LINK OF THE NOVEMBER 2021 PRINTED CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER NEWSPAPER
ATTACHED IS THE LINK TO THE PRINTED EDITION OF THE NOVEMBER-2021 Â CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER.
City-County Observer November, 2021 link of printed issue
YOU ALSO CAN PICK A PRINTED COPY OF THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:Â
- All the area Casey’s Convenience stores.
- IGA Convenience Marts located at Crossroads and East Lloyd and Heckel Road.
- McCollough, Central, North Park, Oaklyn, Red Bank. Willard, Springtown, and West Libraries.
- Fresh Market-Eastside
- Pet Food stores on the Westside and Eastside of Evansville.
- Evansville/Vanderburgh County Civic Center.
- Ivy Tech Community College.
- Tropicana Hotel.
- Hilton Gardens.
- Quality Inn.
- Home Two Hotel.
- Fairfield Inn.
- Residence Inn-Marriott.
- Courtyard Marriott.
- Comfort Inn.
- Hampton Inn.
- Extended Stay.
- Drury Inn.
- County Inn And Suites.
- MERRY-GO-AROUND Restaurant
- CAROUSEL Restaurant
FOOTNOTE: We be announcing additional newspaper outlets next several weeks.
Todd Rokita Ask Congress To Reject Measure that Force Hoosiers To Pay Higher Energy Costs
Attorney General Todd Rokita is calling on Congress to reject burdensome legislation that would increase fees on energy producers and hit American consumers, including those in Indiana, with price hikes on heating bills.
“Hoosiers are facing enough economic hardships as we work to put the pandemic behind us,†Attorney General Rokita said. “Now is the worst possible time for Congress to propose adding to our financial burdens. We deserve better leadership on Capitol Hill, and I’ll keep fighting to protect Hoosiers from those liberal tax-and-spenders.â€
In a letter sent this month, he and 18 other attorneys general advised leaders of two U.S. Senate committees to oppose legislation that would charge oil and natural gas producers $1,500 to $1,800 per ton of methane emissions above certain thresholds.
“We would expect Congress to be focused on affordable energy solutions,†states the West Virginia-led letter. “Yet Congress is instead considering imposing additional fees on the oil and gas industry.â€
In the Senate, the Methane Emissions Reduction Act proposes to charge oil and gas producers $1,800 per ton of methane emissions beginning in 2023. A similar provision in the House’s version of the Build Back Better Act proposes a $1,500 “fee†— really, a tax — for each ton of methane emissions.
The attorneys general cite data from industry experts showing that the more costly proposal could impose a cost of $14.4 billion and affect as many as 155,000 jobs.
Instead of imposing additional fees on oil and gas producers, the attorneys general call on the Senate’s Committee on Environment and Public Works and Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to focus on affordable energy solutions.
The coalition’s letter argues that the Senate and House proposals could inspire more emissions-focused taxes, such as measures that would involve federal regulators extending the tax to other sectors and potentially a broader carbon tax.
For instance, the attorneys general specifically note that the Environmental Protection Agency could wrongly extend the proposed tax to agricultural operations, landfills and coal mining, all of which produce methane as well.
The letter is posted below:
Gov. Holcomb Signs COVID-19 Executive Orders
INDIANAPOLIS –  Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed Executive Orders 21-28 and 21-29. The Executive Orders expire on Dec. 1, 2021.
“Today, I’m extending the public health emergency for another 30 days to maintain critical assistance to our neediest Hoosiers as we come out of this pandemic – all directly tied to its continuation. While I am extending the state public health emergency for this next month to extend these critical capabilities directly tied to it, I have instructed my staff and the relevant agencies over the next few weeks to bring me a plan that contemplates options to wind down our executive orders and end the state public health emergency in the near future,†said Gov. Eric J. Holcomb.
In response to the improved conditions relating to the spread of COVID-19 in Indiana, several provisions from the most recent executive orders have been removed. Those are:
- The direction for hospitals to consider reprioritizing or postponing non-emergent procedures
- The reporting requirements for hospitals about diversion
- The direction to the Indiana Department of Insurance to request that insurers extend prior authorization for non-emergent surgeries or procedures that are postponed and prior authorizations for the transfer or discharge of patients
Due to the anticipated CDC approval of a vaccine for children ages 5 – 11, a provision has been added to allow the health commissioner to issue a standing order to authorize the administration of COVID immunizations to children under 11. She is limited to 11 and over in Indiana code.
