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 DJIA 11,615.4 -99.8 / S&P 500 1,289.6 -11.1 / NASDAQ 2,372.1 -39.5
 |  |  Tonight: Clearing and cooler. Low 60. Tomorrow: Sunny, nice. High 85. Sunday: Sunny, warm. High 87.
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|  Friday, August 29, 2008 |
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Ballard replaces economic development leaders
Republican Mayor Greg Ballard has replaced the last of the top economic development officials left from the Democratic administration of former Mayor Bart Peterson. This morning Ballard announced that former Mainscape Inc. President Scott Miller will replace Jeb Conrad at Indianapolis Economic Development Inc., and former Bureau of Motor Vehicles official Brooke Huntington will oversee the Indianapolis Private Industry Council. She replaces Joanne Joyce, who left the organization in July. Conrad resigned effective Sept. 1. Miller and Huntington start work Sept. 2. 
Cafe Group, Capitol Vending acquired
Two units of Crystal Food Services have been acquired by Treat American Food Services, which is headquartered in the Kansas City suburb of Merriam, Kan. Treat America intends to expand the operations of Cafe Group, which runs corporate cafeterias, and vending-machine supplier Capitol Vending, said Chief Financial Officer Mike Meurer. The sale is the latest in a string of divestitures by Indianapolis-based Crystal.
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Wabash National to raise prices in October
Semi-trailer maker Wabash National Corp. said yesterday it is increasing prices by an average of 5 percent for new orders booked after Oct. 1 and an additional increase of 3 percent to 5 percent on Jan. 1. The Lafayette company cited increasing costs of raw materials and purchased components for the increase, saying steel costs have more than doubled this year and aluminum is projected to increase another 45 percent by year-end. Wabash shares increased 45 cents yesterday but fell 12 cents this morning, to $8.94. The stock has traded between $6.78.
WellPoint spent $890,000 on lobbying in 2Q
Health insurer WellPoint Inc. spent $890,000 in the second quarter to lobby the federal government on several health care-related issues, according to a recent disclosure report. The nation's largest health insurer lobbied on Medicare funding, reauthorization of a children's health insurance program, health information technology, health savings accounts, issues related to the uninsured, insurance market reform, generic drugs and other matters.
AM General to lay off 80 at Hummer plant
Falling demand for the hulking H2 Hummer sport-utility vehicle has prompted its manufacturer, Mishawaka-based AM General, to lay off 80 workers, according to the South Bend Tribune. Production at AM General's northern Indiana plant will be cut to 25 units a day from the volume of 52 a day early this summer as rising gas prices squelch consumer demand for vehicles with low fuel efficiency. The H2 is based on the Hummer military vehicle, which AM General also builds.
Note to readers
IBJ Daily won't be published Monday in observance of Labor Day.
Short fiction in newspapers?
A newspaper looks to short stories to win back readers. Lou Harry's A&E IndyGo says shuttle to Colts game a no-go
Feds won't allow bus system to compete with charter firms. The Score
From IBJ staff - Compiled by Norm Heikens
McCain names Alaska governor as running mate
Two senior campaign officials confirm John McCain has chosen first-term Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (PAY-lin) to be his running mate. Palin, 44, is a self-styled "hockey mom" and political reformer. Fox 59 will have more at 10 p.m.
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Driver in Taylor crash could be released from prison
The driver responsible for a crash that killed four Taylor University students is in court and could be released from prison today. Robert Spencer was convicted in the 2006 crash that drew national attention after a coroner misidentified one of the students killed as one of the survivors. Investigators say Spencer fell asleep at the wheel after driving at least nine hours longer than allowed under federal rules.
Katrina survivor hosting memorial service
Today is the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and a survivor is hosting a service to commemorate it. Rev. E.L. Porter was one of 2,000 people who sought refuge in Indiana from the disaster. He is the host pastor of tonight's Community Service of Remembrance and Hope at Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 4375 N. Arlington Ave. at 7 p.m.
RibAmerica, Oktoberfest open today
The 13th annual RibAmerica festival opened today at Military Park downtown. Ten barbeque restaurants will sell their spicy, grilled creations as participants enjoy live music. The event runs through Monday. Oktoberfest also opens today at its new home at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The event boasts traditional German food and a variety of German beers, along with music, dancing and carnival rides. It runs through Sunday, and also next Friday and Saturday.
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| Former sheriff in court
Former Putnam County Sheriff Mark Frisbee pleaded guilty this morning to charges that he stole more than $12,000 in federal money from his department in 2006. His sentencing is Nov. 13 in a Terre Haute court. The plea means Frisbee can't carry a gun, effectively ending his law enforcement career.
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