2015 City News

December 22, 2015

Beech Grove Announces Program for Disposal of Outdated or Unwanted Medications

BEECH GROVE, IN -The City of Beech Grove has started a program allowing citizens to dispose of unwanted or outdated medications. We ask that you not dispose of these items in your trash or flush them down the toilet.

The disposal container is located in the front lobby of the Beech Grove Police Department, which is located at 340 E. Churchman Avenue. Listed below are the types of medications that will and will not be accepted.

ACCEPTABLE ITEMS: UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS:
Prescription Drugs Needles (Sharps)
Prescription Patches Aerosol Cans or Inhalers
Prescription Lotions Bio-Hazard or Infectious Waste
Prescription Samples Thermometers
Prescription Liquid Medication (in leak proof containers) Food Items
Over the Counter Medications, including vitamins Ointments, Lotion or Liquid

You can access the disposal container in the front lobby of the police station 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You simply walk into the lobby and place your medications in the container and leave, no questions asked.

This program is part of the CLEAN Community Challenge that the City of Beech Grove is participating in through the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).

December 14, 2015

Indiana Citizens Can Apply for Home Storm Shelters Funds

Indianapolis – The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) has opened a program that will provide financial support to Indiana residents who wish to construct and install a severe weather safe room in their home.

Funds for the program will be made available for up to 53 applicants. Those interested must complete an online application at http://bit.ly/1TijCt4. Applicants must provide information about their home, including the year it was built, the parcel ID number and if it’s located in a flood plain. Applications will be reviewed by IDHS Mitigation staff.

The program, which is voluntary, will reimburse homeowners for 75 percent of the eligible costs (up to $4,500) to construct and install Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)compliant safe rooms in their homes. Funding for the program is provided through FEMA.

Those who participate will be required to obtain a building permit from a certified building department and have the safe room inspected during installation and/or after installation completion. Participants will also be required to build their safe rooms to meet or exceed the standards dictated in FEMA 320 or 361 guidelines. These guidelines can be accessed at the following links:

http://www.fema.gov/fema-p-320-taking-shelter-storm-building-safe-room-your-home-or-small-business

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3140

IDHS Mitigation staff will randomly inspect some of the safe rooms following their installation.Any further maintenance or operation will be the responsibility of the owner.

Questions can be directed to the IDHS Mitigation staff at mitigation@dhs.in.gov.

December 3, 2015

Hoosiers Urged to Be “Ready: Whenever. Wherever.”
Public Service Campaign Encourages Reasonable Awareness and a Plan for Action in the Event of an Emergency

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is announcing its new campaign: “Ready: Whenever. Wherever.”

The “Ready: Whenever. Wherever.” campaign is a continuation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “See Something, Say Something” campaign, which asks the public to be on the lookout for perpetrators of violent behavior and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

The “Ready: Whenever. Wherever.” campaign recognizes that violent acts and dangerous events can occur anywhere, anytime — often with little to no warning. With increased security concerns at the local, state and national levels, IDHS is encouraging Hoosiers to be ready.

“Discussion, preparation and practice allows you and your family to stay calm in the event of an emergency, whether evacuation from a fire, or faced with threatening or violent behavior,” said John Erickson with the IDHS. “This campaign is meant to help empower Hoosiers to live without fear and continue attending events and activities according to their comfort level.”

The “Ready: Whenever. Wherever.” approach asks Hoosiers to pause and consider potential safety risks in their surroundings and to identify possible actions they could take to increase their personal safety in the event of an emergency. For example, Hoosiers should:
·         Think about different scenarios that could be encountered in public settings.
·         Consider what defensive actions would be appropriate for oneself and one’s family.
·         Mentally or actively rehearse actions.
·         Identify the emergency exits and safety barriers upon entering a building.
·         Maintain awareness of other people and developing situations in the surrounding area.

“We each choose the best way to live our lives, and the safety of our loved ones is paramount,” Erickson said.

Indiana residents are encouraged to consider how “Ready: Whenever. Wherever.” fits in their homes and communities by talking with family, friends and work colleagues.

For more information, visit GetPrepared.in.gov.

