Racinos Get Tax Break

Here's the report, courtesy of Advance Indiana:

"House Ways & Means Committee last night when on a 17-7 vote the committee voted to give a huge tax break to the Blue Chip casino and the state's two horse race tracks. Under the plan put forward by Rep. Scott Pelath (D), the graduated tax on horse race tracks/casinos, otherwise known as racinos, will be reduced by 5%, costing the state $17.7 million a year in lost revenues. Blue Chip Casino is being allowed a $15 million deduction from its adjusted gross revenues for promotional discounts to patrons, such as free coin."

This Indianapolis Observer is, ummmm, aghast!

Trash Wraps as Urban Amenities

Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.’s Cleaning Advisory Committee has transformed Downtown trash receptacles using vibrant blue and green vinyl wraps. “Trash Wraps create a vibrancy and excitement for our visitors and Downtown neighborhood,” said Anne Maschmeyer, Beautification Director for IDI.

This Indianapolis Observer notes that the exact same trash wraps also "transformed" the receptacles last year, and the quote copied above was attributed in 2008 to Carol Mullins, beautification coordinator for IDI.

Charter School Community Fair

A Charter School Community Fair will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. tomorrow (16 February) in the Indianapolis Artsgarden above the intersection of Illinois and Washington streets -- since school is not in session for the Presidents' Day holiday.

The event, hosted by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, gives parents and students the opportunity to learn more about Mayor-Sponsored Charter Schools, meet current charter school students, parents and staff and learn about enrollment for 2009-2010.

Celebrate Presidents' Day at a President's House

The President Benjamin Harrison Home, 1230 North Delaware Street, Indianapolis, celebrates Presidents’ Day with the opening of a special exhibit, "live" re-enactment tours and the flying of the Presidential Flag!

Opening Monday (16 February) is “William Henry Harrison: Tippecanoe and History Too,” which will document W.H.’s life from 1790 until his death in 1841. (William Henry Harrison is the grandfather of Benjamin Harrison.)

Re-enactment tours of the Harrison Home will include Benjamin Harrison (pictured), his family members and household staff.

Visit the Harrison home Monday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tours are scheduled every half-hour.

Admission, which includes the new exhibit is $8 for adults (ages 18-64), $6 for seniors (65 and older) and $3 for children (5-17).

The home is owned by the President Benjamin Harrison Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which seeks to increase public understanding of, appreciation for, and participation in the American system of self-government through the life stories of an American President.

For more information, contact Phyllis Geeslin, 317:631-1888.

IMS Cuts Ticket Prices For The Brickyard "400"

Indianapolis Motor Speedway is slashing some ticket prices for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, reports Inside INdiana Business.

A limited number of seats at the end of the back straightaway entering Turn 3 will be available for $45 each, a $30 discount.

So, notes this Indianapolis Observer, all those news stories about the decline in interest in NASCAR races are true!

Sports Teams to Help With Venue Budget Problems

Indiana lawmakers have started meeting with officials from the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers to find ways to address the budget shortfalls for the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium and Conseco Fieldhouse, reports Inside INdiana Business.

This Indianapolis Observer thinks those discussions are long overdue!

IMS Announces Centennial Era Artist

Thomas Kinkade (pictured) has been named the featured artist for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Centennial Era. He will create a new Studio Masterwork and artwork that will become the cover for the collectible 2009 Indianapolis 500 Program. The images will be unveiled 27 February at the Centennial Era Gala.

And, yeah, this Indianapolis Observer wishes this post were a joke. Of all the artists in the world, Tony George went with the most cliche ridden illustrator of all time....