WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Hoosiers should keep their umbrellas and flashlights handy because the thunderstorms that have marked spring, especially early June, likely will continue until the end of July.

Infrared satellite images of southern Indiana show widespread flooding of the White and Wabash rivers. The image on the left was taken on May 28, before the record rainfall, and the image on the right was taken on June 10. The images have a resolution of approximately 275 yards (250 meters). Purdue University’s Terrestrial Observatory captured the images from NASA’s MODIS-Aqua satellite.

La Niña’s control of the weather pattern will continue to make Indiana’s normally severe storm season more intense and generate storms more frequently than average, said Dev Niyogi, state climatologist and an assistant professor of agronomy and earth and atmospheric sciences at Purdue University. La Niña is a name given to the interaction of the atmosphere with cooler than normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific. This impacts global weather patterns.

“Whenever we are in a La Niña pattern, there is increased propensity for severe weather over Indiana during spring and summer with increased likelihood for thunderstorms and rain,” Niyogi said. “We are nearing the end of the La Niña cycle, which started last year, but the sea surface temperatures are still about one-half a degree cooler than normal.”

The cool ocean surface temperature and recent precipitation deluge tell climatologists that La Niña still has some punches to throw, he said.

La Niña could be the major reason for the weather pattern responsible for 9.85 inches of rain in Gosport in Morgan County on June 7. Edinburgh, Ind., has the rainfall record for the week of June 2-8 with 17.94 inches and also for a single day with 9.95 inches on June 8. According to the National Weather Service, precipitation of this magnitude is considered a 1-in-1,000 year event.

Although the current La Niña is coming to an end, Niyogi said that it’s likely the weather will continue to be wet all summer. But it’s difficult to predict amounts of rain or exactly where it will fall, he said.

“Rainfall is one of the most complex factors in nature,” Niyogi said. “The ground temperature, whether the ground is too wet or too dry, the altitude, the air temperature and humidity all interact to determine where precipitation will fall.”

Many of those factors came together over the southern third of the state during the first two weeks of June, he said. The effect was that a weather pattern of thunderstorms with heavy rain formed over that large area of Indiana and caused flooding. So much rain on already saturated ground, left water with nowhere to go except into homes, businesses and fields that quickly took on the appearance of new swimming pools and lakes.

“It’s difficult to say why some areas were hit with widespread heavy precipitation,” he said. “We’re still studying why some places receive heavy precipitation and others don’t. But we do know that people in Indiana should be prepared for more flooding.”

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Every toilet flush and running faucet can place an additional burden on septic systems in homes ravaged by Indiana’s floods, said a Purdue University Extension agricultural engineer.

Older septic tanks or those in poor condition might be vulnerable to flooding, which can cause wastewater to back up into the house and possibly even lead to permanent septic system damage, said Don Jones.

Jones advised homeowners with flooded septic systems to limit their water use until floodwaters recede and soils have had an opportunity to dry.

About 800,000 homes in Indiana have private sewage systems.

“A high water table – the kind you would see in a flood – can become a problem if there are cracks in the septic tank or the seals around the tank aren’t very good,” Jones said. “This is probably a bigger concern for septic systems that are at least 10 years old.”

Septic systems in Indiana use soil absorption fields to treat and disperse the wastewater that leaves the septic tank. In normal conditions, the systems remove nitrogen and pathogens from the wastewater before the pathogens reach groundwater. In flood conditions, however, saturated soils can prevent proper wastewater treatment and dispersion from taking place, resulting in sewage backups and potential groundwater contamination.

“You could even get water running back into a newer, watertight septic tank if there is not much slope in the soil field,” Jones said.

Septic tanks not equipped with effluent filters could face long-term damage to the filter field, Jones said. Many older tanks are not fitted with the filters.

“The filter is used to prevent solids from being washed out of the tank, even when the liquid level in the pump is high,” he said. “This keeps solids and scum in the tank from reaching the filter field, even when the filter cartridge is removed for cleaning.

“If no filter is present when the wastewater level in the tank is above the outlet baffle, some of the floating solids and scum can overflow into the soil absorption field as it dries out. If water from the soil field is able to back up into the tank, is stirred up and then runs out again, even more solids could end up in the soil field. This can affect the system in the near term and even shorten the life of the soil field.”

Homeowners with submerged septic tanks should have the systems inspected once floodwaters abate, Jones said. He also recommended homeowners:

• Avoid removing the septic tank lid while the tank is still under water. “In addition to flooding the system, someone could even fall into the tank,” Jones said. “It’s good to just leave it alone until the water goes away.”
• Minimize water use until soils are no longer soggy. “The soil doesn’t need any more water,” Jones said. “If you need to do laundry, go to a coin-operated laundry. Keep water use in the home to a minimum, even if the water is still flowing out of the house into the septic system.”
• Shut off power to septic system sewage pumps until floodwater goes down.
• Remove all silt and other material from the septic tank, distribution boxes and sewage pump chambers after water recedes. This requires a professional.

