I have read with much interest for a number of years the ISU administration’s projected Master Plans. These plans are to be a guide for its facilities and land use for the next five, 15 or 20 years. One of the latest projections by President Dan Bradley was in the Tribune-Star issues on Dec. 18 and 19, 2009. Those projections extend to the downtown and riverfront areas. These ideas are commendable toward the growth of the university and our community. I am certain nearly everyone wishes the university continued success in all their endeavors.
What interested me most is what isn’t mentioned in the numerous ISU news releases of the past years. There is one piece of property in the near exact center of the ISU campus which has been ignored in all press releases by the administration, trustees or ISU Foundation and continues to be so. Very strange.
The absence of official communication between two parties has puzzled this writer for nearly 40 years. Why? I would be delighted to learn the reasoning.
The Zorah Shrine Fraternity has served this community for over 100 years, with 83 years at the present location of 410 N. Seventh St. The Shrine has a second location northeast of town (40 acres) called the “Country Place” for recreational purpose only. A location move would not be a serious problem for administration of its children and charities. A number of local Shrine and Imperial headquarters permissions would be necessary and are time consuming.
The Zorah Shrine building has an existing parking lot of approximately 100 parking spaces, numerous office rooms, dining area of nearly 400 seating, a commercial kitchen with two walk-in coolers and an auditorium with approximately 2,000 seating. I wonder if any other building on the Indiana State campus has such potential versatility? Does this building need updating? Most certainly, just as President Bradley suggested of other campus buildings in the article of Jan. 1 in the Tribune Star.
It seems perfectly reasonable to ask the question of why the ISU administration seeks to continue the expansion, but ignore the hub of the campus?
These ISU Master Plans affect many other entities, including churches on Seventh Street, who also have served the community for many years. The absence of official dialogue for at least 40 years creates uncertainty and isn’t the best example of community public relations.
As an interested citizen, please enlighten me to eliminate the question of Why? I promise to listen.
— Ronald K. Smith
Terre Haute
Thanks for help with VA claim
I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mr. Daniel Holland, an advocate from Congressman Ellsworth’s office, along with the Joyce Cox, RN, Carolyn LaMar, NP, Diana Bolinsky, and all of the staff at the Terre Haute VA Clinic over the last 10 months for the diligent and professional job they did assisting me with my veteran’s claims.
They always kept me informed and never gave up. They were kind, understanding and decided to give me the best treatment. They also referred me to Indianapolis when needed. A big thanks also to Karen Barnaby, the veteran’s representative at the annex who helped me with all of the endless paperwork.
On Jan. 22, 2010, I received word that my claim had been settled. As a proud U.S. Army veteran, I again want to say “thank you” and we are not forgotten.
— James F. Smitley
and family
Terre Haute
Raw Video: Kim Jong Il Statue Unveiled
Authorities: Houston Found Underwater in Tub
Raw Video: Hearse Arrives at N.J. Funeral Home
Arm Wrestler Not Guilty Plea in Wife's Death
Trial Opens for Ala. Man in Bride's Diving Death
Baltimore's 'Crime Stopper' Is a Basketball Star
Raw Video: Houston Body Flown From L.A. to N.J.
First Person: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Bacteria Keep Swimmers Off Some Fla. Beaches
Raw Video: Whitney Houston's Last Performance
Obama's New Budget: The Winners and Losers
Police: Houston Found Under Water, Unconscious
Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party
Gregoire: Marriage Equality Is Right for Wash.
Raw Video: Israeli Embassy Car Attacked
Israeli Diplomats Targeted in India, Georgia
Coroner: Don't Know Houston's Cause of Death Yet
ShowBiz Minute: Houston, Grammys, BAFTAs
Sandusky Can See Grandkids, Have Local Jury
Attempted Bomb Attack Stopped in Georgia
Watch: Whitney Houston's Golden Hearse
Kate Upton MLB 2K12 Commercial
Olympic Swimmer Proposes on Podium After Big Win
Scarlett Johansson's Bikini P-D-A
Man Allegedly Drowns Wife While Scuba Diving
Sports Illustrated Cover Leaked
Wash. becomes 7th state to okay same-sex marriage
Romijn's 60 Pound Weight Loss
The 'Celebrity Apprentice' Cast Meets Donald Trump
Kissing contest heats up
Hugh Hefner's Son Arrested
Jacqueline Kennedy's personal papers released
Did Tyler Perry Have a Secret Wedding?
Iran denies Israeli embassy bombings
'Bachelor' Free Falls into the Ocean
Facebook Parenting: Father Posts Video Responding to Daughter's Post
Bobby Brown on Houston's Death
