Right now on Hoosier TV, you can watch the 2011 men’s and women’s races and a special HDNet-produced documentary that recaps the last six years of this incredible event.

The documentary, hosted by former riders Jason Sonneborn and Randy Strong, begins coverage in 2005, where a crash involving more than 15 riders marred the race’s start, an incredible one-two finish by Dodd’s House, a campus dormitory team, and Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)

In 2006, Alpha Tau Omega, who finished second the year previous after being caught up in that terrible first-lap crash, was led by a dominant individual performance from Hans Arnesen and held the lead in the event from start to finish.

2007 was a tightly contested race in which five different teams had a real shot to win, but Cutters, an independent team led by Alex Bishop, prevailed in the end.  You may recognize the team name from the famed Dennis Quaid movie Breaking Away, from which the current Cutters team is named.

Cutters again prevailed at the 58th running in 2008, winning their ninth Little 500 and becoming the winningest team ever in the event’s history.  With about 20 laps remaining, the Cutters team burst away from the pack and dominated the rest of the way.

2009 brought great weather, a huge crowd and another very tight race until Eric Young, a Little 500 rookie, exploded out of the pack and brought home a third straight Cutters victory.  The Cutters team faced a lot of adversity in this Little 500, two wrecks and a penalty in the last 25 laps, but the team still prevailed in the end.

The final race featured, 2010, was a rain-slicked affair in which the track became very treacherous. Cinders from the track were splashing and flying into the cyclist’s eyes even. Eric Young of the Cutters team was once again dominant at the end, establishing himself as one of the all-time greats, as he brought home a fourth straight Cutters victory.

This exciting and informative documentary truly celebrates the student athletes that make this event so special. Watch it now on Hoosier TV!

1. Make sure to charge up your cell phones tonight. Ice often knocks down electrical wires, so power up now just in case.

2. Make sure to have flashlights and candles out and available. Lanterns that you don’t have to hold are invaluable. Locate your spare batteries now.

3. Put your cars in the garage, but make sure you know how to disconnect the electric garage door opener so you can manually open and close the garage door.

4. Get some cash to have on hand – ATM machines operate electrically and you may not be able to get cash for several days or process your debit cards. During the big wind storm that did so much damage in nearby Louisville, KY in the Fall of 2008, both ATMs and traffic lights were out for days.

5. If you lose power and heat, close off unused rooms. Conserve the heat you do have in your home.

6. Report the down wires immediately, because if things get bad, it could be days for repairs to occur.

7. If you were to lose power for more than two to three days your homes will get very cold. Think about alternative plans (e.g, finding someone who has power, go to a motel). Keep in touch with each other. If things do get bad, but you have power, invite your friends and family over who are without. You can watch Hoosier TV together and the more bodies in a location, the easier to heat the space!

8. Fill your gas tanks today if you can; gas pumps also operate electrically.

9. Buy a battery operated radio – you may find it a valuable source of information, although most all smartphones have a news and weather apps on them or available.

10. Go to the grocery store. It is sure to be a mad-house, but stock up on your perishable food items.

Please offer up any helpful tips you might have in the comments!

Well, if that’s really what you’re doing, we’ve put together a list of items you may possibly need if you’re going to be iced into your home…whether you’re alone or with someone else.

For you men out there:
1. Sports Illustrated – Swim Suit Edition (Ice, schmice. It’s 80 degrees somewhere)
2. Putter & a golf ball (drop a few coasters around the house and get your putt-putt on)
3. Deck of cards (start up a game with the neighbors, and play by candle light)
4. Cash (some guy with a snow plow is going to drive by, save your back and flag him down to take care of your drive way, OR take advantage of the neighborhood kids trying to save up for the newest Xbox game. After all, their more resilient than us…)
5. Beef Jerky (this is great to have on stash, all the time, but being snowed in gives you an excuse when your wife/girlfriend asks why you bought so much)
6. Beer (see jerky explanation)