November 25, 2015

Indiana Department of Homeland Security Issues Statement on U.S. State Department Worldwide Travel Alert

INDIANAPOLIS - Yesterday the U.S. State Department issued a Worldwide Travel Alert for all Americans, in effect now through February 24, 2016. While we encourage Hoosiers, and all U.S. citizens, to be especially alert during this time period when traveling or going anywhere there are large gatherings, this is an action we advocate year round.

There are no specific threats for Indiana or the United States at this time, and we encourage Hoosiers to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. Our advice, as always, is to be aware of your surroundings, especially in public settings such as general crowds, at sporting events or while using public transportation. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right, leave the area and report what you see to law enforcement.

We also believe every family should have a preparedness plan. Talk to loved ones about potential safety risks and what to do and where to meet in case of an emergency.

The bottom line is that we want Hoosiers to live without fear and continue attending events and participating in activities according to their comfort level. Being aware and having a plan in case of emergency has always made sense and is especially empowering during times of increased security concerns.

John Erickson
Director of Public Information
Indiana Department of Homeland Security

Your actions make a difference. For more information, go to getprepared.in.gov and Get Prepared!

August 13, 2015

Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization News Update

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND REQUEST FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE 2016-2019 INDIANAPOLIS REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

INDIANAPOLIS - Notice is hereby given that a proposed amendment to the 2016-2019 Indianapolis Regional Transportation Improvement Program (IRTIP) is now being offered for public review and comment. Public comments on the proposed IRTIP amendment may be made by phone to Steve Cunningham at 327-5403, emailed to Steve.Cunningham@Indy.gov , or mailed to Steve Cunningham, Principal Planner, Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization, 200 E. Washington Street, City-County Building, Suite 1922, Indianapolis, IN 46204. All comments should be received by August 18, 2015.

Notice is hereby given that at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors (MIBOR) offices located at 1912 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, large conference room on the second floor, the Indianapolis Regional Transportation Council’s Policy Committee will conduct a public hearing on Resolution 15-IMPO-011 approving the proposed amendment to the 2016-2019 Indianapolis Regional Transportation Improvement Program.

Copies of the items above and all plans and exhibits pertaining thereto are on file and available for examination in Room 1922 of the City-County Building, 200 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday and on the Indianapolis MPO’s website at www.indympo.org. Written objection to a proposal may be filed with the Secretary of the Metropolitan Planning Organization before the August 18th hearing at 200 East Washington Street, Suite 1922, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204, and such objections will be considered. At the hearing, all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard in reference to the matters contained in said proposal. The hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.

The public participation process described above is used to satisfy the public participation process for the Program of Projects (POP) for the following Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grantee: Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo).

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND REQUEST FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE 2035 LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

INDIANAPOLIS - Notice is hereby given that a proposed amendment to the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan is now being offered for public review and comment. Public comments on this amendment may be made by phone to Stephanie Belch at 327-7599 or e-mailed to Stephanie.Belch@Indy.gov or mail to Stephanie Belch, Principal Planner at the Metropolitan Planning Organization before the August 18hearing at 200 East Washington Street, Suite 1922, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204. All comments should be received by Thursday, August 13, 2015.

Notice is hereby given that at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors (MIBOR) offices located at 1912 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, large conference room on the second floor, the Indianapolis Regional Transportation Council’s Policy Committee will conduct a public hearing on the following item:

Resolution 15-IMPO-010 approving proposed Amendment to the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan.

Copies of the items above and all plans and exhibits pertaining thereto are on file and available for examination in Room 1922 of the City-County Building, 200 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday and on the Indianapolis MPO’s website at www.indympo.org. Written objection to a proposal may be filed with the Secretary of the Metropolitan Planning Organization before the August 18 hearing at 200 East Washington Street, Suite 1922, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204, and such objections will be considered. At the hearing, all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard in reference to the matters contained in said proposal. The hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.

For accommodation needs for persons with disabilities, please call 327-5136.

