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Auditor Klutz Proposes Office Name Change

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Auditor Klutz Proposes Office Name Change

STATEHOUSE – The biannual state budget isn’t the only interesting piece of House Bill (HB) 1001 currently making its way to the Senate Appropriations Committee. HB 1001 also includes proposed language to allow the Auditor of State to be referred to as the “State Comptroller.”

But why? The Auditor of the State has five key responsibilities balance the state’s checkbook, distribute local government funding, process state payments, develop year-end reporting and pay state employee salaries.

“When our forefathers created the official position of Auditor of State within the Indiana Constitution, they understood the importance of a balanced government,” said Auditor Tera Klutz, CPA. “They created the Treasurer of State to manage the cash and the Auditor of State to issue warrants (checks) and to account and report on state operations. However, the term ‘auditor’ means something entirely different to people two hundred years later.”

A frequent misconception of the office is that its purpose is to audit the State, local units of government or individuals – this is not the case. The Indiana State Board of Accounts audits the State and local units of government, and the Indiana Department of Revenue audits individual taxpayers.

“The title change would allow the office to have a more appropriate title that aligns with the services we provide,” said Auditor Klutz, “alongside 19 other states who refer to their state’s chief financial officer as the State Comptroller or Controller.”

HB 1001, authored by State Representative Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee on February 20, and then passed out of the House Chamber with a 66-29 vote on February 23. The legislation was assigned to the Senate Committee on Appropriations, which is chaired by HB1001 Senate sponsor, Senator Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka).

If enacted, HB 1001 would allow the Auditor to be referred as State Comptroller upon passage. To clarify, the language as written would not require a constitutional change.

“Our request does not impact the state’s constitution and will not change the functionality of the office,” said Auditor Klutz. “The Auditor’s Office will continue to have the same duties and responsibilities the office has had for more than two hundred years.”

Gov. Holcomb appoints Don Lamb as new executive director of the Department of Agriculture

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Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced today 2nd -generation farmer Don Lamb, from Lebanon, Indiana, will become the new executive director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).

“Don is not only a 2nd-generation farmer, but also a successful agribusinessman and understands the significant and leading role the ag industry plays in Indiana,” said Gov. Holcomb. “In looking for a new executive director for the Indiana Department of Agriculture, it was important to find someone who would be a strong steward of our land and all that it produces. Don truly cares about the Hoosier ag community and securing Indiana’s place as a global leader in the agricultural industry for generations to come.”

Lamb is the co-owner and operator of Lamb Farms Inc., along with his brother and father. The farm produces popcorn, corn, soybeans and wheat. The family also owns AgRecycle, a composting and recycling business, and Lamb Farms Agronomy, which provides soil management and crop production products to surrounding farms.

“Indiana is now the 8th-ranked agricultural product producing state in the country, this industry contributes more than $35 billion dollar to our economy,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Don engrained himself in the agricultural community at an early age, not just focusing on his own operation. He has the leadership skills to not only lead the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, but to the state’s ag industry into the future. I look forward to working with him.”

Lamb is a member of the Advisory Council for the Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation. Lamb will be stepping down as Vice President of the Boone County Council and policy chair of his local Farm Bureau Board to assume his position with the ISDA.

“I am so thankful for this opportunity from Gov. Holcomb and Lt. Gov. Crouch,” said Lamb. “I have worked in the agriculture industry for my whole life and this is the only job I would take off the farm. I am excited to work with the great team at ISDA and to become an even better advocate for this industry I love.”

Lamb graduated from Purdue University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. He was named the Agricultural Professional of the Year in 2014 by the Boone County Chamber of Commerce.

Lamb will begin in his new role on March 13, 2023

WARRICK HUMANE SOCIETY PRESENTS “EVERY DAY IS HUMP DAY, PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER” SHIRT FUNDRAISER

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Warrick Humane Society is hosting an online “Every Day is Hump Day, Please Spay and Neuter” shirt fundraiser. The shirts are available to order now – March 14, 2023 and will be shipped directly to buyers. Shirts are available in 9 different styles including long sleeve, baseball shirts, jerseys, hoodies, short sleeve and tanks, and they are available in a variety of colors and sizes. All proceeds support WHS Rescue Pets!

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY

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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY

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DAILY ACTIVITY REPORTFOOTNOTE:  EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT  information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

 

 

Vanderburgh County Crash Report

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CrashReportR1 (1)

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Booked Last 24 Hours-Public (1)

CenterPoint Energy assessing damage following severe storms

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Evansville – March 3, 2023 – In response to the severe weather’s impact on its electric system in

southwestern Indiana, CenterPoint Energy has issued the following update:

Friday afternoon’s storms caused widespread damage to CenterPoint Energy’s system, with outages peaking at around 20,000 customers.

