Hanover College is a finalist in STANLEY Security’s TOGETHER FOR SAFER SCHOOLS grant program. The College could win up to $100,000 in STANLEY Security installed products and services to help secure students and facilities within the campus environment.

In its second year, the STANLEY Security TOGETHER FOR SAFER SCHOOLS Grant Program provides the opportunity to enhance safety and security in the nation’s higher education institutions by awarding winning schools a share of a substantial grant of STANLEY Security installed products and services.

Starting Jan. 19 and running through Feb. 13, 2015, students, faculty, administrators, parents, alumni and members of the campus community are encouraged to vote for Hanover College daily on the web, stanleysaferschools.com, SMS text messaging or Twitter. The top two colleges or universities with the most votes in each of three size categories will be selected as grant winners.

The college or university with the most votes will win one grand prize of $100,000 in STANLEY Security products and services. One runner-up will win a prize of $25,000 in STANLEY Security installed products and services. Winners will be notified in March 2015.

Offerings provided to grant winners include consultative security services, access to STANLEY Security’s premier Software Solutions Group (SSG) and seminars for school officials on security threat assessment and advanced Clery Act training offered by STANLEY Security partner and campus security experts, D. Stafford & Associates.

Turn-key installations available to winners can be any STANLEY Security product or solution, including access control solutions, video surveillance systems, fire systems, intrusion systems, mechanical and electro-mechanical door hardware, mass notification systems and other security technologies. In addition, every school that is nominated receives a free security assessment from STANLEY Security to help improve campus safety and security.

For more information on the STANLEY Security TOGETHER FOR SAFER SCHOOLS Grant Program and to vote for Hanover, please visit www.stanleysaferschools.com.

The Southern Region Soil Health Workshop on January 27, 2015 in Salem, IN will take a well-rounded look at the topic of soil health.

The workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes a variety of expert presentations and a farmer panel.

Speakers include Don Robison (Robison Farms) on Cover Crops of Economics, Larry Huffmeyer (CCSI Farmer/Winfield Solutions) on Sprayer Droplet Size and Herbicide Resistant Weeds, Scott Brown (Murray State University) on Water Hardness in Relation to Glyphosate Performance, and Brian MacGowen (Purdue University) on Vole and Slug Pest Control.

“I think that this speaker lineup will help alleviate some of the most common concerns about cover crops and no-till that I hear around the state, like ‘Is there money in cover crops?’ or worries about resistant weeds in a no-till system,” commented Lisa Holscher, the Soil Health Program Manager for the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

David Hoar, a local landowner and operator who has attended past soil health workshops, said, “It has been worth my time to learn about soil health. Incorporating these practices, including 900 acres of cover crops, has been very important to my operation.”

This will be the fourth year for this educational event, which reflects a growing public interest in soil health management practices. Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor Jim Brown explained, “We are on the edge of a great revolution in terms of thinking about soil health as a complete system for agricultural production.”

Advance registration for the event is required by January 20, and can be completed by contacting the Washington County SWCD at (812) 883-3704, extension 3, or online at www.seregionalsoilhealth2015.eventbrite.com. The workshop will take place in Cornerstone Hall (1700 N. Jim Day Road, Salem, IN 47167).

The $10.00 workshop fee includes a light breakfast, lunch, and informational handouts. Commercial Applicator Credits and Certified Crop Advisor Credits are available at no additional cost. Private Applicator Credits are available for a $10.00 fee. Questions about credits may be directed to Danielle Walker at (812) 883-4601.

The workshop is organized by the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), the United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Purdue Extension, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative (CCSI), and the Mill Creek-Blue River Watershed Project. The SWCD and partners are equal opportunity providers and accommodations for those who need them will be provided; simply contact the SWCD at (812) 883-3704 ext. 3 at least 10 days prior to the event.

America’s largest and longest running country music talent search, the 33rd Annual Country Showdown will produce its National Final television special hosted by two time Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes from the stage of the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. Five contestants will compete for $100,000 and the title, “Best New Act in Country Music.”

The National Finalists were chosen through a series of over 500 local, state, and regional talent contests held throughout the country. The Country Showdown Alumni includes; Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Sara Evans, Billy Ray Cyrus and LeAnn Rimes.

