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 Last Chance GOTV Phone Bank!!
Over Two-Pounds of Meth found after Chase on I-64
Posey County – This afternoon at approximately 3:15, Sergeant Werkmeister was patrolling I-64 near the 12 mile-marker when he observed a 2020 Dodge Durango traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed. The Dodge Durango was clocked by radar at 98 mph. Sergeant Werkmeister activated his emergency lights and siren and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to stop and continued east. The driver of the Dodge stopped quickly at the 19.5 mile-marker and threw out a bag before continuing east on I-64 reaching speeds over 100 mph. The driver continued south on I-69 before exiting west onto Boonville New Harmony Road and then onto several different county roads before driving north on US 41 to I-64 west. The vehicle struck stop-sticks at the 4 mile-marker that were deployed by a deputy with the Posey County Sheriff’s Office, but the vehicle was able to enter Illinois and continued west. The pursuit was terminated. Illinois State Police and local Illinois police were contacted regarding the pursuit, but the vehicle was not located.
A deputy with the Posey County Sheriff’s Office later found the bag that was thrown from the vehicle near the 19.5 mile-marker. Officers located over two pounds of marijuana and over two pounds of methamphetamine inside the bag. The methamphetamine has a street value of approximately $90,000.
This is an on-going investigation. Anyone with information regarding the possible identity of the driver or about this incident is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police at 1-812-867-2079. Anyone with information can remain anonymous.
Investigating Officer: Sergeant Russ Werkmeister, Indiana State Police
Assisting Agencies: Posey County Sheriff’s Office, Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office
Commentary: Snowflakes Are As Snowflakes Melt
Commentary: Snowflakes Are As Snowflakes Melt
By John Krull
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS – Savannah Guthrie doesn’t seem that scary to me.
The Today show anchor is smart. She does her homework and always comes to her interviews well-prepared. And she has the poise one acquires from spending many, many hours having people watch and critique her every move and gesture.
But it’s not like Guthrie arrives at her sit-downs armed with brass knuckles. Nor does she hold a gun to her subject’s head until the person squeals.
No, her only weapons are a set of questions and a willingness to listen.
The people who can answer her questions fare well. Those who can’t don’t.
That’s generally the way it works with all interviews.
President Donald Trump’s most rabid partisans have worked themselves into a state of high dudgeon because Guthrie supposedly was “mean†to their man during his NBC town hall meeting.
When I heard about their outrage, my first thought was one of bemusement.
Part of the reason the Trump crowd is supposed to love this president is that he is a tough guy’s tough guy – a swaggering street fighter who can take it as well as dish it out. If he’s actually the kind of guy who dissolves into a puddle just because someone asks him a few pointed questions – well, then, who’s the snowflake now?
But even that doesn’t quite capture how absurd the Trump chorus’s anger is.
I mean, it’s not as if Guthrie posed that many stumpers to the president. She didn’t ask him to establish the final value of pi or to sight-translate the Dead Sea Scrolls.
In fact, she didn’t ask him any questions that shouldn’t have been easy for him to answer. For any president, almost all her questions would have been softballs – slow pitches a Barack Obama or a George W. Bush would have hammered.
Trump whiffed.
Take the questions about his testing for COVID-19. Presidential health is a matter of national security, which is why commanders-in-chief have obligations to be honest about their medical troubles.
Not that Guthrie pushed that hard.
She wanted to know when he first tested for COVID-19 and when he last was tested. These shouldn’t be difficult for most people to answer.
Receiving news that one has contracted a disease that has killed 220,000 Americans and likely a million or more people around the globe tends to lodge itself in the brain. And, if Trump is being tested as often as he and the White House claim, then remembering the most recent time he had swabs shoved so far up his nostrils that they seem to touch the brain stem shouldn’t be difficult to recall.
But Trump said he didn’t know.
Either he was lying – always a likely possibility with this president, who seems to view the truth as the truly deadly virus – or he, not Joe Biden, is the one who has lost some steps mentally.
