Indianapolis Officer seriously injured
An Indianapolis Metro Officer was injured in a car crash on the southwest side of Indianapolis while they were on their way to work on Sunday afternoon. According to IMPD, the incident occurred near Mooresville Road and Kentucky Avenue, shortly after 1pm. IMPD reported that another officer, also on their way into work, had stopped in the left lane with their lights flashing to remove a mattress that had flown out of the back of a pickup truck. The driver of that truck remained on the scene and spoke to investigators.
The second IMPD vehicle approached and was involved in a sideswipe accident with another northbound passenger car. The second patrol car rear-ended the first and flipped on its roof, landing about 20 feet away. That second officer was extricated by firefights and rushed to Eskenazi Hospital, where they are reported to be in critical but stable condition. The driver of the passenger car was also transported to the hospital but did not necessarily exhibit any injuries.
Bill protecting homeowners from robocall scam advances to Indiana Senate
The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed State Rep. Craig Haggard’s (R-Mooresville) bill, which he said would crack down on a robocall scam where homeowners receive a small cash offer in exchange for signing a decades-long contract that could cost them thousands.
According to the Indiana Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, more than 300 Hoosiers entered into these contracts known as Homeowner Benefit Agreements. Robocallers generally offer to give homeowners between $500-$700 in exchange for signing a long-term contract, which gives the company exclusive rights to sell the home, if and when the homeowner decides to, or provide maintenance. A homeowner could only break the contract if they pay a termination fee, which could be 3% of their home’s value as estimated by the company.
To help crack down on these unfair practices, Haggard said his legislation would make real estate service agreements unenforceable if it’s a contract for maintenance, purchase or sale of the property that is not expected to be completed within a year or is binding on future owners and creates liens on the property. This bill would also allow individuals adversely affected by these agreements to seek damages against the service provider. Exceptions would be made for home warranties covering systems such as plumbing, heating and cooling, and electrical wiring.
At least 16 other states enacted similar laws restricting HBAs and the Federal Communications Commission took action last year against these types of robocalls. House Bill 1222 is now with the Indiana Senate for consideration. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
Indianapolis Colts launch new Kids’ Club
Blue’s Club, sponsored by Prairie Farms and in part by Riley Children’s Health, will take the place of the former “Colts Kids Club.” Current Kids Club members will be transferred automatically to Blue’s Club. Sign up the young Colts fan in your life for one of two levels of membership:
Blue Level (Free), including:
- Digital welcome letter from Blue
- Monthly newsletter, featuring special events & printable activities
- Members-only contests for chance to win tickets to Colts home games
Blue+ Level ($59 one-time enrollment fee), including:
- All Blue Level benefits
- Discounted annual renewal option, including an exclusive seasonal gift
- Premium membership kit (Colts bucket hat, Blue’s pie pan, Colts/Blue backpack)
- Discounts at the Colts Pro Shop
- Discounted tickets to Colts home games
- Priority access & discounted offers to events
- Mailed birthday postcard from Blue
Season ticket members will receive $10 off a Blue Plus membership. Current Kids’ Club members will receive a $10 discounted version for the first year. For more information, visit Colts.com/BluesClub.
This Week in Hoosier History
1940 – Fire swept through the winter headquarters of the Cole Brothers Circus in Rochester, Indiana killing over 100 animals. Elephants and camels roamed the area until they were captured the next day.
For more local news . . . Check out our archived episodes of What’s Happenin’ and Talkin’ Sports with Nick Jenkinson