FT resident Patricia Biggs ‘third-generaton R.N.'

Recent University of Indianapolis graduate Patricia Biggs is flanked by her mother (left), Susan Gent Biggs, and her grandmother, Noreen Feller, as the three family members representing three generations of registered nurses display plaques presented to each one by UIndy's School of Nursing. Submitted photo.

For Franklin Township resident Patricia Biggs, becoming a nurse was truly a matter of extending a family tradition. When she received her bachelor of science diploma during graduation ceremonies at the University of Indianapolis on Thursday, May 1, she became a third-generation registered nurse.

Patricia's grandmother, Noreen Feller, received associate's and bachelor's degrees and worked at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis until her retirement.

And Patricia's mother, Susan Gent Biggs, earned her associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees at UIndy, and now is a Clarian nurse-educator at Methodist Hospital, where the university has an on-site degree program.

Now, Patricia Biggs is starting her career in the intensive care unit at Riley, where she began working while still a student.

In tribute of the family's remarkable career accomplishments, the School of Nursing presented the trio with special plaques, with each topped with a lamp, the symbol of the nursing profession. The presentation took place in UIndy's Ransburg Auditorium.

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A total of 26 students are inducted into the National Honor Society during special recognition ceremonies at Franklin Central High School. Those inducted include: sitting, from left, Kayla Hardimon, Kelsi Hamilton, Sara Sears, Jennifer DeMotte, Scott Ernstberger, Gabrielle Steele, Rebecca Stocker, Brooke Malone and Karleen Ritchie; second row, Patti Miller, Amanda Church, Ally Ayers, Kelli Brunnemer, Kari Smith, Nathan Wright, Amy Riley and Rachel Hunter; back row, Brock Harkness, Casey Coons, Joseph Cruz, Brooks Ayers, Whitney Rice, John Ford, Samantha Hansen, Zach Sherwood and Conner Ayers. Submitted photo.

26 students elected to National Honor Society

The 2008 National Honor Society Induction Ceremony at Franklin Central High School on Wednesday, April 30, recognized 26 special students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of leadership, character, service and scholarship.

The NHS is not only known for recognizing students for their accomplishments, but also for challenging them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

The Franklin Central 2008-09 inductees included:

Ally Ayers, Brooks Ayers, Conner Ayers, Kelli Brunnemer, Amanda Church, Casey Coons, Joseph Cruz, Jennifer DeMotte, Scott Ernstberger, John Ford, Kelsi Hamilton, Samantha Hansen, Kayla Hardimon, Brock Harkness, Rachel Hunter, Brooke Malone, Patti Miller, Whitney Rice, Amanda Riley, Karleen Ritchie, Sara Sears, Zach Sherwood, Kari Smith, Gabrielle Steele, Rebecca Stocker and Nathan Wright.

On hand to facilitate the induction ceremony were members of the 2007-08 FCHS National Honor Society members, including:

President Kayla DuBois, Vice-President Chad Tuchek, Secretary Megan Bates and Treasurer Alexis Hiner. Also, the 2007-08 members include Rachel Bernhardt, Kyle Blanck, Lauren Collins, Angela DeCamp, Aaron Fancher, Matthew Hamner, Patrick Hofer, Charmi Patel, Lauren Pedigo, Katie Sandlin, Jessie Staats, Travis Skjerseth, Luke Uhrig, Lindsey Wilder and Kaitlyn Wolak.

Frank Sergi, one of Franklin Central's assistant principals, welcomed the NHS inductees and members, along with their guests, and participated in the induction of the new members.

The ceremony included an oral pledge by the inductees that stated: "I pledge myself to uphold the high purposes of this society to which I have been elected, striving in every way by word and by deed to make its ideals the ideals of my school and my life."

Since its establishment in 1921, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the National Honor Society for high school-age students and the National Junior Honor Society for younger students. Organization chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories and Canada.

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Members of the Indy Bears Jump Rope team include, front row from left, Bridgette Smith, Hailey Enos, Nicole McGaughey, Mallory Burnett, Ashley Jacob and Caitlyn Adams; middle row, from left, Danielle Foltz, Ronne Surface, Allison Foltz, Hannah Nuthak, Paige Wells, Ashley Kernodle, Abby Meeke, Charmi Patel and Kelsey Verbarg; back row, from left, Carolyn Talhelm, Danielle Jacquin, Hannah Adkins, Jaycie Roach, Chaz Robinson, Jessica Evinger, Brittany Mills, Bonnie Weddle and Becca Stocker. Submitted photo.

Local performance to precede national event

For the 13th consecutive year, the Indy Air Bears jump rope team, based in Franklin Township, has qualified to compete in the USA Jump Rope National Championships scheduled for Disney World in Orlando, Florida, on Friday-Sunday, June 27-29.