Above all, be patient and allow the soil a chance to dry, Jones said.

“With the water table as high as it is in some parts of southern Indiana right now, that’s going to take a few days, or even weeks,” he said.

For additional information and tips on septic systems and flooding, read Purdue Extension publication HENV-10-W, “Septic Systems in Flooded and Wet Soil Conditions,” by Jones and Purdue agronomist Brad Lee. The publication is available online at http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/HENV/HENV-10-W.pdf or by calling Purdue’s toll-free Extension hotline at 1-888-EXT-INFO (398-4636).

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University police are seeking a man in connection with a Thursday (June 12) morning attempted burglary at the Zeta Psi fraternity house, 950 David Ross Road.

The attempt is the second such incident reported in the last two days. Police investigated a burglary reported about 8:45 a.m. Wednesday (June 11) at the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity house at 417 Waldron St.

PUPD composite sketch of suspect

A man was confronted in the houses in both incidents, said Purdue Police Lt. Fred Davis. However, the suspect descriptions vary slightly.

In Thursday’s attempted burglary, a resident was preparing to leave for work around 5:30 a.m. and met a stranger in the hallway, according to a police report. The resident told police the man said he was looking for someone in the house. The man left the building through the front door, and the resident followed him and noticed a large blue duffel bag at the top of the stairs.

“The bag contained tools that the resident believes belong to the fraternity,” Davis said. “The resident looked around the house and didn’t notice anything else missing.”

PUPD composite sketch of suspect in attempted burglary at Alpha Kappa Lamda

The suspect is described as a bald white male in his late 20s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 210-220 pounds. He was wearing a gray T-shirt and jean shorts, and drove away in a gray or light blue, possibly early 1990s, mid-sized van with two windows on the passenger side and double doors in the back, Davis said.

In Wednesday’s burglary at the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity house, a witness reported seeing an unknown man in the house around 8:40 a.m. Sometime after the man left, residents noticed several items – including a camera, a watch and a jar of change – were missing from their rooms. The suspect was described as a white, balding male with a goatee, 30-40 years old, about 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds. He was wearing a blue button-up, collared shirt and khaki shorts and left in a blue woodgrain-patterned truck, Davis said.

Anyone with information about these cases or who has seen suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact the Purdue Police Department at (765) 494-8221 or the anonymous tip line at (765) 496-3784.

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. — After receiving a green light late Saturday night from the state Gaming Commission, Indiana Live Casino opened its doors on Monday, June 9, 2008 inside a temporary structure on the grounds of Indiana Downs, located along Interstate 74 in Shelbyville, Ind.

More than 1,900 high-tech slot machines and electronic gaming devices are complemented by the world-renowned cuisine of Wolfgang Puck inside Cafe Live by Wolfgang Puck. Indiana Live Casino may employ up to 350 people at its temporary, 70,000-square-foot location.

“This has been an exciting process for everyone involved with The Cordish Company, Indiana Downs and Indiana Live Casino,” said Mark Hemmerle, general manager of Indiana Live Casino. “We are elated that this day has finally arrived and that we have gained approval from the Indiana Gaming Commission to welcome everyone throughout central Indiana and beyond to experience the latest, greatest and most exciting Vegas-style casino Indiana has to offer.”

Indiana Live Casino staged a 10-hour VIP event Friday that served as a test run of the casino before the state gaming commission. Hundreds of exclusively invited guests were able to experience the casino’s high-tech slots and electronic gaming devices and dine at Cafe Live by Wolfgang Puck during the event. Prior, a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony featured a special designation by Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson, who proclaimed Friday as “Indiana Live Casino Day” in Shelby County.

Before Indiana Live Casino could officially open to the public, it was required to undergo Friday’s comprehensive gaming commission auditing process that thoroughly scrutinized operations and ensured internal policies and procedures met state-enforced industry regulations.

“Indiana Live Casino’s reality has been a day-and-night effort between East Coast and Midwest teams dedicated to a mutual business venture, the rules and regulations of the state’s industry regulators and the interests of those throughout central Indiana who seek the thrills of challenging gaming, fine dining and excellent nightlife,” Hemmerle said. “We’ve been working around the clock to get this temporary facility up and open and now that the day’s here, we look forward to our next milestone – opening the permanent Indiana Live Casino in January. This has been an extremely satisfying and rewarding experience.”

