Weekly View » City of Lawrence

Lawrence Firefighters Loses Life While On Duty

Weekly View — Thu, 03 May 2018 05:11:53 +0000

LAWRENCE — Lawrence Fire Department Chief Dino Batalis announced the death of Lawrence Firefighter Jeffrey Holt, age 60, on Mon., April 30, while on duty in the City of Lawrence. Firefighter Holt had just completed his annual physical assessment training, that is a requirement for all firefighters. While still at Lawrence Fire Department Station 38, 4450 McCoy St, Firefighter Holt suffered a medical episode, and despite the efforts of medics and firefighters at the scene, and after being transported to the Indiana Heart Hospital, he did not survive.
Firefighter Holt was hired as a full time Lawrence firefighter in 1996. During his career with the Lawrence Fire Department, he served in many capacities, and was at Station 36, anticipating his retirement. According to Chief Batalis, this is the first firefighter Line of Duty Death experienced by the department.
Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier has ordered all flags at City of Lawrence facilities lowered to half-staff. The viewing and funeral will be held at Horizon Christian Fellowship Church, 7702 Indian Lake Rd. The viewing will be held Thurs., May 3 from 4-8 p.m. and the funeral on Fri., May 4 at 10 a.m. Following the funeral, there will be a public safety vehicle only procession that will pass by Lawrence Fire Engine 36,the Lawrence Government Center located at 9001 E. 59th St., Lawrence Fire Station 38 (4450 McCoy St.), and finally Lawrence Fire Station 36 located at 7620 Oaklandon Rd., where the ceremonial “Last Call” will occur. The public is encouraged to view the procession at those locations.

Ft. Ben Theater Gets the Green Light

Ethel Winslow — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 05:11:02 +0000

The city of Lawrence and Partnerships for Lawrence, a nonprofit organization that promotes the arts, will partner to bring the performing arts and other community programs to the Fort Benjamin Harrison Theater on Otis Avenue.
Partnerships for Lawrence has been interested in reviving live theater in Lawrence for some time. Judy Byron, its executive director, approached the Jessup administration to form a partnership that will allow the nonprofit to rent the building, occupy it Oct. 1 and begin programming performances and community activities soon thereafter.
“We’ve been pleased to see the community support the Fridays at the Fort concert series this summer and last,” Mayor Jessup said. “The crowds demonstrated that Lawrence residents and visitors have caught the community spirit and are interested in the arts. By working together, our city and the Partnerships for Lawrence can build upon those successes with programming throughout the year.”
A contractor working with the Lawrence Department of Public Works is making several repairs and Partnerships for Lawrence plans to make other improvements, such as painting and installing new carpet.
“The theatre is just adorable,” said Byron. “It looks a little worn right now, but with a coat of paint and some TLC, it will be wonderful.” The theater has 200 seats and a full stage. It was built in 1929 to entertain troops stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison and it closed when the fort closed in 1995. The building recently was used by the National Guard to house band practice and store instruments, but the guard departed at the end of January, leaving the building vacant.
The theater can also be used for meetings and other uses. Partnerships for Lawrence created a plan, Byron noted, that included creating a cultural destination for Lawrence which would stimulate economic development. and be an agent of positive change. “This will help make us a cultural destination, which will help attract economic growth in the area.”
Partnerships for Lawrence will move its headquarters from its current location on Franklin Road to the theatre around mid-October. Programs such the Poets Laureate of Lawrence poetry readings will also move to the theatre, and they are working with the Lawrence Parks Department to move arts programming in as well. “We’re interested in making the space available to a variety of performers,” Byron said.
Most exciting, she noted, is the official announcement that the Spotlight Players has been named their preferred partner for live theater. The Players are a well-respected local theater group that put on award-winning productions in Beech Grove until last year. They are slated to have their first performances in the renovated theater in early December.
“This a thrilling turn of events,” Byron said. “Partnerships for Lawrence has gathered a capable group of community theater supporters who want to move quickly to bring the theater back to all its glory and more and make it once again Lawrence’s favorite venue for performing arts and community programming. We’re grateful to Mayor Jessup for working with us to make our dream come true.”
Organizations or performers interested in using the space should visit www.lawrenceartcenter.net and click on “Bring Back the Theater” for more information.