As of 7:30 p.m., there were 12,000 electric customers without power. The number of outages will likely fluctuate as high winds remain a threat until 9 p.m. this evening.

CenterPoint Energy crews are working to assess damaged equipment and downed power lines and troubleshoot outages. However, restoration efforts could be impacted due to the extent of damage to trees and equipment.

“We are working to restore service to our customers as safely and quickly as possible; however, due to continued high winds, additional outages could occur. Damage assessments and repairs will continue throughout the night,” said Richard Leger, Senior Vice President, Indiana Electric.

Leger added, “Additional crews will arrive in the morning to assist in restoration efforts. Due to the extent of damage to trees and equipment, many customers could remain without power through the weekend. We appreciate our customers’ patience as our crews work to make repairs.”

Priority of restoration is given to facilities vital to safety, health, and welfare, such as hospitals, water treatment plants and public service facilities. After key facilities, the company follows its priority restoration process by making repairs to electrical facilities that will return power to the largest number of customers first, then continue the restoration process by prioritizing repairs to benefit the greatest number of customers until power is returned to everyone.

CenterPoint Energy reminds all customers:

  • Stay away from downed power lines. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden and treat all downed lines as if they are energized.
  • Be cautious around work crews and give them distance to assess damages and make repairs.
  • If your power is out, do not open freezers and refrigerators any more than absolutely necessary. Opening these appliances will allow food to thaw more quickly.
  • Consider checking with others who may benefit from your assistance.
  • Report any downed lines or damage to 800-227-1376.

For latest information on power outages:

Sen. Braun, Congressman Biggs lead push to recognize national debt as a threat to national security

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WASHINGTON — Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) and Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) have introduced a resolution that formally recognizes America’s national debt as a threat to its national security. Reckless spending, unbalanced budgets, and waste have soared the national debt to more than $31 trillion.

“Our staggering national debt is the greatest national security threat to the United States, but no one wants to talk about it. Washington needs political will and a backbone to stop reckless spending and restore regular order to address our fiscal crisis,” said Senator Braun.

“Our government’s spending spree is unsustainable and inches us closer to defaulting. America produces significant revenue and yet we continue to find ourselves in a position where we are unable to pay our bills. This means future generations will bear these costs and that’s unacceptable. If our government does not become more fiscally responsible, we will no longer be able to adequately fund our military apparatus as well as basic societal services. That is a recipe for a disaster and enables our adversaries to surpass us on the global stage. Raising the debt ceiling every year is a cop-out. This resolution will restore regular order to the appropriations process and acknowledge that Washington has a spending problem. I am grateful for Senator Braun’s dedication to this critical issue,” said Congressman Biggs. 

Indiana State Police Fort Wayne Post Trooper Struck and Killed in the Line of Duty

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(DeKalb County, IN)- The Indiana State Police is mourning the loss of one of its own this evening as a result of a vehicle crash incident that occurred this afternoon on Interstate 69 south of Auburn. The crash claimed the life of  Master Trooper James R. Bailey, 50, of Auburn, IN, who served with the Indiana State Police for more than fifteen years.

The preliminary investigation by the Indiana State Police indicates that at approximately 4:30 p.m. this afternoon, Trooper Bailey was assisting other troopers on I-69 with traffic backup as a result of weather-related vehicle crashes near the 326-mile marker south of Auburn.

At that time, Trooper Bailey became aware of an individual driving at a high rate of speed evading an officer from the Fort Wayne Police Department on I-69 approaching his location.  Trooper Bailey attempted to de-escalate that vehicle pursuit by deploying stop sticks.  Trooper Bailey was struck by the suspect vehicle and critically injured.  Emergency medical care was rendered at the scene and he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Trooper Bailey is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.  Family notifications have been made.

“This is a tremendously sad day for the entire Indiana State Police family.  We will band together as we always do in support of Trooper Bailey’s family, friends and co-workers”, said Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter.

The suspect driver involved in this incident, Terry Dewaine Sands II, 42, of Marion, IN, was taken into custody and has been incarcerated in the DeKalb County Jail on a preliminary charge of Resisting Law Enforcement Causing Death to Law Enforcement Officer, a Level 2 Felony.

This is still an ongoing investigation.  All findings will be turned over to the DeKalb County Prosecutor for review and determination of any further charges that may be filed.

The Indiana State Police was assisted at the scene by the Fort Wayne Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff Department, Auburn Police Department, DeKalb  County EMS, Auburn Fire Department, and troopers from neighboring Indiana State Police Peru Post.

No additional information is available for release at this time.

*All suspects named in this release are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  The charges listed are merely allegations at this time. Mug photo of the suspect may be obtained by contacting the DeKalb County Jail.

Improving Public Health

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