In An Indiana Minute: October 2012

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-30-2012)

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Here Is An Email I Got From Representative Todd Rokita

Dear Ms. Blake,

Thank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 112th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.

For daily updates, please take a moment to "Like" my Facebook page by clicking here: .

This Week (Oct. 21-27)

On Wednesday morning, I joined Gov. Mitch Daniels and other state and local officials at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Lafayette-to-Delphi segment of the Hoosier Heartland Highway. This was the culmination of a tremendous team effort that will result in safer travel and much bigger economic opportunities for the counties and communities served by the highway.

Earlier this year, I led a bipartisan group of Indiana’s congressional delegation in fighting to stop a proposed ban on federal funds being used under public-private partnership arrangements, including the Indiana East-West Toll Road. Through the state’s Major Moves program, the toll road deal freed up billions of dollars to fund other needed projects such as the Hoosier Heartland Highway.

For Wednesday’s celebration, I brought along my (and Kathy’s :-) ) 1973 Corvette that I have been restoring for the last five years. Most of it’s done now, but it appears to be a never-ending process. Anyway, Debbie Lowe from the Carroll County Comet got in and we helped lead the ceremonial caravan after we cut the ribbon. Here’s a photo of me with Delphi Mayor Randy Strasser at the event, and a photo of Debbie and me with my Corvette:

I also had the opportunity to visit with around 50 Hendricks Power Cooperative workers at an employee town hall meeting on Thursday, where I shared with them a presentation on our national debt and discussed solutions. It was a great discussion and I am always energized to hear common-sense solutions from Hoosiers:

Earlier in the week, I also attended the Tippecanoe County Right to Life’s annual Celebration of Life banquet, where I was able to catch up with many old friends. I am thankful for their partnership in the fight to defend the sanctity of life.

Last Week (Oct. 14-20)

I always enjoy talking with Hoosier business leaders and others around the Fourth District. Last week, I had the opportunity to spend time with leaders of Indiana’s auto industry. On Wednesday, I spoke to management and human resources employees at Meritor’s North American Site Management and Human Resources Management Summit about labor and workforce issues.

As you likely know, Meritor operates a large “remanufacturing” facility in Plainfield producing brake pads and other remanufactured parts. Over the past year, I’ve worked closely with Meritor to get the federal government to purchase remanufactured parts. I was honored that Meritor and their trade association awarded me the MEMA Legislator of the Year award for my efforts.

I also spoke with the Indiana Automotive Council, a collaboration between industry, government and higher education that exists to grow and promote Indiana’s automotive industry. Representatives from Chrysler, Cummins, Delphi, General Motors, and many other companies were in attendance, and we talked about the looming “fiscal cliff” and the need for comprehensive tax reform.

Last Thursday, I visited with the Brownsburg Rotary Club to talk about spending and debt. A very special thanks to club member Merlin Outcalt for the invitation and to Club President Danielle Snyder for the hospitality. Here’s a photo from the visit:

_______________________________________________

I guess I am on a roll with politicians today. When I read this email some of it had a sound of “about me” to it. Did it sound that way to you? When Rokita mentioned his Corvette, I thought “that has nothing to do with what i want to know.” I also thought I could do a better job then him. Man, do I need sabbatical now. I admit I need an attitude adjustment on politicians.

This Is A Email I Got From Senator Dan Coats

We Need Answers on Libya

In September, our country mourned the tragic death of Christopher Stevens, the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, and three other Americans who died in an attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi: Sean Smith, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods. In the days following the attack, the Obama Administration blamed the violence on a "spontaneous" reaction to protests over an anti-Islam film.

However, State Department emails released this week tell a different story. These emails reveal that the administration may have known within hours that this was a terrorist attack. Despite this information, administration officials continued to tell the American public the attack was a spontaneous response to a video filmed in America.

Then there is the question of security at the diplomatic compound in Benghazi. In the months leading up to this year’s anniversary of September 11, there were two attacks on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi. Additionally, the British consulate closed its doors after an attempted attack on their ambassador. The Red Cross left as well due to deteriorating security. Americans were the last ones with a flag flying in this region of Libya and yet did not have an increased security presence. In recent testimony before a congressional committee, officials confirmed that the State Department refused requests for more security in Benghazi despite the growing unrest and violence.

Unfortunately, more than one month after the attack, there remain many unanswered questions that this administration must address. As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I will be actively pushing for answers and information. The Senate Intelligence Committee is scheduled to hold a classified hearing on November 15. Some of the many questions that must be addressed include:

1. Why was an alleged request for more security at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi denied?

2. What intelligence assessments were made about Libya before the attack?

3. What information was provided to senior U.S. policymakers and the President immediately after the attack?

4. Were intelligence assessments shared with Ambassador Stevens before the attack?

5. Why did the administration respond to the attack by blaming an anti-Islam video despite knowing within hours that this was a terrorist attack?

