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IMPD’s Great Camp: Building connections and steering kids away from violence

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IMPD’s Great Camp: Building connections and steering kids away from violence


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — School’s out for the summer, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is offering free activities designed to steer kids away from gangs and violence. The programs help young people build connections with police officers.

One long-running program continues to make an impact.

G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Camp has been around for nearly 30 years. This camp expands on the school-year G.R.E.A.T. curriculum, reinforcing leadership, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills and mentorship from IMPD officers.

Dwayncate Vinson has attended camp for four years.

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“It helps, like, what to do and what not to do. If you have an encounter with a police officer,” Vinson said.

He says he loves the activities like playing basketball and going to Kings Island.

During the summer, students take part in team-building activities and community service projects. They also get the chance to meet and interact with specialty units, including K-9 officers and SWAT teams.

“I would recommend this camp because it helps you stay out of trouble when you grow up, and if you want to become a police officer, it can help you with that a lot,” said Vinson.

While campers say the program is a lot of fun, organizers say it’s also about connecting kids with resources and positive role models. IMPD GREAT officer and organizer Marilyn Grunell has been spearheading the program for decades.

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“We don’t want them to repeat that cycle; we want them to walk away from the violence instead of getting involved in it,” Grunell said.

The camp allows the kids to spend time with police officers one-on-one in a safe and welcoming environment.

“This is a great program we’d love for it to continue as many years as we can get it going out there for youth,” said Grunell.

The Great Camp is one of multiple programs and activities offered in the city for free. You can check more of IMPD’s programs website.



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Indianapolis, IN

Council Approves Increase in Indy Vehicle Tax

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Council Approves Increase in Indy Vehicle Tax


Source: Indianapolis City-County Building. Picture from Indy.gov

INDIANAPOLIS — People who live and drive in Marion County will pay more to register their vehicles starting next year after the City-County Council approved changes to vehicle fees Monday night.

The new plan replaces the current vehicle excise surtax and wheel tax structure with flat annual fees.

Most vehicles will have a $100 registration fee each year. Vehicles subject to the county wheel tax will pay a $240 annual fee. People will only pay one of the fees depending on their vehicle type.

The changes begin Jan. 1, 2027, and are expected to raise about $356 million over the next five years for road improvements across Marion County.

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Supporters say the additional money will help pay for repairs and other transportation projects. The plan is also expected to help Marion County receive additional state funding for roads.

The proposal has faced opposition from some local leaders and residents who say raising costs is difficult as people continue to deal with higher prices for everyday expenses.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett previously opposed the increase, saying he did not believe residents should have to pay more through a tax increase to fund infrastructure improvements.

The City-County Council approved the changes Monday night after the proposal moved through committee last week. The new fees will be collected when people renew their vehicle registrations beginning in 2027.



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Indianapolis, IN

Former Colts center Ryan Kelly opens up about life after retirement

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Former Colts center Ryan Kelly opens up about life after retirement


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — After retiring from the NFL in early March, former longtime Colts center Ryan Kelly is stepping into the next chapter of his life.

Drafted by the Colts in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Kelly spent nine seasons with the Horseshoe. Now 32, he shared a life update during the AC Golf Classic just a few months into retirement.

“My golf game is getting better,” Kelly said. “I’m chasing three kids around. Trying to figure out what’s next for me. But right now, we’re just having a lot of fun. Still keeping in touch with a lot of the guys, and they’re getting ready for the season, so it’s kind of an adjustment not being a part of that anymore.”

Kelly reflected on what he misses most about playing in the NFL.

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“I kind of look back on 10 years and really appreciate what I was able to do and the people I was around,” Kelly said. “That’s ultimately what you miss the most is the guys and the people in the building. Little reunion tour maybe this year, come back to the Colts games, bring the kids.”

For most of Kelly’s life, he’s spent his days waiting for gameday. With more free time now, he says it’s been an adjustment not preparing his body for a long NFL season.

“It’s a little weird, you feel like you should be training,” Kelly said. “I try to do a little workout, not as much as I used to, to try to keep up with that. The mental side, it’s a challenge. I think that’s why golf’s been great for me. It’s like the unattainable achievement that you’re always trying to get to. I keep tabs with the guys, and I think what’s great is that’s what you miss the most. The kind of personalities you miss. Being in touch with those guys has been great.”

Though Kelly is no longer on the roster, he remains close with several Colts, including star guard Quenton Nelson and offensive line coach Tony Sparano.

As the Colts prepare for training camp in late July, Kelly praised Sparano’s coaching and Nelson’s leadership on the offensive line.

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“They’re set up really well with Tony,” Kelly said. “Tony Sparano, I think is one of the finest line coaches in the league. Learned so much from his dad and really brought us back together in ‘23 to bring that unit back together. A lot of great players, talented players, but made us believe who we were, how we could be good together.”

“And Q, he’s out here today going into year nine,” Kelly said. “I remember when he was a rookie. It’s just amazing to see how fast it goes. But his steadfast leadership has been so good. I know they have great talent. Those guys really believe they can be great. I think that’s awesome. They play together, and you can watch their film. They have a great quarterback, great offense. Looking forward to watching them this year.”

The Colts’ offensive line that Kelly praised was among the NFL’s best last season. Indianapolis finished second in rushing touchdowns (27) and tied for 10th in yards per carry (4.5).

According to Pro Football Focus, the unit ranked second overall in the league. The line also powered Jonathan Taylor to 1,585 rushing yards, the third-highest total by a running back last season.

Kelly also joked that his kids might one day follow in his footsteps as NFL offensive linemen.

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“Some future offensive lineman, NFL offensive lineman right there,” Kelly said. “I see some of their feet, and I’m like, oh my God, these kids are going to be enormous. One already said they wanted to play for Alabama. We’ll see how it goes, we’ve got a couple more years.”

Kelly was a four-time Pro Bowler with the Colts during his nine seasons in Indy.

 



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Indianapolis, IN

Crash on Indy’s East Side Kills a Man

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Crash on Indy’s East Side Kills a Man


Source: FOX 59

INDIANAPOLIS — A man is dead after being struck by a vehicle on the city’s east side early Monday morning, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

IMPD officers responded to a report of a personal injury crash around 6 a.m. on North Shadeland Avenue, near 38th Street and Pendleton Pike. That’s where another crash happened after the first.

Investigators say a man was standing outside of his vehicle. He was struck and critically injured.

Medics took him to a hospital, where he later died. Police confirmed that two other drivers stayed at the scene and are cooperating with the investigation.

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