Founder returning to lead city’s environmental office
Anna Jetmore-Vargas, who started the office in 2008, had most recently worked at the environmental consulting firm Kerameda Inc.
Local Government
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Democrats alter City-County Council posts, GOP member steps down
John Barth replaces Brian Mahern, a fierce opponent of some of Mayor Ballard’s policies, as council vice president.
Indianapolis government workers in line for raises
The merit raises for non-union employees come as the city tries to trim expenses by 5 percent.
Fishers Town Council elects new leadership
The seven-member council chose John Weingardt as president and Pete Peterson as vice president. Weingardt replaces Scott Faultless, who had been president since 2001.
City set to hike entertainment, visitor taxes
Indianapolis City-County Council leaders have agreed to increase visitor and entertainment taxes to avoid what one councilor called a drastic reduction in services.
Mayors organize to tackle regional issues
The leaders of 18 central Indiana cities and towns have formed a group that intends to address regional concerns, starting with a proposed $1.3 billion, 10-year mass transit plan.
Celadon plans $5.2M driver training center, 182 new jobs
Indianapolis-based trucking carrier Celadon Group Inc. plans to build a $5.25 million driver-training center and add 182 workers to its 633-employee local work force by 2016.
Ballard nixes new redistricting plan for Council
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard on Friday vetoed a City-County Council redistricting plan, likely setting the stage for a lengthy court battle. He wants to stick with the lines drawn by Republicans in late 2011, before newly elected Democrats took control.
Bloomington earns green distinction for city hall
Other than bragging rights and a plaque on the wall, what’s the value of energy and environmental design certification for the city and taxpayers?
2012 NEWSMAKER: Council Dem Mahern plays role of antagonist
City-County Council Vice President Brian Mahern emerged as the chief foe of Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard’s redevelopment agenda.
Three suspects charged in Richmond Hill explosion
The Marion County prosecutor says homeowner Monserrate Shirley, her boyfriend, Mark Leonard, and his brother, Bobby Leonard, have been charged with multiple counts of felony murder and arson.
Parks foundation gets $10M from Lilly Endowment
The Indianapolis Parks Foundation has received a record-setting $10 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to upgrade 13 parks in Marion County, the foundation announced Monday.
Fishers to kick in $8M toward new I-69 interchange
The Fishers Town Council voted Monday to spend $8 million in local funds toward construction of an Interstate 69 exit at 106th Street that will cost an estimated $25 million to build.
Johnson County officials repeal public smoking ordinance
Johnson County commissioners voted unanimously this week to repeal a tough new public smoking ordinance less than a month before it was scheduled to go into effect.
City unveils plan to convert vehicle fleet from gas, diesel
Mayor Greg Ballard outlined plans to shift the city’s fleet of cars, heavy trucks and even police cruisers to a mix of electricity and natural gas by 2025.
CIB to consider 1-year extension with Pacers, source says
The Capital Improvement Board of Marion County is expected to seek a one-year extension of its current lease deal with Pacers Sports & Entertainment, according to a former board member and current Indianapolis city-county councilor.
Face-lift nearly complete at Eagle Creek golf courses
Eagle Creek Golf Club received a long-awaited face-lift this year under a contract that will rescue the city from most of its expenses stemming from the previous operator’s loan default.
Mayor reaches preliminary pact with police, firefighter unions
After saying in August he would revoke raises for police officers and firefighters, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has agreed in principal to a new contract that would delay a 3 percent salary hike by six months.
Johnson County weighs costs of new dispatch center
A central Indiana county's move to consolidate five emergency dispatch centers into one is raising concerns about how some communities will pay their share without raising taxes.
Demolitions ordered as blast probe continues
Officials in Indianapolis have ordered the demolition of 29 homes in a blast-ravaged neighborhood hit by a deadly house explosion.