“IS IT TRUE” JANUARY 31, 2024
IS IT TRUE that the presence of a grossly underfunded (by personal choice) and a real Republican running as a Libertarian who was the most efficient campaigner when it comes to votes may have cost Rascher the election?…it should have been hers to lose and lose she did?…many people were expressing wonder why she let former Mayor Winnecke and his wife run her entire campaign and seldom let her speak for herself?…we and many others are concerned for the future of Evansville as it is now being ruled by a person who garnered 7.5% of the people and was bankrolled by big progressive money from outside the region?…that many people are also mystified about how many friends of former Mayor Winnecke are getting appointed to the Terry Administration?… Evansville once again it looks like a machine politics kind of town.
Today’s Readers Poll†question is: HOW DO YOU RATE THE JOB THE MAYOR TERRYS TRANSITION TEAM IS DOING?
Gov. Holcomb appoints Wesley R Bennett to join the Indiana Department of Regulatory Commission
INDIANAPOLIS-Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced the appointment of Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) Commissioner Wesley R. Bennett to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). Bennett will fill the vacancy left by Stefanie Krevda.
“As the commissioner of the DLGF, Wes has built a reputation as a respected leader and a knowledgeable, thoughtful and trustworthy state partner to communities all across Indiana†Gov. Holcomb said. “His career experience in successfully managing government finance will serve him and our state well navigating the complex industry of utility regulation.â€
As DLGF commissioner, Bennett oversees Indiana’s property tax assessment system. DLGF also reviews and approves the tax rates and levies of all local tax levy authorities which include counties, cities, towns, school corporations, libraries and special taxing district.
Before being appointed as the commissioner of DLGF, Bennett served for 12 years as the elected Clerk-Treasurer for the Town of Plainfield. Under his leadership, he oversaw budgeting, fiscal analysis, internal auditing and controls, utility accounts payables and receivables, and managing funding of capital infrastructure projects.
“I am honored to be selected by Governor Holcomb and serve the energy users and providers of our great state,†Bennett said. “I look forward to working with IURC Chairman Jim Huston, my new colleagues on the commission and the team of highly trained professionals. My previous roles in both the private and public sectors will serve me well as we move the state forward toward cleaner, more efficient and reliable energy delivery systems and methods. I want to thank my staff at DLGF, and the many stakeholders that supported us as we strived to deliver the highest and most effective level of customer service to local government.â€
After a thorough application process, the IURC Nominating Committee, chaired by Carol Stephan, recommended three candidates for the governor’s consideration. Bennett will begin June 26. A new DLGF commissioner will be named soon.
DANIEL BELLM CONVICTED OF DOMESTIC BATTERY BY JURY EVEN THOUGH THE VICTIM DID NOT TESTIFY
Evansville, IN – Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that, on May 24–25, 2023,
the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office successfully prosecuted Daniel Jacob Bellm for striking a female victim multiple times in the head and face and preventing her from seeking assistance.
In March of 2023, EPD Officers Z. Baehl and M. Cooley responded to a wellness
check. As the officers approached the residence, they could hear a female’s muffled
screaming and a male’s voice yelling at her to shut up. The female stated she was coming to the door, and tried to open it slightly, but then the male, later identified as Bellm, pushed the door shut. Officers then forced their way in the home and handcuffed Bellm while Bellm remained uncooperative. The victim’s injuries were visible on the officers’ body cameras.
Just days prior to this incident, Bellm was released from jail after being convicted
of abusing the same woman. The jury found Bellm guilty as charged on two counts: Count 1, domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor; and Count 2, criminal confinement, a Level 6 felony.
Prosecutor Moers commended her Deputy Prosecutor, Amanda Honaker, who is
assigned to domestic violence cases and has been working diligently on her caseload and training. “Despite an uncooperative victim in this matter, a guilty verdict was obtained.