07.09.2015

Hornet Recycling

BEECH GROVE, IN - The City of Beech Grove and Ray’s Trash Service is pleased to introduce curbside recycling in the City of Beech Grove. This includes municipal buildings, city parks, special events and residents who live in single and double family dwellings in Beech Grove.

This is a FREE service to you and we encourage you to participate .

If you would like to participate, please call us at 803-9111, 803-9098 or 803-9120 to let us know, or, you may notify us at
compliance@beechgrove.com.

If you choose to participate, a 96 gallon container will be delivered to your residence with instructions as to what can be recycled.

We look forward to hearing from you on this important environmental matter.

07.02.2015

Hoosiers Encouraged to Report Suspicious Activity at Summer Events

With summer events in full swing and recent national reports of security concerns regarding U.S. Independence Day celebrations, the Indiana State Police and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security are reminding Hoosiers to watch for suspicious activity and report it.

The slogan “If You See Something, Say Something,” encourages citizens to report suspicious activity and to not hesitate or feel self-conscious about doing so.

“We continue to encourage all citizens to celebrate the holiday as they normally would,” says IDHS Executive Director David Kane. “Independence Day is rich in tradition in Indiana. We are, however, reminding Hoosiers to stay aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity. Citizens’ awareness is one of the best defenses against those who would seek to do us harm.”

ISP Superintendent Doug Carter, said, “Each person’s input is critical to preventing situations that may produce violence or property damage that could affect the public or public service providers. Do not hesitate to report anything unusual or out of the ordinary.”

Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate the potential for criminal or terrorist activity. This includes, but is not limited to:

·         Unusual items or situations – an unattended package, a vehicle parked in an odd location, an individual who is overdressed for the weather or a strong odor coming from a building or vehicle;

·         Eliciting information – a person asking questions beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations or security procedures;

·         Surveillance – someone paying unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation, prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or a camera) or taking notes on floor plans.

Some of these activities could be innocent, but it's up to law enforcement to determine whether the behavior warrants further action.

When reporting suspicious behavior, describe several key details, including:

·         Who or what was observed;

·         When and where the behavior was witnessed;

·         Why the activity is believed to be suspicious;

·         Descriptions of individuals involved such as gender, age, physical attributes and unique characteristics;

·         Any equipment, including vehicles (make, model and color) or weapons.

To report suspicious activity, contact on-site security, local law enforcement’s non-emergency line or the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center at 1-877-226-1026. If violence is imminent, call 9-1-1.

For more information, please visit GetPrepared.in.gov.

06.24.2015

CITY OF BEECH GROVE TO HOST COMMUNITY "SHRED IT DAY" EVENT

BEECH GROVE, IN - The City of Beech Grove will host it’s first “Shred it Day” program on Saturday July 11, 2015 from 9AM to Noon. The location of the event is behind City Hall at 806 Main Street. This event is “FREE” to the public and it is limited to paper documents. Certificate of Destruction documents will be made available upon request. Just drive up and deliver your documents to the vehicle located in the back of City Hall. Shredding will take place on site.

Disclaimer:
****No documents generated by any unit of local government within the City of Beech Grove can be removed, shredded, or destroyed as part of this program.

COMING SOON:

The City of Beech Grove will be introducing a program to dispose of old and outdated medicine. Once the program begins it will be offered every day to local residents. Please stay tuned for more updates as this program should begin this fall. This is part of the “Clean Community Challenge”.

05.07.2015

ADOPT-A-BLOCK

Established in 2002, Adopt-A-Block engages thousands of neighbors to reduce litter, combat graffiti, tackle high weeds and grass, and build community at the smallest city unit—the block!

Learn more about this Keep Indianapolis Beautiful program and how you can volunteer to be a Block Captain by visiting:
kibi.org/programs/beautification/adopt-a-block/

Learn more about KIB and the programs they offer to all of Marion County at kibi.org.

04.09.2015

***** IMPORTANT NOTICE *****

There will be NO PARKING allowed within the parks grounds during the July 3rd Festival this year. It will be important to arrive early in the area to find appropriate street parking outside the grounds!

