Current Beige Book

New Beige Book entry for the Seventh District (Chicago), which we are located in:
http://www.federalreserve.gov/FOMC/Beigebook/2009/20090729/7.htm

PRESS RELEASE: (1) Linton Police Officer Funded!

(Washington, D.C.) - Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder today announced $1 billion in grants to fund the hiring and rehiring of law enforcement officers all across the country under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The grants will be awarded to 1,046 law enforcement agencies from all 50 states, including more than $26 million in grants to fund the hiring and rehiring of 126 law enforcement officers in Indiana. These funds will provide 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for these officers for three years. All police departments receiving the grants will then be required to retain the grant-funded positions for a fourth year.

“A big part of the Recovery Act is about building communities – making them as strong as they can be, allowing every American family to live a better life than the one they are leading now,” said Vice President Joe Biden. “And we can’t achieve the goal of stronger communities without supporting those who keep our streets safe.”

The Recovery Act grants, which will be administered by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) through the federal agency’s COPS Hiring Recovery Program, provide much needed financial support to state, local and tribal governments, and will help the nation’s law enforcement agencies add and retain the manpower needed to fight crime more effectively through community policing. The Department of Justice received over 7,200 applications for more than 39,000 officer positions, representing a total of $8.3 billion in requested funding.

“These Recovery Act funds will pump much needed resources into communities through a program with a proven track record,” said Attorney General Holder. “The tremendous demand for these grants is indicative of both the tough times our states, cities and tribes are facing, and the unyielding commitment by law enforcement to making our communities safer.”

City: Gary - Number of officers: 11 - Grant money: $2,076,514.00

City: East Chicago - Number of officers: 5 - Grant money: $1,120,105.00

City: Indianapolis - Number of officers: - 50 Grant money: $11,046,850.00

Michigan City Police Department - Number of officers: 3 - Grant money: $592,641.00

City: Clinton - Number of officers: 1 - Grant money: $134,136.00

Kokomo Police Department - Number of officers: 5 - Grant money: $1,146,950.00

Marion Police Department - Number of officers: 4 - Grant money: $947,500.00

South Bend Police Department - Number of officers: 13 - Grant money: $2,453,295.00

Anderson Police Department - Number of officers: 6 - Grant money: $1,501,434.00

City: Terre Haute - Number of officers: 6 - Grant money: $1,204,896.00

Akron Police Department - Number of officers: 1 - Grant money: $143,176.00

Clarksville Police Department - Number of officers: 2 - Grant money: $467,844.00

Lafayette Police Department - Number of officers: 4 - Grant money: $915,564.00

Merrillville Police Department - Number of officers: 3 - Grant money: $588,090.00

Lake Station Police Department - Number of officers: 1 - Grant money: $186,183.00

Montezuma Police Department - Number of officers: 1 - Grant money: $129,288.00

Town: Spencer - Number of officers: 1 - Grant money: $138,942.00

City: LaPorte - Number of officers: 2 - Grant money: $382,154.00

Muncie Police Department - Number of officers: 5 - Grant money: $1,160,175.00

Linton Police Department - Number of officers: 1 - Grant money: $161,370.00

Nashville Police Department - Number of officers: 1 - Grant money: $118,635.00

Source: The White House

Restaurants: 4,000 Fewer This Year

The economy is hurting everyone, including the 'mom-and-pop' diners and other independent eateries. If there's any silver lining, though, will the reported 4,000 fewer restaurants in the U.S. mean smaller waistlines for Americans too? Read more on recent restaurant closings within the United States here: http://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_090727.html

AllState Ends Sponsorship of Brickyard

Today, AllState announced it would end its sponsorship of the Brickyard 400. I just wonder who will pick up the sponsorship now?

Money & Politics in Indiana

If you want to follow the 'money trail' as they say, the Indy Star has made up a database of all-things-lobbyist for Indiana, which can be seen here in their Money & Politics section: http://www.indystar.com/data/government/lobbyists_search.shtml

FOR SALE: Linton Taco Bell

It seems everything is FOR SALE in Linton these days!

Here's a listing for the Linton Taco Bell:
http://colerealtyadvisors.com/uploadedFiles/Properties_for_Sale/Offering%20Flyer%20-%20Taco%20Bell%20Linton%20IN.pdf

In past posts, you've read where Stoll's was for sale: http://magiccoalcity.blogspot.com/2009/03/update-asking-price-going-down.html

But apparently, they've switched Realtors now:
http://www.bizbuysell.com/work/429949/dastolls,linto.pdf

And even the Linton DQ is for sale:
http://magiccoalcity.blogspot.com/2009/03/for-sale-lintons-dq.html

Jasonville "Mayor's Ride" Fundraiser

Here's some info on the 1st Annual Jasonville Mayor’s Ride:

"The ride will consist of a 93 mile motorcycle ride touring scenic areas of southern Indiana. All proceeds from the ride will benefit the city park. The ride is Saturday, August 29th, 2009.

Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. ride begins at 10:00 a.m. The ride will begin and end at the City Park on North Lawton Street. There will be food and fun for everyone. All motorcycle riders and enthusiasts are welcome.

We would appreciate any and all donations to offset the cost of the food and drinks. Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Potato Salad, Soft Drinks, Plates, Cups, Table Service, Napkins and/or monetary donations will be accepted. Please consider donating to this worthy cause.

For more information or donation, please feel free to contact me at my office 812-665-2266.

Thank you in advance for your donation.

Mayor Roy Terrell, Sr."

Eastern Greene's Farmers Market

Looking for something different to do on a Saturday? Check out the new Farmer's Market in Solsberry. For more info, see: http://easterngreene.org/market.aspx

LMF Design Winner

To follow up on the LMF t-shirt design contest posted in May http://magiccoalcity.blogspot.com/2009/05/lmf-t-shirt-design-contest.html a winning design has been crowned. The winning design can be seen here: http://www.shirtriot.com/ShirtRiot/User/ContestDetails.aspx?cst=37 Congratulations!

For more info on the Linton Music Festival, the website can be found here: http://www.lintonmusicfest.com/

Today's Milestone: Happy 300th!

At 6PM today, the 300th post was added. Happy 300th!

Linton's Newest Rockstar: Pinkie

The other day, I wrote about the rare bird spotted recently in the Goose Pond area: http://magiccoalcity.blogspot.com/2009/07/pinkie-roseate-spoonbill.html

Well, 'Pinkie,' the roseate spoonbill, is getting more news coverage on WISHTV: http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/indiana/Rare_bird_spotted_near_Bloomington_20090625
Maybe Pinkie should become Linton’s new mascot…

Bad Checks in Linton

About a month ago, FOX59 ran a story about Linton’s own Jim’s Petro Plus and his now infamous ‘bad check writers sign’ located prominently in front of the store: http://www.fox59.com/wxin-bad-check-sign-061709,0,6087588.story

Knowing several local business owners, bad checks are rampant.

Unfortunately, they also are not prosecuted for the theft they really commit, and I’ve never really understood that. If someone grabs an item in a store & walks out with it, they seem to be charged with more than someone who grabs the same item & walks out with it after writing a bad check for it.

Really, what’s the difference?!

Tax Sale Dates for Nearby Counties

Upcoming property tax lien sales are tentatively scheduled for these nearby counties:

Owen 09/01/09
Sullivan 10/06/09
Daviess 10/23/09

More dates to follow as they become available.

Pinkie, the Roseate Spoonbill

The Courier Press posted a nice article around 12 hours ago about 'Pinkie,' a roseate spoonbill found at the Goose Pond recently: http://www.courierpress.com/news/2009/jul/12/migrant-birds-get-major-wow-at-goose-pond/

Visitors to the area may find this map with local eateries and points of interest helpful: http://www.gcedc.us/PDF/visitorhandout.pdf

FREE SERVICES: Greene County Health Dept.

From the Greene County Health Department:

"We would like to get the word out about the HPV Vaccine. The state has allowed us to offer, at NO CHARGE, the HPV Vaccine to any woman under 19 years old and to any woman 19-26 as long as they start the series before December. The cost is between $400 & $600 for the series. Please have anyone interested to contact us at 812-384-4496.

We are also doing the TDAP & Meningitis vaccines that will be required to attend jr. high & high school starting NEXT school year 2010/2011.

Please call for an appointment."

Low-Calorie Diet Extends Lifespan

Put down the bag of cheesy Doritos and jug-o-cola and read this: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124718227356220229.html#mod=todays_us_nonsub_page_one

Alanar Scandal: Receivership Link

As regular readers know, charges were recently filed against the Reeves family for this church bond scam in nearby Sullivan County. More info from the other day can be found here: http://magiccoalcity.blogspot.com/2009/07/alanar-saga-continues-with-charges.html

When a huge scam unravels in your own backyard, the story is all the more riveting. Here’s a link to the law firm that has been handling the Alanar receivership: http://www.silegal.com/cases/alanar/

It contains lots of good background information, and it's been a website I've been following for quite some time, so I thought I'd share the link.

Road Salt Not So Salty This Winter

The State of Indiana is working with local government units to reduce the price of road salt needed on Hoosier roadways this next winter.