Many Defendants believe they can silence victims and stay out of trouble, but this is not true. I am sworn to prosecute crimes on behalf of the County, not individuals, and we will proceed forward; we will use all of the resources and laws we have to make sure those who use violence against those they are closest to are behind bars where they are no longer a danger.â€
Deputy Prosecutor Amanda Honaker stated, “As the deputy who will be handling
most of the domestic violence cases, I made it my goal to put an end to the stigma of ‘No Face, No Case.’ Many victims of domestic violence are stuck in a vicious cycle with their abusers, which often leads to more incidents. I want to make it known that the Prosecutor’s Office will fight for you, even if the victims are not yet ready to directly confront their abuser. Today, I am glad we were able to help one more person get away from their abuser.â€
Prosecutor Moers thanked her Deputy Prosecutors, Amanda Honaker and Jeremy
Kemper, EPD Officers Z. Baehl and M. Cooley, and VCPO Investigators Jessica Pollock
and Tony Carden, Victim Advocate Franci Elpers, and Morgan Richardville for their
diligent efforts in this case.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 20, 2023, in front of Magistrate Judge Kelli E.
Fink of the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court.
Thursday’s Sanction Of OB/GYN Bernard Sees Conflicting Reactions
Thursday’s Sanction Of OB/GYN Bernard Sees Conflicting Reactions
By Marilyn Odendahl, The Indiana Citizen
May 28, 2023
Following the decision by the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana to sanction Caitlin Bernard, an OB/GYN at IU Health, organizations on opposing sides of the abortion debate issued statements that indicate how deep the divide is between them.
Right to Life Indianapolis and Indiana, Right to Life both applauded Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s work to bring Bernard before the licensing board. However, Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai’i, Alaska, Indiana, and Kentucky (PPGNHAIK) stood with Bernard for providing health care “when and where†patients need it.
On Thursday, the medical licensing board found Bernard violated state and federal patient privacy laws when she spoke to a reporter about a 10-year-old Ohio girl who was raped and coming to Indiana in the summer of 2022 for an abortion. Rokita had sought Bernard’s license to practice medicine, claiming she violated patient privacy laws and laws requiring the immediate reporting of child abuse or neglect.
The MLB sanctioned Bernard with a letter of reprimand that will be kept on file with her medical license and fined her $3,000.
Marc Tuttle, president of Right to Life of Indianapolis, said his organization was grateful to Rokita because the Bernard case showed how “abortionists†operate.
“Dr. Bernard readily and willingly put her patient—who was not consulted or willing—into the public light for her own agenda,†Tuttle said in a statement. “She then deflected almost all accountability to her hospital employer, then to Child Protective Services, then to law enforcement and then to the attorney general.â€
When the victim was released from an Indianapolis hospital following the procedure, she went home to Ohio, where she had to live with her rapist for five days before law enforcement identified him through DNA evidence and arrested him. The attorney general claimed that if Bernard had notified Indiana law enforcement, the girl might have been held in Indiana, preventing her from having to return and stay with her abuser.
“It’s clear that hospitals in our community should be thinking intensely about the liability abortionists like Dr. Bernard create for them as well as their ability to protect victims from being placed back into the home and circumstances where they can be easy prey for sexual assault again,†Tuttle said.
Mike Ficher, CEO of Indiana Right to Life, alluded to the attorney general’s argument that Bernard talked about the 10-year-old patient to push her political views advocating for reproductive rights.
“We support this disciplinary action and our hearts continue to go out to the young girl who had already been through a horrific situation and then used as a public pawn,†Fichter said.
Rebecca Gibron, CEO of PPGNHAIK, characterized Bernard as risking her reputation and livelihood by promoting public health and serving her community.
“Dr. Bernard’s unwavering dedication to her patients and profession is laudable, but the lengths she was forced to go to continue to deliver safe and legal care while experiencing abusive and hostile conditions is unacceptable,†Gibron said in a statement. “This could have all been avoided had Indiana AG Todd Rokita not made a mockery of his office—no provider should ever have to face politically motivated attacks for simply doing their job.â€
Attorney General issues warning over ticket scammers for the Indy 500
Attorney General issues warning over ticket scammers for the Indy 500
With Indiana’s annual racing staple fast approaching, officials are waving the warning flag for Hoosiers to be alert for counterfeiters.
“As Indiana prepares for thousands of race fans, I encourage Hoosiers to exercise caution before purchasing their tickets, paying for parking, or making any online reservations,†Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita said. “If you believe you’ve been scammed, please contact my office to file a complaint.â€
Rokita isn’t the only one warning Hoosiers about these counterfeit items. Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President, told WTHR, the raceway is seeing increasing activity by counterfeiters.
