The Vanderburgh County Commission voted yesterday to renew the county’s contract with SMG, the convention-facilities management firm currently overseeing operations at the Old National Event Plaza. SMG has managed the ONEP since 2001.

The new contract will pay SMG a $160,000 annual fixed fee, with the stipulation that SMG will invest $200,000 in bringing new events into the facility and another $30,000 to assist with marketing and sales activities.

SMG, known as a worldwide leader in convention and entertainment facility management, is also eligible for an incentive fee to reduce the ONEP’s operating financial deficit, or it will rebate up to half of its fixed fee back to the county.

“With the new infrastructure in place at the ONEP and other local developments in progress, the county is set up to succeed with this contract,” said Vanderburgh County Commissioner Bruce Ungethiem. “The investment we make along with the investment SMG has pledged creates a win-win for taxpayers and the local economy.”

In addition to providing oversight of all sales, marketing, maintenance and food-and-beverage services at the ONEP, SMG will refocus its efforts on pursuing convention business with state associations, corporate meetings and regional events. SMG will also be announcing new leadership in the next few days to oversee the ONEP.

SMG has been providing facility management for 40 years, and currently manages 230 facilities worldwide.

Trooper Danielle Elwood Henderson Promoted To Sergeant To Serve As Indiana State Police Youth Camps Coordinator

Indianapolis, IN- Monday, April 24th, Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter promoted Trooper Danielle Elwood Henderson to the rank of Sergeant to serve as the Indiana State Police Youth Camps Coordinator. The Indiana State Police conduct eight different camps each June and July throughout Indiana.

Elwood Henderson is from Lapeer, Michigan and is a 2003 graduate of Lapeer West High School. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Taylor University in 2008. After graduation, she operated a horse training business, specializing in dressage and jumping, until graduating from the 70th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy in 2011.

Sgt. Elwood Henderson was assigned to the Lowell Post and patrolled Lake, Jasper and Newton Counties. During that time, Elwood Henderson became a crash Reconstructionist, Field Training Officer and was a recruit counselor for the 75th and 76th Indiana State Police Academies. Beginning in 2012, Elwood Henderson has participated in the ISP Youth Camps as a counselor and director.

Sgt. Elwood Henderson is assigned to the Public Information Office and will work from the Indiana State Police Museum located at 8660 E. 21st Street, Indianapolis. She will be responsible for the administrative duties and will oversee the Indiana State Police Camps statewide.

Sergeant Elwood Henderson is married to Trooper Brandon Henderson of the Central Swat team. They reside in Henry County with their two month old son Rorke.

For more information on the Indiana State Police Youth Camps go to http://www.in.gov/isp and click on the link Youth Camps.

Holcomb Signs Bills To Attack The Drug Epidemic

Governor Eric J. Holcomb took decisive action today in combating the drug epidemic by signing his three legislative agenda bills into law as well as the bill to expand Indiana’s On My Way pre-k pilot program. These four bills were key items included in his Next Level legislative agenda.

Attacking the Drug Epidemic

“The opioid crisis is negatively impacting the lives of Hoosiers, their families, our communities—even our economy,” Gov. Holcomb said. “I commend lawmakers for supporting my initiatives and delivering a package of legislation that provides a holistic framework for us to attack this epidemic.”

Since 2000, deaths from drug overdoses have increased 500 percent, and Indiana ranks 15th in the country in overdose fatalities. On his first day in office, Gov. Holcomb created a new position, the Executive Director for Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement, and appointed Jim McClelland to lead the effort. His legislative agenda included three bills designed to address the crisis in a coordinated and comprehensive way, and he signed all three into law today:

• SEA 226:  Limits the amount of opioids that can be prescribed during a doctor’s first opioid prescription to a particular patient. This reduces the risk of addiction and reduces the phenomenon of “doctor shopping,” when drug addicted patients go to multiple doctors for opioid prescriptions.
• HEA 1438:  Allows local governments to approve and establish syringe exchange programs to stop the spread of dangerous infectious diseases.
• HEA 1540:  Elevates the level of felony that can be assessed for robbing a pharmacy or pharmacist under varying circumstances.

 Prekindergarten

Gov. Holcomb also signed House Enrolled Act 1004 (HEA 1004) to expand Indiana’s On My Way pre-k pilot program from five to 20 counties and increase funding for early education programs by $10 million per year. This bill is a key component of the governor’s Next Level agenda to prepare a skilled and ready 21^st century workforce.

“My goal this session was to double the number of low-income students who have access to quality prekindergarten programs,” Gov. Holcomb said. “It’s a joy to sign this bill that gives more students a great start to their educational journeys.”

Additionally, Holcomb signed 21 other bills. Visit the 2017 Bill Watch webpage to view these and other bills the governor has signed into law