Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 31 January 2003 — Page 1

, Preparing a conscious community today and beyond Meet the Artists XV, Page C6

INDIANA’S GREATEST WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Volume 108 ■ Number 5 ■ Since 1895 ■ FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2003 ■ www.indianapolisrecorder.com ■ Four Sections ■ 75C

Celebrating Black History Month Next week's Recorder will have a special section dedicated to the celebration of Black History Month. It will include information about African Americans that have made a significant impact on the Black community, historical facts and inspiring stories as well as, some fun stuff for kids. There will also be a detailed listing of various events that will take place throughout the month. Be sure to check out our special section, it’s interesting and will make a great reference guide. PSI and Cinergy offer energy-saving tips Customers of PSI Energy set a new record on Jan. 27 for winter electricity demand of 5,365 megawatts, breaking the old record of 5,364 megawatts set on Jan. 23. Cinergy, the parent company of PSI Energy, also set a winter record Mon- * day of 9,624 megawatts, breaking a record of 9,487 megawatts also set on Jan. 23. Cinergy is offering the following tips for conserving energy and lowering their energy bills. • Keep the cold out. Reducing air leaks could easily cut 10 percent or more from an average household’s monthly energy bill. Seal leaks around doors and windows with caulk or weather-stripping. • Clean or replace the furnace filter every month. • Install automatic setback or programmable thermostat. • Open draperies and window shades on sunny days and keep them closed on cloudy or cold, windy days and at night. • Set water heater temperature at 120 degrees and insulate water heaters with insulation "blankets,” in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. • Check that the attic and basement have the recommend levels of insulation. • Replace outdated heating systems and appliances with high-efficiency models. • If a home has ductwork in a cold area such as the garage or attic, seal the seams and joints in the ductwork with highest guality duct tape then insulate the ducts with fiberglass insulation. Reparations Now! meeting The National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (N’COBRA) chapter of Indianapolis will be having a general meeting on Feb. 8 from 3-5 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center, 40 W. 40th St. For more information, call (317) 549 3166. ► See BRIEFS, Page A4 Oot a hot nows tip? Want to bo hoard? H you would like to report any nows or share your comments, can the Recordor Nows Hotline «t (317) 924-5143.

services

By SHANNON WILLIAMS Recorder Editor

Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has found more ways to expedite individuals’renewal experience, while at the same time provide quality cus-

tomer care.

The BMV now has three alternatives for registration renewal through its BMV Express Services. And the best part about it is customers don’t even have

to visit a physical branch. “We wanted to pull people out of the branches to use these services because they’re quick, convenient, and you never have to leave home. You can do it 24hours a day, seven days a week. They’re always available,” explained Michele Swain, director of media and communications for the BMV. Perhaps the most common type of express

► Sue BMV, Page A3

Three ways to renew vehicle registrations

Online Services:

www.state.in.us/bmv/rrs Touch-Tone Renewal:

1-877-4-NEW-BMV (outside 317 area code) and 233-6265

(inside 317 area code)

Self-Service Terminal:

91 ndianapolis-area locations and 25 locations throughout Indiana. Visit www.in.gov/bmv

for a complete listing.

Is Indianapolis only African-American operaled menial heallh cenler in danger?

By BRANDON A. PERRY Staff Writer

Universal Behavioral Services (UBS), the only African-American operated community mental health center in Indianapolis, is currently in a dispute with Indiana state officials over its certification and financial status. A legal case is pending in Marion Superior Court’s Civil Division. The result of this case could lead to a deep cut in state funding for UBS, which might pave the way for a massive financial setback for UBS at best, or force the closing of its doors at the very worst. Either way, according to observers from both UBS and state government, African-American patients receiving attention at the center will have to reluctantly transfer to another, unfamiliar community mental health center if there is no settlement in the legal case. Opened in 1996, UBS, located at 820 Fort Wayne Ave., has a full clinical staff consisting of psychiatrists, therapists and case managers. Through their work, they have formed outreach programs to inform, educate and assist challenged individuals and families by offering alternatives, advocacy and treatment. Through facility services, See MENTAL HEALTH, Page A2