Lawrence Recoups Funds for Storm Water Projects

Weekly View — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 05:10:18 +0000

LAWRENCE — Mayor Dean Jessup recently announced that his efforts to recoup millions of dollars withheld from Lawrence have paid off. As a result, the city of Indianapolis and its Marion County Storm Water District will immediately begin investing $7 million in projects to alleviate flooding and erosion in Lawrence and in the future will invest as much as $1.2 million annually for storm water projects.
The Jessup administration has been pressing the issue with Indianapolis and its storm water agency since April 2012, pointing out that Indianapolis had invested virtually nothing on Lawrence projects for 14 years, despite an ordinance that says storm water fees paid in Lawrence are to be used on projects in Lawrence.
A year ago, after discussions with officials of the county district yielded no change in their position, Mayor Jessup notified Indianapolis that Lawrence would withdraw from the county district and create its own. He twice informed Lawrence residents of his intentions and asked the Lawrence Common Council to approve the withdrawal, but the council twice rejected the plan.
The Jessup administration continued its overtures to Indianapolis, and Mayor Greg Ballard’s office recently acknowledged that Mayor Jessup is correct: Indianapolis owes Lawrence $7 million for failing to invest in the past and more than $1 million a year going forward.
Jessup has asked former Mayor Robert Sterrett; Terry Gingles, a retired postal carrier; and John Dewey, an investment adviser with Edward Jones, to serve as advisers to prioritize projects for Lawrence.

Fourth of July Sure to Sparkle

Weekly View — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 05:11:27 +0000

Beech Grove will get a day’s jump on all the festivities, with the Beech Grove Promoter’s Club All American Day in the Park July 3 from 4 p.m. Food, music, and kid’s games in the main shelter at Sarah T. Bolton Park (1300 Churchman Ave.) will start the evening off, culminating in a fireworks display at about 10 p.m. The event is free. Please note that there will be no parking allowed within the park grounds (except handicap parking), so arrive early to find appropriate street parking nearby.
Want some old-fashioned family fun on July 4? Head over to Southport for the Third Annual Southport 4th of July Parade and Celebration from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The parade begins at Southport Elementary (261 Anniston Dr.) and goes north to Walnut and ends at Southport Park (6901 Derbyshire). For the first time ever, there will be a Duckie Race in Buck Creek after the parade. Ducks can be purchased at the race. There will be an Independence Day Service at the park at 11:45 a.m., followed by lunch at 12:30 featuring free hot dogs, chips, and drinks.
The City of Greenfield will be celebrating the Fourth of July with free fireworks on Saturday, July 4th, at 9:45 p.m.. The fireworks show will be launched from the Greenfield Central Junior High School field (1440 N Franklin St.). Due to the saturation of the grounds at the Junior High School, no parking will be allowed on the west side of Franklin Street along school property.
The City of Lawrence will hold their annual 4th Fest on July 3 at Lawrence Community park, when Toy Factory performs from 5-9 p.m. There will be a special celebration for Blue Star families (those with loved ones who in active military service). The fun resumes Saturday morning, when the parade steps off from 52nd and Richardt Ave., heading south to 47th St., and east to Franklin Rd., then north to the park. The Lawrence Lions’ annual fish fry will run from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Community Center, and local band perform from 4 p.m. on, and visitors will find food trucks, vendors, and a kid’s zone. The fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m.
In Indianapolis, the Donato’s Downtown Freedom Blast on July 4 at the Indiana War Memorial Grounds, 431 N. Meridian St., is going to be one of the biggest events in the area (weather permitting). The grounds will be open at 6:30 p.m. and food and drink can be purchased at the event. The fireworks begin at 10 p.m. (weather permitting), launched from the Regions Building.
If you are tempted to set off fireworks around your home, local officials want to remind everyone of the local ordinance regarding fireworks. Section 407-201 of the Revised code governs when it is legally allowable to set off fireworks. Call non-emergency IMPD 327-3811 if there are issues. The offenders can be cited. At no time is it allowable to use the property of another, without permission, to set off fireworks. Even if location regulations are followed, damaging someone else’s property with fireworks could result in a $5,000 fine and one year imprisonment.
Fireworks are permitted from June 29 to July 3rd, 9 a.m. until 2 hours after sunset; on July 4th, 9 a.m. until midnight, and July 5th through 9th, 9 a.m. until 2 hours after sunset. Please be considerate of neighbors, especially those with nervous and easily frightened pets, and veterans who may suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Banks, libraries, and BMV branches will be closed for the holiday.

