AUGUST 20-26, 2012
This week, find out what state safety inspectors have to say about a Shelbyville glass factory two years after a worker's death and read about the warning Illinois' lottery chief is giving his Indiana counterparts. In Focus, meet Tony Bennett's mentor and see how he is influencing education reform. And Forefront columnists weigh in on the issues of the day.
Front PageBack to Top
Vacant Consolidated Building purchased by local buyers
Two local buyers are angling to revitalize a century-old, 15-story downtown landmark that has confounded redevelopment attempts since its last tenants departed in the late 1990s. Ambrose Property Group and The Whitsett Group hope to transform the Consolidated Building into 98 apartments with first-floor retail or restaurant space.
Read MoreCummins cools off, but Seymour expansion still in works
Cummins Inc.—a company that quadrupled its profits in two years—has shifted to cost-cutting mode amid a drop in global sales, but the Columbus-based engine manufacturer says it’s still on track to increase sales from $18 billion in 2011 to $30 billion in 2015.
Read MoreIllinois lottery superintendent says Indiana taking flawed path
The Illinois Lottery is not a model Indiana should follow in seeking a private manager to boost revenue, according to Illinois’ own lottery chief. Hoosier Lottery officials say they’ve taken steps to avoid the problems Illinois had with its privatization contract, but several key elements of the process mirror Illinois’.
Read MoreTop StoriesBack to Top
Violations persist after fatality at Shelbyville glass factory
A Shelbyville glass factory has had almost two years to address safety violations resulting from a worker’s death, but the state says the plant still has a lot of the same problems. Pilkington North America faces $150,000 in fines after an Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspection in March and April.
Read MoreCSX passing over Avon yard, investing elsewhere
Central Indiana’s rail terminal to the world is CSX Transportation’s Avon yard, in Hendricks County. But don’t look for much in the way of rail shipments from here directly to the West Coast. The yard operates well below capacity. Meanwhile, CSX has been investing hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure upgrades to terminals in Ohio and farther east.
Read MoreLocal distillers produce Indiana sorghum spirit
Two central Indiana entrepreneurs are making a new spirit from an old crop—supplied largely by an Amish farmer who doesn’t drink alcohol. The product is Sorgrhum, a distilled liquor made from the syrup of sweet sorghum, a stalk-like grain used as a sweetener before sugar cane became widely available.
Read MoreDon Marsh fighting to keep jury from learning he took Fifth
Attorneys for Don Marsh are trying to ensure that his refusal to answer questions during a 2010 deposition doesn’t come back to haunt him when Marsh Supermarkets' lawsuit against him goes to trial in October.
Read MoreKellogg’s rolls out IndyCar-branded cereal nationwide
Direct-to-consumer marketing of star drivers could be just what the series needs to boost interest, TV ratings.
Read MoreTruck fleet insurer’s move to diversify gains traction
Sales of professional liability products are still a small part of total revenue but could reach $50 million by the end of 2013.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
State schools chief’s mentor taught him to ruffle feathers to improve education
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett credits retired education professor John Moody with inspiring much of the reform agenda he has pushed over the past four years.
Read MoreVeteran educator running against Bennett for state post
Glenda Ritz’ opposition to pass-fail tests is fueling her campaign to unseat Tony Bennett as Indiana’s education czar.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: Mayor must sign road, benefits measures
One measure provides health care benefits to the domestic partners of city employees. The other, known as Complete Streets, requires that projects be designed to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists and public transportation, not just cars.
Read MoreMAURER: While Mickey’s away, you can play
Please enjoy “Auto Parts,” a puzzle I recently constructed.
Read MoreRUSTHOVEN: If not Daniels, then Ryan
Presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s selection of Paul Ryan as his running mate is a superb decision, from a governance as well as a political perspective.
Read MoreHERRICK: Run government like a business
I believe government has forgotten that the reason businesses borrow money is to make money and grow.
Read MoreHICKS: College diplomas are worthless, but education priceless
This week, students are arriving at my university and others. I believe this is a good time to say something both provocative and nuanced: A college diploma is virtually worthless.
Read MoreKIM: Is high-frequency trading ‘Knightmare’ on Wall Street?
Much like the fictional Skynet in the “Terminator” movies, firms engaging in “high-frequency trading” have unleashed a torrent of unbridled technological firepower that seems to have overwhelmed its human makers’ ability to control.
Read MoreA better sun?
In the [July 30] “On the Record” section, there was a story about Indianapolis Power & Light Co. awarding a 15-year contract to buy 30 megawatts of solar power from Sunrise Energy Ventures.
Read MoreSome food trucks are nuisances
The [Aug. 13] story about food trucks was interesting, noting that Barnes & Thornburg attorney Crystal Williams stated food trucks must comply with local regulations.
Read MoreVague language in institutional investing
Kathleen McLaughlin’s [July 28] story about state fund investing reminded of a problem in institutional investing today: vague and imprecise language.
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
Excess TIF revenue would help close city budget gap
Mayor proposes shifting $10 million out of downtown district to help make up for $65 million general-fund shortfall.
Read MoreMonumental Affair entries due Sept. 28
Architectural awards program will culminate with Nov. 25 banquet at Indiana Roof.
Read MoreUIndy’s enrollment sets new record
The private college announced Wednesday that it now has more than 5,500 students, including both graduates and undergraduates. The school welcomes 1,100 new students this fall, including its second-largest freshman class of 830.
Read MoreIndianapolis Symphony Orchestra signs three-year deal with Hirons
Local agency will work with ISO on overall brand strategy, including print and digital marketing.
Read MoreTroubled Di Rimini apartment building closer to opening
A controversial downtown Indianapolis apartment building that never opened due to severe design deficiencies is a step closer to being ready for tenants after city officials granted the project’s new owner a zoning variance.
Read MoreTechPoint plans summit, entrepreneurial bootcamp
The first-ever Indiana Entrepreneurial Bootcamp will only be open to the first 100 who register.
Read MorePROXY CORNER: HHGregg Inc.
Indianapolis-based HHGregg Inc is a retailer of consumer electronics and home appliances. It operates 212 stores in 17 states.
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