As a “warm-up” for the national headliner, the 24-member Air Bears squad will showcase its national qualifying routines for the public in a “Jump Rope Spectacular” on stage in the Franklin Central High School auditorium on Tuesday, May 20, beginning at 7 p.m.

This high-energy presentation will feature jump rope skills combined with gymnastics moves that are choreographed to music. Tickets are priced at $3 per person, and the doors to the FC gym will open at 6:30 p.m.

Two graduating senior team members, Chaz Robinson and Charmi Patel, will be honored during the show.

The Air Bears, coached by Arlington Elementary physical education teacher, Niki Glover, invite the Indianapolis community to attend this exciting evening of family entertainment. More information is available on the organization’s web site at www.indyairbears.com.

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Registrations begin for summer day camps

Registrations are being accepted for those wanting to participate in day camps for the summer season offered by Indy Parks. Explore programs including art, sports, nature, science, aquatics, music, recreation and more are being offered at 11 locations throughout Marion County, including Southeastway Park in Franklin Township.

General information for day camps is as follows:

• Camp weekly fees run from $40-$150.
• Camp sessions begin Monday, June 2, and run through Friday, August 1.
• All day camps are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).
• Free summer lunch programs are available at most sites.
• Limited scholarships based on financial need are available.
• Camp staff members are trained and certified in First-Aid and CPR.

Types of camps and sites include:

• Environmental Education Camps - Southeastway Park, Eagle Creek, Holliday Park
• Traditional Day Camps -- Broad Ripple Park, Christian Park, Ellenberger Park, Garfield Park Arts Center ( Mi Familia Latin Arts Academy), Krannert Park, Riverside Park
• Special Needs Camps - Brookside Park ("GATHER on the Move"), Rhodius Park (" Camp GATHER ")
• Partner Day Camps -- E agle Creek Park & Jordan YMCA, Sahm Park & Jordan YMCA, Watkins Park & Ransburg YMCA

Schedule for Southeastway Park:

** Pre-school (3-5) - Wiggle Worms

June 9-13, 9-11 a.m., $40
June 9-13, 2-4 p.m., $40

Playing games, reading stories, singing songs and exploring the great outdoors. Children must be potty-trained.

** Youth (6-7) - Trail Stompers

July 14-18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., $90

Each day of nature exploration is filled with games, stories, hands-on activities and some trail-stomping fun. Campers are asked to bring boots and prepare to get messy. Thursday will feature a night session from 3-9 p.m.

** Youth (10-12) - Survivor Camp

June 23-27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $90

Campers learn outdoor survival skills and natural history through games, activities and exploration. Campers should be prepared to be adventurous and competitive.

** Youth (10-12) - Biologist Boot Camp

July 28-August 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., $90

Adventure-filled camp for learning what it is like being a wildlife biologist. Hands-on research with small mammals, amphibians, insects and more. Thursday will feature a night session from 4-10 p.m., where campers will learn about bats and owls.

** Youth (12-15) - Outdoor Adventure Camp

July 7-11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., $150

Campers will go on several outdoor adventure trips and learn basic living skills. This camp will feature an overnight camping trip with rope course activities at Bradford Woods, a canoe trip on the Driftwood River and a day of mountain biking at Town Run Trail. Campers will learn how to build a shelter, cook over a fire, work a Coleman stove, paddle a canoe and more.

To secure a camper's spot, all registration forms must be completed and accompanied by a $10 non-refundable fee at the time of registration. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Call (317) 327-PARK, or visit www.indyparks.org to obtain additional information.

For further information on activities at Southeastway Park, 5624 South Carroll Road in Franklin Township, call (317) 861-5167. The 188-acre nature park is open year-round and is managed under the Environmental Education and Natural Resources Division of the Indianapolis Parks and Recreation Department.

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Comprehensive Land Use maps on sale

The Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development has announced that maps denoting the county's Comprehensive Land Use Plan, including the Franklin Township Land Use Component, are now available for purchase.

There are four maps total - one for each quadrant of the county. The price of each map is $2, which covers the cost to produce and print it. Maps are available at DMD's Division of Planning located in Room 1821 in the City-County Building.

Three parts of the Comprehensive Land Use plan are on each map - land use, environmentally sensitive areas and the critical area text. This information is valuable for anyone interested in the development or redevelopment of property in Marion County - property owners, developers, neighborhood organizations, land appraisers and real estate experts.

Adopted by the Metropolitan Development Commission in parts from 2002 to 2006, Indianapolis Insight: the Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Marion County, Indiana is the official land use plan of record for the county. Indianapolis Insight replaces the comprehensive plan that was developed in the early 1990s.

By state law, the land use recommendations of the plan are one of the five items that the Metropolitan Development Commission must consider in their decisions on the petitions brought before them. In addition, the plan is required by a number of state and federal grant programs such as Community Development Block Grants and federal highway funding.

