Judge’s words lead to admonition
(Indianapolis) – Invitations to an event for a local judge has resulted in a ruling against that judge by the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications. Six hundred invites sent last August were for a re-election fundraiser for Marion Superior Court Judge Rebekah F. Pierson-Treacy. According to the commission, the invitations’ wording suggested Pierson-Treacy would issue favorable rulings based on the amount of contributions made to her campaign. The minimal contribution at $150 had the word “sustained” beside it; the highest contribution listed $1000 as a “favorable ruling. Judge Pierson-Tracy stated the invitation did contain inappropriate wording.
Charter school announces closing
(Indianapolis) – A Warren Township charter school says it can no longer stay open and will close its doors effective December 16. Stonegate Early College High School on N. Franklin Road says the school is struggling with financial issues linked to a decrease in student enrollment. One hundred eighty students were attending the school which has an 85 percent graduation rate. A meeting will be held on Thursday, December 1st at 6:30pm at the school to address parents’ questions and concerns.
Personnel changes at the Indianapolis Colts complex
(Indianapolis) – With the Indianapolis Colts record at 0-11 on the season, defensive coordinator Larry Coyer was fired Tuesday. Head coach Jim Caldwell says the change is in hopes of boosting communication and to move the team forward and score some victories. Coyer has been with the Colts since 2008. Linebackers coach Mike Murphy will assume Coyer’s duties. The Colts play New England on Sunday without Curtis Painter as quarterback. Dan Orlovsky will play that position.
Accused molester released from jail
(Madison) – A high school band teacher charged with child seduction was released on $10,000 bond earlier this week after pleading not guilty. Jacob Blanton, 25, of Scottsburg was arrested last week after police received an anonymous letter about the alleged activity. Blanton has been suspended from his job without pay while the principal at Madison Consolidated High School has told the school board he wants Blanton fired.
Man arrested on felony child molestation charges
(Anderson) – The Herald Times is reporting that Martin “Skip” Ockomon, 46, a firefighter and brother of Mayor Kris Ockomon has been arrested on charges of criminal deviate conduct, sexual misconduct with a minor and child molestation. Police say victims alerted them in late 2010 with information about incidents which happened in the 1990s. An attorney for Ockomon says those allegations were investigated and considered closed 15 years ago. A special prosecutor is reviewing the case. Ockomon has denied the charges.
Woman flees scene after attack
Indianapolis) – A woman using a crowbar and knife to obtain more than 100 oxycodone pills from her friend has been charged with burglary, robbery, battery and resisting police. Erin Mascher, 27, knocked on the door of the victim’s southside apartment late last Monday night and began demanding the pills. When the victim refused, Mascher allegedly began repeatedly striking her in the head with the crowbar. Police later found Mascher walking on a nearby street. She tried to run from the officers, but was caught a short time later.
Retail group forms to change law
(Indianapolis) – A new group has formed to put the pressure on legislators to require sales tax for online purchases. The Indiana Merchants for Tax Fairness says brick and mortar businesses are losing money to online companies such as Amazon who do not add a sales tax to their customer’s transactions. Another group, The Indiana Retail Council pushed the issue during this year’s legislative session, but did not see any changes. A recent report by the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute says Indiana loses almost $77 million annually because sales taxes are not collected on internet purchases.
Study reveals medical errors
(Indianapolis) – The Indiana State Department of Health 2010 Medical Error Report released this week reveals the state’s largest health care system, Indiana University Health has the highest number of preventable medical mistakes last year among major hospitals in Indiana. Nineteen serious errors were found at Methodist, IU and Riley Hospital for Children, namely foreign objects left in patients after surgery, bed sores, falls resulting in death or disability and surgery on the wrong body parts. The report can be seen on the Indiana State Department of Health’s website.