ONLY properly marked handicap vehicles will be allowed to enter the park (and only while those spaces remain available)…AND, those vehicles will have to remain INSIDE the park until after ALL pedestrians have left the park.

03.16.2015

Amtrak Hoosier State Continues Through End of April
FRA to Review INDOT, Community Concerns

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Amtrak Hoosier State service between Indianapolis and Chicago will continue through the end of April. The announcement follows a Federal Railroad Administration phone call with INDOT Commissioner Karl Browning, during which Acting Administrator Sarah Feinberg committed to reconsider the position that would force the Hoosier State service to end.

“It is not clear that the FRA will change its mind,” Browning said. “Because Ms. Feinberg committed to reviewing this, we want to give the FRA another opportunity to consider the problems Indiana has been airing.”

For the past year, INDOT has been working to improve the Hoosier State service on behalf of the state and communities with stops along the Hoosier State line. Recently, INDOT has been making progress in negotiating long-term agreements with two experienced passenger rail providers, Amtrak and Iowa Pacific Holdings.

Under the proposed service, Amtrak would serve as the primary operator, working with host railroads, providing train and engine crews, and managing reservation and ticketing. Iowa Pacific would provide the train equipment, train maintenance, on-board services and marketing.

About the Hoosier State

The four-days-weekly Hoosier State (Trains 850 & 851) and the three-days-weekly Amtrak Cardinal (Trains 50 & 51) together provide daily service between Indianapolis and Chicago and enable passengers to reach the national Amtrak network.

Tickets are available at Amtrak.com, 800-USA-RAIL and other sales channels, including Amtrak mobile apps. Adult fares range from $24 to $48 each way and are subject to discounts and Amtrak Guest Rewards points. For more information, visit IN.gov/indot/3200.htm.

03.12.2015

SPRING BRINGS THREAT OF SEVERE WEATHER, FLOODING
Hoosiers asked to prepare now for thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indiana Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation local, state and national partners, is encouraging Hoosiers to plan for this extreme weather as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 15-21.

Historically, Indiana has experienced some of the state’s worst thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding incidents during the spring months. Planning and preparation can help minimize weather-related deaths, injuries and property damage. Program partners are encouraging Hoosiers to build a preparedness kit, identify shelter and practice their plan during this year’s preparedness week.

As part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, on Thursday, March 19, a test of the Emergency Alert System will sound sometime between 10:00-10:30 a.m. EDT and 7:30-8:00 p.m. EDT on commercial radio, television networks and all hazards radios. These drills provide an excellent opportunity for individuals, families, students, teachers, staff and business people to practice their weather safety action plan.

In addition to practicing severe weather emergency plans, it's important to be prepared in advance. All citizens are also encouraged to prepare or update a disaster preparedness kit. Ten important items to include in your family's disaster kit include:

1. Food and water for three days (include one gallon of water per person, per day)
2. Battery operated all hazards radio (airs more than 60 types of emergency alerts)
3. Flashlight
4. Extra batteries for radio and flashlight, if needed
5. First aid kit
6. Extra clothing, sturdy shoes, rain gear, blankets and personal hygiene items
7. List of emergency phone numbers
8. Important documents (copies of photo ID, social security card, insurance and banking information)
9. Cash (small bills. Power outages can limit ability to use ATMs and credit cards)
10. Special items (baby formula, insulin, life sustaining medication, pet supplies)

Finding suitable shelter is another important aspect to preparing for severe weather, such as a storm or tornado. If living in a mobile home or similar structure, it is important to locate a safe shelter in advance. For those living in homes or apartment buildings, residents should take shelter in the lowest level of the building, away from windows and doors.

Flooding is also an issue Hoosiers may encounter during the spring months. Floods can be very expensive. The National Flood Insurance Program is run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and purchasing flood insurance is a way that homeowners can protect their homes.FEMA’s FloodSmart website at www.FloodSmart.com has created a tool to quickly estimate the cost of damages from various amounts of floodwater in a home, and includes resources to help homeowners prepare their homes for a flood.

Indiana Severe Weather week is a partnership between Indiana Public Safety Commission, Indiana Department of Education, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Broadcasters Association, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the National Weather Service, the American Red Cross, local emergency management agencies and the amateur radio community.