The plan was developed by the Comprehensive Planning section of the DMD Division of Planning over a period of seven years, with nearly 150 public meetings and hearings to collect input from thousands of Marion County residents and businesspeople. The Franklin Township portion of the county's Comprehensive Land Use Plan was adopted in mid-March of 2006.

For more information about purchasing the land use maps, call (317) 327-5155.

Click here for Franklin Township Land Use Component map

Click here for description of Franklin Township's nine designated Critical Areas

Click here for Franklin Township Environmentally Sensitive Areas map

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Metro SouthEast District weekly reports 

Note: The Metro SouthEast District includes Franklin Township and encompasses an area to the south of Washington Street and to the east of Meridian Street. Excluded are portions to the northwest that help to form the IMPD Downtown District and the independent area of Beech Grove. 

Week of Wednesday, April 23, to Wednesday, April 30

Major incidents/investigations/issues:

Case #62683 - On 4-23-08 at 22:10, officers spoke to the victim who stated she pulled into her garage in the 600 block of South Sherman Drive. Victim said four B/M's entered the garage and one displayed a handgun demanding money. After robbing the victim they all ran north in the alley.

Case #63333 - On 4-24-08 at 23:35, officers were dispatched to the Village Pantry at 1634 South State Street reference an armed robbery. The clerk said two B/M's entered and one placed a handgun to his head. The suspects made him open both registers and the fled from the store.

Case #63343 - On 4-25-08 at 00:01, officers spoke to the victim who lives in the 200 block of South Arlington Avenue. The victim said he heard a knock at his front door and stepped onto his porch to give directions to a B/M. He said another B/M then jumped from the bushes and displayed a handgun. The victim was robbed before the suspects fled in a white four-door possibly a Cavalier.

Case #63465 - On 4-25-08 at 08:30, officers received a run to the Walgreens at 3205 East Washington Street reference an attempt armed robbery. The clerk said a W/F in her 20's approached the counter and demanded money from the drawer as she lifted her shirt to imply she had a weapon. The clerk could not get the cash drawer open and the suspect fled the scene.

Case #64553 - On 4-27-08 at 00:01, officers spoke to a victim who said he was riding his bike near the catwalk over the 1500 block of South Madison Avenue when approached by two W/M's. The suspects pulled out a knife and cut him on the forearm before demanding money. The victim had no money and the suspects fled.

Case #65511 - On 4-28-08 at 18:40, officers were sent to the Two Amigos at 3105 East English Avenue on an armed robbery. The victim said a B/M who had robbed the store three weeks ago entered the store again and placed a gun to her head. The suspect demanded money and fled with a large amount of cash.

Major personnel and/or disciplinary issues

Currently the Metro SouthEast District has 0 officers injured on duty, 6 detailed or training, 5 officers sick, 0 officers suspended, and 0 sick civilians.

Summaries of violent crimes

Case #62677 - On 4-23-08 at 22:25, officers spoke to the victim who stated she was walking in the area of East Minnesota and South Sherman Drive when approached by a W/M driving a red Cavalier who offered a ride. The victim accepted the ride and was taken to an alley near East Washington and South Sherman Drove and forcibly raped by the suspect. 

Community complaints/concerns

Extra patrol:

Case #66101 - On 4-29-08 at 18:13, officers were dispatched to an armed robbery at Los Jarochros located at 414 South Sherman Drive. The victim stated a B/M entered the store and placed a gun to her head demanding money. She gave him money and he then struck her in the head with the pistol causing a laceration. The suspect fled in an older gold vehicle which officers spotted nearby. The suspect was approached by an officer and the suspect threw down a gun as he fled on foot. The officer set up a perimeter and K-9 was able to locate and apprehend the robbery suspect.

Case #64766 - On 4-27-08 at 15:32, officers went to 7653 Heatherdown Court in Franklin Township to serve an arrest warrant for dealing in cocaine. The garage door to the residence opened as the officers approached and the female drove out striking one of the officers. She then attempted to run over the second officer and fled the area. Officers pursued the suspect's vehicle at high speeds and the suspect intentionally struck another officer's police vehicle. The suspect vehicle came to a stop due to the damage and the suspect was apprehended by K-9.

Case #64984 - On 04-28-08, officers responded to a business burglary in progress at the Sports Bowl at 3900 South Shelby Street. The officer arrived and found a suspect on the roof of the business with the roof access door pried open. The suspect was arrested for attempted burglary.

Departmental/community events

Upcoming events: The annual Southeast District Community day will be held on Thursday, May 22. Approximately 52 women attended the self defense classes held on April 24. Officers attended the Hanover North Crime Watch meeting on April 29.

Matters of interest to or requiring attention of commander: 

The Metro Southeast District made 41 Felony arrests, 76 Misdemeanor arrests and 45 Warrant arrests.

NOTE: Information provided by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Metro SouthEast District, Commander Clifford C. Myers.