For you women out there:
1. Video camera (this could be especially entertaining if you film your husband/boyfriend attempting to flag down a passing snow plower)
2. A stack of magazines (sit back, relax and drink hot cocoa while reading your favorite fashion/fitness/cooking magazine. It will be an even sweeter indulgence if you’re watching your man chip ice off the driveway for a few hours)
3. Cookie dough (Because cookies are awesome, but the dough is just as awesome if you can’t fire up the oven. If you’re not into cookies, grab some marshmallows…not only are they great with your hot cocoa, they’re perfect on the fire. You can always pop in your favorite workout video later…)
4. Ads (plan your weekend shopping by sifting through the upcoming sales)
5. Ear muffs (not necessarily for the cold, but to drown out the other people you’re trapped with. Maybe they’re not a life-saver, but could perhaps be a sanity-saver)
6. Wine (see #5 on this list and #4 on the men’s list)

Hope this list makes the storm more bearable, or at least gives you a couple more ideas than what you started with. Good luck de-icing, and remember, Hoosier TV is there to provide all the entertainment you’ll need until the ice and snow melt!

This week’s main story is on Governor Mitch Daniels’ annual State Of The State address. Daniels focused on education in Indiana as the main topic of this year’s address. The Governor believes that Indiana should start paying the state’s good teachers more and that the state’s bad teachers should be “helped to improve or forced to move.” Democrats slammed Daniels for ignoring jobs and the economy in his address. Also, during his speech, Daniels gave no indications as to whether he would run for President in the upcoming U.S. election.

Transitioning perfectly from Daniels’ address. IWIR discusses the Governor’s upcoming budget. Daniels has proposed a spending freeze in Indiana schools, but assures no cuts their budgets as well. The proposed budget will cut Medicade recipient benefits on hearing aids, dentures and pediatric dental care. The $20 million savings has the IWIR budget questioning if the cut is really worth it. The panel also discusses how the budget will affect higher education in Indiana. Democrats believe it will be tougher for working class people to afford higher education as tuitions will continue to rise to make up for lack of funding. All agree that Indiana should brace for a tough upcoming two years if the state is to weather through without a tax increase.

The panel also discusses the topic of congressional security, brought to light after the recent slaying in Arizona. Do Congressmen and women need heightened security details when out among their constituents? Two Indiana congressmen are arguing against the idea of tighter security. Mike Pence and Todd Rokita believe congressmen should be close to the people and that a “bunker mentality” will only put further separation between government and the people it represents. All agree that the nation is likely to see a less vitriolic nature in the political arena in 2011.

Other topics discussed include Melina Kennedy kicking off her Democratic campaign for the Mayorship of Indianapolis, beer sales at the annual Indiana State Fair, and Mitch Daniels’ slamming of the state of Illinois.

Be the smartest employee at the water cooler this week after you get caught up on Indiana Week In Review on Hoosier TV!

After a recent physical exam that revealed minor health problems, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman is bowing out of the gubernatorial race. Skillman had a campaign operation in place and was fundraising. From the Republican party, it is believed that Mike Pence will likely now step in and make a bid for Governor. Other Republican prospects for Governor include Murray Clark, Steve Carter and Richard Murdock.

Richard Lugar voted against the recent bill in the U.S. Senate to repeal the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy in the U.S. military. Much of the panel believes this was only a vote to serve Lugar’s political interest versus doing what is best for the country. The bill to repeal DADT passed regardless. His recent votes to support the START treaty and the DREEM act had put him at odds with his own Republican party.

Evan Bayh participated in a farewell tour across Indiana last week. Bayh met with members of the media in various cities in Indiana. Bayh has decided not to make a run for the Governership.
Bayh feels, at this point in his life, he should put his responsibilities towards his children. Bayh is likely to take a role as a senior advisor for the Indiana Democratic party. Bayh still holds $10 million dollars in political donations that is to be used towards political party or campaigns needs.

Indiana graduation rates continue to go up. 84% statewide, up 2.5% over last year, and 81% in Marion county. There are six high schools in the IPS system however that have graduation rates under 70%. 60% of high schools showed improvement in 2010. The graduation rates for sub groups, including African Americans, Latinos and student on financial aid, went up 6% statewide. Remarkably, Speedway high schools showed a 100% graduation rate.

Mitch Daniels was recently interviewed and shared his thoughts looking back on 2010. Daniels talked about his contributions to the Republican gains in the Indiana House of Representative, as well as his initiatives that have given Indiana the lowest property taxes in the nation.

Finally, in lighter news, stargazers in Indiana had the opportunity to view a lunar eclipse on this year’s winter solstice.

