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THANKFUL FOR GOODNESS

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THANKFUL FOR GOODNESS

by Marie WILLIAMS

Today at noon the City-County Observer will recognize several public servants for their service to our community and thank them for their hard work, commitment to improving our quality of life, and willingness to be vulnerable.

It could not be a more appropriate time to recognize goodness!

Citizens in our community, like most of those throughout our country, have been faced with increasing challenges in the last few years.  The “United” within and among our States is seriously at risk.  Social media threatens the effective dialogue that has been the source of conflict resolution since the beginning of our nation.

Political alliances have inhibited, if not prevented, negotiations for the best decisions in the interest of public welfare, and have promoted greed for power.  And the network media contribute to the chaos by spreading lies, half-truths, and attacking those who disagree with them.  All of this contributes to a world in which effective leaders resist stepping forward to seek and/or accept leadership positions in public service.

Our community is blessed with many effective leaders who serve as outstanding stewards of their abundant gifts.  The City-County Observer is proud to recognize some of them tomorrow at our annual “Outstanding Community Service” luncheon at Bally’s-Evansville.

While this event is a small token of our appreciation, it is an important one that we hope will encourage all to express their appreciation for all those who elect and are elected to make a positive difference in our lives.

Please join us in thanking Attorney Charles L. Berger, retired Superior Court Judge Rich D’Amour, former County Treasurer and County Clerk-Susan Kirk, Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, State Senator Vaneta Becker, City Councilman Alex Burton, and Community Volunteer Lisa Vaughn for their hard work, commitment to the community, and their willingness to take a risk on our behalf!

October Fire And Safety Academy Training News & Updates 

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October Fire And Public Safety Academy Training 

by ZACH MATHEWS

We’ve been made aware some people did not have access to the full content of the October Academy Training News and Updates. We are sending this message again to make sure everyone has the information they need to know. 

All Academy updates are posted to the Indiana Fire and Public Safety Academy webpage after distribution.

The Academy has been remarkably busy over the last few months. The inaugural Fire Chief Executive Training Program was a big success and a new Emergency Response Support Training Program has been implemented to assist volunteer fire departments with recruitment.

The Academy would like to welcome Zach Mathews to the team. Zach will be the Academy’s Curriculum Development Program Director and will be working to keep the state training curriculum current with NFPA standards, manage the Public Safety Leadership course and several other stand-alone leadership courses.

TRAINING NEWS:

  1. Emergency Response Support (ERS): Meets legislative requirements IC 36-8-10.5-7. This program is life in Acadia and a fire instructor must request the course for their local fire department. If your department does not have an active instructor, please reach out to your Academy program manager listed below:
  2. Fire Chief’s Executive Training Program: Meets legislative requirements IC 36-8-10.6-3-9.
    • After Jan. 1, 2022, a newly appointed fire chief of a political subdivision must successfully complete the executive training program within one (1) year of appointment.
    • Next Course Offering: Feb. 21 – 25, 2022. Please look for and enroll for this course in Acadia.
  3. Executive Leadership: Executive Leadership is being rebranded to Public Safety Leadership to reduce confusion with Indiana Fire Chief’s Academy.
    • This course is for upper management through executive leadership in five public safety disciplines: Fire, EMS, EMA, Telecommunications, and Law Enforcement.
    • To request this series to be brought to your location, please email Zach Mathews at ZMathews1@dhs.in.gov
  4. Mandatory Firefighter Training Program: Academy will sunset the Mandatory Firefighter Training program as of March 1, 2022.
    • Any new mandatory courses must be registered no later than March 1, 2022, and be concluded no later than July 1, 2022.
  5. Exam Challenges: Exam challenges webform will no longer be accepted. Instructors wishing to use the self-study method for their student(s) should apply for their course number no less than 15 days before the initial start of the self-study program. The student will be required to take the written and practical skills exams. Instructors are responsible for ensuring students obtain all Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) prior to testing.
  6. Improved Course Registration for Combined Course Requests: Firefighter I/II (FFI/FFII), Hazmat Awareness and Operations (HMA/HMO). A new option for instructors during the initial course requests will be available to select a combined registration for the HMA/HMO programs and the FFI/FFII programs. If students are brand new to the fire service and will be registering for all four programs, instructors should select the Fire Academy (FA) option for their course requests.
  7. Reminder: A course lead instructor shall be at a minimum an Instructor I and cannot evaluate and/or proctor examinations.
  • 655 IAC 1-1-5.2 Requirements for teaching certification classes
    • Authority: IC 22-14-2-7
    • Affected: IC 22-14-2-7
  • Sec. 5.2. (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), the only individual who is permitted to deliver any class for certification is a lead instructor.
    • (b) The lead instructor:
      • (1) shall be certified:
        • (A) as at least an Instructor I; and
        • (B) by the board in the certification level or levels or the advanced levels of these certifications being taught; and
      • (2) may use one (1) or more subject matter specialists to assist in the delivery of the class