Then there were Guthrie’s questions about Trump’s finances.
She wouldn’t have had to waste time asking about the president’s books if he had done what every other president over the past 50 years has done – including those who were being audited – and put his business in a blind trust while releasing his tax returns.
But Trump chose not to.
Any other leader would have realized questions would be coming about his finances and been prepared to answer those questions – particularly after The New York Times had demonstrated, in convincing detail, that he owes massive sums to persons unknown.
Because, again, it’s a question of national security if the president owes money to the wrong people.
Other presidents have understood that.
But Donald Trump thinks he can bull or buffalo his way through anything, which is what he tried to do with Guthrie.
It didn’t work.
This brings us to the last big complaint about Guthrie’s “meanness†to the rough, tough president. She asked him about his tweets – about whether he understands that he is the leader of the free world and not someone’s “crazy uncle.â€
This gets to the heart of the problems Trump has.
He doesn’t grasp that he must answer to the public, not the public to him. He’s our servant. We’re not his.
That’s why he fared so badly with Savannah Guthrie.
She did her job.
Donald Trump didn’t do his.
Because he doesn’t know-how.
FOOTNOTE: John Krull is director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
The City-County Observer posted this article without bias, editing or opinion.
MEET UMASS AMHERST PROFESSOR DR. PAUL MUSGRAVE
October 22, 2020
Politics in Real-Time
Prof Musgrave of UMass Amherst tweets and teaches in a disorienting election year
What’s it like to be a political scientist in these fast-moving, politically fraught times? “It’s exciting, it’s disorienting, it’s invigorating, and it’s frightening—all at once,†says Paul Musgrave, assistant professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Since 2016, Musgrave, an expert on international relations, has amassed more than 40,000 Twitter followers @profmusgrave; has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, al-Jazeera, and elsewhere; and has been quoted in the Washington Post, the New York Times, and other media outlets.
Musgrave spent the spring 2020 semester as an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow in Washington, DC. He was serving as a legislative aide to Representative Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania when COVID-19 disrupted Congress. “In the House, we introduced bills, we worked on amendments, we drafted legislation, we kept the whole process going even while everyone except for very few people went home,†he says. “It was a tremendously innovative time and fascinating to see the transition. For me, it drove home how important relationships are—much more important than the buildings or other trappings of Congress.â€
During his congressional semester, Musgrave witnessed legislation in real-time. “It’s one thing to study politics or work with historical material or read transcripts. It’s another thing to be sitting behind a member of Congress and feel the honor of representing folks and also the fear of missing something in your research or preparation.â€
In Washington, Musgrave advocated for support for funded internships on Capitol Hill so that this opportunity can be accessible to more students. “I want to help UMass students pursue careers in public service,†he says.
He returned from his fellowship with guidance for students. “I’ll be teaching them to write shorter, but more informative, papers,†he says. “When you brief a member of Congress on a bill you need to make a cogent case of its benefits and pitfalls in three to four sentences. It’s possible.†He’ll also reinforce the importance of learning things on the fly and being adaptable. “Working in government, you’ve got to roll into new situations, pick up what you need to know, and have the confidence and competence to accomplish things,†he says. “Our UMass students can do that.â€
One September day, having tweeted earlier about President Trump’s tax returns, the Supreme Court, voting by mail, remote learning, and ancient philosophers (he wondered which one would give the best Ted Talk), Musgrave reflected on the relevance of Twitter: “If you study politics, you just have to be there.†He keeps up with news, colleagues, and research on Twitter and sees his own tweets as an escape valve. “It’s flattering and bewildering to me that people want to hear this,†he says. “It shows me how eager people are for humor and connection.â€
Back to teaching in the fall 2020 semester, Musgrave finds his UMass students curious and energized. “Although the politics of the past is not the politics of today, there is not nearly as much cynicism among students as among older adults,†he says. “They have a good sense of what is at risk and many already have figured out what they want to do politically.â€
FOOTNOTE:Â Dr. Paul Musgrave is a graduate of Reitz High School, a Wells Scholar at IU, a Marshall Scholar at University College Dublin, Ireland, and received a Masters and Doctoral degree from Georgetown University. Â He is an Associate Professor of American Foreign Policy at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA.