To find out more about preparing for severe weather and floods, visit www.GetPrepared.IN.gov.

Why is Indiana's Severe Weather Week different?

Indiana observes Severe Weather Preparedness Week later than the nationally recognized week. There are two main reasons why.

National Severe Weather Week is held earlier to raise awareness in time for potential severe weather in the Gulf States. Although Indiana can experience severe weather at any time, it generally does not increase significantly before April. Mid-March was chosen to help Hoosiers think ahead about actions they can take.

Second, schools are a big part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana. There is a state-wide tornado drill day, which will be March 19 this year. Indiana’s preparedness week is timed to minimize conflict with ISTEP testing. The goal is also to have the week take place before many schools go on Spring Break to encourage as much participation as possible.

02.18.2015

Information From the Desk of the Mayor...

With the adverse weather conditions upon us, we ask that use caution if you have to be out in the elements. If you have heart disease or a chronic illness, we ask that you use caution if you have to be outside. Please dress in layers and make sure that your skin is covered because frostbite and hypothermia can occur in a very short time. If you have an elderly neighbor,who lives alone, please check on them.

The Department of Public Works will have normal trash pick up on Thursday and Friday. Should this change, we will keep you informed.

Should you be without heat and need assistance, please contact the Fire Station at 803-5601 for assistance. Should the need for assistance occur, we will open up the Elton H. Geshwiler Senior Citizens Center, located at 602 Main Street, to provide a heat shelter.

Please stay warm and safe!

02.02.2015

AMTRAK HOOSIER STATE TRAIN CONTINUES TO OPERATE
Amtrak and Indiana DOT agree to contract extension

CHICAGO & INDIANAPOLIS -- Amtrak will continue to operate the Hoosier State train between Indianapolis and Chicago under an Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) contract extension through April 1, 2015. A previous extension expires on Jan. 31.

The 60-day service agreement allows extra time to complete long-term contract negotiations for Amtrak to continue operating the Hoosier State with portions of the service being provided by INDOT contractors. INDOT is negotiating renewal of the service on behalf of the state, Beech Grove, Crawfordsville, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Rensselaer, Tippecanoe County and West Lafayette.

The four-days-weekly Hoosier State (Trains 850 & 851) -- together with the three-days-weekly Amtrak Cardinal (Trains 50 & 51) -- provides daily service between Indianapolis and Chicago and enables passengers to reach the national Amtrak network.

Tickets are available at Amtrak.com, 800-USA-RAIL and other sales channels, including Amtrak mobile apps. Adult fares range from $24 to $48 each way and are subject to discounts and Amtrak Guest Rewards points.

About Amtrak®
Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, the nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. Amtrak and its state and commuter partners move people, the economy and the nation forward. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine member board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland is vice chairman. In FY 2014, nearly 31 million passengers traveled on Amtrak on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.
Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter (@Amtrak) and check out our blog at blog.amtrak.com.

01.09.2015

Mayor Buckley Announces Beech Grove's Sign Replacement Program Is Set to Begin

BEECH GROVE, IN - Mayor Dennis Buckley states, "Within the next couple of weeks, citizens in Beech Grove will begin to see new signs sprouting up all over our city. The Federal Government mandated that all states come in to compliance for new sign reflectivity by the end of 2015. Last year, the City of Beech Grove was awarded $775,000.00 through INDOT, to replace every street sign and traffic sign in the City of Beech Grove. This is a Federal Highway Safety Improvement program called the 'Sign Inventory and Grant Replacement program'.

"Soon, a company by the name of Michiana Contracting Inc., will begin the sign removal process. This project is expected to take approximately 6 weeks to complete. An important note to everyone is prior to removal, the company will spray paint the sign posts (presumably orange) to mark the poles that will be removed. This is part of the replacement process. I wanted to let you know that it is not graffiti or it isn’t being tagged by street artists.

"This will make a significant improvement cosmetically within our city and allow for consistency and better viewing especially at night. We look forward to another wonderful investment in our beautiful city."

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