FOOTNOTE: Click here to see the executive orders.
McNamara Continues Fight Against Human Trafficking
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 29, 2021) – State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) announced she plans to reintroduce legislation next session to crack down on human trafficking and strengthen support for victims.
McNamara, chair of the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code, said she will re-introduce legislation, said she will offer legislation, which passed the House in 2021, to help protect young human trafficking victims by allowing them to provide a recorded video statement instead of being physically present in a courtroom with their attacker.
Currently, Indiana law requires Hoosiers 15 years old or older at the time of a trial to testify in court. McNamara’s proposal would allow survivors 14 years old or younger at the time of their assault to submit a video statement for court procedures if they are younger than 18 at the time of the trial.
Additionally, the legislation would also increase sentencing for perpetrators whose victims are under the age of 18 and require local organizations or agencies to report investigations of human trafficking to the Indiana Attorney General’s Office.
Currently, individuals who offer to or pay for sex acts can only be prosecuted with a Level 5 felony if they pay the trafficker directly. According to law enforcement, it is difficult to prosecute suspects as the majority of transactions occur between the perpetrator and the victim. Under McNamara’s proposal, a person could be convicted of the felony regardless of whether they pay the victim or the trafficker directly.
“We can do more to protect victims of human trafficking who have already been through so much,” McNamara said. “This common-sense approach will encourage more victims to testify and ultimately put more traffickers behind bars. It’s my hope this legislation delivers a clear message to all who traffic Hoosier youth and adults in Indiana that they will be held accountable for their heinous actions.”
The Interim Study Committee on Corrections and Criminal Code this week voted 11-1 to recommend the House-approved version of House Bill 1200 for the next legislative session, which begins in January.
Linda Reich, wife of Indianapolis Colts Coach Frank Reich, testified in favor of the legislation at the committee meeting on Tuesday. Linda and Frank Reich are founders of  the Indianapolis-based nonprofit kNot Today, which raises awareness about the crime and helps restore the lives of trafficking survivors.
“From California to Philadelphia, the Carolinas and, now, Indiana, we know this is an epidemic that needs to be addressed through broader awareness and education, legal accountability, and increased support for trauma-informed restoration,” Linda Reich said. “Upon moving to Indiana in 2018, we were very encouraged to see the state already taking strong action to prosecute sex buyers. The provisions outlined by Representative McNamara in House Bill 1200 would continue to enhance the fight against trafficking in Indiana. We implore the Indiana State Legislature to pass HB 1200 as soon as possible to hold sex buyers accountable under the law.”
McNamara authored and sponsored several laws regarding sex trafficking over the years, such as raising the age to marry from 15 to 16 years old, to help prevent young Hoosiers from being sold and forced into marriage. She also worked on a law strengthening the rights of sexual assault victims and another law enhancing the penalty for child seduction.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 157 human trafficking cases were reported in Indiana in 2019, which is a 19% increase from 2018. Â If someone is suspected to be a victim of human trafficking, it should be reported immediately to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. For more information, visit humantraffickinghotline.org.
Office Of Sen. Braun To Host Event For Hoosier Veterans In Indy
INDIANAPOLIS — The Office of U.S. Senator Mike Braun will be holding an event for veterans, active military, and their families to receive federal agency assistance on agency issues including but not limited to: VA, DFAS, DOD/military, branches, NPRC, IRS, social security, USCIS, Department of State, and passports. It will also be an opportunity for attendees to voice their view on matters in Congress and the federal government.
