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The grandest fireworks this week might erupt from the Indiana Statehouse, where lawmakers are down to the wire in approving a budget before the current two-year spending plan expires.
Gov. Mitch Daniels warned last week that all but the most essential state functions would shut down if a new budget is not in place on Wednesday.
The non-essential functions include the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, state parks and all Indiana racetracks and casinos because state government provides law enforcement services there.
Neither Republican nor Democratic lawmakers should be eager to see exactly what will happen if they fail to reach agreement. So look for a last-minute burst of activity Tuesday.
The House and Senate versions of the budget aren’t terribly far apart on dollar figures, but they do differ philosophically, particularly with regard to education spending. Both chambers are scheduled to reconvene this afternoon.
Neighbors of Fort Wayne’s Taylor University campus will have the chance to share their thoughts on what should happen there during a meeting today.
Ambassador Family Enterprises will conduct a neighborhood forum at Eicher Student Center to collect ideas.
The company was hired by Taylor to make a recommendation on how the 30-acre, 17-building campus should be used now that most programs there have been discontinued. WBCL-FM 90.3 radio will remain on campus.
University officials want the “heritage and historical significance” of the campus maintained, and they also want it to address educational needs.
The campus is a major feature of the West Rudisill Boulevard neighborhood, and its future could have a major influence on nearby homes. Taylor officials seem to be taking a thoughtful approach in deciding how to use the campus. The ideas of its neighbors will be invaluable.
Two Allen County school districts mark major leadership changes this week.
East Allen County Schools Superintendent Kay Novotny is retiring after three years on the job, while Southwest Allen County Schools Superintendent Brian Smith is leaving after 11 years to take the top post at Hamilton Southeastern School Corp.
Both posts will be filled by Wednesday.
The East Allen board of trustees hired Karyle Green, a South Bend principal, to replace Novotny after a search assisted by a university screening committee.
There were nine applicants, but the board hired Green without selecting a finalist.
In a notice posted on the SACS Web site, the Southwest Allen board advised it “will not follow a traditional advertising process and will not include a preconceived timeline.”
“Because of the confidence the school board has in Interim Superintendent Dr. Nancy Carey, and the administrative staff at SACS, such a thoughtful approach will result in success for the community,” according to the notice.
The board scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday to announce its pick for superintendent.
Area residents will have two fireworks displays to choose from Saturday, the July Fourth holiday.
In addition to the Centennial Wireless Fireworks Spectacular on Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne’s North Campus, Parkview Field will be the site of a post-TinCaps game display.
The IPFW event site opens at noon. Activities and events begin at 2 p.m., with live music starting at 4 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10:15 p.m. Admission is free.