Lawrence Kicks Off Blight Elimination Program

Weekly View — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 05:09:05 +0000

LAWRENCE — State officials joined Mayor Dean Jessup and other Lawrence leaders recently to kick off Lawrence’s blight elimination program, through which six dilapidated houses are being torn down.
A news conference was held near 4508 N. Franklin Road, a duplex that is slated to be torn down. The city, partnering with the Lawrence Redevelopment Commission and the Lawrence Community Development Corp., secured a $130,000 federal grant facilitated by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority to pay for the demolitions.
The CDC will make the Franklin Road property available for mixed residential and commercial development. The property at 4430 Lyle St. will be available as part of a much larger tract that is ideal for commercial or industrial development. A lot at 4608 Kingman Drive faces the giant concrete wall that supports Interstate 465 and thus is not suitable for development, so it’s likely a neighbor or two will purchase it to extend their yards. Habitat for Humanity, working with the CDC, will build new homes at 4621 Vernon Ave., which was torn down June 15, and 4402 Clinton St.

Fridays at the Fort Returns

Weekly View — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 05:09:31 +0000

LAWRENCE — The City of Lawrence’s Fridays at the Fort is back, kicking off the 2015 season on June 5. Festivities start at 5 p.m. live music from bands and DJs, several food trucks on site, and a beer tent operated by Fort Ben Pub.
Attendees may bring chairs, blankets, and their pets (on a leash), and coolers. While food may be brought in, concertgoers are encouraged to patronize the food trucks.
Fridays at the Fort activities unfold at Lawrence Village Plaza at the intersection of Otis Avenue and Wheeler Road (9230 Memorial Park Drive).
The next Friday at the Fort will be on June 19 and feature Midwest Originals. The July 3 event will take place at Community Park and feature Toy Factory. On July 17, Phoebe and The Mojo Makers will play, and on July 31, 12-Ounce Therapy will be the feature band. On August 14, Jus’ta Band will be featured, and the final Friday will be on August 28 when Through Being Cool will play.
Additional information is available at cityoflawrence.org

CodeRED Service Introduced in Lawrence

Weekly View — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 05:10:58 +0000

LAWRENCE — Lawrence residents and businesses will get immediate notification of occurring or impending dangers or disasters under a service recently announced by Mayor Dean Jessup.
The city has contracted to bring the CodeRED system to its residents and businesses. It allows public safety officials to quickly deliver voice messages, emails and texts to targeted areas or the entire city.
Only citizens and business owners or managers who sign up will be in the database and the information gathered will not be used for any other purpose.
Individuals and business owners/managers who wish to sign up may add their own information to the database by going to the city website, www.cityoflawrence.org, and clicking on the CodeRED image, which will take them to the signup page. Those who do not have Internet access may call the city’s Department of Information Services 317-549-4802 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to provide their information.