“My office looks forward to welcoming veterans and their families all across Indiana to the inaugural Veteran Days event in Indianapolis,â€Â said Senator Braun. “Our military and constituent services specialists are eager to assist in any capacity, whether it is answering questions, finding resources, or resolving issues that you may be having with federal agencies.â€
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Senator Braun Veteran Days
11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Indiana Veterans Center
777 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
The following federal agencies will be in attendance: Small Business Administration, Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Richard L. Roudebush VAMC, National Cemetery Administration, Military OneSource, Indianapolis Vet Center (materials only), and the Library of Congress Veterans His
HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE AREA
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Felony Charges For Vanderburgh County
Milton Earl Nelson
 | Count 1 – Intimidation : 6F : Pending | ||
 | Count 2 – Intimidation : 6F : Pending |
 | Count 3 – Disorderly Conduct : BM : Pending | ||
 | Count 4 – Public Intoxication : BM : Pending |
Thomas Everett Dossett III
Count 1 – Battery Against a Public Safety Official : 6F : Pending | |||
 | Count 2 – Resisting Law Enforcement : AM : Pending |
Michael Dewayne Charles
 | Count 1 – HC – Possession of Altered Firearm : 5F : Pending | ||
 | Count 2 – Carrying a Handgun Without a License : 5F : Pending |
 | Count 3 – Resisting Law Enforcement : AM : Pending | ||
 | Count 4 – Possession of Marijuana : BM : Pending |
Tabarrie Aveion Pope
Count 1 – Carrying a Handgun Without a License : 5F : Pending | |||
 | Count 2 – Possession of Marijuana : BM : Pending |
Cassidy Michael Fenwick
Count 1 – Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon : 5F : Pending | |||
 | Count 2 – Intimidation : 5F : Pending |
Zachary W. Sturges
Count 1 – Intimidation : 5F : Pending | ||||
 | Count 2 – Strangulation : 6F : Pending | |||
 | Count 3 – Domestic Battery : AM : Pending |
Joseph Jean Witham
Count 1 – HC – Residential Entry : 6F : Pending |
Michael Lee Smith
Count 1 – Criminal Trespass : 6F : Pending |
Michael W. Powers
Count 1 – Domestic Battery : 6F : Pending |
Myndi Dawn Morris
Count 1 – Assisting a Criminal : 6F : Pending | |||
 | Count 2 – False Informing : BM : Pending |
Amanda Jean Jackson
Count 1 – Possession of Methamphetamine : 5F : Pending | ||||
 | Count 2 – Possession of Methamphetamine : 6F : Pending | |||
Wilson R. Quijada
Count 1 – Intimidation : 6F : Pending | ||||
 | Count 2 – Intimidation : 6F : Pending | |||
 | Count 3 – Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated : CM : Pending |
Timothy L. Goodwin
 | Count 1 – (Attempt) Residential Entry : 6F : Pending | |||
 | Count 2 – False Informing : BM : Pending | |||
Shailin Cleshay Peyton
 | Count 1 – Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Controlled Substances : 6F : Pending | ||
 | Count 2 – Possession of Marijuana : BM : Pending |
Sebastian Scott Buckingham
 | Count 1 – Carrying a Handgun Without a License : 5F : Pending | |||
 | Count 2 – Possession of Marijuana : 6F : Pending | |||
 | Count 3 – Resisting Law Enforcement : 6F : Pending | ||
 | Count 4 – Reckless Driving : CM : Pending |
Kimberly S. Spindler-Devine
 | Count 1 – HC – Possession of Methamphetamine : 6F : Pending |
Michael Adam Swain
Count 1 – Possession of a Narcotic Drug : 6F : Pending | ||||
 | Count 2 – Possession of a Narcotic Drug : 6F : Pending | |||
Karmonta Miles
Count 1 – (Attempt) Obstruction of Justice : 6F : Pending | |||
 | Count 2 – Intimidation : 6F : Pending |
 | Count 3 – Invasion of Privacy : AM : Pending |
Tarah Dawn Moore
Count 1 – Possession of Methamphetamine : 6F : Pending |
Fabien Guadelupe Gonzalez
 | Count 1 – Operating a Vehicle with an ACE of .08 or More : 6F : Pending |
Jordan Christopher Cleary
 | Count 1 – (Attempt) Residential Entry : 6F : Pending | |||
 | Count 2 – Public Intoxication : BM : Pending | |||
 | Count 3 – Possession of Paraphernalia : CM : Pending |
Anthony Reyes
 | Count 1 – Battery Against a Public Safety Official : 6F : Pending | |||
 | Count 2 – Resisting Law Enforcement : AM : Pending | |||
 | Count 3 – Operating a Vehicle with an ACE of .15 or More : AM : Pending |
Steven Brent Robinson
 | Count 1 – Domestic Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury to a Pregnant Woman : 5F : Pending | |||
 | Count 2 – Criminal Confinement : 6F : Pending | |||
 | Count 3 – Possession of Methamphetamine : 6F : Pending | ||
 | Count 4 – Unlawful Possession of Syringe : 6F : Pending |
 | Count 5 – Possession of Marijuana : BM : Pending | ||
 | Count 6 – Possession of Paraphernalia : CM : Pending |