The latest commercial real estate figures show the markets are improving, but certain factors are hampering progress. Cassidy Turley Regional Vice President Jason Tolliver says the vacancy rate for commercial real estate in Indiana now stands at 13% compared to 12.9% back in 2007. Tolliver says the figure for industrial properties is even better; 13.5% now compared to 14% back in 2007. Tolliver says the vacancy rate was upwards of eight percent higher in 2009. The vacancy rate or occupancy rate basically tracks the percentage of available office space for businesses. In short, business demand for space as an indicator of economic health. Tolliver says the property markets are improving, but not fast enough. He says lending to small and medium-sized businesses remains an issue along with lack of clarity out of Washington on public policy. Despite that, Tolliver expects 2013 to be a strong year for commercial real estate.
Indiana State Police are continuing Operation Blue Light with Ohio State Police. Troopers from both states have been conducting saturation points along I-70. From June 1st through August 31st, troopers made over 37,000 traffic stops, including 185 drug arrests. Officers also seized over 2,000 pounds of marijuana, 48 pounds of cocaine, 25 pounds of K2 and 7 pounds of bath salts.
The state‘s moped laws might get a much-needed update.
A coalition of lawmakers, law enforcement, and business leaders is making an effort to improve moped safety.
State Representative Milo Smith (R-Columbus) has been trying to get mopeds licensed for the last 4 years but he thinks this might be it.
Smith says registering mopeds would be a great start to better safety for everyone on two and four wheels, as Indiana‘s laws haven‘t been updated since 1971.
Hundreds of seniors are getting information about healthcare and changes behind the Affordable Care Act.
Community Health Network CEO Bryan Mills says the new health exchanges begin in 30 days. He addressed the group at the 6th Annual A Fair to Remember at the Indianapolis Marriott East. Mills says they‘re still getting information about how the ACA will work and are delivering that information to seniors. Mills says a large part of the ACA will focus on wellness and prevention.
He says the model moves away from treating illness to treating wellness as a means of prevention.
Mills says people can begin signing up for the exchanges in 30 days. He says Community Health Network is partnering with Anthem and will provide more information at the appropriate time.
The Indianapolis Indians had the biggest attendance in all of minor league baseball this season.
637,579 fans came through the turnstiles at Victory Field this season. Indians General Manager Cal Burleson credits the hard work of the team staff, the level of play on the field, and the summer weather as reasons for the big attendance numbers.
Burleson says the Indians had three seasons of higher attendance soon after Victory Field opened. Fans still have a chance to see the Indians play at home, they continue their first round playoff series against Durham after losing game 1 Wednesday night.
The Indians play Game 2 of the series tonight in Durham, followed by a home game Friday.
Cook Medical Group, Inc. presents “The Grind 10K Run/Walk at Beck’s Mill” The Friends of Beck’s Mill will be hosting “The Grind 10K” Run/Walk on September 14th. The event will start at 9am at Historic Beck’s Mill. Race proceeds will benefit maintenance funding for the mill.
This race is part of the Magnificent 7 Race Series and will be computer timed. It is an out and back course, beginning and ending at Beck’s Mill. A hill challenge (The Grind) at the start, then slightly rolling, becoming flat and fast with a down hill finish.
Your family/group can take advantage of a $10/family trail hike (over 4 miles of trails!) while you compete. Volunteers will be dressed in period clothing and ready to host this great event for all. Post race snacks and drinks will be provided. Early registration fee is $22 (by August 30 2013) and late/race day registration fee is $27.
Online registration will be available soon via www.mag7raceseries.com
Participate in The Grind 10K Corporate Challenge! Any Corporation/Business can let their employees form a team/teams and focus on completing the 10K (less on the competition), forming healthy lifestyle changes and habits as well as solidifying sound team work and camaraderie.
On June 22nd organizers will conduct a training clinic located at the Washington County YMCA from noon until approximately 5pm. Various speakers will discuss nutrition, bio mechanics, proper running/walking shoes and attire, injury prevention and stretching (with class participation), developing motivation, inspiration, and determination, and will conclude with a one quarter mile run/walk. Snacks, drinks, and a training log book will be provided to each participant. So come prepared to learn and dress to move!
Come experience “The Grind” Hill at Beck’s Mill on the Old Vincennes Trail Road and take a Family Fun Hike on the trails at the historic mill.
Pitting two groups of sports fans together will hopefully extend the friendly rivalry of Indiana University and Purdue University football and basketball to another outlet for competition – the gift of life.
Partnering with the American Red Cross, WSLM RADIO is sponsoring a blood drive to see who can donate the most blood — IU fans or the Purdue faithful.
The blood drive is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 20 from 1-7p at the First Christian Church.
Door prizes will be awarded and IU – Purdue items will be offered in the drawing, including a chance at winning tickets to the annual IU-Purdue Old Oaken Bucket Game.
Golfers from the region are invited to participate in an upcoming golf scramble that will benefit the Orange County Clothe-A-Child effort.
The scramble will take place on Sept. 14 in French Lick. The fee is $40 per golfer.
Those interested in participating should contact Bill Fullington, Josh Babcock or Garland Eubank at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The number is (812) 723-2417.
Washington County Detective Todd Combs received this afternoon one of six US Attorneys Awards presented to local law enforcement agencies.
Combs received the award for his work with the Washington County Drug Taskforce.
US Attorney Joe Hogsett presents Washington County Drug Taskforce member and Detective Todd Combs with the 2013 US Attorneys Award.
Joseph H. Hogsett, the US Attorney in our district, was in Salem today at the Washington County Detention Center.
Detective Combs was recognized for his role in the investigation and prosecution of the Hermion Torres and Freddie Joe Taylor drug and gun trafficking organizations, which were responsible for the distribution of large quantities of marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine throughout southern Indiana and Kentucky.
The investigation ultimately revealed a network of gun straw purchasers who obtained firearms for Torres in Indiana, which were later traded to the Mexico-based Gulf Cartel, an international criminal organization.
Detective Todd Combs stands with his parents, Washington County Sheriff Claude Combs and mother, Jeanie Combs. Todd’s award is one of only six given in this local area in 2013.
Hogsett said that Detective Combs, along with a number of other federal and state law enforcement partners, used a variety of investigative techniques to bring those behind the criminal organization to justice.
As a result of these prosecutions, the flow of drugs and gungs into Indiana was halted.
“The work of Detective Combs on this case is an example of law enforcement at its best,” said Hogsett. “This was a complicated case with many moving parts , but the selfless dedication and tireless work of our partners here in Washington County helped ensure that these criminals won’t terrorize this area ever again.”
The US Attorney Award was established in 2003 to recognize outstanding law enforcement work in Hoosier communities as part of federal investigations and prosecutions.
Only 20 total awards were given in 2013, with Combs’ award being one of only six agencies to receive the award locally.
