, parking passes or single game tickets. Fans that make a deposit will be contacted in the fall for seat placement and final payment information.
Mounds Lake gets public discussion in Daleville, Chesterfield and Anderson
BY Rick Yencer
CHESTERFIELD, IN - The proposed $400 million Mounds Lake plan will get a public airing this month in communities along White River where hundreds of properties will be impacted.
Connect! Madison County, an independent news forum, will offer hearings in Chesterfield, Daleville and Anderson, sponsored by St. Vincent Hospital and Community Hospital, both in Anderson.