The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana

A reader tip revealed that at least 25 Comcast vehicles were parked on the streets of downtown Anderson Thursday morning. This was confirmed independently. I counted at least 13 full-size vans, seven pickup trucks and five bucket trucks, all with the Comcast logo and ID numbers. Shawn Feddeman, director of communications for Comcast in Central Indiana, said Comcast was holding an employee meeting at the Paramount Theatre Centre. This makes sense, considering the traffic was parked along Meridian and 11th streets in a one-block radius of the theater.

A building-wide shudder drew me to the window Tuesday where I learned that the hole in Jackson Street that I wrote about last week was back. The shaking was the result of a backhoe breaking up the road surface in the easternmost lane of Jackson Street between The Herald Bulletin and the Anderson Family YMCA. While the work was quickly finished, I thought it was high time I contact the Anderson Street Department. Superintendent Todd Leever told me that his department was actually fulfilling a water department project.

I've been hearing about the Alex Theatre for nearly four years. The bargain-basement ticket prices, the bring-your-own-bowl popcorn sales, the big screen and old-fashioned feel. On Friday, I finally attended a showing. It was "Valentine's Day," a star-studded flick released as a holiday gambit about three weeks ago.

For your viewing pleasure: the aforementioned big hole in Jackson Street on Thursday.

Walked out the front door of my office Thursday to find a backhoe parked in the middle of Jackson Street and traffic closed off on 2 of the 3 lanes. Upon closer inspection, I discovered a gigantic hole in the street. Much to my surprise, the hole was filled in in a few short hours and full traffic volume restored. Not sure what the crew was doing, but I certainly appreciate their speedy work.

A structure in the 2000 block of Madison Avenue was demolished on Monday. It's on the east side of the street, along my route to work. Thanks to a backhoe it's unrecognizable now, but it was once a mint-green dwelling containing multiple rental units. I remember specifically seeing activity there, people sitting on the stoop and cars parking in the drive. I hope the former residents found a new place to live. I know the city of Anderson has many buildings on its demolition schedule, but I hope this one was paid for privately. Other structures need to come down before this one.

Patty Larkin release spectacular

Just about anything Patty Larkin releases is either good or great. But this time the singer/songwriter has stacked the deck. She is celebrating 25 years in the business with a two-disc set of 25 love songs with 25 friends.

What a great group of friends she has. Some of my highlights are Shawn Colvin, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dar Williams, John Gorka, Martin Sexton, Greb Brown, Janis Ian, Cheryl Wheeler, Jennifer Kimball and Catie Curtis.

Last week, Madison County Sheriff Ron Richardson sent out a flier for a fund-raiser to benefit Harold and Kelly Counceller. Apparently, fire destroyed the Councellers' home on Feb. 5. A spaghetti lunch on Feb. 18 at the Knights of Columbus raised money to help them rebuild and buy other items. Sounds like a good enough cause. But what struck me were the photos Richardson attached to the e-mail. They were taken with a point-and-shoot digital camera and depict the ruins of the Councellers' house, which appears to be on a rural road.

Noblesville is closer. You can get to Indianapolis in less time. But Elwood belongs wholly to Madison County. I've heard it called Elweird. Not saying I agree, it's just what I've heard.

I went looking for restaurants in Elwood a few weeks back. I found a couple, but I found a few other sights I couldn't resist.