The Tribune Briefs: Dec. 1, 2009

STAFF REPORTS

Techshot awarded $400,000 contract

Techshot, Inc., has earned a $400,000 two-year contract from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to advance the company’s system for retrieving animals from as deep as 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) under the sea and safely bringing them to surface laboratories for study. It is the second contract within a year awarded to Techshot for such work.

“For more than 20 years we’ve been developing custom laboratory equipment for earth, air and space research,” said Techshot Executive Vice President and COO John Vellinger. “This project represents our first significant step into providing research equipment for scientists studying marine life.”

The physiology of deep sea fish and invertebrates is poorly known due to the difficult challenges of bringing up live specimens from high-pressure environments. Animals that thrive far below the surface cannot survive in the relatively low-pressures available in research laboratory enclosures.

When completed, Techshot’s high pressure specimen chamber is expected to be the only one of its kind capable of capturing and hosting creatures of the deep in conditions that sustain life and maximize research laboratory data gathering. Some of the first prototypes will be delivered to the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory for evaluation. Established by NOAA and the University of Hawaii, its mission is to study deep water marine processes in the Pacific Ocean.

Founded in 1988 in Greenville, Techshot engineers, scientists and technicians specialize in providing integrated mechanical, electrical and software solutions to the technical needs of a diverse spectrum of industries.

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Horseshoe Foundation to award $333,885 in grants

The Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County will award $333,885 in grants through its fall cycle at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. The celebration will be held at the Purdue University School of Technology in New Albany.

Thirty-three organizations will receive funds during the ceremony.

Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County was established in 1999 by Horseshoe Indiana in partnership with Floyd County and New Albany officials. The Foundation was established as a way to provide an additional funding source for community organizations in Floyd County. It provides a funding resource to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and governmental agencies for the benefit of residents in New Albany and Floyd County. In the last 10 years, the Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County has awarded $18.9 million to benefit citizens in Floyd County.

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State police conducting DUI checkpoint

The Indiana State Police Motorcycle Squad will conduct a driving under the influence enforcement check point in Floyd County beginning in the evening hours of Friday, and ending in the early morning hours of Saturday.

Motorists that are not impaired can expect only short delays of two to three minutes while passing through the check point.

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Youth symphony concert Sunday

The Floyd County Youth Symphony holiday concert will be at 3 p.m. Sunday. It will be held in New Albany High School’s auditorium. Students will be hosting a silent auction before and during the concert. The public is welcome.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for senor citizens and children are free.

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Brandon’s House hosts inaugural Christmas craft fair

Brandon’s House in New Albany will host an inaugural Christmas Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at DePauw Memorial United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 925 Vincennes St., New Albany, across from New Albany High School.

Santa will be there until noon and pictures with Santa will be available for any donation to Brandon’s House. There will be a variety of unique and beautiful arts and crafts, delicious baked goods that you can have for the holidays, and homemade candy, including old-fashioned chocolate fudge. Donations of baked goods can be made by calling Susan at 812-949-2499. Lunch will be available, as well. All proceeds will benefit Brandon’s House, a nonprofit agency that has been helping teenagers for 16 years.

Visit brandonshousein.com to make a monetary donation or for more information.

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Ridgeview Animal Clinic hosts a open house

The Ridgeview Animal Clinic invites families and their pets to attend a Holiday Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 12 at the clinic, 2723 Paoli Pike, New Albany.

Mee the doctors and staff and go behind-the-scenes of the clinic. There will be door prizes, treats, drinks, a coloring center for kids, free picture with Santa for you and your pet, and more. Stop by before or the day of and pick up a bone ornament from the Christmas tree for a donation to the New Albany-Floyd County Shelter or for Alley Cat Advocates, then bring the donation anytime or the day of the Open House. New this year, the clinic offers a “masseuse” for a pre-Christmas relaxing massage for your pet.

Call 812-945-0423 for more information.

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