• The tragic loss of life on Feb. 22 and 23 of the Guerra family on the east side was the single largest loss of life because of a fire in Indianapolis Fire Department’s history. The family, Lionel “Leo” Guerra, his wife, Brandy Mae, their 11-year-old son, Esteban, and 8-year-old daughter, Blanquita, 14-year-old Miranda and 6-year-old Fuentes had lived on the eastside for many years, and had many friends and relatives who miss them dearly. As of this writing, no cause has been found for the fire; the investigation continues.
Thanks should go out to the first responders who tried to rescue the family from the blaze. Firefighters, police, and EMTs work hard every day to keep us safe.
On another note, please check your smoke detectors and make sure they are working. If you don’t have a smoke detector in your home, please get one and install it properly. There are low-cost models available at most hardware and big box stores.
• Lawrence Mayor Dean Jessup declared open warfare on potholes Feb. 20, beginning a full-on assault while the warm weather lasted. He mobilized the Lawrence Dept. of Public Works and they fired up the asphalt plants to get a start on fixing the ones in Lawrence. Good for him! With the terrible winter we’ve had, the pothole situation is getting very bad. To report a pothole in Indianapolis, call the Mayor’s Action Center at 327-4622 or visit www.indy.gov/pothole. In Greenfield, call 325-1680, and the rest of Hancock County, call the Highway Department at 477-1112.
• Looking for a place to dispose of batteries, toxic paints, CFL bulbs, and other items not suitable for the landfill? There are a few Tox Drops in the area, including the IMPD Training Facility at 9049 E. 10th St. (open the 3rd Sat. of the month from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.) and the Perry Township Government Center at 4925 S. Shelby St. (open 2nd Sat. of the month, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.).
• It’s not too early to start thinking about the Great Indy Cleanup that will be held in April. Organizations are being urged to make plans and get a big group of people together to make Indianapolis a better place in which to live. For more information, visit www.GreatIndyCleanup.com and register your group online.
• The next IMPD East District Task Force meeting will be held March 12 at 2 p.m. at the IMPD Training Academy, 901 N. Post Rd. Enter through Door 9. The public is encouraged to come to these meetings to get to know local law enforcement and find out how to help our neighborhoods become safer.
• Indianapolis Care and Control has temporarily lowered adoption fees to $10 per dog or cat. The fee includes initial vaccinations, spay/neuter, and a microchip. All potential adopters must fill out an application and will be subject to the normal adoption criteria.