NEW TRAINING OFFERED BY THE ACADEMY:

  1. Communicating with Elected Leaders: (Coming Soon)
    • Pre-communication: building genuine relationships, understanding the audience and stakeholders, logical reasoning, and how to build a sound argument.
    • Communication: understand the Socratic method of dialog and how to connect with your audience using passion, emotion, credibility, and logic (Pathos, Ethos, and Logos). Learn to maximize your message with non-verbal communication and deliver an efficient and informative message without a fact overload.
    • Post communication: staying apolitical, how to take advantage of staying on message. Taking your message public, learn how to take your message to the public yourself or by using a Public Information Officer (PIO). Trust and relationship maintenance – learn to maintain the relationships you built with the elected leader and how to manage interference from others.
  2. Mitigated Speech: (Available Now)
    • Recognize mitigated speech when it occurs,
    • Identify the six levels of mitigated speech, and
    • Understand how mitigated speech can be both beneficial and detrimental.
  3. Core Values: (Available Now)
    • Develop a deeper understanding of how every agency has a set of core values whether recognized or not;
    • Learn the difference between high, medium and low core values;
    • Learn to establish a group of subject matter experts within your agency to either embrace the current core values or develop new ones; and
    • Learn the importance of weaving core values into every aspect of your decision-making process and agency.
  4. Body Language: (Available Now)
    • Learn how an office environment can be a barrier for communication,
    • Understand how body language affects communication,
    • Understand relationships between body language and verbal communication,
    • Learn to use body language cues to be a more effective communicator, and
    • Increase your ability to gather more accurate information.

If you or your fire department have an interest in hosting any of the above courses, please contact Zach Mathews at ZMathews1@dhs.in.gov.

Next Level Connections Broadband Requests Total Over $606 Million

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INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today announced the third round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant program has received more than 250 letters of intent requesting a total of more than $606 million in state grant funding with an additional $280 million in matching funds. Decisions about how much can be awarded and to which projects are expected in the spring of 2022.

“This most recent wave of demand represents almost $900 million in potential new broadband investment in almost every county in the state. This is a strong testament to not only the need for broadband but also the growing confidence in this nation-leading program to deliver broadband to every Hoosier in the state,” Gov. Holcomb said.

These initial requests, which must be submitted ahead of the Next Level Connection’s application, come from 48 internet service providers covering more than 140,000 homes, businesses and other locations, such as schools and health clinics, in 89 counties.

This is the third round of broadband grant funding from the Governor’s Next Level Connections initiative, a $1 billion statewide infrastructure program announced in 2018 and administered by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, under the direction of Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. Of the original $100 million dedicated to broadband expansion, $79 million has been awarded to 63 projects, for a total investment of $155 million when private and local investment dollars are included. This year, the Governor advocated for additional funds for the program and signed a budget appropriating an additional $250 million for continued broadband expansion.

Service providers can apply for up to $5 million per project to expand service to unserved and underserved areas in communities around the state. Applicants must contribute at least a 20 percent match to receive grant funds.

“This overwhelming response shows the continued need we have for reliable broadband here in Indiana, amplified by the pandemic,” Crouch said. “Broadband services are essential in today’s world, and it is encouraging to see so many providers wanting to take part in this program and enhance broadband opportunities throughout the state.”

After a challenge process, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs will accept and review final applications and a multi-agency committee will evaluate the proposals.

More information on the grant proposals can be found here.