Press release: http://www.in.gov/portal/news_events/40286.htm

Injunction Issued Against Misleading Companies

Here's the text from a recent newsletter from the Indiana Secretary of State:

"Indiana Corporate Compliance, International Corporate Compliance, Inc. and Papillon Global Marketing, LLC are no longer allowed to misrepresent themselves as a government agency to Indiana business owners thanks to an investigation conducted by the Indiana Secretary of State. The Marion County Superior Court issued a permanent injunction requiring the companies to immediately stop sending any written notices or transmissions that could reasonably be interpreted as a compliance notice from a government entity.
In May, the Indiana attorney general's office filed a complaint against the companies, most commonly known as Indiana Corporate Compliance, alleging multiple violations of Indiana's Deceptive Commercial Solicitation Act. Individuals Aaron V. Williams and Lisa Diane Brown, both of California, were also named in the lawsuit. Indiana Corporate Compliance had been sending letters to businesses all over Indiana under the guise of the Business Services Division of Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita's office, citing a fictitious state law implying businesses were required to send up to $150 for record keeping services.
"The permanent injunction is an important step forward in our ongoing efforts to prevent Indiana businesses from being deceived," said Secretary Rokita. "Obtaining this judgment is the direct result of the tireless work by my investigators and the cooperation of hundreds of businesses from around the state who were targeted by this scam. My office will continue to make businesses aware of these types of scams, and I thank Attorney General Zoeller and his team for working with us to bring justice through the legal system."
The Secretary of State's office, which registers and certifies Indiana businesses, began an investigation as a result of complaints it received from businesses. A hearing will be scheduled to determine the total amount of damages which could be awarded to those who fell victim to the scam. More than 150 Indiana businesses reported sending money in response to the letters from Indiana Corporate Compliance and its affiliates.
Recipients of the letters reported believing the compliance notices were generated by a government agency and were misleading and confusing. As a result, the court found it reasonable that business owners would be confused and would comply with the notice."

Fellow Lintonian Inventors of Yesteryear

I've become infatuated with Google Patents http://www.google.com/patents lately. So, I decided to look up some inventors of local interest. Doing a search for ‘Linton, Indiana’ yielded some local patent holders of yesteryear, as shown below. Who knew!

Inventor: Marion N. Thayer
Subject: Improvements to Umbrella
Patent number: 912206
Issue date: Feb 1909
Google URL: http://www.google.com/patents?id=kllNAAAAEBAJ&printsec=description&zoom=4

Inventor: George F. Chapman
Subject: Screw-Threading Implement
Patent number: 938973
Issue date: Nov 1909
Google URL: http://www.google.com/patents?id=PrZXAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4

Inventor: Earl T. Aikin
Subject: Burial Casket Plate
Patent number: 1602185
Issue date: Oct 5, 1926
Google URL: http://www.google.com/patents?id=ZbNSAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4

Inventor: William H. Stewart, et al.
Subject: Improvements to Surface Mining
Patent number: 1872016
Issue date: Aug 1932
Google URL: http://www.google.com/patents?id=fkhkAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4

Sullivan Gentlemen Add to Mining in 1915

A little earlier in the patent history for mining tools, specifically in 1915, two local Sullivan County gentlemen received a patent on certain improvements to acetylene lamps too. Here’s the patent: http://www.google.com/patents?id=X5BkAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4&source=gbs_overview_r&cad=0

Jasonville Inventor - circa 1924

For all of you local coal mining historians & enthusiasts out there, on March 11th, 1924, Samuel G. Thomasson of Jasonville, Indiana received a patent on improvements to the acetylene lamp. Here is the patent from Google Patent Search: http://www.google.com/patents?id=R0FHAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4&source=gbs_overview_r&cad=0

Jefferson's Code Finally Cracked

Interesting article in the WSJ Online about breaking a 200 year old code used by Thomas Jefferson: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124648494429082661.html

Alanar Saga Continues with Charges Filed

The saga of the Sullivan, Indiana-based Alanar, Inc. continues with charges filed against the family involved with the massive church bond fraud yesterday, June 30th, in Sullivan County. Here’s the Sullivan County press release: http://www.sullivancountyprosecutor.com/alanar/press_release.pdf

Here are the links to the probable cause affidavits for the Reeves family members:
http://www.sullivancountyprosecutor.com/alanar/Vaughn_Sr_Affidavit.pdf
http://www.sullivancountyprosecutor.com/alanar/Chip_Affidavit.pdf
http://www.sullivancountyprosecutor.com/alanar/Chris_Affidavit.pdf
http://www.sullivancountyprosecutor.com/alanar/Josh_Affidavit.pdf

Here are the links to the felony charges filed against each of the Reeves family members:
http://www.sullivancountyprosecutor.com/alanar/Vaughn_Sr_Counts.pdf
http://www.sullivancountyprosecutor.com/alanar/Chip_Counts.pdf
http://www.sullivancountyprosecutor.com/alanar/Chris_Counts.pdf
http://www.sullivancountyprosecutor.com/alanar/Chris_Counts.pdf

I knew of some elderly ladies duped in this massive fraud, and it’s just really disgusting.