6. Did the administration knowingly mislead the public?

7. Did the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi request military support during the night of the attack? If so, what was this administration’s response?

8. What are the lessons learned from this incident that will be applied to future events?

While we continue to mourn the lives lost in Libya, we must not tolerate these outrageous attacks on our people and the international diplomatic community. I am committed to obtain answers from this administration and work to ensure the safety and security of our diplomatic officials serving across the globe.

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I guess I am getting pretty leery of our leaders because my attitude after reading this “yeah, yeah, tell us another story.” It seems like for so long we been told “we’re getting this and that done”. Okay where is it that is getting done. I don’t see anything. Do you? Nobody is charge in Operation Fast And Furious fiasco. Nobody is going down for Benghazigate? Nobody has gone down for the insider tradergate? What are they doing? ARE THEY JUST GIVING US LIP SERVE? AND NOT DOING ANYTHING? Am I the only one that feels this way?

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-26-2012)

Friday, October 26, 2012

Requiem For 4 American Patriots

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-25-2012)

Thursday, October 25, 2012

The Sylvia Likens’ Case Rates In The Spooky Range

You can’t help but think the person that did this was a sick in the head individual. Indianapolis calls this one of gruesome crimes in the city’s history.

Jurors recall Sylvia Likens' torture-slaying trial by Michael Boren, Indianapolis Star

It has been nearly half a century since Paula Baniszewski pleaded guilty to her role in the brutal torture and eventual death of a 16-year-old Indianapolis girl. But the name “Baniszewski” is still synonymous with one of the most gruesome crimes in the city’s history.
That’s why, many jurors involved in the case say, it’s understandable that Paula Baniszewski changed her name to Paula Pace.
Pace was fired Tuesday from her job in an Iowa school district after officials discovered her real name and her disturbing past. She pleaded guilty in the early 1970s to voluntary manslaughter in the torture of Sylvia Likens, who died 47 years ago Friday.
Many involved in the case have died, but several surviving jurors say they remember the emotionally draining trial. One called it “five weeks of hell.”
“It was something you never forget and really wish you could sometimes,” said Bob Grabhorn, 70, Carmel.
Despite knowing Likens — she bought candy at his father’s Eastside grocery store — Grabhorn was still selected for the jury. He said he remains “amazed” by the decision.
Pace, now 64, could not be reached for comment.
Grabhorn and others say they would have changed their last name, too, had they been in Pace’s position. They recall a trial in which several family members were tried at once, and represented by three or more defense attorneys.
What made the case disturbing is that at least a dozen children — along with Pace and her mother, Gertrude Baniszewski — participated in or watched Likens’ abuse.
Likens was starved, beaten and branded with a hot metal object. She also had the words “I am a prostitute” etched onto her stomach. The torture lasted for weeks.
It comes as no surprise to former juror Rea Rogers that Pace tried to distance herself from the family name .
“I could understand that, especially with a name like Baniszewski,” said Rogers, 86, Indianapolis. “Which would stand out to anybody who ever had anything to do with the trial or read about it.”
Asked if people like Pace deserved a second chance, Rogers replied: “Sure, doesn't everyone? I mean if they’re truly sorry for what they did.”
Read More

Related Articles:

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-24-2012)

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Purdue University Gangnam Style Flash Mob

Their not quite in sync but it is cute.

Purdue flash mob dances 'Gangnam Journal

Journal And Courier

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-23-2012)

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-22-2012)

Sunday, October 21, 2012

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-20-2012)

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Lafayette Honors It’s Heroes

Via Journal And Courier

What's happening Around Indiana (10-19-2012)

Thursday, October 18, 2012

What’s Happening Around Indiana

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Letter: Time For Voters To Put Out Fire

From Pharos-Tribune

This is a true story of long long ago in 1940 and far far away in the small town of Young America.

There was a certain youngster, a boy just six years of age. It was a brisk winter morning, and he was on a mission. The snow covered hills and the frozen creek at the south edge of town were calling for him.

The boy’s journey was abruptly halted when he spotted a fire. The wood shingles on a roof close to the chimney had just started to burn. It was the home of Elmer and Ethyl Gish. The lad went straight-away and knocked on the front door. When Ethyl opened the door he told her that her roof was on fire. What happened next imprinted a feeling in that boy that has lasted to this day.

Ethyl thought he was playing a prank. It took a lot of convincing for her to just come out and look. Once she saw the fire, things really started to happen. Elmer quickly set up a ladder and she carried buckets of water for him to put it out. Because she listened in time, that house still still stands today.

Yes, I was that boy, and that feeling still haunts me.