WHY DO WE HAVE COURTS?
WHY DO WE HAVE COURTS?
GAVEL GAMUTÂ By Jim Redwine
I just spent a few weeks with some of my judge friends and several highly skilled on-staff educators helping the National Judicial College present two continuing education courses to other judges. One of the courses concentrated on judges whose jurisdictions are more rural and the other course was designed as a general overview for all courts. Both courses were taught via the Internet due to COVID-19.
The National Judicial College is located in Reno, Nevada and has taught thousands of judges from all over the world with a concentration on the United States and its territories. The faculty is usually composed of experienced judges and experts in many related disciplines such as pharmacology, penology, sociology, court security and psychiatry. Chances are excellent that if you have been involved with a judge as a juror or a litigant that your judge has attended the NJC in person or virtually for some continuing judicial education course. The courses are usually short in duration and take place in Reno most of the time. Although many courses are taught in other states and even other countries. Or, at least they were until ’Ole 19 arose. I took my first NJC course in 1986 and joined the faculty in 1995 after ten years practicing law and fifteen years as a judge. I still benefit greatly from the opportunity to learn from other judges how to be a better judge.
While there are an amazing number of American courts designed to meet the needs of our complex and diverse society, all of them come under the rubric of addressing legally related social problems. In other words, in the non-criminal area, courts exist to resolve controversies that members of society have not been able to fairly and satisfactorily work out on their own. And in the criminal sphere courts provide a forum where innocent defendants and innocent victims can seek a just outcome and guilty defendants can be removed from society and/or be rehabilitated.
The essence of a court and the raison d’etre for judges is to solve problems and resolve controversies. While movies and television might lead one to define our legal system in terms of nihilism and relative morality, most judges understand and embrace their true role as peacemakers. In fact, as with a lot of entertainment, what draws an audience to such legerdemain as displayed by Hollywood is the stark difference in the actual daily administration of justice experienced by most users of court services and the cynicism, sarcasm and rudeness of fictionalized judges.
Most real judges believe and practice the admonition of that great lawyer and judge of human nature, Abraham Lincoln, who advised those of us who are charged with the duty of administering justice:
“Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbor to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser, in fees, expenses, and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer (and Judge) has a superior opportunity of being a good man (person).â€
So, what law schools and judicial colleges such as the National Judicial College and others throughout the world do teach and should teach is rather akin to the wisdom of the Hippocratic Oath: “First do no harmâ€. In like manner, a judge’s highest calling is to help make her or his community a better place to live by aiding those who have to come before the judge to resolve their conflicts fairly by themselves. Then, if they are unable to do so, the judge must ensure the legal system produces a just outcome for them. However, you probably are aware that in America almost every court case is resolved without a trial so society as a whole must already strongly believe that compromise is more just than conflict.
FOOTNOTE: For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine.com Or “Like/Follow†us on Facebook & Twitter at JPegRanchBooks&Knitting
NFB Members Eligible For New Healthcare Options
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To help more Hoosiers take care of their health and manage costs, Indiana Farm Bureau is now offering flexible, affordable health care options to its members thanks to a new law effective this year.
Often, employees are offered health benefits from their employers, but those who are self-employed like our farmers do not have this option or do not qualify for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. With reports of Hoosiers leaving the agriculture industry or going without health care, I supported legislation allowing INFB to offer plans to its members.
INFB plans can be for month-to-month care, and can cover office visits, prescription drug benefits, preventative services, and maternity and newborn care. According to the INFB, premiums with these plans are not subsidized in order to be more affordable. Click here to learn more.
Hoosiers need affordable health care options for themselves and their families, especially our farmers and those in the agriculture industry. For more information about INFB and their health care options, click here.