Sen. Braun Welcomes Chicago Police Officers Refusing Vaccine Mandate

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Fox News
Northwestern Indiana is seeing ‘more and more’ officers seeking to transfer out of Chicago
By Kyle Morris , Kelly Laco
October 19
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/sen-braun-welcomes-chicago-police-officers-fired-vaccine-mandate-indiana-you-deserve-respect

Illinois police officers who may soon be out of a job due to COVID-19 vaccine mandates — specifically those in Chicago — can look to their eastern neighbor state of Indiana for less stringent job opportunities in law enforcement, according to Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., who says the officers “deserve respect.”

In a statement to Fox News, Braun said, “Our police do the hardest job in the world, and they deserve respect — not losing their pay or being fired for refusing to comply with a ridiculous vaccine mandate.”

Braun is welcoming officers to the state with arms wide open, urging the “3,000 Chicago cops defying this government overreach” to come to Indiana.

“Indiana’s police departments are hiring now and will welcome you with the respect you deserve,” Braun told Fox News.

“My office stands ready to help connect Chicago police officers to an Indiana police department that is hiring now and doesn’t have a vaccine mandate,” Braun said. “Welcome to Indiana!”

During an interview with Fox News, Steve Scheckel, chief of police in Munster, Indiana, echoed Braun’s sentiment and insisted there is a “brighter future right over the border” for officers who are under scrutiny for their views on vaccine mandates, noting that his department has already hired one individual from Chicago.

“We’ve been seeing more and more Chicago police officers when we do an emergency hire, which is basically a lateral transfer. They already have the academy” Scheckel said, adding that he is “absolutely” open to the idea of working alongside those “looking for a better quality of life for their family” who may have been ousted from their jobs.

Asked about the types of opportunities officers could have if they were to relocate to Munster, Scheckel pointed to education, the cost of living, tax rates and low-crime rates.

“Here in northwest Indiana, in Munster, we have one of the top rated school systems in the state,” Scheckel said. “[Officers] can send their kids to public school. It’s a low-crime community. Even though we’re 30 minutes from Chicago, we’re rated one of the 10 safest cities in the state of Indiana. So, it’s really just a step across the state line to a better life for the officer.”

“From the governor on down, in Indiana, we support our law enforcement,” said Scheckel, who has been with the department for more than 30 years, serving as police chief for the last 13. “I think there’s a clear contrast between what’s going on in the city of Chicago right now and what’s happening in the state of Indiana.”

Highlighting the “trying and stressful” times for first responders over the last couple of years, Scheckel said the “mandates that really aren’t rooted in science” appear to be “politically motivated” and suggested they are the “straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Other police departments in Indiana that do not have a vaccine mandate in place, according to Braun’s team, include Schererville Police Department and Merrillville Police Department, as well as the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Chicago police officials made it clear last week that officers who refused to comply with the city’s mandate risk being disciplined or fired. As of Monday, just under 65% of Chicago Police Department personnel reported their vaccination status through the city’s online portal, according to FOX 32 Chicago.

FOOTNOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS SENT TO THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER BY MEMBERS OF THE BRAUN PRESS TEAM.  WE POSTED THIS ARTICLE WITHOUT BIAS OR EDITING.

Affordable Options For College, Career Training

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Affordable Options For College, Career Training

by CINDY LEDBETTER

State Representative, Newburgh

Whether graduating high school or changing careers later in life, the cost of college or training programs can weigh on the minds of Hoosiers when they take that first step toward their future. Fortunately, there are grants, scholarships and savings programs available to help with both immediate and long-term plans.

I’m currently pursuing my doctorate in nursing, and understand the financial stress facing many families. I used Indiana’s CollegeChoice 529 plan to help pay for college for myself and my daughter and saw an immediate return at tax time. The 529 Savings Plan helps families save for future education expenses like textbooks, computers, tuition and housing. Withdrawals are tax free. Indiana residents get a 20% tax credit on the first $5,000 they contribute every year, which means $1,000 come tax time. To sign up, visit collegechoicedirect.com.

Hoosier women returning to college after a hiatus, changing careers or seeking advancement at work can apply for a scholarship offered by the Political Organization for Women’s Education and Representation. A committee will award two scholarships from each congressional district of $750 each. Interested applicants can apply before the Nov. 15 deadline atinpowercaucus.org/powerscholarship.

For those planning ahead, thousands of low-income Hoosiers can receive up to four years of graduate tuition through Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program. Participants must enroll before June 30 of a student’s eighth-grade school year. To find out the requirements, visit scholars.in.gov.