April is “Love Your Lawrence Parks Month”

Weekly View — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 05:10:02 +0000

LAWRENCE — Mayor Dean Jessup recently declares April “Love Your Lawrence Parks Month” and asks Lawrence residents to demonstrate their appreciation for Lawrence’s 10 parks by participating in several planned events.
Clean-up and spruce-up days will be scheduled throughout the month at each individual park to beautify park areas after the long winter months. Mayor Jessup, Parks Director Eric Martin and neighbors will be out on Saturday, April 11, for a community build of new playground equipment at Oaklandon Play Park, 11828 E. 65th St. Volunteers will work in two shifts – from 8 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. – to install the equipment, paint fences and do landscaping. Volunteers can sign up online at www.cityoflawrence.org/parks-and-recreation-volunteer-application/.
On Earth Day, April 22, the mayor will cut the ribbon to re-open Lawrence’s Oaklandon Play Park, a community celebration will follow. The public is invited to witness the ribbon cutting, set to take place at 11 a.m.
Little League baseball also starts in April with the leagues’ traditional parades. The Oaklandon Youth Organization’s parade steps off at 9 a.m. April 18 at Oaklandon Elementary School, 6702 Oaklandon Road.
A week later, on April 25, Fall Creek Little League begins its season with a parade starting at 10 a.m. at Fall Creek Valley Middle School, 9701 E. 63rd St. Lawrence Lions Youth Baseball follows suit when its parade steps off at 1 p.m. from Lawrence Community Park, 5301 N. Franklin Road.

News Briefs: Aug. 9-16

Weekly View — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 05:09:41 +0000

Spay/Neuter Services Available at Discount

INDIANAPOLIS — The Animal Welfare Center (AWC) began spaying and neutering cats and dogs. Costs associated with surgery services will vary from $20-$60, depending on pet owner address and needs-based public programs. To make an appointment, please call 317-602-3423. The Animal Welfare Center is located at 456 N. Holmes Ave.
Animals must be at least 3 months old and weigh 3 pounds minimum. Animals who are under 6 years old can be scheduled immediately. Animals who are over 7 years old will be required to have geriatric blood work done prior to their spay/neuter surgery. If you can show proof of your need for our needs-based public assistance program at the time of check in on the day of your pet’s surgery, you may be eligible for a reduced cost for surgery.

Library Offers Self-Check Out Option With App

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Public Library has incorporated updated technology to give patrons an easier way to check out materials. Recent upgrades allow patrons to use smartphone apps at the Library’s 57 self-check stations, where they can scan in their library card number directly from their phone or tablet for a faster and more convenient checkout process. A number of new smartphone apps, such as CardStar and Keyring, let individuals integrate and store information from retailers, pharmacies, and even libraries. After downloading an app, patrons can store their library barcode number in the app and tag it to the Indy Library. Such products are available on the iPhone, as well as Android, BlackBerry and Windows smartphones. The added benefit is that these apps eliminate the need to carry multiple loyalty cards on one’s keychain or in a wallet.
The IndyPL Mobile site (www.imcpl.org/m/) allows patrons to access the Library’s catalog of materials, request and renew items, manage their accounts, search for Library locations and check upcoming Library events. The site also allows users to offer feedback to help the Library improve its services.

Task Force Meeting

INDIANAPOLIS — The East District Task Force Meeting for August will be held August 14 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at East District Headquarters, 201 N. Shadeland in the Eastgate Center.
This is an informational meeting to enhance communication between police and the community. Meetings are open to the public.

Lawrence Community Safety Day

LAWRENCE — The City of Lawrence is hosting a Community Safety Day on Aug. 17 form 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fire Station #40, 9530 E. 59th St. (59th at Lee Rd.). Bring friends and neighbors out to see police K-9 demonstrations, bicycle safety course, blood pressure checks, aerial ladder rescues, a text and drive simulator, and the Pacers Fan Van. There will be nutrition and health info given out, giveaways, and a lot more. Admission is free.

Progress Made on Beech Grove Main Street Project

BEECH GROVE — According to CrossRoad Engineers, Phase III of the Main Street Project will be open to traffic on Aug. 9 after the road is temporarily striped and signs installed. It will exclude the final surface pavement and striping of the roadway.
Phase IV may be opened by Aug. 23, and lighting installation beginning Aug. 26 to be completed by the time of the Promoters Club Fall Festival.