Values of decency and common sense are under attack every day as we live and breath. America is like a house on fire with her people trapped inside, entangled in a governmental web of handouts and favors.

For those who cannot see the fire, at least try to smell the smoke. Let’s save this house!

Dean Henry

Kokomo

What”s Happening Around Indiana (10-16-2012)

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Yesterday, It Was Bats, Today’s, It Crows

Adrienne made post about wind turbines on her blog. Those turbines explodes. In her post she talked about turbines and bats being killed by them. It wasn’t because of the bats flying blindly into the blades. The turbines make the bat lungs explode. PETA and envirmentalist are not making any stink about bats. Aren’t all animals equal in protecting? I guess not. Some are prettier than others like blind spiders. You can read what Adrienne has to say about it at: Obama: Enemy of America...

Today, it crows. I stubble on an article in the Tribune Star (Terra Haute, Indiana newspaper) about crows causing trouble. Yeap, their doing the poopy thing and making messes around Terra Haute so some people started a crow patrol. When they see a flock of crows, they fire a shot up in the air from a “banger”. The crows are suppose to run scared away. You can read about the crows at: Triggering Action: Crow Patrol fires off seasonal efforts

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-15-2012)

Monday, October 15, 2012

Do You Think West Lafayette Public Library Mural Will Inspire?

Do you think the mural behind Artist Craig Martin will inspire children? I don’t know how the kids will act towards the mural. Kids are known to be unpredictable. I however like it.

West Lafayette Public Library mural aims to inspire by Justin L. Mack, Journal And Courier

In about a month’s time, Craig Martin took the wall of the West Lafayette Public Library Amphitheater from a slab of drab concrete to an eye-catching sea of inspiration.
“The idea of this mural and really, the singular point I want to make is, there is no subject matter here. There are no things,” Martin explained. “There are no creatures or animals or people because there’s no story yet.
“My hope was to sort of set the stage and make a scene for you so that when anybody walks up to it, there is a way to look it at and walk into it yourself.”
Martin’s untitled piece was dedicated Sunday afternoon before dozens of community members. With the wind blowing through the amphitheater and sun highlighting the mural, Martin explained his inspiration as children in attendance blew bubbles into the air to christen the mural.
The piece, located in the rear of the library along Northwestern Avenue, is an outdoor landscape that begins with a dark, ominous forest on the far right. As your eye travels left, a sun kissed field is featured near the center.
On the far left, underneath a banister that surrounds a portion of the amphitheater, are mushrooms, tall grass and other vegetation.
“This particular piece of work transitions from an area that is kind of dark and spooky to an area that’s bright and open. And when we talk about a library and what’s inside of a library, isn’t it sort of an extended metaphor for exactly that?” said West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis. “Often times when we come in and get a book, it opens up our minds and takes us on wonderful adventures and to great worlds.”
Throughout the mural, Martin painted the names of 40 children’s authors such as Judy Blume, E.B. White and Laura Ingalls Wilder.
In honor of those authors, storyteller Sheri Johnson of the Tippecanoe Storytellers Guild performed the poem “Little Orphan Annie” by James Whitcomb Riley, gave the audience a little bit of background information on Dr. Seuss and had everyone at the dedication raise their hands and take the Reader’s Oath.
Read More

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-14-2012)

Sunday, October 14, 2012

It A Pay It Forward Kind Of Thing

I love things like this. People helping people, enjoying entertainment to help out our heroes.

Rebuilding heroes’ homes note-for-note by Lindsay Eckert, Kokomo Tribune

Pay it forward. Three words passionately and repeatedly stated by U.S. Army Spc. Anthony Walton and the family of Marine Lance Cpl. Zach Nelson at Saturday’s Help Hometown Heroes Rebuild concert featuring country-recording artist Jackson Young, a fundraiser to build homes for Walton and Nelson specifically designed for their injuries. Although the focus for the concert was on honoring Walton, Nelson and their families, the honorees expanded their focus towards how they can honor and give back to their community.

“[After Zach was injured] and we saw how quickly the community jumped in and started doing everything, it was overwhelming,” said Gayle Sherman, Nelson’s aunt. “The people of this community are a blessing and it’s our job as Zach’s family to start paying it forward.”

Nelson, who turned 21 in a German hospital after being paralyzed from the neck down in a Humvee accident, has been undergoing therapy in a rehabilitation center in Florida and will be released at the end of the month once he re-learns to drive. Nelson will continue his enlistment at a wounded warrior’s unit in North Carolina before returning to Kokomo and his new home, which will undergo construction at a later date.

Nelson’s aunt also said the experience of seeing hundreds of men and women changed for life at Walter Reed Army Medical Center was a humbling experience and coming home to a city that sympathizes for what is lost at war is a constant reminder to give back.