In January, the temporary site will give way to a sprawling, 233,000- square-foot permanent Indiana Live Casino connected to the Indiana Downs clubhouse. The permanent site will feature not only the slots and electronic gaming devices but also upscale dining and nightlife destinations, including Maker’s Mark Steakhouse, NASCAR Sports Grille, Live Market featuring international foods in a fresh-market atmosphere and both the Angels Rock Bar and Mosaic Center Bar. Up to 650 people may be employed by Indiana Live Casino at its permanent home.

“All of that — combined with both live and simulcasting horse racing at Indiana Downs, you just can’t ask for more,” Hemmerle said.

Today’s public opening of Indiana Live Casino will be followed by several exciting events this week, including a concert series beginning Thursday in the casino’s 5,000-seat outdoor concert venue. Blood Sweat and Tears performs Thursday, followed by Kenny Loggins on Friday, Vertical Horizon and The Calling on Saturday and Phil Vassar with special guest Jeremy McComb on Sunday.

Indiana Live Casino, located at Indiana Downs, is the closest casino to downtown Indianapolis. The casino is located 20 minutes from downtown Indianapolis off Interstate 74 at Exit 109 in Shelbyville, and just under two hours from Lafayette-West Lafayette. Indiana Live Casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year.

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ABOUT INDIANA LIVE CASINO

Indiana Live Casino is owned by Indiana Downs LLC. The project is being developed and managed by Baltimore, Md.-based developer The Cordish Company. The Cordish Company’s Gaming Operations are headed by CEO and partner Dennis Gomes. For more, visit www.indianalivecasino.com .

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The St. Elizabeth Regional Hospice in Lafayette has scheduled their summer hospice volunteer training classes for new volunteers to work with hospice patients and their families in your area.

Class sessions will be on the following dates and times:

• Saturday, July 19: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Monday, July 21: 5 to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 23: 5 to 8 p.m.
• Monday, July 28: 5 to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 30: 5 to 8 p.m.

All sessions will be held at the Kathryn Weil Center for Education. The Kathryn Weil Center for Education is located in the Medical Arts Building, 415 N. 26th St., Suite 400 in Lafayette on the Home Hospital campus.

Volunteers provide non-medical services to hospice patients and their families that include a break for caregivers, patient companionship, listening and emotional support, basic bedside comfort measures or assisting with shopping, yard or household chores. Volunteers can be a wonderful support for families during this difficult time.

Those who have lost loved ones within the last year are strongly encouraged to wait for at least one year before volunteering for direct care with our hospice families; however interested persons could volunteer to provide office support.

For more information, to request an application packet or to register for the class, please contact Diana Salazar, St. Elizabeth Hospice volunteer coordinator, at (765) 423-6924 by July 12.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — With summer’s rising temperatures, the 2008 Kroger Indy Jazz Fest presented by Coca-Cola adds heat with steamy performances by Grammy Award-winner John Legend, Buddy Guy and Freddie Hubbard. For the first time in the history of the Indy Jazz Fest, the soul music will continue with a performance each day by an award-winning American Pianists Association (APA) Jazz Fellow. For more information about the Jazz Fellowship, visit http://www.americanpianists.org/programs/jazzFell.aspx.

In addition, performances at the Kroger Indy Jazz Fest will be the only thing smoking, as the fest goes smoke-free for the first time. The Festival also does its part to keep Military Park and the community clean by partnering with community leaders Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Countrymark Co-op and Cummins Power Generators.

Artist Line-up includes performances by:

Friday: Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel, Bettye LaVette, Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood, Adam Brinbaum (former APA Jazz Fellow) and Buddy Guy

Saturday: Headliner John Legend, Jerry Gonzalez & the Fort Apache Band, Stephanie Browning Quartet, Dan Tepfer Trio (APA Jazz Fellow), Freddie Hubbard, Tad Robinson, Dave Koz and Kenny Phelps and Hannaneel

Sunday: Robin McKelle Quartet, Aaron Parks Quartet (former APA Jazz Fellow) and Legends of Jazz Tour presented by AARP, including Ramsey Lewis, Paquito D’Rivera and Fourplay

Tickets are now available at any Kroger store in Indiana or through June 11 at indyjazzfest.net. Single day tickets are $25 and $65 for a three-day pass. Tickets can also be purchased at Military Park the day of the event with CASH ONLY for $25 for Friday and $35 for Saturday and Sunday. Children 14 and younger are free when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.

For more information about the Kroger Indy Jazz Fest presented by Coca-Cola or to purchase tickets, visit www.indyjazzfest.net or call (317) 940-8072.

The American Pianists Association receives support from the City of Indianapolis through the Arts Council of Indianapolis, the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, the Lilly Endowment, Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, the Indiana General Assembly through the Indiana Arts Commission and the U.S. Congress through the National Endowment for the Arts, among others.