Wondering About Work Zones?

You know that Indiana has two seasons: winter and road construction.

Well, we sorta skipped winter this year, but road construction is in full swing.

Drivers can learn the locations of work zones before getting in their cars by calling INDOT’s TrafficWise at 800:261-7623 or going online.

University Place to Close

According to IBJ.com, Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis has decided to close the University Place Conference Center and Hotel and will use the space for student housing, dining and classrooms.

The conversion will begin in December.

Decorator Show House

Public tours begin 28 April for the annual Decorators' Show House sponsored by St. Margaret's Hospital Guild.

This year's location is the Tobias House, 5 East 71st Street, Indianapolis; tickets are $20 at the door.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. (Closed Mondays.)

Since St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild was founded in 1907, our projects have resulted in over $10 million being raised for Wishard Health Services.

(Photo courtesy of St. Margaret's Hospital Guild)

Centennial of the Cherry Blossoms

Indiana will celebrate the centennial of the planting of cherry trees from Japan in Washington, D.C., as part of the Earth Day festivities in White River State Park, downtown Indianapolis.

Highlights include public kite-flying, a taiko performance and free seeds for Japanese cherry trees to plant at home.

It all takes place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. 28 April.

Here's what's new: a mass planting of Japanese cherry trees in White River State Park! But, first, the 45 Yoshino cherry tree saplings already in Indiana will be cosseted in a nursery for three years -- until they're sturdy enough to be planted along the west bank of the White River. The walkway will be named the Japan – U.S. Cherry-Tree Promenade (see the artist's rendering, above left).

Organizers for the cherry tree celebration are the Japan-America Society of Indiana, Honorary Consul General of Japan at Indianapolis, Consulate General of Japan at Chicago and the Embassy of Japan in the United States.

Durham's Trial Remains on Schedule

According to IBJ.com, a federal judge has rejected a motion by Indianapolis financier Tim Durham to have his indictment dismissed on the grounds that the government used wiretaps before it had court authorization to do so.

Read it all here.

Hangzhou Celebration

The Indy portion of the Indianapolis-Hangzhou Sister City Partnership celebrates their shared relationship 9 May in the Central Library, 40 East St. Clair Street, Indianapolis -- and the public is invited.

It begins with a 6 p.m. reception in the Riley meeting room, followed by "cultural performances of China" in the Clowes auditorium at 7 p.m.

On display will be books donated to the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library by Hangzhou. This exhibit, "Reflections of West Lake: Hangzhou Public Library Book Exhibition," includes works representing the performing arts, calligraphy and painting, literature, musical instruments, arts and crafts and city development. It will be on display at Central Library from 7 May through 28 July (during regular library hours).

Nearly 100 donated Chinese or bilingual books in this collection are available for checkout from the Library's catalog. The Indianapolis Public Library in return has donated a similar collection of works representing American and Indiana literature to the Hangzhou Public Library.

A "taste" of Chinese cuisine is promised.

There's no admission charge, although seating is limited for the performances. For more information about this free Library program, call 317:275-4099.

Sponsors, in addition to the library and its foundation, are Eli Lilly and Company, the International School of Indiana, Indianapolis Chinese Community Center and the International & Cultural Affairs office of Mayor Greg Ballard.

Every 36 Years, Primary Fight for Indiana Senator

The Republican primary for the U.S. senator from Indiana is explored in today's New York Times:

"At age 80, Richard G. Lugar, one of the longest-serving members of the United States Senate, is getting a crash course in what a campaign looks like."