“In the last week, we’ve started getting customers literally bringing in photocopied parking passes that they’re buying for three and four times face value on ticket platforms,” Boles said.
Rokita offered tips to avoid these situations during the race.
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Buy any items directly from IMS
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Rokita also said that attendees should also know the refund policy and should only buy tickets from a place that provides clear details about the terms of the transaction.
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Finally Rokita said race fans should call ahead, when staying somewhere, and to look at reviews. He also said to look at things like prices or website addresses, and always get an email confirmation for reservations and tickets.
Even with the consternation surrounding the ticket situation, Hoosiers can look forward to some events that “fuel May.â€Â The Breakfast at the Brickyard was held May 20 where the 500 Festival Queen was crowned.
Then May 26, there will be a American Legion Memorial Service to “remember the sacrifices made by the brave servicemen and women who perished while serving in the armed forces.â€
Service for the event will begin at 3:30 p.m and will include the posting of colors by the Military Department of Indiana’s Joint Service Color Guard. There will also be performances by the Capital City Chorus and the Indiana National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division Band.
There will be a wreath-laying ceremony, dedicated to the memory of fallen Hoosiers who gave their lives over the past year to defend the nation. The names of those fallen Indiana service members will be read aloud and the bell of the USS Indianapolis CA-35 will toll in their honor.
Following this, on May 27 the 500 Festival Parade will be held in downtown Indianapolis.
Attendees of the parade will get to see large floats, giant helium balloons, and all the drivers competing in the race. The parade starts at 12 p.m. with festivities beginning fifteen minutes beforehand.
Then, finally on May 28 race fans can finally enjoy the “107th running of the Indianapolis 500
Biden-Harris Administration Announces More than $315 Million Through Investing in America Agenda for Cleanup and Technical Assistance at Polluted Brownfield Sites
EPA announces the largest investment ever in brownfields communities made by President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
WASHINGTON (May 28, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced more than $315 million from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites across the country while advancing environmental justice.
EPA selected 262 communities to receive 267 grants totaling more than $215 million in competitive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup (MARC) Grant programs. Thanks to the historic boost from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this is the largest-ever funding awarded in the history of the EPA’s Brownfields MARC Grant programs. In addition, the agency is announcing $45 million in non-competitive supplemental funding to 22 successful existing Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant programs to help expedite their continued work at sites across the country by extending the capacity of the program to provide more funding for additional cleanups. EPA is also announcing selections of five Brownfields Technical Assistance Providers and three recipients of Brownfields Research Grants, who are receiving $55 million to strengthen technical assistance.
These investments totaling $315 million are part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to grow the American economy from the bottom up and middle out – from rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure to driving over $470 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, to creating a manufacturing and innovation boom powered by good paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, to building a clean-energy economy that will combat climate change and make our communities more resilient.
“We’re working across the country to revitalize what were once dangerous and polluted sites in overburdened communities into more sustainable and environmentally just places that serve as community assets. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, we’re moving further and faster than ever before to clean up contaminated sites, spur economic redevelopment, and deliver relief that so many communities have been waiting for,â€Â said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This critical wave of investments is the largest in Brownfield’s history and will accelerate our work to protect the people and the planet by transforming what was once blight into might.â€
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the brownfields funding for communities with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the EPA has selected the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee (RACM) to receive $5.5 million in funds as part of the MARC Grant program for brownfields assessment and clean up. Administrator Regan and Senator Baldwin visited one of the sites that will be cleaned up thanks to today’s investment. The cleanup of this site will complement other EPA investments in the 30th Street Industrial Corridor, which is a key area disproportionately impacted by legacy pollution.