“Kokomo rallies around its veterans because it’s a small town and a community that realizes what a sacrifice they make for us so we can do things like this [concert],” Sherman, who recently joined Asphalt Templars to expand her efforts of paying it forward, said. “Some don’t come back, some come back hurt, but none ever come back the same.”

Read More

It Wasn’t Worth It

2 men charged in fatal fight over woman in Morgan County

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-13-2012)

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Yeah, Yeah, Really It Is No Big Deal

Clinton fires up Dems in Indy

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-12-2012)

Friday, October 12, 2012

A Indiana Fallen Soldier Is Honored

Rome City post office name to honor fallen soldier Statement as issued Thursday by the U.S. Postal Service, Journal Gazette

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — On his return home from Iraq, Specialist Nicholas Scott Hartge intended following his dream by attending West Point Academy. But his future as an officer in the U.S. Army came to a halt on the streets of Adhamiyah in May 2007 when his unit came under heavy attack. The Humvee carrying Specialist Hartge struck a roadside bomb and he was killed in action.

In recognition of his sacrifice, the Rome City, IN Post Office will be designated as the “Specialist Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office Building” at a brief ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012 beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Congressman Marlin Stutzman, who authored the legislation, will join Greater Indiana District Manager Bernice Grant, Fort Wayne Postmaster Dawn Gerardot and Rome City Postmaster Judy Merrifield as they dedicate the Rome City Post Office as the “Specialist Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office Building.”

Growing up in Rome City, Nicholas Hartge played track, delivered newspapers and worked on cars.

During his junior year of high school, Nicholas decided to serve his country by joining the military. The 5’9” Hoosier chose to serve in the infantry. After boot camp, Hartge left for Germany and then Iraq. Serving in the 3rd Platoon in Charlie Company in the First Infantry Division, Nicholas and his company were deployed to Iraq in August 2006.

Read More

This Is Interesting Story Read

Tuskegee Airmen story on view at Purdue

Thursday, October 11, 2012

I Want To Introduce You To Ricky Bishop

Why you ask? Is he a hero? No, unless you consider coping with 13+ years with AIDS heroic. I am introducing him to you because he is my baby brother. Six years ago today he died from lymphoma that was complicated from AIDS. (Yes, my baby brother was gay.) I want to share my memories of Ricky with you.

When Ricky was born he was a sickly baby, literally. The first few years of his life was basically throwing up here and there. I remember him throwing a few times. It wasn’t cause from flu. The doctor didn’t know what caused it. Ricky did out grow the sickness.

After this Ricky had a security blanket he called “cubby”. I won’t get in to that I don’t want Ricky to come and haunt me, lol.

I remember having to take Ricky and my baby sister, Reggi, to my friend’s house if I want see my friend at times. I didn’t like taking them because both were snoopy and tattle tales. When you get older, you laugh about this stuff.

I have a fond memory of taking Ricky and Reggi to McDonalds and taking it to Happy Hollow Park to eat it. We would take a trail to see where it would end and play on the swing sets. We had to take the bus to and fro then I didn’t know how to drive then even though I was in high school. We had fun.

I remember a time mom or dad grounded Ricky from going anywhere. I don’t remember why Ricky was grounded. None of the rest us couldn’t go swimming because it. I am the oldest so I got babysitting duty. Mom and Dad were at work. We couldn’t go until they were home. So the five of us kids decided to go any way. We had this big idea we back home before Mom and Dad got back from work. Well, our plans didn’t go a according to plan. How did we get caught you ask? Ricky hurt himself on the fence at the pool. Blood was gushing from his leg. Ricky needed stitches. Back then they called the parents if a kid got hurt. Needless to say we got punished for our rebellion.

Ricky was also was my angel after my divorce. He gave me a shoulder to cry on. He helped me with my daughter Ashley. There was one day I couldn’t go get her from school because the area I lived at was flooded just enough I couldn’t get out. He picked her up for me and let her spend the night. There was another time in March of 2003, I had two heart attacks within that month. My baby brother was there to watch Ashley for me. Ricky was an angel in other ways, there were weekend he and Les would take take our kids for the weekend. When they had our kids we would have to go pick them up on Sunday. We would make a day out of it. It was Karaoke time. Ricky would fix us meals out of this world. Sherri, Reggi, and me would bring the sodas and snacks. Twinkies any one, lol.

We had our ups and downs like any sibling but we love each other. I don’t want to remember his death but of the good and bad times we had.

Ricky Bishop (October 26,1964-October 11, 2006)

This is terrible. I don’t know when this was taken.

Yea, it was a three dog night down in Florida. We lived in Florida at the time

Happy Halloween. I don’t remember the year this was taken.