Applications are also being accepted for the 2022-2023 Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarship, which pays $7,500 per year for up to four years to students earning a teaching degree and who commit to teaching in Indiana for five years. Future educators can apply at LearnMoreIndiana.org/nextteacher before the Jan. 31 deadline.

Hoosiers can now file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2022-2023 school year, making them eligible for federal and state grants and financial aid. Visit studentaid.gov to apply before the April. 15 deadline.

College isn’t the only option. With Indiana’s Next Level Jobs initiative, Hoosiers can receive free training for high-paying, in-demand positions throughout the state. Workforce Ready Grants cover tuition costs as Hoosiers earn a high-value certificate from Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University. To learn about free training to gain sought-after skills, visitnextleveljobs.org.

As a single mother enrolled in nursing school, I’m thankful for the financial assistance I received, and hope others can benefit from these opportunities. To learn more about these and other resources, visit in.gov/che. Financial support helped me, and it can help you too.

HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE AREA

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HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE AREA
Office Assistant AP/AR/Customer Service
Altstadt Plumbing Service – Evansville, IN
$15 – $17 an hour
This position will include AR -AP – Customer Service -Time Entry for payroll -Scheduling and other office duties. Pay will be based on experience.
Easily apply
2 days ago
Personal Assistant
National Inspection Service of Indiana, Inc – Evansville, IN
$14 – $24 an hour
In this role, you will be responsible for scheduling meetings, taking notes, and handling correspondence on behalf of managers. High school diploma or GED.
Easily apply
Just posted
Office Assistant
Luzio & Associates Behavioral Services, Inc. – Evansville, IN
$12.00 – $12.50 an hour
We are fortunate to have a team consisting of top Psychologists and Licensed Therapists as well as experienced support staff.
Easily apply
Just posted
Office Assistant – Dermatology, Full Time, Days
Ascension 3.7/5 rating – Evansville, IN
This highly specialized surgical technique gives patients the highest chance for cure. We support work-life balance through generous paid time off and encourage…
Just posted
Office Assistant – Endocrinology/Rheumatology, Full Time, Days
Ascension 3.7/5 rating – Evansville, IN
We are passionate about helping our patients understand how to manage their diabetic condition and offer a patient-focused approach to living a healthy…
1 day ago
Receptionist
Ascension 3.7/5 rating – Newburgh, IN
Perform receptionist functions for assigned areas. Receive, screen, route and respond to incoming telephone calls. High school diploma or GED required.
Just posted
Front Desk Receptionist
Familia Dental 3.1/5 rating – Evansville, IN
Dental Receptionist must be able to listen to patients and other healthcare workers and follow directions from a Dentist or supervisor.
Easily apply
Just posted
Front Desk Agent
Howard Johnson – Evansville, IN
$11 – $14 an hour
Responsive employer
Perform all check-in and check-out tasks. Manage online and phone reservations. Inform customers about payment methods and verify their credit card data.
Easily apply
Just posted
Medical Receptionist
ECHO Community Healthcare – Evansville, IN
ECHO Community Healthcare is committed to creating the best possible work environment for our employees and offers a competitive compensation and benefits…
Easily apply
Just posted
Office Assistant – Primary Care, Full Time, Days
Ascension 3.7/5 rating – Evansville, IN
Because great care starts with seeing the whole picture. We support work-life balance through generous paid time off and encourage spirituality in the workplace…
Just posted
Part-time Office Assistant
Home City Ice 3.4/5 rating – Evansville, IN
$13 – $14 an hour
Job Type: Part-Time (20-30 hours per week) – Depends on time of year. Looking for an experienced Office Assistant to handle all office tasks including making…
Easily apply
1 day ago
Part Time Office Administrator
Weichert Realtors, The Schulz Group – Evansville, IN
$12 – $14 an hour
1-3 years office administration experience. Real Estate office experience is a plus. Strong technological and social media skills.
Easily apply
1 day ago
Operations Admin I – III (Senior)
FedEx Ground Careers US 3.4/5 rating – Evansville, IN
Responsible for performing the clerical and administrative functions for any or all hub and station operational areas, including linehaul, quality assurance and…
1 day ago
Administrative Ward Clerk/QMA
Transcendent HealthCare of Boonville 1/5 rating – Boonville, IN
$14 an hour
Scheduling – Understands budget nursing hours ppd, dollars ppd, and tracking of ppd specific to each unit. Schedules nursing staff in accordance with nursing…
Easily apply
Just posted
Office Clerk
Home Care Network 3.1/5 rating – Evansville, IN
$13 an hour
Responsive employer
The File clerk will assist the Clinical Administrator with day to day operations. This will include maintaining client and employee files, basic computer…
Easily apply
3 days ago
Administrative Coordinator / Appointment Setter
Bath Fitter 3.1/5 rating – Evansville, IN
College Degree in administration or accounting preferred. As an *Administrative Coordinator / Inside Sale* at *Bath Fitter*, you would be the central point of…
Easily apply
7 days ago
Site Director of Administrative Operations
Community HealthNet, Inc. 2.5/5 rating – Indiana
$49,000 – $64,800 a year
The Site Director will supervise Registration personnel, operations administration, patient flow, fiscal goals, patient advocacy and overall day to day…
Easily apply
1 day ago

