Local News Headlines: March 18, 2024

A 14-year-old boy shot in Bloomington early Friday morning
Bloomington police were dispatched to the 2300 block of South Rogers Street just before 6am on Friday after multiple calls to 911 reporting gunshots.

As officers responded, another report came in of someone with a gunshot wound inside a residence in the 500 block of West Hays Court. Police soon after found a 14-year-old, and applied medical procedures. The juvenile was eventually transported to the hospital with two gunshot wounds. Officials do not believe the 14-year-old’s injuries are life-threatening.

After an investigation, police determined the 14-year-old and another juvenile had been communicating with each other before the incident. Eventually, the two agreed to meet and fight each other. Several youth arrived in the 2300 block of South Rogers Street and began arguing. During the altercation, one of the juveniles produced a handgun and began shooting.

The incident is still under investigation. Those with any additional information on the shooting are encouraged to contact the Bloomington Police Department.

Indiana Attorney General warns Hoosiers of storm scams as severe weather sweeps across the state 
As communities across the state look to rebuild after severe weather, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita warns Hoosiers to be cautious of storm scams. With storms like Indiana experienced, scammers will be out in full force trying to con everyday Hoosiers out of their hard-earned money. Unfortunately, far too many dubious con artists appear on people’s doorsteps, promise to make needed repairs, and then disappear with their victims’ down payment in their pockets — never to return to do the work.

Attorney General Rokita is sharing the following tips to help Hoosiers avoid falling victim to storm-chasing scammers:  

  • Be skeptical of people promising immediate cleanup and debris removal.   
  • Know that FEMA doesn’t charge application fees. If someone wants money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, that’s probably a scam.  
  • Check out contractors’ reputations before enlisting their services.   
  • Ask for IDs, licenses, and proof the contractor is both bonded and insured.  
  • Get more than one estimate for work.   
  • Don’t believe any promises that aren’t in writing.   
  • Never pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or in cash.  
  • Don’t pay the full amount for the project up front.  

Dealing with a disaster is never easy, but when scammers target people just trying to recover, the experience can become even more difficult. If you ever suspect a scam of any type, file a complaint at indianaconsumer.com or call Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office at 1-800-382-5516.  

Campground Hosts Needed for 2024 Recreation Season (Paynetown SRA)
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is looking for a few good hosts. This is a program that offers dedicated park supporters free camping (30-amp site), in exchange for volunteering during their stay (about 20 hours a week). This is a 1-month commitment, so is best suited for people who are retired or have a flexible work schedule. Volunteer duties include campground check-in, beach attendant, campground roving, trash clean-up, cleaning in beach house and Activity Center, staffing activities for children, and other projects. This is an adults-only volunteer opportunity, and all applicants must pass a background check. For full details, please email jvance@dnr.IN.gov.

This Week in Hoosier History

Appleseed

1845 – Johnny Appleseed [John Chapman], American pioneer nurseryman (introduced apple trees to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois), dies at 70 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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