Terry Buford offers assistance to a UBS client. (Photo/ J. Hurst)

May primary doubtful in council remap fight

By AMOS BROWN III Recorder Correspondent Wednesday was the first day candidates could file for the May 6 Indianapolis City-County Council primary. But last Friday a historic court hearing failed to alleviate the growing constitutional crisis that now places into serious doubt whether a council primary will lx* held as scheduled. The unprecedented postponement of an Indianapolis election could occur because of a series of events, which have placed the entire Marion County Superior Court in what traditionally has been the province of the CityCouncil Council and the mayor. State law mandates that Indiana municipalities must redraw

council district boundaries after each census. The Indianapolis City-County Council had until Nov. 8 to do that. On Oct. 7 the council passed a redistricting ordinance by a party line 15-14 vote. The plan was crafted by the Republicans to give them a continued majority, without depending on winning one of the council’s four at large seats. Twelve days later, Mayor Bart Peterson vetoed that ordinance and the council didn’t attempt to override the mayor’s veto. Since thecouncil and the mayor couldn’t reach an agreement, state law mandates that new council districts may be drawn by the judges of the Marion County SuperiorCourt, sittingen banc, or as a group. So for two hours on Jan. 17,27

College Goal Sunday helps ease fhe financial aid process

By ERICKA P. THOMPSON Staff Writer Indiana is going to college. The state has witnessed an in- * crease of11,438 students enrolling in college compared to last year and there are even more who are applying to receive financial assistance. Applying for financial aid can be overwhelming, nerve wracking, and confusing if you are clueless on how to complete the necessary forms. College Goal Sunday is a statewide charitable program that provides free information and assistance to families applying for financial aid. It will take place from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9 at 34 sites in 29 Indiana communities. This program helps students and their parent’s complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) forms correctly and on time. This form is required for any student in need of financial aid, including grants and loans at colleges, universities, and technical schools nationwide. FAFSA forms must be received on or before March 10 to the federal processor. Financial aid advisor at Ball State University and co-coordi-nator of College Goal Sunday, Janet Trimble understands the complex process on filling out financial aid forms and ensures that College Goal Sunday is a helpful and essential tool. “The main benefit of College

Goal Sunday is to help students complete the forms correctly and in a timely manner,” saidTrimble. “We help eliminate errors that can delay the process. Also, students who complete the forms on time are in the position to receive more financial help than those who complete the form late.” College Goal Sunday will provide plenty of financial aid professionals to assist as many students as possible complete the paper work. Students under age 23 should attend the event with a parent or guardian and bring their parents’ completed 2002 IRS 1040 tax return, W-2 form, or other 2002 income, asset, and benefit information. Students 24 years of age or older must bring their own completed information. This event is geared toward low-to-middle income Indiana residents of all ages who qualify for undergraduate admission to a college or technical school who is in need of help understandingthe financial aid process and filling out the application. The most important information to sustain when deciding to attend college is that there is free money out there. last year, nearly $90 billion is financial aid was given to students throughout the United States and Indiana students received more than half-billion dol-

► See COLLEGE, Page A3

of the 32 Superior Court judges met for a first ever group hearing. The hearing took place in the Dr. Buert SerVaas Public Assembly Room of the City-County Building: ironically where the CityCounty Council regularly meets. The judges listened to arguments on how they could solve the redistriding impasse. The hearing was conducted by Superior Court Judge Cynthia Ayres, the current Superior Court presiding judge. In a footnote to the historic proceedings, Judge Ayres is African American. The hearing began with Anthony Overholt, an attorney for Mayor Peterson and Democrats, urging the judges to “appoint an ► Sac PRIMARY, Pag* A4

Acclaimed poet, Marl Evans (right) discusses the Civil Rights Era with aspiring writer, Tasha Boyd during a recent visit to Butler University. (Photo/ J. Hurst)

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