Catch up on all the week’s news on Indiana Week In Review on Hoosier TV!

President Obama visits Kokomo, Indiana

Hosted by Jim Shella, Indiana Week In Review takes an in-depth look at all the current headlines across Indiana.

This week features President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden’s recent visit to Kokomo, Indiana. Obama and Biden visited Kokomo’s Chrysler auto plant to talk about the positive effects the federal stimulus package has had on a town that last year was dealing with a 19 percent unemployment rate.

During the President’s visit Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne was on-hand to announce a new $800+ million investment in the Kokomo plant.

Other stories on Indiana Week In Review highlight a marked improvement in Indiana Public Schools, the voter fraud allegations facing new Secretary Of State Charlie White, Indiana’s overworked courts and a pardoned turkey.

Get up-to-date on all of today’s headlines and issues in Indiana on Indiana Week In Review on Hoosier TV!

Watch Indiana Week In Review — Go to On Demand -> choose Hoosier TV -> select News!

Located right along the Ohio River, Madison was the natural jumping-off point for settlers moving to the Midwest. Madison was a progressive city in that time, and still owns the state’s oldest firehouse as well as the first library in the Midwest Territories.

Madison played a crucial role in the Civil War. Learn all about Indiana’s decision to join the Union, and how that decision altered the balance of power throughout the war.

The Whitehall Bed and Breakfast is the ideal place to stay while you visit. This stately colonial mansion is the perfect place to taste, feel, and see the full glory of life along the river during the early 1800s. Stay the weekend and feel the full history of Madison.

Looking for a delicious place to eat? The 605 Grille makes everything from scratch, using fresh local produce. You can also visit the octogon-shaped train station and let your kids play on the caboose! The Madison-Indianapolis railroad line was the Indiana’s first.

Madison is also right next door to one of Indiana’s best state parks, Clifty Falls. Go camping at the clean and friendly campgrounds, take a hike and see the gorgeous waterfall!

You can find out more at visitmadison.org.

Fright Manor has been running in Indianapolis since 1982 and is always rated among the best and scariest haunted houses in Indiana. For the last couple years, Fright Manor has operated at 2909 S. Meridian St. in Indianapolis.

The Fright Manor ticket booth opens at 6:30pm. Parking is free and safe. Fright Manor stays open until Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Be sure to check out Hoosier TV’s “Crowd Surfing” season finale at Fright Manor!

A cool alternative to your typical haunted house or park, this year, is Earth House: Haunted?

Earth House: Haunted? is a guided tour and performance art event exploring the not-so-recent haunting of the historic Lockerbie Central building. Earth House is inviting residents to join in an evening of spooky exploration, storytelling, dance and frightening venture.

Beginning at 7pm and end at 10pm each night, Earth House: Haunted? will feature a selection of local artists and community groups including Know No Stranger, Outside the Box, The Children’s Theatre Institute, Indy Contra, Indiana Tai Chi, theatrical band “The Grand National Champions,” Lockerbie Central UMC and many more. General Admission tickets will be available for pre-sale at the Earth House and www.brownpapertickets.com for $6 and at the door for $8.

Other good haunts:

Southside Massacre
6004 Camden Road
Indinapolis, IN 46227
www.southsidenassacre.com

Indy Screampark
5211 South New Columbus Rd.
Anderson, IN 46013
www.indyscreampark.com

Children’s Museum’s Guild Haunted House
3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208
317-334-3322

http://www.childrensmuseum.org/

Conner Prairie Headless Horseman & Hayride
13400 Allisonville Road
Fishers, IN 46038
317-776-6006

http://www.connerprairie.org

Frite Lodge Haunted House
317-862-6834
www.fritelodge.com

The WTHR Eyewitness news team brings you all the breaking news that you want. Tonight’s main story is the record snowstorm hitting the midwest and how it affects your world through traffic, school closings, and if more is coming.

The top stories of the day for 2/16/2010:

• Record snow shower hits the midwest
• Evan Bayh’s Surprise Retirement
• Full coverage of the day’s events from the 2010 Winter Olympics

Comcast Digital cable helps you see the WTHR daily newscast by keeping their broadcast On Demand. Check it out – Choose Get Local, then select News.