“I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fix our nation’s infrastructure, create good paying jobs, and build a cleaner, safer, and more resilient environment for the next generation. This funding will allow communities across Wisconsin to address legacy pollution that prevents these sites from being redeveloped into affordable housing, new businesses, or green spaces,â€Â said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “By cleaning up legacy pollution, we can attract businesses to invest in and develop these sites, increase the tax base for cities like Milwaukee, spur job creation, and revitalize our neighborhoods.â€
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is transforming brownfields into areas of growth and promise,â€Â said Representative Gwen Moore. “I am so proud to support these investments in Milwaukee, which will support healthier communities and lift up the well-being of my constituents.â€
Many communities that are under economic stress, particularly those located in areas that have experienced long periods of disinvestment, lack the resources needed to initiate brownfield cleanup and redevelopment projects. As brownfield sites are transformed into community assets, they attract jobs, promote economic revitalization and transform communities into sustainable and environmentally just places.
Thanks to the historic $1.5 billion boost from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA’s Brownfields Program is helping more communities than ever before begin to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges caused by brownfields and stimulate economic opportunity, and environmental revitalization in historically overburdened communities.
EPA’s Brownfields Program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative to direct 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments to disadvantaged communities. The Brownfields Program strives to meet this commitment and advance environmental justice and equity considerations in all aspects of its work. Approximately 84% of the MARC and RLF Supplemental program applications selected to receive funding proposed to work in areas that include historically underserved communities.
Funding Breakdown:
Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup (MARC) Grant Program Selection
EPA announced 262 communities that have been selected to receive 267 grants totaling more than $215 million in competitive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup (MARC) Grant Programs. This represents the highest funding level ever announced in the history of the Brownfields Program.
You can read more about this year’s MARC selectees.
Non-competitive Supplemental Funding Through the Existing Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Program
The Agency is announcing $45 million in non-competitive supplemental funding to 22 successful existing Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant programs that have already achieved success in their work to clean up and redevelop brownfield sites. RLF Grants provide funding for recipients to offer loans and subgrants to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites. The funding announced today will help communities continue to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges caused by brownfield sites.
HOOSIER HISTORY HAPPENINGS
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Our Where in Indiana from last week was a photo of the yard of bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Where in Indiana?Do you know where this photograph was taken? Visit us on Instagram to submit your answer.
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Indiana Statehouse Tour OfficeIndiana Department of Administration Guided Tours of the Indiana Statehouse are offered Monday through Saturday. Â For more information, contact us. (317) 233-5293
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Indiana Quick Quiz
1. Name the band Axl Rose was a members of?
2.Born in Henryville, who is famous as the Kentucky Fried Chicken King?
3. Who designed the Indiana state flag?
4. Who invented the first fully functional all-electronic television?
Answers Below
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Did You Know???
In 1873 a group from Indianapolis traveled to California and founded the city of Pasadena?
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Answers
1. Guns and Roses
2. Colonel Harland Sanders
3. Paul Hadley of Mooresville
4. Philo Farnsworth, Fort Wayne
Indiana Capitol Tour Office
http://www.in.gov/idoa/2371.htm
Otters drop opening game in Quebec
Quebec scored six runs in the eighth inning capped off by a two-out grand slam. The Capitales walked four times in the inning.
In the ninth, a leadoff solo home run bounced off the top of the left field wall to tie the game before a two-out solo blast snuck over the centerfield fence to give the Capitales the win.
Zach Smith pitched his third quality start to begin the season. He worked six innings allowing just one run and four hits.
The Otters got out to an early lead scoring first for the eleventh consecutive game. Jacob Olson hit a three run home run in the third inning. Bryan Rosario notched a base hit into right, stole second and scored on a base hit from George Callil.
The Capitales hit a solo home run in the sixth to cut the lead to three but the Otters would respond with four more in the eighth. Noah Myers knocked in the first run of the inning. Ethan Skender then pounded a double off the left field wall. Dakota Phillips followed with an RBI hit down the right field line and Kona Quiggle closed the scoring with a two run double.
All four hits and four runs came with two hits. The Otters led 8-1 going into the bottom of the eighth.
Rosario recorded two hits and stole three bases on Friday to raise his total to ten bags on the season. Skender had a multi-hit ballgame for the second consecutive day.
Evansville aims to even the series on Saturday against the Capitales. First pitch Saturday is 6:05 p.m. CT from Stade Canac in Quebec City.
All Otters games this season are televised on FloSports with audio-only coverage available for free on the Evansville Otters YouTube page.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.