The national finalists are: The Brothers Roberson, Southwest, KFAV Warrenton MO; Eli Tellor, Midwest, WOOZ Carterville IL; Marie Wise- Hawkins Band, West, KHTS Santa Clarita CA; Nate Kenyon, Southeast, WAAC Valdosta GA; and J.B. Aaron, Northeast, WUUF Rochester NY.

All acts will be judged in five categories: Marketability, Vocal/ Instrumental, Originality, Stage Presence/Charisma and Talent.

This year’s judges are: Rod Essig, a talent agent with Creative Artist Agency; Pete Fisher, VP, Gen Manager of Grand Ole Opry; John Ozier, songwriter and General Manager Creative of ole; Garth Fundis, record producer/recording engineer.

The January 21 television taping at the Ryman is admission free but a ticket is required. Tickets may be obtained from the Ryman box office, 615-889-3060.

Doors close at 6:30 for a 7:00 show. The one-hour special will air nation-wide on syndicated television during March and April. Check local listings for dates and times or log on to www.countryshowdown.com

This Valentine’s Day, Craver couples, friends and families are invited to celebrate with White Castle’s steam-grilled Sliders at their local “Love Castle.” Table reservations are now being accepted for the Valentine’s Day dinner, a more than 20-year-old event hosted by the Columbus-based family restaurant.

“Love is in the air here at White Castle, as we celebrate this joyous holiday with a special dinner for our most dedicated Cravers,” said Jamie Richardson, White Castle vice president. “This is a wonderful event for customers who have shared memorable moments at our restaurants, including those that have met or had their first date at a White Castle.”

Cravers young and young-at-heart can make reservations now for a festive evening with hostess seating, tableside service, photo opportunities (it’s B.Y.O.C – bring your own camera) and holiday themed decorations. New this year will be our Veggie Sliders and for those craving something more exotic – our bite-sized Shrimp Nibblers will be back on the menu for a limited time only!

“Every year, reservations fill up quickly at our many Castles,” Richardson said. “We encourage Cravers everywhere to contact us early to ensure they get a table for this wonderful evening at their favorite   ‘Love Castle.’”

This fun alternative to a traditional dinner has been a popular staple for Cravers across the country for more than 20 years. Reservations can be made for Saturday, February 14 from 4 to 10 p.m. by calling each Regional office. Visit whitecastle.com to find information about the event hours and where to call to make reservations in your area.

In addition to a special dinner – White Castles across the country will also play host to a few exceptionally memorable moments starting Thursdayand heading into the weekend. Weddings will take place at restaurants in Columbus, Cincinnati, Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Louisville, St. Louis and New York.

Cravers can share their most memorable Valentine’s Day moment by uploading their photo from dinner and sharing it through a SliderGram™ (e-card via whitecastle.com and shared through social channels). Or they can make the moment last by purchasing a special White Castle Valentine’s Day T-shirt via houseofcrave.com.

White Castle will also celebrate its commitment to the community with a fundraiser for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund from February 1 through February 14. Customers can purchase a paper Red Cross for $1, $3 or $5 to be hung on the walls at every White Castle restaurant.

DETROIT (Jan. 15, 2015) – Governor Mike Pence joined executives from Brescia, Italy-based OMR Automotive, a tier 1 automotive supplier for the Fiat Group, in Detroit today to announce the company’s plans to locate its North American headquarters in Speedway, Indiana, creating up to 60 new jobs by 2016.

“OMR’s North American headquarters will be in great hands with Hoosiers in the driver’s seat,” said Pence. “Indiana’s motor vehicle industry is prominent around the world. Japanese companies like Toyota, Honda and Subaru helped launch the international automotive presence in Indiana that has multiplied in recent years to now include Italian companies like OMR, proving Indiana is a state that works for the automotive industry.”

OMR Automotive will invest $10 million to construct a 43,000 square-foot facility on its 2.5-acre campus located at 4755 Gillman St. in Speedway, which includes the installation of new equipment and advanced manufacturing technologies. The company also purchased an additional 2.5 acres located at 4743 Gillman St. for future expansion. As OMR’s fifth location outside of Italy, the company expects to begin construction on its Speedway facility by April, with operations launching by the end of the year. The operation will house the company’s machining and assembling of automotive components for engines, transmissions and chassis.