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

MEDIA

VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

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https://vanderburghsheriff.org/jail-recent-booking-records/

Shabazz Awaits Response From AG Rokita, SPJ Demands An Apology

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Shabazz Awaits Response From AG Rokita, SPJ Demands An Apology

The Indiana Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is demanding an apology from Attorney General Todd Rokita to journalist Abdul-Hakim Shabazz after excluding him from a news conference.

Shabazz was denied access to Rokita’s press conference on robocalls Thursday after receiving an invitation to the event and sending his RSVP. Shabazz said he was told that he was not credentialed media, adding that in his 30-year journalism career covering politics, this is the first time he has ever been told his Indiana Department of Administration access badge was not enough.

Indiana SPJ said in its letter Friday that the organization found Rokita’s decision to deny access to Shabazz reckless and unconstitutional. The attorney general’s office did not respond to questions about Shabazz Friday or Monday.

“These actions reflect a cavalier and indifferent regard for not only the First Amendment but the Indiana state laws which you are sworn to uphold,” the letter said. “We find these actions to be a threat to press freedom and to our very democracy.”

Shabazz said that he believes he has turned away due to Rokita’s personal feelings about him.

“Why the attorney general would do that makes no sense to me, particularly because of the legal consequences for locking out the media from your news conference,” he said.

Michael Puente, board president of the Indiana Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, said that elected officials picking and choosing who gets to cover their press conference does not serve the public, and he thinks this is happening more.

“They should be upholding the laws of the Constitution of the United States, the state of Indiana, and calling for freedom of the press,” he said. “You can’t deny access.”

Shabazz said that he was especially alarmed that Rokita would limit First Amendment freedoms after his attempts to pass the Parents Bill of Rights Act, which gives parents the power to question school officials publicly.

“I just think it’s very hypocritical for an elected official, who by the way took an oath to uphold the Constitution, which includes the First Amendment, and has been yelling and screaming about school boards, to go around and do the exact same thing that he’s accusing other people of doing,” he said.

Shabazz has yet to receive a response from Rokita after sending an email on Friday asking for clarification on how he defines credentialed media.

“We demand an apology for Mr. Shabazz and for his credentials to once again be recognized by your office, as they have been by countless other elected and appointed officials throughout his 30-year career,” Indiana SPJ said in its letter.

FOOTNOTE: Haley Pritchett is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students

BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING

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BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING In KEVIN WINTERNHEIMER CHAMBERS In ROOM 301, CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX On WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 At 12:00 NOON

  AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. MEETING MEMORANDUM   OCTOBER 6, 2021

3. CONSENT AGENDA                                                

             a. Request Re: Approve and Execute 2022 Board of Park Commissioners Meeting Dates.                                                                                            

4.         OLD BUSINESS  

             N/A

5.          NEW BUSINESS  

             a. Request Re: Permission for a reduced rate of $3.00 for the skating portion of the  Park-n-Rec Halloween Spooktacular event being held at Swonder Ice Arena.  Proceeds from the skate to benefit the Parks Foundation.- Crook

             b. Request Re: Permission to reduce Pickleball rates at C.K. Newsome.- Schneider

             c. Request Re: Any Other Business the Board Wishes to Consider and Public Comments

6.          REPORTS            

7.          ACCEPTANCE OF PAYROLL AND VENDOR CLAIMS

8.          ADJOURN

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