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The Creation of Clifty Falls
Clifty Falls was created during Earth’s most recent ice age, which lasted from 2.6 million years ago to 11,700 years ago. During this time, the southward flowing waters of Clifty Creek met the Ohio River in a waterfall that some speculate was 200 feet high.
The waterfall has since cut upstream into bedrock more than two miles north of its original position. The park’s 425-million-year-old shale and limestone rocks contain numerous marine fossils and are among the oldest bedrock exposures in Indiana.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES
Below are the felony cases to be filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.
Alexus L. Esters: Battery by means of a deadly weapon (Level 5 Felony), Domestic battery by means of a deadly weapon (Level 5 Felony), Battery resulting in moderate bodily injury (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor)
Jamane Levon Trice: Causing serious bodily injury when operating a vehicle while intoxicated (Level 5 Felony), Operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license (Class C misdemeanor)
Marcus Jordan Koepnick: Battery by bodily waste (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Public intoxication (Class B misdemeanor)
Matthew Bryant Dormeier: Criminal confinement (Level 5 Felony), Domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury (Level 5 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony)
Tavion Keith Ford: Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon (Level 4 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor)
Raymond Joe Payne: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony), Conversion (Class A misdemeanor)
Taylor Patrick Perry: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony)
Brian Christopher Hunt: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony)
Spencer Gregory Franklin: Criminal confinement (Level 5 Felony), Strangulation (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Obstruction of justice (Level 5 Felony), Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Invasion of privacy (Class A misdemeanor)
Traievante Allen Joyce: Carrying a handgun without a license (Level 5 Felony)
EPA Announces 2020 Dicamba Registration Decision
At the Cromley Farm, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced that EPA is approving new five-year registrations for two dicamba products and extending the registration of an additional dicamba product. All three registrations include new control measures to ensure these products can be used effectively while protecting the environment, including non-target plants, animals, and other crops not tolerant to dicamba.
“With today’s decision, farmers now have the certainty they need to make plans for their 2021 growing season,†said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “After reviewing substantial amounts of new information, conducting scientific assessments based on the best available science, and carefully considering input from stakeholders we have reached a resolution that is good for our farmers and our environment.â€
Through today’s action, EPA approved new registrations for two “over-the-top†(OTT) dicamba products—XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology and Engenia Herbicide—and extended the registration for an additional OTT dicamba product, Tavium Plus VaporGrip Technology. These registrations are only for use on dicamba-tolerant (DT) cotton and soybeans and will expire in 2025, providing certainty to American agriculture for the upcoming growing season and beyond.
To manage off-site movement of dicamba, EPA’s 2020 registration features important control measures, including:
- Requiring an approved pH-buffering agent (also called a Volatility Reduction Agent or VRA) be tank mixed with OTT dicamba products prior to all applications to control volatility.
- Requiring a downwind buffer of 240 feet and 310 feet in areas where listed species are located.
- Prohibiting OTT application of dicamba on soybeans after June 30 and cotton after July 30.
- Simplifying the label and use directions so that growers can more easily determine when and how to properly apply dicamba.
The 2020 registration labels also provide new flexibilities for growers and states. For example, there are opportunities for growers to reduce the downwind spray buffer for soybeans through use of certain approved hooded sprayers as an alternative control method. EPA also recognizes and supports the important authority FIFRA section 24 gives the states for issuing locally appropriate regulations for pesticide use. If a state wishes to expand the federal OTT uses of dicamba to better meet special local needs, the agency will work with them to support their goals.
This action was informed by input from state regulators, grower groups, academic researchers, pesticide manufacturers, and others. EPA reviewed substantial amounts of new information and conducted assessments based on the best available science, including making Effect Determinations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With this information and input, EPA has concluded that these registration actions meet Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) registration standards. EPA believes that these new analyses address the concerns expressed in regard to EPA’s 2018 dicamba registrations in the June 2020 U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Further, EPA concluded that with the control measures now required on labels, these actions either do not affect or are not likely to adversely affect endangered or threatened species.