“Indiana stands out as the ideal place for our North American home base, situated in Speedway, a town known the world over for its legacy in auto racing,” said Marco Bonometti, chairman of OMR. “Our team looked across the region for a place that would maximize growth opportunities for our world-class manufacturing operations, building parts in cars on roads all around the world today. We were impressed with the tax structure and affordable business climate in Indiana, and look forward to a long future here.”

Employing more than 1,800 associates in Italy and 1,200 around the world, the company will begin hiring engineering, administration, production line and quality control professionals as well as machine operators and skilled equipment mechanics in Speedway by the end of the year.

Established in 1919 and still 100 percent owned by the Bonometti family, OMR is a tier 1 components supplier of engines, suspensions, gears, braking systems, chassis and integrated systems for the automotive industry. With 10 locations in Italy, as well as locations in India, China, Brazil and Morocco, the company is a worldwide supplier for original equipment manufacturers in the Fiat Chrysler Group including Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep, Ferrari and Maserati. The company also serves automotive customers including General Motors, Volkswagen, Ford and Toyota.

“Given the town of Speedway’s racing history and automotive roots, it is a complete privilege to welcome such a well-known and successful international industry leader to open its first and only headquarters in North America,” said David Lindsey, Speedway Town Council president.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will provide the Speedway Redevelopment Commission with up to $1,000,000 in infrastructure assistance from the state’s Industrial Development Grant Fund. The town of Speedway and Speedway Redevelopment Commission will consider additional tax abatement.

Today Pence is leading a one-day economic development and jobs mission to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where he is sharing Indiana’s story as a state that works with executives representing some of the biggest names in the automotive industry. The Indiana automotive industry produced more than 1.1 million cars and light trucks in 2013 and ranks second in the nation for automotive gross domestic product. Vehicle and automotive parts exports remain Indiana’s largest export industry, ranking it in the top five exporting states of motor vehicle parts and accessories in the United States.

Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock has been re-elected to the board of directors of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The election was held during AFBF’s 96^th annual meeting, held Jan. 13 in San Diego, California. Villwock represents the Midwest Region on the board, which helps guide the nation’s largest farm organization.

“I am honored to be re-elected to the AFBF board and to represent Indiana farmers at the national level,” said Villwock, who farms near Edwardsport with his wife, Joyce.

Isabella Chism, INFB’s second vice president, was elected to her first term as vice chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. The committee works to highlight the important role of women in agriculture by engaging and encouraging Farm Bureau involvement from all women involved in agriculture. Isabella and her husband, Kent, farm near Kokomo with two of their grown children.

Deb Walsh, who represents District 1 on INFB’s Women’s Leadership Committee, was elected to the AFB committee as a representative of the Midwest Region. Deb and her husband, Jim, farm near Rochester.

The year-round Our Food Link program is one avenue of outreach the AFB Women will be focusing on this year. Another is the Women in Ag Survey (http://womeninag.questionpro.com/), which remains open for submissions until Feb. 20 and will help Farm Bureau gauge the needs and aspirations of women in agriculture.

Indianapolis – Today Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann announced details for the 2015 Hoosier Women Artists Contest. The annual competition was established to celebrate Women’s History Month and highlight talented female artists throughout Indiana. Applications are being accepted until February 27, 2015.

The contest celebrates the wide variety of graphic arts including drawing, painting and photography. Past entries have included – but are not limited to – portraits, landscapes, still lifes, animals, buildings and abstracts. Winners of the Hoosier Women Artists Contest will have their artwork displayed in the Lt Governor’s office for one year.

“I am pleased to recognize the many talented Hoosier Women Artists,” said Lt. Governor Ellspermann. “It’s truly an honor to display the artwork in my front office and share these beautiful pieces with the thousands of people who visit our State House.”

The winning artwork is judged by a panel that includes Lt. Governor Ellspermann and professors from the Indiana University Herron School of Art and Design at IUPUI.

Applications along with electronic copies of the artwork can be submitted online through the Lt. Governor’s website, www.lg.in.gov  or mailed to 200 West Washington Street, Room 333 Indianapolis, IN 46204. A reception will be held in March at the Indiana State House to honor the selected artists.

Requirements include:

·         Framed wall art only

·         Maximum dimensions (including frame): 42”x60”

·         Maximum weight: 60 lbs

·         Must be installation ready, including frame and hanging wires

·         Submit one entry per artist to be considered